UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31,June 30, 2012
OR
[  ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                 to                  

Commission file number: 001-14733
 


LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Oregon 93-0572810
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
360 E. Jackson150 N. Bartlett Street, Medford, Oregon 97501
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  541-776-6401



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  [X]   No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  [X]   No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer [ ]     Accelerated filer [X]   Non-accelerated filer [  ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes [  ]  No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class A common stock without par value 22,456,21921,839,324
Class B common stock without par value 3,562,2313,512,231
(Class) (Outstanding at AprilJuly 27, 2012)
 


 
 

 
 
LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATIONPage
   
Item 1.Financial Statements 
   
 Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) – March 31,June 30, 2012 and December 31, 20112
   
 Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) – Three and Six Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2012 and 20113
   
 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) – Three and Six Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2012 and 20114
   
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) – ThreeSix Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2012 and 20115
   
 Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)6
   
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1618
   
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk2833
   
Item 4.Controls and Procedures2833
   
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.Legal Proceedings2934
   
Item 1A.Risk Factors2934
   
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds2934
   
Item 6.Exhibits2935
   
Signatures3136

 
1

 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.Financial1. Financial Statements
LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 March 31,  December 31, 
 2012  2011  
June 30,
2012
  
December 31,
2011
 
Assets            
Current Assets:            
Cash and cash equivalents $8,965  $20,851  $16,247  $20,851 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $266 and $261
  111,040   99,407 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $292 and $261
  117,747   99,407 
Inventories, net  559,216   506,484   617,568   506,484 
Deferred income taxes  4,427   4,730   3,976   4,730 
Other current assets  10,618   16,719   10,588   16,719 
Total Current Assets  694,266   648,191   766,126   648,191 
                
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $102,465 and $99,115
  379,351   373,779 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $104,328 and $99,115
  387,652   373,779 
Goodwill  18,727   18,958   22,608   18,958 
Franchise value  59,095   59,095   59,319   59,095 
Deferred income taxes  30,536   29,270   29,849   29,270 
Other non-current assets  16,752   16,840   18,021   16,840 
Total Assets $1,198,727  $1,146,133  $1,283,575  $1,146,133 
                
                
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                
Current Liabilities:                
Floor plan notes payable $109,628  $114,760  $13,743  $114,760 
Floor plan notes payable: non-trade  263,089   229,180   482,390   229,180 
Current maturities of long-term debt  22,982   8,221   7,718   8,221 
Trade payables  34,934   31,712   40,196   31,712 
Accrued liabilities  77,874   72,711   79,758   72,711 
Total Current Liabilities  508,507   456,584   623,805   456,584 
                
Long-term debt, less current maturities  262,934   278,653   224,746   278,653 
Deferred revenue  26,820   25,146   30,110   25,146 
Other long-term liabilities  18,787   18,629   19,921   18,629 
Total Liabilities  817,048   779,012   898,582   779,012 
                
Stockholders' Equity:                
Preferred stock - no par value; authorized 15,000 shares; none outstanding
  -   -   -   - 
Class A common stock - no par value; authorized 100,000 shares; issued and outstanding 22,365 and 22,195
  278,970   279,366 
Class B common stock - no par value; authorized 25,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,612 and 3,762
  449   468 
Class A common stock - no par value; authorized 100,000 shares; issued and outstanding 21,861 and 22,195
  263,559   279,366 
Class B common stock - no par value; authorized 25,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,512 and 3,762
  437   468 
Additional paid-in capital  10,483   10,918   10,949   10,918 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (4,082)  (4,508)  (3,718)  (4,508)
Retained earnings  95,859   80,877   113,766   80,877 
Total Stockholders' Equity  381,679   367,121   384,993   367,121 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $1,198,727  $1,146,133  $1,283,575  $1,146,133 
 
See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
2

 
 
LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended March 31,  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
 2012  2011  2012  2011  2012  2011 
Revenues:                  
New vehicle $404,288  $300,640  $470,424  $347,727  $874,712  $648,367 
Used vehicle retail  195,421   156,478   212,767   176,591   408,188   333,069 
Used vehicle wholesale  34,336   29,537   36,083   29,153   70,419   58,690 
Finance and insurance  25,420   19,299   27,870   20,886   53,290   40,185 
Service, body and parts  86,448   73,761   88,585   80,937   175,033   154,698 
Fleet and other  12,981   3,142   11,394   17,193   24,375   20,335 
Total revenues  758,894   582,857   847,123   672,487   1,606,017   1,255,344 
Cost of sales:                        
New vehicle  373,162   278,034   435,785   319,726   808,947   597,760 
Used vehicle retail  166,507   133,494   181,023   149,590   347,530   283,084 
Used vehicle wholesale  33,918   29,138   35,779   28,885   69,697   58,023 
Service, body and parts  44,855   38,000   45,343   41,242   90,198   79,242 
Fleet and other  12,581   2,595   11,004   15,907   23,585   18,502 
Total cost of sales  631,023   481,261   708,934   555,350   1,339,957   1,036,611 
Gross profit  127,871   101,596   138,189   117,137   266,060   218,733 
Asset impairments  115   382   -   490   115   872 
Selling, general and administrative  91,590   77,134   96,167   82,768   187,757   159,902 
Depreciation and amortization  4,199   4,092   4,261   4,217   8,460   8,309 
Operating income  31,967   19,988   37,761   29,662   69,728   49,650 
Floor plan interest expense  (2,950)  (2,462)  (3,119)  (3,359)  (6,069)  (5,821)
Other interest expense  (2,747)  (3,292)  (2,549)  (3,011)  (5,296)  (6,303)
Other income, net  499   77   820   171   1,319   248 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes  26,769   14,311   32,913   23,463   59,682   37,774 
Income tax provision  (9,973)  (5,923)  (12,422)  (8,777)  (22,395)  (14,700)
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax  16,796   8,388   20,491   14,686   37,287   23,074 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax  -   317   -   140   -   457 
Net income $16,796  $8,705  $20,491  $14,826  $37,287  $23,531 
                        
Basic income per share from continuing operations $0.65  $0.32  $0.80  $0.56  $1.44  $0.87 
Basic income per share from discontinued operations  -   0.01   -   -   -   0.02 
Basic net income per share $0.65  $0.33  $0.80  $0.56  $1.44  $0.89 
                        
Shares used in basic per share calculations  25,986   26,341   25,730   26,437   25,860   26,389 
                        
Diluted income per share from continuing operations $0.63  $0.31  $0.78  $0.55  $1.42  $0.86 
Diluted income per share from discontinued operations  -   0.02   -   -   -   0.02 
Diluted net income per share $0.63  $0.33  $0.78  $0.55  $1.42  $0.88 
                        
Shares used in diluted per share calculations  26,478   26,694   26,185   26,860   26,331   26,779 
 
See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
 
LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated StatementStatements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended March 31,  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
 2012  2011  2012  2011  2012  2011 
Net income $16,796  $8,705  $20,491  $14,826  $37,287  $23,531 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:        
Gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $265 and $320, respectively
  426   562 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:                
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense (benefit) of $225, ($35), $490 and $285, respectively  364   (56)  790   506 
Comprehensive income $17,222  $9,267  $20,855  $14,770  $38,077  $24,037 
 
See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 
 
LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended March 31,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
 2012  2011  2012  2011 
Cash flows from operating activities:            
Net income $16,796  $8,705  $37,287  $23,531 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:     
Asset impairments  115   382   115   872 
Depreciation and amortization  4,199   4,092   8,460   8,309 
Depreciation and amortization within discontinued operations  -   101   -   197 
Stock-based compensation  576   491   1,512   1,034 
(Gain) loss on disposal of other assets  (988)  105 
Gain on disposal of other assets  (983)  (190)
Loss from disposal activities within discontinued operations  -   53 
Deferred income taxes  (870)  (394)  302   2,060 
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements  (749)  (21)  (1,026)  (278)
(Increase) decrease (net of acquisitions and dispositions):                
Trade receivables, net  (11,633)  (4,648)  (18,305)  (6,579)
Inventories  (62,113)  (41,769)  (109,592)  (60,498)
Other current assets  5,292   (888)  4,680   (461)
Other non-current assets  2,778   (412)  (1,847)  (884)
Increase (decrease) (net of acquisitions and dispositions):                
Floor plan notes payable  (3,324)  9,905   (94,305)  1,744 
Trade payables  1,549   3,296   7,289   4,679 
Accrued liabilities  5,105   9,683   7,671   7,757 
Other long-term liabilities and deferred revenue  2,280   132   6,700   1,418 
Net cash used in operating activities  (40,987)  (11,240)  (152,042)  (17,236)
                
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Principal payments received on notes receivable  25   36   50   72 
Capital expenditures  (8,459)  (2,333)  (22,693)  (7,855)
Proceeds from sales of assets  1,009   3,084   4,940   11,358 
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired  (12,782)  (53,302)
Payments for life insurance policies  (1,968)  (1,048)  (1,934)  (1,001)
Proceeds from sales of stores  2,901   -   2,901   412 
Net cash used in investing activities  (6,492)  (261)  (29,518)  (50,316)
                
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade  39,401   39,262   251,844   65,789 
Borrowings on lines of credit  5,000   -   177,623   34,000 
Repayments on lines of credit  (12,000)  (9,000)  (212,623)  (9,000)
Principal payments on long-term debt, scheduled  (2,028)  (2,233)  (4,000)  (4,405)
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases, other  -   (11,870)  (32,049)  (21,865)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt  8,069   -   14,169   6,664 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock  869   590   2,671   1,833 
Repurchase of common stock  (2,653)  (141)  (20,607)  (142)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements  749   21   1,026   278 
Decrease in restricted cash  3,300   - 
Dividends paid  (1,814)  (1,316)  (4,398)  (3,168)
Net cash provided by financing activities  35,593   15,313   176,956   69,984 
                
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  (11,886)  3,812   (4,604)  2,432 
                
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  20,851   9,306   20,851   9,306 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $8,965  $13,118  $16,247  $11,738 
                
                
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:                
Cash paid during the period for interest $5,794  $6,017  $11,690  $12,276 
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net  2,122   927   14,217   9,788 
        
Supplemental schedule of non-cash activities:        
Floor plan debt acquired in connection with acquisitions $-  $18,553 
Acquisition of assets with capital leases  2,470   - 
Floor plan debt paid in connection with store disposals  6,712   - 
See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
5

 
 
LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 1. Interim Financial Statements

Basis of Presentation
These condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain unaudited information as of March 31,June 30, 2012 and for the three-monththree- and six-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2012 and 2011. The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements are not included herein. In management’s opinion, these unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the information when read in conjunction with our 2011 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto. The financial information as of December 31, 2011 is derived from our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The interim condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications of amounts previously reported have been made to the accompanying consolidated financial statements to maintain consistency and comparability between periods presented. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income.

