ABG 10-Q Quarterly Report Sept. 30, 2017

ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP INC

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10-Q 1 abg930201710-q.htm FORM 10-Q Document

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017



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

For the transition period from to

Commission file number: 001-31262

ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)



	Delaware		01-0609375
	(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

	2905 Premiere Parkway NW, Suite 300 Duluth, Georgia		30097
	(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(770) 418-8200

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, 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 o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:



Large Accelerated Filer	x		Accelerated Filer	o

Non-Accelerated Filer	o	(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller Reporting Company	o

			Emerging Growth Company	o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of October 24, 2017 was 20,817,702 .

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ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS



		Page
PART I—Financial Information
Item 1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	7
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	39
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	40

	PART II—Other Information

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	40
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	41
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	41
Item 6.	Exhibits	42
	Signatures	43
	Index to Exhibits	44

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except par value and share data)

(Unaudited)



	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2.8		$	3.4
Contracts-in-transit	131.8			182.6
Accounts receivable, net	108.7			138.4
Inventories	843.5			894.9
Assets held for sale	16.2			16.1
Other current assets	117.7			97.0
Total current assets	1,220.7			1,332.4
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	823.0			815.4
GOODWILL	160.8			128.1
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	54.7			48.5
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS	10.6			11.7
Total assets	$	2,269.8		$	2,336.1
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Floor plan notes payable—trade, net	$	109.7		$	108.3
Floor plan notes payable—non-trade, net	578.6			673.5
Current maturities of long-term debt	14.3			14.0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	277.8			309.1
Total current liabilities	980.4			1,104.9
LONG-TERM DEBT	901.4			912.7
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	9.1			8.9
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	31.6			29.9
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 11)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding	—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value; 90,000,000 shares authorized; 40,973,460 and 40,750,765 shares issued, including shares held in treasury, respectively	0.4			0.4
Additional paid-in capital	559.8			549.4
Retained earnings	707.8			611.5
Treasury stock, at cost; 20,153,622 and 19,497,596 shares, respectively	(918.9		)	(879.5		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1.8		)	(2.1		)
Total shareholders' equity	347.3			279.7
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	2,269.8		$	2,336.1

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In millions, except per share data)

(Unaudited)



	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
REVENUE:
New vehicle	$	881.6	$	940.9	$	2,597.0	$	2,676.3
Used vehicle	455.6		476.4		1,396.6		1,407.5
Parts and service	197.2		200.4		589.5		584.9
Finance and insurance, net	67.7		65.4		202.5		192.6
TOTAL REVENUE	1,602.1		1,683.1		4,785.6		4,861.3
COST OF SALES:
New vehicle	840.6		893.4		2,474.6		2,536.6
Used vehicle	426.8		446.6		1,301.2		1,307.7
Parts and service	74.4		77.4		222.3		222.9
TOTAL COST OF SALES	1,341.8		1,417.4		3,998.1		4,067.2
GROSS PROFIT	260.3		265.7		787.5		794.1
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general, and administrative	182.5		185.7		549.2		549.2
Depreciation and amortization	8.1		7.8		24.0		23.0
Other operating expenses, net	—		1.5		0.7		4.2
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	69.7		70.7		213.6		217.7
OTHER EXPENSES:
Floor plan interest expense	5.8		5.0		17.1		14.4
Other interest expense, net	13.4		13.2		40.2		40.0
Swap interest expense	0.4		0.8		1.6		2.4
Total other expenses, net	19.6		19.0		58.9		56.8
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	50.1		51.7		154.7		160.9
Income tax expense	19.4		19.3		58.1		60.8
NET INCOME	$	30.7	$	32.4	$	96.6	$	100.1
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic—
Net income	$	1.49	$	1.47	$	4.64	$	4.39
Diluted—
Net income	$	1.48	$	1.47	$	4.60	$	4.37
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic	20.6		22.0		20.8		22.8
Restricted stock	0.1		0.0		0.1		0.0
Performance share units	0.1		0.1		0.1		0.1
Diluted	20.8		22.1		21.0		22.9

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In millions)

(Unaudited)



	For the Three Months Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Net income	$	30.7		$	32.4		$	96.6		$	100.1
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in fair value of cash flow swaps	0.3			1.0			0.5			(4.8		)
Income tax benefit (expense) associated with cash flow swaps	(0.1		)	(0.4		)	(0.2		)	1.9
Comprehensive income	$	30.9		$	33.0		$	96.9		$	97.2

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

(Unaudited)



	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	96.6		$	100.1
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities—
Depreciation and amortization	24.0			23.0
Share-based compensation	10.0			9.1
Deferred income taxes	0.1			6.4
Impairment expenses	—			3.1
Loaner vehicle amortization	16.8			15.6
Other adjustments, net	2.3			2.5
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures—
Contracts-in-transit	50.8			46.8
Accounts receivable	30.0			7.5
Inventories	189.5			78.1
Other current assets	(145.6		)	(111.0		)
Floor plan notes payable—trade, net	1.4			(20.4		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(34.3		)	(11.0		)
Other long-term assets and liabilities, net	1.6			1.5
Net cash provided by operating activities	243.2			151.3
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures—excluding real estate	(21.4		)	(47.3		)
Capital expenditures—real estate	(0.3		)	(10.6		)
Purchases of previously leased real estate	—			(19.6		)
Acquisitions	(80.1		)	—
Proceeds from the sale of assets	3.8			—
Net cash used in investing activities	(98.0		)	(77.5		)
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Floor plan borrowings—non-trade	2,818.1			2,920.4
Floor plan borrowings—acquisitions	25.1			—
Floor plan repayments—non-trade	(2,938.1		)	(2,813.9		)
Repayments of borrowings	(11.5		)	(11.2		)
Payment of debt issuance costs	—			(2.7		)
Repurchases of common stock, including shares associated with net share settlement of employee share-based awards	(39.4		)	(165.5		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(145.8		)	(72.9		)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(0.6		)	0.9
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	3.4			2.8
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	2.8		$	3.7

See Note 10 "Supplemental Cash Flow Information" for further details

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, operating 94 new vehicle franchises ( 80 dealership locations) in 17 metropolitan markets within nine states as of September 30, 2017 . Our stores offer an extensive range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicles; parts and service, which includes repair and maintenance services, replacement parts, and collision repair services; and finance and insurance products. As of September 30, 2017 , we offered 29 brands of new vehicles and our new vehicle revenue brand mix consisted of 46% imports, 33% luxury, and 21% domestic brands. We also operated 24 collision repair centers that serve customers in our local markets.

Our retail network is made up of dealerships operating primarily under the following locally-branded dealership groups:


•	Coggin dealerships operating primarily in Jacksonville, Fort Pierce and Orlando, Florida;


•	Courtesy dealerships operating in Tampa, Florida;


•	Crown dealerships operating in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia;


•	Gray-Daniels dealerships operating in the Jackson, Mississippi area;


•	Hare dealerships operating in the Indianapolis, Indiana area;


•	McDavid dealerships operating in metropolitan Austin, Dallas and Houston, Texas;


•	Nalley dealerships operating in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia; and


•	Plaza dealerships operating in metropolitan St. Louis, Missouri.

Our operating results are generally subject to changes in the economic environment as well as seasonal variations. Historically, we have generated more revenue and operating income in the second, third, and fourth quarters than in the first quarter of the calendar year. Generally, the seasonal variations in our operations are caused by factors related to weather conditions, changes in manufacturer incentive programs, model changeovers and consumer buying patterns, among other things.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), and reflect the consolidated accounts of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 30, 2017 , and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , have been included. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period, or any full year period. Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read together with our audited consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 .

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed quarterly and the effects of any revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary. Significant estimates made in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include, but are not limited to, those relating to inventory valuation reserves, reserves for chargebacks against revenue recognized from the sale of finance and insurance products, reserves for insurance programs, certain assumptions related to intangible and long-lived assets, and reserves for certain legal or similar proceedings relating to our business operations.

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Contracts-In-Transit

Contracts-in-transit represent receivables from third-party finance companies for the portion of new and used vehicle purchase price financed by customers through sources arranged by us.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles (which excludes sales tax) is recognized upon the latest of delivery, signing of the sales contract or approval of financing. Revenue from the sale of parts, service and collision repair work (which excludes sales tax) is recognized upon delivery of parts to the customer or at the time vehicle service or repair work is completed, as applicable. Manufacturer incentives and rebates, including manufacturer holdbacks, floor plan interest assistance and certain advertising assistance, are recognized as a reduction of new vehicle cost of sales at the time the related vehicles are sold, in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

We receive commissions from third-party lending and insurance institutions for arranging customer financing and from the sale of vehicle service contracts, guaranteed auto protection (known as "GAP") insurance, and other insurance, to customers (collectively "F&I"). We may be charged back for F&I commissions in the event a contract is prepaid, defaulted upon, or terminated ("chargebacks"). F&I commissions are recorded at the time a vehicle is sold, and a reserve for future chargebacks is established based on historical chargeback experience and the termination provisions of the applicable contract. F&I commissions, net of estimated future chargebacks, are included in Finance and Insurance, net in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally, we participate in future profits associated with the performance of the third-party held underlying portfolio for certain products, pursuant to retrospective commission arrangements. Our retrospective portfolio income is recorded as revenue at the time it is received from our third-party providers.

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the period. For all periods presented, there were no adjustments to the numerator necessary to compute diluted earnings per share.

Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale

Certain amounts have been classified as Assets Held for Sale in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale include assets and liabilities associated with pending dealership disposals, real estate not currently used in our operations that we are actively marketing to sell, and any related mortgage notes payable, if applicable. Classification as held for sale begins on the date that we have met all of the criteria for classification as held for sale.

At the time of classifying assets as held for sale, we compare the carrying value of these assets to estimates of fair value to assess for impairment. We compare the carrying value to estimates of fair value utilizing the assistance of third-party broker opinions of value and third-party desktop appraisals to assist in our fair value estimates related to real estate properties.

Statements of Cash Flows

Borrowings and repayments of floor plan notes payable to a lender unaffiliated with the manufacturer from which we purchase a particular new vehicle ("Non-Trade") and all floor plan notes payable relating to pre-owned vehicles (together referred to as "Floor Plan Notes Payable—Non-Trade"), are classified as financing activities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, with borrowings reflected separately from repayments. The net change in floor plan notes payable to a lender affiliated with the manufacturer from which we purchase a particular new vehicle (collectively referred to as "Floor Plan Notes Payable—Trade") is classified as an operating activity on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Borrowings of floor plan notes payable associated with inventory acquired in connection with all acquisitions and repayments made in connection with all divestitures are classified as financing activities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Cash flows related to floor plan notes payable included in operating activities differ from cash flows related to floor plan notes payable included in financing activities only to the extent that the former are payable to a lender affiliated with the manufacturer from which we purchased the related inventory, while the latter are payable to a lender not affiliated with the manufacturer from which we purchased the related inventory.

