UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
   
 FORM 10-Q
   
þQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31,September 30, 2018
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: 1-13461
   
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
   
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
 Delaware 76-0506313 
 
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
       
  
800 Gessner, Suite 500
Houston, Texas 77024
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
  
  
(713) 647-5700
(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  þ    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  þ    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,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filerþ ¨Accelerated filer
   
Non-accelerated filer¨(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)¨Smaller reporting company
     
   
¨

Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if that 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  þ
As of April 26,October 29, 2018,, the registrant had 20,928,95719,174,320 shares of common stock, par value $0.01, outstanding.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
 
Item 1.
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
   
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 6.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)  
(In thousands, except per share amounts)(In thousands, except per share amounts)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:        
Cash and cash equivalents $33,090
 $28,787
 $32,027
 $28,787
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net 297,885
 306,433
 235,609
 306,433
Accounts and notes receivable, net 200,159
 188,611
 169,318
 188,611
Inventories, net 1,804,176
 1,763,293
 1,733,756
 1,763,293
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 77,888
 42,062
 77,996
 42,062
Total current assets 2,413,198
 2,329,186
 2,248,706
 2,329,186
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 1,357,870
 1,318,959
 1,350,929
 1,318,959
GOODWILL 960,110
 913,034
 968,771
 913,034
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS 295,626
 285,632
 276,285
 285,632
OTHER ASSETS 31,674
 24,254
 36,175
 24,254
Total assets $5,058,478
 $4,871,065
 $4,880,866
 $4,871,065
        
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:        
Floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other $1,199,741
 $1,240,695
 $1,155,034
 $1,240,695
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility (74,359) (86,547) (71,397) (86,547)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates 420,315
 397,183
 415,615
 397,183
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates (24,000) (22,500) (20,500) (22,500)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing 58,195
 77,609
 76,080
 77,609
Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities

 1,177
 1,996
 311
 1,996
Accounts payable 491,841
 412,981
 428,441
 412,981
Accrued expenses 194,248
 177,070
 207,082
 177,070
Total current liabilities 2,267,158
 2,198,487
 2,190,666
 2,198,487
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities 1,376,770
 1,318,184
 1,304,127
 1,318,184
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 134,800
 124,404
 137,826
 124,404
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES 3,512
 8,583
 444
 8,583
OTHER LIABILITIES 98,159
 97,125
 99,457
 97,125
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:        
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000 shares authorized; 25,527 and 25,515 issued, respectively 255
 255
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000 shares authorized; 25,494 and 25,515 issued, respectively 255
 255
Additional paid-in capital 286,244
 291,461
 290,668
 291,461
Retained earnings 1,288,052
 1,246,323
 1,368,946
 1,246,323
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (105,950) (123,226) (128,894) (123,226)
Treasury stock, at cost; 4,597 and 4,617 shares, respectively (290,522) (290,531)
Treasury stock, at cost; 5,913 and 4,617 shares, respectively (382,629) (290,531)
Total stockholders’ equity 1,178,079
 1,124,282
 1,148,346
 1,124,282
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $5,058,478
 $4,871,065
 $4,880,866
 $4,871,065

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
REVENUES:            
New vehicle retail sales $1,513,590
 $1,337,213
 $1,539,498
 $1,710,241
 $4,608,658
 $4,496,222
Used vehicle retail sales 780,570
 660,927
 792,405
 743,038
 2,394,828
 2,089,914
Used vehicle wholesale sales 104,029
 104,157
 86,570
 104,827
 283,453
 308,361
Parts and service sales 349,515
 319,698
 354,501
 343,193
 1,062,145
 994,522
Finance, insurance and other, net 112,322
 96,834
 116,084
 110,993
 343,462
 314,297
Total revenues 2,860,026
 2,518,829
 2,889,058
 3,012,292
 8,692,546
 8,203,316
COST OF SALES:            
New vehicle retail sales 1,438,163
 1,267,986
 1,461,896
 1,621,909
 4,379,047
 4,263,752
Used vehicle retail sales 737,075
 615,922
 742,250
 695,915
 2,249,964
 1,952,873
Used vehicle wholesale sales 102,374
 104,057
 86,884
 105,012
 281,871
 308,713
Parts and service sales 162,651
 147,342
 162,927
 158,036
 488,637
 458,144
Total cost of sales 2,440,263
 2,135,307
 2,453,957
 2,580,872
 7,399,519
 6,983,482
GROSS PROFIT 419,763
 383,522
 435,101
 431,420
 1,293,027
 1,219,834
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 324,347
 289,779
 316,771
 328,327
 949,210
 916,674
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE 16,342
 13,606
 16,981
 15,059
 49,961
 42,758
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS 23,159
 9,526
 27,427
 9,526
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 79,074
 80,137
 78,190
 78,508
 266,429
 250,876
OTHER EXPENSE:            
Floorplan interest expense (14,087) (11,942) (14,685) (13,491) (43,335) (38,659)
Other interest expense, net (18,820) (16,999) (19,140) (17,874) (57,374) (52,188)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 46,167
 51,196
 44,365
 47,143
 165,720
 160,029
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES (10,353) (17,257) (9,587) (17,262) (38,666) (57,076)
NET INCOME $35,814
 $33,939
 $34,778
 $29,881
 $127,054
 $102,953
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE $1.70
 $1.58
 $1.74
 $1.43
 $6.18
 $4.85
Weighted average common shares outstanding 20,298
 20,692
 19,253
 20,222
 19,859
 20,475
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE $1.70
 $1.58
 $1.74
 $1.43
 $6.18
 $4.85
Weighted average common shares outstanding 20,307
 20,698
 19,261
 20,225
 19,868
 20,480
CASH DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $0.26
 $0.24
 $0.26
 $0.24
 $0.78
 $0.72


GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2018 2017
  (Unaudited, in thousands)
NET INCOME $35,814
 $33,939
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:    
Foreign currency translation adjustment 7,871
 4,137
Net unrealized gain on interest rate risk management activities:    
Unrealized gain arising during the period, net of tax provision of $2,492 and $234, respectively 7,892
 390
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in interest expense, net of tax provision of $478, and $1,361, respectively 1,513
 2,268
Unrealized gain on interest rate risk management activities, net of tax 9,405
 2,658
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAXES 17,276
 6,795
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $53,090
 $40,734
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
  (Unaudited, in thousands)
NET INCOME $34,778
 $29,881
 $127,054
 $102,953
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes:        
Foreign currency translation adjustment (5,908) 8,399
 (22,223) 16,998
Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate risk management activities:        
Unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period, net of tax (provision) benefit of ($846), $154, ($4,416), and $1,462, respectively 2,680
 (257) 13,985
 (2,437)
Reclassification adjustment for realized gain on interest rate swap termination included in SG&A, net of tax provision of $220. 
 
 (698) 
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in interest expense, net of tax benefit of $266, $1,027, $1,080, and $3,581, respectively 842
 1,711
 3,418
 5,968
Unrealized gain on interest rate risk management activities, net of tax 3,522
 1,454
 16,705
 3,531
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME, NET OF TAXES (2,386) 9,853
 (5,518) 20,529
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $32,392
 $39,734
 $121,536
 $123,482


GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
 Common Stock 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 Retained Earnings 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
 Treasury Stock   Common Stock 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 Retained Earnings 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
 Treasury Stock  
 Shares Amount Total Shares Amount Total
 (Unaudited, in thousands) (Unaudited, in thousands)
BALANCE, December 31, 2017 25,515
 $255
 $291,461
 $1,246,323
 $(123,226) $(290,531) $1,124,282
Balance, December 31, 2017 25,515
 $255
 $291,461
 $1,246,323
 $(123,226) $(290,531) $1,124,282
Net income 
 
 
 35,814
 
 
 35,814
 
 
 
 127,054
 
 
 127,054
Other comprehensive income, net 
 
 
 
 17,276
 
 17,276
Other comprehensive loss, net 
 
 
 
 (5,518) 
 (5,518)
Tax effects reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 150
 (150) 
 
Purchases of treasury stock 
 
 
 
 
 (9,199) (9,199) 
 
 
 
 
 (108,624) (108,624)
Net issuance of treasury shares to employee stock compensation plans 12
 
 (10,846) 
 
 9,208
 (1,638) (21) 
 (14,996) 
 
 16,526
 1,530
Stock-based compensation 
 
 5,629
 
 
 
 5,629
 
 
 14,203
 
 
 
 14,203
Cash dividends, net of estimated forfeitures relative to participating securities 
 
 
 (5,482) 
 
 (5,482) 
 
 
 (15,978) 
 
 (15,978)
Impact of ASC 606 cumulative adjustment 
 
 
 11,397
 
 
 11,397
 
 
 
 11,397
 
 
 11,397
BALANCE, March 31, 2018 25,527
 $255
 $286,244
 $1,288,052
 $(105,950) $(290,522) $1,178,079
Balance, September 30, 2018 25,494
 $255
 $290,668
 $1,368,946
 $(128,894) $(382,629) $1,148,346


GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 Three Months Ended March 31, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (Unaudited, in thousands) (Unaudited, in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        
Net income $35,814
 $33,939
 $127,054
 $102,953
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization 16,342
 13,606
 49,961
 42,758
Deferred income taxes 2,675
 5,503
 4,088
 16,102
Asset impairments 27,427
 9,526
Stock-based compensation 5,642
 6,074
 14,241
 14,606
Amortization of debt discount and issue costs 650
 912
 2,475
 2,852
Gain on disposition of assets (516) (280) (26,964) (848)
Other (6) (871) 589
 (548)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:        
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 65,200
 9,164
 35,481
 85,163
Accounts and notes receivable 12,727
 21,508
 28,431
 (8,892)
Inventories 7,153
 (74,254) 33,737
 68,454
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables 11,237
 56,140
 70,211
 (15,273)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (12,548) 1,066
 (22,461) (4,930)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates 5,067
 (3,126) 13,923
 (5,164)
Deferred revenues (655) (164) (778) 475
Net cash provided by operating activities 148,782
 69,217
 357,415
 307,234
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:        
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received (71,499) (95) (135,342) (109,082)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment 2,940
 2,207
 107,704
 5,133
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate (47,948) (46,451) (118,215) (144,310)
Deposits for real estate and dealership acquisitions 381
 
Other 140
 2,459
 
 1,526
Net cash used in investing activities (116,367) (41,880) (145,472) (246,733)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:        
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other 1,656,192
 1,594,371
 5,106,810
 5,053,598
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other (1,702,447) (1,598,291) (5,185,225) (5,108,475)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 66,945
 15,000
 98,596
 68,085
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line (66,444) (15,000) (91,450) (35,576)
Borrowings on other debt 65,614
 
 123,298
 126,316
Principal payments on other debt (40,078) (232) (105,551) (88,701)
Borrowings on debt related to real estate, net of debt issue costs 46,835
 
 54,712
 39,031
Principal payments on debt related to real estate (37,819) (6,831) (83,242) (21,269)
Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings (1,638) (1,030) 1,529
 4,196
Proceeds from termination of mortgage swap 918
 
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date (9,199) 
 (108,623) (40,094)
Dividends paid (5,495) (5,150) (16,014) (15,221)
Net cash used in financing activities (27,534) (17,163) (204,242) (18,110)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH 47
 260
 (2,941) 867
NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH 4,928
 10,434
 4,760
 43,258
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period 29,631
 24,246
 29,631
 24,246
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period $34,559
 $34,680
 $34,391
 $67,504
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:        
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate, accrued in accounts payable $6,066
 $7,287
 $6,131
 $10,364

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
7

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1. INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Business and Organization
Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a leading operator in the automotive retailing industry with business activities in 15 states in the United States of America ("(“U.S."), 32 towns in the United Kingdom ("(“U.K.") and four states in Brazil. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the "Company"“Company” in these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company, through its regions, sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company’s U.S. retail network consisted of 117 dealerships within the following states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. The President of U.S. Operations reports directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the overall performance of the U.S. region, as well as for overseeing the market directors and dealership general managers. In addition, as of March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company had two international regions: (a) the U.K., which consisted of 47 dealerships and (b) Brazil, which consisted of 1617 dealerships. The operations of the Company's international regions are structured similar to the U.S. region.
The Company's operating results are generally subject to seasonal variations, as well as changes in the economic environment. This seasonality is generally attributable to consumer buying trends and the timing of manufacturer new vehicle model introductions. In addition, in some regions of the U.S., vehicle purchases decline during the winter months due to inclement weather. As a result, U.S. revenues and operating income are typically lower in the first and fourth quarters and higher in the second and third quarters. For the U.K., the first and third quarters tend to be stronger, driven by the vehicle license plate change months of March and September. For Brazil, the Company expects higher volumes in the third and fourth calendar quarters. The first quarter in Brazil is generally the weakest, driven by more consumer vacations and activities associated with Carnival. Other factors unrelated to seasonality, such as changes in economic conditions, manufacturer incentive programs, supply issues, seasonal weather events andand/or changes in currency exchange rates may exaggerate seasonal or cause counter-seasonal fluctuations in the Company's revenues and operating income. Due to seasonality and other factors, the results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be realized for any other interim period or for the entire fiscal year.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes thereto that include financial information as of September 30, 2018 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("(“U.S. GAAP"GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.statements and are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. All business acquisitions completed during the periods presented have been accounted for by applying the acquisition method of accounting, and their results of operations are included from the effective dates of the closings of the acquisitions. The allocations of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are assigned and recorded based on estimates of fair value and are subject to change within the purchase price allocation period (generally one year from the respective acquisition date). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“2017 Form 10-K”).
Business Segment Information
The Company has three reportable segments: the U.S., which includes the activities of the Company's corporate office, the U.K. and Brazil. The reportable segments are the business activities of the Company for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by its chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer. See Note 15, "Segment Information"“Segment Information”, for additional details regarding the Company's reportable segments.

8

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Statements of Cash Flows
The Company utilizes various credit facilities to finance the purchase of its new and used vehicle inventory. With respect to all new vehicle floorplan borrowings, the manufacturers of the vehicles draft the Company’s credit facilities directly with no cash flow to or from the Company. With respect to borrowings for used vehicle financing in the U.S., the Company finances up to 85% of the value of the used vehicle inventory and the funds flow directly tobetween the Company fromand the lender. In the U.K. and Brazil, the Company chooses which used vehicles to finance and the borrowings flow directly to the Company from the lender.
The Company categorizes the cash flows associated with borrowings and repayments on these various credit facilities as Operating or Financing Activities in its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. All borrowings from, and repayments to, lenders affiliated with the vehicle manufacturers (excluding the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the Company’s syndicated lending group under the Revolving Credit Facility)Facility (as defined in Note 9, “Credit Facilities”)) are presented within Cash Flows from Operating Activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. All borrowings from, and repayments to, the syndicated lending group under the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 9, “Credit Facilities”) (including the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the facility), as well as borrowingborrowings from, and repayments to, the Company’s other credit facilities, are presented within Cash Flows from Financing Activities.
Cash paid for interest, including the monthly settlement of the Company’s interest rate derivatives, was $20.3$84.4 million and $17.6$76.0 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company received a net refund from taxes of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds, was $0.3$31.0 million and $45.7 million for the threenine months ended March 31, 2017.September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total of the same amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 11, "Fair“Fair Value Measurements"Measurements”, for additional details regarding the Company's restricted cash balances.
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
        
Cash and cash equivalents $33,090
 $28,787
 $32,027
 $28,787
Restricted cash, included in other assets 1,469
 844
 2,364
 844
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $34,559
 $29,631
 $34,391
 $29,631

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"(“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU"(“ASU”) 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendmentamendments in this update addresses several specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its net income, retained earnings, consolidated financial statements, results of operations or cash flows.     
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF"(EITF). The amendments in this update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements, results of operations or cash flows.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The amendments in this update clarify the definition of a business in order to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively. The Company adopted ASU 2017-01 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. The amendments in this update provide clarity and reduce both diversity in practice and cost and complexity when applying the guidance of Topic 718 to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. Under the new guidance, an entity will not apply modification accounting to a share-based payment award if all of the following are the same immediately before and after the change: 1) the award's fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if those measurement methods are used), 2) the award's vesting conditions, and 3) the award's classification as an equity or liability instrument. The

9

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Company adopted ASU 2017-09 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

9

TableIn February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of ContentsCertain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income         GROUP. The amendments in this update will permit entities to reclassify tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of tax legislation enacted by the U.S. government on December 22, 2017, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), to retained earnings. The FASB gave entities the option to reclassify these amounts rather than require reclassification and the option to apply the guidance retrospectively or in the period of adoption. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted ASU 2018-02 as of July 1, AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES2018, and reclassified $0.2 million of stranded tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


Adoption of ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers"
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)(“Topic 606”), and all subsequent amendments issued thereafter, that amendsamend the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The Company adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized as of the date of adoption. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting policies under Topic 605.
The Company identified its material revenue streams to be the sale of new and used vehicles; arrangement of associated vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts; the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services; and the sale of vehicle parts. The Company concluded that no changes to the timing of revenue recognition for the sale of new and used vehicles, as well as vehicle parts are necessary. As it relates to the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services recognized as a part of Parts and service sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the Company identified a change in its accounting policies and procedures. Through December 31, 2017, the Company recognized revenue once the maintenance or repair services were completed and the vehicle was delivered to the customer. Under Topic 606, the Company determined that it has an enforceable right to payment during the course of the work being performed in certain jurisdictions and, thus, the Company changed its policy under Topic 606 for those jurisdictions to recognize revenue over time as the maintenance and repair services are performed. With regards to the revenue generated from the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts recognized as a part of Finance, insurance and other, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the Company also identified a change in the Company’s accounting policies and procedures. Generally, the Company receives an upfront commission for these transactions from the finance or insurance provider and recognizes the associated revenue when the contract is executed. In some cases, the Company also earns retrospective commission income by participating in the future profitability of the portfolio of contracts sold by the Company. Through December 31, 2017, the Company’s accounting policy was to recognize upfront commission income earned when the contract was executed and the amount was determinable, and to recognize retrospective commission income as the amounts were determined and realized. The Company concluded that this retrospective commission income represents variable consideration for which the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied when the finance or insurance product contract is executed with the end user. Under the new standard, an estimate of variable consideration, subject to a constraint, is to be included in the transaction price and recognized when or as the performance obligation is satisfied. Therefore, the Company’s accounting policy changed under Topic 606 such that the Company will estimate the amount of future earnings that it will realize from the ultimate profitability of the portfolio of contracts subject to a retrospective commission and recognize such estimate, subject to any constraint in the estimate, upfront when the contract is executed with the end user. The Company's estimates of the amount of variable consideration to be ultimately realized will be reassessed at the end of each reporting period and changes in those estimates will be adjusted through revenue.
As a result of adopting Topic 606 and implementing the changes aforementioned, the Company recognized net, after-tax cumulative effect adjustments to increase retained earnings as of the date of adoption for maintenance and repair services of $4.8 million and for the arrangement of associated vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts the Company recognized a net, after-tax cumulative effect adjustment to increase retained earnings as of the date of adoption of $4.8 million and $6.6 million, respectively.million.

10

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

The cumulative effect of the changes made to the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018 for the adoption of Topic 606 were as follows (in thousands):follows:
 January 1, 2018
 January 1, 2018 Balance at
December 31, 2017
 Adjustment due to
Topic
606
 
Balance at
January 1, 2018
Balance Sheet Balance at
December 31, 2017
 Adjustment due to
ASC 2016-09
606
 
Balance at
January 1, 2018
 (In thousands)
 (In thousands)
Assets            
Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)
 $188,611
 $20,306
 $208,917
 $188,611
 $11,623
 $200,234
Inventories, net 1,763,293
 (3,660) 1,759,633
 1,763,293
 (3,660) 1,759,633
Prepaid expense and other current assets 42,062
 8,683
 50,745
            
Liabilities            
Accounts payable $412,981
 $1,756
 $414,737
 $412,981
 $1,756
 $414,737
Deferred income taxes 124,404
 3,493
 127,897
 124,404
 3,493
 127,897
            
Stockholders' equity            
Retained earnings 1,246,323
 11,397
 1,257,720
 $1,246,323
 $11,397
 $1,257,720
(1) Contract assets, representing a conditional right to payment, of $8.7 million are included in Accounts and notes receivables, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018.

The impact of applying Topic 606 for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 was as follows (in thousands):follows:
  March 31, 2018
  
As
Reported
 
Balances Without Adoption of ASC
606
 
Effect of Change
Higher / (Lower)
Income Statement (In thousands)
Revenues  
Parts and service sales $349,515
 $350,992
 $(1,477)
Finance, insurance and other, net 112,322
 112,122
 200
       
Cost of sales      
Parts and service sales $162,651
 $163,116
 $(465)
Selling, general and administrative expenses 324,347
 324,543
 (196)
Provision for income taxes 10,353
 10,504
 (151)
Net income 35,814
 36,279
 (465)
       
Balance Sheet      
Assets      
Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)
 $200,159
 $181,131
 $19,028
Inventories, net 1,804,176
 1,807,371
 (3,195)
       
Liabilities      
Accounts payable $491,841
 $490,281
 $1,560
Deferred income taxes 134,800
 131,459
 3,341
       
Stockholders' equity      
Retained earnings $1,288,052
 $1,277,120
 $10,932
(1) Contract assets, representing a conditional right to payment, of $8.9 million are included in Accounts and notes receivables, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2018.
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2018  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
  
As
Reported
 
Balances Without Adoption of Topic
606
 
Effect of Change
Higher / (Lower)
  
As
Reported
 
Balances Without Adoption of Topic
606
 
Effect of Change
Higher / (Lower)
Income Statement (In thousands)  (In thousands)
Revenues     
Parts and service sales $354,501
 $353,588
 $913
  $1,062,145
 $1,061,160
 $985
Finance, insurance and other, net 116,084
 111,943
 4,141
  343,462
 340,139
 3,323
              
Cost of sales             
Parts and service sales $162,927
 $162,601
 $326
  $488,637
 $488,412
 $225
Selling, general and administrative expenses 316,771
 316,640
 131
  949,210
 948,991
 219
Provision for income taxes 9,587
 8,490
 1,097
  38,666
 37,771
 895
Net income $34,778
 $31,278
 $3,500
  $127,054
 $124,085
 $2,969

Refer to Note 2, "Revenue" for further discussion of the Company’s significant revenue streams.

11

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

The impact of applying Topic 606 at September 30, 2018 was as follows:
  September 30, 2018
  
As
Reported
 Balances Without Adoption of Topic 606 
Effect of Change
Higher / (Lower)
Balance Sheet (In thousands)
Assets      
Accounts and notes receivable, net $169,318
 $156,900
 $12,418
Inventories, net 1,733,756
 1,737,582
 (3,826)
Prepaid expense and other current assets 77,996
 65,989
 12,007
       
Liabilities      
Accounts payable $428,441
 $426,505
 $1,936
Deferred income taxes 137,826
 133,453
 4,373
       
Stockholders' equity      
Retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive loss $1,240,052
 $1,225,762
 $14,290

Refer to Note 2, “Revenue” for further discussion of the Company’s significant revenue streams.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments in this ASUupdate relate to the accounting for leasing transactions. This standard requires a lessee to recordrecognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. In addition, this standard requires both lessees and lessors to disclose certain key information about lease transactions. This standard will be effective for fiscal yearsinterim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interimwith early adoption permitted. Originally, entities were required to adopt this ASU using a modified retrospective transition method. However, in July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements ("ASU 2018-11"), which provides entities with an additional transition method. Under ASU 2018-11, entities have the option of recognizing the cumulative effect of applying the new standard as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings in the year of adoption while continuing to present all prior periods within those fiscal years.��under previous lease accounting guidance. In July 2018, the FASB also issued ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, which clarifies how to apply certain aspects of the new standard. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that adoption will haveof adopting this guidance on its consolidated balance sheet and statement of income.financial statements. However, the Company expects that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have a significant impact on its consolidated balance sheet,sheets, as currently approximately half of its real estate is rented, not owned, via operating leases. Adoption of this ASU is required to be done using a modified retrospective approach.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendment in this update replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology of recognizing credit losses when a loss is probable, with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to assess credit loss estimates. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for periods after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements or results of operations, but does not expect the amendmentsimpact of the amendment in this ASU to materially impact its consolidated financial statements.be significant.     
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendment in this update eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value. The amendments in this updateThis standard should be applied prospectively and areis effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Earlier application is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluatingdoes not expect the impact thatof the adoption of the provisions of the ASU willto have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.statements, results of operations or cash flows.

12

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 715): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this update better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The guidance also eases the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. The amendments to cash flow and net investment hedge relationships should be applied using a modified retrospective approach while the presentation and disclosure requirements are applied prospectively, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.statements or results of operations, but does not expect the impact of the amendments in this ASU to be significant.     
In FebruaryAugust 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02,2018-13, Income StatementFair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeChanges to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in this updateamendment modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements by removing, modifying, or adding certain disclosures. The amendment will permit entities to reclassify tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of tax legislation enacted by the U.S. government on December 22, 2017, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), to retained earnings. The FASB gave entities the option to reclassify these amounts rather than require reclassification and the option to apply the guidance retrospectively or in the period of adoption. The amendments in this update arebe effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 20182019, with early adoption permitted. Certain disclosures in this standard, are required to be applied on a retrospective basis and others on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will haveadopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.


12
13

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

2. REVENUE
As discussed in Note 1, "Interim“Interim Financial Information"Information”, the Company’s material revenue streams are the sale of new and used vehicles; arrangement of associated vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts; the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services;services (including collision restoration); and the sale of vehicle parts.
The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by revenue source (in thousands):
source:



 Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 March 31,  September 30, September 30,
 2018 
2017 (1)
  2018 
2017 (1)
 2018 
2017 (1)
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
REVENUES:             
New vehicle retail sales $1,513,590
 $1,337,213
  $1,539,498
 $1,710,241
 $4,608,658
 $4,496,222
Used vehicle retail sales 780,570
 660,927
  792,405
 743,038
 2,394,828
 2,089,914
Used vehicle wholesale sales 104,029
 104,157
  86,570
 104,827
 283,453
 308,361
Total new and used vehicle sales 2,398,189
 2,102,297
  2,418,473
 2,558,106
 7,286,939
 6,894,497
             
Vehicle parts sales 85,196
 74,665
  83,773
 81,273
 254,326
 234,369
Maintenance and repair sales 264,319
 245,033
  270,728
 261,920
 807,819
 760,153
Total parts and service sales 349,515
 319,698
  354,501
 343,193
 1,062,145
 994,522
             
Finance, insurance and other, net 112,322
 96,834
  116,084
 110,993
 343,462
 314,297
Total revenues $2,860,026
 $2,518,829
  $2,889,058
 $3,012,292
 $8,692,546
 $8,203,316
(1) As noted above,described in Note 1, “Interim Financial Information”, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective approach.

The following table presentstables present the Company's revenues disaggregated by its geographical segments:
 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total  U.S. U.K. Brazil Total
 U.S. U.K. Brazil Consolidated (In thousands)  (In thousands)
REVENUES: (In thousands)                 
New vehicle retail sales $1,089,953
 $354,404
 $69,233
 $1,513,590
 $1,196,551
 $278,046
 $64,901
 $1,539,498
  $3,433,386
 $971,085
 $204,187
 $4,608,658
Used vehicle retail sales 563,830
 192,549
 24,191
 780,570
 572,011
 200,058
 20,336
 792,405
  1,727,848
 600,715
 66,265
 2,394,828
Used vehicle wholesale sales 54,002
 46,185
 3,842
 104,029
 40,724
 41,696
 4,150
 86,570
  137,507
 134,408
 11,538
 283,453
Total new and used vehicle sales 1,707,785
 593,138
 97,266
 2,398,189
 1,809,286
 519,800
 89,387
 2,418,473
  5,298,741
 1,706,208
 281,990
 7,286,939
                         
Vehicle parts sales 74,355
 9,515
 1,326
 85,196
 72,935
 9,546
 1,292
 83,773
  220,964
 29,537
 3,825
 254,326
Maintenance and repair sales 210,159
 43,626
 10,534
 264,319
 216,399
 44,271
 10,058
 270,728
  641,773
 135,417
 30,629
 807,819
Total parts and service sales 284,514
 53,141
 11,860
 349,515
 289,334
 53,817
 11,350
 354,501
  862,737
 164,954
 34,454
 1,062,145
                         
Finance, insurance and other, net 96,187
 14,263
 1,872
 112,322
 101,610
 12,319
 2,155
 116,084
  295,239
 42,199
 6,024
 343,462
Total revenues $2,088,486
 $660,542
 $110,998
 $2,860,026
 $2,200,230
 $585,936
 $102,892
 $2,889,058
  $6,456,717
 $1,913,361
 $322,468
 $8,692,546


1314

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 (1)
  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (1)
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 (1)
 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total  U.S. U.K. Brazil Total
 U.S. U.K. Brazil Consolidated (In thousands)  (In thousands)
REVENUES: (In thousands)                 
New vehicle retail sales $1,018,249
 $258,640
 $60,324
 $1,337,213
 $1,296,267
 $334,772
 $79,202
 $1,710,241
  $3,458,287
 $824,827
 $213,108
 $4,496,222
Used vehicle retail sales 521,947
 115,369
 23,611
 660,927
 562,031
 158,076
 22,931
 743,038
  1,620,171
 401,851
 67,892
 2,089,914
Used vehicle wholesale sales 70,545
 30,509
 3,103
 104,157
 63,363
 38,647
 2,817
 104,827
  200,384
 99,604
 8,373
 308,361
Total new and used vehicle sales 1,610,741
 404,518
 87,038
 2,102,297
 1,921,661
 531,495
 104,950
 2,558,106
  5,278,842
 1,326,282
 289,373
 6,894,497
                         
Vehicle parts sales 66,754
 6,280
 1,631
 74,665
 71,667
 8,190
 1,416
 81,273
  209,276
 20,648
 4,445
 234,369
Maintenance and repair sales 204,405
 30,501
 10,127
 245,033
 212,248
 38,593
 11,079
 261,920
  628,496
 99,966
 31,691
 760,153
Total parts and service sales 271,159
 36,781
 11,758
 319,698
 283,915
 46,783
 12,495
 343,193
  837,772
 120,614
 36,136
 994,522
                         
Finance, insurance and other, net 85,819
 9,028
 1,987
 96,834
 96,383
 12,448
 2,162
 110,993
  276,754
 31,260
 6,283
 314,297
Total revenues $1,967,719
 $450,327
 $100,783
 $2,518,829
 $2,301,959
 $590,726
 $119,607
 $3,012,292
  $6,393,368
 $1,478,156
 $331,792
 $8,203,316
(1) As noted above,described in Note 1, “Interim Financial Information”, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective approach.
New and Used Vehicle Sales
Specific to the sale of new and used vehicles, the Company has a single performance obligation associated with these contracts - the delivery of the vehicle to the customer, which is the point at which transfer of control occurs. Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon satisfaction of the performance obligation (i.e., delivery of the vehicle to the customer). In some cases, the Company uses a third-party auction as an agent to facilitate delivery of used vehicles to the customer. Incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract are accrued at the time of sale. The transaction price for new and used vehicle sales (i.e., the amount that the Company has the right to under the terms of the sales contract with the customer) is the stand-alone sales price of each individual vehicle and is generally settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation. In many new and used vehicle sales transactions, a portion of the consideration applied by the customer to the satisfaction of the total transaction price is a used vehicle trade-in (i.e., noncash consideration). The Company measures such noncash consideration at fair value. Revenue recognized from the sale of new and used vehicles is reflected in New vehicle retail sales, Used vehicle retail sales, and Used vehicle wholesale sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. With respect to the cost of freight and shipping from its dealerships to its customers, the Company’s policy is to recognize such cost in the corresponding Costcost of sales category. With respect to taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are imposed upon new and used vehicle sales transactions and collected by the Company from its customer,customers, the Company’s policy is to exclude such amounts from Revenues.revenues.
Vehicle Parts Sales
Related to the sale of vehicle parts, the Company has a single performance obligation associated with these contracts - the delivery of the parts to the customer, which is the point at which transfer of control occurs. Revenue from the sale of vehicle parts is recognized upon satisfaction of the performance obligation (i.e., delivery of the parts to the customer). The transaction price for vehicle parts sales (i.e., the amount that the Company has the right to under the terms of the sales contract with the customer) is the stand-alone sales price of each individual part and is generally settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation. Revenue recognized from the sale of vehicle parts is reflected in Parts and service sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. With respect to the cost of freight and shipping to its customer,customers, the Company’s policy is to recognize such fulfillment cost in the corresponding Costcost of sales category. With respect to taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are imposed upon vehicle parts sales transactions and collected by the Company from its customer,customers, the Company’s policy is to exclude such amounts from Revenues.revenues.


