10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018

or

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

For the transition period from  to

Commission File Number: 1-13461

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		76-0506313
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
	800 Gessner, Suite 500 Houston, Texas 77024 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
	(713) 647-5700 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

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

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

Large accelerated filer	þ		¨	Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer	¨	(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	¨	Smaller reporting company
			¨	Emerging growth company

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

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

As of April 26, 2018, the registrant had 20,928,957 shares of common stock, par value $0.01, outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements	36
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	38
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	63
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	65
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	66
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	66
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	66
Item 6.	Exhibits	66
SIGNATURE		68

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.Financial Statements

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

		March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
		(Unaudited)
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	33,090		$	28,787
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net		297,885			306,433
Accounts and notes receivable, net		200,159			188,611
Inventories, net		1,804,176			1,763,293
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		77,888			42,062
Total current assets		2,413,198			2,329,186
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net		1,357,870			1,318,959
GOODWILL		960,110			913,034
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS		295,626			285,632
OTHER ASSETS		31,674			24,254
Total assets		$	5,058,478		$	4,871,065
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other		$	1,199,741		$	1,240,695
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility		(74,359		)	(86,547		)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates		420,315			397,183
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates		(24,000		)	(22,500		)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing		58,195			77,609
Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities		1,177			1,996
Accounts payable		491,841			412,981
Accrued expenses		194,248			177,070
Total current liabilities		2,267,158			2,198,487
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities		1,376,770			1,318,184
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES		134,800			124,404
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES		3,512			8,583
OTHER LIABILITIES		98,159			97,125
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000 shares authorized; 25,527 and 25,515 issued, respectively		255			255
Additional paid-in capital		286,244			291,461
Retained earnings		1,288,052			1,246,323
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(105,950		)	(123,226		)
Treasury stock, at cost; 4,597 and 4,617 shares, respectively		(290,522		)	(290,531		)
Total stockholders’ equity		1,178,079			1,124,282
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	5,058,478		$	4,871,065

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

3

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
	(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
REVENUES:
New vehicle retail sales	$	1,513,590		$	1,337,213
Used vehicle retail sales	780,570			660,927
Used vehicle wholesale sales	104,029			104,157
Parts and service sales	349,515			319,698
Finance, insurance and other, net	112,322			96,834
Total revenues	2,860,026			2,518,829
COST OF SALES:
New vehicle retail sales	1,438,163			1,267,986
Used vehicle retail sales	737,075			615,922
Used vehicle wholesale sales	102,374			104,057
Parts and service sales	162,651			147,342
Total cost of sales	2,440,263			2,135,307
GROSS PROFIT	419,763			383,522
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	324,347			289,779
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	16,342			13,606
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	79,074			80,137
OTHER EXPENSE:
Floorplan interest expense	(14,087		)	(11,942		)
Other interest expense, net	(18,820		)	(16,999		)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	46,167			51,196
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	(10,353		)	(17,257		)
NET INCOME	$	35,814		$	33,939
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE	$	1.70		$	1.58
Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,298			20,692
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE	$	1.70		$	1.58
Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,307			20,698
CASH DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE	$	0.26		$	0.24

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

4

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
NET INCOME	$	35,814	$	33,939
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	7,871		4,137
Net unrealized gain on interest rate risk management activities:
Unrealized gain arising during the period, net of tax provision of $2,492 and $234, respectively	7,892		390
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in interest expense, net of tax provision of $478, and $1,361, respectively	1,513		2,268
Unrealized gain on interest rate risk management activities, net of tax	9,405		2,658
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAXES	17,276		6,795
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	53,090	$	40,734