Loaner vehicles account for a significant portion of Other Current Assets. We acquire loaner vehicles either with available cash or through borrowing from either our manufacturer affiliated lenders or through our senior secured credit agreement with Bank of America, as administrative agent, and the other agents and lenders party thereto (the "2016 Senior Credit Facility"). Loaner vehicles are initially used by our service department for a short period of time (typically six to twelve months) before

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we seek to sell them. Therefore, we classify the acquisition of loaner vehicles in Other Current Assets and the borrowings and repayments of loaner vehicle notes payable in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Loaner vehicles are depreciated over the service period to their estimated value. At the end of the loaner service period, loaner vehicles are transferred from Other Current Assets to used vehicle inventory. These transfers are reflected as non-cash transfers between Other Current Assets and Inventories in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718), to simplify certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions to employees. The new standard requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the statements of income as a component of the provision for income taxes when stock awards vest or are settled. In addition, it eliminates the requirement to reclassify cash flows related to excess tax benefits from operating activities to financing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The standard also provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur, allows us to withhold more of an employee’s vesting shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting, and clarifies that all cash payments made to tax authorities on an employee’s behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity on our statements of cash flows.

We adopted the new standard January 1, 2017, upon which excess tax benefits or deficiencies from share-based award activity were reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of the provision for income taxes, whereas they previously were recognized in equity. We also elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment of $0.5 million (pre-tax) to reduce retained earnings and increase additional paid-in capital as of January 1, 2017, related to our election to account for forfeitures as they occur.

We adopted the aspects of the standard affecting the cash flow presentation retrospectively, and accordingly, to conform to the current year presentation, we reclassified $0.2 million of excess tax benefits under financing activities to operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The presentation requirements for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares had no impact on any of the periods presented on our consolidated statements of cash flows since such cash flows have historically been presented as a financing activity.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, changing the subsequent measurement guidance from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value. We adopted this standard, beginning January 1, 2017, and its adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), a new standard on revenue recognition. Further, the FASB has issued a number of additional ASUs regarding the new revenue recognition standard. The new standard, as amended, will supersede existing revenue recognition guidance and apply to all entities that enter into contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The guidance also addresses the measurement and recognition of gains and losses on the sale of certain non-financial assets, such as real estate, property, and equipment. The new standard will become effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within that year. The new standard can be adopted either retrospectively to each reporting period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We anticipate using the modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting the standard recognized on the date of adoption. We established an implementation team to assess the impact of the new standard to our material revenue streams and potential differences from our current policies as well as the changes in controls and processes, if any, to implement the standard. We are currently in the process of reviewing contracts and other related documents for each material revenue stream and based on our preliminary assessment we do not anticipate changes to the timing of our recognition of revenue of new and used vehicle sales and the sale of vehicle parts.

Our current policy is to record revenue for customer pay vehicle repair and maintenance services once the repair is completed. Based on our preliminary assessment of the new standard we anticipate that this revenue will likely be recognized as we perform these services. We are currently reviewing whether our preliminary assessment is appropriate based on our review of customer contracts.

We are currently evaluating the constraint factors for a portion of the transaction price for certain insurance contracts. The new standard requires that an estimate of variable consideration, subject to a constraint, be included in the transaction price and recognized when or as an entity satisfies its performance obligation. In the event variable consideration is considered fully constrained, recognition will occur once the uncertainties associated with the constraint determination are resolved. In the event

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our evaluation of these factors results in the variable consideration not being fully constrained, revenue would be subjected to accelerated recognition under the new standard.

We have not yet quantified the impact from adopting this standard to our consolidated financial statements and will continue to assess the impacts, including the enhanced disclosure requirements, and any changes to our processes and controls prior to adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), a new standard on lease accounting. The new standard will supersede the existing lease accounting guidance and apply to all entities. The guidance defines new principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. The new standard will become effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2018 and for interim periods within that year. A modified retrospective approach is required and early adoption of this standard is permitted. While we are still evaluating the impact of this standard, we expect that the right-of-use assets and the associated lease liabilities will be material to our financial statements. We plan to adopt this standard effective January 1, 2019.

3. ACQUISITIONS

Results of acquired dealerships are included in our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income commencing on the date of acquisition. Our acquisitions are accounted for such that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized at their acquisition date fair values, with any excess of the consideration transferred over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is an asset representing operational synergies and future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. The fair value of our manufacturer franchise rights are determined at the acquisition date, by discounting the projected cash flows specific to each franchise. Included in this analysis are market participant assumptions, at a dealership level, regarding the cash flows directly attributable to the franchise rights, revenue growth rates, future gross margins and future selling, general, and administrative expenses. Using an estimated weighted average cost of capital, estimated residual values at the end of the forecast period and estimated future capital expenditure requirements, the Company calculates the fair value of the franchise rights.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we acquired the assets of two franchises ( two dealership locations) and one collision center in the Indianapolis, Indiana market for a purchase price of $80.1 million . We financed these acquisitions with $55.0 million of cash and $25.1 million of floor plan borrowings for the purchase of the related new vehicle inventory.

Below is the preliminary allocation of purchase price for the acquisitions completed during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . We have not finished our final assessments of third party real estate appraisals and our internal valuation

of manufacturer franchise rights and the assignment of goodwill to reporting units. The $38.9 million of goodwill and manufacturer rights associated with our acquisitions will be deductible for federal and state income tax purposes ratably over a 15 year period.



	As of
	September 30, 2017
	(In millions)
Inventory	$	25.9
Real estate	12.2
Property and equipment	1.4
Goodwill	32.7
Manufacturer franchise rights	6.2
Loaner and rental vehicles	3.2
Liabilities assumed	(1.5		)
Total purchase price	$	80.1

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4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable consisted of the following:



	As of
	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Vehicle receivables	$	37.4		$	53.2
Manufacturer receivables	40.9			45.5
Other receivables	32.0			41.6
Total accounts receivable	110.3			140.3
Less—Allowance for doubtful accounts	(1.6		)	(1.9		)
Accounts receivable, net	$	108.7		$	138.4

5. INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following:



	As of
	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
New vehicles	$	673.7	$	720.6
Used vehicles	128.2		132.7
Parts and accessories	41.6		41.6
Total inventories	$	843.5	$	894.9

The lower of cost and net realizable value reserves reduced total inventories by $5.7 million and $6.5 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , certain automobile manufacturer incentives reduced new vehicle inventory cost by $7.8 million and $8.2 million , respectively, and reduced new vehicle cost of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 by $29.4 million and $29.8 million , respectively.

6. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we reclassified two vacant properties with net book values of $3.8 million to Assets Held for Sale. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we sold one vacant property with a net book value of $3.9 million .

Assets held for sale, comprising real estate not currently used in our operations, totaled $16.2 million and $16.1 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, and there were no liabilities associated with these real estate assets held for sale as of September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016 .

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we recorded $1.5 million of impairment expense based on a third-party broker opinion of value associated with a property transferred to Assets Held for Sale. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we recorded $0.7 million of impairment expense based on offers from prospective buyers on one of the real estate properties classified in Assets Held for Sale.

In addition to the above impairments, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized a $0.9 million non-cash charge associated with a lease buyout and lease termination on real estate not classified as held for sale. This was recorded in Other Operating Expenses, net in our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

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7. FLOOR PLAN NOTES PAYABLE

Floor plan notes payable consisted of the following:



	As of
	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Floor plan notes payable—trade	$	121.5		$	120.0
Floor plan notes payable offset account	(11.8		)	(11.7		)
Total floor plan notes payable—trade, net	$	109.7		$	108.3

Floor plan notes payable—non-trade	$	641.8		$	732.7
Floor plan notes payable offset account	(63.2		)	(59.2		)
Total floor plan notes payable—non-trade, net	$	578.6		$	673.5

We have established a floor plan offset account with Ford Motor Credit Company which allows us to transfer cash to the account as an offset of our outstanding Floor Plan Notes Payable—Trade, net. Additionally, we have a similar floor plan offset account with Bank of America which allows us to offset our outstanding Floor Plan Notes Payable—Non-Trade, net. These accounts allow us to transfer cash to reduce the amount of outstanding floor plan notes payable that would otherwise accrue interest, while retaining the ability to transfer amounts from the floor plan offset accounts into our operating cash accounts within one to two days. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 we had $75.0 million and $70.9 million , respectively, in these floor plan offset accounts.

8. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following:



	As of
	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
6.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024	$	600.0		$	600.0
Mortgage notes payable bearing interest at fixed rates	177.6			182.8
Real estate credit agreement	48.3			51.5
Restated master loan agreement	90.6			93.6
Capital lease obligations	3.3			3.4
Total debt outstanding	919.8			931.3
Add—unamortized premium on 6.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024	7.1			7.6
Less—debt issuance costs	(11.2		)	(12.2		)
Long-term debt, including current portion	915.7			926.7
Less—current portion, net of current portion of debt issuance costs	(14.3		)	(14.0		)
Long-term debt	$	901.4		$	912.7

We are a holding company with no independent assets or operations. For all relevant periods presented, our 6.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024 (our "6.0% Notes") have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by substantially all of our subsidiaries. Any subsidiaries which have not guaranteed such notes are "minor" (as defined in Rule 3-10(h) of Regulation S-X). As of September 30, 2017 , there were no significant restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute cash to us or our guarantor subsidiaries.

9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE

In determining fair value, we use various valuation approaches, including market and income approaches. Accounting standards establish a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the assumptions market

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participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

Level 1-Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.

Level 2-Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include interest rate swap instruments, exchange-traded debt securities that are not actively traded or do not have a high trading volume, mortgage notes payable, and certain real estate properties on a non-recurring basis.

Level 3-Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Asset and liability measurements utilizing Level 3 inputs include those used in estimating the fair value of certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities in purchase acquisitions and those used in the assessment of impairment for manufacturer franchise rights.

The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment required to determine fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is disclosed is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Fair value is a market-based exit price measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, our assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. We use inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of significant market fluctuations.

Financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit, accounts receivable, cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies, accounts payable, floor plan notes payable, subordinated long-term debt, mortgage notes payable, and interest rate swap instruments. The carrying values of our financial instruments, with the exception of subordinated long-term debt and mortgage notes payable, approximate fair value due to (i) their short-term nature, (ii) recently completed market transactions, or (iii) existence of variable interest rates, which approximate market rates. The fair value of our subordinated long-term debt is based on reported market prices in an inactive market which reflects Level 2 inputs. We estimate the fair value of our mortgage notes payable using a present value technique based on current market interest rates for similar types of financial instruments which reflect Level 2 inputs.

A summary of the carrying values and fair values of our 6.0% Notes and our mortgage notes payable is as follows:



	As of
	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Carrying Value:
6.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024	$	607.1	$	607.6
Mortgage notes payable	316.5		327.9
Total carrying value	$	923.6	$	935.5

Fair Value:
6.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024	$	627.0	$	613.5
Mortgage notes payable	320.0		339.5
Total fair value	$	947.0	$	953.0

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

In June 2015, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional principal amount of $100.0 million . This swap was designed to provide a hedge against changes in variable rate cash flows regarding fluctuations in the one month LIBOR rate, through maturity in February 2025. The notional value of this swap was $91.7 million as of September 30, 2017 and is reducing over its remaining term to $53.1 million at maturity.

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In November 2013, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional principal amount of $75.0 million . This swap was designed to provide a hedge against changes in variable rate cash flows regarding fluctuations in the one month LIBOR rate, through maturity in September 2023. The notional value of this swap as of September 30, 2017 was $61.2 million and the notional value will reduce over its remaining term to $38.7 million at maturity.