15

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


Maintenance and Repair Services
As it relates to vehicle maintenance and repair services (including collision restoration), the Company has a single performance obligation associated with these contracts - the completion of the services. The Company has an enforceable right to payment in certain jurisdictions and, as such, transfers control of vehicle maintenance and repair services to its customer over time. Therefore, satisfaction of the performance obligation associated with the vehicle maintenance and repair services occurs, and the associated revenue is recognized, over time. The Company uses the input method for the measurement of progress and recognition of revenue, utilizing labor hours and parts applied to the customer vehicle to estimate the services performed for which the Company has an enforceable right to payment. The transaction price for vehicle maintenance and repair services (i.e., the amount that the Company has the right to under the terms of the service contract with the customer) is the sum total of the labor and, if applicable, vehicle parts used in the performance of the service, as well as the margin above cost charged to the customer. The

14

Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

transaction price is typically settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation, which generally occurs within a short period of time from contract inception. Revenue recognized from vehicle maintenance and repair services is reflected in Parts and service sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. With respect to taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are imposed upon vehicle maintenance and repair service transactions and collected by the Company from its customer, the Company’s policy is to exclude such amounts from Revenues.revenues.
Arrangement of Vehicle Financing and the Sale of Service and Other Insurance Contracts
With regards toThe Company receives commissions from finance and insurance providers, under the revenue generated fromterms of its contracts with such providers, for the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance products,products. Within the Company receives commissions for thesecontext of the Company's contracts fromwith the finance or insurance provider, (the customer, for whom the Company has determined that it is an agent).agent for the finance or insurance provider and the finance or insurance provider is the Company's customer. The Company has a single performance obligation associated with these contracts for all commissions earned - the facilitation of the financing of the vehicle or sale of the insurance product. Revenue from these contracts is recognized upon satisfaction of the performance obligation, which is when the finance or insurance product contract is executed with the purchaser. The transaction price (i.e., the amount that the Company has the right to under the terms of the contract with the customer) consists of both fixed and variable consideration. With regards to the upfront commission for these contracts, the transaction price is the amount earned for each individual contract executed and is generally collected within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation. The Company may be charged back for unearned financing, insurance contract or vehicle service contract fees in the event of early termination of the contracts by customers. A reserve for future amounts estimated to be charged back is recorded, as a reduction of Finance, insurance and other revenue, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations, based on the Company’s historical chargeback results and the termination provisions of the applicable contracts. In some cases, the Company also earns retrospective commission income by participating in the future profitability of the portfolio of product contracts sold by the Company. This consideration is variable (i.e., contingent upon the performance of the portfolio of contracts) and is generally settled over 5-7 years from the satisfaction of the performance obligation. The Company utilizes the “expected value” method to predict the amount of consideration to which the Company will be entitled, subject to constraint in the estimate. Therefore, the Company estimates the amount of future earnings that it will realize from the ultimate profitability of the portfolio and recognizes such estimate, subject to any constraint in the estimate, upfront when the product contract is executed with the end user, which is when the performance obligation is satisfied. Changes in the Company’s estimates of the amount of variable consideration to be ultimately realized are adjusted through revenue. Revenue recognized from the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts is reflected in Finance, insurance and other, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and as a contract asset (reflected in Prepaid expenses and other current assets) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet until the right to such consideration becomes unconditional, at which time amounts due are reclassified to accounts receivable.











3. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company acquired 5five dealerships, inclusive of eight franchises, and added one franchise in the U.K., inclusive of 8 franchises, and opened The Company also acquired one dealership forin Brazil, representing one awarded franchise. Additionally, the Companyfranchise, and acquired 2four dealerships in the U.S., inclusive of 2four franchises. Aggregate consideration paid for these dealerships totaled $76.6$140.4 million, including the associated real estate and goodwill. Also included in the consideration paid was $5.1 million of cash received in the acquisition of the dealerships. The purchase prices have been allocated based upon the consideration paid and the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates. The allocation of the purchase prices areis preliminary and based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to change within the purchase price

16

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

allocation periods (generally one year from the respective acquisition date). Also, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company disposed of two dealerships in the U.S., representing three franchises, as well as one franchise in the U.K.
During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, the Company acquired 12 U.K. dealerships, inclusive of 14 franchises, and opened one dealership for one awarded franchise in the U.K. In addition, the Company acquired three dealerships, inclusive of four franchises, opened one dealership for one awarded franchise in the U.S., and added motorcycles to an existing BMW dealership in Brazil. In addition,Aggregate consideration paid for these dealerships totaled $120.2 million, including the associated real estate and goodwill. Also included in the consideration paid was $11.2 million of cash received in the acquisition of the dealerships. The purchase prices have been allocated based upon the consideration paid and the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates. Also, during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, the Company disposed of two dealerships in Brazil representing two franchises.


4. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The periodic interest rates of the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 9, “Credit Facilities”) and certain variable-rate real estate related borrowings in the U.S. are indexed to the one-month London Inter Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus an associated company credit risk rate. In order to minimize the earnings variability related to fluctuations in these periodic interest rates, the Company employs an interest rate hedging strategy, whereby it enters into arrangements with various financial institutional counterparties with investment grade credit ratings, swapping its variable interest rate exposure for a fixed interest rate over terms not to exceed the related variable-rate debt.
The Company presents the fair value of all interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company measures the fair value of its interest rate derivative instruments utilizing an income approach valuation technique, converting future amounts of cash flows to a single present value in order to obtain a transfer exit price within the bid and ask spread that is most representative of the fair value of its derivative instruments. In measuring fair value, the Company utilizes the option-pricing Black-Scholes present value technique for all of its derivative instruments. This option-pricing technique utilizes a one-month LIBOR forward yield curve, obtained from an independent external service provider, matched to the identical maturity term of the instrument being measured. Observable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation technique incorporate identical contractual notional amounts, fixed coupon rates, periodic terms for interest payments and contract maturity. The fair value estimate of the interest rate derivative instruments also considers the credit risk of the Company for instruments in a liability position or the counterparty for instruments in an asset position. The credit risk is calculated by using the spread between the one-month LIBOR yield curve and the relevant average 10 and 20-year rate according to Standard and Poor’s. The Company has determined the valuation measurement inputs of these derivative instruments to maximize the use of observable inputs that market participants would use in pricing similar or identical instruments and market data obtained from independent sources, which is readily observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the derivative instrument. Further, the valuation measurement inputs minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accordingly, the Company has classified the derivatives within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework as described by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"(“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurement.
All of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges. The related gains or losses on these interest rate derivative instruments are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. These deferred gains andor losses are recognized in income in the period in which the related items being hedged are recognized in expense. However, toMonthly contractual settlements of these swap positions are recognized as "Floorplaninterest expense or Other interest expense, net" in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. To the extent that the change in value of a derivative contract does not perfectly offset the change in the value of the items being hedged, that ineffective portion is immediately recognized in other income or expense. Monthly contractual settlements of these swap positions are recognized as floorplan or other interest expense in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. All of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, all of the Company’s derivative instruments that were in effect were determined to be effective. The Company had no gains or losses related to ineffectiveness or amounts excluded from effectiveness testing recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 or 2017, respectively.
The Company held 2524 interest rate derivative instruments in effect as of March 31,September 30, 2018 of $822.1$803.9 million in notional value that fixed its underlying one-month LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.6%. For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, the impact of the Company’s interest rate hedges in effect increased floorplan interest expense by $1.7$1.0 million and $2.9$2.3 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the impact of the Company's interest rate hedges in effect increased floorplan expense by $4.0 million and $8.0 million, respectively. Total floorplan interest expense, inclusive of the aforementioned impact of the Company's interest rate hedges, was $14.1$14.7 million and $11.9$13.5 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $43.3 million and $38.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

1517

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

In addition to the $822.1$803.9 million of swaps in effect as of March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company held seven additional interest rate derivative instruments with forward start dates between December 2018 and December 2020 and expiration dates between December 2021 and December 2030. The aggregate notional value of these seven forward-starting swaps was $375.0 million, and the weighted average interest rate was 1.8%. The combination of the interest rate derivative instruments currently in effect and these forward-starting derivative instruments is structured such that the notional value in effect at any given time through December 2030 does not exceed $918.4$902.4 million, which is less than the Company's expectation for variable-rate debt outstanding during such period.
Assets and liabilities associated with interest rate derivative instruments as reflected in the accompanying balance sheets were as follows:
 As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Assets from interest rate risk management activities:        
Other long-term assets $15,987
 $9,501
 $21,659
 $9,501
Total $15,987
 $9,501
 $21,659
 $9,501
        
Liabilities from interest rate risk management activities:        
Current $1,177
 $1,996
 $311
 $1,996
Long-term 3,512
 8,583
 444
 8,583
Total $4,689
 $10,579
 $755
 $10,579
Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Lossother comprehensive loss at March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017 were accumulated unrealized gains, net of income taxes, totaling $15.9 million and unrealized losses, net of income taxes, totaling $8.7 million and $6.7$5.8 million, respectively, related to these interest rate derivative instruments.
The following table presents the impact during the current and comparative prior year periods for the Company's interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
Amount of Unrealized Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 Amount of Unrealized Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
 Three Months Ended March 31, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Interest rate derivative instruments $7,892
 $390
 $13,985
 $(2,437)
        
 
Amount of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations

 Amount of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income into Statements of Operations
Location of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 2017
Location of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income into Statements of Operations Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018 2017
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Floorplan interest expense $(1,737) $(2,948) $(4,021) $(7,995)
Other interest expense (254) (681)
Other interest expense, net (477) (1,554)
The net amount of lossgain expected to be reclassified out of other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings as additionalan offset to floorplan interest expense or other interest expense, net in the next twelve months is $2.7$1.5 million.

1618

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
The Company provides stock-based compensation benefits to employees and non-employee directors pursuant to its 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"“Incentive Plan”), as well as to employees pursuant to its Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated (the "Purchase Plan"“Purchase Plan”, formerly named the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan).
Long Term Incentive Plan
The Incentive Plan provides for the grant of options (including options qualified as incentive stock options under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and options that are non-qualified), restricted stock, performance awards, bonus stock, and phantom stock to the Company's employees, consultants, non-employee directors and officers. The Incentive Plan expires on May 21, 2024. The terms of the awards (including vesting schedules), are established by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, there were 878,454859,339 shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Awards
Under the Incentive Plan, the Company grants to non-employee directors and certain employees restricted stock awards or, at their election, restricted stock units (to non-employee directors only) at no cost to the recipient. Restricted stock awards qualify as participating securities because each award contains non-forfeitable rights to dividends. As such, the two-class method is required for the computation of earnings per share. See Note 6, "Earnings“Earnings Per Share"Share”, for further details. Restricted stock awards are considered outstanding at the date of grant but are subject to vesting periods upon issuance of up to five years. Restricted stock units are considered vested at the time of issuance. However, sinceSince they convey no voting rights, theyrestricted stock units are not considered outstanding when issued. Restricted stock units settle in cash upon the termination of the grantees’ employment or directorship. In the event an employee or non-employee director terminates his or her employment or directorship with the Company prior to the lapse of the restrictions, the shares,awards, in most cases, will be forfeited to the Company. TheWhen restricted stock vests, the Company issuessettles utilizing new shares or treasury shares, if available, when restrictedavailable. Restricted stock vests.units settle in cash upon the termination of the grantees’ employment or directorship. Compensation expense for restricted stock awards is calculated based on the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant and recognized over the requisite service period. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. This estimate is adjusted annually based on the extent to which actual or expected forfeitures differ from the previous estimate.
A summary of the restricted stock awards as of March 31,September 30, 2018, along with the changes during the threenine months then ended, is as follows:
 Awards 
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Awards 
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2017 702,778
 $68.23
 702,778
 $68.23
Granted 194,421
 75.72
 229,421
 75.33
Vested (167,934) 61.63
 (220,254) 63.92
Forfeited (14,180) 70.34
 (30,065) 69.76
Nonvested at March 31, 2018 715,085
 $71.78
Nonvested at September 30, 2018 681,880
 $71.93
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Purchase Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 4.5 million shares of common stock and provides that no options to purchase shares may be granted under the Purchase Plan after May 19, 2025. The Purchase Plan is available to all employees of the Company and its participating subsidiaries and is a qualified plan as defined by Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. At the end of each fiscal quarter (the “Option Period”) during the term of the Purchase Plan, employees can acquire shares of common stock from the Company at 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or the last day of the Option Period, whichever is lower. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, there were 1,102,8251,029,506 shares available for issuance under the Purchase Plan. During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company issued 36,270109,589 and 30,15496,098 shares, respectively, of common stock to employees participating in the Purchase Plan. With respect to shares issued under the Purchase Plan, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized specific share repurchases to fund the shares issuable under the Purchase Plan.
The weighted average per share fair value of employee stock purchase rights issued pursuant to the Purchase Plan was $16.22$15.38 and $18.66$16.69 for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The fair value of stock purchase rights is calculated using the grant date stock price, the value of the embedded call option and the value of the embedded put option.
Stock-Based Compensation

1719

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Stock-Based Compensation
Total stock-based compensation cost was $5.6$4.4 million and $6.1$4.1 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $14.2 million and $14.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Cash received from Purchase Plan purchases was $2.0$5.9 million and $1.9$5.5 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

18

Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

6. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The two-class method is utilized for the computation of the Company's earnings per share (“EPS”). The two-class method requires a portion of net income to be allocated to participating securities, which are unvested awards of share-based payments with non-forfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents. The Company’s restricted stock awards are participating securities. Income allocated to these participating securities is excluded from net earnings available to common shares, as shown in the table below. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to basic common shares by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to diluted common shares by the weighted average number of dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.
The following table sets forth the calculation of EPS for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017.
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (In thousands, except per share amounts) (In thousands, except per share amounts)
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding 20,298
 20,692
 19,253
 20,222
 19,859
 20,475
Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock 9
 6
 8
 3
 9
 5
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding 20,307
 20,698
 19,261
 20,225
 19,868
 20,480
Basic:            
Net Income $35,814
 $33,939
Net income $34,778
 $29,881
 $127,054
 $102,953
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 1,209
 1,250
 1,182
 1,024
 4,308
 3,660
Earnings available to basic common shares $34,605
 $32,689
Net income available to basic common shares $33,596
 $28,857
 $122,746
 $99,293
Basic earnings per common share $1.70
 $1.58
 $1.74
 $1.43
 $6.18
 $4.85
Diluted:            
Net Income $35,814
 $33,939
Net income $34,778
 $29,881
 $127,054
 $102,953
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 1,208
 1,250
 1,181
 1,023
 4,306
 3,659
Earnings available to diluted common shares $34,606
 $32,689
Net income available to diluted common shares $33,597
 $28,858
 $122,748
 $99,294
Diluted earnings per common share $1.70
 $1.58
 $1.74
 $1.43
 $6.18
 $4.85
7. INCOME TAXES
TheFor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company's effective tax rate decreased to 21.6% and 23.3%, respectively, as compared to 36.6% and 35.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. This decrease was primarily due to the impact of the Tax Act that made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including,Code. Those changes include, but are not limited to, reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%, creating a territorial tax system that generally eliminates U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated earnings of their foreign subsidiaries, creating a "minimum tax"“minimum tax” on certain foreign earnings (i.e. global intangible low-taxed income, or "GILTI"“GILTI”), limiting the deduction for net interest expense incurred by U.S. corporations, and eliminating certain deductions, including deductions for certain compensation arrangements and certain other business expenses. The Company recognizes the tax on GILTI as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred. Under this policy, the Company has not provided deferred taxes related to temporary differences that upon their reversal will affect the amount of income subject to GILTI in the period. As of September 30, 2018, the Company estimated that the 2018 GILTI tax will not be material.
The Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and income taxes in numerous U.S. states. In addition, the Company is subject to income tax in the U.K. and Brazil relative to its foreign subsidiaries. The Company's effective income tax rate of 21.6% and 23.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, was more than the U.S. federal

20

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

statutory rate of 21.0%, due primarily to: (1) the taxes provided for in U.S. state jurisdictions; (2) valuation allowances provided for net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain U.S. states and in Brazil; (3) unrecognized tax benefits with respect to uncertain tax positions; and (4) the deferred tax impact of certain goodwill amortization in Brazil, partially offset by: (1) income generated in the U.K., which is taxed at a 19.0% statutory rate; and (2) excess tax deductions for restricted stock awards.
In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (“SAB 118”), the Company made a reasonable estimate of the Tax Act’s impact and provisionally recorded this estimate in its results for the period ended December 31, 2017. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company has not completed its accounting for theall aspects of the Tax Act recorded provisionally: the re-measurement of deferred taxesprovisionally. However, based on further analysis of certain aspects of the reducedTax Act and refinement of our calculations during the three months ended September 30, 2018, we recorded a $0.7 million adjustment to our provisional amount as a reduction of income tax rate, and the Company's provisional determinationexpense from continuing operations. We also determined that the Company does not have a transition tax liability for previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profits of foreign subsidiaries. The Company will continue to gather data and evaluate the impact of the Tax Act after the Company has considered additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, state tax authorities and other standard-setting bodies. This analysis may result in adjustments to the provisional amounts, which would impact the Company's provision for income taxes and effective tax rate for the period in which the adjustments are made. The Company expects to complete its accounting for the Tax Act in 2018.
The Company recognizes the tax on GILTI as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred. Under this policy, the Company has not provided deferred taxes related to temporary differences that upon their reversal will affect the amount of income subject to GILTI in the period. As of March 31, 2018, the Company estimated that the 2018 GILTI tax will not be material.


19

Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and income taxes in numerous U.S. states. In addition, the Company is subject to income tax in the U.K. and Brazil relative to its foreign subsidiaries. The Company's effective income tax rate of 22.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was more than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0%, due primarily to: (1) the taxes provided for in U.S. state jurisdictions; (2) valuation allowances provided for net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain U.S. states and in Brazil; and (3) unrecognized tax benefits with respect to uncertain tax positions, partially offset by: (1) income generated in the U.K., which is taxed at a 19.0% statutory rate; and (2) excess tax deductions for restricted stock awards. Compared to the effective tax rate for three months ended March 31, 2017 of 33.7%, the Company's effective tax rate decreased primarily due to the impact of the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate as a result of the Tax Act.
As of March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company's unrecognized tax benefits totaled $1.3$1.8 million, including related interest and penalty. To the extent that any such tax benefits are recognized in the future, such recognition would impactreduce the tax liability in that period by approximately $1.0$1.4 million. Consistent with prior treatment of tax related assessments, the Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.
The Company's taxable years 2013 and subsequent remain open for examination in the U.S. The Company's taxable years 2016 and subsequent remain open in the U.K., and taxable years 2012 and subsequent remain open in Brazil.

8. DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS
Accounts and notes receivable consisted of the following: 
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (unaudited)   September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Amounts due from manufacturers $107,521
 $109,599
 $89,338
 $109,599
Parts and service receivables (1)
 52,013
 39,343
 52,118
 39,343
Finance and insurance receivables (1)
 31,180
 25,293
Finance and insurance receivables 22,169
 25,293
Other 12,666
 17,514
 8,826
 17,514
Total accounts and notes receivable 203,380
 191,749
 172,451
 191,749
Less allowance for doubtful accounts 3,221
 3,138
 3,133
 3,138
Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)
 $200,159
 $188,611
 $169,318
 $188,611
Inventories consisted of the following: 
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (unaudited)   September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
New vehicles $1,237,012
 $1,194,632
 $1,170,844
 $1,194,632
Used vehicles 359,725
 350,760
 359,997
 350,760
Rental vehicles 136,809
 144,213
 132,113
 144,213
Parts, accessories and other (1)
 80,632
 82,755
 80,133
 82,755
Total inventories 1,814,178
 1,772,360
 1,743,087
 1,772,360
Less lower of cost or net realizable value allowance 10,002
 9,067
 9,331
 9,067
Inventories, net (1)
 $1,804,176
 $1,763,293
 $1,733,756
 $1,763,293
(1) December 31, 2017 balances have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective approach as a part of the implementation of Topic 606. See Note 1,, "Interim “Interim Financial Information"Information”, for further detail.

21

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

New, used, and rental vehicles are valued at the lower of specific cost or net realizable value and are removed from inventory using the specific identification method. Parts and accessories are valued at lower of cost (determined on either a first-in, first-out or an average cost basis) or net realizable value.

20

Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Property and equipment consisted of the following:
 Estimated Useful Lives in Years March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (unaudited) Estimated Useful Lives in Years September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
   (in thousands)   (In thousands)
Land  $485,938
 $482,600
  $489,401
 $482,600
Buildings 25 to 50 721,033
 700,257
 25 to 50 717,354
 700,257
Leasehold improvements varies 177,869
 172,071
 varies 189,059
 172,071
Machinery and equipment 7 to 20 120,626
 117,781
 7 to 20 123,388
 117,781
Furniture and fixtures 3 to 10 105,632
 100,881
 3 to 10 109,031
 100,881
Company vehicles 3 to 5 12,157
 11,933
 3 to 5 12,488
 11,933
Construction in progress  55,837
 41,824
  46,196
 41,824
Total 1,679,092
 1,627,347
 1,686,917
 1,627,347
Less accumulated depreciation 321,222
 308,388
 335,988
 308,388
Property and equipment, net $1,357,870
 $1,318,959
 $1,350,929
 $1,318,959
During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company incurred $33.0$85.5 million of capital expenditures for the construction of new or expanded facilities and the purchase of equipment and other fixed assets in the maintenance of the Company’s dealerships and facilities, excluding $8.8 million of capital expenditures accrued as of December 31, 2017. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company had accrued $6.1 million of capital expenditures. In addition,Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company purchased real estate (including land and buildings) during the three months ended March 31, 2018 associated with existing dealership operations totaling $12.2$30.1 million. In conjunction with the acquisition of dealerships and franchises in the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company acquired $8.9$22.3 million of real estate and other property and equipment.
In conjunction with the two U.S. dealership dispositions during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 that are described in Note 3, “Acquisitions and Dispositions”, the Company disposed of land, building and other equipment that totaled $38.9 million. Further, the Company identified $4.8 million of property and equipment qualifying as held-for-sale assets as of September 30, 2018 and reclassified such assets to Prepaid expenses and other current assets.

9. CREDIT FACILITIES
In the U.S., the Company has a $1.8 billion revolving syndicated credit arrangement that matures on June 17, 2021 and is comprised of 24 financial institutions, including six manufacturer-affiliated finance companies (“Revolving Credit Facility”), consisting of two tranches. The borrowing capacity of the Revolving Credit Facility can be allocated between the two tranches, subject to certain limits. For U.S. vehicle inventory floorplan financing, the Revolving Credit Facility provides a maximum of $1.75 billion (“Floorplan Line”) and, for working capital and general corporate purposes (including acquisitions), the Revolving Credit Facility provides a maximum of $360.0 million and a minimum of $50.0 million (“Acquisition Line”). The Company also has a $300.0 million floorplan financing arrangement (“FMCC Facility”) with Ford Motor Credit Company (“FMCC”) for financing of new Ford vehicles in the U.S. and other floorplan financing arrangements with several other automobile manufacturers for financing of a portion of its U.S. rental vehicle inventory. Within the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, Floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other primarily reflects amounts payable for the purchase of specific new, used, and rental vehicle inventory (with the exception of new and rental vehicle purchases financed through lenders affiliated with the respective manufacturer) whereby financing is provided by the Revolving Credit Facility. Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates reflects amounts related to the purchase of vehicles whereby financing is provided by the FMCC Facility, the financing of a portion of the Company's rental vehicles in the U.S. (through lenders affiliated with the respective manufacturer), as well as the financing of new, used, and rental vehicles with manufacturer affiliates in both the U.K. and Brazil. Payments on the floorplan notes payable are generally due as the vehicles are sold. As a result, these obligations are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as current liabilities.
Revolving Credit Facility
After considering the outstanding balance of $1,087.0 million$1.1 billion at March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company had $353.0$384.9 million of available floorplan borrowing capacity under the Floorplan Line. Included in the $353.0$384.9 million available borrowings under the

22

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Floorplan Line was $74.4$71.4 million of immediately available funds. The weighted average interest rate on the Floorplan Line was 3.0%3.3% and 2.7% as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, excluding the impact of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments. With regards to the Acquisition Line, there were $28.0$32.6 million of borrowings outstanding as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and $27.0 million of borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2017, both of which consisted entirely of borrowings in British pound sterling. The interest rate on the Acquisition Line was 2.25%2.47% as of March 31,September 30, 2018, representing the applicable rate for borrowings in British pound sterling. After considering $25.0$25.4 million of outstanding letters of credit and other factors

21

Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

included in the Company’s available borrowing base calculation, there was $307.5$301.8 million of available borrowing capacity under the Acquisition Line as of March 31,September 30, 2018. The amount of available borrowing capacity under the Acquisition Line is limited from time to time based upon certain debt covenants.
The Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to make disbursements outside of the ordinary course of business, dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, create liens on assets, make investments, and engage in mergers or consolidations. The Company is also required to comply with specified financial tests and ratios defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, such as the fixed charge coverage and total adjusted leverage ratios. Further, the Revolving Credit Facility restricts the Company’s ability to make certain payments, such as dividends or other distributions of assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations or securities (“Restricted Payments”). The Restricted Payments cannot exceed the sum of $208.5 million plus (or minus if negative) (a) one-half of the aggregate consolidated net income for the period beginning on April 1, 2014 and ending on the date of determination and (b) the amount of net cash proceeds received from the sale of capital stock after June 2, 2014 and ending on the date of determination less (c) cash dividends and share repurchases after June 2, 2014 (“Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket”). For purposes of the calculation of the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket, net income represents such amounts per the Consolidated Financial Statements adjusted to exclude the Company’s foreign operations, non-cash interest expense, non-cash asset impairment charges, and non-cash stock-based compensation. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket totaled $186.6$128.2 million. The Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants and ratios under the Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31,September 30, 2018. All of the U.S. dealership-owning subsidiaries are co-borrowers under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company's obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by essentially all of the Company's U.S. personal property (other than equity interests in dealership-owning subsidiaries), including all motor vehicle inventory and proceeds from the disposition of dealership-owning subsidiaries, excluding inventory financed directly with manufacturer-affiliates and other third-party financial institutions.
Ford Motor Credit Company Facility
As of March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company had an outstanding balance of $146.3$128.2 million under the FMCC Facility with an available floorplan borrowing capacity of $153.7$171.8 million. Included in the $153.7$171.8 million of available borrowings under the FMCC Facility was $24.0$20.5 million of immediately available funds. This facility bears interest at a rate of Prime plus 150 basis points minus certain incentives. The interest rate on the FMCC Facility was 6.25%6.75% before considering the applicable incentives as of March 31,September 30, 2018.
Other Credit Facilities
The Company has credit facilities with financial institutions in the U.K., most of which are affiliated with the manufacturers, for financing new, used, and rental vehicle inventories related to its U.K. operations. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, borrowings outstanding under these facilities totaled $149.6$168.4 million. Annual interest rates charged on borrowings outstanding under these facilities, after the grace period of zero to 30 days, ranged from 1.25%2.15% to 3.95%3.45%.
The Company has credit facilities with financial institutions in Brazil, most of which are affiliated with the manufacturers, for the financing of new, used, and rental vehicle inventories related to its Brazilian operations. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, borrowings outstanding under these facilities totaled $22.8$16.1 million. Annual interest rates charged on borrowings outstanding under these facilities, after the grace period of zero to 90 days, ranged from 10.92%10.80% to 16.77%13.76%.
Excluding rental vehicles financed through the Revolving Credit Facility, financing for U.S. rental vehicles is typically obtained directly from the automobile manufacturers. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, borrowings outstanding under these rental vehicle facilities totaled $116.0$111.0 million, with interest rates that vary up to 6.25%6.75%.

2223

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

10. LONG-TERM DEBT
The Company carries its long-term debt at face value, net of applicable discounts and capitalized debt issuance costs. Long-term debt consisted of the following:
  March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
  (in thousands)
5.00% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $550,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017) $542,474
 $542,063
5.25% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $300,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017) 296,295
 296,151
Acquisition Line 28,035
 26,988
Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt 500,716
 440,845
Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through December 2037 with a weighted average interest rate of 8.7% and 10.4%, respectively 67,445
 51,665
  1,434,965
 1,357,712
Less current maturities of long-term debt 58,195
 39,528
  $1,376,770
 $1,318,184
  September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
  (In thousands)
5.00% senior notes (aggregate principal of $550,000 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017) $543,306
 $542,063
5.25% senior notes (aggregate principal of $300,000 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017) 296,587
 296,151
Acquisition line 32,584
 26,988
Real estate related and other long-term debt 455,190
 440,845
Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through December 2037, with a weighted average interest rate of 10.4% at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 51,418
 51,665
  1,379,085
 1,357,712
Less current maturities of long-term debt 74,958
 39,528
  $1,304,127
 $1,318,184
Included in currentShort-Term Financing
The Company includes short-term financing loans within Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing, in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, asSheets. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had a short-term financing arrangement in Brazil that totaled $1.1 million, which included borrowings of $2.4 million and repayments of $0.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. At December 31, 2017, werethe Company had two short-term revolving working capital loan agreementsloans with third-party financial institutions in the U.K. that totaled $13.4 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company had borrowings of $30.3 million and made principal payments of $43.2 million to the two short-term revolving working capital loan agreements, leaving no outstanding balance as of September 30, 2018. Also, at December 31, 2017, the Company had an unsecured loan agreement with a third-party financial institution in the U.S. that totaled $24.7 million. During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company repaid the entire balance under all of the short-term financing arrangements.outstanding for this U.S. unsecured loan agreement.
Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt
The mortgage loans in the U.S. consist of 60 term loans for an aggregate principal amount of $442.9$418.9 million. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, borrowings outstanding under these notes totaled $379.7$349.0 million, with $41.4$59.8 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt. For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company made additional net borrowings and principal payments, including repayment of $34.8the mortgage associated with two of the U.S. dealership dispositions described in Note 3, “Acquisitions and Dispositions”, of $42.7 million and $5.1$43.7 million, respectively.
The Company has entered into 18 separate term mortgage loans in the U.K. with other third-party financial institutions, which are secured by the Company’s U.K. properties. These mortgage loans (collectively, “U.K. Notes”) are denominated in British pound sterling and are being repaid in monthly installments that will mature by September 2034. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, borrowings under the U.K. mortgage loans totaled $87.6$77.6 million, with $8.4$7.8 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company made additional borrowings and principal payments of $12.1 million and $6.6$10.6 million, respectively, associated with the U.K. Notes. Additionally, during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company entered into an unsecured loan agreement in the U.K. with a third-party financial institution that matures in March 2028. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, borrowings under the agreement totaled $22.0$19.6 million, with $2.2$2.0 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company has a separate term mortgage loan in Brazil with a third-party financial institution, which is denominated in Brazilian real and is secured by one of the Company's Brazilian properties, as well as a guarantee from the Company. The mortgage is being repaid in monthly installments through April 2025. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, borrowings under the Brazil mortgage totaled $3.1$2.4 million, with $0.4$0.3 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company made no additional borrowings and made principal payments of $0.1$0.4 million associated with the Brazil mortgage.
The Company also has a working capital loan agreement with a third-party financial institution in Brazil. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, borrowings under the Brazilian third-party loan totaled $6.7$5.4 million. For the threenine months ended March 31,September

24

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

30, 2018, the Company made no additional borrowings or principal payments.payments associated with the working capital loan agreement.
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt
The Company's outstanding 5.00% Senior Notes due 2022 ("5.00% Notes") had a fair value of $555.7$549.1 million and $567.9 million as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company's outstanding 5.25% Senior Notes due 2023 ("5.25% Senior Notes") had a fair value of $300.0$296.3 million and $310.9 million as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The carrying value of the Company's fixed interest rate borrowings included in real estate related and other long-term debt totaled $85.0$81.3 million and $86.8 million as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The fair value of such fixed interest rate borrowings was $91.0$77.4 million and $92.9 million as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The fair value estimates are based on Level 2 inputs of the fair value hierarchy available as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company determined the estimated fair value of its long-term debt using available market information and commonly accepted valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, these estimates are not

23

Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company, or holders of the instruments, could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on estimated fair values. The carrying value of the Company’s variable rate debt approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the interest rates.