Note 2. Inventories
The components of inventory consisted of the following (in thousands):

 March 31, 2012  December 31, 2011  
June 30,
2012
  
December 31,
2011
 
New vehicles $417,158  $372,838  $456,551  $372,838 
Used and program vehicles  115,353   106,622 
Used vehicles  132,534   106,622 
Parts and accessories  26,705   27,024   28,483   27,024 
Total inventories $559,216  $506,484  $617,568  $506,484 

Note 3. Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill are as follows (in thousands):

 Goodwill  Goodwill 
Balance as of December, 31, 2010, gross $305,452  $305,452 
Accumulated impairment loss  (299,266)  (299,266)
Balance as of December 31, 2010, net  6,186   6,186 
Additions through acquisitions  12,869   12,869 
Transfers to discontinued operations  (97)
Goodwill allocated to dispositions  (97)
Balance as of December 31, 2011, net  18,958   18,958 
Additions through acquisitions  3,881 
Goodwill allocated to dispositions  (231)  (231)
Balance as of March 31, 2012, net $18,727 
Balance as of June 30, 2012, net $22,608 
6


Note 4. Credit Facility
On April 17, 2012, we executed a new $650 million credit facility, which is comprised of 10 financial institutions, including four manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. This credit facility provides a $500 million new vehicle floor plan commitment, $100 million in used vehicle inventory financing and a $50 million revolving line of credit for general corporate use including working capital and acquisitions. We have the ability to expand the credit facility to $800 million total availability upon credit approval. The credit facility expires on April 16, 2017.  All borrowings from, and repayments to, our syndicated lending group are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities. The interest rate on the credit facility varies based on the type of debt with the rate ranging from the 1-month LIBOR plus 1.50% to the 1-month LIBOR plus 2.50%. Our financial covenants related to this credit facility include maintaining a current ratio of not less than 1.20x, a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.20x and a leverage ratio of not more than 5.0x. As of June 30, 2012, $482.4 million was outstanding on our new vehicle floor plan commitment, $52.0 million was outstanding on our used vehicle inventory financing facility and our revolving line of credit was undrawn.

Note 4.5. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation
We are party to numerous legal proceedings arising in the normal course of our business. While we cannot predict with certainty the outcomes of these matters, we do not anticipate that the resolution of legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business or the proceedings described below will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

6

Text Messaging Claims
In April 2011, a third party vendor assisted us in promoting a targeted “0% financing on used vehicles” advertising campaign during a limited sale period. The marketing included sending a “Short Message Service” communication to cell phones (a “text message”) of our previous customers. The message was sent to over 50,000 cell phones in 14 states. The message indicated that the recipients could “Opt-Out” of receiving any further messages by replying “STOP,” but, due to a technical error, some recipients who responded requesting to be unsubscribed nonetheless may have received a follow-on message.

On or about April 21, 2011, a Complaint for Damages, Injunctive and Declaratory Relief was filed against us (Kevin McClintic vs. Lithia Motors, 11-2-14632-4 SEA, Superior Court of the State of Washington for King County) alleging the text messaging activity violated State of Washington anti-texting and consumer protection laws and the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and seeking statutory damages of $500 for each violation, trebled, plus injunctive relief and attorney fees. The suit seeks class action designation for all similarly situated entities and individuals. The suit has been removed to the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington at Seattle.

On or aboutJuly 5, 2011, we participated in a mediation of the McClintic case and subsequently entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs, which is subject to final court approval. Under this settlement agreement, we agreed to pay a total of $2.5 million, all of which such amounts will be reimbursed by the vendor pursuant to contractual indemnification. On June 11, 2012, the court preliminarily approved the settlement.  The court set a final approval hearing for October 11, 2012.  No assurances can be given that the court will grant final approval of the settlement.

On July 5, 2011, a complaint was filed alleging nearly identical claims, also seeking class action designation (Dan McLaren vs. Lithia Motors, Civil # 11-810, United States District Court of Oregon, Portland Division).  Subsequently, the complaint was amended to include claims against the vendor.  The class representative in the McLaren case attempted to intervene in the McClintic case. This intervention motion was denied on October 19, 2011.
The McLaren case was stayed pending the outcome of the McClintic matter by order of the court on or about October 11, 2011. The class representative in2011; the McLaren case also attempted to intervenestay was lifted on or about June 19, 2012, following with the preliminary settlement approval in the McClintic case. This intervention motion was denied on October 19, 2011.

We participated in a mediation ofNow that McClintic has been granted preliminary approval, the McClintic case anddefendants have entered into a settlement agreement withmoved the plaintiffs, which is subjectcourt to court approval. Under this settlement agreement, we agreed to pay a total of $2.5 million, all of which such amounts will be reimbursed bydismiss the vendor pursuant to contractual indemnification.McLaren case. No assurances can be given that the court will approvedismiss the settlement.McLaren case.

7

Alaska Consumer Protection Act Claims
In December 2006, a suit was filed against us (Jackie Neese, et al vs. Lithia Chrysler Jeep of Anchorage, Inc, et al, Case No. 3AN-06-13341 CI, and in April, 2007, a second case (Jackie Neese, et al vs. Lithia Chrysler Jeep of Anchorage, Inc, et al, Case No. 3AN-06-4815 CI) (now consolidated)), in the Superior Court for the State of Alaska, Third Judicial District at Anchorage. In the suits, plaintiffs alleged that we, through our Alaska dealerships, engaged in three practices that purportedly violate Alaska consumer protection laws: (i) charging customers dealer fees and costs (including document preparation fees) not disclosed in the advertised price, (ii) failing to disclose the acquisition, mechanical and accident history of used vehicles or whether the vehicles were originally manufactured for sale in a foreign country, and (iii) engaging in deception, misrepresentation and fraud by providing to customers financing from third parties without disclosing that we receive a fee or discount for placing that loan (a “dealer reserve”). The suit seeks statutory damages of $500 for each violation (or three times plaintiff’s actual damages, whichever is greater), and attorney fees and costs and the plaintiffs sought class action certification.  Before and during the pendency of these suits, we engaged in settlement discussions with the State of Alaska through its Office of Attorney General with respect to the first two practices enumerated above. As a result of those discussions, we entered into a Consent Judgment subject to court approval and permitted potential class members to “opt-out” of the proposed settlement. Counsel for the plaintiffs attempted to intervene and, after various motions, hearings and an appeal to the state Court of Appeals, the Consent Judgment became final.

Plaintiffs then filed a motion in November 2010 seeking certification of a class (i) for (i) the 339 customers who “opted-out” of the state settlement, (ii) for those customers who did not qualify for recovery under the Consent Judgment but were allegedly eligible for recovery under the Plaintiffs’ broader interpretation of the applicable statutes, and (iii) arguing that since the State’s suit against our dealerships did not address the loan fee/discount (dealer reserve) claim, for those customers who arranged their vehicle financing through us. On June 14, 2011, the DistrictTrial Court granted Plaintiffs’ motion to certify a class without addressing either the merits of the claims or the size of the class or classes. We intend to defend the claims vigorously and do not believe the novel “dealer reserve” claim has merit.

7

The ultimate resolution of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of any of the matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Note 5.6. Stockholders’ Equity

Share Repurchases
In August 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock. Through March 31,June 30, 2012 we have repurchased 379,0551,120,147 shares, of which 82,000823,092 were purchased in 2012 at an average price of $23.72$24.17 per share. At March 31,June 30, 2012, 1,620,945879,853 shares remained available for purchase.repurchase. This plan does not have an expiration date and we may continue to repurchase shares from time to time in the future as conditions warrant.

Dividends
During the first quarter of 2012, we paid a dividenddividends of $0.07 per share on our Class A and Class B common stock, or a total of $1.8 million, related to our fourth quarter 2011 financial results, and of $0.10 per share, or a total of $2.6 million, related to our first quarter 2012 financial results. See Note 1517 for a discussion of a dividend related to our firstsecond quarter 2012 financial results.

Note 6.7. Asset Impairment Charges
Long-lived assets classified as held and used and definite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. An estimate of future undiscounted net cash flows associated with the long-lived assets is used to determine if the carrying value of the assets is recoverable. An impairment charge is recorded if the asset is determined to not be recoverable and the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value.
8


In the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, triggeringTriggering events were determined to have occurred related to certain properties due to changes in the expected future use. We evaluated the future undiscounted net cash flows for each property and determined the carrying value was not recoverable. We concluded the carrying value of the assets exceeded the fair value and,value. As a result, asset impairments were recorded as a result, we recorded asset impairment chargescomponent of $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, for three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.continuing operations as follows (in thousands):

  
Three Months Ended
June 30,
  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2012  2011  2012  2011 
Long-lived assets $-  $490  $115  $872 

Note 7.8. Stock-Based Compensation
In the first quarter of 2012, we issued restricted stock units (“RSUs”) covering 168,000 shares of our Class A common stock to certain employees. The RSUs are not participating securities and fully vest on the fourth anniversary of the grant date.

Our executives and other key employees received 89,000 shares of the 168,000 issued. These shares are subject to forfeiture, in whole or in part, based upon minimum performance measures and continuation of employment. If minimum performance measures are met, the number of RSUs ultimately received under these awards is subject to attainment of specific earnings per share thresholds. Each earnings per share threshold specifies an attainment level ranging from 75% to 150% of the base number of units identified in the award. Therefore, at the 150% maximum attainment level, the number of shares awarded to executive officers and other key employees would increase by 44,500 shares for a total award of 133,500 shares. Failure to achieve the minimum performance threshold in 2012 will result in forfeiture of the entire award. The final attainment will be calculated using the 2012 adjusted net income per share from continuing operations with the attainment percentage determined on a pro-rata basis ranging between 75% and 150%. 

8

We estimated compensation expense, based on a fair value methodology, of $4.2 million related to the RSUs, which will be recognized over the vesting period. Of this amount, approximately $0.9 million is expected to be recognized in 2012.

In the second quarter of 2012, we issued RSUs covering 12,870 shares of our Class A common stock to members of our Board of Directors. All of these awards will vest 25% on the first day of the month following our quarterly board meetings.  We estimated compensation expense, based on a fair value methodology, of $0.4 million related to these RSUs, which will be recognized over the vesting period.  Of this amount, approximately $0.3 million is expected to be recognized in 2012.

Note 8.9. Deferred Compensation and Long-term Incentive Plan
We offer a deferred compensation and long-term incentive plan (the “Plan”) to provide certain employees the ability to accumulate assets for retirement on a tax deferred basis. We may make discretionary contributions to the Plan. TheseDiscretionary contributions vest between one and seven years based on the employee’s age and position. Additionally, participants may defer a portion of their compensation and are 100%fully vested in their respective deferrals.

In March 2012, we made a discretionary contribution of $1.9 million to the Plan. Participants will receive a guaranteed return of 5.9% in 2012. We recognized compensation expense related to the Plan of $0.3 million and $0.1$0.6 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2012 and $0.3 million for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.

9


Note 9.10. Fair Value Measurements
Factors used in determining the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities are summarized into three broad categories:
 ·Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;
 ·Level 2 – other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment spreads and credit risk; and
 ·Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs, including our own assumptions in determining fair value.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing financial assets and liabilities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them.

We use the income approach to determine the fair value of our interest rate swaps using observable Level 2 market expectations at each measurement date and an income approach to convert estimated future cash flows to a single present value amount (discounted) assuming that participants are motivated, but not compelled, to transact. Level 2 inputs for the swap valuations are limited to quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (specifically futures contracts on LIBOR for the first two years) and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (specifically LIBOR cash and swap rates and credit risk at commonly quoted intervals). Mid-market pricing is used as a practical expedient for fair value measurements. Key inputs, including the cash rates for very short term borrowings, futures rates for up to two years and LIBOR swap rates beyond the derivative maturity are used to predict future reset rates to discount those future cash flows to present value at the measurement date.
 
Inputs are collected from Bloomberg on the last market day of the period. The same methodology is used to determine the rate used to discount the future cash flows. The valuation of the interest rate swaps also takes into consideration our own, as well as the counterparty’s, risk of non-performance under the contract.