The fair value of cash flow swaps is calculated as the present value of expected future cash flows, determined on the basis of forward interest rates and present value factors. Fair value estimates reflect a credit adjustment to the discount rate applied to all expected cash flows under the swaps. Other than this input, all other inputs used in the valuation of these swaps are designated to be Level 2 fair values. The fair value liabilities related to the swaps as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , were $3.1 million and $3.6 million , respectively. The following table provides information regarding the fair value of our interest rate swap agreements and the impact on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:



	As of
	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	1.4	$	2.2
Other long-term liabilities	1.7		1.4
Total fair value	$	3.1	$	3.6

Both of our interest rate swaps qualify for cash flow hedge accounting treatment. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , neither of our cash flow swaps contained any ineffectiveness, nor was any ineffectiveness recognized in earnings. Information about the effect of our interest rate swap agreements on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, are as follows (in millions):



For the Three Months Ended September 30,	Results Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Effective Portion)			Location of Results Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Earnings	Results Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Earnings
2017	$	(0.1	)	Swap interest expense	$	(0.4	)
2016	$	0.2		Swap interest expense	$	(0.8	)



For the Nine Months Ended September 30,	Results Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Effective Portion)			Location of Results Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Earnings	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Earnings–Active Swaps
2017	$	(1.1	)	Swap interest expense	$	(1.6	)
2016	$	(7.2	)	Swap interest expense	$	(2.4	)

On the basis of yield curve conditions as of September 30, 2017 and including assumptions about future changes in fair value, we expect the amount to be reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into earnings within the next 12 months will be losses of $1.4 million .

10. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , we made interest payments, including amounts capitalized, totaling $48.1 million and $46.5 million , respectively. Included in these interest payments are $16.9 million and $14.3 million , of floor plan interest payments during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , we made income tax payments, net of refunds received, totaling $94.2 million and $65.1 million , respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , we transferred $111.8 million and $86.6 million , respectively, of loaner vehicles from Other Current Assets to Inventories on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Our dealerships are party to dealer and framework agreements with applicable vehicle manufacturers. In accordance with these agreements, each dealership has certain rights and is subject to restrictions typical in the industry. The ability of these manufacturers to influence the operations of the dealerships or the loss of any of these agreements could have a materially negative impact on our operating results.

In some instances, manufacturers may have the right, and may direct us, to implement costly capital improvements to dealerships as a condition to entering into, renewing, or extending franchise agreements with them. Manufacturers also typically require that their franchises meet specific standards of appearance. These factors, either alone or in combination, could cause us to use our financial resources on capital projects that we might not have planned for or otherwise determined to undertake.

From time to time, we and our dealerships are or may become involved in various claims relating to, and arising out of, our business and our operations. These claims may involve, but not be limited to, financial and other audits by vehicle manufacturers or lenders and certain federal, state, and local government authorities, which have historically related primarily to (i) incentive and warranty payments received from vehicle manufacturers, or allegations of violations of manufacturer agreements or policies, (ii) compliance with lender rules and covenants, and (iii) payments made to government authorities relating to federal, state, and local taxes, as well as compliance with other government regulations. Claims may also arise through litigation, government proceedings, and other dispute resolution processes. Such claims, including class actions, could relate to, but may not be limited to, the practice of charging administrative fees and other fees and commissions, employment-related matters, truth-in-lending and other dealer assisted financing obligations, contractual disputes, actions brought by governmental authorities, and other matters. We evaluate pending and threatened claims and establish loss contingency reserves based upon outcomes we currently believe to be probable and reasonably estimable.

We believe we have adequately accrued for the potential impact of loss contingencies that are probable and reasonably estimable. Based on our review of the various types of claims currently known to us, there is no indication of material reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued in the aggregate. We currently do not anticipate that any known claim will materially adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity, or results of operations. However, the outcome of any matter cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more matters presently known or arising in the future could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity, or results of operations.

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

Substantially all of our facilities are subject to federal, state and local provisions regarding the discharge of materials into the environment. Compliance with these provisions has not had, nor do we expect such compliance to have, any material effect upon our capital expenditures, net earnings, financial condition, liquidity or competitive position. We believe that our current practices and procedures for the control and disposition of such materials comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements. No assurances can be provided, however, that future laws or regulations, or changes in existing laws or regulations, would not require us to expend significant resources in order to comply therewith.

We had $13.3 million of letters of credit outstanding as of September 30, 2017 , which are required by certain of our insurance providers. In addition, as of September 30, 2017 , we maintained a $5.0 million surety bond line in the ordinary course of our business. Our letters of credit and surety bond line are considered to be off balance sheet arrangements.

Our other material commitments include (i) floor plan notes payable, (ii) operating leases, (iii) long-term debt and (iv) interest on long-term debt, as described elsewhere herein.

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

Forward-Looking Information

Certain of the discussions and information included or incorporated by reference in this report may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical in nature and may include statements relating to our goals, plans and projections regarding industry and general economic trends, our expected financial position, results of operations or market position and our business strategy. Such statements can generally be identified by words such as "may," "target," "could," "would," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "foresee," and other similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements may also relate to our expectations and assumptions with respect to, among other things:


•	our ability to execute our business strategy;


•	the annual rate of new vehicle sales in the U.S.;


•	our ability to further improve our operating cash flows, and the availability of capital and liquidity;


•	our estimated future capital expenditures;


•	general economic conditions and its impact on our revenues and expenses;


•	our parts and service revenue due to, among other things, improvements in manufacturing quality;


•	the variable nature of significant components of our cost structure;


•	our ability to limit our exposure to regional economic downturns due to our geographic diversity and brand mix;


•	manufacturers' willingness to continue to use incentive programs to drive demand for their product offerings;


•	our ability to leverage our common systems, infrastructure and processes in a cost-efficient manner;


•	our capital allocation strategy, including as it relates to acquisitions and divestitures, stock repurchases, dividends and capital expenditures;


•	the continued availability of financing, including floor plan financing for inventory;


•	the ability of consumers to secure vehicle financing at favorable rates;


•	the growth of import and luxury brands over the long-term;


•	our ability to mitigate any future negative trends in new vehicle sales; and


•	our ability to increase our cash flow and net income as a result of the foregoing and other factors.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual future results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to:


•	changes in general economic and business conditions, including changes in employment levels, consumer demand, preferences and confidence levels, the availability and cost of credit, fuel prices, levels of discretionary personal income and interest rates;


•	our ability to execute our balanced automotive retailing and service business strategy;


•	adverse conditions affecting the vehicle manufacturers whose brands we sell, and their ability to design, manufacture, deliver, and market their vehicles successfully;


•	changes in the mix, and total number, of vehicles we are able to sell;


•	our outstanding indebtedness and our continued ability to comply with applicable covenants in our various financing and lease agreements, or to obtain waivers of these covenants as necessary;


•	high levels of competition in our industry, which may create pricing and margin pressures on our products and services;

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•	our relationships with manufacturers of the vehicles we sell and our ability to renew, and enter into new framework and dealer agreements with vehicle manufacturers whose brands we sell, on terms acceptable to us;


•	the availability of manufacturer incentive programs and our ability to earn these incentives;


•	failure of our management information systems or any security breaches;


•	changes in laws and regulations governing the operation of automobile franchises, including trade restrictions, consumer protections, accounting standards, taxation requirements, and environmental laws;


•	adverse results from litigation or other similar proceedings involving us;


•	our ability to generate sufficient cash flows, maintain our liquidity and obtain any necessary additional funds for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, stock repurchases and/or dividends, debt maturity payments, and other corporate purposes;


•	any disruptions in the financial markets, which may impact our ability to access capital;


•	our relationships with, and the financial stability of, our lenders and lessors;


•	significant disruptions in the production, delivery or availability of vehicles and parts for any reason, including natural disasters, product recalls, work stoppages, import restrictions or limitations, significant property loss or other occurrences that are outside of our control;


•	our ability to execute our initiatives and other strategies; and


•	our ability to leverage gains from our dealership portfolio.

Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict, and their ultimate impact could be material. Moreover, the factors set forth under "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and other cautionary statements made in this report should be read and considered as forward-looking statements subject to such uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained herein.

OVERVIEW

We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States. As of September 30, 2017 we owned and operated 94 new vehicle franchises ( 80 dealership locations), representing 29 brands of automobiles and 24 collision centers in 17 metropolitan markets within nine states. Our stores offer an extensive range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicles; parts and service, which includes repair and maintenance services, replacement parts, and collision repair services; and finance and insurance products. As of September 30, 2017 , our new vehicle revenue brand mix consisted of 46% imports, 33% luxury, and 21% domestic brands.

Our retail network is made up of dealerships operating primarily under the following locally-branded dealership groups:


•	Coggin dealerships operating primarily in Jacksonville, Fort Pierce and Orlando, Florida;


•	Courtesy dealerships operating in Tampa, Florida;


•	Crown dealerships operating in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia;


•	Gray-Daniels dealerships operating in the Jackson, Mississippi area;


•	Hare dealerships operating in the Indianapolis, Indiana area;


•	McDavid dealerships operating in metropolitan Austin, Dallas and Houston, Texas;


•	Nalley dealerships operating in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia; and


•	Plaza dealerships operating in metropolitan St. Louis, Missouri.

Our revenues are derived primarily from: (i) the sale of new vehicles; (ii) the sale of used vehicles to individual retail customers ("used retail") and to other dealers at auction ("wholesale") (the terms "used retail" and "wholesale" collectively referred to as "used"); (iii) repair and maintenance services, including collision repair, the sale of automotive replacement parts, and the reconditioning of used vehicles (collectively referred to as "parts and service"); and (iv) the arrangement of third-party vehicle financing and the sale of a number of vehicle protection products (defined below and collectively referred to as "F&I").

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We evaluate the results of our new and used vehicle sales based on unit volumes and gross profit per vehicle sold, our parts and service operations based on aggregate gross profit, and our F&I business based on F&I gross profit per vehicle sold.

Our continued organic growth is dependent upon the execution of our balanced automotive retailing and service business strategy, the continued strength of our brand mix, and the production and allocation of desirable vehicles from the automobile manufacturers whose brands we sell. Our vehicle sales have historically fluctuated with product availability as well as local and national economic conditions, including consumer confidence, availability of consumer credit, fuel prices, and employment levels. Additionally, our ability to sell certain new and used vehicles can be negatively impacted by a number of factors, some of which are outside of our control and may include manufacturer imposed stop-sales or open safety recalls, primarily due to, but not limited to, vehicle safety concerns or a vehicle's failure to meet environmental related requirements. We believe that the impact on our business of any future negative trends in new vehicle sales would be partially mitigated by (i) the expected relative stability of our parts and service operations over the long-term, (ii) the variable nature of significant components of our cost structure, and (iii) our diversified brand and geographic mix.

Our results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma which had a net adverse impact on our results due to the temporary closure of certain dealerships in our Texas, Florida and Georgia markets. The loss of business caused by these storms should be considered when comparing current results to prior periods.

The seasonally adjusted annual rate ("SAAR") of new vehicle sales in the U.S. during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 17.1 million compared to 17.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . The automotive retail business continues to benefit from the availability of credit to consumers and relatively low overall unemployment levels, fuel prices, and interest rates. Demand for new vehicles is generally highest during the second, third, and fourth quarters of each year and, accordingly, we expect our revenues and operating results to generally be higher during these periods. Revenues and operating results may be impacted significantly from quarter-to-quarter by changing economic conditions, vehicle manufacturer incentive programs, adverse weather events or other developments outside of our control.