25

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

11. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; requires disclosure of the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date; and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs utilized in the measurement and valuation of financial assets or liabilities as of the measurement date:
Level 1 — unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
Level 2 — quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and
Level 3 — unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, investments in debt and equity securities, accounts payable, credit facilities, long-term debt, and interest rate derivative instruments. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, and credit facilities approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments and/or the existence of variable interest rates. The Company evaluated its assets and liabilities for those that met the criteria of the disclosure requirements and fair value framework of ASC 820 and identified demand obligations, interest rate derivative instruments, and investment balances in certain financial institutions as having met such criteria. See Note 10, "Long-Term Debt"“Long-Term Debt”, for details regarding the fair value of the Company's long-term debt.
The Company periodically invests in unsecured, corporate demand obligations with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies, which bear interest at a variable rate and are redeemable on demand by the Company. Therefore, the Company has classified these demand obligations as cashCash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework.
In addition, the Company maintains an investment balance with certain of the financial institutions in Brazil that provide credit facilities for the financing of new, used, and rental vehicle inventories. The investment balances bear interest at a variable rate and are redeemable by the Company in the future under certain conditions. The Company has classified these investment balances as restricted cash within other assetsOther Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework.
The Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair market value. See Note 4, "Derivative“Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities"Activities”, for further details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments.

24

Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework, in the accompanying balance sheets as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, were as follows:
 As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Assets:        
Investments $1,469
 $844
 $2,364
 $844
Demand obligations 13
 13
 13
 13
Interest rate derivative financial instruments 15,987
 9,501
 21,659
 9,501
Total $17,469
 $10,358
 $24,036
 $10,358
Liabilities:        
Interest rate derivative financial instruments $4,689
 $10,579
 $755
 $10,579
Total $4,689
 $10,579
 $755
 $10,579

2526

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
From time to time, the Company’s dealerships are named in various types of litigation involving customer claims, employment matters, class action claims, purported class action claims, as well as claims involving the manufacturermanufacturers of automobiles, contractual disputes, and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Due to the nature of the automotive retailing business, the Company may be involved in legal proceedings or suffer losses that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. In the normal course of business, the Company is required to respond to customer, employee, and other third-party complaints. Amounts that have been accrued or paid related to the settlement of litigation are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the manufacturers of the vehicles that the Company sells and services have audit rights allowing them to review the validity of amounts claimed for incentive, rebate, or warranty-related items and charge the Company back for amounts determined to be invalid payments under the manufacturers’ programs, subject to the Company’s right to appeal any such decision. Amounts that have been accrued or paid related to the settlement of manufacturer chargebacks of recognized incentives and rebates are included in cost of sales in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, while such amounts for manufacturer chargebacks of recognized warranty-related items are included as a reduction of Revenues in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Legal Proceedings
Currently, the Company is not party to any legal proceedings that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, including class action lawsuits. However, the results of current, or future, matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of such matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.
Other Matters
The Company, acting through its subsidiaries, is the lessee under many real estate leases that provide for the use by the Company’s subsidiaries of their respective dealership premises. Pursuant to these leases, the Company’s subsidiaries generally agree to indemnify the lessor and other parties from certain liabilities arising as a result of the use of the leased premises, including environmental liabilities, or a breach of the lease by the lessee. Additionally, from time to time, the Company enters into agreements in connection with the sale of assets or businesses in which it agrees to indemnify the purchaser, or other parties, from certain liabilities or costs arising in connection with the assets or business. Also, in the ordinary course of business in connection with purchases or sales of goods and services, the Company enters into agreements that may contain indemnification provisions. In the event that an indemnification claim is asserted, liability would be limited by the terms of the applicable agreement.
From time to time, primarily in connection with dealership dispositions, the Company’s subsidiaries sublet to the dealership purchaser the subsidiaries’ interests in any real property leases associated with such dealerships and continue to be primarily obligated on the lease. In these situations, the Company’s subsidiaries retain primary responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases. To the extent that the Company remains primarily responsible under such leases, a quantification of such lease obligations is included in the Company's disclosure of future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases in Note 18, "Operating Leases"18. “Operating Leases”, to "ItemItem 8. Financial“Financial Statements and Supplementary Data"Data” of the 2017 Form 10-K.
In certain instances, also in connection with dealership dispositions, the Company’s subsidiaries assign to the dealership purchaser the subsidiaries’ interests in any real property leases associated with such dealerships. The Company’s subsidiaries may retain secondary responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases to the extent that the assignee does not perform, if such performance is required following the assignment of the lease. Additionally, the Company and its subsidiaries may remain subject to the terms of a guaranty made by the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with such leases. In these circumstances, the Company generally has indemnification rights against the assignee in the event of non-performance under these leases, as well as certain defenses. Although the Company has no reason to believe that it or its subsidiaries will be called upon to perform under any such assigned leases or subleases, the Company estimates that lessee rental payment obligations during the remaining terms of these leases were $43.9 million as of September 30, 2018. The Company and its subsidiaries also may be called on to perform other obligations under these leases, such as environmental remediation of the leased premises or repair of the leased premises upon termination of the lease. However, potential environmental liabilities are generally known at the time of the sale of the dealership if not previously remediated. The Company does not have any known material environmental commitments or contingencies and presently has no reason to believe that it or its subsidiaries will be called on to so perform. Although not estimated to be material, the Company’s exposure under these leases is difficult to estimate and there can be no assurance that any performance of the Company or its subsidiaries

27

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

required under these leases would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, or cash flows.

2628

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

13. INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS AND GOODWILL
The following is a roll-forward of the Company’s intangible franchise rights and goodwill accounts by reportable segment:
Intangible Franchise Rights Intangible Franchise Rights 
U.S. U.K. Brazil Total U.S. U.K. Brazil Total 
(In thousands) (In thousands) 
BALANCE, December 31, 2017$255,981
 $29,483
 $168
 $285,632
 $255,981
 $29,483
 $168
 $285,632
 
Additions through acquisitions1,301
 7,454
 
 8,755
 11,540
 8,423
 
 19,963
 
Disposals(4,872) 
 
 (4,872) 
Impairments(22,909) 
 
 (22,909) 
Currency translation
 1,238
 1
 1,239
 
 (1,498) (31) (1,529) 
BALANCE, March 31, 2018$257,282
 $38,175
 $169
 $295,626
 
Balance, September 30, 2018$239,740
 $36,408
 $137
 $276,285
 
Goodwill Goodwill 
U.S. U.K. Brazil Total U.S. U.K. Brazil Total 
(In thousands) (In thousands) 
BALANCE, December 31, 2017$835,267
 $65,034
 $12,733
 $913,034
(1) 
$835,267
 $65,034
 $12,733
 $913,034
(1) 
Additions through acquisitions14,199
 29,930
 
 44,129
 39,765
 28,476
 4,284
 72,525
 
Purchase price allocation adjustments18
 
 
 18
 2
 
 
 2
 
Disposals(9,973) 
 
 (9,973) 
Currency translation
 2,901
 28
 2,929
 
 (3,882) (2,935) (6,817) 
BALANCE, March 31, 2018$849,484
 $97,865
 $12,761
 $960,110
(1) 
Balance, September 30, 2018$865,061
 $89,628
 $14,082
 $968,771
(1) 
(1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 millionmillion.
The Company evaluates intangible franchise rights and goodwill assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate possible impairment. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company identified circumstances indicating possible impairment of some individual franchise rights, requiring a quantitative assessment. The Company did not identify any such circumstances relative to the goodwill for each of its reporting units. Based on the results of the Company's assessment, the Company determined that the fair value of the franchise rights on two of its U.S. dealerships were below its respective carrying values, resulting in franchise asset impairment charges of $21.7 million. This was recognized as an asset impairment in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations during the three months ended September 30, 2018.



2729

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

14. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: 
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 Accumulated foreign currency translation loss Accumulated gain on interest rate swaps Total Accumulated foreign currency translation loss Accumulated (loss) gain on interest rate swaps Total
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2017 $(122,552) $(674) $(123,226) $(122,552) $(674) $(123,226)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:     
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications:     
Pre-tax 7,871
 10,384
 18,255
 (22,223) 18,401
 (3,822)
Tax effect 
 (2,492) (2,492) 
 (4,416) (4,416)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to:     

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to:     

Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax) 
 1,737
 1,737
 
 4,021
 4,021
Other interest expense (pre-tax) 
 254
 254
 
 477
 477
Realized gain on swap termination (pre-tax) 
 (918) (918)
Tax effect 
 (478) (478) 
 (860) (860)
Net current period other comprehensive income 7,871
 9,405
 17,276
Balance, March 31, 2018 $(114,681) $8,731
 $(105,950)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income (22,223) 16,705
 (5,518)
Tax effects reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss $
 $(150) $(150)
Balance, September 30, 2018 $(144,775) $15,881
 $(128,894)
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 Accumulated foreign currency translation loss Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps Total Accumulated foreign currency translation loss Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps Total
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2016 $(137,613) $(9,331) $(146,944) $(137,613) $(9,331) $(146,944)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:      
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:      
Pre-tax 4,137
 624
 4,761
 16,998
 (3,899) 13,099
Tax effect 
 (234) (234) 
 1,462
 1,462
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to:      
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to:      
Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax) 
 2,948
 2,948
 
 7,995
 7,995
Other interest expense (pre-tax) 
 681
 681
 
 1,554
 1,554
Tax effect 
 (1,361) (1,361) 
 (3,581) (3,581)
Net current period other comprehensive income 4,137
 2,658
 6,795
 16,998
 3,531
 20,529
Balance, March 31, 2017 $(133,476) $(6,673) $(140,149)
Balance, September 30, 2017 $(120,615) $(5,800) $(126,415)

2830

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

15. SEGMENT INFORMATION
As of March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company had three reportable segments: (1) the U.S., (2) the U.K., and (3) Brazil. Each of the reportable segments is comprised of retail automotive franchises, which sell new and used cars and light trucks; arrangesarrange related vehicle financing; sellssell service and insurance contracts; providesprovide automotive maintenance and repair services; and sellssell vehicle parts. The vast majority of the Company's corporate activities are associated with the operations of the U.S. operating segment and, therefore, the corporate financial results are included within the U.S. reportable segment.
Reportable segment revenue, income (loss) before income taxes, (provision) benefit for income taxes and net income (loss) were as follows for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018Three Months Ended September 30, 2018  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
U.S. U.K. Brazil TotalU.S. U.K. Brazil Total  U.S. U.K. Brazil Total
(In thousands)(In thousands)  (In thousands)
Total revenues$2,088,486
 $660,542
 $110,998
 $2,860,026
$2,200,230
 $585,936
 $102,892
 $2,889,058
  $6,456,717
 $1,913,361
 $322,468
 $8,692,546
Income (loss) before income taxes40,510
 5,737
 (80) 46,167
43,415
 2,663
 (1,713) 44,365
  152,867
 14,416
 (1,563) 165,720
Provision for income taxes(9,357) (862) (134) (10,353)(9,061) (366) (160) (9,587)  (35,821) (2,131) (714) (38,666)
Net income (loss)(1)31,153
 4,875
 (214) 35,814
34,354
 2,297
 (1,873) 34,778
  117,046
 12,285
 (2,277) 127,054
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017Three Months Ended September 30, 2017  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
U.S. U.K. Brazil TotalU.S. U.K. Brazil Total  U.S. U.K. Brazil Total
(In thousands)(In thousands)  (In thousands)
Total revenues(2)$1,967,719
 $450,327
 $100,783
 $2,518,829
$2,301,959
 $590,726
 $119,607
 $3,012,292
  $6,393,368
 $1,478,156
 $331,792
 $8,203,316
Income before income taxes45,606
 5,381
 209
 51,196
41,133
 5,435
 575
 47,143
  142,808
 15,745
 1,476
 160,029
Provision for income taxes(16,347) (870) (40) (17,257)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes(16,258) (1,105) 101
 (17,262)  (54,301) (2,781) 6
 (57,076)
Net income (1)(3)
29,259
 4,511
 169
 33,939
24,875
 4,330
 676
 29,881
  88,507
 12,964
 1,482
 102,953
(1) Includes the following, after tax: gain of $4.1 million and $19.3 million on legal settlement with an OEMreal estate and dealership transactions, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, in the U.S. segment; loss of $17.7 million and $20.8 million for non-cash asset impairments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, in the U.S. segment; gain of $1.1 million and a loss of $0.4 million for legal settlements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, in the U.S. segment; a loss of $4.4 million due to catastrophic events, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 in the U.S. segment; and loss of $2.6 million and $3.1 million for legal settlements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, in the Brazil segment.
(2) Includes the impact of chargeback reserves for finance and insurance revenues associated with catastrophic events of $6.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, in the U.S. segment.
(3) Includes the following, after tax: loss due to catastrophic events of $9.0 million and $9.4 million, inclusive of the finance and insurance chargeback reserve noted above, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, in the U.S. segment and asset impairment charges of $5.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 in the U.S segment.

Reportable segment total assets as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, were as follows:
 As of March 31, 2018
 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total
 (In thousands)
Total assets$4,099,066
 $824,333
 $135,079
 $5,058,478
 As of September 30, 2018
 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total
 (In thousands)
Total assets$3,977,995
 $779,293
 $123,578
 $4,880,866
 As of December 31, 2017
 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total
 (In thousands)
Total assets$4,087,039
 $654,154
 $129,872
 $4,871,065



2931

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

16. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following tables include condensed consolidating financial information as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, for Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s (as issuer of the 5.00% Notes) guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries (representing foreign entities). The condensed consolidating financial information includes certain allocations of balance sheet, statement of operations, and cash flows items that are not necessarily indicative of the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of these entities had they operated on a stand-alone basis. In accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, condensed consolidated financial statements of non-guarantors are not required. The Company has no assets or operations independent of its subsidiaries. Obligations under the 5.00% Notes are fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company’s current wholly owned domestic subsidiaries and certain of the Company’s future domestic subsidiaries, with the exception of the Company’s “minor” subsidiaries (as defined by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X). There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Company or subsidiary guarantors for the Company to obtain funds from its subsidiary guarantors by dividend or loan. None of the subsidiary guarantors’ assets represent restricted assets pursuant to SEC Rule 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
March 31, 2018
 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company
 (Unaudited, in thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:         
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $8,874
 $24,216
 $
 $33,090
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net
 209,364
 88,521
 
 297,885
Accounts and notes receivable, net
 140,243
 59,916
 
 200,159
Intercompany accounts receivable28,035
 40,271
 
 (68,306) 
Inventories, net
 1,438,626
 365,550
 
 1,804,176
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 28,151
 49,737
 
 77,888
Total current assets28,035
 1,865,529
 587,940
 (68,306) 2,413,198
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
 1,127,632
 230,238
 
 1,357,870
GOODWILL
 849,485
 110,625
 
 960,110
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS
 257,281
 38,345
 
 295,626
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES3,017,378
 
 
 (3,017,378) 
OTHER ASSETS
 19,943
 11,731
 
 31,674
Total assets$3,045,413
 $4,119,870
 $978,879
 $(3,085,684) $5,058,478
          
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:         
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other$
 $1,161,401
 $38,340
 $
 $1,199,741
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility
 (74,359) 
 
 (74,359)
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates
 286,320
 133,995
 
 420,315
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates
 (24,000) 
 
 (24,000)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing
 46,207
 11,988
 
 58,195
Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities
 1,177
 
 
 1,177
Accounts payable
 217,150
 274,691
 
 491,841
Intercompany accounts payable904,425
 
 68,306
 (972,731) 
Accrued expenses696
 159,784
 33,768
 
 194,248
Total current liabilities905,121
 1,773,680
 561,088
 (972,731) 2,267,158
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities866,803
 373,977
 135,990
 
 1,376,770
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
 3,512
 
 
 3,512
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES855
 218,811
 13,293
 
 232,959
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:        
Group 1 stockholders’ equity1,272,634
 2,654,315
 268,508
 (3,017,378) 1,178,079
Intercompany note receivable
 (904,425) 
 904,425
 
Total stockholders’ equity1,272,634
 1,749,890
 268,508
 (2,112,953) 1,178,079
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$3,045,413
 $4,119,870
 $978,879
 $(3,085,684) $5,058,478

3032

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
September 30, 2018
 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company
 (Unaudited, in thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:         
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $9,062
 $22,965
 $
 $32,027
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net
 169,199
 66,410
 
 235,609
Accounts and notes receivable, net
 133,506
 35,812
 
 169,318
Intercompany accounts receivable32,585
 51,159
 
 (83,744) 
Inventories, net
 1,392,370
 341,386
 
 1,733,756
Prepaid expenses and other current assets214
 23,953
 53,829
 
 77,996
Total current assets32,799
 1,779,249
 520,402
 (83,744) 2,248,706
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
 1,125,421
 225,508
 
 1,350,929
GOODWILL
 865,062
 103,709
 
 968,771
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS
 239,738
 36,547
 
 276,285
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES3,194,823
 
 
 (3,194,823) 
OTHER ASSETS
 25,028
 11,147
 
 36,175
Total assets$3,227,622
 $4,034,498
 $897,313
 $(3,278,567) $4,880,866
          
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:         
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other$
 $1,126,477
 $28,557
 $
 $1,155,034
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility
 (71,397) 
 
 (71,397)
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates
 259,697
 155,918
 
 415,615
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates
 (20,500) 
 
 (20,500)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing
 63,940
 12,140
 
 76,080
Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities
 311
 
 
 311
Accounts payable
 202,823
 225,618
 
 428,441
Intercompany accounts payable1,088,282
 
 51,159
 (1,139,441) 
Accrued expenses
 170,607
 36,475
 
 207,082
Total current liabilities1,088,282
 1,731,958
 509,867
 (1,139,441) 2,190,666
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities872,477
 311,592
 120,058
 
 1,304,127
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
 444
 
 
 444
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES1,148
 224,405
 11,730
 
 237,283
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:        
Group 1 stockholders’ equity1,265,715
 2,821,796
 255,658
 (3,194,823) 1,148,346
Intercompany note receivable
 (1,055,697) 
 1,055,697
 
Total stockholders’ equity1,265,715
 1,766,099
 255,658
 (2,139,126) 1,148,346
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$3,227,622
 $4,034,498
 $897,313
 $(3,278,567) $4,880,866

33

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2017
 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company
 (In thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:         
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $10,096
 $18,691
 $
 $28,787
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net
 266,788
 39,645
 
 306,433
Accounts and notes receivable, net
 144,872
 43,739
 
 188,611
Intercompany accounts receivable26,988
 12,948
 
 (39,936) 
Inventories, net
 1,434,852
 328,441
 
 1,763,293
Prepaid expenses and other current assets1,934
 8,378
 31,750
 
 42,062
Total current assets28,922
 1,877,934
 462,266
 (39,936) 2,329,186
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
 1,121,108
 197,851
 
 1,318,959
GOODWILL
 835,268
 77,766
 
 913,034
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS
 255,980
 29,652
 
 285,632
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES2,999,407
 
 
 (2,999,407) 
OTHER ASSETS
 13,682
 10,572
 
 24,254
Total assets$3,028,329
 $4,103,972
 $778,107
 $(3,039,343) $4,871,065
          
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:         
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other$
 $1,219,844
 $20,851
 $
 $1,240,695
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility
 (86,547) 
 
 (86,547)
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates
 272,563
 124,620
 
 397,183
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates
 (22,500) 
 
 (22,500)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing24,741
 31,229
 21,639
 
 77,609
Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities
 1,996
 
 
 1,996
Accounts payable
 229,470
 183,511
 
 412,981
Intercompany accounts payable890,995
 
 39,936
 (930,931) 
Accrued expenses
 150,241
 26,829
 
 177,070
Total current liabilities915,736
 1,796,296
 417,386
 (930,931) 2,198,487
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities865,202
 360,526
 92,456
 
 1,318,184
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
 8,583
 
 
 8,583
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES(117) 210,216
 11,430
 
 221,529
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:         
Group 1 stockholders’ equity1,247,508
 2,619,346
 256,835
 (2,999,407) 1,124,282
Intercompany note receivable
 (890,995) 
 890,995
 
Total stockholders’ equity1,247,508
 1,728,351
 256,835
 (2,108,412) 1,124,282
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$3,028,329
 $4,103,972
 $778,107
 $(3,039,343) $4,871,065


31



34

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2018
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total CompanyGroup 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company
(Unaudited, in thousands)(Unaudited, in thousands)
REVENUES$
 $2,088,487
 $771,539
 $
 $2,860,026
$
 $2,200,230
 $688,828
 $
 $2,889,058
COST OF SALES
 1,752,802
 687,461
 
 2,440,263

 1,847,757
 606,200
 
 2,453,957
GROSS PROFIT
 335,685
 84,078
 
 419,763

 352,473
 82,628
 
 435,101
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES1,768
 249,165
 73,414
 
 324,347
323
 240,167
 76,281
 
 316,771
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE
 12,881
 3,461
 
 16,342

 13,510
 3,471
 
 16,981
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
 
 
 
 

 23,159
 
 
 23,159
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS(1,768) 73,639
 7,203
 
 79,074
(LOSS) INCOME FROM OPERATIONS(323) 75,637
 2,876
 
 78,190
OTHER EXPENSE:        

         
Floorplan interest expense
 (12,337) (1,750) 
 (14,087)
 (12,903) (1,782) 
 (14,685)
Other interest expense, net
 (17,017) (1,803) 
 (18,820)
 (17,272) (1,868) 
 (19,140)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES(1,768) 44,285
 3,650
 
 46,167
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES(323) 45,462
 (774) 
 44,365
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES424
 (9,780) (997) 
 (10,353)58
 (9,120) (525) 
 (9,587)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES37,158
 
 
 (37,158) 
35,042
 
 
 (35,042) 
NET INCOME (LOSS)$35,814
 $34,505
 $2,653
 $(37,158) $35,814
$34,777
 $36,342
 $(1,299) $(35,042) $34,778
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 9,405
 7,871
 
 17,276
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES
 3,522
 (5,908) 
 (2,386)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT$35,814
 $43,910
 $10,524
 $(37,158) $53,090
$34,777
 $39,864
 $(7,207) $(35,042) $32,392




























3235

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company
 (Unaudited, in thousands)
REVENUES$
 $6,456,718
 $2,235,828
 $
 $8,692,546
COST OF SALES
 5,417,890
 1,981,629
 
 7,399,519
GROSS PROFIT
 1,038,828
 254,199
 
 1,293,027
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES2,726
 721,255
 225,229
 
 949,210
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE
 39,431
 10,530
 
 49,961
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
 27,427
 
 
 27,427
(LOSS) INCOME FROM OPERATIONS(2,726) 250,715
 18,440
 
 266,429
OTHER EXPENSE:         
Floorplan interest expense
 (38,050) (5,285) 
 (43,335)
Other interest expense, net
 (51,620) (5,754) 
 (57,374)
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES(2,726) 161,045
 7,401
 
 165,720
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES635
 (36,457) (2,844) 
 (38,666)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES129,145
 
 
 (129,145) 
NET INCOME (LOSS)$127,054
 $124,588
 $4,557
 $(129,145) $127,054
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES
 16,705
 (22,223) 
 (5,518)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT$127,054
 $141,293
 $(17,666) $(129,145) $121,536


36

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2017
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total CompanyGroup 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company
(Unaudited, in thousands)(Unaudited, in thousands)
REVENUES$
 $1,967,718
 $551,111
 $
 $2,518,829
$
 $2,301,958
 $710,334
 $
 $3,012,292
COST OF SALES
 1,647,123
 488,184
 
 2,135,307

 1,948,390
 632,482
 
 2,580,872
GROSS PROFIT
 320,595
 62,927
 
 383,522

 353,568
 77,852
 
 431,420
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES1,966
 232,611
 55,202
 
 289,779
433
 259,119
 68,775
 
 328,327
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE
 11,567
 2,039
 
 13,606

 12,380
 2,679
 
 15,059
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
 9,526
 
 
 9,526
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS(1,966) 76,417
 5,686
 
 80,137
(433) 72,543
 6,398
 
 78,508
OTHER EXPENSE:                  
Floorplan interest expense
 (10,878) (1,064) 
 (11,942)
 (12,014) (1,477) 
 (13,491)
Other interest expense, net
 (16,274) (725) 
 (16,999)
 (16,726) (1,148) 
 (17,874)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES(1,966) 49,265
 3,897
 
 51,196
(433) 43,803
 3,773
 
 47,143
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES737
 (17,084) (910) 
 (17,257)163
 (16,423) (1,002) 
 (17,262)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES35,167
 
 
 (35,167) 
30,151
 
 
 (30,151) 
NET INCOME (LOSS)$33,938
 $32,181
 $2,987
 $(35,167) $33,939
$29,881
 $27,380
 $2,771
 $(30,151) $29,881
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 2,658
 4,137
 
 6,795
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAXES
 1,454
 8,399
 
 9,853
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT$33,938
 $34,839
 $7,124
 $(35,167) $40,734
$29,881
 $28,834
 $11,170
 $(30,151) $39,734




























3337

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
ThreeNine Months Ended March 31, 2018September 30, 2017
 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Total Company
 (Unaudited, in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$35,814
 $114,862
 $(1,894) $148,782
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:       
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received
 (31,414) (40,085) (71,499)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment
 918
 2,022
 2,940
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate
 (34,101) (13,847) (47,948)
Other
 140
 
 140
Net cash used in investing activities
 (64,457) (51,910) (116,367)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:       
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other
 1,612,866
 43,326
 1,656,192
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other
 (1,675,917) (26,530) (1,702,447)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line66,945
 
 
 66,945
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line(66,444) 
 
 (66,444)
Borrowings on other debt
 43,326
 22,288
 65,614
Principal payments on other debt(24,742) (1,987) (13,349) (40,078)
Borrowings on debt related to real estate
 34,817
 12,018
 46,835
Principal payments on debt related to real estate
 (31,000) (6,819) (37,819)
Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings(1,638) 
 
 (1,638)
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date(9,199) 
 
 (9,199)
Dividends paid(5,495) 
 
 (5,495)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries22,730
 (50,554) 27,824
 
Investment in subsidiaries(17,971) 16,822
 1,149
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(35,814) (51,627) 59,907
 (27,534)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
 
 47
 47
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH
 (1,222) 6,150
 4,928
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period
 10,096
 19,535
 29,631
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period$
 $8,874
 $25,685
 $34,559
 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company
 (Unaudited, in thousands)
REVENUES$
 $6,393,367
 $1,809,949
 $
 $8,203,316
COST OF SALES
 5,378,731
 1,604,751
 
 6,983,482
GROSS PROFIT
 1,014,636
 205,198
 
 1,219,834
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES2,932
 733,744
 179,998
 
 916,674
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE
 35,873
 6,885
 
 42,758
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
 9,526
 
 
 9,526
(LOSS) INCOME FROM OPERATIONS(2,932) 235,493
 18,315
 
 250,876
OTHER EXPENSE:         
Floorplan interest expense
 (34,954) (3,705) 
 (38,659)
Other interest expense, net
 (49,568) (2,620) 
 (52,188)
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES(2,932) 150,971
 11,990
 
 160,029
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES1,100
 (55,402) (2,774) 
 (57,076)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES104,785
 
 
 (104,785) 
NET INCOME (LOSS)$102,953
 $95,569
 $9,216
 $(104,785) $102,953
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAXES
 3,531
 16,998
 
 20,529
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT$102,953
 $99,100
 $26,214
 $(104,785) $123,482


3438

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Total Company
 (Unaudited, in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:       
Net cash provided by operating activities$127,073
 $192,976
 $37,366
 $357,415
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:       
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received
 (91,890) (43,452) (135,342)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment
 101,364
 6,340
 107,704
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate
 (79,490) (38,725) (118,215)
Deposits for real estate and dealership acquisitions381
 
 
 381
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities381
 (70,016) (75,837) (145,472)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:       
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other
 5,036,149
 70,661
 5,106,810
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other
 (5,124,860) (60,365) (5,185,225)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line98,596
 
 
 98,596
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line(91,450) 
 
 (91,450)
Borrowings on other debt
 70,661
 52,637
 123,298
Principal payments on other debt(24,741) (36,198) (44,612) (105,551)
Borrowings on debt related to real estate
 42,657
 12,055
 54,712
Principal payments on debt related to real estate
 (71,762) (11,480) (83,242)
Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings1,529
 
 
 1,529
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date(108,623) 
 
 (108,623)
Proceeds from termination of mortgage swap
 918
 
 918
Dividends paid(16,014) 
 
 (16,014)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries208,665
 (219,177) 10,512
 
Investment in subsidiaries(195,416) 177,618
 17,798
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(127,454) (123,994) 47,206
 (204,242)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
 
 (2,941) (2,941)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH
 (1,034) 5,794
 4,760
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period
 10,096
 19,535
 29,631
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period$
 $9,062
 $25,329
 $34,391



39

Table of Contents
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2017
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Total CompanyGroup 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Total Company
(Unaudited, in thousands)(Unaudited, in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:              
Net cash provided by operating activities$33,939
 $23,409
 $11,869
 $69,217
$102,951
 $188,979
 $15,304
 $307,234
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:              
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received
 
 (95) (95)
 (62,475) (46,607) (109,082)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment
 181
 2,026
 2,207

 2,807
 2,326
 5,133
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate
 (43,091) (3,360) (46,451)
 (131,622) (12,688) (144,310)
Other
 2,459
 