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

9

There were no changes to our valuation techniques during the three-monthsix-month period ended March 31,June 30, 2012.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
Following are the disclosures related to our assets and (liabilities) that are measured at fair value (in thousands):
 
Fair Value at March 31, 2012
 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
Measured on a recurring basis:         
   Derivative contracts, net $-  $(6,889) $- 
             
Measured on a non-recurring basis:            
Long-lived assets held and used:            
  Certain buildings and improvements $-  $-  $1,450 
Fair Value at June 30, 2012 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
Measured on a recurring basis:         
Derivative contracts, net $-  $(6,362) $- 
10


Fair Value at December 31, 2011 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
Measured on a recurring basis:         
Derivative contracts, net $-  $(7,530) $- 
             
Measured on a non-recurring basis:            
Long-lived assets held and used:            
Certain buildings and improvements $-  $-  $2,500 

See Note 1011 for more details regarding our derivative contracts.

Fair Value Disclosures for Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Recorded at Fair Value
We had $72.0 milliondetermined the carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivables, trade payables, accrued liabilities and $64.5 millionshort-term borrowings approximate fair value because of fixed interestthe short term nature and current market rates of these instruments.  We believe the carrying value of our variable rate debt outstanding as of March 31, 2012approximates fair value.

We have fixed rate debt and December 31, 2011, respectively. As of March 31, 2012, this debt had maturity dates between February 2013 and May 2031. We calculate the estimated fair value of our fixed rate debt using a discounted cash flow methodology. Using estimated current interest rates based on a similar risk profile and duration (Level 2), the fixed cash flows are discounted and summed to compute the fair value of the debt. Based onAs of June 30, 2012, this analysis, we have determined thatdebt had maturity dates between October 2014 and May 2031. A summary of the aggregate carrying values and fair valuevalues of thisour long-term fixed interest rate debt was approximately $77.3 million and $73.6 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.is as follows (in thousands):

We believe the carrying value of our variable rate debt approximates fair value.
  
June 30,
2012
  December 31, 2011 
Carrying value $94,201  $64,463 
Fair value  98,634   73,551 

Note 10.11. Derivative Instruments
We enter into interest rate swaps to manage the variability of our interest rate exposure, thus fixing a portion of our interest expense in a rising or falling rate environment. We do not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than to manage interest rate exposure to fluctuations in the one-month LIBOR benchmark. That is, we do not engage in interest rate speculation using derivative instruments.

Typically, we designate all interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges and, accordingly, we record the change in fair value for the effective portion of these interest rate swaps in comprehensive income rather than net income until the underlying hedged transaction affects net income. If a swap is no longer designated as a cash flow hedge and the forecasted transaction remains probable or reasonably possible of occurring, the gain or loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recognized in income as the forecasted transaction occurs. If the forecasted transaction is probable of not occurring, the gain or loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recognized in income immediately.

10

At March 31,June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the net fair value of all of our agreements totaled a loss of $6.9$6.4 million and $7.5 million, respectively, which was recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities. The estimated amount expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months was $3.9$3.4 million at March 31,June 30, 2012.

As of March 31,June 30, 2012, we had outstanding the following interest rate swaps with U.S. Bank Dealer Commercial Services:
 ·
effective January 26, 2008 – a five year, $25$25 million interest rate swap at a fixed rate of 4.495% per annum, variable rate adjusted on the 26th of each month;month, matures January 25, 2013;
 ·
effective May 1, 2008 – a five year, $25 million interest rate swap at a fixed rate of 3.495% per annum, variable rate adjusted on the 1st and 16th of each month;
·
effective May 1, 2008 – a five year, $25$25 million interest rate swap at a fixed rate of 3.495% per annum, variable rate adjusted on the 1st and 16th of each month, matures April 30, 2013;
·
$25 million interest rate swap at a fixed rate of 3.495% per annum, variable rate adjusted on the 1st and 16th of each month, matures April 30, 2013 and
 ·
effective June 16, 2006 – a ten year, $25$25 million interest rate swap at a fixed rate of 5.587% per annum, variable rate adjusted on the 1st and 16th of each month.month, matures June 15, 2016.

11

We receive interest on all of the interest rate swaps at the one-month LIBOR rate. The one-month LIBOR rate at March 31,June 30, 2012 was 0.24%0.25% per annum, as reported in the Wall Street Journal.

At March 31,June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the fair value of our derivative instruments was included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:follows (in thousands):

Balance Sheet Information
(in thousands)
 Fair Value of Asset Derivatives Fair Value of Liability Derivatives 
  Location in Balance Sheet March 31, 2012 Location in Balance Sheet March 31, 2012 
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments         
Interest Rate Swap Contracts Prepaid expenses and other $- Accrued liabilities $3,491 
  Other non-current assets  - Other long-term liabilities  3,398 
    $-   $6,889 
Balance Sheet Information Fair Value of Liability Derivatives 
  
Location in Balance
Sheet
 
June 30,
2012
 
Derivatives Designated as Hedging
Instruments
     
Interest Rate Swap Contracts Accrued liabilities $3,123 
  Other long-term liabilities  3,239 
    $6,362 

Balance Sheet Information
(in thousands)
 Fair Value of Asset Derivatives Fair Value of Liability Derivatives 
  Location in Balance Sheet December 31, 2011 Location in Balance Sheet December 31, 2011 
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments         
Interest Rate Swap Contracts Prepaid expenses and other $- Accrued liabilities $3,522 
  Other non-current assets  - Other long-term liabilities  4,008 
    $-   $7,530 

11

Balance Sheet Information Fair Value of Liability Derivatives 
  
Location in Balance
Sheet
 
December 31,
2011
 
Derivatives Designated as Hedging
Instruments
     
Interest Rate Swap Contracts Accrued liabilities $3,522 
  Other long-term liabilities  4,008 
    $7,530 

The effect of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three-monththree- and six-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands):

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 
Amount of Gain Recognized in Accumulated OCI
(Effective Portion)
 
Location of Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 Location of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) Amount of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) 
            
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2012
           
Interest Rate Swap Contracts $283 
Floor plan
interest expense
 $(408)
Floor plan
interest expense
 $(654)
               
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2011
              
Interest Rate Swap Contracts $388 
Floor plan
interest expense
 $(494)
Floor plan
interest expense
 $(412)
 
 
 
Derivatives in Cash
Flow Hedging
Relationships
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in
Accumulated
OCI (Effective
Portion)
 
Location of
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into
Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of Loss
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective
Portion)
 
Location of
Loss
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective
Portion and
Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
 
Amount of
Loss
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective
Portion and
Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
 
            
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2012
           
Interest Rate Swap Contracts $239 
Floor plan
interest
expense
 $(350)
Floor plan
interest
expense
 $(730)
               
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2011
              
Interest Rate Swap Contracts $(508)
Floor plan
interest
expense
 $(416)
Floor plan
interest
expense
 $(861)
12


Derivatives in Cash
Flow Hedging
Relationships
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in
Accumulated
OCI (Effective
Portion)
 
Location of
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into
Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of Loss
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective
Portion)
 
Location of
Loss
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective
Portion and
Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
 
Amount of
Loss
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective
Portion and
Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
 
            
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2012
           
Interest Rate Swap Contracts $522 
Floor plan
Interest
expense
 $(758)
  Floor plan
Interest
expense
 $(1,384)
               
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2011
              
Interest Rate Swap Contracts $(119)
 Floor plan
Interest
expense
 $(910)
Floor plan
Interest
expense
 $(1,273)

See also Note 9.10.

Note 11.12. Related Party Transactions
On March 27, 2012, we completed the sale of an 80% interest in our Nissan, Volkswagen and BMW stores in Medford, Oregon to our Vice Chairman, Dick Heimann. The price of the intangible assets of the Nissan, Volkswagen and BMW stores was $1.2 million. We received proceeds of $9.6 million, of which $2.9 million was received in cash and $6.7 million was received through the payoff of floor plan financing. The sale of the 80% interest in the stores resulted in a gain of $0.7 million and was recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Nissan and Volkswagen stores were purchased for the book value of the inventory as defined by the original terms of an option agreement provided to Mr. Heimann in 2009. The price of the intangible assets of $1.2 million was based on the fair value of the intangible assets related to the BMW store. We corroborated the fair value of the BMW store’s intangible assets with independent third party broker opinions and financial projections using a fair value income approach.

Concurrent to the sale of the interest in the three stores, we entered into a shared service agreement with the stores. This agreement allows the stores to lease our employees, use the Lithia name, utilize accounting support functions and receive consulting services.

We retained a 20% interest in the stores as of the transition date. We determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the stores and the risk and rewards associated with our investment are based on ownership percentages. We determined we maintained significant influence over the operations. As a result, the stores do not qualify for consolidation and our 20% interest is accounted for under the equity method. We recorded the equity investment at the fair value of $0.8 million as of the transition date which resulted in a gain of $0.2 million, which was recorded as a component of other income on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We determined the fair value of our equity investment based on independent third party broker opinions and financial projections using a fair value income approach.

As of March 31,June 30, 2012, our equity investment totaled $0.8increased by $0.1 million to $0.9 million and was recorded as a component of other non-current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 
1213

 

Note 13. Acquisitions
On April 30, 2012, we acquired the inventory, equipment and intangible assets and assumed certain liabilities of Bellingham Chevrolet and Cadillac in Bellingham, Washington from Jerry Chambers Chevrolet.

On June 12, 2012, we acquired the inventory, equipment and intangible assets and assumed certain liabilities of Fairbanks GMC Buick from Gene’s GMC, LLC.

Consideration paid for the acquisitions totaled $12.8 million and was paid in cash. The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are not material to our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The results of operations of the acquired stores are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition. Pro forma results of operations are not materially different than actual results of operations.

We account for franchise value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset. We expect the full amount of the goodwill recognized to be deductible for tax purposes. We did not have any material acquisition related expenses in the three or six months ended June 30, 2012.

Note 12.14. Discontinued Operations
In 2011, we sold three stores: a Chrysler Jeep Dodge FIAT store in Concord, California; a Volkswagen store in Thornton, ColoradoColorado; and a GMC Buick and Kia store in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The associated results of operations for these locations are classified as discontinued operations. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had no stores and no properties classifiedoperations as held for sale.follows (in thousands):
  
Three Months Ended
June 30,
  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2012  2011  2012  2011 
Revenue $-  $20,141  $-  $40,281 
                 
Pre-tax gain from discontinued operations $-  $280  $-  $797 
Loss on disposal activities  -   (53)  -   (53)
   -   227   -   744 
Income tax expense  -   (87)  -   (287)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense $-  $140  $-  $457 

  
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2012  2011 
Revenue $-  $20,140 
         
Pre-tax gain from discontinued operations $-  $517 
Gain (loss) on disposal activities  -   - 
   -   517 
Income tax expense  -   (200)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense $-  $317 

Note 13.15. Net Income Per Share of Class A and Class B Common Stock
We compute net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock using the two-class method. Under this method, basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period excluding unvested common shares subject to repurchase or cancellation. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and unvested restricted shares subject to repurchase or cancellation. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and other grants is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. The computation of the diluted net income per share of Class A common stock assumes the conversion of Class B common stock, while the diluted net income per share of Class B common stock does not assume the conversion of those shares.