Our gross profit margin varies with our revenue mix. Sales of new vehicles generally result in lower gross profit margin than used vehicle sales, sales of parts and service, and sales of F&I products. As a result, when used vehicle, parts and service, and F&I revenue increase as a percentage of total revenue, we expect our overall gross profit margin to increase.

Selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses consist primarily of fixed and incentive-based compensation, advertising, rent, insurance, utilities, and other customary operating expenses. A significant portion of our cost structure is variable (such as sales commissions), or controllable (such as advertising), which we believe allows us to adapt to changes in the retail environment over the long-term. We evaluate commissions paid to salespeople as a percentage of retail vehicle gross profit, advertising expense on a per vehicle retailed ("PVR") basis, and all other SG&A expenses in the aggregate as a percentage of total gross profit.

We had total available liquidity of $406.4 million as of September 30, 2017 , which consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $2.8 million , $75.0 million of funds in our floor plan offset accounts, $190.0 million of availability under our new vehicle floorplan facility that is able to be re-designated to our revolving credit facility, $46.7 million of availability under our revolving credit facility, and $91.9 million of availability under our used vehicle revolving floor plan facility. For further discussion of our liquidity, please refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016



	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	2017		2016		Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
REVENUE:
New vehicle	$	881.6	$	940.9	$	(59.3	)	(6	)%
Used vehicle	455.6		476.4		(20.8		)	(4	)%
Parts and service	197.2		200.4		(3.2		)	(2	)%
Finance and insurance, net	67.7		65.4		2.3			4	%
TOTAL REVENUE	1,602.1		1,683.1		(81.0		)	(5	)%
GROSS PROFIT:
New vehicle	41.0		47.5		(6.5		)	(14	)%
Used vehicle	28.8		29.8		(1.0		)	(3	)%
Parts and service	122.8		123.0		(0.2		)	—	%
Finance and insurance, net	67.7		65.4		2.3			4	%
TOTAL GROSS PROFIT	260.3		265.7		(5.4		)	(2	)%
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general, and administrative	182.5		185.7		(3.2		)	(2	)%
Depreciation and amortization	8.1		7.8		0.3			4	%
Other operating expenses, net	—		1.5		(1.5		)	(100	)%
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	69.7		70.7		(1.0		)	(1	)%
OTHER EXPENSES:
Floor plan interest expense	5.8		5.0		0.8			16	%
Other interest expense, net	13.4		13.2		0.2			2	%
Swap interest expense	0.4		0.8		(0.4		)	(50	)%
Total other expenses, net	19.6		19.0		0.6			3	%
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	50.1		51.7		(1.6		)	(3	)%
Income tax expense	19.4		19.3		0.1			1	%
NET INCOME	$	30.7	$	32.4	$	(1.7	)	(5	)%
Net income per common share—Diluted	$	1.48	$	1.47	$	0.01		1	%

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	For the Three Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016
REVENUE MIX PERCENTAGES:
New vehicle	55.0	%	55.9	%
Used vehicle retail	25.0	%	25.1	%
Used vehicle wholesale	3.5	%	3.2	%
Parts and service	12.3	%	11.9	%
Finance and insurance, net	4.2	%	3.9	%
Total revenue	100.0	%	100.0	%
GROSS PROFIT MIX PERCENTAGES:
New vehicle	15.8	%	17.9	%
Used vehicle retail	11.0	%	12.0	%
Used vehicle wholesale	—	%	(0.8	)%
Parts and service	47.2	%	46.3	%
Finance and insurance, net	26.0	%	24.6	%
Total gross profit	100.0	%	100.0	%
GROSS PROFIT MARGIN	16.2	%	15.8	%
SG&A EXPENSES AS A PERCENTAGE OF GROSS PROFIT	70.1	%	69.9	%

Total revenue during the third quarter of 2017 decrease d by $81.0 million ( 5% ) compared to the third quarter of 2016 , due to a $59.3 million ( 6% ) decrease in new vehicle revenue, a $ 20.8 million ( 4% ) decrease in used vehicle revenue, and a $ 3.2 million ( 2% ) decrease in parts and service revenue, partially offset by a $ 2.3 million ( 4% ) increase in F&I, net revenue. During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , gross profit decrease d by $5.4 million ( 2% ) driven by a $6.5 million ( 14% ) decrease in new vehicle gross profit, a $1.0 million ( 3% ) decrease in used vehicle gross profit and a $0.2 million decrease in parts and service gross profit, partially offset by a $2.3 million ( 4% ) increase in F&I gross profit.

Income from operations during the third quarter of 2017 decrease d by $1.0 million ( 1% ) compared to the third quarter of 2016 , primarily due to the $5.4 million ( 2% ) decrease in gross profit, partially offset by a $3.2 million ( 2% ) decrease in SG&A expense and a $1.5 million decrease in other operating expenses, net. Total other expenses, net increased by $0.6 million ( 3% ), primarily due to a $ 0.8 million ( 16% ) increase in floor plan interest expense and a $0.2 million increase in other interest expense, net, partially offset by a $ 0.4 million ( 50% ) decrease in swap interest expense during the third quarter of 2017 . As a result, income before income taxes decreased $1.6 million ( 3% ). The $0.1 million ( 1% ) increase in income tax expense was due to an increase in our effective tax rate by 140 basis points, from 37.3% for the third quarter of 2016 to 38.7% for the third quarter of 2017 . Overall, net income decrease d by $1.7 million ( 5% ) during the third quarter of 2017 as compared to the third quarter of 2016 .

During the third quarter of 2017, our dealerships in Florida, Georgia, and Houston, Texas had various levels of business interruption due to Hurricanes Irma and Harvey. As a consequence of these storms, both our sales and service operations were closed for a number of days, resulting in a net adverse affect on the company’s third quarter 2017 financial performance. Operations in each of these locations have now returned to full capacity. Property damage sustained at the Company's dealerships and to inventory are estimated to be less than $0.5 million.

We assess the organic growth of our revenue and gross profit on a same store basis. We believe that our assessment on a same store basis represents an important indicator of comparative financial performance and provides relevant information to assess our performance. As such, for the following discussion, same store amounts consist of information from dealerships for identical months in each comparative period, commencing with the first full month we owned the dealership. Additionally, amounts related to divested dealerships are excluded from each comparative period.

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New Vehicle—



	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	2017		2016		Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	(Dollars in millions, except for per vehicle data)
As Reported:
Revenue:
Luxury	$	288.3	$	318.2	$	(29.9	)	(9	)%
Import	414.2		427.2		(13.0		)	(3	)%
Domestic	179.1		195.5		(16.4		)	(8	)%
Total new vehicle revenue	$	881.6	$	940.9	$	(59.3	)	(6	)%
Gross profit:
Luxury	$	18.5	$	20.8	$	(2.3	)	(11	)%
Import	14.4		18.3		(3.9		)	(21	)%
Domestic	8.1		8.4		(0.3		)	(4	)%
Total new vehicle gross profit	$	41.0	$	47.5	$	(6.5	)	(14	)%
New vehicle units:
Luxury	5,499		6,061		(562		)	(9	)%
Import	14,997		15,522		(525		)	(3	)%
Domestic	4,691		5,232		(541		)	(10	)%
Total new vehicle units	25,187		26,815		(1,628		)	(6	)%

Same Store:
Revenue:
Luxury	$	288.3	$	310.3	$	(22.0	)	(7	)%
Import	406.7		410.8		(4.1		)	(1	)%
Domestic	159.1		183.6		(24.5		)	(13	)%
Total new vehicle revenue	$	854.1	$	904.7	$	(50.6	)	(6	)%
Gross profit:
Luxury	$	18.5	$	20.2	$	(1.7	)	(8	)%
Import	14.5		17.8		(3.3		)	(19	)%
Domestic	6.9		8.0		(1.1		)	(14	)%
Total new vehicle gross profit	$	39.9	$	46.0	$	(6.1	)	(13	)%
New vehicle units
Luxury	5,499		5,913		(414		)	(7	)%
Import	14,753		14,969		(216		)	(1	)%
Domestic	4,103		4,899		(796		)	(16	)%
Total new vehicle units	24,355		25,781		(1,426		)	(6	)%

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New Vehicle Metrics—



	For the Three Months Ended September 30,						Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	2017			2016			Increase (Decrease)			% Change
As Reported:
Revenue per new vehicle sold	$	35,002		$	35,089		$	(87	)	—	%
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	1,628		$	1,771		$	(143	)	(8	)%
New vehicle gross margin	4.7		%	5.0		%	(0.3		)%

Luxury:
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	3,364		$	3,432		$	(68	)	(2	)%
New vehicle gross margin	6.4		%	6.5		%	(0.1		)%
Import:
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	960		$	1,179		$	(219	)	(19	)%
New vehicle gross margin	3.5		%	4.3		%	(0.8		)%
Domestic:
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	1,727		$	1,606		$	121		8	%
New vehicle gross margin	4.5		%	4.3		%	0.2		%

Same Store:
Revenue per new vehicle sold	$	35,069		$	35,092		$	(23	)	—	%
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	1,638		$	1,784		$	(146	)	(8	)%
New vehicle gross margin	4.7		%	5.1		%	(0.4		)%

Luxury:
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	3,364		$	3,416		$	(52	)	(2	)%
New vehicle gross margin	6.4		%	6.5		%	(0.1		)%
Import:
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	983		$	1,189		$	(206	)	(17	)%
New vehicle gross margin	3.6		%	4.3		%	(0.7		)%
Domestic:
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	1,682		$	1,633		$	49		3	%
New vehicle gross margin	4.3		%	4.4		%	(0.1		)%

New vehicle revenue decrease d by $59.3 million ( 6% ) as a result of a $29.9 million ( 9% ) decrease in luxury brands revenue, a $16.4 million ( 8% ) decrease in domestic brands revenue and a $13.0 million ( 3% ) decrease in import brands revenue. Same store new vehicle revenue decrease d by $50.6 million ( 6% ) due to a $24.5 million ( 13% ) decrease in domestic brands revenue, a $22.0 million ( 7% ) decrease in luxury brands revenue and a $4.1 million ( 1% ) decrease in import brands revenue.

U.S. new vehicle SAAR decreased by 2%, from 17.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 to 17.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 . Same store unit volumes at our luxury, import, and domestic brand dealerships were down 7% , 1% and 16% , respectively.

Same store new vehicle gross profit decrease d by $6.1 million ( 13% ), due to a 6% decrease in new vehicle unit volumes and an 8% decrease in gross profit per new vehicle sold. Same store new vehicle gross profit margin for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased by 40 basis points to 4.7% . The decrease in our same store gross profit margin was primarily attributable to a change in our revenue mix towards our generally lower margin import brands and margin pressures as a result of generally higher new vehicle inventory levels across the industry and the failure to achieve the aggressive sales and marketing incentive targets set by certain manufacturers.

We believe that our new vehicle inventory continues to be well-aligned with current consumer demand, with approximately 72 days of supply in our inventory as of September 30, 2017 .