 2,459

 1,526
 
 1,526
Net cash used in investing activities
 (40,451) (1,429) (41,880)
 (189,764) (56,969) (246,733)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:              
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other
 1,580,590
 13,781
 1,594,371

 5,053,598
 
 5,053,598
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other
 (1,586,075) (12,216) (1,598,291)
 (5,108,475) 
 (5,108,475)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line15,000
 
 
 15,000
68,085
 
 
 68,085
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line(15,000) 
 
 (15,000)(35,576) 
 
 (35,576)
Borrowings on other debt25,054
 
 101,262
 126,316
Principal payments on other debt
 (232) 
 (232)
 (787) (87,914) (88,701)
Borrowings on debt related to real estate
 10,156
 28,875
 39,031
Principal payments on debt related to real estate
 (5,589) (1,242) (6,831)
 (16,819) (4,450) (21,269)
Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings(1,030) 
 
 (1,030)4,196
 
 
 4,196
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date(40,094) 
 
 (40,094)
Dividends paid(5,150) 
 
 (5,150)(15,221) 
 
 (15,221)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries(70,250) 68,483
 1,767
 
74,826
 (110,857) 36,031
 
Investment in subsidiaries42,491
 (42,498) 7
 
(184,221) 174,576
 9,645
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(33,939) 14,679
 2,097
 (17,163)(102,951) 1,392
 83,449
 (18,110)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
 
 260
 260

 
 867
 867
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH
 (2,363) 12,797
 10,434
NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH
 607
 42,651
 43,258
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period
 8,039
 16,207
 24,246

 8,039
 16,207
 24,246
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period$
 $5,676
 $29,004
 $34,680
$
 $8,646
 $58,858
 $67,504


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report including, but not limited to, the following sections: "Management's“Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and "Quantitative“Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk." This information includes statements regarding our strategy, plans, goals or current expectations with respect to, among other things:
our future operating performance;
our ability to maintain or improve our margins;
operating cash flows and availability of capital;
the completion of future acquisitions and divestitures;
the future revenues of acquired dealerships;
future stock repurchases, refinancing of debt, and dividends;
future capital expenditures;
changes in sales volumes and availability of credit for customer financing in new and used vehicles and sales volumes in the parts and service markets;
business trends in the retail automotive industry, including the level of manufacturer incentives, new and used vehicle retail sales volume, customer demand, interest rates and changes in industry-wide inventory levels;
availability of financing for inventory, working capital, real estate and capital expenditures; and
implementation of international and domestic trade tariffs.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable when and as made, we cannot assure you that these expectations will prove to be correct. When used in this Form 10-Q, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” "intend,"“intend,” “may” and similar expressions, as they relate to our company and management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs as of the date of this Form 10-Q concerning future developments and their potential effect on us. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate. All comments concerning our expectations for future revenues and operating results are based on our forecasts for our existing operations and do not include the potential impact of any future acquisitions. Our forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Known material factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements for a number of reasons, including:include:
future deterioration in the economic environment, including consumer confidence, interest rates, the prices of oil and gasoline, the level of manufacturer incentives, the implementation of international and domestic trade tariffs, and the availability of consumer credit may affect the demand for new and used vehicles, replacement parts, maintenance and repair services, and finance and insurance products;
adverse domestic and international developments such as war, terrorism, political conflicts, or other hostilities may adversely affect the demand for our products and services;
the existing and future regulatory environment, including legislation related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, climate control changes legislation, and unexpected litigation or adverse legislation, including changes in state franchise laws, may impose additional costs on us or otherwise adversely affect us;
a concentration of risk associated with our principal automobile manufacturers, especially Toyota, Nissan, Honda, BMW, Ford, Daimler, General Motors, Chrysler, and Volkswagen, because of financial distress, bankruptcy, natural disasters that disrupt production, or other reasons, may not continue to produce or make available to us vehicles that are in high demand by our customers or provide financing, insurance, advertising, or other assistance to us;
restructuring by one or more of our principal manufacturers, up to and including bankruptcy, may cause us to suffer financial loss in the form of uncollectible receivables, devalued inventory, or loss of franchises;

requirements imposed on us by our manufacturers may require dispositions, limit our acquisitions, or require increases in the level of capital expenditures related to our dealership facilities;

our existing and/or new dealership operations may not perform at expected levels or achieve expected improvements;
our failure to achieve expected future cost savings or future costs may be higher than we expect;
manufacturer quality issues, including the recall of vehicles, may negatively impact vehicle sales and brand reputation;
available capital resources, increases in cost of financing (such as higher interest rates), and our various debt agreements may limit our ability to complete acquisitions, complete construction of new or expanded facilities, repurchase shares, or pay dividends;
our ability to refinance or obtain financing in the future may be limited and the cost of financing could increase significantly;
foreign exchange controls and currency fluctuations;
new accounting standards could materially impact our reported earnings per share;
our ability to acquire new dealerships and successfully integrate those dealerships into our business;
the impairment of our goodwill, our indefinite-lived intangibles, and our other long-lived assets;
natural disasters, adverse weather events, and other catastrophic events;
a cybersecurity breach, including a breach of personally identifiable information about our customers or employees;
our foreign operations and sales in the U.K. and Brazil, which pose additional risks;
the inability to adjust our cost structure and inventory levels to offset any reduction in the demand for our products and services;
loss of our key personnel;
competition in our industry may impact our operations or our ability to complete additional acquisitions;
the failure to achieve expected sales volumes from our new franchises;
insurance costs could increase significantly and all of our losses may not be covered by insurance; 
our inability to obtain inventory of new and used vehicles and parts, including imported inventory, at the cost, or in the volume, we expect; and
advancements in vehicle technology and changes in ownership models.
For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our projected results, please see Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the "2017“2017 Form 10-K"10-K”), as well as "Management's“Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"Operations” and "Quantitative“Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no responsibility, and expressly disclaim any duty, to update any such statements, whether as a result of new information, new developments, or otherwise, or to publicly release the result of any revision of our forward-looking statements after the date they are made.made, except to the extent required by law.


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements because of various factors. See “Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements.”
In the preparation of our financial statements and reporting of our operating results in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("(“U.S. GAAP"GAAP”), certain non-core business items are required to be presented. Examples of items that we consider non-core include non-cash asset impairment charges, gains and losses on dealership, franchise or real estate transactions, and catastrophic events such as hail storms, hurricanes, and snow storms. In order to improve the transparency of our disclosures, provide a meaningful presentation of results from our core business operations, and improve period-over-period comparability, we have included certain adjusted financial measures that exclude the impact of these non-core business items. These adjusted measures are not measures of financial performance under U.S. GAAP, but are instead considered non-GAAP financial performance measures.
In addition, management evaluates our results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our underlying business and results of operations, consistent with how we evaluate our performance. We calculate constant currency percentages by converting our current period reported results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars using comparative period exchange rates rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. The constant currency performance measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Our management uses these adjusted measures in conjunction with U.S. GAAP financial measures to assess our business, including communication with our Board of Directors, investors, and industry analysts concerning financial performance. Therefore, we believe these adjusted financial measures are relevant and useful to users of the following financial information. For further explanation and reconciliation to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures, see "Non-GAAP“Non-GAAP Financial Measures"Measures” below.
Overview
We are a leading operator in the automotive retail industry. Through our dealerships, we sell new and used cars and light trucks; arrange related vehicle financing; sell service and insurance contracts; provide automotive maintenance and repair services; and sell vehicle parts. Our operations are aligned into three geographic regions: the United States ("(“U.S."), the United Kingdom ("(“U.K.") and Brazil. Our President of U.S. Operations reports directly to our Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the overall performance of the U.S. region, including dealership operations management. The operations of the Company's international regions are structured similar to the U.S. region, each with a regional vice president reporting directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer.region. As such, our three reportable segments are the U.S., which includes the activities of our corporate office, the U.K., and Brazil.
As of March 31,September 30, 2018, we owned and operated 238237 franchises, representing 32 brands of automobiles, at 180181 dealership locations and 4847 collision centers worldwide. We own 153152 franchises at 117 dealerships and 3029 collision centers in the U.S., 6463 franchises at 47 dealerships and 11 collision centers in the U.K., and 2122 franchises at 1617 dealerships and seven collision centers in Brazil. Our U.S. operations are primarily located in major metropolitan areas in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas in the U.S., in 32 towns of the U.K. and in key metropolitan markets in the states of SaoSão Paulo, Parana,Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Santa Catarina in Brazil.
Outlook
Our operating results reflect the combined performance of each of our interrelated business activities, which include the sale of new vehicles, used vehicles, finance and insurance contracts, and parts, as well as maintenance, repair, and collision restoration services. Historically, each of these activities has been directly or indirectly impacted by a variety of supply/demand factors, including vehicle inventories, consumer confidence, discretionary spending levels, availability and affordability of consumer credit, manufacturer incentives, weather patterns, fuel prices, and interest rates. For example, during periods of sustained economic downturn or significant supply/demand imbalances, new vehicle sales may be negatively impacted, as consumers tend to shift their purchases to used vehicles. Some consumers may even delay their purchasing decisions altogether, electing instead to continue to maintain and repair their existing vehicles. In such cases, however, we believe the new vehicle sales impact on our overall business is mitigated by our ability to offer other products and services, such as used vehicles and parts, as well as maintenance, repair, and collision services. In addition, our ability to expediently adjust our cost structure in response to changes in new vehicle sales volumes also tempers the negative impact of any such volume changes. Further, governmental actions, such as the imposition of tariffs or trade restrictions on imported goods, may adversely affect vehicle sales and depress demand.

In the U.S., we generally experience higher volumes of vehicle sales and service in the second and third calendar quarters of each year. This seasonality is generally attributable to consumer buying trends and the timing of manufacturer new vehicle model introductions. In addition, in some regions of the U.S., vehicle purchases decline during the winter months due to inclement weather. As a result, our U.S. revenues and operating income are typically lower in the first and fourth calendar quarters. For the U.K., the first and third quarters' sales volumes tend to be stronger, driven by the vehicle license plate change months of March and September. For Brazil, we expect higher sales volumes in the third and fourth quarters. The first quarter is generally the weakest, driven by heavy consumer vacations and activities associated with Carnival. Other factors unrelated to seasonality, such as changes in economic conditions, manufacturer incentive programs, supply issues, the impact of severe weather events, or changes in currency exchange rates, may exaggerate seasonal or cause counter-seasonal fluctuations in our reported consolidated revenues and consolidated operating income.
During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, industry new vehicle registrationssales volume in the U.S. improved 2.0%0.3% as compared to the same period a year ago. New vehicle sales in our energy-dependent markets have begun to improve,stabilized, as higher oil prices have lifted economic activity in those areas. We are focused on opportunities to enhance our operating results by: (a) maintaining our new and used vehicle gross profit per unit sold; (b) expanding used vehicle sales by maximizing used retail sales opportunities and limiting wholesale activity; (c) continuing to focus on our higher margin parts and service business, implementing strategic selling methods, and improving operational efficiencies; (d) investing capital where necessary to support our anticipated growth, particularly in our parts and service business; (e) further leveraging our revenue and gross profit growth through the continued implementation of cost efficiencies; and (f) implementing focused strategies to improve employee retention and recruitment in both our vehicle sales and aftersales sectors of the business.
In terms of gross domestic product ("GDP"(“GDP”), the U.K. economy represents the fifth largest economy in the world. In June 2016,The ongoing uncertainty related to the majority vote in favorultimate resolution of the Referendum of the United Kingdom’s Membership of the European Union (E.U.) (referred to as "Brexit"), advising for the exit of the U.K. from the E.U. (referred to as “Brexit”), initially createdcontinues to generate much uncertainty in the U.K., as well as in global markets. TheAs a result, the overall U.K. economy and, more specifically, retail automotive industry sales were further disrupted in 2017 by the U.K. general election in June 2017, as well as multiple acts of violence and terrorism. As a result, thecontinue to experience disruption. The U.K. industry's new vehicle sales have experiencedbeen more volatilityvolatile than normal. IndustryAlso, as of September 1, 2018, all light vehicles sold in the E.U. are subjected to mandatory emissions standards testing known as the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (“WLTP”). Delays by various original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) partners in passing this test have led to near-term constraints in new vehicle supply. As a result, industry new vehicle registrations in the U.K. decreased 12.4%7.5% in the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period a year ago that significantly benefited from consumer purchases in advance of an April 2017 road tariffs increase.ago. We expect industry sales to remain volatile in the near future and potentially downlower for the full year 2018.2018 compared to 2017 levels. In addition, the announcement ofuncertainty surrounding Brexit initially causedcontinues to cause significant exchange rate fluctuations that resulted in the weakening of the British pound sterling, in which we conduct business in the U.K., against the U.S. dollar and other global currencies. While the British pound sterling has strengthened relative to the U.S. dollar more recently, any further weakening of the British pound sterling in the future maywould adversely affect our results of operations as reported under U.S. GAAP, as well as have a negative impact on the pricing and affordability of the vehicles in the U.K. Volatility in exchange rates may continue in the short term. Similar to our priorities in the U.S., we are focused on opportunities in the U.K. to enhance our operating results by: (a) integrating recent acquisitions and further leveraging our revenue and gross profit growth through the continued implementation of cost efficiencies; (b) expanding used vehicle sales by maximizing used retail sales opportunities and limiting wholesale activity; (c) continuing to focus on our higher margin parts and service business, implementing strategic selling methods, and improving operational efficiencies; and (d) investing capital where necessary to support our anticipated growth, particularly in our parts and service business.
In terms of GDP, the Brazilian economy represents the nintheighth largest economy in the world. The Brazilian economy has been in a recession, although it has recently exhibited signs of recovery. Industry new vehicle registrations in Brazil increased 14.7%13.1% for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period a year ago. We expect macro-economic conditions in Brazil, as well as retail automotive industry sales, to continue to improve. We remain focused on continued implementation of cost efficiencies and leveraging our structure with dealership acquisitions. Longer term, we expect sustained improvements in industry sales volumes and are utilizing a strategy of aligning with growing brands. We expect that the net impact to our profitability of this adjustment to our portfolio, as well as of a more efficient organizational structure, will be positive.
We expect that our consolidated operations will continue to consistently generate positive cash flow in the future, and we are focused on maximizing the return that we generate from our invested capital, as well as positioning our balance sheet to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise. Our capital allocation strategy is dynamic and dependent on a variety of market conditions and, as such, we will continue to monitor the relative value of dealership acquisitions, dealership dispositions, share repurchases, and shareholder dividends in the future. However, we remain committedOur objective will be to our growth-by-acquisition strategy and, over the long term, we believeallocate capital to those areas that significant opportunities exist tobest enhance our portfolio with dealership acquisitions in the U.S., U.K. and Brazil that provide satisfactory returns on our investment. We will continue to pursue dealership investment opportunities that we believe will add value for our stockholders.shareholder value.
We continue to closely scrutinize all planned future capital spending and work closely with our manufacturer partners to make prudent capital investment decisions that are expected to generate an adequate return and/or improve the customer

experience. We anticipate that our capital spending for the year of 2018 will be less than $130.0$120.0 million. This amount excludes real estate purchases associated with franchise acquisitions and lease buy-outs.

Key Performance Indicators
On a consolidated basis for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, our total revenues increased 13.5%decreased 4.1%, as compared to the same period in 2017, to $2.9 billion, and gross profit improved 9.4%0.9% to $419.8$435.1 million. We generated net income of $35.8$34.8 million, or $1.70$1.74 per diluted common share for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, compared to $33.9$29.9 million, or $1.58$1.43 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our total revenues increased 6.0%, as compared to the same period in 2017, to $8.7 billion, and gross profit improved 6.0% to $1.3 billion. We generated net income of $127.1 million, or $6.18 per diluted common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to net income of $103.0 million, or $4.85 per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Consolidated Statistical Data
The following table highlights certain of the additional key performance indicators we use to manage our business.
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Unit Sales            
Retail Sales            
New Vehicle 41,190
 38,290
 43,584
 48,321
 128,245
 127,487
Used Vehicle 36,216
 31,566
 37,676
 34,349
 111,900
 97,918
Total Retail Sales 77,406
 69,856
 81,260
 82,670
 240,145
 225,405
Wholesale Sales 15,327
 14,529
 12,902
 14,967
 41,798
 43,571
Total Vehicle Sales 92,733
 84,385
 94,162
 97,637
 281,943
 268,976
Gross Margin            
New Vehicle Retail Sales 5.0% 5.2% 5.0% 5.2% 5.0% 5.2%
Total Used Vehicle Sales 5.1% 5.9% 5.7% 5.5% 5.5% 5.7%
Parts and Service Sales 53.5% 53.9% 54.0% 54.0% 54.0% 53.9%
Total Gross Margin 14.7% 15.2% 15.1% 14.3% 14.9% 14.9%
Adjusted Total Gross Margin 15.1% 14.5% 14.9% 14.9%
SG&A (1) as a % of Gross Profit
 77.3% 75.6% 72.8% 76.1% 73.4% 75.1%
Adjusted SG&A (1) as a % of Gross Profit (2)
 77.3% 76.0% 73.6% 72.8% 74.6% 74.0%
Operating Margin 2.8% 3.2% 2.7%
 2.7%
 3.1%
 3.1%
Adjusted Operating Margin (2)
 2.8% 3.1% 3.4%
 3.5%
 3.2%
 3.4%
Pretax Margin 1.6% 2.0% 1.5%
 1.6%
 1.9%
 2.0%
Adjusted Pretax Margin (2)
 1.6% 2.0% 2.2%
 2.4%
 2.0%
 2.3%
Finance and Insurance Revenues per Retail Unit Sold $1,451
 $1,386
 $1,429
 $1,343
 $1,430
 $1,394
Adjusted Finance and Insurance Revenues per Retail Unit Sold (2)
 $1,429
 $1,422
 $1,430
 $1,423
(1) 
Selling, general and administrative expenses.
(2) 
See "Non-GAAP“Non-GAAP Financial Measures"Measures” for more details.
In addition to key performance indicators presented above, we also reference numerous Same Store metrics as key indicators of results and trends occurring within the business. Those Same Store metrics, results and trends are discussed in more detail in the “Results of Operations” section that follows.



Critical Accounting Policies and Accounting Estimates
The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. In particular, to evaluate the carrying value of goodwill and intangible franchise rights for impairment, we must estimate the fair market value of the net assets of each of our reporting units and our intangible franchise rights, using estimates, assumptions and unobservable inputs that require us to use our knowledge of (1) the industry, (2) recent transactions and (3) reasonable performance expectations for our operations.
We disclosed certain critical accounting policies and estimates in our 2017 Form 10-K, and no significant changes have occurred since that time.time with the exception of the adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and all subsequent amendments issued thereafter, that amends the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. Refer to Note 1, “Interim Financial Information”, for additional information regarding the adoption of Topic 606.

Results of Operations
The "Same Store"“Same Store” amounts presented below include the results of dealerships for the identical months in each period presented in comparison, commencing with the first full month in which the dealership was owned by us and, in the case of dispositions, ending with the last full month it was owned by us. The following table summarizes our combined Same Store results for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to 2017. Same Store results also include the activities of our corporate headquarters.
Total Same Store Data
(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017  2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017
Revenues             
New Vehicle Retail $1,407,514
 5.6% 3.5% $1,333,038
 $1,464,434
 (12.7)% (11.6)% $1,676,918
  $4,314,357
 (3.1)% (3.5)% $4,453,217
Used Vehicle Retail 724,164
 10.0% 7.7% 658,552
 743,092
 2.9% 3.7% 722,466
  2,217,686
 7.4% 6.6% 2,064,777
Used Vehicle Wholesale 92,694
 (10.9)% (14.6)% 104,046
 80,171
 (20.2)% (19.0)% 100,522
  252,509
 (16.8)% (18.2)% 303,455
Parts and Service 333,488
 4.6% 3.3% 318,703
 342,323
 2.0% 2.9% 335,537
  1,014,022
 3.0% 2.7% 984,490
Finance, Insurance and Other 106,658
 10.9% 9.8% 96,154
Finance, Insurance and Other, net 111,706
 2.6% 3.2% 108,884
  327,524
 5.4% 5.1% 310,794
Total Revenues $2,664,518
 6.1% 4.1% $2,510,493
 $2,741,726
 (6.9)% (5.9)% $2,944,327
  $8,126,098
 0.1% (0.4)% $8,116,733
Cost of Sales             
New Vehicle Retail $1,337,078
 5.8% 3.7% $1,264,015
 $1,390,535
 (12.6)% (11.5)% $1,590,270
  $4,097,955
 (3.0)% (3.3)% $4,222,892
Used Vehicle Retail 683,013
 11.3% 8.9% 613,647
 696,386
 3.0% 3.8% 676,073
  2,082,861
 8.0% 7.2% 1,928,656
Used Vehicle Wholesale 91,168
 (12.3)% (16.0)% 103,927
 80,230
 (20.3)% (19.1)% 100,716
  250,343
 (17.6)% (19.0)% 303,770
Parts and Service 155,700
 6.2% 5.0% 146,590
 158,178
 2.3% 3.4% 154,575
  468,268
 3.3% 3.2% 453,294
Total Cost of Sales $2,266,959
 6.5% 4.3% $2,128,179
 $2,325,329
 (7.8)% (6.8)% $2,521,634
  $6,899,427
 (0.1)% (0.6)% $6,908,612
Gross Profit $397,559
 4.0% 2.5% $382,314
 $416,397
 (1.5)% (0.6)% $422,693
  $1,226,671
 1.5% 1.2% $1,208,121
SG&A $306,200
 6.2% 4.6% $288,295
 $303,894
 (5.0)% (3.8)% $319,775
  $916,527
 1.3% 1.0% $904,748
Adjusted SG&A (1)
 $306,200
 5.5% 3.9% $290,128
 $305,155
 (1.6)% (0.6)% $310,108
  $909,549
 1.5% 1.2% $895,983
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses $15,267
 13.9% 12.0% $13,409
Depreciation and Amortization Expense $16,181
 10.6% 11.3% $14,631
  $46,995
 12.1% 11.6% $41,920
Floorplan Interest Expense $13,599
 13.6% 12.5% $11,966
 $14,239
 7.5% 8.0% $13,240
  $41,767
 8.9% 8.5% $38,365
Gross Margin             
New Vehicle Retail 5.0% 5.2% 5.0% 5.2%  5.0% 5.2%
Total Used Vehicle 5.2% 5.9% 5.7% 5.6%  5.5% 5.7%
Parts and Service 53.3% 54.0% 53.8% 53.9%  53.8% 54.0%
Total Gross Margin 14.9% 15.2% 15.2% 14.4%  15.1% 14.9%
Adjusted Total Gross Margin (1)
 15.2% 14.5%  15.1% 15.0%
Adjusted Finance, Insurance and Other, Net (1)
 $111,706
 (3.2)% (2.7)% $115,434
  $327,524
 3.2% 2.9% $317,344
Adjusted Total Revenue (1)
 $2,741,726
 (7.1)% (6.1)% $2,950,877
  $8,126,098
  (0.4)% $8,123,283
Adjusted Gross Profit (1)
 $416,397
 (3.0)% (2.1)% $429,243
  $1,226,671
 1.0% 0.7% $1,214,671
SG&A as a % of Gross Profit 77.0% 75.4% 73.0% 75.7%  74.7% 74.9%
Adjusted SG&A as a % of Gross Profit (1)
 77.0% 75.9% 73.3% 72.2%  74.1% 73.8%
Operating Margin 2.9% 3.2% 2.7% 2.7%  2.9% 3.1%
Adjusted Operating Margin(1)
 2.9% 3.1% 3.5% 3.5%  3.3% 3.4%
Finance and Insurance Revenues per Retail Unit Sold $1,481
 7.2% 6.0% $1,382
Finance and Insurance Revenues per Retail Unit Sold, net $1,455
 8.1% 8.6% $1,346
  $1,462
 5.0% 4.6% $1,393
Adjusted Finance and Insurance Revenues per Retail Unit Sold (1)
 $1,455
 2.0% 2.5% $1,427
  $1,462
 2.7% 2.5% $1,423
(1)See "Non-GAAP“Non-GAAP Financial Measures"Measures” for more details.

The discussion that follows provides explanations for the variances noted above by region (U.S., U.K., and Brazil). In addition, each table presents by primary income statement line item comparative financial and non-financial data of our Same Store locations, those locations acquired or disposed of (“Transactions”) during the periods, and the consolidated company for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017.


New Vehicle Retail Data
(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease) 2017 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency(1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017  2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency(1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017
Retail Unit Sales             
Same Stores             
U.S. 28,150
 2.4% 27,498
 31,275
 (10.3)% 34,860
  89,255
 (4.1)% 93,088
U.K. 8,012
 (10.0)% 8,904
 8,121
 (21.5)% 10,341
  24,507
 (9.4)% 27,057
Brazil 2,067
 23.3% 1,676
 1,986
 (8.9)% 2,179
  6,116
 1.3% 6,035
Total Same Stores 38,229
 0.4% 38,078
 41,382
 (12.7)% 47,380
  119,878
 (5.0)%  126,180
Transactions 2,961
 212
 2,202
 941
  8,367
 1,307
Total 41,190
 7.6% 38,290
 43,584
 (9.8)% 48,321
  128,245
 0.6%  127,487
Retail Sales Revenues             
Same Stores   
     
       
U.S. $1,068,221
 4.9% N/A $1,018,249
 $1,168,356
 (8.6)% N/A $1,277,933
  $3,357,715
 (2.3)% N/A $3,435,980
U.K. 270,060
 5.2% (6.6)% 256,703
 236,127
 (26.2)% (25.3)% 319,782
  760,304
 (5.7)% (10.8)% 806,364
Brazil 69,233
 19.2% 23.5% 58,086
 59,951
 (24.3)% (5.5)% 79,203
  196,338
 (6.9)% 4.9% 210,873
Total Same Stores 1,407,514
 5.6% 3.5% 1,333,038
 1,464,434
 (12.7)% (11.6)% 1,676,918
  4,314,357
 (3.1)% (3.5)% 4,453,217
Transactions 106,076
 4,175
 75,064
 33,323
  294,301
 43,005
Total $1,513,590
 13.2% 10.4% $1,337,213
 $1,539,498
 (10.0)% (8.9)% $1,710,241
  $4,608,658
 2.5% 1.9% $4,496,222
Gross Profit             
Same Stores             
U.S. $52,071
 1.7% N/A $51,207
 $55,745
 (14.9)% N/A $65,518
  $162,465
 (6.4)% N/A $173,509
U.K. 14,584
 2.0% (9.6)% 14,296
 13,224
 (20.5)% (19.3)% 16,625
  41,058
 (8.0)% (12.7)% 44,623
Brazil 3,781
 7.4% 11.3% 3,520
 4,930
 9.4% 36.4% 4,505
  12,879
 5.6% 20.6% 12,193
Total Same Stores 70,436
 2.0% (0.2)% 69,023
 73,899
 (14.7)% (13.1)% 86,648
  216,402
 (6.0)% (6.2)% 230,325
Transactions 4,991
 204
 3,703
 1,684
  13,209
 2,145
Total $75,427
 9.0% 6.1% $69,227
 $77,602
 (12.1)% (10.5)% $88,332
  $229,611
 (1.2)% (1.5)% $232,470
Gross Profit per Retail Unit Sold             
Same Stores 
 
   
 
       
U.S. $1,850
 (0.6)% N/A $1,862
 $1,782
 (5.2)% N/A $1,879
  $1,820
 (2.4)% N/A $1,864
U.K. $1,820
 13.3% 0.5% $1,606
 $1,628
 1.2% 2.8% $1,608
  $1,675
 1.6% (3.7)% $1,649
Brazil $1,829
 (12.9)% (9.8)% $2,100
 $2,482
 20.1% 49.7% $2,067
  $2,106
 4.3% 19.0% $2,020
Total Same Stores $1,842
 1.6% (0.6)% $1,813
 $1,786
 (2.4)% (0.5)% $1,829
  $1,805
 (1.1)% (1.2)% $1,825
Transactions $1,686
 $962
 $1,682
 $1,790
  $1,579
 $1,641
Total $1,831
 1.3% (1.4)% $1,808
 $1,781
 (2.6)% (0.7)% $1,828
  $1,790
 (1.8)% (2.1)% $1,823
Gross Margin             
Same Stores             
U.S. 4.9% 5.0% 4.8% 5.1%  4.8% 5.0%
U.K. 5.4% 5.6% 5.6% 5.2%  5.4% 5.5%
Brazil 5.5% 6.1% 8.2% 5.7%  6.6% 5.8%
Total Same Stores 5.0% 
 5.2% 5.0% 
 5.2%  5.0% 5.2%
Transactions 4.7% 4.9% 4.9% 5.1%  4.5% 5.0%
Total 5.0% 5.2% 5.0% 5.2%  5.0% 5.2%
(1)See "Non-GAAP“Non-GAAP Financial Measures"Measures” for more details.