Except with respect to voting and transfer rights, the rights of the holders of our Class A and Class B common stock are identical. Our Restated Articles of Incorporation require that the Class A and Class B common stock must share equally in any dividends, liquidation proceeds or other distribution with respect to our common stock and the Articles of Incorporation can only be amended by a vote of the shareholders. Additionally, Oregon law provides that amendments to our Articles of Incorporation, which would have the effect of adversely altering the rights, powers or preferences of a given class of stock, must be approved by the class of stock adversely affected by the proposed amendment. As a result, the undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on the contractual participation rights of the Class A and Class B common shares as if the earnings for the year had been distributed. As the liquidation and dividend rights are identical, the undistributed earnings are allocated on a proportionate basis. Further, as we assume the conversion of Class B common stock in the computation of the diluted net income per share of Class A common stock, the undistributed earnings are equal to net income for that computation.
14


Following is a reconciliation of the income from continuing operations and weighted average shares used for our basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS for the three-monththree- and six-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Three Months Ended June 30, 2012  2011 
Basic EPS from Continuing Operations Class A  Class B  Class A  Class B 
Numerator:            
Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $17,681  $2,810  $12,596  $2,090 
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders  (2,230)  (354)  (1,588)  (264)
Basic undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $15,451  $2,456  $11,008  $1,826 
                 
Denominator:                
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share  22,201   3,529   22,675   3,762 
                 
Basic income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $0.80  $0.80  $0.56  $0.56 
Basic distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders  (0.10)  (0.10)  (0.07)  (0.07)
Basic undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $0.70  $0.70  $0.49  $0.49 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2012  2011 
Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations Class A  Class B  Class A  Class B 
Numerator:            
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders $2,230  $354  $1,588  $264 
Reallocation of distributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options  6   (6)  (5)  5 
Reallocation of distributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding  348   -   269   - 
Diluted distributed income applicable to common stockholders $2,584  $348  $1,852  $269 
Undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $15,451  $2,456  $11,008  $1,826 
Reallocation of undistributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options  43   (43)  28   (28)
Reallocation of undistributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A  2,413   -   1,798   - 
Diluted undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $17,907  $2,413  $12,834  $1,798 
             
Denominator:            
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share from continuing operations  22,201   3,529   22,675   3,762 
Weighted average number of shares from stock options  455   -   423   - 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding  3,529   -   3,762   - 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share from continuing operations  26,185   3,529   26,860   3,762 
                 
Diluted income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $0.78  $0.78  $0.55  $0.55 
Diluted distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders  (0.10)  (0.10)  (0.07)  (0.07)
Diluted undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $0.68  $0.68  $0.48  $0.48 
 
1315

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012  2011 
Basic EPS from Continuing Operations Class A  Class B  Class A  Class B 
Numerator:            
Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $14,373  $2,423  $7,190  $1,198 
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders  (1,552)  (262)  (1,128)  (188)
Basic undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $12,821  $2,161  $6,062  $1,010 
                 
Denominator:                
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share  22,238   3,748   22,579   3,762 
                 
Basic income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $0.65  $0.65  $0.32  $0.32 
Basic distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders  (0.07)  (0.07)  (0.05)  (0.05)
Basic undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $0.58  $0.58  $0.27  $0.27 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012  2011 
Diluted EPS Class A  Class B  Class A  Class B 
Antidilutive Securities            
Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive  45     -   142     - 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012  2011 
Basic EPS from Continuing Operations Class A  Class B  Class A  Class B 
Numerator:            
Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $32,040  $5,247  $19,785  $3,289 
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders  (3,779)  (619)  (2,716)  (452)
Basic undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $28,261  $4,628  $17,069  $2,837 
                 
Denominator:                
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share  22,221   3,639   22,627   3,762 
                 
Basic income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $1.44  $1.44  $0.87  $0.87 
Basic distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders  (0.17)  (0.17)  (0.12)  (0.12)
Basic undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $1.27  $1.27  $0.75  $0.75 

16


Six Months Ended June 30, 2012  2011 
Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations Class A  Class B  Class A  Class B 
Numerator:            
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders $3,779  $619  $2,716  $452 
Reallocation of distributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options  11   (11)  7   (7)
Reallocation of distributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding  608   -   445   - 
Diluted distributed income applicable to common stockholders $4,398  $608  $3,168  $445 
Undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $28,261  $4,628  $17,069  $2,837 
Reallocation of undistributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options  83   (83)  41   (41)
Reallocation of undistributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A  4,545   -   2,796   - 
Diluted undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $32,889  $4,545  $19,906  $2,796 
                 
Denominator:                
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share from continuing operations  22,221   3,639   22,627   3,762 
Weighted average number of shares from stock options  471   -   390   - 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding  3,639   -   3,762   - 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share from continuing operations  26,331   3,639   26,779   3,762 
                 
Diluted income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $1.42  $1.42  $0.86  $0.86 
Diluted distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders  (0.17)  (0.17)  (0.12)  (0.12)
Diluted undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $1.25  $1.25  $0.74  $0.74 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012  2011 
Diluted EPS Class A  Class B  Class A  Class B 
Antidilutive Securities            
Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive  90     -   334     - 
 
 
1417

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012  2011 
Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations Class A  Class B  Class A  Class B 
Numerator:            
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders $1,552  $262  $1,128  $188 
Reallocation of distributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options  5   (5)  3   (3)
Reallocation of distributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding  257   -   185   - 
Diluted distributed income applicable to common stockholders $1,814  $257  $1,316  $185 
Undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $12,821  $2,161  $6,062  $1,010 
Reallocation of undistributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options  40   (40)  13   (13)
Reallocation of undistributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A  2,121   -   997   - 
Diluted undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $14,982  $2,121  $7,072  $997 
                 
Denominator:                
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share from continuing operations  22,238   3,748   22,579   3,762 
Weighted average number of shares from stock options  492   -   353   - 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding  3,748   -   3,762   - 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share from continuing operations  26,478   3,748   26,694   3,762 
                 
Diluted income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $0.63  $0.63  $0.31  $0.31 
Diluted distributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders  (0.07)  (0.07)  (0.05)  (0.05)
Diluted undistributed income per share from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders $0.56  $0.56  $0.26  $0.26 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012  2011 
Diluted EPS Class A  Class B  Class A  Class B 
Antidilutive Securities            
Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive  90     -   387     - 

Note 14.16. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standard update that amends the accounting guidance on goodwill impairment testing. The amendments in this accounting standard update are intended to reduce complexity and costs by allowing an entity the option to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of a reporting unit. The amendments also improve previous guidance by expanding upon the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider between annual impairment tests in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The amendments in this accounting standard update are effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this accounting standard update will not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, as it is intended to simplify the assessment for goodwill impairment.

15

Note 15.17. Subsequent Events

Common Stock Dividend
On AprilJuly 25, 2012, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.10 per share on our Class A and Class B Common stock related to our firstsecond quarter 2012 financial results. The dividend will total approximately $2.6 million and will be paid on May 25,August 24, 2012 to shareholders of record on May 11,August 10, 2012.

Credit FacilityShare Repurchase Plan
On April 17,July 20, 2012 we executed a new five-year $650 million Credit Facility, which is comprisedour Board of 10 financial institutions, including four manufacturer affiliated finance companies.Directors increased our existing authorization allowing the repurchase of 1,000,000 additional shares of our Class A common stock. This credit facility provides a $500 million new vehicle floor plan commitment, $100 million in used vehicle inventory financing and a $50 million revolving linebrings the total remaining repurchase authorization to 1,879,853 shares as of credit for general corporate use including working capital and acquisitions. This credit facility may be expanded to $800 million total availability. The interest rate on the credit facility varies based on the type of debt with the rate ranging from the 1-month LIBOR plus 1.50% to the 1-month LIBOR plus 2.50%. Our financial covenants related to this credit facility include maintaining a current ratio of not less than 1.20:1.0, a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.20:1.0 and a leverage ratio of not more than 5.0:1.0.July 27, 2012.

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

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
Certain statements under the sections entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and situations that may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations are discussed in Part II - Other Information, Item 1A. in this Form 10-Q and in the Risk Factors section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented and amended from time to time in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

While we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

16

Overview
We are a leading operator of automotive franchises and a retailer of new and used vehicles and services. As of AprilJuly 27, 2012, we offered 2527 brands of new vehicles and all brands of used vehicles in 8385 stores in the United States and online at Lithia.com. We sell new and used cars and light trucks and replacement parts; provide vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and repair services; and arrange related financing, service contracts, protection products and credit insurance.
18


Our mission statement is: “Driven by our employees and preferred by our customers, Lithia is the leading automotive retailer in each of our markets.” We offer our customers personal, convenient, flexible hometown service combined with the large company advantages of selection, competitive pricing, broad access to financing, consistent service, competence and guarantees. We strive for diversification in our products, services, brands and geographic locations to insulate us from market risk and to maintain profitability. We have developed a centralized support structure to reduce store level administrative functions. This allows store personnel to focus on providing a positive customer experience. With our management information systems, our emphasis on standardized operating practices and administrative functions performed centrally in Medford, Oregon, we seek to gain economies of scale from our dealership network.

Results of Continuing Operations
For the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2012 and 2011, we reported income from continuing operations, net of tax, of $16.8$20.5 million, or $0.63$0.78 per diluted share, and $8.4$14.7 million, or $0.31$0.55 per diluted share, respectively.

For the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, we reported income from continuing operations, net of tax, of $37.3 million, or $1.42 per diluted share, and $23.1 million, or $0.86 per diluted share, respectively.

Discontinued Operations
Results for sold or closed stores qualifying for reclassification under the applicable accounting guidance are presented as discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. As a result, our results from continuing operations are presented on a comparable basis for all periods. We did not have any stores classified as discontinued operations during the quarterthree and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2012. Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the quarterthree and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2011 totaled $0.3 million.$0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

Key Performance Metrics
Certain keyKey performance metrics for revenue and gross profit were as follows for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands):
 
Three months ended
March 31, 2012
 Revenues  
Percent of
Total Revenues
  
Gross Profit
  
Gross Profit
Margin
  
Percent of Total
Gross Profit
 
Three months ended
June 30, 2012
 Revenues  
Percent of
Total
Revenues
  
Gross
Profit
  
Gross
Profit
Margin
  
Percent of
Total
Gross Profit
 
New vehicle $404,288   53.3  $31,126   7.7%  24.4  $470,424   55.5% $34,639   7.4%  25.0%
Used vehicle retail  195,421   25.8    28,914   14.8   22.6    212,767   25.1   31,744   14.9   23.0 
Used vehicle wholesale  34,336   4.5    418   1.2   0.3    36,083   4.3   304   0.8   0.2 
Finance and insurance(1)
  25,420   3.3    25,420   100.0   19.9    27,870   3.3   27,870   100.0   20.2 
Service, body and parts  86,448   11.4    41,593   48.1   32.5    88,585   10.5   43,242   48.8   31.3 
Fleet and other  12,981   1.7    400   3.1   0.3    11,394   1.3   390   3.4   0.3 
 $758,894   100.0  $127,871   16.8%  100.0  $847,123   100.0% $138,189   16.3%  100.0%
                 
Three months ended
March 31, 2011
 Revenues  
Percent of
Total Revenues
  
Gross Profit
  
Gross Profit
Margin
  
Percent of Total
Gross Profit
 
New vehicle $300,640   51.6  $22,606   7.5%  22.3 
Used vehicle retail  156,478   26.8    22,984   14.7   22.6  
Used vehicle wholesale  29,537   5.1    399   1.4   0.4  
Finance and insurance(1)
  19,299   3.3    19,299   100.0   19.0  
Service, body and parts  73,761   12.7    35,761   48.5   35.2  
Fleet and other  3,142   0.5    547   17.4   0.5  
 $582,857   100.0  $101,596   17.4%  100.0 

(1)Commissions reported net of anticipated cancellations.
Three months ended
June 30, 2011
 Revenues  
Percent of
Total
Revenues
  