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Used Vehicle—



	For the Three Months Ended September 30,						Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	2017			2016			Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	(Dollars in millions, except for per vehicle data)
As Reported:
Revenue:
Used vehicle retail revenue	$	400.1		$	423.3		$	(23.2	)	(5	)%
Used vehicle wholesale revenue	55.5			53.1			2.4			5	%
Used vehicle revenue	$	455.6		$	476.4		$	(20.8	)	(4	)%
Gross profit:
Used vehicle retail gross profit	$	28.9		$	31.9		$	(3.0	)	(9	)%
Used vehicle wholesale gross profit	(0.1		)	(2.1		)	2.0			95	%
Used vehicle gross profit	$	28.8		$	29.8		$	(1.0	)	(3	)%
Used vehicle retail units:
Used vehicle retail units	18,777			20,030			(1,253		)	(6	)%

Same Store:
Revenue:
Used vehicle retail revenue	$	386.0		$	396.9		$	(10.9	)	(3	)%
Used vehicle wholesale revenue	52.8			50.2			2.6			5	%
Used vehicle revenue	$	438.8		$	447.1		$	(8.3	)	(2	)%
Gross profit:
Used vehicle retail gross profit	$	27.5		$	30.4		$	(2.9	)	(10	)%
Used vehicle wholesale gross profit	—			(2.1		)	2.1			100	%
Used vehicle gross profit	$	27.5		$	28.3		$	(0.8	)	(3	)%
Used vehicle retail units:
Used vehicle retail units	17,993			18,558			(565		)	(3	)%

Used Vehicle Metrics—



	For the Three Months Ended September 30,						Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	2017			2016			Increase (Decrease)			% Change
As Reported:
Revenue per used vehicle retailed	$	21,308		$	21,133		$	175		1	%
Gross profit per used vehicle retailed	$	1,539		$	1,593		$	(54	)	(3	)%
Used vehicle retail gross margin	7.2		%	7.5		%	(0.3		)%

Same Store:
Revenue per used vehicle retailed	$	21,453		$	21,387		$	66		—	%
Gross profit per used vehicle retailed	$	1,528		$	1,638		$	(110	)	(7	)%
Used vehicle retail gross margin	7.1		%	7.7		%	(0.6		)%

Used vehicle revenue decrease d by $20.8 million ( 4% ) due to a 6% decrease in used vehicle retail units sold partially offset by increases in revenue per used vehicle retailed and wholesale revenue. Same store used vehicle revenue decrease d by $8.3 million ( 2% ) due to a 3% decrease in used vehicle retail units sold partially offset by a slight increase in revenue per used vehicle retailed.

For the three months ended September 30, 2017 same store used vehicle retail gross margin decreased 60 basis points to 7.1% as a result of the 7% decrease in used vehicle gross profit per vehicle retailed. We attribute the 60 basis point decrease in

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our same store used vehicle retail gross margins to a combination of increased supply of off lease vehicles and margin pressure created by higher new vehicle incentives.

We believe that our used vehicle inventory continues to be well-aligned with current customer demand, with approximately 35 days of supply in our inventory as of September 30, 2017 .

Parts and Service—



	For the Three Months Ended September 30,						Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	2017			2016			Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	(Dollars in millions)
As Reported:
Parts and service revenue	$	197.2		$	200.4		$	(3.2	)	(2	)%
Parts and service gross profit:
Customer pay	68.1			67.0			1.1			2	%
Warranty	20.6			19.9			0.7			4	%
Wholesale parts	5.3			5.1			0.2			4	%
Parts and service gross profit, excluding reconditioning and preparation	$	94.0		$	92.0		$	2.0		2	%
Parts and service gross margin, excluding reconditioning and preparation	47.7		%	45.9		%	1.8		%
Reconditioning and preparation	$	28.8		$	31.0		$	(2.2	)	(7	)%
Total parts and service gross profit	$	122.8		$	123.0		$	(0.2	)	—	%
Total parts and service gross margin	62.3		%	61.4		%	0.9		%

Same Store:
Parts and service revenue	$	193.6		$	191.4		$	2.2		1	%
Parts and service gross profit:
Customer pay	66.8			64.2			2.6			4	%
Warranty	20.3			19.3			1.0			5	%
Wholesale parts	5.2			4.8			0.4			8	%
Parts and service gross profit, excluding reconditioning and preparation	$	92.3		$	88.3		$	4.0		5	%
Parts and service gross margin, excluding reconditioning and preparation	47.7		%	46.1		%	1.6		%
Reconditioning and preparation	$	28.1		$	29.3		$	(1.2	)	(4	)%
Total parts and service gross profit	$	120.4		$	117.6		$	2.8		2	%
Total parts and service gross margin	62.2		%	61.4		%	0.8		%

The $3.2 million ( 2% ) decrease in parts and service revenue was due to a $3.5 million (3%) decrease in customer pay revenue and a $0.6 million (2%) decrease in wholesale parts revenue, partially offset by a $0.9 million (2%) increase in warranty revenue. Same store parts and service revenue increase d by $2.2 million ( 1% ) to $193.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $191.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 . The increase in same store parts and service revenue was due to a $1.4 million (4%) increase in warranty revenue and a $1.1 million (4%) increase in wholesale parts revenue, partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease in customer pay revenue.

Parts and service gross profit, excluding reconditioning and preparation, increase d by $2.0 million ( 2% ) to $94.0 million and same store parts and service gross profit, excluding reconditioning and preparation, increase d by $4.0 million ( 5% ) to $92.3 million . The increase in same store parts and service gross profit, excluding reconditioning and preparation, is primarily due to the higher margins on warranty and sublet services.

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Finance and Insurance, net—



	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				Increase (Decrease)		% Change
	2017		2016		Increase (Decrease)		% Change
	(Dollars in millions, except for per vehicle data)
As Reported:
Finance and insurance, net	$	67.7	$	65.4	$	2.3	4	%
Finance and insurance, net per vehicle sold	$	1,540	$	1,396	$	144	10	%

Same Store:
Finance and insurance, net	$	65.5	$	62.3	$	3.2	5	%
Finance and insurance, net per vehicle sold	$	1,547	$	1,405	$	142	10	%

F&I, net revenue increase d by $2.3 million ( 4% ) during the third quarter of 2017 as compared to the third quarter of 2016 and same store F&I, net revenue increase d by $3.2 million ( 5% ) over the same period of time. During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , we benefited from the acceleration of commissions as a result of our amended agreement with our primary insurance products underwriter which became effective during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense—



	For the Three Months Ended September 30,								Increase (Decrease)			% of Gross Profit Increase (Decrease)
	2017		% of Gross Profit		2016		% of Gross Profit		Increase (Decrease)			% of Gross Profit Increase (Decrease)
	(Dollars in millions)
As Reported:
Personnel costs	$	87.4	33.6	%	$	86.4	32.5	%	$	1.0		1.1	%
Sales compensation	27.4		10.5	%	28.6		10.8	%	(1.2		)	(0.3	)%
Share-based compensation	3.6		1.4	%	3.0		1.1	%	0.6			0.3	%
Outside services	19.9		7.6	%	19.6		7.4	%	0.3			0.2	%
Advertising	6.6		2.5	%	8.5		3.2	%	(1.9		)	(0.7	)%
Rent	6.5		2.5	%	7.6		2.9	%	(1.1		)	(0.4	)%
Utilities	4.1		1.6	%	4.3		1.6	%	(0.2		)	—	%
Insurance	4.5		1.7	%	4.0		1.5	%	0.5			0.2	%
Other	22.5		8.7	%	23.7		8.9	%	(1.2		)	(0.2	)%
Selling, general, and administrative expense	$	182.5	70.1	%	$	185.7	69.9	%	$	(3.2	)	0.2	%
Gross profit	$	260.3			$	265.7

Same Store:
Personnel costs	$	84.5	33.4	%	$	82.3	32.4	%	$	2.2		1.0	%
Sales compensation	26.4		10.4	%	27.2		10.7	%	(0.8		)	(0.3	)%
Share-based compensation	3.6		1.4	%	3.0		1.2	%	0.6			0.2	%
Outside services	19.3		7.6	%	18.3		7.2	%	1.0			0.4	%
Advertising	6.4		2.5	%	7.6		3.0	%	(1.2		)	(0.5	)%
Rent	6.5		2.6	%	7.6		3.0	%	(1.1		)	(0.4	)%
Utilities	4.0		1.6	%	4.0		1.6	%	—			—	%
Insurance	4.4		1.7	%	3.7		1.5	%	0.7			0.2	%
Other	22.0		8.7	%	22.9		8.9	%	(0.9		)	(0.2	)%
Selling, general, and administrative expense	$	177.1	69.9	%	$	176.6	69.5	%	$	0.5		0.4	%
Gross profit	$	253.3			$	254.2

SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit was 70.1% for the third quarter of 2017 as compared to 69.9% for the third quarter of 2016 . Same store SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit increased by 40 basis points, from 69.5% for the third quarter of 2016 to 69.9% for the third quarter of 2017 .

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The 20 basis point increase in SG&A as a percentage of gross profit is partially attributable to approximately $1.5 million of expense in connection with our previously disclosed CEO transition. The $1.5 million of expense reflects the remeasurement of and changes to the amortization period of share-based awards previously granted to the CEO and other compensation to be paid during the transition period.

In addition, SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was adversely impacted by higher outside service costs predominately related to our investments in technologies to improve productivity and our customer experience, partially offset by decreases in Advertising and Rent expenses.

Floor Plan Interest Expense —

Floor plan interest expense increased by $0.8 million ( 16% ) to $5.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 , primarily as a result of higher interest rates.

Income Tax Expense —

During the third quarter of 2017 our effective tax rate was 38.7% compared to 37.3% for the third quarter of 2016. Our effective tax rate is highly dependent on our level of income before income taxes and permanent differences between book and tax income.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016



	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,				Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	2017		2016		Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
REVENUE:
New vehicle	$	2,597.0	$	2,676.3	$	(79.3	)	(3	)%
Used vehicle	1,396.6		1,407.5		(10.9		)	(1	)%
Parts and service	589.5		584.9		4.6			1	%
Finance and insurance, net	202.5		192.6		9.9			5	%
TOTAL REVENUE	4,785.6		4,861.3		(75.7		)	(2	)%
GROSS PROFIT:
New vehicle	122.4		139.7		(17.3		)	(12	)%
Used vehicle	95.4		99.8		(4.4		)	(4	)%
Parts and service	367.2		362.0		5.2			1	%
Finance and insurance, net	202.5		192.6		9.9			5	%
TOTAL GROSS PROFIT	787.5		794.1		(6.6		)	(1	)%
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general, and administrative	549.2		549.2		—			—	%
Depreciation and amortization	24.0		23.0		1.0			4	%
Other operating expenses, net	0.7		4.2		(3.5		)	(83	)%
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	213.6		217.7		(4.1		)	(2	)%
OTHER EXPENSES:
Floor plan interest expense	17.1		14.4		2.7			19	%
Other interest expense, net	40.2		40.0		0.2			1	%
Swap interest expense	1.6		2.4		(0.8		)	(33	)%
Total other expenses, net	58.9		56.8		2.1			4	%
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	154.7		160.9		(6.2		)	(4	)%
Income tax expense	58.1		60.8		(2.7		)	(4	)%
NET INCOME	$	96.6	$	100.1	$	(3.5	)	(3	)%
Net income per common share—Diluted	$	4.60	$	4.37	$	0.23		5	%

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	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016
REVENUE MIX PERCENTAGES:
New vehicle	54.3	%	55.1	%
Used vehicle retail	26.0	%	25.8	%
Used vehicle wholesale	3.2	%	3.1	%
Parts and service	12.3	%	12.0	%
Finance and insurance, net	4.2	%	4.0	%
Total revenue	100.0	%	100.0	%
GROSS PROFIT MIX PERCENTAGES:
New vehicle	15.5	%	17.6	%
Used vehicle retail	12.1	%	12.7	%
Used vehicle wholesale	0.1	%	(0.2	)%
Parts and service	46.6	%	45.6	%
Finance and insurance, net	25.7	%	24.3	%
Total gross profit	100.0	%	100.0	%
GROSS PROFIT MARGIN	16.5	%	16.3	%
SG&A EXPENSES AS A PERCENTAGE OF GROSS PROFIT	69.7	%	69.2	%

Total revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decrease d by $75.7 million ( 2% ) compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , due to a $79.3 million ( 3% ) decrease in new vehicle revenue and a $10.9 million ( 1% ) decrease in used vehicle, partially offset by a $9.9 million ( 5% ) increase in F&I, net revenue and a $4.6 million ( 1% ) increase in parts and service revenue. The $6.6 million decrease in gross profit during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was driven by a decrease of $17.3 million ( 12% ) in new vehicle gross profit and a $4.4 million ( 4% ) decrease in used vehicle gross profit, offset by a $ 9.9 million ( 5% ) increase in F&I gross profit and a $5.2 million ( 1% ) increase in parts and service gross profit. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , our total gross profit margin increased 20 basis points to 16.5% .