Same Store New Vehicle Unit Sales
The following table sets forth our Same Store new vehicle retail unit sales volume by manufacturer:
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 2017 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 2017 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 2017
Toyota/Lexus 9,617
 8.2% 8,889
 11,532 (10.1)% 12,831 31,302 (2.5)% 32,109
BMW/MINI 5,223
 (4.4)% 5,463
 5,020 (9.8)% 5,568 15,537 (5.1)% 16,378
Volkswagen/Audi/Porsche 4,780
 (0.5)% 4,804
 4,776 (26.6)% 6,504 14,547 (10.8)% 16,316
Ford/Lincoln 4,545
 (7.4)% 4,909
 4,767 (3.5)% 4,941 14,094 (2.6)% 14,477
Honda/Acura 3,931
 12.4% 3,496
 3,837 (12.1)% 4,367 11,635 (1.1)% 11,768
Nissan 2,565
 (16.1)% 3,059
 2,957 (12.0)% 3,361 8,093 (14.9)% 9,514
Chevrolet/GMC/Buick/Cadillac 2,402
 (5.8)% 2,549
 2,459 (16.3)% 2,938 7,356 (7.1)% 7,914
Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM 1,699
 21.1% 1,403
 1,715 (8.7)% 1,878 5,186 4.6% 4,959
Hyundai/Kia 1,421
 8.2% 1,313
 1,687 (15.1)% 1,986 4,558 (9.8)% 5,055
Mercedes-Benz/smart/Sprinter 1,378
 (6.7)% 1,477
 1,072 (25.3)% 1,435 3,860 (15.8)% 4,584
Jaguar/Land Rover 625 (6.0)% 665 1,140 13.0% 1,009
Other 668
 (6.7)% 716
 935 3.2% 906 2,570 22.6% 2,097
Total 38,229
 0.4% 38,078
 41,382 (12.7)% 47,380 119,878 (5.0)% 126,180
In total, our Same Store new vehicle retail unit sales increased 0.4%fell 12.7% for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017. The increasedecrease was driven by improvementsdeclines of 2.4%10.3%, 21.5%, and 23.3%8.9% in the U.S., U.K., and Brazil, respectively, mostly offsetrespectively. Our Same Store U.S. new vehicle unit sales decrease was primarily driven by difficult prior year comparisons in our Houston and Beaumont markets, reflecting strong replacement demand during the third quarter of 2017 following Hurricane Harvey, which damaged hundreds of thousands of vehicles in the region. The impacted Houston and Beaumont markets experienced a 10.0%combined decline of 23.2% versus the third quarter of 2017. Further contributing to the 10.3% decrease in Same Store U.S. new vehicle unit sales was an overall decline in new vehicle retail demand in the U.K. The improvement in ourindustry compared to 2017. Same Store U.S. new vehicle retail unit sales, correspondsexcluding Houston and Beaumont, declined 4.7% against the same prior year period, generally in line with the increasean industry decline in overall U.S. industryretail unit sales of 2.0%5.9% for the three months ended March 31,same period. Our Same Store U.K. new vehicle unit sales decrease of 21.5% was largely driven by supply constraints stemming from delays by various OEM partners in passing the new WLTP emissions standards that became effective on September 1, 2018. And, while the total U.K. industry decreased 10.2% for the third quarter of 2018 as compared to the same period alast year, ago. New vehicle salesour brands were disproportionately affected, especially our Audi models. The 8.9% decline in Texas and Oklahoma continued their positive trend and were up 4.2% in the quarter on a same store basis. The Houston metro area, our largest U.S. market, increased 4.5% as the local economic outlook remains promising amid the uptick in drilling activity and continued construction post-Hurricane Harvey. In the U.K., we outperformed industry sales. In an industry that was down 12.4%, our Same Store new vehicle retail units sales declined 10.0%. The decrease was primarily attributable to exceptional sales volumes in the first quarter of 2017 stemming from pull ahead demand in response to increased road tariffs that went into effect in April of 2017. We experienced a 23.3% increase in ourBrazil Same Store new vehicle retail unit sales for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to a strategic focus to prioritize margins over volume. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, total Same Store new vehicle retail unit sales decreased 5.0%, primarily driven by decreases of 4.1% and 9.4% in the U.S. and the U.K., respectively, partially offset by a 1.3% increase in Brazil. The decline in the U.S. was related to declines in our Houston and Beaumont markets due to last years' inflated volume from replacement demand following Hurricane Harvey and an overall decrease in U.S. industry sales of 2.2%. The decline in the U.K. was driven by inventory shortages in the third quarter of 2018 resulting from OEM delays in achieving model certifications under the WLTP legislation and the lingering uncertainty of a Brexit resolution. The overall U.K. industry sales declined 7.5% through the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase in Brazil reflectingwas primarily a result of improved market conditions and an initiativeinitiatives that began in the first quarter of 2018 to increase sales volume and improve inventory levels by selling more volume. Our sales volumes in Brazil outperformed industry sales that improved 14.7%,levels.
Our total Same Store new vehicle retail sales revenue increased 5.6%decreased 12.7% for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, reflecting increasesdeclines in in the U.S., U.K., and Brazil.Brazil of 8.6%, 26.2%, and 24.3%, respectively. The 4.9% increase8.6% decrease in U.S. Same Store new vehicle revenue was primarily due to the increasedecline in new vehicle retail units of 2.4%10.3%, coupled withpartially offset by a 2.5%1.9% increase in the average new vehicle retail sales price to $37,947.$37,358. The increase in U.S. Same Store average new vehicle retail sales price was primarily due to a mix shift in sales from cars to trucks, generally driven by consumer preference and lower gas prices. For the firstthird quarter of 2018, U.S. Same Store new vehicle retail truck sales represented 64.1%65.4% of total Same Store new vehicle retail units sold, as compared to 59.6%61.0% for the same period last year. Our U.K. Same Store new vehicle retail revenues increased 5.2%decline of 26.2% is explained by a 6.0% decrease in average new vehicle retail sales price and the 21.5% decrease in unit sales. The decline in Same Store average new vehicle retail sales price was due to the mix effect of selling fewer luxury units, as many models, especially Audi models, were not available for sale as a result of the WLTP legislation. Our Brazil Same Store new vehicle retail sales revenue decrease of 24.3% is explained by a 17.0% decrease in average new vehicle retail sales price, coupled with an 8.9% decrease in unit sales. On a constant currency basis, our Brazil Same Store new vehicle retail revenue fell 5.5%, as a 3.6% increase in new vehicle average retail sales price was more than

offset by the 8.9% decrease in new vehicle retail units for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period last year, more thanyear. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, total Same Store new vehicle retail sales revenues decreased 3.1%, as compared to the same period in 2017, driven by decreases of 2.3%, 5.7%, and 6.9% in the U.S., U.K. and Brazil, respectively. The decreases in the U.S. and U.K. were driven by a 4.1% and 9.4% decrease in Same Store new vehicle unit sales, respectively, as discussed above. The decline in Same Store new vehicle retail sales revenues in Brazil is explained by a favorablean unfavorable change in exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, U.K. Same Store new vehicle retail revenues decreased 6.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period last year. The 6.6% decline is more than explained by the 10.0% decrease in new vehicle retail units that was partially offset by a 3.8% increase in our average new vehicle retail sales price on a constant currency basis. Our Brazil Same Store new vehicle retail sales revenuerevenues increased 19.2%4.9% for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to last year, driven by a 23.3% increase in new vehicle retail units and partially offset by a 3.4% decline in average new vehicle retail sales price. The decline in average new vehicle retail sales price was explained by the unfavorable change in exchange rates, as on a constant currency basis, average new vehicle retail sales price was relatively flat.year. The level of retail sales, as well as our own ability to retain or grow market share during any future period, is difficult to predict.
Our total Same Store new vehicle gross profit increased 2.0%decreased 14.7% for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, reflecting increasesdecreases of 14.9% and 20.5% in the U.S., and U.K., andrespectively, partially offset by a 9.4% increase in Brazil. In the U.S., the Same Store new vehicle gross profit increased 1.7%,decline is explained by the 2.4% increase10.3% decrease in new vehicle retail units slightly offset byand a 0.6%5.2% decline in gross profit per retail unit (“PRU”) to $1,782. The decline in Same Store gross profit PRU in the U.S. was primarily due to $1,850. For the three months ended March 31,elevated levels in 2017 that were driven by the high demand in our Houston and Beaumont markets, as a result of the impact of Hurricane Harvey. In 2018, we saw gross profit per unit return to more normal levels. The decline in our Same Store new vehicle gross profit in the U.K. increased 2.0%, more thanis explained by the 21.5% decrease in new vehicle retail unit sales. Partially offsetting this decline in unit sales, gross profit PRU improved 2.8% in the U.K., on a favorableconstant currency basis. In Brazil, the Same Store new vehicle gross profit increase of 9.4% was driven by our strategic focus to prioritize margin over sales volume, but was partially offset by an unfavorable change in exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, U.K.Brazil new vehicle gross profit fell 9.6%rose 36.4%, driven by a 49.7% increase in new vehicle gross profit PRU for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period last year, more than explained byyear. For the 10.0% decline in new vehicle units, partially offset by a 0.5% increase in gross profit PRU on a constant currency basis. In Brazil, Same Store new vehicle gross profit increased 7.4% for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017. The increase in gross profit in Brazil was more than explained by the 23.3% increase in retail unit sales volume, partially offset

by a 12.9% decline in new vehicle gross profit per retail unit ("PRU"), reflecting an emphasis in the first quarter of 2018 to sell more volume and reduce inventory levels. Ouryear ago, total Same Store new vehicle gross margin forprofit declined 6.0%, driven by declines in the U.S. and U.K. of 6.4% and 8.0%, respectively, partially offset by a 5.6% increase in Brazil. For both the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, our total Same Store new vehicle gross margin, as compared to the same period in 2017, declined 20 basis points from 5.2% to 5.0%.
In the U.S., most manufacturers offer interest assistance to offset floorplan interest charges incurred in connection with inventory purchases. This assistance varies by manufacturer, but generally provides for a defined amount, adjusted periodically for changes in market interest rates, regardless of our actual floorplan interest rate or the length of time for which the inventory is financed. We record these incentives as a reduction of new vehicle cost of sales as the vehicles are sold, impacting the gross profit and gross margin detailed above. The total interest assistance recognized in cost of sales during the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $11.0$12.0 million and $10.5$13.6 million, respectively. The amount of interest assistance we recognize in a given period is primarily a function of: (a) the mix of units being sold, as U.S. domestic brands tend to provide more assistance, (b) the specific terms of the respective manufacturers' interest assistance programs and market interest rates, (c) the average wholesale price of inventory sold, and (d) our rate of inventory turnover. Over the past three years, consolidated manufacturers' interest assistance as a percentage of our total consolidated floorplan interest expense has ranged from 78.3% in the first quarter of 2018 to 139.9%131.0% in the thirdfourth quarter of 2015. In the U.S., manufacturers' interest assistance was 87.1%91.0% of floorplan interest expense in the firstthird quarter of 2018, as compared to 94.5%110.7% in the firstthird quarter of 2017.
We increaseddecreased our consolidated new vehicle inventory levels by $42.4$23.8 million, or 3.5%2.0%, from $1,194.6 million as of December 31, 2017 to $1,237.0$1,170.8 million as of March 31,September 30, 2018, reflecting seasonal changes and normalthe focus by management to reduce inventory management in preparation for the spring selling season in the U.S.,levels to help offset rising LIBOR rates that are associated with our inventory floorplan borrowings, as well as U.S. dealership acquisitiondisposition activity. As compared to March 31,September 30, 2017, our consolidated inventory levels have decreasedincreased by $2.9$75.1 million, or 0.2%6.8%. The increase in new vehicle inventory over prior year was driven by dealership acquisition activity and increased inventory levels in 2018 in our Hurricane Harvey impacted markets, which reflects the strong replacement sales that we experienced in the third quarter of 2017. Our inventory levels in the Hurricane Harvey impacted markets have normalized, since 2017. Our consolidated days' supply of new vehicle inventory decreased to 53 days as of March 31, 2018, which was down fromstable at 61 days as of tofor both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and downup from 6244 days as of March 31,September 30, 2017, again reflecting the abnormally low levels at the end of the third quarter of 2017.


Used Vehicle Retail Data
(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017  2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017
Retail Unit Sales             
Same Stores             
U.S. 26,858
 7.7% 24,929
 27,406
 5.5% 25,980
  82,235
 8.1% 76,078
U.K. 5,864
 5.1% 5,578
 6,982
 7.7% 6,483
  18,844
 5.8% 17,819
Brazil 1,071
 9.2% 981
 1,027
 (0.7)% 1,034
  3,094
 3.0% 3,003
Total Same Stores 33,793
 7.3% 31,488
 35,415
 5.7% 33,497
  104,173
 7.5% 96,900
Transactions 2,423
 78
 2,261
 852
  7,727
 1,018
Total 36,216
 14.7% 31,566
 37,676
 9.7% 34,349
  111,900
 14.3% 97,918
Retail Sales Revenues             
Same Stores             
U.S. $553,733
 6.1% N/A $521,945
 $556,910
 0.7% N/A $552,925
  $1,690,460
 5.0% N/A $1,609,804
U.K. 146,240
 27.4% 13.4% 114,806
 166,503
 13.6% 14.3% 146,611
  462,087
 18.8% 12.7% 388,892
Brazil 24,191
 11.0% 14.9% 21,801
 19,679
 (14.2)% 6.7% 22,930
  65,139
 (1.4)% 10.8% 66,081
Total Same Stores 724,164
 10.0% 7.7% 658,552
 743,092
 2.9% 3.7% 722,466
  2,217,686
 7.4% 6.6% 2,064,777
Transactions 56,406
 2,375
 49,313
 20,572
  177,142
 25,137
Total $780,570
 18.1% 15.0% $660,927
 $792,405
 6.6% 7.5% $743,038
  $2,394,828
 14.6% 13.5% $2,089,914
Gross Profit             
Same Stores             
U.S. $33,028
 (12.9)% N/A $37,931
 $36,505
 (2.2)% N/A $37,316
  $107,251
 (4.2)% N/A $111,896
U.K. 6,671
 23.9% 10.3% 5,383
 8,918
 20.8% 21.5% 7,384
  23,563
 21.4% 15.1% 19,404
Brazil 1,452
 (8.7)% (5.7)% 1,591
 1,283
 (24.2)% (6.1)% 1,693
  4,011
 (16.8)% (6.3)% 4,821
Total Same Stores 41,151
 (8.4)% (9.9)% 44,905
 46,706
 0.7% 1.5% 46,393
  134,825
 (1.0)% (1.5)% 136,121
Transactions 2,344
 100
 3,449
 730
  10,039
 920
Total $43,495
 (3.4)% (5.3)% $45,005
 $50,155
 6.4% 7.2% $47,123
  $144,864
 5.7% 4.9% $137,041
Gross Profit per Unit Sold             
Same Stores             
U.S. $1,230
 (19.2)% N/A $1,522
 $1,332
 (7.2)% N/A $1,436
  $1,304
 (11.4)% N/A $1,471
U.K. $1,138
 17.9% 4.9% $965
 $1,277
 12.1% 12.8% $1,139
  $1,250
 14.8% 8.9% $1,089
Brazil $1,356
 (16.4)% (13.6)% $1,622
 $1,249
 (23.7)% (5.5)% $1,637
  $1,296
 (19.3)% (9.1)% $1,605
Total Same Stores $1,218
 (14.6)% (16.0)% $1,426
 $1,319
 (4.8)% (4.0)% $1,385
  $1,294
 (7.9)% (8.4)% $1,405
Transactions $967
 $1,282
 $1,525
 $857
  $1,299
 $904
Total $1,201
 (15.8)% (17.5)% $1,426
 $1,331
 (3.0)% (2.2)% $1,372
  $1,295
 (7.5)% (8.2)% $1,400
Gross Margin             
Same Stores             
U.S. 6.0% 7.3% 6.6% 6.7%  6.3% 7.0%
U.K. 4.6% 4.7% 5.4% 5.0%  5.1% 5.0%
Brazil 6.0% 7.3% 6.5% 7.4%  6.2% 7.3%
Total Same Stores 5.7% 
 6.8% 6.3% 
 6.4%  6.1% 6.6%
Transactions 4.2% 4.2% 7.0% 3.5%  5.7% 3.7%
Total 5.6% 6.8% 6.3% 6.3%  6.0% 6.6%
(1)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more details.


Used Vehicle Wholesale Data
(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease) 2017 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017  2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017
Wholesale Unit Sales             
Same Stores             
U.S. 9,223
 (7.6)% 9,981
 6,932
 (28.1)% 9,638
  23,288
 (20.5)% 29,300
U.K. 4,333
 4.6% 4,142
 4,697
 2.2% 4,594
  13,517
 5.3% 12,840
Brazil 357
 32.7% 269
 359
 48.3% 242
  1,030
 37.7% 748
Total Same Stores 13,913
 (3.3)% 14,392
 11,988
 (17.2)% 14,474
  37,835
 (11.8)% 42,888
Transactions 1,414
 137
 914
 493
  3,963
 683
Total 15,327
 5.5% 14,529
 12,902
 (13.8)% 14,967
  41,798
 (4.1)% 43,571
Wholesale Sales Revenues             
Same Stores             
U.S. $52,779
 (25.2)% N/A $70,544
 $39,451
 (36.3)% N/A $61,896
  $133,389
 (32.8)% N/A $198,628
U.K. 36,073
 18.6% 5.6% 30,415
 36,763
 2.7% 3.4% 35,808
  107,775
 11.7% 5.7% 96,470
Brazil 3,842
 24.5% 29.0% 3,087
 3,957
 40.4% 76.1% 2,818
  11,345
 35.8% 55.2% 8,357
Total Same Stores 92,694
 (10.9)% (14.6)% 104,046
 80,171
 (20.2)% (19.0)% 100,522
  252,509
 (16.8)% (18.2)% 303,455
Transactions 11,335
 111
 6,399
 4,305
  30,944
 4,906
Total $104,029
 (0.1)% (4.9)% $104,157
 $86,570
 (17.4)% (16.2)% $104,827
  $283,453
 (8.1)% (9.9)% $308,361
Gross Profit             
Same Stores             
U.S. $1,425
 513.0% N/A $(345) $409
 414.6% N/A $(130)  $3,395
 1,643.2% N/A $(220)
U.K. (50) (123.6)% (123.5)% 212
 (623) (122.5)% (117.2)% (280)  (1,601) (109.6)% (102.7)% (764)
Brazil 151
 (40.1)% (37.4)% 252
 155
 (28.2)% (10.2)% 216
  372
 (44.4)% (37.7)% 669
Total Same Stores 1,526
 1,182.4% 1,181.5% 119
 (59) 69.6% 97.7% (194)  2,166
 787.6% 819.3% (315)
Transactions 129
 (19) (255) 9
  (584) (37)
Total $1,655
 1,555.0% 1,549.1% $100
 $(314) (69.7)% (36.3)% $(185)  $1,582
 549.4% 581.5% $(352)
Gross Profit per Wholesale Unit Sold             
Same Stores             
U.S. $155
 542.9% N/A $(35) $59
 553.8% N/A $(13)  $146
 1,925.0% N/A $(8)
    
U.K. $(12) (123.5)% (122.4)% $51
 $(133) (118.0)% (112.4)% $(61)  $(118) (96.7)% (92.5)% $(60)
Brazil $423
 (54.9)% (52.9)% $937
 $432
 (51.6)% (39.4)% $893
  $361
 (59.6)% (54.7)% $894
Total Same Stores $110
 1,275.0% 1,225.6% $8
 $(5) 61.5% 97.3% $(13)  $57
 914.3% 915.3% $(7)
Transactions $91
 $(139) $(279) $18
  $(147) $(54)
Total $108
 1,442.9% 1,463.3% $7
 $(24) (100.0)% (58.2)% $(12)  $38
 575.0% 601.9% $(8)
Gross Margin             
Same Stores             
U.S. 2.7% (0.5)% 1.0% (0.2)%  2.5% (0.1)%
U.K. (0.1)% 0.7% (1.7)% (0.8)%  (1.5)% (0.8)%
Brazil 3.9% 8.2% 3.9% 7.7%  3.3% 8.0%
Total Same Stores 1.6% 
 0.1% (0.1)% 
 (0.2)%  0.9% (0.1)%
Transactions 1.1% (17.1)% (4.0)% 0.2%  (1.9)% (0.8)%
Total 1.6% 0.1% (0.4)% (0.2)%  0.6% (0.1)%
 
(1)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more details.


Total Used Vehicle Data
(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease) 2017 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency(1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017  2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency(1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017
Used Vehicle Unit Sales             
Same Stores             
U.S. 36,081
 3.4% 34,910
 34,338
 (3.6)% 35,618
  105,523
 0.1% 105,378
U.K. 10,197
 4.9% 9,720
 11,679
 5.4% 11,077
  32,361
 5.6% 30,659
Brazil 1,428
 14.2% 1,250
 1,386
 8.6% 1,276
  4,124
 9.9% 3,751
Total Same Stores 47,706
 4.0% 45,880
 47,403
 (1.2)% 47,971
  142,008
 1.6% 139,788
Transactions 3,837
 215
 3,175
 1,345
  11,690
 1,701
Total 51,543
 11.8% 46,095
 50,578
 2.6% 49,316
  153,698
 8.6% 141,489
Sales Revenues             
Same Stores             
U.S. $606,512
 2.4% N/A $592,489
 $596,361
 (3.0)% N/A $614,821
  $1,823,849
 0.9% N/A $1,808,432
U.K. 182,313
 25.5% 11.7% 145,221
 203,266
 11.4% 12.2% 182,419
  569,862
 17.4% 11.3% 485,362
Brazil 28,033
 12.6% 16.6% 24,888
 23,636
 (8.2)% 14.3% 25,748
  76,484
 2.7% 15.8% 74,438
Total Same Stores 816,858
 7.1% 4.6% 762,598
 823,263
 —% 0.9% 822,988
  2,470,195
 4.3% 3.5% 2,368,232
Transactions 67,741
 2,486
 55,712
 24,877
  208,086
 30,043
Total $884,599
 15.6% 12.3% $765,084
 $878,975
 3.7% 4.5% $847,865
  $2,678,281
 11.7% 10.5% $2,398,275
Gross Profit             
Same Stores             
U.S. $34,453
 (8.3)% N/A $37,586
 $36,914
 (0.7)% N/A $37,186
  $110,646
 (0.9)% N/A $111,676
U.K. 6,621
 18.3% 5.2% 5,595
 8,295
 16.8% 17.7% 7,104
  21,962
 17.8% 11.5% 18,640
Brazil 1,603
 (13.0)% (10.0)% 1,843
 1,438
 (24.7)% (6.6)% 1,909
  4,383
 (20.2)% (10.1)% 5,490
Total Same Stores 42,677
 (5.2)% (6.7)% 45,024
 46,647
 1.0% 1.9% 46,199
  136,991
 0.9% 0.4% 135,806
Transactions 2,473
 81
 3,194
 739
  9,455
 883
Total $45,150
 0.1% (1.9)% $45,105
 $49,841
 6.2% 7.1% $46,938
  $146,446
 7.1% 6.4% $136,689
Gross Profit per Unit Sold             
Same Stores             
U.S. $955
 (11.3)% N/A $1,077
 $1,075
 3.0% N/A $1,044
  $1,049
 (1.0)% N/A $1,060
U.K. $649
 12.7% 0.3% $576
 $710
 10.8% 11.7% $641
  $679
 11.7% 5.7% $608
Brazil $1,123
 (23.8)% (21.3)% $1,474
 $1,038
 (30.6)% (14.0)% $1,496
  $1,063
 (27.4)% (18.3)% $1,464
Total Same Stores $895
 (8.8)% (10.3)% $981
 $984
 2.2% 3.1% $963
  $965
 (0.7)% (1.2)% $972
Transactions $645
 $377
 $1,006
 $549
  $809
 
 $519
Total $876
 (10.5)% (12.3)% $979
 $985
 3.5% 4.5% $952
  $953
 (1.3)% (2.1)% $966
Gross Margin             
Same Stores             
U.S. 5.7% 6.3% 6.2% 6.0%  6.1% 6.2%
U.K. 3.6% 3.9% 4.1% 3.9%  3.9% 3.8%
Brazil 5.7% 7.4% 6.1% 7.4%  5.7% 7.4%
Total Same Stores 5.2% 5.9% 5.7% 5.6%  5.5% 5.7%
Transactions 3.7% 3.3% 5.7% 3.0%  4.5% 2.9%
Total 5.1% 5.9% 5.7% 5.5%  5.5% 5.7%
(1)See "Non-GAAP“Non-GAAP Financial Measures"Measures” for more details.


In addition to factors such as general economic conditions and consumer confidence, our used vehicle business is affected by the level of manufacturer incentives on new vehicles and new vehicle financing, the number and quality of used vehicle trade-ins and lease turn-ins, the availability of consumer credit, and our ability to effectively manage the level and quality of our overall used vehicle inventory.

Our total Same Store used vehicle retail revenues increased $65.6$20.6 million, or 10.0%2.9%, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, reflecting a 7.3%5.7% increase in total Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales, coupled with a 2.5% increasepartially offset by 2.7% decrease in average used vehicle retail selling price to $21,429.$20,982. In the U.S., Same Store used vehicle retail revenues increased $31.8$4.0 million, or 6.1%0.7%, reflecting a 7.7%5.5% increase in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales, partially offset by 1.5%a 4.5%, or $320,$962, decrease in the average used vehicle retail sales price to $20,617.$20,321. The improvements in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales were driven by the launch of Val-U-Line,Val-U-Line® during the first quarter of 2018, a proprietary brand for older model, higher mileage, pre-owned vehicles that targets customer demand and enables the Company to retail lower cost units that otherwise would have otherwise been sent to auction. Our Val-U-LineVal-U-Line® products were approximately 9.5%11.0% of U.S. Same Store used vehicle retail units.units for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease in Same Store average used vehicle retail sales price reflected an 150the mix shift effect of units sold associated with the growth of our Val-U-Line® brand. Further, this mix shift also drove a 360 basis point decline in our Certified Pre-Owned ("CPO"(“CPO”) units sold as a percentage of U.S. Same Store used vehicle retail unit salesto 23.9% for the firstthird quarter of 2018, to 25.7% as compared to 27.2%27.5% for the same period in 2017, as well as an increased mix of lower cost units associated with our Val-U-Line brand during the first quarter of 2018.2017. In the U.K., Same Store used vehicle retail revenues increased by $31.4$19.9 million, or 27.4%13.6%, for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period last year. The increase in Same Store used vehicle retail revenue was driven by a 21.2%7.7% increase in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales in the U.K., coupled with a 5.4% increase in Same Store average used vehicle retail sales price, reflecting strong performance by our operating team that focused on growing the used vehicle portion of our business as an offset to the decline in U.K. new vehicle unit sales. In Brazil, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, Same Store used vehicle retail revenues decreased 14.2%, reflecting a 13.6% decline in Same Store average used vehicle retail selling price, coupled with a 5.1% increase0.7% decrease in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales. The decline in Same Store used vehicle retail revenue and Same Store average used vehicle retail selling price can be more than explained by the unfavorable change in exchange rates between periods. On a constant currency basis, U.K.Brazil Same storeStore used vehicle retail revenue and average used vehicle retail salesselling price increased 7.9% in the first quarter of 20186.7% and 7.4%, respectively, as compared to the same period last year. These increases were primarily driven by a strong performance from our operating team, as we shifted our focus to growingreflect improved market conditions, inventory management initiatives, and ongoing process improvements. For the used vehicles and aftersales portions of our business as an offset to a slowing new vehicle SAAR. In Brazil, for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, our total Same Store used vehicle retail revenues increased 11.0%7.4%, reflectingas compared to last year, primarily as a 9.2%result of the increase in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales coupled with a 1.6% increaseby 7.5%. The improvement in the averagetotal used vehicle retail selling price. These increases reflect improved market conditions,unit sales, was primarily driven by the additional units generated from our inventory management initiativesVal-U-Line® brand in the U.S. and ongoing process improvements.strong growth in our U.K. region.
In total, our Same Store used vehicle retail total gross profit for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 decreased 8.4%increased 0.7%, as compared to the same period in 2017, reflecting improvements in the U.K. that were partially offset by declines in the U.S. and Brazil that were partially offset by improvements in the U.K.Brazil. In the U.S., Same Store used vehicle gross profit decreased by 12.9%2.2%, driven by a decline in Same Store used vehicle gross profit PRU of 19.2%7.2%, or $292,$104, partially offset by the 7.7%an increase in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales.sales of 5.5%. The decline in our U.S. Same Store used vehicle gross profit PRU was significantly more pronouncedprimarily the result of the growth in our luxury brands and primarily inVal-U-Line® brand that focuses on moving more of our CPO business as we work with our OEM partnerslower valued used vehicles to absorb an increased supply of off-lease and loaner vehicles.retail customers versus selling at auction. In Brazil, the 24.2% decrease of 8.7% in Same Store used vehicle retail gross profit resulted from a 16.4% decrease23.7% and 0.7% decline in Same Store used vehicle retail gross profit PRU which was partially offset by the 9.2% increase inand Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales, respectively, as we continuestrategically sacrificed margin to actively manage our inventory levels. The decrease in Same Store used retail gross profit PRU was also impacted by an unfavorable exchange rate between periods as, on a constant currency basis, our Brazil used vehicle retail gross profit declined 6.1% while our used vehicle retail gross profit PRU declined 5.5%. In the U.K., Same Store used vehicle retail gross profit increased 23.9%20.8% for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period last year. This improvement can be explained by an increase of 17.9%12.1% in Same Store used vehicle gross profit PRU, andcoupled with the 5.1%7.7% increase in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales. The increase in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales resulting from improvingwas the result of heightened used vehicle demand supported by supply constraints on many new vehicle models as a result of the WLTP legislation, as well as a strong performance by our operating teams and a favorable changeteam. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in the exchange rates. On a constant currency basis our U.K.2017, total Same Store used vehicle retail gross profit anddecreased 1.0%, as a result of a decline in Same Store used vehicle gross profit PRU of 7.9%, partially offset by an increase of 7.5% in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales. The decline in total Same Store used vehicle retail gross profit was driven by the increased 10.3%supply of off-lease and 4.9%loaner vehicles in the U.S., respectively.particularly in the first quarter of 2018. The decline also reflects our inventory management initiatives in Brazil that improved sales volumes, but correspondingly produced less gross profit PRU.
During the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, total Same Store used vehicle wholesale revenue decreased 10.9%20.2%, as compared to the same period in 2017, driven by a decline in the U.S. and partially offset by increases in the U.K. and Brazil. In the U.S., the 25.2%36.3% decrease in Same Store used vehicle wholesale revenue for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 was the result of a 7.6%28.1% decrease in Same Store wholesale used vehicle wholesale unit sales coupled with a 19.0%an 11.4% decrease in Same Store used vehicle wholesale average sales price. ThisThe decline in both was primarily driven by the success of our Val-U-LineVal-U-Line® initiative, which was launched in the first quarter of 2018 to sell more of our older model, higher mileage vehicles through retail channels and lower our reliance on the auction markets, leaving the relatively lower valued units to be sold in the auction markets. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, approximately 1,400 units in the U.S. were shifted from lower margin used vehicle wholesale sales to higher margin used vehicle retail sales. In the U.K., Same Store used vehicle wholesale revenue increased 18.6%2.7%, which is explained by a 4.6%2.2% increase in Same Store wholesale used vehicle unitsunit sales coupled with a 13.4%

0.4% increase in Same Store used vehicle wholesale average sales price primarily as a result of the favorable change in exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, our U.K. Same Store used vehicle wholesale revenue increased 5.6% and used vehicle average wholesale price was relatively flat.price. In Brazil, Same Store used vehicle wholesale revenue increased 24.5%40.4%, primarily as a result of a 32.7%48.3% increase in Same Store wholesale unit sales, as we focused on faster inventory turns. This was partially offset by a 5.3% decrease of 6.2% in Same Store wholesale used vehicle average sales price. The increasedecline in wholesale average sales price was the result of an unfavorable change in exchange rates as, on a constant currency basis, our Brazil Same Store used vehicle average wholesale price increased 18.7%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, total Same Store used vehicle wholesale revenue declined 16.8%, driven by a decrease of 11.8% in Same Store used vehicle wholesale unit sales, reflects our inventory management initiatives.coupled with a 5.7% decrease in Same Store average used vehicle wholesale selling price.
Our total Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit increasedimproved from $0.1a loss of $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 to $1.5a loss of $0.1 million for the comparable period in 2018 driven by an improvementincrease in the U.S. and partially offset by declinesdecreases in the U.K. and Brazil. In the U.S., Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit increased as a result of an increase

in Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit per unit from a loss of $35 per unit in the first$13 during third quarter of 2017 to a profit of $155 per unit$59 during the same period in the first quarter of 2018, which was partially offset by a 7.6%28.1% decrease in Same Store used vehicle wholesale unit sales. The increase in Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit per unit in the U.S. for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 was driven by our initiative to sell more units at retail and lessen our dependence on auctions.trends with the 5.0% increase in average market prices during the same period as reflected in the Manheim Index. In the U.K., the decline in Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit was driven by a decrease in Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit per unit from $51a loss of $61 for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 to a loss of $12$133 for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, coupled with an increase of 4.6%2.2% in Same Store used vehicle wholesale unitsunit sales. In Brazil, the 40.1%28.2% decline in Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit was driven by a decrease in Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit per unit of 54.9%51.6% for the firstthird quarter of 2018 as compared to the same period last year, partially offset by an increase of 32.7%48.3% in Same Store used vehicle wholesale unitsunit sales for the same comparable periods both as a result of our efforts to manage inventory levels. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our total Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit increased from a loss of $0.3 million for nine months ended September 30, 2017 to profit of $2.2 million for the comparable period in 2018, as a result of an increase in Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit per unit, from a loss of $7 for the third quarter of 2017 to a profit of $57 for the comparable period in 2018, partially offset by an 11.8% decrease in Same Store used vehicle wholesale unit sales.
As of March 31,September 30, 2018, we increased our consolidated used vehicle inventory levels by $9.0$9.2 million, or 2.6%, from December 31, 2017 and by $66.1$15.7 million, or 22.5%4.6%, from March 31,September 30, 2017 to $359.7$360.0 million, in responseprimarily related to continued improvement in the used vehicle selling environment and our dealership acquisition activity. Our consolidated days' supply of used vehicle inventory was 3136 days as of March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to 39 days as of December 31, 2017 and 3032 days as of March 31,September 30, 2017.