Gross
Profit
  
Gross
Profit
Margin
  
Percent of
Total
Gross Profit
 
New vehicle $347,727   51.7% $28,001   8.1%  23.9%
Used vehicle retail  176,591   26.3   27,001   15.3   23.1 
Used vehicle wholesale  29,153   4.3   268   0.9   0.2 
Finance and insurance(1)
  20,886   3.1   20,886   100.0   17.8 
Service, body and parts  80,937   12.0   39,695   49.0   33.9 
Fleet and other  17,193   2.6   1,286   7.5   1.1 
  $672,487   100.0% $117,137   17.4%  100.0%

 
1719

 
 
Six months ended
June 30, 2012
 Revenues  
Percent of
Total
Revenues
  
Gross
Profit
  
Gross
Profit
Margin
  
Percent of
Total
Gross Profit
 
New vehicle $874,712   54.5% $65,765   7.5%  24.7%
Used vehicle retail  408,188   25.4   60,658   14.9   22.8 
Used vehicle wholesale  70,419   4.4   722   1.0   0.3 
Finance and insurance(1)
  53,290   3.3   53,290   100.0   20.0 
Service, body and parts  175,033   10.9   84,835   48.5   31.9 
Fleet and other  24,375   1.5   790   3.2   0.3 
  $1,606,017   100.0% $266,060   16.6%  100.0%
Six months ended
June 30, 2011
 Revenues  
Percent of
Total
Revenues
  
Gross
Profit
  
Gross
Profit
Margin
  
Percent of
Total
Gross Profit
 
New vehicle $648,367   51.6% $50,607   7.8%  23.1%
Used vehicle retail  333,069   26.5   49,985   15.0   22.9 
Used vehicle wholesale  58,690   4.8   667   1.1   0.3 
Finance and insurance(1)
  40,185   3.2   40,185   100.0   18.4 
Service, body and parts  154,698   12.3   75,456   48.8   34.5 
Fleet and other  20,335   1.6   1,833   9.0   0.8 
  $1,255,344   100.0% $218,733   17.4%  100.0%

(1) Commissions reported net of anticipated cancellations.

Same Store Operating Data
We believe that same store comparisons are a key indicator of our financial performance. Same store metrics demonstrate our ability to profitably grow our revenue in our existing locations. As a result, same store comparisons have been integrated into the discussion below.

A same store metric represents stores that were operating during the three-month periodthree- and six-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2012, and only includes the months when operations occur in both comparable periods. For example, a store acquired in FebruaryMay 2011 would be included in same store operating data beginning in MarchJune 2012, after its first full complete comparable month of operation. Thus, operating results for same store comparisons would include only the period of MarchJune for both comparable periods.

New Vehicle Revenues
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
       
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
     %  2012  2011  Increase  
%
Increase
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts) 2012  2011  Increase  Increase             
Reported                        
Revenue $404,288  $300,640  $103,648   34.5% $470,424  $347,727  $122,697   35.3%
Retail units sold  12,469   9,525   2,944   30.9   14,406   10,725   3,681   34.3 
Average selling price per retail unit $32,423  $31,563  $860   2.7  $32,655  $32,422  $233   0.7 
                                
Same store                                
Revenue $371,503  $296,679  $74,824   25.2% $454,445  $339,427  $115,018   33.9%
Retail units sold  11,631   9,391   2,240   23.9   13,939   10,486   3,453   32.9 
Average selling price per retail unit $31,941  $31,592  $349   1.1  $32,602  $32,370  $232   0.7 

  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
       
  2012  2011  Increase  
%
Increase
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)            
Reported            
Revenue $874,712  $648,367  $226,345   34.9%
Retail units sold  26,875   20,250   6,625   32.7 
Average selling price per retail unit $32,547  $32,018  $529   1.7 
                 
Same store                
Revenue $825,948  $636,106  $189,842   29.8%
Retail units sold  25,570   19,877   5,693   28.6 
Average selling price per retail unit $32,301  $32,002  $299   0.9 
20

New vehicle sales in the firstsecond quarter of 2012 improved compared to the firstsecond quarter of 2011 as both volumes and average selling prices increased.driven by increased volume. Demand for new vehicles continues to be strong as same store sales volume increased 24%33% and 29%, respectively, in the three-month periodthree- and six-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2012 compared to the same periodperiods in 2011. This increase is in addition to a 40% increase in same store sales in the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010. We remain focused on increasing our share of overall new vehicle sales within our markets and continue to have an operational objective of increasing market share.

Used Vehicle Retail Revenues
  
Three Months Ended
March 31,
     % 
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts) 2012  2011  Increase  Increase 
Reported            
Retail revenue $195,421  $156,478  $38,943   24.9%
Retail units sold  11,508   9,506   2,002   21.1 
Average selling price per retail unit $16,981  $16,461  $520   3.2 
                 
Same store            
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
       
 2012  2011  Increase  
%
Increase
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)            
Reported            
Retail revenue $182,135  $153,907  $28,228   18.3% $212,767  $176,591  $36,176   20.5%
Retail units sold  10,806   9,350   1,456   15.6   11,923   10,085   1,838   18.2 
Average selling price per retail unit $16,855  $16,461  $394   2.4  $17,845  $17,510  $335   1.9 

Same store            
Retail revenue $205,794  $171,768  $34,026   19.8%
Retail units sold  11,546   9,847   1,699   17.3 
Average selling price per retail unit $17,824  $17,444  $380   2.2 

  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
       
  2012  2011  Increase  
%
Increase
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)            
Reported            
Retail revenue $408,188  $333,069  $75,119   22.6%
Retail units sold  23,431   19,591   3,840   19.6 
Average selling price per retail unit $17,421  $17,001  $420   2.5 

Same store            
Retail revenue $388,771  $325,676  $63,095   19.4%
Retail units sold  22,403   19,197   3,206   16.7 
Average selling price per retail unit $17,354  $16,965  $389   2.3 
Used vehicle retail sales continue to be a strategic focus as we strive for organic growth and respond to potential supply constraints in late-model used vehicles as a result of the lower new vehicle sales in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Our strategy is to offer three categories of used vehicles: manufacturer certified pre-owned used vehicles; late model, lower-mileage vehicles; and value autos.autos, vehicles over 80,000 miles. This approach allows us to expand our target customer base and increase the conversion of vehicles acquired via trade-in to retail used vehicle sales.

ThroughDuring the first quarter ofthree- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, sales increased in all three categories of used vehicles.vehicles compared to the same periods of 2011. Our retail used to new vehicle sales ratio was 0.9:0.8:1 for the three-month period ended March 31,June 30, 2012 compared to 1.0:0.9:1 in the same period in 2011. For the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, our retail used to new vehicle sales ratio was 0.9:1 and 1.0:1, respectively. We experiencedcontinue to experience growth in our new vehicle sales that outpacedoutpaces our used retail vehicle sales in the three-month period ended March 31, 2012. On average, each of our stores currently sells approximately 4547 retail used vehicle units per month and we target increasing sales to 60 units per month. Our goal continues to be a retail used to new ratio of 1.0:1.

 
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Used Vehicle Wholesale Revenues
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
       
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Increase  % Increase  2012  2011  Increase  
%
Increase
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts) 2012  2011  (Decrease)  (Decrease)             
Reported                        
Wholesale revenue $34,336  $29,537  $4,799   16.2% $36,083  $29,153  $6,930   23.8%
Wholesale units sold  4,593   3,742   851   22.7   4,621   3,767   854   22.7 
Average selling price per wholesale unit $7,476  $7,893  $(417)  (5.3) $7,808  $7,739  $69   0.9 
                                
Same store                                
Wholesale revenue $31,961  $28,735  $3,226   11.2% $34,828  $28,209  $6,619   23.5%
Wholesale units sold  4,312   3,671   641   17.5   4,497   3,683   814   22.1 
Average selling price per wholesale unit $7,412  $7,828  $(416)  (5.3) $7,745  $7,659  $86   1.1 

  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
       
  2012  2011  
Increase
(Decrease)
  
% Increase
(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)            
Reported            
Wholesale revenue $70,419  $58,690  $11,729   20.0%
Wholesale units sold  9,214   7,509   1,705   22.7 
Average selling price per wholesale unit $7,643  $7,816  $(173)  (2.2)
                 
Same store                
Wholesale revenue $66,789  $56,944  $9,845   17.3%
Wholesale units sold  8,809   7,354   1,455   19.8 
Average selling price per wholesale unit $7,582  $7,743  $(161)  (2.1)

Wholesale transactions are vehicles we have purchased from customers or vehicles we have attempted to sell via retail that we elect to dispose of due to inventory age or other factors. Wholesale vehicle sales are typically sold at or near inventory cost and do not comprise a meaningful component of our gross profit. The increases in wholesale revenues are primarily due to increased volume.

Finance and Insurance
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
       
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
     %  2012  2011  Increase  
%
Increase
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts) 2012  2011  Increase  Increase             
Reported                        
Revenue $25,420  $19,299  $6,121   31.7% $27,870  $20,886  $6,984   33.4%
                                
Revenue per retail unit                                
Finance reserves $395  $364  $31   8.5  $410  $378  $32   8.5 
Maintenance contracts  547   541   6   1.1   527   520   7   1.3 
Insurance and other  118   109   9   8.3   122   106   16   15.1 
Revenue per retail unit $1,060  $1,014  $46   4.5  $1,059  $1,004  $55   5.5 
            
Same store                        
Revenue $23,696  $18,463  $5,233   28.3% $27,086  $20,163  $6,923   34.3%
                                
Revenue per retail unit                                
Finance reserves $392  $360  $32   8.9  $408  $373  $35   9.4 
Maintenance contracts  553   523   30   5.7   539   519   20   3.9 
Insurance and other  111   102   9   8.8   116   100   16   16.0 
Revenue per retail unit $1,056  $985  $71   7.2  $1,063  $992  $71   7.2 

22


  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
       
  2012  2011  Increase  
%
Increase
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)            
Reported            
Revenue $53,290  $40,185  $13,105   32.6%
                 
Revenue per retail unit                
Finance reserves $402  $372  $30   8.1 
Maintenance contracts  537   530   7   1.3 
Insurance and other  120   107   13   12.1 
Revenue per retail unit $1,059  $1,009  $50   5.0 

Same store            
Revenue $50,825  $38,627  $12,198   31.6%
                 
Revenue per retail unit                
Finance reserves $400  $367  $33   9.0 
Maintenance contracts  545   521   24   4.6 
Insurance and other  114   101   13   12.9 
Revenue per retail unit $1,059  $989  $70   7.1 

The increases in finance and insurance sales were primarily due to more vehicles soldare driven by increased vehicle sales volume in the first three months ofthree- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same periodperiods of 2011. The availability of consumer credit has expanded and lenders have increased the loan-to-value amount available to most customers. Additionally, competition has continued to increase among lenders and we have seen an increase in finance reserves. As a result, we have experienced continued improvement in the average amount of revenue per unit. These shifts afford us the opportunity to sell additional or more comprehensive products, while remaining within a loan-to-value framework acceptable to our retail customer lenders.

19

Additionally, we continue to diversify our product offerings and seek more accommodating financing terms.