Income from operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decrease d by $4.1 million ( 2% ) compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , due to a $6.6 million decrease in gross profit and a $1.0 million ( 4% ) increase in depreciation and amortization expense, partially offset by a $3.5 million ( 83% ) decrease in other operating expenses, net. The $2.1 million increase in other expenses, net during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was due to a $2.7 million ( 19% ) increase in floor plan interest expense, partially offset by a $ 0.8 million ( 33% ) decrease in swap interest expense. As a result, income before income taxes decreased by $6.2 million ( 4% ) to $154.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The decrease in income before income taxes resulted in a decrease in income tax expense of $2.7 million ( 4% ). Overall, net income decrease d by $3.5 million ( 3% ) during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 .

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New Vehicle—



	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,				Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	2017		2016		Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	(Dollars in millions, except for per vehicle data)
As Reported:
Revenue:
Luxury	$	852.3	$	909.7	$	(57.4	)	(6	)%
Import	1,205.7		1,206.0		(0.3		)	—	%
Domestic	539.0		560.6		(21.6		)	(4	)%
Total new vehicle revenue	$	2,597.0	$	2,676.3	$	(79.3	)	(3	)%
Gross profit:
Luxury	$	54.7	$	61.4	$	(6.7	)	(11	)%
Import	42.8		52.9		(10.1		)	(19	)%
Domestic	24.9		25.4		(0.5		)	(2	)%
Total new vehicle gross profit	$	122.4	$	139.7	$	(17.3	)	(12	)%
New vehicle units:
Luxury	16,117		17,469		(1,352		)	(8	)%
Import	43,504		43,814		(310		)	(1	)%
Domestic	14,163		15,326		(1,163		)	(8	)%
Total new vehicle units	73,784		76,609		(2,825		)	(4	)%

Same Store:
Revenue:
Luxury	$	852.3	$	889.9	$	(37.6	)	(4	)%
Import	1,186.8		1,154.7		32.1			3	%
Domestic	487.2		524.1		(36.9		)	(7	)%
Total new vehicle revenue	$	2,526.3	$	2,568.7	$	(42.4	)	(2	)%
Gross profit:
Luxury	$	54.8	$	59.9	$	(5.1	)	(9	)%
Import	42.5		51.3		(8.8		)	(17	)%
Domestic	21.6		23.8		(2.2		)	(9	)%
Total new vehicle gross profit	$	118.9	$	135.0	$	(16.1	)	(12	)%
New vehicle units:
Luxury	16,117		17,102		(985		)	(6	)%
Import	42,891		42,049		842			2	%
Domestic	12,677		14,256		(1,579		)	(11	)%
Total new vehicle units	71,685		73,407		(1,722		)	(2	)%

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New Vehicle Metrics—



	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,						Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	2017			2016			Increase (Decrease)			% Change
As Reported:
Revenue per new vehicle sold	$	35,197		$	34,935		$	262		1	%
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	1,659		$	1,824		$	(165	)	(9	)%
New vehicle gross margin	4.7		%	5.2		%	(0.5		)%

Luxury:
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	3,394		$	3,515		$	(121	)	(3	)%
New vehicle gross margin	6.4		%	6.7		%	(0.3		)%
Import:
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	984		$	1,207		$	(223	)	(18	)%
New vehicle gross margin	3.5		%	4.4		%	(0.9		)%
Domestic:
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	1,758		$	1,657		$	101		6	%
New vehicle gross margin	4.6		%	4.5		%	0.1		%

Same Store:
Revenue per new vehicle sold	$	35,242		$	34,993		$	249		1	%
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	1,659		$	1,839		$	(180	)	(10	)%
New vehicle gross margin	4.7		%	5.3		%	(0.6		)%

Luxury:
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	3,400		$	3,503		$	(103	)	(3	)%
New vehicle gross margin	6.4		%	6.7		%	(0.3		)%
Import:
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	991		$	1,220		$	(229	)	(19	)%
New vehicle gross margin	3.6		%	4.4		%	(0.8		)%
Domestic:
Gross profit per new vehicle sold	$	1,704		$	1,669		$	35		2	%
New vehicle gross margin	4.4		%	4.5		%	(0.1		)%

New vehicle revenue decrease d by $79.3 million ( 3% ) as a result of a 4% decrease in new vehicle units sold, partially offset by a 1% increase in revenue per new vehicle sold. Same store new vehicle revenue decrease d by $42.4 million ( 2% ) as a result of a 2% decrease in new vehicle units sold, partially offset by a slight increase in revenue per new vehicle sold.

Same store new vehicle gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decrease d by $16.1 million ( 12% ), due to a 10% decrease in gross profit per new vehicle sold. Same store new vehicle gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased by 60 basis points to 4.7% . The decrease in our same store gross profit margin was primarily attributable to a change in our revenue mix towards our generally lower margin import brands and margin pressures as a result of generally higher new vehicle inventory levels across the industry and the failure to achieve the aggressive sales and marketing incentive targets set by certain manufacturers.

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Used Vehicle—



	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,					Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	2017		2016			Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	(Dollars in millions, except for per vehicle data)
As Reported:
Revenue:
Used vehicle retail revenue	$	1,245.7	$	1,254.7		$	(9.0	)	(1	)%
Used vehicle wholesale revenue	150.9		152.8			(1.9		)	(1	)%
Used vehicle revenue	$	1,396.6	$	1,407.5		$	(10.9	)	(1	)%
Gross profit:
Used vehicle retail gross profit	$	94.4	$	101.4		$	(7.0	)	(7	)%
Used vehicle wholesale gross profit	1.0		(1.6		)	2.6			163	%
Used vehicle gross profit	$	95.4	$	99.8		$	(4.4	)	(4	)%
Used vehicle retail units:
Used vehicle retail units	59,107		59,378			(271		)	—	%

Same Store:
Revenue:
Used vehicle retail revenue	$	1,200.9	$	1,170.5		$	30.4		3	%
Used vehicle wholesale revenue	144.8		145.2			(0.4		)	—	%
Used vehicle revenue	$	1,345.7	$	1,315.7		$	30.0		2	%
Gross profit:
Used vehicle retail gross profit	$	90.0	$	94.7		$	(4.7	)	(5	)%
Used vehicle wholesale gross profit	1.2		(1.4		)	2.6			NM
Used vehicle gross profit	$	91.2	$	93.3		$	(2.1	)	(2	)%
Used vehicle retail units:
Used vehicle retail units	56,623		54,674			1,949			4	%

Used Vehicle Metrics—



	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,						Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	2017			2016			Increase (Decrease)			% Change
As Reported:
Revenue per used vehicle retailed	$	21,075		$	21,131		$	(56	)	—	%
Gross profit per used vehicle retailed	$	1,597		$	1,708		$	(111	)	(6	)%
Used vehicle retail gross margin	7.6		%	8.1		%	(0.5		)%

Same Store:
Revenue per used vehicle retailed	$	21,209		$	21,409		$	(200	)	(1	)%
Gross profit per used vehicle retailed	$	1,589		$	1,732		$	(143	)	(8	)%
Used vehicle retail gross margin	7.5		%	8.1		%	(0.6		)%

______________________________

NM — Not Meaningful

Used vehicle revenue decrease d by $10.9 million ( 1% ) due to a decrease of $9.0 million ( 1% ) in used vehicle retail revenue and a $1.9 million ( 1% ) decrease in used vehicle wholesale revenue. Same store used vehicle revenue increase d by $30.0 million ( 2% ) due to an increase of $30.4 million ( 3% ) in same store used vehicle retail revenue, partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease in same store used vehicle wholesale revenues. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 same store used vehicle retail unit sales grew by 1,949 units ( 4% ).

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 same store used vehicle retail gross margins decrease d 60 basis points to 7.5% as a result of the 8% decrease in used vehicle gross profit per vehicle retailed and a 1% decrease in revenue per used vehicle retailed.

Parts and Service—



	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,						Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	2017			2016			Increase (Decrease)			% Change
	(Dollars in millions)
As Reported:
Parts and service revenue	$	589.5		$	584.9		$	4.6		1	%
Parts and service gross profit:
Customer pay	203.8			201.4			2.4			1	%
Warranty	61.7			54.4			7.3			13	%
Wholesale parts	15.7			15.6			0.1			1	%
Parts and service gross profit, excluding reconditioning and preparation	$	281.2		$	271.4		$	9.8		4	%
Parts and service gross margin, excluding reconditioning and preparation	47.7		%	46.4		%	1.3		%
Reconditioning and preparation	$	86.0		$	90.6		$	(4.6	)	(5	)%
Total parts and service gross profit	$	367.2		$	362.0		$	5.2		1	%
Total parts and service gross margin	62.3		%	61.9		%	0.4		%

Same Store:
Parts and service revenue	$	579.6		$	556.1		$	23.5		4	%
Parts and service gross profit:
Customer pay	199.9			192.4			7.5			4	%
Warranty	60.8			52.5			8.3			16	%
Wholesale parts	15.6			14.5			1.1			8	%
Parts and service gross profit, excluding reconditioning and preparation	$	276.3		$	259.4		$	16.9		7	%
Parts and service gross margin, excluding reconditioning and preparation	47.7		%	46.6		%	1.1		%
Reconditioning and preparation	$	84.1		$	85.6		$	(1.5	)	(2	)%
Total parts and service gross profit	$	360.4		$	345.0		$	15.4		4	%
Total parts and service gross margin	62.2		%	62.0		%	0.2		%

The $4.6 million ( 1% ) increase in parts and service revenue was primarily the result of an increase of $12.4 million (12%) in warranty revenue, partially offset by a $6.7 million (2%) decrease in customer pay revenue and a $1.1 million (1%) decrease in wholesale parts revenue. Same store parts and service revenue increase d by $23.5 million ( 4% ) from $556.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $579.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The increase in same store parts and service revenue was primarily due to a $14.4 million (14%) increase in warranty revenue, a $4.7 million (6%) increase in wholesale parts revenue, and a $4.4 million (1%) increase in customer pay revenue.

Parts and service gross profit, excluding reconditioning and preparation, increase d by $9.8 million ( 4% ) to $281.2 million and same store gross profit, excluding reconditioning and preparation, increase d by $16.9 million ( 7% ) to $276.3 million . The increase in same store parts and service gross profit is primarily due to a shift in mix towards our higher margin warranty revenue.