Parts and Service Data
(dollars in thousands)
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017  2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017
Parts and Services Revenue             
Same Stores             
U.S. $280,403
 3.4% N/A $271,159
 $285,334
 2.2% N/A $279,191
  $850,231
 2.2% N/A $831,905
U.K. 41,225
 13.1% 0.7% 36,446
 46,187
 5.3% 5.9% 43,851
  130,198
 11.2% 5.3% 117,105
Brazil 11,860
 6.9% 10.4% 11,098
 10,802
 (13.5)% 7.6% 12,495
  33,593
 (5.3)% 6.8% 35,480
Total Same Stores 333,488
 4.6% 3.3% 318,703
 342,323
 2.0% 2.9% 335,537
  1,014,022
 3.0% 2.7% 984,490
Transactions 16,027
 995
 12,178
 7,656
  48,123
 10,032
Total $349,515
 9.3% 7.6% $319,698
 $354,501
 3.3% 4.2% $343,193
  $1,062,145
 6.8% 6.4% $994,522
Gross Profit             
Same Stores             
U.S. $148,910
 2.0% N/A $145,998
 $153,657
 2.4% N/A $150,073
  $456,654
 2.1% N/A $447,420
U.K. 23,505
 11.5% (0.7)% 21,073
 25,701
 2.0% 2.6% 25,208
  74,110
 9.6% 3.9% 67,596
Brazil 5,373
 6.6% 10.1% 5,042
 4,787
 (15.7)% 4.9% 5,681
  14,990
 (7.4)% 4.4% 16,180
Total Same Stores 177,788
 3.3% 1.9% 172,113
 184,145
 1.8% 2.5% 180,962
  545,754
 2.7% 2.4% 531,196
Transactions 9,076
 243
 7,429
 4,195
  27,754
 5,182
Total $186,864
 8.4% 6.6% $172,356
 $191,574
 3.5% 4.2% $185,157
  $573,508
 6.9% 6.4% $536,378
Gross Margin             
Same Stores             
U.S. 53.1% 53.8% 53.9% 53.8%  53.7% 53.8%
U.K. 57.0% 57.8% 55.6% 57.5%  56.9% 57.7%
Brazil 45.3% 45.4% 44.3% 45.5%  44.6% 45.6%
Total Same Stores 53.3% 54.0% 53.8% 53.9%  53.8% 54.0%
Transactions 56.6% 24.4% 61.0% 54.8%  57.7% 51.7%
Total 53.5% 53.9% 54.0% 54.0%  54.0% 53.9%
(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more details.
Our total Same Store parts and service revenues increased $14.8$6.8 million, or 4.6%2.0%, to $333.5$342.3 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, primarily driven by growth in all the segments of our business: the U.S., the and U.K. and Brazil.that was partially offset by a decline in our Brazil business. For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, our U.S. Same Store parts and service revenue increased 3.4%2.2%, or $9.2$6.1 million, reflecting a 10.4% increase in wholesale parts revenues and a 3.1%6.3% increase in customer-pay parts and service revenue. These increases wererevenue, a 2.3% increase in wholesale parts revenue, and a 2.0% increase in collision revenue, partially offset by decreasesa decrease of 0.1%5.7% in our warranty parts and service revenuerevenue. The improvement in our customer-pay parts and 1.0%service and collision revenues reflects our focus in collision revenue, when comparedthese areas of the business to the same period in 2017.improve selling methods, enhance operating efficiencies, better retain and recruit employees, and make capital investments as necessary. The decrease in warranty parts and service revenuerevenues, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, was

primarily due to a decline in activity related to several OEM recall campaigns, including Lexus instrument panels, Takata airbags, and General Motors ignition switches, Takata airbags and Lexus ignition switches, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017.switches.
Our U.K. Same Store parts and service revenues increased 13.1%5.3%, or $4.8$2.3 million, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to 2017. The increase in the U.K. Same Store parts and services revenuesservice revenue was driven by a 16.8%6.8% increase in customer-pay parts and service revenue, and a 16.2%7.9% increase in wholesale parts revenue. On a constant currency basis, our customer-pay parts and service revenue grew 3.9% and our wholesale parts revenue increased 3.4%, while our collision revenue declined 6.2% and our warranty parts and service revenue, declined 5.3%, as compared to the same periodand a 6.0% increase in 2017.wholesale parts revenues, partially offset by a decrease of 8.9% in collision revenue. The increases in customer-pay parts and service revenue and wholesale parts revenues are primarily attributable to management initiatives executed to enhance our sales processes and increase productivity. The declineincrease in our warranty parts and service revenue primarily reflects a decreasegrowth in activity from the prior year period related to diesel emission repairs.our Ford and Land Rover brands.
Our Same Store parts and service revenues in Brazil increased 6.9%decreased 13.5%, or $0.7$1.7 million, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017. The increasedecrease in Brazil Same Store parts and service revenues can be more than explained by the unfavorable change in exchange rates between periods. On a constant currency basis, Same Store parts and service revenue in Brazil increased 7.6%. This increase was driven by a 30.2%10.1% improvement in our customer-pay parts and service revenue and a 17.9% improvement in warranty parts and service revenues for the three months ended

September 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. The improvement in customer-pay parts and service revenue reflects the result of management initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of our sales processes, as well as the efficiency of our parts and service operations. The increase in our warranty parts and service revenues was primarily driven by growth in our Honda brand from high volume recall campaigns for Takata airbags.
Our total Same Store parts and service revenue improved $29.5 million, or 3.0%, to $1,014.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, primarily reflecting increases in the U.S and U.K. that were partially offset by a decrease in Brazil. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our U.S. Same Store parts and service revenues improved 2.2%, primarily as a result of a 4.1% increase in customer-pay parts and service revenues, a 5.4% increase in wholesale parts revenues, and a 1.5% increase in collision revenues, partially offset by a decrease of 4.3% in warranty parts and service revenue. Our U.K. Same Store parts and service revenues increased 11.2%, as a result of a 12.8% increase in customer-pay parts and service revenues, an 11.0% increase in warranty parts and service revenue, a 14.0% increase in wholesale parts revenue, and 5.2%a 0.2% increase in collision revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our Brazil Same Store parts and service revenues decreased 5.3%, due to the unfavorable change in exchange rates between periods. On a constant currency basis, Same Store parts and service revenues in Brazil improved 6.8%, primarily as a result of a 25.7% increase in warranty parts and service revenue, as well as a 5.7% improvement in customer-pay parts and service revenue,revenue. These increases were partially offset by a 14.4% decline10.6% decrease in our collision revenue. The improvement in warranty parts and service revenue in Brazil was primarily due to an increase in high volume recalls related to Takata airbags within our Honda brand that occurred during the first quarter of 2018.as mentioned above.
Our total Same Store parts and service gross profit for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 increased 3.3%1.8%, as compared to the same period in 2017. This increase in gross profit was driven by increases of 2.4% in the U.S. and 2.0% in the U.S.U.K., 11.5%respectively, partially offset by a decline of 15.7% in our Brazil business. The increase in the U.K. and 6.6% in Brazil. The increases in all three segments wereU.S. was driven primarily by improvements in our customer-pay parts and service, revenuewhich was partially offset by a decline in our warranty parts and service business. The increase in Same Store parts and service gross profit in the U.K. primarily reflects improvements in our customer-pay parts and service and warranty parts and service businesses, partially offset by a decline in our collision business. In Brazil, the decline in Same Store parts and service gross profit is due to the unfavorable change in exchange rates between periods. On a constant currency basis, Same Store parts and service gross profit in Brazil improved 4.9%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our total Same Store gross profit increased 2.7%, as compared to the same period a year ago, primarily driven by increases of 2.1% and 9.6% in the U.S. and the U.K., respectively, and partially offset by a 7.4% decrease in our Brazil business.
For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, our total Same Store parts and service gross margin declined 7010 basis-points, as compared to the same period in 2017.2017, to 53.8%. This decreaseresult was driven by a 70 basis-point decrease in the U.S., an 80 basis-point decline190 and 120 basis points declines in the U.K. and Brazil, respectively, that was partially offset by a 10 basis-point decline in Brazil. The decreaseimprovement in the U.S. gross margin was primarily due to margin declinesThe decline in our customer-paytotal Same Store parts and service wholesale parts and collision businesses, as well asmargin in the U.K. primarily reflects the mix effect from the disproportionate growth in our relatively lower-margin wholesale parts business. The decrease inlower margin segments of the U.K. gross margin reflects a decrease in our collision, wholesale parts andbusiness, warranty parts and service businesses.and wholesale parts, as described above. The decreasedecline in total Same Store parts and service gross margin in Brazil was the result of a declinedeterioration in both our collision business, partially offset by an improvement in ourand customer-pay parts and service businesses and the mix effect of increased warranty parts and service business, which is a lower margin business than customer-pay parts and service. The increase in the U.S. reflects improvement in the margins of our warranty parts and service business. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our total Same Store parts and service gross margin declined 20 basis points compared to the same period in 2017, reflecting declines in all three regions.

Finance and Insurance Data
(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017  2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017
Retail New and Used Unit Sales             
Same Stores             
U.S. 55,008
 4.9% 52,427
 58,681
 (3.5)% 60,840
  171,490
 1.4% 169,166
U.K. 13,876
 (4.2)% 14,482
 15,103
 (10.2)% 16,824
  43,351
 (3.4)% 44,876
Brazil 3,138
 18.1% 2,657
 3,013
 (6.2)% 3,213
  9,210
 1.9% 9,038
Total Same Stores 72,022
 3.5% 69,566
 76,797
 (5.0)% 80,877
  224,051
 0.4% 223,080
Transactions 5,384
 290
 4,463
 1,793
  16,094
 2,325
Total 77,406
 10.8% 69,856
 81,260
 (1.7)% 82,670
  240,145
 6.5% 225,405
Retail Finance Fees             
Same Stores             
U.S. $27,059
 4.2% N/A $25,980
 $29,437
 (4.4)% N/A $30,793
  $85,416
 (0.6)% N/A $85,940
U.K. 6,181
 22.1% 8.5% 5,061
 6,269
 (8.7)% (7.8)% 6,864
  19,718
 8.7% 3.2% 18,137
Brazil 515
 10.3% 14.7% 467
 542
 (16.9)% 3.9% 652
  1,623
 (0.9)% 12.8% 1,637
Total Same Stores 33,755
 7.1% 5.0% 31,508
 36,248
 (5.4)% (4.9)% 38,309
  106,757
 1.0% 0.2% 105,714
Transactions 2,796
 79
 1,829
 939
  7,249
 1,158
Total $36,551
 15.7% 12.8% $31,587
 $38,077
 (3.0)% (2.5)% $39,248
  $114,006
 6.7% 5.7% $106,872
Vehicle Service Contract Fees             
Same Stores             
U.S. $38,171
 10.4% N/A $34,565
 $41,442
 16.1% N/A $35,702
  $116,870
 9.3% N/A $106,961
U.K. 210
 8.2% (3.5)% 194
 209
 11.8% 13.3% 187
  901
 54.5% 46.7% 583
Brazil 
 —% —% 
 
 —% —% 
  
 —% —% 
Total Same Stores 38,381
 10.4% 10.4% 34,759
 41,651
 16.1% 16.1% 35,889
  117,771
 9.5% 9.5% 107,544
Transactions 512
 1
 695
 217
  1,501
 241
Total $38,893
 11.9% 11.8% $34,760
 $42,346
 17.3% 17.3% $36,106
  $119,272
 10.7% 10.6% $107,785
Insurance and Other             
Same Stores             
U.S. $28,921
 16.4% N/A $24,846
 $27,989
 (1.9)% N/A $28,521
  $86,031
 5.6% N/A $81,437
U.K. 4,244
 14.1% 1.4% 3,718
 4,331
 (7.0)% (6.0)% 4,655
  12,720
 8.8% 3.1% 11,693
Brazil 1,357
 2.6% 6.3% 1,323
 1,487
 (1.5)% 23.0% 1,510
  4,245
 (3.7)% 9.5% 4,406
Total Same Stores 34,522
 15.5% 14.1% 29,887
 33,807
 (2.5)% (1.3)% 34,686
  102,996
 5.6% 5.5% 97,536
Transactions 2,356
 600
 1,854
 953
  7,188
 2,104
Total $36,878
 21.0% 19.1% $30,487
 $35,661
 0.1% 1.3% $35,639
  $110,184
 10.6% 10.3% $99,640
Total Finance and Insurance Revenues             
Same Stores             
U.S. $94,151
 10.3% N/A $85,391
 $98,868
 4.1% N/A $95,016
  $288,317
 5.1% N/A $274,338
U.K. 10,635
 18.5% 5.3% 8,973
 10,809
 (7.7)% (6.7)% 11,706
  33,339
 9.6% 4.0% 30,413
Brazil 1,872
 4.6% 8.5% 1,790
 2,029
 (6.2)% 17.2% 2,162
  5,868
 (2.9)% 10.4% 6,043
Total Same Stores 106,658
 10.9% 9.8% 96,154
 111,706
 2.6% 3.2% 108,884
  327,524
 5.4% 5.1% 310,794
Transactions 5,664
 680
 4,378
 2,109
  15,938
 3,503
Total $112,322
 16.0% 14.4% $96,834
 $116,084
 4.6% 5.2% $110,993
  $343,462
 9.3% 8.8% $314,297
Finance and Insurance Revenues per Retail Unit Sold    
Same Stores    
U.S. $1,712
 5.1% N/A $1,629
U.K. $766
 23.5% 9.9% $620
Brazil $597
 (11.4)% (8.1)% $674
Total Same Stores $1,481
 7.2% 6.0% $1,382
Transactions $1,052
 
 $2,345
Total $1,451
 4.7% 3.3% $1,386

Finance and Insurance Revenues per Retail Unit Sold                 
Same Stores                 
U.S. $1,685
 7.9% N/A $1,562
  $1,681
 3.6% N/A $1,622
U.K. $716
 2.9% 3.9% $696
  $769
 13.4% 7.7% $678
Brazil $673
 —% 25.0% $673
  $637
 (4.8)% 8.4% $669
Total Same Stores $1,455
 8.1% 8.6% $1,346
  $1,462
 5.0% 4.6% $1,393
Transactions $981
 
   $1,176
  $990
 
   $1,507
Total $1,429
 6.4% 7.0% $1,343
  $1,430
 2.6% 2.2% $1,394
Adjusted Total Finance and Insurance Revenues (1)
                 
Same Stores                 
U.S. $98,868
 (2.7)% N/A $101,566
  $288,317
 2.6% N/A $280,888
U.K. 10,809
 (7.7)% (6.7)% 11,706
  33,339
 9.6% 4.0% 30,413
Brazil 2,029
 (6.2)% 17.2% 2,162
  5,868
 (2.9)% 10.4% 6,043
Total Same Stores 111,706
 (3.2)% (2.7)% 115,434
  327,524
 3.2% 2.9% 317,344
Transactions 4,378
     2,109
  15,938
     3,503
Total $116,084
 (1.2)% (0.7)% $117,543
  $343,462
 7.0% 6.6% $320,847
Adjusted Finance and Insurance Revenues per Retail Unit Sold (1)
                 
Same Stores                 
U.S. $1,685
 1.0% N/A $1,669
  $1,681
 1.3% N/A $1,660
U.K. $716
 2.9% 3.9% $696
  $769
 13.4% 7.7% $678
Brazil $673
 —% 25.0% $673
  $637
 (4.8)% 8.4% $669
Total Same Stores $1,455
 2.0% 2.5% $1,427
  $1,462
 2.7% 2.5% $1,423
Transactions $981
     $1,176
  $990
     $1,507
Total $1,429
 0.5% 1.0% $1,422
  $1,430
 0.5% 0.1% $1,423
(1) 
See "Non-GAAP“Non-GAAP Financial Measures"Measures” for more details.

Our total Same Store Financefinance and Insuranceinsurance revenues grew $10.5$2.8 million, or 10.9%2.6%, to $106.7$111.7 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017. After adjusting for $6.6 million in 2017 chargeback expense for reserves associated with expected finance and insurance product cancellations on vehicles sold by the Company and damaged by flooding from Hurricane Harvey, our adjusted total Same Store finance and insurance revenues declined $3.7 million, or 3.2%. Our adjusted U.S. Same Store finance and insurance revenue decreased $2.7 million, or 2.7%, as improvements in income per contract for our vehicle service contract and retail finance fees were more than offset by a 3.5% decline in Same Store vehicle retail unit sales, reduced penetration rates for most of our U.S. finance and insurance product offerings, and an increase in our overall chargeback experience. In the U.K., our Same Store finance and insurance revenue decreased by $0.9 million, or 7.7%, as compared to the same period in 2017, driven by a 10.2% decline in Same Store vehicle retail unit sales and an increase in our overall chargeback experience. These decreases were partially offset by improvements in our penetration rates for all of our U.K. product offerings. Our Brazil Same Store finance and insurance revenue decreased $0.1 million, or 6.2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, explained by an unfavorable change in exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, our Brazil Same Store finance and insurance revenue increased 17.2%, primarily as a result of an increase in commissions on fleet sales for our BMW and Honda brands and an improvement in penetration rates on our retail finance fees. These increases were partially offset by a 6.2% decline in Same Store vehicle retail unit sales. Our total Same Store finance and insurance revenue PRU increased 8.1% for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, to $1,455, as compared to the same period in 2017. Our adjusted total Same Store finance and insurance revenue PRU improved 2.0% for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, which can be explained by increases in PRU for our U.S. and U.K. segments as compared to the same period in 2017.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our total Same Store finance and insurance revenues improved $16.7 million, or 5.4%, to $327.5 million, as compared to the same period in 2017. On an adjusted basis, our total Same Store finance and insurance revenue increased 3.2%, or $10.2 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017. Our adjusted U.S. Same Store finance and insurance revenue increased by $8.8$7.4 million, or 10.3%2.6%, primarilyfor the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period last year. The improvement was driven by a result of a 4.9%1.4% increase in totalSame Store vehicle retail units, improved penetration rates for most of our major U.S. product offerings,unit sales and a reductionan increase in our overall chargeback experience. These increases were partially offset by a decline in our income per contract for our retail finance fees.vehicle service contract fees, partially

offset by an increase in our overall chargeback experience and a decline in our penetration rates for certain U.S. product offerings. In the U.K., our Same Store finance and insurance revenue increased by $1.7$2.9 million, or 18.5%9.6%, as compared to the same period in 2017, due toprimarily as a result of increases in our income per contract and penetration rates for most of our U.K. product offerings and a favorable change in exchange rates between periods. Partially offsetting these increases was a 4.2% decline in our retail sales volume as compared to the same period last year.offerings. Our Brazil Same Store finance and insurance revenue increased 4.6%decreased 2.9%, or $0.2 million, for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, drivenas compared to the same period in 2017, as a 1.9% increase in Same Store vehicle retail unit sales was more than offset by the 18.1%change in exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, our Brazil Same Store finance and insurance revenue increased 10.4%, primarily as a result of an increase in total vehiclefleet commissions for our BMW and Honda brands and an improvement in penetration rates for our retail units.finance fees. On a PRU basis, our total Same Store finance and insurance revenue improved 7.2%increased 5.0% to $1,462 for the quarternine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, to $1,481, as compared to the same period in 2017. This improvement can be explainedOn an adjusted basis, our total Same Store finance and insurance revenue PRU increased 2.7%, driven by PRU increasesimprovements in the U.S. and the U.K. of 5.1%1.3% and 23.5%13.4%, respectively. These increasesrespectively, that were partially offset by a 4.8% decline in Brazil, which can be more than explained by an 11.4% decreaseunfavorable change in Brazil.







exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, our Brazil Same Store finance and insurance revenue PRU increased 8.4% when compared to the same period in 2017.


Selling, General and Administrative Data
(dollars in thousands)
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017  2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017
Personnel             
Same Stores             
U.S. $160,718
 5.7% N/A $152,109
 $157,286
 (1.0)% N/A $158,905
  $476,562
 2.4% N/A $465,229
U.K. 27,072
 10.6% (1.5)% 24,467
 29,018
 (0.9)% (0.2)% 29,288
  82,585
 5.6% —% 78,196
Brazil 6,458
 (3.8)% (0.5)% 6,710
 5,623
 (20.5)% (0.9)% 7,069
  18,018
 (13.7)% (2.8)% 20,889
Total Same Stores 194,248
 6.0% 4.5% 183,286
 191,927
 (1.7)% (0.9)% 195,262
  577,165
 2.3% 1.9% 564,314
Transactions 10,712
 757
 8,519
 4,569
  31,503
 6,171
Total $204,960
 11.4% 9.4% $184,043
 $200,446
 0.3% 1.1% $199,831
  $608,668
 6.7% 6.1% $570,485
Advertising             
Same Stores             
U.S. $15,147
 (5.2)% N/A $15,975
 $16,357
 (3.7)% N/A $16,989
  $47,267
 (8.3)% N/A $51,556
U.K. 1,764
 9.1% (2.9)% 1,617
 1,920
 (5.7)% (5.3)% 2,037
  5,236
 5.7% 0.1% 4,954
Brazil 332
 159.4% 170.3% 128
 239
 20.7% 51.7% 198
  831
 72.0% 92.5% 483
Total Same Stores 17,243
 (2.7)% (3.7)% 17,720
 18,516
 (3.7)% (3.3)% 19,224
  53,334
 (6.4)% (6.7)% 56,993
Transactions 1,063
 53
 952
 419
  3,127
 579
Total $18,306
 3.0% 1.6% $17,773
 $19,468
 (0.9)% (0.5)% $19,643
  $56,461
 (1.9)% (2.4)% $57,572
Rent and Facility Costs             
Same Stores             
U.S. $18,587
 (8.3)% N/A $20,270
 $18,795
 (11.0)% N/A $21,116
  $55,982
 (9.7)% N/A $62,005
U.K. 5,582
 29.7% 15.5% 4,303
 5,995
 20.7% 21.3% 4,966
  17,337
 24.5% 17.7% 13,928
Brazil 2,320
 3.8% 7.3% 2,234
 1,822
 (19.3)% 0.8% 2,258
  6,184
 (7.8)% 3.7% 6,705
Total Same Stores 26,489
 (1.2)% (3.2)% 26,807
 26,612
 (6.1)% (4.4)% 28,340
  79,503
 (3.8)% (4.0)% 82,638
Transactions 1,913
 405
 1,486
 868
  5,850
 1,591
Total $28,402
 4.4% 1.8% $27,212
 $28,098
 (3.8)% (2.1)% $29,208
  $85,353
 1.3% 0.9% $84,229
Other SG&A             
Same Stores             
U.S. $53,159
 11.5% N/A $47,697
 $46,830
 (22.4)% N/A $60,320
  $156,103
 (0.7)% N/A $157,152
U.K. 12,398
 17.6% 4.7% 10,542
 13,968
 4.6% 5.1% 13,360
  38,877
 9.2% 3.5% 35,589
Brazil 2,663
 18.7% 22.3% 2,243
 6,041
 84.8% 134.6% 3,269
  11,545
 43.2% 68.6% 8,062
Total Same Stores 68,220
 12.8% 10.7% 60,482
 66,839
 (13.1)% (10.9)% 76,949
  206,525
 2.8% 2.8% 200,803
Transactions 4,459
 269
 1,920
 2,696
  (7,797) 3,585
Total $72,679
 19.6% 17.0% $60,751
 $68,759
 (13.7)% (11.3)% $79,645
  $198,728
 (2.8)% (2.9)% $204,388
Total SG&A             
Same Stores             
U.S. $247,611
 4.9% N/A $236,051
 $239,268
 (7.0)% N/A $257,330
  $735,914
 —% N/A $735,942
U.K. 46,816
 14.4% 1.8% 40,929
 50,901
 2.5% 3.2% 49,651
  144,035
 8.6% 2.8% 132,667
Brazil 11,773
 4.0% 7.5% 11,315
 13,725
 7.3% 34.8% 12,794
  36,578
 1.2% 15.7% 36,139
Total Same Stores 306,200
 6.2% 4.6% 288,295
 303,894
 (5.0)% (3.8)% 319,775
  916,527
 1.3% 1.0% 904,748
Transactions 18,147
 1,484
 12,877
 8,552
  32,683
 11,926
Total $324,347
 11.9% 9.8% $289,779
 $316,771
 (3.5)% (2.3)% $328,327
  $949,210
 3.5% 3.1% $916,674
Total Gross Profit    
Same Stores    
U.S. $329,585
 2.9% N/A $320,182
U.K. 55,345
 10.8% (1.5)% 49,937
Brazil 12,629
 3.6% 7.1% 12,195
Total Same Stores 397,559
 4.0% 2.5% 382,314
Transactions 22,204
 1,208
Total $419,763
 9.4% 7.5% $383,522
SG&A as a % of Gross Profit    
Same Stores    
U.S. 75.1% 73.7%
U.K. 84.6% 82.0%
Brazil 93.2% 92.8%
Total Same Stores 77.0% 75.4%
Transactions 81.7% 122.8%
Total 77.3% 75.6%
Adjusted Total SG&A (1)
    
Same Stores    
U.S. $247,611
 4.1% N/A $237,884
U.K. 46,816
 14.4% 1.8% 40,929
Brazil 11,773
 4.0% 7.5% 11,315
Total Same Stores 306,200
 5.5% 3.9% 290,128
Transactions 18,147
 1,484
Total $324,347
 11.2% 9.1% $291,612
Adjusted SG&A as a % of Gross Profit (1)
    
Same Stores    
U.S. 75.1% 74.3%
U.K. 84.6% 82.0%
Brazil 93.2% 92.8%
Total Same Stores 77.0% 75.9%
Transactions 81.7% 122.8%
Total 77.3% 76.0%
    
Employees 14,400 13,700

Total Gross Profit                 
Same Stores                 
U.S. $345,184
 (0.8)% N/A $347,793
  $1,018,082
 1.1% N/A $1,006,943
U.K. 58,029
 (4.3)% (3.4)% 60,643
  170,469
 5.7% 0.2% 161,272
Brazil 13,184
 (7.5)% 15.2% 14,257
  38,120
 (4.5)% 8.3% 39,906
Total Same Stores 416,397
 (1.5)% (0.6)% 422,693
  1,226,671
 1.5% 1.2% 1,208,121
Transactions 18,704
     8,727
  66,356
     11,713
Total $435,101
 0.9% 1.8% $431,420
  $1,293,027
 6.0% 5.5% $1,219,834
SG&A as a % of Gross Profit                 
Same Stores                 
U.S. 69.3%     74.0%  72.3%     73.1%
U.K. 87.7%     81.9%  84.5%     82.3%
Brazil 104.1%     89.7%  96.0%     90.6%
Total Same Stores 73.0%     75.7%  74.7%     74.9%
Transactions 68.8%     98.0%  49.3%     101.8%
Total 72.8%     76.1%  73.4%     75.1%
Adjusted Total SG&A (1)
                 
Same Stores                 
U.S. $243,036
 (1.9)% N/A $247,663
  $731,870
 0.6% N/A $727,465
U.K. 50,901
 2.5% 3.2% 49,651
  144,035
 8.8% 3.0% 132,379
Brazil 11,218
 (12.3)% 9.4% 12,794
  33,644
 (6.9)% 5.3% 36,139
Total Same Stores 305,155
 (1.6)% (0.6)% 310,108
  909,549
 1.5% 1.2% 895,983
Transactions 15,286
     8,552
  55,088
     11,925
Total $320,441
 0.6% 1.6% $318,660
  $964,637
 6.2% 5.7% $907,908
Adjusted SG&A as a % of Gross Profit (1)
                 
Same Stores                 
U.S. 70.4%     69.9%  71.9%     71.8%
U.K. 87.7%     81.9%  84.5%     82.1%
Brazil 85.1%     89.7%  88.3%     90.6%
Total Same Stores 73.3%     72.2%  74.1%     73.8%
Transactions 81.7%     98.0%  83.0%     101.8%
Total 73.6%     72.8%  74.6%     74.0%
                  