Penetration rates for certain products were as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
  
Three Months Ended
June 30,
  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 2012  2011  2012  2011  2012  2011 
Finance and insurance  75%  73%  76%  73%  76%  73%
Service contracts  41   40   40   40   40   40 
Lifetime oil change and filter  37   38   36   37   36   37 

Service, Body and Parts Revenue
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
       
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Increase  % Increase  2012  2011  
Increase
(Decrease)
  
 % Increase(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands) 2012  2011  (Decrease)  (Decrease)             
Reported                        
Customer pay $48,093  $39,879  $8,214   20.6% $51,223  $46,150  $5,073   11.0%
Warranty  13,316   12,978   338   2.6   13,099   13,779   (680)  (4.9)
Wholesale parts  16,610   13,442   3,168   23.6   15,907   13,768   2,139   15.5 
Body shop  8,429   7,462   967   13.0   8,356   7,240   1,116   15.4 
Total service, body and parts $86,448  $73,761  $12,687   17.2% $88,585  $80,937  $7,648   9.4%
                                
Same store                                
Customer pay $41,627  $39,155  $2,472   6.3% $48,316  $44,725  $3,591   8.0%
Warranty  11,122   12,610   (1,488)  (11.8)  12,267   13,142   (875)  (6.7)
Wholesale parts  14,758   13,298   1,460   11.0   15,022   13,491   1,531   11.3 
Body shop  8,424   7,462   962   12.9   8,355   7,240   1,115   15.4 
Total service, body and parts $75,931  $72,525  $3,406   4.7% $83,960  $78,598  $5,362   6.8%
23

  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
       
  2012  2011  
Increase
(Decrease)
  
 % Increase(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands)            
Reported            
Customer pay $99,315  $86,030  $13,285   15.4%
Warranty  26,416   26,756   (340)  (1.3)
Wholesale parts  32,517   27,209   5,308   19.5 
Body shop  16,785   14,703   2,082   14.2 
Total service, body and parts $175,033  $154,698  $20,335   13.1%
                 
Same store                
Customer pay $89,994  $83,879  $6,115   7.3%
Warranty  23,389   25,751   (2,362)  (9.2)
Wholesale parts  29,780   26,789   2,991   11.2 
Body shop  16,780   14,703   2,077   14.1 
Total service, body and parts $159,943  $151,122  $8,821   5.8%

Our service, body and parts business continued to improveexperience overall growth in the firstsecond quarter of 2012. We increased our same store customer pay business 6.3%8.0% and 7.3% in the first three months ofthree- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same periodperiods in 2011 as we focused on retaining customers through competitively-priced routine maintenance offerings and increased marketing efforts. The same store customer pay service and parts business represented 54.8%57.5% and 54.0%56.9% of the total same store service, body and parts business in the three-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and 56.3% and 55.5% for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Warranty work accounted for approximately 14.7%14.6% of our same store service, body and parts sales in both the first three monthsthree- and six-month periods of 2012 compared to 17.4%16.7% and 17.0% in the same periodperiods in 2011. Warranty work decreased 11.8%6.7% and 9.2% in same store sales for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2012 compared to the same periodperiods in 2011. Domestic brand warranty work decreased by 11.1%0.9% and 6.2%, respectively, while import/luxury warranty work decreased by 12.5%11.4% and 11.9%, respectively, in the first three monthsthree- and six-month periods of 2012 compared to the same periodperiods in 2011. Warranty work continues to be impacted by declining units in operation from 2008, 2009 and 2010, as well as the increased warranty work in 2011 associated with the Toyota recalls.

Our wholesale parts and body shop sales grew 11.0%11.3% and 12.9%15.4%, respectively, in the second quarter of 2012, and 11.2% and 14.1%, respectively, in the first six months of 2012, on a same store basis in the first three months of 2012 compared to the same periodperiods in 2011. Wholesale parts represented 19.4%17.9% and 18.6%, and body shop sales represented 11.1%10.0% and 10.5%, of our same store service, body and parts revenue mix for the three-month periodthree- and six-month periods ended March 31, 2012.June 30, 2012, respectively. These categories allow for incremental organic growth. As both wholesale parts and body shop margins are lower than service work, we expect gross margins may modestly decline as these areas of the business comprise a larger portion of the total.

Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $26.3$21.1 million and $47.3 million in the three-month periodthree- and six-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2012 compared to the same periodperiods in 2011 due to increased revenues, partially offset by declines in our overall gross profit margin.

20


Our gross profit margin by business line was as follows:

  Three Months Ended June 30,  
Basis
Point Change*
 
  2012  2011    
New vehicle
  7.4%  8.1%  (70) bp
Used vehicle retail
  14.9   15.3   (40)
Used vehicle wholesale
  0.8   0.9   (10)
Finance and insurance
  100.0   100.0   - 
Service, body and parts
  48.8   49.0   (20)
Overall
  16.3%  17.4%  (110)
     Basis 
  Three Months Ended March 31,  Point Change* 
  2012  2011    
New vehicle
  7.7%  7.5%  20bp
Used vehicle retail
  14.8   14.7   10 
Used vehicle wholesale
  1.2   1.4   (20)
Finance and insurance
  100.0   100.0   - 
Service, body and parts
  48.1   48.5   (40)
Overall
  16.8%  17.4%  (60)
24

  Six Months Ended June 30,  
Basis
Point Change*
 
  2012  2011    
New vehicle
  7.5%  7.8%  (30) bp
Used vehicle retail
  14.9   15.0   (10)
Used vehicle wholesale
  1.0   1.1   (10)
Finance and insurance
  100.0   100.0   - 
Service, body and parts
  48.5   48.8   (30)
Overall
  16.6%  17.4%  (80)

*
* One basis point is equal to 1/100th of one percent.

Our overall gross profit marginNew vehicle margins decreased primarilyduring the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same periods of 2011. These decreases are due to 2011 margins being abnormally high from constrained import inventory levels as a result of a shiftthe earthquake and tsunami in revenue mix. NewJapan, which returned to more normalized levels in 2012. Additionally, certain domestic vehicle margins increased slightly duringwere reduced due to the first three monthsdiscontinuation of 2012 as our vehicle sales mix moved towards smaller vehicles and import brands, which typically have a higher gross margin percentage.manufacturer incentive programs in 2012. Used vehicle retail margins increased slightly foralso decreased in the first three monthscurrent year periods compared to the same periods of 2012. We continue to grow our business in2011. While all three categories of used vehicles and have experienced the mostrevenue growth in the higher-margin category2012, strong used vehicle prices have caused cost of value autos.goods sold to grow faster than revenue, resulting in margin pressure. Service, body and parts margins decreased as our wholesale parts and body shop revenue growth continues.continues, both of which achieve lower margins than other portions of our service, body and parts business. We believe our “single-point” strategy of maintaining franchise exclusivity within the markets we serve protects profitability and allows us to maintainsupports higher overall margin levels.

Asset Impairment Charges
Long-lived assets classified as held and used by us and definite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable.

Asset impairments recorded as a component of continuing operations consisted of the following (in thousands):

  Three Months Ended March 31, 
  2012  2011 
Long-lived assets $115  $382 
  
Three Months Ended
June 30,
  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2012  2011  2012  2011 
Long-lived assets $-  $490  $115  $872 

In the first quarterhalf of 2012 and 2011, we recorded impairment charges associated with certain properties.  As the expected future use of these facilities changed, the long-lived assets were tested for recoverability. As a result, we determined the carrying value exceeded the fair value of these properties. As additional market information becomes available and negotiations with prospective buyers continue, estimated fair values of our properties may change. These changes may result in the recognition of additional asset impairment charges in future periods.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense (“SG&A”)
“SG&A” includes salaries and related personnel expenses, advertising (net of manufacturer cooperative advertising credits), rent, facility costs, and other general corporate expenses.

 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
       
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Increase  
%
Increase
  2012  2011  Increase  
%
Increase
 
(Dollars in thousands) 2012  2011  (Decrease)  (Decrease)                 
Personnel $60,180  $49,431  $10,749   21.7% $62,713  $54,821  $7,892   14.4%
Advertising  6,544   5,630   914   16.2   8,045   6,419   1,626   25.3 
Rent  4,340   3,297   1,043   31.6   4,414   3,669   745   20.3 
Facility costs  6,254   6,557   (303)  (4.6)  6,073   5,683   390   6.9 
Other  14,272   12,219   2,053   16.8   14,922   12,176   2,746   22.6 
Total SG&A $91,590  $77,134  $14,456   18.7% $96,167  $82,768  $13,399   16.2%

 
2125

 
 
  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
         
  2012  2011  Increase  
%
Increase
 
(Dollars in thousands)                
Personnel $122,893  $104,252  $18,641   17.9%
Advertising  14,589   12,049   2,540   21.1 
Rent  8,754   6,966   1,788   25.7 
Facility costs  12,327   12,240   87   0.7 
Other  29,194   24,395   4,799   19.7 
Total SG&A $187,757  $159,902  $27,855   17.4%

SG&A expense increased $14.5$13.4 million and $27.9 million, respectively, in the three-month periodthree- and six-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2012 compared to the same periodperiods in 2011. This change wasThese changes were primarily driven by increased variable costs associated with improved sales, offset by a continued focus to reduce or maintain fixed costs and effectively manage variable costs.

SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 71.6%69.6% compared to 75.9%70.7%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2012 and 2011 and was 70.6% compared to 73.1%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. We target SG&A as a percentage of gross profit in the low 70% range with increased volume.

We also measure the leverage of our cost structure by evaluating throughput, which is calculated as the incremental percentage of gross profit retained after deducting SG&A expense. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, our incremental throughput was 45.0%.

  
Three Months Ended
June 30,
       
  2012  2011  Change  
% of Change in
Gross Profit
 
(Dollars in thousands)                
Gross profit $138,189  $117,137  $21,052   100.0%
SG&A expense  (96,167)  (82,768)  (13,399)  (63.6)
Throughput contribution         $7,653   36.4%
  
Three Months Ended
June 30,
        
   2011   2010  Change  
% of Change in
Gross Profit
 
(Dollars in thousands)                
Gross profit $117,137  $93,049  $24,088   100.0%
SG&A expense  (82,768)  (72,436)  (10,332)  (42.9)
Throughput contribution         $13,756   57.1%
  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
        
   2012   2011  Change  
% of Change in
Gross Profit
 
(Dollars in thousands)                
Gross profit $266,060  $218,733  $47,327   100.0%
SG&A expense  (187,757)  (159,902)  (27,855)  (58.9)
Throughput contribution         $19,472   41.1%
  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
        
   2011   2010  Change  
% of Change in
Gross Profit
 
(Dollars in thousands)                
Gross profit $218,733  $176,387  $42,346   100.0%
SG&A expense  (159,902)  (141,161)  (18,741)  (44.3)
Throughput contribution         $23,605   55.7%
Throughput contributions for newly opened or acquired stores are on a ‘first dollar’ basis for the first twelve months of operations. We acquired fourthree stores and added one open point since the firstsecond quarter of 2011 and, adjusting for these locations, our throughput on a same store basis was 56.0%42.9% and 48.3% for the three-month periodthree- and six-month periods ended March 31, 2012.June 30, 2012, respectively. Our throughput in the second quarter of 2012 was reduced by insurance items totaling $1.7 million. Excluding these items, our same store throughput would have been approximately 52%. We continue to target a same store incremental throughput of approximately 50%.

26


Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization is comprised of depreciation expense related to buildings, significant remodels or betterments, furniture, tools, equipment and signage and amortization of certain intangible assets, including customer lists and non-compete agreements.

 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
       
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
     %  2012  2011  Increase  
%
Increase
 
(Dollars in thousands) 2012  2011  Increase  Increase                 
Depreciation and amortization $4,199  $4,092  $107   2.6% $4,261  $4,217  $44   1.0%

  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
       
  2012  2011  Increase  
%
Increase
 
(Dollars in thousands)                
Depreciation and amortization $8,460  $8,309  $151   1.8%

Depreciation and amortization for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2012 increased slightly primarily relatedcompared to the purchasesame periods of facilities2011 as we have increased our capital expenditures in the second half of 2011.recent periods.