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Finance and Insurance, net—



	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,				Increase (Decrease)		% Change
	2017		2016		Increase (Decrease)		% Change
	(Dollars in millions, except for per vehicle data)
As Reported:
Finance and insurance, net	$	202.5	$	192.6	$	9.9	5	%
Finance and insurance, net per vehicle sold	$	1,524	$	1,416	$	108	8	%

Same Store:
Finance and insurance, net	$	196.2	$	182.5	$	13.7	8	%
Finance and insurance, net per vehicle sold	$	1,529	$	1,425	$	104	7	%

F&I, net revenue increase d by $9.9 million ( 5% ) during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , with same store F&I, net revenue increasing by $13.7 million ( 8% ) over the same time period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we benefited from the acceleration of commissions as a result of our amended agreement with our primary insurance products underwriter which became effective during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense—



	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,								Increase (Decrease)			% of Gross Profit Increase (Decrease)
	2017		% of Gross Profit		2016		% of Gross Profit		Increase (Decrease)			% of Gross Profit Increase (Decrease)
	(Dollars in millions)
As Reported:
Personnel costs	$	261.1	33.2	%	$	257.1	32.4	%	$	4.0		0.8	%
Sales compensation	83.5		10.6	%	83.8		10.6	%	(0.3		)	—	%
Share-based compensation	10.0		1.3	%	9.1		1.1	%	0.9			0.2	%
Outside services	60.7		7.7	%	57.7		7.3	%	3.0			0.4	%
Advertising	22.7		2.9	%	25.4		3.2	%	(2.7		)	(0.3	)%
Rent	20.2		2.6	%	23.0		2.9	%	(2.8		)	(0.3	)%
Utilities	11.8		1.5	%	11.7		1.5	%	0.1			—	%
Insurance	11.4		1.4	%	13.6		1.7	%	(2.2		)	(0.3	)%
Other	67.8		8.5	%	67.8		8.5	%	—			—	%
Selling, general, and administrative expense	$	549.2	69.7	%	$	549.2	69.2	%	$	—		0.5	%
Gross profit	$	787.5			$	794.1

Same Store:
Personnel costs	$	252.8	33.0	%	$	244.2	32.3	%	$	8.6		0.7	%
Sales compensation	80.5		10.5	%	79.4		10.5	%	1.1			—	%
Share-based compensation	10.0		1.3	%	9.1		1.2	%	0.9			0.1	%
Outside services	59.0		7.7	%	54.0		7.1	%	5.0			0.6	%
Advertising	21.6		2.8	%	22.4		3.0	%	(0.8		)	(0.2	)%
Rent	20.2		2.6	%	22.9		3.0	%	(2.7		)	(0.4	)%
Utilities	11.4		1.5	%	10.9		1.4	%	0.5			0.1	%
Insurance	11.0		1.4	%	12.8		1.7	%	(1.8		)	(0.3	)%
Other	$	66.7	8.7	%	$	65.3	8.7	%	1.4			—	%
Selling, general, and administrative expense	$	533.2	69.5	%	$	521.0	68.9	%	$	12.2		0.6	%
Gross profit	$	766.7			$	755.8

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SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit was 69.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 69.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . Same store SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit increase d by 60 basis points from 68.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 69.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The increase in SG&A expense is primarily attributable to higher personnel costs and higher outside services predominately related to our investments in technologies to improve our customer experience and productivity, partially offset by decreases in Insurance, Advertising, and Rent Expense. The decrease in insurance expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is primarily the result of a reduction in insurance retention related to hail storm damage at certain dealerships in 2016, coupled with lower premiums for property and casualty insurance. Included in SG&A expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is approximately $1.5 million of expense in connection with our previously disclosed CEO transition.

Other Operating Expenses, net —

Other operating expenses, net which includes gains and losses from the sale of property and equipment, income derived from lease arrangements, and other non-core operating items was $ 0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with other operating expenses, net of $ 4.2 million in the comparable 2016 period.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we recognized expenses associated with a lease termination of $2.9 million, partially offset by $0.8 million of other income and a $0.9 million gain recognized for legal settlements.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we recognized $3.1 million in non-cash real estate related impairment charges consisting of $0.9 million related to a lease buyout and a lease termination, $0.7 million related to the write down of a property classified as Assets Held for Sale, and $1.5 million related to a property transferred to Assets Held for Sale.

Floor Plan Interest Expense —

Floor plan interest expense increased by $2.7 million ( 19% ) to $17.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $14.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , primarily as a result of higher interest rates.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of September 30, 2017 , we had total available liquidity of $406.4 million , which consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $2.8 million , $75.0 million of available funds in our floor plan offset accounts, $190.0 million of availability under our new vehicle floor plan facility that is able to be re-designated to our revolving credit facility, $46.7 million of availability under our revolving credit facility, and $91.9 million of availability under our used vehicle revolving floor plan facility. The borrowing capacities under our revolving credit facility and our used vehicle revolving floor plan facility are limited by borrowing base calculations and, from time to time, may be further limited by our required compliance with certain financial covenants. As of September 30, 2017 , these financial covenants did not further limit our availability under our credit facilities. For more information on our financial covenants, see "Covenants" below.

We continually evaluate our liquidity and capital resources based upon (i) our cash and cash equivalents on hand, (ii) the funds that we expect to generate through future operations, (iii) current and expected borrowing availability under our 2016 Senior Credit Facility, our other floor plan facilities, our Real Estate Credit Agreement, our Restated Master Loan Agreement, and our mortgage financings (each, as defined below), (iv) amounts in our new vehicle floor plan notes payable offset accounts, and (v) the potential impact of our capital allocation strategy and any contemplated or pending future transactions, including, but not limited to, financings, acquisitions, dispositions, equity and/or debt repurchases, dividends, or other capital expenditures. We believe we will have sufficient liquidity to meet our debt service and working capital requirements; commitments and contingencies; debt repayment, maturity and repurchase obligations; acquisitions; capital expenditures; and any operating requirements for at least the next twelve months.

We currently are party to the following material credit facilities and agreements, and have the following material indebtedness outstanding. For a more detailed description of the material terms of these agreements and facilities, and this indebtedness, refer to the "Long-Term Debt" footnote included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.


•	2016 Senior Credit Facility — On July 25, 2016, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated senior secured credit agreement with Bank of America, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto.

The 2016 Senior Credit Facility provides for the following:

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Revolving Credit Facility — A $250.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") for, among other things, acquisitions, working capital and capital expenditures, including a $50.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit. As described below, as of September 30, 2017 , we re-designated $190.0 million of availability from the Revolving Credit Facility to the New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility (as defined below), resulting in $60.0 million of borrowing capacity. In addition, we had $13.3 million in outstanding letters of credit, resulting in $46.7 million of borrowing availability as of September 30, 2017 .

New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility — A $900.0 million new vehicle revolving floor plan facility (the "New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility"). In connection with the New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility, we established an account with Bank of America that allows us to transfer cash as an offset to floor plan notes payable. These transfers reduce the amount of outstanding new vehicle floor plan notes payable that would otherwise accrue interest, while retaining the ability to transfer amounts from the offset account into our operating cash accounts within one to two days. As a result of the use of our floor plan offset account, we experience a reduction in Floor Plan Interest Expense on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. As of September 30, 2017 , we had $578.6 million , which is net of $63.2 million in our floor plan offset account, outstanding under the New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility.

Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility — A $150.0 million used vehicle revolving floor plan facility (the "Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility") to finance the acquisition of used vehicle inventory and for, among other things, working capital and capital expenditures, as well as to refinance used vehicles. Our borrowing capacity under the Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility was limited to $91.9 million based on our borrowing base calculation as of September 30, 2017 . We have with nothing drawn on our used vehicle floor plan facility as of September 30, 2017 .

Subject to compliance with certain conditions, the agreement governing the 2016 Senior Credit Facility provides that we have the ability, at our option and subject to the receipt of additional commitments from existing or new lenders, to increase the size of the facilities by up to $325.0 million in the aggregate without lender consent.

At our option, we have the ability to re-designate a portion of our availability under the Revolving Credit Facility to the New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility or the Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility. The maximum amount we are allowed to re-designate is determined based on our current borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility, less $50.0 million. In addition, we are able to re-designate any amounts moved to the New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility or the Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility back to the Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2017 , we re-designated $190.0 million of availability under the Revolving Credit Facility to the New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility. We re-designated this amount to take advantage of the lower commitment fee rates on the New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility when compared to the Revolving Credit Facility.

Borrowings under the 2016 Senior Credit Facility bear interest, at our option, based on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or the Base Rate, in each case plus an Applicable Margin. The Base Rate is the highest of the (i) Bank of America prime rate, (ii) Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%, and (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.00%. The Applicable Margin, for borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, ranges from 1.25% to 2.50% for LIBOR loans and 0.25% to 1.50% for Base Rate loans, in each case based on the Company's total lease adjusted leverage ratio. Borrowings under the New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility bear interest, at the option of the Company, based on LIBOR plus 1.25% or the Base Rate plus 0.25%. Borrowings under the Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility bear interest, at the option of the Company, based on LIBOR plus 1.50% or the Base Rate plus 0.50%.

In addition to the payment of interest on borrowings outstanding under the 2016 Senior Credit Facility, we are required to pay a quarterly commitment fee on the total commitments thereunder. The fee for commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility is between 0.20% and 0.45% per year, based on the Company's total lease adjusted leverage ratio, and the fee for commitments under the New Vehicle Facility Floor Plan and the Used Vehicle Facility Floor Plan Facility is 0.15% per year.

•

Manufacturer affiliated new vehicle floor plan and other financing facilities — We have a floor plan facility with the Ford Motor Credit Company ("Ford Credit") to purchase new Ford and Lincoln vehicle inventory, which matures on December 5, 2019. During August 2016, we established a floor plan offset account with Ford Credit, which operates in a similar manner to our floor plan offset account with Bank of America. As of September 30, 2017 , we had $109.7 million , net of $11.8 million in our floor plan offset account, outstanding under our floor plan facility. Additionally, we had $80.8 million outstanding under facilities with certain manufacturers for the financing of loaner vehicles, which were presented within Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated

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Balance Sheets. Neither our floor plan facility with Ford Credit nor our facilities for loaner vehicles have stated borrowing limitations.


•	6.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024 — as of September 30, 2017 we had $600.0 million in aggregate principal amount outstanding related to our 6.0% Notes. We are required to pay interest on the 6.0% Notes on June 15 and December 15 of each year until maturity on December 15, 2024.


•	Mortgage notes — as of September 30, 2017 , we had $177.6 million of mortgage note obligations. These obligations are collateralized by the associated real estate at our dealership locations.

•

Restated Master Loan Agreement — provides for term loans to certain of our subsidiaries (the "Restated Master Loan Agreement"). Borrowings under the Restated Master Loan Agreement are guaranteed by us and are collateralized by the real property financed under the Restated Master Loan Agreement. As of September 30, 2017 , the outstanding balance under the Restated Master Loan Agreement was $90.6 million . There is no further borrowing availability under this facility.

•

Real Estate Credit Agreement — a real estate term loan credit agreement with borrowings collateralized by first priority liens, subject to certain permitted exceptions, on all of the real property financed thereunder (the "Real Estate Credit Agreement"). As of September 30, 2017 , we had $48.3 million of mortgage note obligations outstanding under the Real Estate Credit Agreement. There is no further borrowing availability under this agreement.