Employees 14,500     14,200  14,500     14,200
(1)See "Non-GAAP“Non-GAAP Financial Measures"Measures” for more details.
Our SG&A consists primarily of salaries, commissions, and incentive-based compensation, as well as rent and facility costs, advertising, insurance, benefits, utilities, and other fixed expenses. We believe that the majority of our personnel, all of our advertising, and a portion of certain other expenses are variable and can be adjusted in response to changing business conditions. We continue to aggressively pursue opportunities that take advantage of our size and negotiating leverage with our vendors and service providers in order to more effectively rationalize our cost structure.
Our total Same Store SG&A increased 6.2%decreased 5.0% for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, explained by a 7.0% decrease in the U.S., partially offset by increases of 2.5%, and 7.3%, in the U.K. and Brazil, respectively. During the third quarter of 2018, Same Store other SG&A was impacted by $1.3 million in net non-core items, which include a charge of $1.1 million for legal settlements that was more than offset by gains of $2.4 million on real estate and dealership transactions. Excluding these non-core items, our adjusted total Same Store SG&A decreased 1.6% to $305.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017. Adjusted total Same Store SG&A for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 excluded non-core Same Store other SG&A charges of $8.1 million related to catastrophic events, $0.8 million in losses on real estate and dealership transactions and $0.7 million for legal settlements costs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our total Same Store SG&A increased 1.3%, as compared to the same period in 2017, explained by increases of 4.9%, 14.4%,8.6% and 4.0%1.2% in the U.S., the U.K., and Brazil, respectively. AdjustedAfter adjusting for non-core Same Store other SG&A costs of $5.8 million related to catastrophic events and $3.5 million in legal settlements, partially offset by gains of $2.4 million related to real estate and dealership transactions, our adjusted total Same Store SG&A increased 5.5% in1.5% for the first quarter of 2018, compared to 2017. Adjustednine months ended September 30, 2018. On a comparable basis, adjusted total Same Store SG&A for three the nine

months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 excluded $8.8 million in catastrophic events costs, $0.8 million in losses on real estate and dealership transactions, $0.3 million in acquisition costs and a non-core Same Store other SG&A item for a pre-tax$1.1 million gain on a settlement with an OEM partner of $1.8 million. No adjustments for non-core items were maderelated to the 2018 results.legal settlements.
Our total Same Store personnel costs increased 6.0%decreased 1.7% for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, to $194.2$191.9 million, as compared to the same period in 2017, explained by increasesdecreases of 5.7%1.0%, 0.9%, and 10.6%20.5% in the U.S., U.K., and the U.K., respectively, partially offset by aBrazil, respectively. The decrease of 3.8% in Brazil. The increase in Same Store personnel costs in the U.S. was primarily explained by an increasedue to a decrease in variable commission payments, largely driven by an improvement in new and used retail vehicle sales as a

result of continued recoverythe decline in Same Store new vehicle unit sales volume compared to the same period last year. During the third quarter of 2017, we experienced high sales volume from replacement demand following the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, which damaged hundreds of thousands of vehicles in the Houston metro area amid the uptickand Beaumont markets. The decrease in Same Store personnel costs in the oilU.K. was also primarily due to lower variable commission payments as a result of the decrease in the new vehicle unit sales volume as compared to the same period last year. This volume decline was the result of the lack of 2019 model year new vehicle inventory availability caused by the WLTP legislation, which was effective on September 1, 2018. The decrease in personnel costs in Brazil was primarily due to continued cost rationalization initiatives. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our total Same Store personnel costs increased 2.3%, as compared to the same period in 2017, driven by increases of 2.4% and gas industry. In addition,5.6% in the first quarter ofU.S. and the U.K., respectively, and partially offset by a 13.7% decrease in Brazil. The U.S. Same Store personnel costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was negativelywere impacted by a one-time bonus payment of $3.0 million to our U.S. non-managerial dealership and operational support staff, as well as the cost of several strategic initiatives that were launched during the first quarter of 2018 to improve retention of service personnel and increase used vehicle sales. The increase in Same Store personnel costs in the U.K. was attributableprimarily due to the change in exchange rates, between periods. Onas personnel costs were flat on a constant currency basis Same Store personnel costs infor the U.K. declined 1.5%, primarily in conjunction with the decrease in new and used retail vehicle sales.nine months ended September 30, 2018.
For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, our total Same Store advertising costs decreased 2.7%3.7% to $17.2$18.5 million, more than explained by decreases of 3.7% and 5.7% in our U.S. and U.K. segments, respectively. The decrease was partially offset by a decrease of 5.2%20.7% increase in Brazil. The decreases in the U.S. The decrease was offset by increases inand the U.K. and Brazil of 9.1% and 159.4%, respectively. The decrease in the U.S. waswere the result of efforts to rationalize and enhance the efficiency of our advertising spend, as well as capitalize on our size and negotiating leverage. The increaseFor the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, our consolidated Same Store advertising costs decreased 6.4% to $53.3 million, primarily explained by an 8.3% decrease in the U.S., partially offset by increases of 5.7% and 72.0% in the U.K., and Brazil, respectively. The decrease in the U.S. is attributable to the efforts described above for the three months ended March 31, 2018,September 30, 2018. The increase in the U.K. was attributableprimarily due to the change in exchange rates, between periods. Onas advertising costs remained relatively flat on a constant currency basis,basis. In Brazil, the increase in Same Store advertising costs inexpense for the U.K. decreased 2.9%, asnine months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily the result of an ongoing initiativeinitiatives designed to leveragegrow our growing scaleused vehicle and control costs.parts and service businesses.
Our consolidated Same Store rent and facility costs decreased 1.2%6.1% to $26.5$26.6 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period a year ago, more than explained by a decreasedecreases of 8.3%11.0% and 19.3% in the U.S. The decrease in the U.S was partially offset by increases of 29.7% and 3.8% in the U.K. and Brazil, respectively. The decrease was partially offset by a 20.7% increase in the U.K. The decrease in the U.S. wasis primarily explained by the continuation ofattributable to our continued strategic efforts to own the real estate associated with our dealerships, and, thereby reducereducing rent expense. The decrease in Brazil was more than explained by the change in exchange rates between periods, as on a constant currency basis, Same Store rent and facility costs remained relatively flat. The increase in the U.K. was primarily related to septennial property rate adjustments that occurred in 2017, as well as additional building maintenancerental costs associated with new and/or enhanced dealership facilities.
For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, our totalconsolidated Same Store other SG&A increased 12.8%rent and facility costs decreased 3.8% to $68.2$79.5 million, as compared to the same period in 2017, resulting from increasesdriven by reductions of 11.5%, 17.6%,9.7% and 18.7%7.8% in the U.S. and Brazil, respectively, partially offset by a 24.5% increase in the U.K.
For the three months ended September 30, 2018, our total Same Store other SG&A costs decreased 13.1% to $66.8 million as compared to the same period in 2017, more than explained by a decrease of 22.4% in the U.S., partially offset by increases of 4.6% and 84.8% in the U.K., and Brazil, respectively. The increasedecrease in the U.S. can be partially explained by an increased supplywas primarily the result of loaner vehicles corresponding with efforts to enhance our service customer experience, other expenses that correlate to overall growth of gross profit and the $1.8 million pretax gain recognizednon-core charges occurring in the firstthird quarter of 2017, which included $8.1 million in costs associated with catastrophic events, $0.8 million in losses on real estate and dealership transactions and $0.7 million in costs related to legal settlements, as compared to non-core gains of $2.4 million related to real estate and dealership transactions and $1.4 million related to a legal settlement with an OEM.in the third quarter of 2018. The increase in Brazil for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was driven by a non-core charge of $2.5 million related to legal settlements. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our total Same Store other SG&A costs grew 2.8% to $206.5 million, driven by increases of 9.2% and 43.2% in the U.K. and Brazil, respectively, and partially offset by a 0.7% decline in the U.S. as compared to the same period in 2017.
Our total Same Store SG&A as a percentage of gross profit for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to 2017, increased 160decreased 270 basis points to 77.0%73.0%, resulting from increases in all three segments. The overall increase was largely attributable to costs associated with strategic initiatives, primarilyreflecting an improvement in the U.S., designed to further strengthen our used vehicle and parts and service businesses, as well as the mix effect from our growth that was partially offset by increases in the U.K. operations that inherently haveand Brazil. On an adjusted basis, total Same Store SG&A as a higher cost structure.percentage of gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 110 basis points to 73.3% reflecting increases of 50 and 580 basis points in the U.S. and U.K. respectively, partially offset by a decline of 460 basis points in Brazil. The increase in the U.S. was further explainedreflects the higher gross profit in 2017, driven by higher demand in our Houston and Beaumont markets as a result of Hurricane Harvey. The increase in the U.K. reflects the decline in gross profit during the third quarter of 2018, driven by the $3.0 million one-time bonus paidimpact of the WLTP legislation on the

new vehicle portion of the business. The decline in Brazil was related to the impact of continued cost rationalization initiatives. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, our total Same Store SG&A as a percentage of gross profit decreased 20 basis points to 74.7%, reflecting a decrease in the U.S. non-managerial dealershipthat was partially offset by increases in the U.K. and operational support staff.Brazil. On an adjusted basis, total Same Store SG&A as a percentage of gross profit increased 30 basis points to 74.1% compared to the same period in 2017, driven by increases in the U.S. and U.K. that were partially offset by a decrease in Brazil.
Depreciation and Amortization Data
(dollars in thousands)
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017  2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017
Same Stores             
U.S. $12,496
 9.6% N/A $11,398
 $13,163
 9.3% N/A $12,038
  $38,366
 9.1% N/A $35,155
U.K. 2,382
 44.7% 28.9% 1,646
 2,656
 19.3% 20.1% 2,227
  7,405
 30.4% 23.8% 5,677
Brazil 389
 6.6% 10.1% 365
 362
 (1.1)% 23.4% 366
  1,224
 12.5% 27.7% 1,088
Total Same Stores 15,267
 13.9% 12.0% 13,409
 16,181
 10.6% 11.3% 14,631
  46,995
 12.1% 11.6% 41,920
Transactions 1,075
 197
 800
 428
  2,966
 838
Total $16,342
 20.1% 17.7% $13,606
 $16,981
 12.8% 13.5% $15,059
  $49,961
 16.8% 16.1% $42,758
(1)See "Non-GAAP“Non-GAAP Financial Measures"Measures” for more details.
Our total Same Store depreciation and amortization expense increased 13.9%10.6% and 12.1% for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2017, as we continue to strategically add dealership-related real estate to our investment portfolio and make improvements to our existing facilities intended to enhance the profitability of our dealerships and the overall customer experience. We critically evaluate all planned future capital spending, working closely with our manufacturer partners to maximize the return on our investments.

Floorplan Interest Expense
(dollars in thousands)
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017 2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017  2018 % Increase/(Decrease) 
Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)
 2017
Same Stores             
U.S. $12,061
 10.9% N/A $10,876
 $12,663
 7.3% N/A $11,796
  $37,226
 7.4% N/A $34,674
U.K. 1,302
 27.0% 13.1% 1,025
 1,351
 3.7% 4.4% 1,303
  3,944
 16.9% 10.8% 3,374
Brazil 236
 263.1% 272.6% 65
 225
 59.6% 99.1% 141
  597
 88.3% 112.3% 317
Total Same Stores 13,599
 13.6% 12.5% 11,966
 14,239
 7.5% 8.0% 13,240
  41,767
 8.9% 8.5% 38,365
Transactions 488
 (24) 446
 251
  1,568
 294
Total $14,087
 18.0% 16.7% $11,942
 $14,685
 8.9% 9.4% $13,491
  $43,335
 12.1% 11.7% $38,659
Total manufacturer’s assistance $11,035
 5.0% 4.7% $10,513
Total manufacturers' assistance $12,034
 (11.3)% (11.2)% $13,561
  $34,516
 (3.4)% (3.6)% $35,745
(1)See "Non-GAAP“Non-GAAP Financial Measures"Measures” for more details.
Our floorplan interest expense fluctuates with changes in our borrowings outstanding and interest rates, which are based on the one-month LIBOR (or Prime rate in some cases) plus a spread in the U.S. and U.K. and a benchmark rate plus a spread in Brazil.
To mitigate the impact of interest rate fluctuations, we employ an interest rate hedging strategy, whereby we swap variable interest rate exposure for a fixed interest rate over the term of the variable interest rate debt. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, we had interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $822.1$803.9 million in effect that fixed our underlying one-month LIBOR at a weighted average interest rate of 2.6%. The total of these swaps represented 60.9%62.1% of our total U.S. floorplan

borrowings outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2018. The majority of the monthly settlements of these interest rate swap liabilities are recognized as floorplan interest expense. From time to time, we utilize excess cash on hand to pay down our floorplan borrowings, and the resulting interest earned is recognized as an offset to our gross floorplan interest expense.
Our total Same Store floorplan interest expense increased 13.6%7.5% for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017. Our U.S. Same Store floorplan interest expense increased 7.3% for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, primarily explained by the increase in LIBOR compared to the same quarter in 2017. This increase was partially offset by the impact of our interest rate hedging strategy and a decrease in our U.S. weighted average borrowings as compared to the same period a year ago. The decline in the U.S. weighted average borrowings was the result of management initiatives to reduce inventory levels as a partial offset to rising LIBOR rates. In the U.K., our Same Store floorplan interest expense increased 3.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, which was driven by increasesa $5.7 million increase in all of our segments.U.K. weighted average borrowings.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our total Same Store floorplan interest expense increased 8.9%, as compared to the same period in 2017. Our U.S. Same Store floorplan interest expense increased $1.2 million, or 10.9%, primarily7.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, mainly explained by the increase in LIBOR compared to the same period in 2017. In2017 and partially offset by the impact of our interest rate hedging strategy and declines in our U.S. weighted average borrowings as compared to the same period last year. Our U.K., our Same Store floorplan interest expense increased 27.0%16.9% for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, more than explained by a $25.2 million increase in our weighted average borrowings. Our Brazil Same Store floorplan interest expense increased 263.1% as compared to prior year,the same periods in 2017 driven by increases in theour U.K. weighted average interest rate and in our weighted average borrowings outstanding, reflecting our inventory and cash management strategies.borrowings.
Other Interest Expense, net
Other interest expense, net consists of interest charges primarily on our real estate related debt, working capital lines of credit, and our other long-term debt, partially offset by interest income. For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, other interest expense net increased $1.8$1.3 million, or 10.7%7.1%, to $18.8$19.1 million, as compared to the same period in 2017. This increase wasFor the nine months ended September 30, 2018, other interest expense net increased $5.2 million, or 9.9%, to $57.4 million, as compared to the same period in 2017. Increases for both periods were primarily attributable to an increase in the weighted average borrowings, as well as the weighted average interest rates associated with our variable-rate, real estate and other long-term debt, corresponding with an increase in LIBOR.
Provision for Income Taxes
Our provision for income taxes decreased $6.9$7.7 million to $10.4$9.6 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017. This decrease wasFor the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our provision for income taxes decreased $18.4 million to $38.7 million, as compared to the same period in 2017. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, our effective tax rate decreased to 21.6% from 36.6% as compared to the same period in 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our effective tax rate decreased to 23.3% from 35.7% as compared to the same period in 2017. These decreases were primarily due to the impact of the Tax Act that reduced the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%, and the decline of pretax book income in 2018. For.
On an adjusted basis, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, our adjusted effective tax rate decreased to 22.4%23.0% from 33.7%36.0% as compared to the same period in 2017. This decrease was primarily due toFor the impact of the federal corporatenine months ended September 30, 2018, our adjusted effective tax rate reduction as a result ofdecreased to 23.6% from 35.5% for the Tax Act.same period in 2017. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more details on adjustments to U.S. GAAP measures.
We expect our effective tax rate for the full-year of 2018 will be between 23.0% and 24.0%. We believe that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances provided, will be realized, based primarily on assumptions of our future taxable income.income, considering future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our liquidity and capital resources are primarily derived from cash on hand, cash temporarily invested as a pay down of our Floorplan Line and FMCC Facility (defined below) levels, cash from operations, borrowings under our credit facilities, which provide vehicle floorplan financing, working capital, and dealership and real estate acquisition financing, and proceeds from debt and equity offerings. Based on current facts and circumstances, we believe we will have adequate cash flow, coupled with available borrowing capacity, to fund our current operations, capital expenditures, and acquisitions for the remainder of 2018. If economic and business conditions deteriorate or if our capital expenditures or acquisition plans for 2018 change, we may need to access the private or public capital markets to obtain additional funding.
Cash on Hand. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, our total cash on hand was $33.1$32.0 million. The balance of cash on hand excludes $98.4$91.9 million of immediately available funds used to pay down our Floorplan Line and FMCC Facility as of March 31,September 30, 2018. We use the pay down of our Floorplan Line and FMCC Facility as a channel for the short-term investment of excess cash.
Cash Flows. We utilize various credit facilities to finance the purchase of our new and used vehicle inventory. With respect to all new vehicle floorplan borrowings in the normal course of business, the manufacturers of the vehicles draft our credit facilities directly with no cash flows to or from us. With respect to borrowings for used vehicle financing, we finance up to 85% of the value of our used vehicle inventory in the U.S., and the funds flow directly tobetween us fromand the lender.
We categorize the cash flows associated with borrowings and repayments on these various credit facilities as Operating or Financing Activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. All borrowings from, and repayments to, lenders affiliated with our vehicle manufacturers (excluding the cash flows from or to manufacturer-affiliated lenders participating in our syndicated lending group) are presented within Cash Flows from Operating Activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in conformity with U.S. GAAP. All borrowings from, and repayments to, the Revolving Credit Facility (defined below) (including the cash flows from or to manufacturer-affiliated lenders participating in the facility) and other credit facilities in the U.K. and Brazil unaffiliated with our manufacturer partners (collectively, "Non-OEM“Non-OEM Floorplan Credit Facilities"Facilities”), are presented within Cash Flows from Financing Activities in conformity with U.S. GAAP. However, the incurrence of all floorplan notes payable represents an activity necessary to acquire inventory for resale, resulting in a trade payable. Our decision to utilize our Revolving Credit Facility does not substantially alter the process by which our vehicle inventory is financed, nor does it significantly impact the economics of our vehicle procurement activities. Therefore, we believe that all floorplan financing of inventory purchases in the normal course of business should correspond with the related inventory activity and be classified as an operating activity. As a result, we use the non-GAAP measure "Adjusted“Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities," which makes such reclassification, to further evaluate our cash flows. We believe that this classification eliminates excess volatility in our operating cash flows prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and avoids the potential to mislead the users of our financial statements.
In addition, for dealership acquisitions and dispositions that are negotiated as asset purchases, we do not assume transfer of liabilities for floorplan financing in the execution of the transactions. Therefore, borrowings and repayments of all floorplan financing associated with dealership acquisition and disposition are characterized as either operating or financing activities in our statement of cash flows presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP, depending on the relationship described above. However, the floorplan financing activity is so closely related to the inventory acquisition process that we believe the presentation of all acquisition and disposition related floorplan financing activities should be classified as investing activity to correspond with the associated inventory activity, and we have made such adjustments in our adjusted operating cash flow presentations.
The following tables set forth selected historical information regarding cash flows from our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows on a GAAP and on an adjusted, non-GAAP basis. For further explanation and reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, see "Non-GAAP“Non-GAAP Financial Measures"Measures” below. 
 Three Months Ended March 31, Nine Months Ended September 30,
GAAP Basis 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities $148,782
 $69,217
 $357,415
 $307,234
Net cash used in investing activities (116,367) (41,880) (145,472) (246,733)
Net cash used in financing activities (27,534) (17,163) (204,242) (18,110)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 47
 260
 (2,941) 867
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $4,928
 $10,434
 $4,760
 $43,258

 Three Months Ended March 31, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Adjusted, Non-GAAP Basis 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities $102,491
 $104,070
 $280,107
 $228,949
Adjusted net cash used in investing activities (110,223) (41,880) (153,433) (232,000)
Adjusted net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 12,613
 (52,016)
Adjusted net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (118,973) 45,442
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 47
 260
 (2,941) 867
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $4,928
 $10,434
 $4,760
 $43,258
Sources and Uses of Liquidity from Operating Activities
For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, we generated $148.8$357.4 million of net cash flow from operating activities. On an adjusted basis for the same period, we generated $102.5$280.1 million in net cash flow from operating activities, primarily consisting of $35.8$127.1 million in net income, as well as non-cash adjustments related to depreciation and amortization of $16.3$50.0 million, stock-based compensation of $5.6$14.2 million, deferred income taxes of $2.7$4.1 million, asset impairments of $27.4 million, and an $85.2 million net change in operating assets and liabilities, partially offset by a $27.0 million gain on sale of assets. Included in the adjusted net changes of operating assets and liabilities were cash inflows of $70.2 million from the net decrease in vehicle receivables and contracts-in-transit, $33.7 million from decreases in inventory levels, $35.5 million from increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses, and $28.4 million from the net decrease in accounts and notes receivable. These cash inflows were partially offset by adjusted cash outflows of $63.4 million from the net decrease in floorplan borrowings and $22.5 million from the net increase in prepaid expenses and other assets.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we generated $307.2 millionof net cash flow from operating activities. On an adjusted basis for the same period,we generated $228.9 million in net cash flow from operating activities, primarily consisting of $103.0 million in net income, as well as non-cash adjustments related to depreciation and amortization of $42.8 million, deferred income taxes of $16.1 million, stock-based compensation of $14.6 million, asset impairments of $9.5 million, and a $41.9$41.5 million net change in operating assets and liabilities. Included in the adjusted net changes of operating assets and liabilities were cash inflows of $7.2$68.5 millionfrom decreases in inventory levels $12.7 million from the net decrease in accounts and notes receivable, $11.2 million from the net decrease in vehicle receivables and contracts-in-transit, and $65.2$85.2 million from increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses. These cash inflows were partially offset by adjusted cash outflows of $41.2$8.9 million from the net increase in accounts and notes receivable, $83.4 million from the net decrease in floorplan borrowings, $15.3 million from increases of vehicle receivables and $12.5contracts-in-transit, and $4.9 million from the net increase in prepaid expenses and other assets.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, we generated $69.2 million of net cash flow from operating activities. On an adjusted basis for the same period, we generated $104.1 million in net cash flow from operating activities, primarily consisting of $33.9 million in net income, as well as non-cash adjustments related to depreciation and amortization of $13.6 million, stock-based compensation of $6.1 million, deferred income taxes of $5.5 million, and a $45.2 million net change in operating assets and liabilities. Included in the adjusted net changes of operating assets and liabilities were cash inflows of $21.5 million from the net decrease in accounts and notes receivable, $9.2 million from increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses, $56.1 million from decreases of vehicle receivables and contracts-in-transit, $31.7 million from the net increase in floorplan borrowings, and $1.1 million from the net decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets. These cash inflows were partially offset by adjusted cash outflows of $74.3 million from increases in inventory levels.
Working Capital. At March 31,September 30, 2018, we had $146.0$58.0 million of working capital. Changes in our working capital are explained primarily by changes in floorplan notes payable outstanding. Borrowings on our new vehicle floorplan notes payable, subject to agreed-upon pay-off terms, are equal to 100% of the factory invoice of the vehicles. Borrowings on our used vehicle floorplan notes payable, subject to agreed-upon pay-off terms, are limited to 85% of the aggregate book value of our usedvehicle inventory, except in the U.K. and Brazil. At times, we have made payments on our floorplan notes payable using excess cash flow from operations and the proceeds of debt and equity offerings. As needed, we re-borrow the amounts later, up to the limits on the floorplan notes payable discussed above, for working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures, or general corporate purposes.
Sources and Uses of Liquidity from Investing Activities
During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, we used $116.4$145.5 million in net cash flow for investing activities. On an adjusted basis for the same period, we used $110.2$153.4 million in net cash flow for investing activities, primarily consisting of $65.4$119.0 million of cash flowsoutflows for dealership acquisition activity and $47.9$118.2 million for purchases of property and equipment, and to construct new, and improve existing, facilities.facilities, partially offset by cash inflows of $83.4 million related to dispositions of franchises and fixed assets. Within this total of property and equipment purchases, $33.0$85.5 million was used for capital expenditures, $12.2$30.1 million was used for the purchase of real estate associated with existing dealership operations and $2.7 million represents the net decrease in the accrual for capital expenditures from year-end. These cash outflows were partially offset by cash inflows of $2.9 million related to dispositions of franchises and fixed assets.
During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, we used $41.9$246.7 million in net cash flow for investing activities. On an adjusted basis for the same period, we used $232.0 million in net cash flow for investing activities, primarily consisting of $46.5$94.3 million of cash flows for dealership acquisition activity and $144.3 million for purchases of property and equipment and to construct new and improve existing facilities, which consistedfacilities. Within this total of $27.6property and equipment purchases, $71.0 million was used for capital expenditures, $10.3$67.8 million was used for the purchase of real estate associated with existing dealership operations, and a $8.6$5.5 million represents the net decrease in the accrual for capital expenditures from year-end. These cash outflows were partially offset by cash inflows of $2.2$5.1 million related to dispositions of franchises and fixed assets and $2.5$1.5 million of other items.

Capital Expenditures. Our capital expenditures include costs to extend the useful lives of current facilities, as well as to start or expand operations. In general, expenditures relating to the construction or expansion of dealership facilities are driven by dealership acquisition activity, new franchises being granted to us by a manufacturer, significant growth in sales at an existing facility, relocation opportunities, or manufacturer imaging programs. We critically evaluate all planned future capital

spending, working closely with our manufacturer partners to maximize the return on our investments. We forecast our capital expenditures for the full year of 2018 will be less than $130.0$120.0 million, which could generally be funded from excess cash.
Acquisitions. We evaluate the expected return on investment in our consideration of potential business purchases. In general, the purchase price, excluding real estate and floorplan liabilities, is approximately 15% to 20% of the annual revenue. Cash needed to complete our acquisitions normally comes from excess working capital, operating cash flows of our dealerships, and borrowings under our floorplan facilities, term loans, and our Acquisition Line (defined below).
Sources and Uses of Liquidity from Financing Activities
For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, we used $27.5$204.2 million in net cash flow from financing activities. On an adjusted basis for the same period, we used $119.0 million in net cash flow from financing activities, primarily related to cash outflows of $108.6 million to repurchase our Company's common stock, $28.5 million of net payments on real estate debt and $16.0 million for dividend payments. These outflows were partially offset by cash inflows related to $7.1 million of net borrowings on our Acquisition Line, $7.5 million of net borrowings of other debt and $17.2 million in net borrowings on our Floorplan lines (representing the net cash activity in our floorplan offset accounts).
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we used $18.1 million in net cash from financing activities. On an adjusted basis for the same period, we generated $12.6$45.4 million in net cash flow from financing activities, primarily related to cash inflows of $10.7$16.9 million in net borrowings on our Floorplan lines (representing the net cash activity in our floorplan offset accounts), $0.5$32.5 million of net borrowings on our Acquisition Line, $9.0$17.8 million of net borrowings of real estate debt, and $8.7$29.4 million of net borrowings of other debt. These inflows were partially offset by cash outflows of $9.2$40.1 million to repurchase our Company's common stock and $5.5$15.2 million for dividend payments.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, we used $17.2 million in net cash for financing activities. On an adjusted basis for the same period, we used $52.0 million in net cash flow from financing activities, primarily related to cash outflows of $38.8 million in adjusted net payments on our Floorplan Line (representing the net cash activity in our floorplan offset accounts), $6.8 million for principal payments of long-term debt related to real estate loans, and $5.2 million for dividend payments.

Credit Facilities, Debt Instruments and Other Financing Arrangements. Our various credit facilities, debt instruments and other financing arrangements are used to finance the purchase of inventory and real estate, provide acquisition funding, and provide working capital for general corporate purposes.
The following table summarizes the position of our U.S. credit facilities as of March 31,September 30, 2018. 
 As of March 31, 2018 As of September 30, 2018
U.S. Credit Facilities 
Total
Commitment
 Outstanding Available 
Total
Commitment
 Outstanding Available
   (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
Floorplan Line (1)
 $1,440,000
 $1,087,041
 $352,959
 $1,440,000
 $1,055,079
 $384,921
Acquisition Line (2)
 360,000
 52,510
 307,490
 360,000
 58,216
 301,784
Total Revolving Credit Facility 1,800,000
 1,139,551
 660,449
 1,800,000
 1,113,295
 686,705
FMCC Facility (3)
 300,000
 146,289
 153,711
 300,000
 128,155
 171,845
Total U.S. Credit Facilities (4)
 $2,100,000
 $1,285,840
 $814,160
 $2,100,000
 $1,241,450
 $858,550
(1)The available balance at March 31,September 30, 2018 includes $74.4$71.4 million of immediately available funds.
(2)The outstanding balance of $52.5$58.2 million is related to outstanding letters of credit of $25.0$25.4 million and $27.5$32.9 million in borrowings as of March 31,September 30, 2018. The borrowings outstanding under the Acquisition Line represent 20.025.0 million British pound sterling translated at the spot rate on the day borrowed, solely for the purpose of calculating the Outstanding and Available borrowings under the Acquisition Line. The available borrowings may be limited from time to time, based on certain debt covenants.
(3)The available balance at March 31,September 30, 2018 includes $24.0$20.5 million of immediately available funds.
(4)The outstanding balance excludes $288.4$295.5 million of borrowings with manufacturer-affiliates and third-party financial institutions for foreign and rental vehicle financing not associated with any of our U.S. credit facilities.

Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to make disbursements outside of the ordinary course of business, dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, create liens on assets, make investments, and engage in mergers or consolidations. We are also required to comply with specified financial tests and ratios defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, such as the fixed charge coverage and total adjusted leverage ratios. Further, the Revolving Credit Facility restricts our ability to make certain payments, such as dividends or other distributions of assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations, or securities (“Restricted Payments”). As of March 31,September 30, 2018, the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket totaled $186.6$128.2 million and we were in compliance with all our financial covenants, including:

 As of March 31,September 30, 2018
 RequiredActual
Total Adjusted Leverage Ratio< 5.503.893.69
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio> 1.202.312.46

Based upon our current five yearfive-year operating and financial projections, we believe that we will remain compliant with such covenants in the future.
Other Inventory Credit Facilities and Financing Arrangements. We have other credit facilities in the U.S., U.K. and Brazil with third-party financial institutions, most of which are affiliated with the automobile manufacturers that provide financing for portions of our new, used, and rental vehicle inventories. In addition, we have outstanding debt instruments, including our 5.00% Notes and 5.25% Notes, as well as real estate related and other long-term debt instruments.
See Note 9 and 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, “Credit Facilities” and “Long-Term Debt”, respectively, for further discussion of our credit facilities, debt instruments, and other financing arrangements existing as of March 31,September 30, 2018.