Operating Margin
Operating income in the three-month periodthree- and six-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2012 was 4.2%4.5% and 4.3% of revenue compared to 3.4%4.4% and 4.0% in the comparable periodperiods of 2011. This improvement wasThese improvements were primarily due to improved sales and continued cost control.

Floor Plan Interest Expense and Floor Plan Assistance
Floor plan interest expense decreased $0.2 million and increased $0.5$0.2 million, respectively in the three-month periodthree- and six-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2012 compared to the same periods of 2011. The decrease in the current quarter mainly related to our interest rate swaps as the impact of increased volume was offset by the decrease in rate. The increase for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same period of 2011. An increase of $0.7 million resulted from changes in the average outstanding balances of our floor plan facilities. Changes in the average interest rates on our floor plan facilities decreased the expense $0.4 million and ineffectiveness from hedging interest rate swaps resulted in an increase of $0.2 million.2011 was due to increased volume.

Floor plan assistance is provided by manufacturers to support store financing of new vehicle inventory. Under accounting standards, floor plan assistance is recorded as a component of new vehicle gross profit when the specific vehicle is sold. However, as manufacturers provide this assistance to offset inventory carrying costs, we believe a comparison of floor plan interest expense to floor plan assistance may be used to evaluate the efficiency of our new vehicle sales relative to stocking levels.
22


The following tables detail the carrying costs for new vehicles and include new and program vehicle floor plan interest net of floor plan assistance earned.

 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
       
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
     %  2012  2011  Change  
%
Change
 
(Dollars in thousands) 2012  2011  Increase  Increase                 
Floor plan interest expense (new vehicles) $2,950  $2,462  $488   19.8% $3,119  $3,359  $(240)  (7.1)%
Floor plan assistance (included as an offset to cost of sales)  (3,710)  (2,802)  908   32.4   (4,289)  (3,209)  1,080   33.7 
Net new vehicle carrying costs $(760) $(340) $420   123.5% $(1,170) $150  $1,320   880.0%

  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
       
  2012  2011  Change  
%
Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)                
Floor plan interest expense (new vehicles) $6,069  $5,821  $248   4.3%
Floor plan assistance (included as an offset to cost of sales)  (7,999)  (6,010)  1,989   33.1 
Net new vehicle carrying costs $(1,930) $(189) $1,741   921.2%

27


Other Interest Expense
Other interest expense includes interest on debt incurred related to acquisitions, real estate mortgages and our working capital, acquisition and used vehicle credit facility.

 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
       
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Increase  
%
Increase
  2012  2011  
Increase
(Decrease)
  
%
Increase
(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands) 2012  2011  (Decrease)  (Decrease)                 
Mortgage interest $2,220  $2,954  $(734)  (24.8)% $2,245  $2,670  $(425)  (15.9)%
Other interest  621   354   267   75.4   403   373   30   8.0 
Capitalized interest  (94)  (16)  78   487.5   (99)  (32)  67   209.4 
Total other interest expense $2,747  $3,292  $(545)  (16.6)% $2,549  $3,011  $(462)  (15.3)%

  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
       
  2012  2011  
Increase
(Decrease)
  
%
Increase
(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands)                
Mortgage interest $4,463  $5,625  $(1,162)  (20.7)%
Other interest  1,025   726   299   41.2 
Capitalized interest  (192)  (48)  144   300.0 
Total other interest expense $5,296  $6,303  $(1,007)  (16.0)%

For the three-month periodthree- and six-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2012 compared to the same periodperiods of 2011, other interest expense decreased $0.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, primarily due to decreases in outstanding real estate mortgage debt as we retired approximately $23 million in mortgages, offset by an increase in interesthigher volumes of borrowing on our working capital, acquisition and used vehicle credit facility due to a higher volume of borrowing compared to the same period in 2011.facility.

Other Income, Net
Other income, net primarily includes interest income and, beginning in 2012, the 2012 period, the gaingains related to an equity investment. Other income, net was $0.5$0.8 million and $0.1$0.2 million for the three-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $1.3 million and $0.2 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Income Tax Expense
Our effective income tax rate was 37.3%37.7% and 37.5% for the three-month periodthree- and six-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2012, compared to 41.4%37.4% and 38.9%, respectively, in the comparable periodperiods of 2011. We had certain tax attributes lowering our effective rate in the three monthsand six month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2012.  In the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2011, our income tax rate was increaseddecreased due to a tax shortfall associated with our stock-based compensation.  This resulted from thecompensation reversing and becoming a tax benefit recorded for stock-based compensation expense determined at the time of issuance being larger than the actual benefit received upon exercise of the option.benefit.

For the full year 2012, we anticipate our income tax rate to be approximately 38.6%38.4%.

Non-GAAP Reconciliations
We believe each of the non-GAAP financial measures below improves the transparency of our disclosures, provides a meaningful presentation of our results from the core business operations excluding adjustments for items not related to our ongoing core business operations or other non-cash adjustments, and improves the period-to-period comparability of our results from the core business operations. These presentations are not intended to provide cost of sales, SG&A expense, income from operations, income from continuing operations before income taxes, income from continuing operations or diluted income per share from continuing operations in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to GAAP measures.

 
2328

 

The following table reconciles certain reported GAAP amounts per the Consolidated Statements of Operations to the comparable non-GAAP amounts (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

  Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 
  As reported  Asset impairment and disposal gain  Equity investment  Tax attribute  Adjusted 
Asset impairments $115  $(115) $-  $-  $- 
Selling, general and administrative  91,590   739   -   -   92,329 
                     
Income from operations  31,967   (624)  -   -   31,343 
                     
Other income, net  499   -   (244)  -   255 
                     
Income from continuing operations before income taxes $26,769  $(624) $(244) $-  $25,901 
Income tax expense  (9,973)  244   95   (494)  (10,128)
Net income from continuing operations $16,796  $(380) $(149) $(494) $15,773 
                     
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $0.63  $(0.01) $(0.01) $(0.01) $0.60 
Diluted share count  26,478                 


 Three Months Ended March 31, 2011  Three Months Ended June 30, 2012 
 As reported  Asset impairment  
Stock-based compensation
tax shortfall
  Adjusted 
Asset impairments $382  $(382) $-  $- 
                
Income from operations  19,988   382   -   20,370 
                 As reported Tax attribute  Adjusted 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes $14,311  $382  $-  $14,693  $32,913 $-  $32,913 
Income tax expense  (5,923)  (153)  186   (5,890)  (12,422) (578)  (13,000)
Net income from continuing operations $8,388  $229  $186  $8,803  $20,491 $(578) $19,913 
                           
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $0.31  $0.01  $0.01  $0.33 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $0.78 $(0.02) $0.76 
Diluted share count  26,694               26,185       

  Three Months Ended June 30, 2011 
  As reported  
Asset
impairment
and disposal
gain
  
Reversal of
stock-based
compensation
tax shortfall
  Adjusted 
Asset impairments $490  $(490) $-  $- 
Selling, general and administrative $82,768  $580  $-  $83,348 
                 
Income from operations $29,662  $(90) $-  $29,572 
                 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes $23,463  $(90) $-  $23,373 
Income tax expense  (8,777)  37   (186)  (8,926)
Income from continuing operations $14,686  $(53) $(186) $14,477 
                 
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $0.55  $-  $(0.01) $0.54 
Diluted share count  26,860             

  Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 
  As reported  
Asset
impairment
and disposal
gain
  
Equity
investment
  
Tax
attribute
  Adjusted 
Asset impairments $115  $(115) $-  $-  $- 
Selling, general and administrative $187,757  $739  $-  $-  $188,496 
                     
Income from operations $69,728  $(624) $-  $-  $69,104 
                     
Other income, net $1,319  $-  $(244) $-  $1,075 
                     
Income from continuing operations before income taxes $59,682  $(624) $(244) $-  $58,814 
Income tax expense  (22,395)  244   95   (1,072)  (23,128)
Income from continuing operations $37,287  $(380) $(149) $(1,072) $35,686 
                     
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $1.42  $(0.01) $(0.01) $(0.04) $1.36 
Diluted share count  26,331                 
29

  Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 
  As reported  
Asset
impairment
and disposal
gain
  Adjusted 
Asset impairments $872  $(872) $- 
             
Selling, general and administrative $159,902  $580  $160,482 
Income from operations $49,650  $292  $49,942 
             
Income from continuing operations before income taxes $37,774  $292  $38,066 
Income tax expense  (14,700)  (116)  (14,816)
Net income from continuing operations $23,074  $176  $23,250 
             
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $0.86  $0.01  $0.87 
Diluted share count  26,779         

Liquidity and Capital Resources
We manage our liquidity and capital resources to be able to fund future capital expenditures, working capital requirements and contractual obligations. Additionally, we use capital resources to fund cash dividend payments, share repurchases and acquisitions.

Available Sources
We have relied primarily upon internally generated cash flows from operations, borrowings under our credit agreements, financing of real estate and the proceeds from equity and debt offerings to finance operations and expansion. Based on these factors and our normal operational cash flow, we believe we have sufficient availability to accommodate both our short- and long-term capital needs.

24


Below is a summary and discussion of our available funds (in thousands):

 
As of
March 31,
  
As of
December 31,
  Increase  
%
Increase
             
 2012  2011  (Decrease)  (Decrease)  
As of
June 30,
2012
  
As of
December 31,
2011
  
Increase
(Decrease)
  
%
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Cash and cash equivalents $8,965  $20,851  $(11,886)  (57.0)% $16,247  $20,851  $(4,604)  (22.1)%
Available credit on the
Revolving line of credit
  16,899   10,449   6,450   61.7 
Available credit on the used vehicle financing facility  28,834   -   28,834  
NM
 
Available credit on the revolving line of credit  46,898   10,449   36,449   348.8 
Unfinanced new vehicles  76,197   65,857   10,340   15.7   -   65,857   (65,857)  (100.0)
Total available funds $102,061  $97,157  $4,904   5.0% $91,979  $97,157  $(5,178)  (5.3)%

NM - not meaningful

Historically, we have raised capital through the sale of assets, sale of stores, issuance of stock and the issuance of debt. We may strategically use excess cash to reduce the amount of debt outstanding when appropriate. During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2012, we generated $12.0 million throughused proceeds from the sale of assets and stores and the issuance of long-term debt (primarily related to the financing of certain real estate). During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we used proceeds from the sale of assets to repay outstanding debt, resulting in a net cash usage of $8.8$10.0 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2011, we used proceeds from the sale of assets and stores and the issuance of long-term debt to repay outstanding debt, resulting in a net cash usage of $3.4 million.
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In addition to the above sources of liquidity, potential sources include the placement of subordinated debentures or loans, additional store sales or additional other asset sales. We will evaluate all of these options and may select one or more of them depending on overall capital needs and the availability and cost of capital, although no assurances can be provided that these capital sources will be available in sufficient amounts or with terms acceptable to us.