Covenants

We are subject to a number of customary covenants in our various debt and lease agreements. We were in compliance with all of our covenants as of September 30, 2017 .

Share Repurchases and Dividend Restrictions

Our ability to repurchase shares or pay dividends on our common stock is subject to our compliance with the covenants and restrictions in our various debt and lease agreements. Our 2016 Senior Credit Facility and our indenture governing our 6.0% Notes permit us to make an unlimited amount of restricted payments so long as our Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio, as defined in those agreements, does not exceed 3.0 to 1.0 on a pro forma basis after giving effect to any proposed payments. As of September 30, 2017 , our Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio did not exceed 3.0 to 1.0.

On January 30, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized our current share repurchase program (the "Repurchase Program").

On January 27, 2016, our Board of Directors reset the authorization under our Repurchase Program to $300.0 million in the

aggregate, for the repurchase of our common stock in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions from time to

time.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we repurchased 90,700 and 584,696 shares, respectively, of our common stock under the Repurchase Program for a total of $5.1 million and $34.8 million , respectively. As of September 30, 2017 , we had remaining authorization to repurchase $53.3 million in shares of our common stock under the Repurchase Program.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we repurchased 541 and 71,330 shares, respectively, of our common stock for $30.0 thousand and $4.6 million , respectively, from employees in connection with a net share settlement feature of employee equity-based awards.

Cash Flows

Classification of Cash Flows Associated with Floor Plan Notes Payable

Borrowings and repayments of floor plan notes payable to a lender unaffiliated with the manufacturer from which we purchase a particular new vehicle ("Non-Trade"), and all floor plan notes payable relating to used vehicles (together referred to as "Floor Plan Notes Payable—Non-Trade"), are classified as financing activities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, with borrowings reflected separately from repayments. The net change in floor plan notes payable to a lender affiliated with the manufacturer from which we purchase a particular new vehicle (collectively referred to as "Floor Plan Notes Payable—Trade") is classified as an operating activity on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Borrowings of floor plan notes payable associated with inventory acquired in connection with all acquisitions and repayments made in connection with all divestitures are classified as a financing activity in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Cash flows related to floor plan notes payable included in operating activities differ from cash flows related to floor plan notes payable included in financing activities only to the

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extent that the former are payable to a lender affiliated with the manufacturer from which we purchased the related inventory, while the latter are payable to a lender not affiliated with the manufacturer from which we purchased the related inventory. The majority of our floor plan notes are payable to parties unaffiliated with the entities from which we purchase our new vehicle inventory, with the exception of floor plan notes payable relating to the financing of new Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

Floor plan borrowings are required by all vehicle manufacturers for the purchase of new vehicles, and all floor plan lenders require amounts borrowed for the purchase of a vehicle to be repaid within a short time period after the related vehicle is sold. As a result, we believe that it is important to understand the relationship between the cash flows of all of our floor plan notes payable and new vehicle inventory in order to understand our working capital and operating cash flow and to be able to compare our operating cash flow to that of our competitors (i.e., if our competitors have a different mix of trade and non-trade floor plan financing as compared to us). In addition, we include all floor plan borrowings and repayments in our internal operating cash flow forecasts. As a result, we use the non-GAAP measure "cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted" (defined below) to compare our results to forecasts. We believe that splitting the cash flows of floor plan notes payable between operating activities and financing activities, while all new vehicle inventory activity is included in operating activities, results in significantly different operating cash flow than if all the cash flows of floor plan notes payable were classified together in operating activities.

Cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted, includes borrowings and repayments of floor plan notes payable to lenders not affiliated with the manufacturer from which we purchase the related new vehicles. Cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted, has material limitations, and therefore, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our operating results in accordance with GAAP. In order to compensate for these potential limitations we also review the related GAAP measures.

We have provided below a reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities, as if all changes in floor plan notes payable, except for (i) borrowings associated with acquisitions and repayments associated with divestitures and (ii) borrowings and repayments associated with the purchase of used vehicle inventory, were classified as an operating activity.



	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Reconciliation of Cash provided by operating activities to Cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted
Cash provided by operating activities, as reported	$	243.2		$	151.3
New vehicle floor plan (repayments) borrowings — non-trade, net	(120.0		)	76.5
Cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted	$	123.2		$	227.8

Operating Activities—

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $243.2 million and $151.3 million , for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted, totaled $123.2 million and $227.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

The $104.6 million decrease in our net cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily the result of the following:


•	$63.3 million related to a increase in inventory, net of floor plan notes payable


•	$34.5 million related to the change in other current and non-current assets and liabilities;


•	$23.3 million related to a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities; and


•	$10.0 million related to the non-cash adjustments to net income.

The decrease in our cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted, was partially offset by $26.5 million related to sales volume and the timing of collection of accounts receivable and contracts-in-transit during 2017 as compared to 2016 .

Investing Activities—

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $98.0 million and $77.5 million , for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Capital expenditures, excluding the purchase of real estate, were $21.4 million and $47.3 million for the

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nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. We expect that capital expenditures for 2017 will total approximately $50.0 million to upgrade or replace our existing facilities, construct new facilities, expand our service capacity, and invest in technology and equipment.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we acquired two franchises (two dealership locations) and one collision center in the Indianapolis, Indiana market for an aggregate purchase price of $80.1 million .

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we received cash proceeds of $ 3.8 million from the sale of a property that was included in Assets Held for Sale as of December 31, 2016.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , purchases of real estate, including previously leased real estate, totaled $30.2 million .

As part of our capital allocation strategy, we continually evaluate opportunities to purchase properties currently under lease and acquire properties in connection with future dealership relocations. No assurances can be provided that we will have or be able to access capital at times or on terms in amounts deemed necessary to execute this strategy.

Financing Activities—

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $145.8 million and $72.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , we had non-trade floor plan borrowings, excluding floor plan borrowings associated with acquisitions, of $2.82 billion and $2.92 billion , respectively, and non-trade floor plan repayments of $2.94 billion and $2.81 billion , respectively.

In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 we had non-trade floor plan borrowings of $25.1 million related to acquisitions.

Repayments of borrowings totaled $11.5 million and $11.2 million , for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we repurchased a total of 584,696 shares of our common stock under our Repurchase Program for a total of $34.8 million and 71,330 shares of our common stock for $4.6 million from employees in connection with a net share settlement feature of employee equity-based awards.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We had no off balance sheet arrangements during any of the periods presented other than those disclosed in Note 11 "Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes hereto.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to risk from changes in interest rates on a significant portion of our outstanding indebtedness. Based on $674.3 million of total variable interest rate debt, which includes our floor plan notes payable and certain mortgage liabilities, outstanding as of September 30, 2017 , a 100 basis point change in interest rates could result in a change of as much as $6.7 million to our total annual interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

We periodically receive floor plan assistance from certain automobile manufacturers, which is accounted for as a reduction in our new vehicle inventory cost. Floor plan assistance reduced our cost of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 by $26.6 million and $25.7 million, respectively. We cannot provide assurance as to the future amount of floor plan assistance and these amounts may be negatively impacted due to future changes in interest rates.

As part of our strategy to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, we have various interest rate swap agreements. All of our interest rate swaps qualify for cash flow hedge accounting treatment and do not contain any ineffectiveness.

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In November 2013, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional principal amount of $75.0 million . This swap was designed to provide a hedge against changes in variable rate cash flows regarding fluctuations in the one month LIBOR rate, through maturity in September 2023. The notional values of this swap as of September 30, 2017 was $61.2 million and will reduce over its remaining term to $38.7 million at maturity.

For additional information about the effect of our derivative instruments on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, see Note 9 "Financial Instruments and Fair Value" of the Notes thereto.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that as of the end of such period such disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time period specified in the rules and forms of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure. Management necessarily applies its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management's control objectives. Management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures can prevent all possible errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that objectives of the control system are met. There are inherent limitations in all control systems, including the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the intentional acts of one or more persons. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and while our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to be effective under circumstances where they should reasonably be expected to operate effectively, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to possible errors or fraud may occur and not be detected.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we and our dealerships may become involved in various claims relating to, and arising out of our business and our operations. These claims may involve, but are not limited to, financial and other audits by vehicle manufacturers or lenders, and certain federal, state, and local government authorities, which relate primarily to (i) incentive and warranty payments received from vehicle manufacturers, or allegations of violations of manufacturer agreements or policies, (ii) compliance with lender rules and covenants and (iii) payments made to government authorities relating to federal, state, and local taxes, as well as compliance with other government regulations. Claims may also arise through litigation, government proceedings, and other dispute resolution processes. Such claims, including class actions, can relate to, but are not limited to, the practice of charging administrative fees, employment-related matters, truth-in-lending practices, contractual disputes, actions brought by governmental authorities, and other matters. We evaluate pending and threatened claims and establish loss contingency reserves based upon outcomes we currently believe to be probable and reasonably estimable.

We currently do not anticipate that any known claim will materially adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations. However, the outcome of any matter cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more matters presently known or arising in the future could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

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

On January 30, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized our Repurchase Program. On January 27, 2016, our Board of Directors reset the authorization under our Repurchase Program to $300.0 million in the aggregate, for the repurchase of our common stock in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions. Any repurchases will be subject to applicable limitations in our debt or other financing agreements that may be in existence from time to time.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , we repurchased 90,700 shares of our common stock under the Repurchase Program. As of September 30, 2017 , we had remaining authorization to repurchase $53.3 million in shares of our common stock under the Repurchase Program.

The following table sets forth information regarding stock repurchases by the Company on a monthly basis during the three month period ended September 30, 2017 :



Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in millions)
07/01/2017 - 07/31/2017	90,700	$	56.15	90,700	$	53.3
08/01/2017 - 08/31/2017	—	$	—	—	$	—
09/01/2017 - 09/30/2017	—	$	—	—	$	—

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

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Item 6. Exhibits



Exhibit Number		Description of Documents
10.1		First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. and David W. Hult, dated as of August 21, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 22, 2017)*
10.2		Transition and Separation Agreement between Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. and Craig T. Monaghan, dated as of August 21, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 22, 2017)*
31.1		Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2		Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1		Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2		Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS		XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
*		Incorporated by reference.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.



	Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

Date: October 25, 2017	By:	/s/ Craig T. Monaghan
	Name:	Craig T. Monaghan
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer and President



	Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

Date: October 25, 2017	By:	/s/ Sean D. Goodman
	Name:	Sean D. Goodman
	Title:	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS



Exhibit Number		Description of Documents
10.1		First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. and David W. Hult, dated as of August 21, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 22, 2017)*
10.2		Transition and Separation Agreement between Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. and Craig T. Monaghan, dated as of August 21, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 22, 2017)*
31.1		Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2		Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1		Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2		Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS		XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
*		Incorporated by reference.

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Part I. Financial Information Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis Of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Item 4. Controls and Procedures Part II. Other Information Item 1. Legal Proceedings Item 2. Unregistered Sales Of Equity Securities and Use Of Proceeds Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits

10.1 First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. and David W. Hult, dated as of August 21, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 22, 2017)* 10.2 Transition and Separation Agreement between Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. and Craig T. Monaghan, dated as of August 21, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 22, 2017)* 31.1 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 31.2 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 32.1 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 32.2 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

ABG 10-Q Quarter ended Sept. 30, 2017

Exhibits