Stock Issuances. No shares of our common stock were issued during the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 or March 31,September 30, 2017.
Stock Repurchases. From time to time, our Board of Directors gives authorization to repurchase shares of our common stock, subject to the restrictions of various debt agreements and our judgment. The Company issues new shares or treasury shares, if available, when restricted stock vests. With respect to shares issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the "Purchase Plan", formerly named the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan), our Company's Board of Directors has authorized specific share repurchases to fund the shares issuable under the Purchase Plan.
In May 2017, our Board of Directors approved a new authorization of $75.0 million for the purchase of our common shares, replacing the prior $150.0 million authorization. During the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, we repurchased 135,605789,509 shares under the authorization at an average price of $67.83$69.77 per share, for a total of $9.2$55.1 million, leaving $40.4$43.3 million available for future repurchases. See Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds for additional information regarding our stock repurchases during the three months ended September 30, 2018. Also, during the third quarter of 2018, we adopted a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan that was effective from October 1, 2018 to October 25, 2018. Under the plan, we purchased an additional 399,872 shares subsequent to September 30, 2018, at an average price of $62.52 for an aggregate cost of $25.0 million. On October 25, 2018, the Board of Directors approved an increase of the previously authorized repurchase amount that was remaining under the plan to $100.0 million. Future repurchases are subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors after considering our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, existing debt covenants, outlook for our business, general business conditions, and other factors.
The Company issues new shares or treasury shares, if available, when restricted stock vests. With respect to shares issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the “Purchase Plan”, formerly named the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan), our Company's Board of Directors has authorized specific share repurchases to fund the shares issuable under the Purchase Plan.
Dividends. The payment of dividends is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors after considering the results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, outlook for our business, general business conditions, the political and legislative environments, and other factors.
Further, we are limited under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, certain mortgage term loans, 5.00% Notes and 5.25% Notes in our ability to make cash dividend payments to our stockholders and to repurchase shares of our outstanding common stock. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, the restricted payment baskets limited us to $186.6$128.2 million in restricted payments. Generally, these restricted payment baskets will increase in the future periods by 50.0% of our future cumulative net income, adjusted to exclude the Company's foreign operations, non-cash interest expense, non-cash asset impairment charges, and non-cash stock-based compensation, plus the net proceeds received from the sale of our capital stock, and decrease by the amount of future payments for cash dividends and share repurchases. For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, we paid dividends of $5.3$15.4 million to common stock shareholders and $0.2$0.6 million to unvested restricted stock award holders.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to evaluating the financial condition and results of our operations in accordance with U.S. GAAP, from time to time our management evaluates and analyzes results and any impact on the Company of strategic decisions and actions relating to, among other things, cost reduction, growth, and profitability improvement initiatives, and other events outside of normal, or "core,"“core,” business and operations, by considering alternative financial measures not prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In our evaluation of results from time to time, we exclude items that do not arise directly from core operations, such as non-cash asset impairment charges, legal settlements, gains and losses on dealership franchise or real estate transactions, and catastrophic events, such as hail storms,hailstorms, hurricanes, and snow storms. Because these non-core charges and gains materially affect the Company's financial condition or results in the specific period in which they are recognized, management also evaluates, and makes resource allocation and performance evaluation decisions based on, the related non-GAAP measures excluding such items. This includes evaluating measures such as adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted income per share, adjusted cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, and constant currency. These adjusted measures are not measures of financial performance under U.S. GAAP, but are instead considered non-GAAP financial performance measures. Non-GAAP measures do not have definitions under U.S. GAAP and may be defined differently by, and not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by, other companies. As a result, any non-GAAP financial measures considered and evaluated by management are reviewed in conjunction with a review of the most directly comparable measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on such non-GAAP measures, but also to consider them with the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
In addition to using such non-GAAP measures to evaluate results in a specific period, management believes that such measures may provide more complete and consistent comparisons of operational performance on a period-over-period historical basis and a better indication of expected future trends. Our management also uses these adjusted measures in

conjunction with U.S. GAAP financial measures to assess our business, including communication with our Board of Directors, investors, and industry analysts concerning financial performance. We disclose these non-GAAP measures, and the related reconciliations, because we believe investors use these metrics in evaluating longer-term period-over-period performance, and to allow investors to better understand and evaluate the information used by management to assess operating performance. The exclusion of certain expenses in the calculation of non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as an inference that these costs are unusual or infrequent. We anticipate excluding these expenses in the future presentation of our non-GAAP financial measures.
In addition, we evaluate our results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our underlying business and results of operations, consistent with how we evaluate our performance. We calculate constant currency percentages by converting our current period reported results for entities reporting in currencies other than U.S. dollars using comparative period exchange rates rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. The constant currency performance measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The following tables reconcile certain reported non-GAAP measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measuremeasures from our Statements of Operations by segment and on a consolidated basis (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts; may not foot due to rounding). Only adjusted amounts are reconciled below. We have not presented any non-GAAP measures associated with non-core items for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Therefore, no tables are presented for such period:
    U.S. Adjustments for 
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
  U.S. GAAP 
Legal settlements (1)
 Non-GAAP Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative expenses $236,273
 $1,833
 $238,106
Income (loss) from operations 72,756
 (1,833) 70,923
Income (loss) before income taxes 45,606
 (1,833) 43,773
Benefit (provision) for income taxes (16,347) 696
 (15,651)
Net income (loss) $29,259
 $(1,137) $28,122
       
SG&A as % Gross Profit: 73.7
   74.3
Operating Margin %: 3.7
   3.6
Pretax Margin %: 2.3
   2.2
       
Same Store SG&A $236,051
 $1,833
 $237,884
Same Store SG&A as % Gross Profit: 73.7
   74.3
       
Same Store income (loss) from operations $72,738
 $(1,833) $70,905
Same Store Operating Margin %: 3.7
   3.6
below:
   Consolidated Adjustments for  U.S. Adjustments for
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 U.S. GAAP 
Legal settlements (1)
 Non-GAAP Adjusted U.S. GAAP Gain / loss on real estate and dealership transactions Legal settlements Non-cash asset impairments Tax Rate Changes Non-GAAP Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative expenses $289,779
 $1,833
 $291,612
 $242,210
 $5,394
 $1,396
 $
 $
 $249,000
Asset impairments 23,159
 
 
 (23,159) 
 
Income (loss) from operations 80,137
 (1,833) 78,304
 73,592
 (5,394) (1,396) 23,159
 
 89,961
Income (loss) before income taxes 51,196
 (1,833) 49,363
 43,415
 (5,394) (1,396) 23,159
 
 59,784
Benefit (provision) for income taxes (17,257) 696
 (16,561)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes (9,061) 1,249
 339
 (5,504) (705) (13,682)
Net income (loss) 33,939
 (1,137) 32,802
 $34,354
 $(4,145) $(1,057) $17,655

$(705) $46,102
Less: Adjusted earnings (loss) allocated to participating securities 1,250
 (44) 1,206
Adjusted net income (loss) available to diluted common shares $32,689
 (1,093) $31,596
      
Diluted income (loss) per common share $1.58
 $(0.05) $1.53
      
Effective tax rate % 33.7
   33.6
                  
SG&A as % Gross Profit: 75.6
   76.0
 68.7
         70.6
Operating Margin %: 3.2
   3.1
 3.3
         4.1
Pretax Margin %: 2.0
   2.0
 2.0
         2.7
                  
Same Store SG&A $288,295
 1,833
 $290,128
 $239,268
 $2,372
 $1,396
 $
 $
 $243,036
Same Store SG&A as % Gross Profit: 75.4
   75.9
 69.3
         70.4
                  
Same Store income (loss) from operations $80,615
 (1,833) $78,782
 $70,592
 $(2,372) $(1,396) $22,161
 $
 $88,985
Same Store Operating Margin %: 3.2
   3.1
 3.3
         4.1
  Brazil Adjustments for
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
  U.S. GAAP Legal settlements Non-GAAP Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative expenses $14,857
 $(3,120) $11,737
(Loss) income from operations (1,314) 3,120
 1,806
(Loss) income before income taxes (1,713) 3,120
 1,407
Provision for income taxes (160) (457) (617)
Net (loss) income $(1,873) $2,663
 $790
       
SG&A as % Gross Profit: 106.8
   84.4
Operating Margin %: (1.3)   1.8
Pretax Margin %: (1.7)   1.4
       
Same Store SG&A $13,725
 $(2,507) $11,218
Same Store SG&A as % Gross Profit: 104.1
   85.1
       
Same Store (loss) income from operations $(903) $2,507
 $1,604
Same Store Operating Margin %: (0.9)   1.7

  Consolidated Adjustments for
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
  U.S. GAAP Gain / loss on real estate and dealership transactions Legal settlements Non-cash asset impairments Tax Rate Changes Non-GAAP Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative expenses $316,771
 $5,394
 $(1,724) $
 $
 $320,441
Asset impairments 23,159
 
 
 (23,159) 
 
Income (loss) from operations 78,190
 (5,394) 1,724
 23,159
 
 97,679
Income (loss) before income taxes 44,365
 (5,394) 1,724
 23,159
 
 63,854
(Provision) benefit for income taxes (9,587) 1,249
 (118) (5,504) (705) (14,665)
Net income (loss) $34,778
 $(4,145) $1,606
 $17,655

$(705) $49,189
Less: Adjusted earnings (loss) allocated to participating securities 1,181
 (141) 55
 605
 (24) 1,676
Adjusted net income (loss) available to diluted common shares $33,597
 $(4,004) $1,551
 $17,050
 $(681) $47,513
             
Diluted income (loss) per common share $1.74
 $(0.21) $0.08
 $0.89
 $(0.03) $2.47
             
Effective tax rate % 21.6
         23.0
             
SG&A as % Gross Profit: 72.8
         73.6
Operating Margin %: 2.7
         3.4
Pretax Margin %: 1.5
         2.2
             
Same Store SG&A $303,894
 $2,372
 $(1,111) $
 $
 $305,155
Same Store SG&A as % Gross Profit: 73.0
         73.3
             
Same Store income (loss) from operations $74,161
 $(2,372) $1,111
 $22,161
 $
 $95,061
Same Store Operating Margin %: 2.7
         3.5

  U.S. Adjustments for
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
  U.S. GAAP Catastrophic events Gain / loss on real estate and dealership transactions Legal settlements Non-cash asset impairments Tax Rate Changes Non-GAAP Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative expenses $729,430
 $(5,812) $25,513
 $(604) $
 $
 $748,527
Asset impairments 27,427
 
 
 
 (27,427) 
 
Income (loss) from operations 242,538
 5,812
 (25,513) 604
 27,427
 
 250,868
Income (loss) before income taxes 152,867
 5,812
 (25,513) 604
 27,427
 
 161,197
(Provision) benefit for income taxes (35,821) (1,444) 6,166
 (157) (6,593) (705) (38,554)
Net income (loss) $117,046

$4,368

$(19,347) $447

$20,834

$(705) $122,643
               
SG&A as % Gross Profit: 70.2           72.1
Operating Margin %: 3.8           3.9
Pretax Margin %: 2.4           2.5
               
Same Store SG&A $735,914
 $(5,812) $2,372
 $(604) $
 $
 $731,870
Same Store SG&A as % Gross Profit: 72.3
           71.9
               
Same Store income (loss) from operations $217,619
 $5,812
 $(2,372) $604
 $26,183
 $
 $247,846
Same Store Operating Margin %: 3.4
           3.9
    Brazil Adjustments for 
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
  U.S. GAAP Legal Settlements Non-GAAP Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative expenses $38,222
 $(3,670) $34,552
(Loss) income from operations (227) 3,670
 3,443
(Loss) income before income taxes (1,563) 3,670
 2,107
Provision for income taxes (714) (530) (1,244)
Net (loss) income $(2,277)
$3,140

$863
       
SG&A as % Gross Profit: 97.4
   88.1
Operating Margin %: (0.1)   1.1
Pretax Margin %: (0.5)   0.7
       
Same Store SG&A $36,578
 $(2,934) $33,644
Same Store SG&A as % Gross Profit: 96.0
��  88.3
       
Same Store income from operations $318
 $2,934
 $3,252
Same Store Operating Margin %: 0.1
   1.0

    Consolidated Adjustments for    
   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 
  U.S. GAAP Catastrophic events Gain / loss on real estate and dealership transactions Legal settlements Non-cash asset impairments Tax Rate Changes Non-GAAP Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative expenses $949,210
 $(5,812) $25,513
 $(4,274) $
 $
 $964,637
Asset impairments 27,427
 
 
 
 (27,427) 
 
Income (loss) from operations 266,429
 5,812
 (25,513) 4,274
 27,427
 
 278,429
Income (loss) before income taxes 165,720
 5,812
 (25,513) 4,274
 27,427
 
 177,720
(Provision) benefit for income taxes (38,666) (1,444) 6,166
 (687) (6,593) (705) (41,929)
Net income (loss) $127,054

$4,368
 $(19,347) $3,587

$20,834

$(705) 135,791
Less: Adjusted earnings (loss) allocated to participating securities 4,306
 149
 (660) 123
 711
 (24) 4,605
Adjusted net income (loss) available to diluted common shares $122,748

$4,219

$(18,687)
$3,464

$20,123

$(681) $131,186
              
Diluted income (loss) per common share $6.18
 $0.21
 $(0.94) $0.18
 $1.00
 $(0.03) $6.60
               
Effective tax rate % 23.3
           23.6
               
SG&A as % Gross Profit: 73.4
           74.6
Operating Margin %: 3.1
           3.2
Pretax Margin %: 1.9
           2.0
               
Same Store SG&A $916,527
 $(5,812) $2,372
 $(3,538) $
 $
 $909,549
Same Store SG&A as % Gross Profit: 74.7
           74.1
               
Same Store income (loss) from operations $236,966
 $5,812
 $(2,372) $3,538
 $26,183
 $
 $270,127
Same Store Operating Margin %: 2.9
           3.3

    U.S. Adjustments for  
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
  U.S. GAAP Catastrophic events Gain / loss on real estate and dealership transactions 
Legal settlements (1)
 Non-cash asset impairments Allowance for uncertain tax positions Non-GAAP Adjusted
Finance, insurance, and other revenues, net $96,383
 $6,550
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $102,933
Selling, general and administrative expenses 261,787
 (8,149) (798) (720) 
 
 252,120
Asset impairments 9,526
 
 
 
 (9,526) 
 
Income from operations 69,874
 14,699
 798
 720
 9,526
 
 95,617
Income before income taxes 41,133
 14,699
 798
 720
 9,526
 
 66,876
(Provision) benefit for income taxes (16,258) (5,677) (301) (270) (3,579) 834
 (25,251)
Net income $24,875
 $9,022
 $497
 $450
 $5,947
 $834
 $41,625
               
SG&A as % Gross Profit: 74.0
           70.0
Operating Margin %: 3.0
           4.1
Pretax Margin %: 1.8
           2.9
               
2017 vs. 2018              
Same Store Finance, insurance, and other revenues, net $95,016
 $6,550
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $101,566
Same Store SG&A $257,330
 $(8,149) $(798) $(720) $
 $
 $247,663
Same Store SG&A as % Gross Profit: 74.0
           69.9
               
Same Store income from operations $68,899
 $14,699
 $798
 $720
 $9,526
 $
 $94,642
Same Store Operating Margin %: 3.0
           4.2


  Consolidated Adjustments for
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
  U.S. GAAP Catastrophic events Gain / loss on real estate and dealership transactions 
Legal settlements (1)
 Non-Cash asset impairments Allowance for uncertain tax positions Non-GAAP Adjusted
Finance, insurance, and other revenues, net $110,993
 $6,550
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $117,543
Selling, general and administrative expenses 328,327
 (8,149) (798) (720) 
 
 318,660
Asset impairments 9,526
 
 
 
 (9,526) 
 
Income from operations 78,508
 14,699
 798
 720
 9,526
 
 104,251
Income before income taxes 47,143
 14,699
 798
 720
 9,526
 
 72,886
(Provision) benefit for income taxes (17,262) (5,677) (301) (270) (3,579) 834
 (26,255)
Net income $29,881
 $9,022
 $497
 $450
 $5,947
 $834
 $46,631
Less: Adjusted earnings allocated to participating securities 1,023
 311
 17
 16
 206
 30
 1,603
Adjusted net income available to diluted common shares $28,858
 $8,711
 $480
 $434
 $5,741
 $804
 $45,028
               
Diluted income per common share $1.43
 $0.44
 $0.02
 $0.02
 $0.28
 $0.04
 $2.23
               
Effective tax rate % 36.6
           36.0
               
SG&A as % Gross Profit: 76.1
           72.8
Operating Margin %: 2.6
           3.5
Pretax Margin %: 1.6
           2.4
               
2017 vs. 2018              
Same Store Finance, insurance, and other revenue, net $108,884
 $6,550
 $
 
 $
 $
 $115,434
Same Store SG&A $319,775
 $(8,149) $(798) (720) $
 $
 $310,108
Same Store SG&A as % Gross Profit: 75.7
           72.2
               
Same Store income from operations $78,761
 $14,699
 $798
 720
 $9,526
 $
 $104,504
Same Store Operating Margin %: 2.7
           3.5



  U.S. Adjustments for
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
  U.S. GAAP Catastrophic events Gain / loss on real estate and dealership transactions Legal settlements Non-cash asset impairments Allowance for uncertain tax provisions Non-GAAP Adjusted
Finance, insurance and other revenues, net $276,754
 $6,550
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $283,304
Selling, general and administrative expenses 741,904
 $(8,792) (798) $1,113
 
 
 733,427
Asset impairments 9,526
 
 
 
 (9,526) 
 
Income (loss) from operations 227,333
 15,341
 798
 (1,113) 9,526
 
 251,885
Income (loss) before income taxes 142,808
 15,341
 798
 (1,113) 9,526
 
 167,360
(Provision) benefit for income taxes (54,301) (5,926) (301) 426
 (3,579) 834
 (62,847)
Net income (loss) $88,507
 $9,415
 $497
 $(687) $5,947
 $834
 $104,513
               
SG&A as % Gross Profit: 73.1           71.8
Operating Margin %: 3.6           3.9
Pretax Margin %: 2.2           2.6
               
2017 v. 2018              
Same Store Finance, insurance, and other revenues, net $274,338
 $6,550
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $280,888
Same Store SG&A $735,942
 $(8,792) $(798) $1,113
 $
 $
 $727,465
Same Store SG&A as % Gross Profit: 73.1
           71.8
               
Same Store income (loss) from operations $226,326
 $15,341
 $798
 $(1,113) $9,526
 $
 $250,878
Same Store Operating Margin %: 3.6
           3.9
    U.K. Adjustments for 
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
  U.S. GAAP Acquisition costs Non-GAAP Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative expenses $137,475
 $(288) $137,187
Income from operations 21,554
 288
 21,842
Income before income taxes 15,745
 288
 16,033
Provision for income taxes (2,781) 
 (2,781)
Net income $12,964
 $288
 $13,252
       
SG&A as % Gross Profit: 83.4
   83.2
Operating Margin %: 1.5
   1.5
Pretax Margin %: 1.1
   1.1
       
2017 v. 2018      
Same Store SG&A $132,667
 $(288) $132,379
Same Store SG&A as % Gross Profit: 82.3
   82.1
       
Same Store income from operations $22,928
 $288
 $23,216
Same Store Operating Margin %: 1.6
   1.6

    Consolidated Adjustments for  
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
  U.S. GAAP Catastrophic events Gain / loss on real estate and dealership transactions Acquisition costs 
Legal settlements (1)
 Non-cash asset impairments Allowance for uncertain tax positions Non-GAAP Adjusted
Finance, insurance, and other revenues, net $314,297
 $6,550
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $320,847
Selling, general and administrative expenses 916,674
 (8,792) (798) (288) 1,113
 
 
 907,909
Asset impairments 9,526
 
 
 
 
 (9,526) 
 
Income (loss) from operations 250,876
 15,341
 798
 288
 (1,113) 9,526
 
 275,716
Income (loss) before income taxes 160,029
 15,341
 798
 288
 (1,113) 9,526
 
 184,869
(Provision) benefit for income taxes (57,076) (5,926) (301) 
 426
 (3,579) 834
 (65,622)
Net income (loss) $102,953
 $9,415
 $497
 $288
 $(687) $5,947
 $834
 $119,247
Less: Adjusted earnings (loss) allocated to participating securities 3,659
 340
 18
 10
 (25) 215
 31
 4,248
Adjusted net income (loss) available to diluted common shares $99,294
 $9,075
 $479
 $278
 $(662) $5,732
 $803
 $114,999
                 
Diluted income (loss) per common share $4.85
 $0.44
 $0.03
 $0.02
 $(0.03) $0.27
 $0.04
 $5.62
                 
Effective tax rate % 35.7
             35.5
                 
SG&A as % Gross Profit: 75.1
             74.0
Operating Margin %: 3.1
             3.4
Pretax Margin %: 2.0
             2.3
                 
2017 v. 2018                
Finance, insurance, and other revenues, net $310,794
 $6,550
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $317,344
Same Store SG&A $904,748
 $(8,792) $(798) $(288) $1,113
 $
 $
 $895,983
Same Store SG&A as % Gross Profit: 74.9
             73.8
                 
Same Store income (loss) from operations $251,933
 $15,341
 $798
 $288
 $(1,113) $9,526
 $
 $276,773
Same Store Operating Margin %: 3.1
             3.4
(1) For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, we recognized a net pre-tax gain related to a settlement with an OEM of $1.8 million.





The following table reconciles cash flow provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities on a U.S.
GAAP basis to the corresponding adjusted amounts (dollars in thousands):
 Three Months Ended March 31, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 % Change 2018 2017 % Change
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
Net cash provided by operating activities $148,782
 $69,217
 115.0 $357,415
 $307,234
 16.3
Change in floorplan notes payable-credit facilities, excluding floorplan offset account and net acquisition and disposition related activity (47,791) 34,853
 
 (75,308) (78,285) 
Change in floorplan notes payable-manufacturer affiliates associated with net acquisition and disposition related activity 1,500
 
  (2,000) 
 
Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities $102,491

$104,070
 (1.5) $280,107
 $228,949
 22.3
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES          
Net cash used in investing activities $(116,367) $(41,880) 177.9 $(145,472) $(246,733) (41.0)
Change in cash paid for acquisitions, associated with floorplan notes payable 6,144
 
  16,306
 14,733
 
Change in proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment, associated with floorplan notes payable 
 
  (24,267) 
 
Adjusted net cash used in investing activities $(110,223)
$(41,880) 163.2 $(153,433) $(232,000) (33.9)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
Net cash used in financing activities $(27,534) $(17,163) 60.4 $(204,242) $(18,110) 1,027.8
Change in net borrowings and repayments on floorplan notes payable-credit facilities, excluding net activity associated with our floorplan offset account 40,147
 (34,853) 
 85,269
 63,552
 
Adjusted net cash provided by (used in) financing activities $12,613

$(52,016) 124.2
Adjusted net cash (used in) provided by financing activities $(118,973) $45,442
 (361.8)


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
This Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk contains information about our market-sensitive financial instruments that constitute forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements.”
We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. We address interest rate risks primarily through the use of interest rate swaps. We do not currently hedge foreign exchange risk, as discussed further below. The following quantitative and qualitative information is provided about foreign currency exchange rates and financial instruments to which we are a party at March 31,September 30, 2018, and from which we may incur future gains or losses from changes in market interest rates. We do not enter into derivative or other financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.
Hypothetical changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates chosen for the following estimated sensitivity analysis are considered to be reasonable near-term changes generally based on consideration of past fluctuations for each risk category. However, since it is not possible to accurately predict future changes in interest rate and foreign currency exchange rates, these hypothetical changes may not necessarily be an indicator of probable future fluctuations.
As of March 31,September 30, 2018, our 5.00% Notes, with an outstanding principal amount of $550.0 million, had a fair value and carrying amount of $555.7$549.1 million and $542.5$543.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2017, our 5.00% Notes, with an outstanding principal amount of $550.0 million, had a fair value and carrying amount of $567.9 million and $542.1 million, respectively. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, our 5.25% Notes, with an outstanding principal amount of $300.0 million, had a fair value and carrying amount of $300.0$296.3 million and $296.3$296.6 million, respectively. At December 31, 2017, our 5.25% Notes, with an outstanding principal amount of $300.0 million, had a fair value and carrying amount of $310.9 million and $296.2 million, respectively. Our other fixed-rate debt, primarily consisting of real estate related debt, had outstanding borrowings of $85.0$81.3 million and $86.8 million as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The fair value of such fixed interest rate borrowings was $91.0$77.4 million and $92.9 million as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Interest Rates. We have interest rate risk in our variable-rate debt obligations. Our policy is to monitor the effects of market changes in interest rates and manage our interest rate exposure through the use of a combination of fixed and floating-rate debt and interest rate swaps.
We use interest rate swaps to adjust our exposure to interest rate movements, when appropriate, based upon market conditions. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, we held interest rate swaps in effect with aggregate notional amounts of $822.1$803.9 million that fixed our underlying one-month LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.6%. These hedge instruments are designed to convert

floating rate vehicle floorplan payables under our Revolving Credit Facility and variable rate real estate related borrowings to fixed rate debt. We entered into these swaps with several financial institutions that have investment grade credit ratings, thereby minimizing the risk of credit loss. We reflect the current fair value of all derivatives on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of interest rate swaps is impacted by the forward one-month LIBOR curve, and the length of time to maturity of the swap contracts. The related gains or losses on these transactions are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. As of March 31,September 30, 2018,, net unrealized gains, net of income taxes, totaled $8.7$15.9 million. These deferred gains and losses are recognized in income in the period in which the related items being hedged are recognized in expense. However, to the extent that the change in value of a derivative contract does not perfectly offset the change in the value of the items being hedged, that ineffective portion is immediately recognized in the results of operations. All of our interest rate hedges are designated as cash flow hedges. As of March 31,September 30, 2018,, all of our derivative contracts were determined to be effective. In addition to the $822.1$803.9 million of swaps in effect as of March 31,September 30, 2018,, we also held seven interest rate swaps with forward start dates between December 2018 and December 2020 and expiration dates between December 2021 and December 2030. As of March 31,September 30, 2018,, the aggregate notional amount of these swaps was $375.0 million with a weighted average interest rate of 1.8%. The combination of these swaps is structured such that the notional value in effect at any given time through December 2030 does not exceed $918.4 million.$902.4 million.
A summary of our interest rate swaps, including those in effect, as well as forward-starting, follows (dollars in millions):

 Q1 2018Q2 2018Q3 2018Q4 2018201920202021202220232024202520262027202820292030 Q3 2018Q4 2018201920202021202220232024202520262027202820292030
Weighted average notional amount in effect during the period $822
$822
$821
$821
$917
$564
$432
$168
$134
$125
$125
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
 $804
$805
$901
$549
$411
$146
$129
$125
$125
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
Weighted average interest rate during the period 2.59%2.59%2.59%2.59%2.28%2.19%1.76%1.74%1.81%1.81%1.81%1.85%1.85%1.85%1.85%1.85% 2.62%2.61%2.30%2.21%1.77%1.78%1.83%1.81%1.81%1.85%1.85%1.85%1.85%1.85%
As of March 31,September 30, 2018, we had $1,766.1$1,697.5 million of variable-rate borrowings outstanding. Based on the average amount of variable-rate borrowings outstanding for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, and before the impact of our interest rate swaps described above, a 100 basis-point change in interest rates would have resulted in an approximate $17.9$17.3 million change to our annual interest expense. After consideration of the average interest rate swaps described in effect during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, a 100 basis-point change would have yielded a net annual change of $9.7$9.1 million in annual interest expense. This interest rate sensitivity increased from March 31,September 30, 2017 primarily as a result of the increase in variable-rate floorplan borrowings.
Our exposure to changes in interest rates with respect to our variable-rate floorplan borrowings is partially mitigated by manufacturers’ interest assistance, which historically has been influenced by changes in market based variable interest rates. We reflect interest assistance as a reduction of new vehicle inventory cost until the associated vehicle is sold. During the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, we recognized $11.0$12.0 million of interest assistance as a reduction of new vehicle cost of sales. For the past three years, the reduction to our new vehicle cost of sales has ranged from 78.3% of our floorplan interest expense for the first quarter of 2018 to 139.9%131.0% for the thirdfourth quarter of 2015. In the U.S., manufacturer's interest assistance was 87.1%91.0% of floorplan interest expense in the firstthird quarter of 2018. Although we can provide no assurance as to the amount of future interest assistance, it is our expectation, based on historical practice of the OEMs, that an increase in prevailing interest rates would result in increased assistance from certain manufacturers over time.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, we had dealership operations in the U.K. and Brazil. The functional currency of our U.K. subsidiaries is the British pound sterling (£) and of our Brazil subsidiaries is the Brazilian real (R$). We intend to remain permanently invested in these foreign operations and, as such, do not hedge against foreign currency fluctuations that may temporarily impact our investment in our U.K. and Brazil subsidiaries. If we change our intent with respect to such international investment, we would expect to implement strategies designed to manage those risks in an effort to mitigate the effect of foreign currency fluctuations on our earnings and cash flows. A 10% devaluation in average exchange rates for the British pound sterling to the U.S. dollar would have resulted in a $60.0$173.9 million decrease to our revenues for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018. A 10% devaluation in average exchange rates for the Brazilian real to the U.S. dollar would have resulted in a $10.1$29.3 million decrease to our revenues for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018. We believe that inflation rates over the last few years have not had a significant impact on our consolidated revenues or profitability. We do not expect inflation to have near-term material effects on the sale of our products and services on a consolidated basis; however, we cannot be sure there will be no such effect in the future. We finance substantially all of our inventory through various revolving floor plan arrangements with interest rates that vary based on various benchmarks. Such rates have historically increased during periods of increasing inflation.

For additional information about our market sensitive financial instruments, please see Part II, “Item 7. Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "ItemOperations”, “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and Note 44. to “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in our 2017 Form 10-K.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31,September 30, 2018 at the reasonable assurance level.
Our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures can prevent all possible errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that objectives of the control system are met. There are inherent limitations in all control systems, including the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the intentional acts of one or more persons. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and while our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to be effective under circumstances where they should reasonably be expected to operate effectively, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to possible errors or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, there was no change in our system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) 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
In late June 2016, Volkswagen agreed to pay up to an aggregate of $14.7 billion to settle claims stemming from the diesel emissions scandal. In October 2016, we received notification from Volkswagen that we are entitled to receive, in the aggregate, approximately $13.2 million in connection with our current and prior ownership of seven Volkswagen dealerships in the U.S. We accepted and executed the offer in the fourth quarter of 2016 and received half of the compensation in a lump sum amount in January 2017 with the remaining amount to be paid over 18 months. We have received 14 of the remaining 18 monthly installments as of March 31, 2018. Also, in conjunction with the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal, Volkswagen agreed in March 2017 to settle allegations of damages by us relative to our three Audi branded dealerships. We received the cash settlement for Audi in the second quarter of 2017.
We are not party to any legal proceedings, including class action lawsuits that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. For a discussion of our legal proceedings, see Part I, “Item 1. Financial Statements,”Statements”, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies”.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors previously disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our 2017 Form 10-K. Readers should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2017 Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The following updates the risk factors included in our 2017 Form 10-K:
Tariff and trade risk. Increased tariffs, import product restrictions, and foreign trade risks may impair our ability to sell foreign vehicles profitably. In May 2018, the Trump Administration threatened to add up to 25% tariffs on foreign vehicles or parts and instructed the U.S. Commerce Department to begin an inquiry to determine if the importation of foreign vehicles or parts adversely impacts U.S. national security. During the third quarter, the Commerce department announced that the time line for implementation of tariffs on foreign vehicles will be delayed.  An agreement has been drafted between Canada, Mexico and the United States to revise the current North America Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to include potential implementation or elimination of trade tariffs by and among those countries. No formalized treaty has been adopted by any of the countries’ respective governments at this time.  No further announcements regarding other trade discussions pertaining to tariffs on foreign vehicles imported or exported by the United States have been made as of the date hereof. Should the Commerce Department determine that foreign vehicles imported by one or more countries do pose such a threat or create anti-competitive markets in the United States, the Trump Administration may impose up to 25% tariffs on foreign vehicles and parts. There continues to be substantial uncertainty regarding, among other factors: (i) the ultimate outcome of the implementation and effects of trade tariffs, as well as whether “foreign” vehicles including those made by non-U.S. based manufacturers in the U.S. or parts made outside the U.S. but included in U.S. assembled vehicles; and (ii) the retaliatory response by foreign governments to such trade tariffs. Should import tariffs be implemented or increased, we expect the price of many new vehicles we sell to increase, which may adversely affect our new vehicle retail sales revenues and related finance, insurance and other revenues. 
The risks described in our 2017 Form 10-K and above are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or future results.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds     
The following table provides information about purchases of equity securities that are registered by us pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018:
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
        (In thousands, excluding commissions)
January 1 - January 31, 2018 
 $
 
 $49,641
February 1 - February 28, 2018 
 $
 
 $49,641
March 1 - March 31, 2018 135,605
 $67.83
 135,605
 $40,442
Total 135,605
 $67.83
 135,605
  
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
        (In thousands, excluding commissions)
July 1 - July 31, 2018 448,673
 $68.19
 448,673
 $67,767
August 1 - August 31, 2018 108,700
 $69.93
 108,700
 $60,166
September 1 - September 30, 2018 232,136
 $72.76
 232,136
 $43,277
Total 789,509
 $69.77
 789,509
  
(1) In May 2017,During the Boardthree months ended September 30, 2018, 789,509 shares were repurchased for a total cost of Directors approved$55.1 million.

During the period ending September 30, 2018, we adopted a new authorization of upRule 10b5-1 trading plan that was effective from October 1, 2018 to $75.0 million ofOctober 25, 2018. Under the plan, we purchased an additional 399,872 shares of our common stock, replacing the prior $150.0 million authorization. Under both of the authorizations, we repurchased 649,298 shares during 2017subsequent to September 30, 2018 at an average price of $61.75 per share,$62.52, for a totalan aggregate cost of $40.1 million, leaving $49.6 million available for future purchases.$25.0 million.


On October 25, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized an increase of the previously authorized repurchase amount that was remaining under the plan to $100.0 million. Future repurchases are subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors after considering our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, existing debt covenants, outlook for our business, general business conditions, and other factors. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, 135,605 shares were repurchased for a total cost of $9.2 million.


Item 6. Exhibits
The exhibits required to be filed or furnished by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed below.


EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibit
Number
   Description
     
  
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed May 22, 2015)


  
Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed April 6, 2017)


  Form of Restricted Stock Agreement with Qualified Retirement Provisions
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2018 Short Term Incentive Plan Guidelines (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1Fourth Amendment to Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed February 22, Deferred Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated, signed August 15, 2018
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS*  XBRL Instance Document
 101.SCH*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 101.CAL*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 101.DEF*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 101.LAB*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 101.PRE*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

* Filed or furnished herewith
 Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

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.
 
   
  Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
  
 By:                                  /s//s/  John C. Rickel
  John C. Rickel
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial
  and Accounting Officer)
Date: May 4,November 1, 2018

6887