Summary of Outstanding Balances on Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt
Below is a summary of our outstanding balances on credit facilities and long-term debt (in thousands):

 
Outstanding as of
March 31, 2012
  
Remaining Available as
of March 31, 2012
   Outstanding as of June 30, 2012  Remaining Available as of June 30, 2012  
Floor plan facilities $372,717  $- (1)
New vehicle floor plan commitment $482,390  $- (1)
Floor plan notes payable  13,743   -  
Used vehicle inventory financing facility  52,000   28,834 (3)
Revolving line of credit  80,000   16,899 (2),(3)  -   46,898 (2),(3)
Real estate mortgages  200,552   -    175,153   -  
Other debt  5,364   -    5,311   -  
Total debt $658,633  $16,899   $728,597  $75,732  

(1)We have a $100$500 million credit facility fornew vehicle floor plan financing with U.S. Bank National Association and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Certaincommitment as part of our lenders do not have formal limits on the new and program vehicle lines. We have approximately $76.2 million in unfloored new vehicles at March 31, 2012.credit facility.
(2)ReducedAvailable credit reduced by $3.1 million for outstanding letters of credit.
(3)The amount available on the linecredit facility is limited based on a borrowing base calculation and fluctuates monthly.

New Credit Facility
On April 17, 2012, we executed a new five-year $650 million Credit Facility,credit facility, which is comprised of 10 financial institutions, including four manufacturer affiliatedmanufacturer-affiliated finance companies. This credit facility provides a $500 million new vehicle floor plan commitment, $100 million in used vehicle inventory financing and a $50 million revolving line of credit for general corporate use, including working capital and acquisitions. This credit facility may be expanded to $800 million total availability. All borrowings from, and repayments to, our syndicated lending group are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities. The interest rate on the credit facility varies based on the type of debt with the rate ranging from the 1-month LIBOR plus 1.50% to the 1-month LIBOR plus 2.50%. Our financial covenants related to this credit facility include maintaining a current ratio of not less than 1.20x, a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.20x and a leverage ratio of not more than 5.0x. As of June 30, 2012, $482.4 million was outstanding on our new vehicle floor plan commitment, $52.0 million was outstanding on our used vehicle inventory financing facility and our revolving line of credit was undrawn.

New and Program Vehicle Floor Plan Lines
AsWe finance substantially all of March 31, 2012, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA, LLC, Toyota Financial Services, Ford Motor Credit Company, American Honda Finance Corporation and BMW Financial Services NA, LLC provideour new vehicles through the new vehicle floor plan financing for their respective brands. Ascommitment component of March 31, 2012, our credit facility with U.S. Bank National Association and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as well asmentioned above. We also have additional floor plan agreements with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies for vehicles that are designed for use as service loaners.  All borrowings from, and repayments to, our syndicated lending group are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing with Ally Bank, serveactivities.  Borrowings from, and repayments to, manufacturer-affiliated finance companies are classified as operating activities on the primary sourceConsolidated Statements of financing for all other brands.

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Cash Flows.
 
The new credit facility, effective April 17, 2012, will be the source for all new vehicle brands going forward.

The new and program vehicle lines are secured by new and program vehicle inventory of the stores financed by that lender. The weighted average interest rate associated with our new and program vehicle lines,line, excluding the effects of our interest rate swaps, was 2.6%1.7% at March 31,June 30, 2012.

Vehicles financed by lenders not directly associated with the manufacturer are classified as floor plan notes payable: non-trade and are included as a financing activity in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Vehicles financed by lenders directly associated with the manufacturer are classified as floor plan notes payable and are included as an operating activity in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

To improve the visibility of cash flows related to vehicle financing, which is a core part of our business, the non-GAAP financial measures below demonstrate cash flows assuming all floor plan notes payable are included as an operating activity. We believe that this non-GAAP financial measure improves the transparency of our disclosure by considering all cash flows to finance our inventory.

  
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(In thousands) 2012  2011 
       
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities      
As reported
 $(40,987) $(11,240)
Change in floor plan notes payable:  non-trade  39,401   39,262 
Adjusted $(1,586) $28,022 
         
         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities        
As reported
 $35,593  $15,313 
Change in floor plan notes payable:  non-trade  (39,401)  (39,262)
Adjusted $(3,808) $(23,949)

Real Estate Mortgages and Other Debt
We have mortgages associated with our owned real estate and leasehold improvements. Interest rates related to this debt ranged from 2.5%3.0% to 7.0% at March 31,June 30, 2012. The mortgages which totaled $200.6 million at March 31, 2012, are payable in various installments through May 2031. An acceleration clause in certainTotal mortgages was triggered dueoutstanding decreased $19.2 million since December 31, 2011 to our new credit facility.  As a result, we reclassified $8.5$175.2 million in mortgage debt to current in the first quarteras of June 30, 2012.

Our other debt includes various notes, capital leases and obligations assumed as a result of acquisitions and other agreements and had interest rates that ranged from 3.5% to 9.0% at March 31,June 30, 2012. The other debt, which totaled $85.3$5.3 million at March 31,June 30, 2012, is due in various installments through October 2018.May 2019.
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Debt Covenants
Under the terms of our Credit Facilitycredit facility and other debt agreements, we are subject to certain financial and restrictive covenants. In addition, the covenants place limitations or restrictions on our incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, selling or acquiring assets and granting security interests in our assets.

26

Under the new credit facility, we are required to maintain the ratios detailed in the following table. As of June 30, 2012, our debt covenant ratios under this agreement are as follows:

Debt Covenant Ratio Requirement As of March 31,June 30, 2012
Current ratio Not less than 1.20 to 1 1.401.30 to 1
Fixed charge coverage ratio Not less than 1.20 to 1 1.74 to 1
Liabilities to tangible net worth ratioNot more than 4.001.49 to 1 2.71 to 1
Funded debt restriction Not to exceed $310 million $205.9 million

Based on the information in the above table, we were in compliance with the financial covenants in our Credit Facility and other debt agreements as of March 31, 2012.

Under the new credit facility, executed April 17, 2012, we are required to maintain the ratios detailed in the following table. As of March 31, 2012, our debt covenant ratios under this agreement would have been as follows:

Debt Covenant Ratio RequirementAs of March 31, 2012
Current ratioNot less than 1.20 to 11.46 to 1
Fixed charge coverage ratioNot less than 1.20 to 11.74 to 1
Leverage ratio Not more than 5.00 to 1 3.022.19 to 1
Funded debt restriction Not to exceed $375 million $205.9180.5 million

We expect to remain in compliance with the financial and restrictive covenants in our Credit Facilitycredit facility and other debt agreements. However, no assurances can be provided that we will continue to remain in compliance with the financial and restrictive covenants.

In the event that we are unable to meet the financial and restrictive covenants, we would enter into a discussion with the lender to remediate the condition. If we were unable to remediate or cure the condition, a breach would give rise to certain remedies under the agreement, the most severe of which is the termination of the agreement and acceleration of the amounts owed, including the triggering of cross-default provisions to other debt agreements.

Inventories
We calculate days supply based on current inventory levels, excluding in-transit vehicles, and a 30-day historical cost of sales level. As of March 31,June 30, 2012, our new vehicle days supply was 61,74, or 1 day6 days higher than our days supply as of March 31,June 30, 2011. Our days supply of used vehicles was 4852 days as of March 31,June 30, 2012, or 1 day higher4 days lower than our days supply level as of March 31,June 30, 2011. We have continued to focus on managing our mix and maintaining an appropriate level of used vehicle inventory.

Capital Expenditures
We anticipate approximately $43$48 million in capital expenditures for all of 2012. This amount is associated with improvements to, and purchases of, certain store facilities, replacement of equipment and futurethe relocation to a new headquarters building.

Capital expenditures were $8.5$22.7 million and $2.3$7.9 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in capital expenditures in 2012 compared to the same period of 2011 was related to improvements at certain of our store facilities, the purchase of new store locations, replacement of equipment and the on-going construction of a new headquarters building.

Many manufacturers provide assistance in the form of additional vehicle incentives if facilities meet image standards and requirements. Accordingly, we believe it is an attractive time to invest in certain facility upgrades and remodels that will generate additional manufacturer incentive payments. Also, recently enacted tax law changes that accelerate deductions for capital expenditures have accelerated project timelines to ensure completion before the law expires.

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In the event we undertake a significant capital commitment in the future, we expect to pay for the construction out of existing cash balances, construction financing and borrowings on our Credit Facility.credit facility. Upon completion of the projects, we would anticipate securing long-term financing and general borrowings from third party lenders for 70% to 90% of the amounts expended, although no assurances can be provided that these financings will be available to us in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us.
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Dividends
In the first threesix months of 2012, we paid dividends on our Class A and Class B common stock totaling $1.8$4.4 million. In addition, our Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.10 per share on our Class A and Class B common stock related to our firstsecond quarter 2012 financial results. The dividend will total approximately $2.6 million and will be paid on May 25,August 24, 2012 to shareholders of record on May 11,August 10, 2012.

Share Repurchase Program
In August 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock. Through March 31,June 30, 2012, we have purchased 379,0551,120,147 shares under this program at an average price of $17.99$22.12 per share.

AsOn July 20, 2012 our Board of March 31, 2012, 1,620,945Directors increased our existing authorization allowing the repurchase of 1,000,000 additional shares remained available for purchase pursuantof our Class A common stock. This brings the total remaining repurchase authorization to this program.1,879,853 shares as of July 27, 2012. We may continue to purchaserepurchase shares from time to time in the future as conditions warrant.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1416 of the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

There have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies and use of estimates as described in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 24, 2012. 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in our reported market risks or risk management policies since the filing of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 24, 2012.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management evaluated, with the participation and under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

 
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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

There have been no new proceedings or material changes to previously disclosed proceedings in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. See Note 45 of the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The information in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the legal proceedings disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 24, 2012.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Accordingly, the information in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the risk factors and information disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 24, 2012.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

We repurchased the following shares of our Class A common stock during the firstsecond quarter of 2012:

  Total number of shares purchased  Average price paid per share  Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plan  Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans 
January 1 to January 31  -  $-   -  1,702,945 
February 1 to February 29  82,000   23.72   82,000  1,620,945 
March 1 to March 31  28,173(1)  25.14   -  1,620,945 
   Total  110,173   24.08   82,000  1,620,945 

(1) These share repurchases relate to the payment of taxes associated with the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted stock units.
    
Total number
of shares
purchased
  
Average
price paid
per share
  
Total number of
shares purchased
as part of publicly
announced plan
  
Maximum number
of shares that may
yet be purchased
under the plans
 
April 1toApril 30  80,341  $26.73   80,341   1,540,604 
May 1toMay 31  490,324   24.30   490,324   1,050,280 
June 1toJune 30  170,427   22.84   170,427   879,853 
   Total    741,092   24.23   741,092   879,853 

In August 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock. On July 20, 2012 our Board of Directors increased our existing authorization allowing the repurchase of 1,000,000 additional shares of our Class A common stock, bringing the remaining available for repurchase to 1,879,853 as of July 27, 2012. Through March 31,June 30, 2012, we have repurchased 379,0551,120,147 shares under this program at an average price of $17.99$22.12 per share. This plan does not have an expiration date.

34


Item 6.  Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed herewith and this list is intended to constitute the exhibit index:

3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Lithia Motors, Inc., as amended May 13, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-K filed March 30, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Lithia Motors, Inc. − Corrected (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Form 10-K filed March 16, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1
Loan Agreement dated as of April 17, 2012 between Lithia Motors, Inc., and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent and agent (filed as exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K filed April 20, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2Employment Agreement with Executive Vice President Brad Gray
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
29

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.
 
 
3035

 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: July 27, 2012LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
By:/s/ Christopher S. Holzshu
Christopher S. Holzshu
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
By:/s/ John F. North III
John F. North III
Vice President and
Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)


Date:   April 27, 2012                                                           LITHIA MOTORS, INC.


By:/s/ Christopher S. Holzshu
Christopher S. Holzshu
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)



By: /s/ John F. North III
John F. North III
Vice President and
Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

31