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

5

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Treasury Stock
	Shares	Amount														Total
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
BALANCE, December 31, 2017	25,515	$	255	$	291,461		$	1,246,323		$	(123,226	)	$	(290,531	)	$	1,124,282
Net income	—	—		—			35,814			—			—			35,814
Other comprehensive income, net	—	—		—			—			17,276			—			17,276
Purchases of treasury stock	—	—		—			—			—			(9,199		)	(9,199		)
Net issuance of treasury shares to employee stock compensation plans	12	—		(10,846		)	—			—			9,208			(1,638		)
Stock-based compensation	—	—		5,629			—			—			—			5,629
Cash dividends, net of estimated forfeitures relative to participating securities	—	—		—			(5,482		)	—			—			(5,482		)
Impact of ASC 606 cumulative adjustment	—	—		—			11,397			—			—			11,397
BALANCE, March 31, 2018	25,527	$	255	$	286,244		$	1,288,052		$	(105,950	)	$	(290,522	)	$	1,178,079

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

6

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	35,814		$	33,939
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	16,342			13,606
Deferred income taxes	2,675			5,503
Stock-based compensation	5,642			6,074
Amortization of debt discount and issue costs	650			912
Gain on disposition of assets	(516		)	(280		)
Other	(6		)	(871		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	65,200			9,164
Accounts and notes receivable	12,727			21,508
Inventories	7,153			(74,254		)
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables	11,237			56,140
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(12,548		)	1,066
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	5,067			(3,126		)
Deferred revenues	(655		)	(164		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	148,782			69,217
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(71,499		)	(95		)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	2,940			2,207
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(47,948		)	(46,451		)
Other	140			2,459
Net cash used in investing activities	(116,367		)	(41,880		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	1,656,192			1,594,371
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(1,702,447		)	(1,598,291		)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	66,945			15,000
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	(66,444		)	(15,000		)
Borrowings on other debt	65,614			—
Principal payments on other debt	(40,078		)	(232		)
Borrowings on debt related to real estate, net of debt issue costs	46,835			—
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	(37,819		)	(6,831		)
Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings	(1,638		)	(1,030		)
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	(9,199		)	—
Dividends paid	(5,495		)	(5,150		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(27,534		)	(17,163		)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	47			260
NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	4,928			10,434
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period	29,631			24,246
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period	$	34,559		$	34,680
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate, accrued in accounts payable	$	6,066		$	7,287

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

7

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Business and Organization

Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a leading operator in the automotive retailing industry with business activities in 15 states in the United States of America ("U.S."), 32 towns in the United Kingdom ("U.K.") and four states in Brazil. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the "Company" in these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company, through its regions, sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s U.S. retail network consisted of 117 dealerships within the following states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. The President of U.S. Operations reports directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the overall performance of the U.S. region, as well as for overseeing the market directors and dealership general managers. In addition, as of March 31, 2018, the Company had two international regions: (a) the U.K., which consisted of 47 dealerships and (b) Brazil, which consisted of 16 dealerships. The operations of the Company's international regions are structured similar to the U.S. region.

The Company's operating results are generally subject to seasonal variations, as well as changes in the economic environment. This seasonality is generally attributable to consumer buying trends and the timing of manufacturer new vehicle model introductions. In addition, in some regions of the U.S., vehicle purchases decline during the winter months due to inclement weather. As a result, U.S. revenues and operating income are typically lower in the first and fourth quarters and higher in the second and third quarters. For the U.K., the first and third quarters tend to be stronger, driven by the vehicle license plate change months of March and September. For Brazil, the Company expects higher volumes in the third and fourth calendar quarters. The first quarter in Brazil is generally the weakest, driven by more consumer vacations and activities associated with Carnival. Other factors unrelated to seasonality, such as changes in economic conditions, manufacturer incentive programs, seasonal weather events and changes in currency exchange rates may exaggerate seasonal or cause counter-seasonal fluctuations in the Company's revenues and operating income. Due to seasonality and other factors, the results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be realized for any other interim period or for the entire fiscal year.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. All business acquisitions completed during the periods presented have been accounted for by applying the acquisition method of accounting, and their results of operations are included from the effective dates of the closings of the acquisitions. The allocations of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are assigned and recorded based on estimates of fair value and are subject to change within the purchase price allocation period (generally one year from the respective acquisition date). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“2017 Form 10-K”).

Business Segment Information

The Company has three reportable segments: the U.S., which includes the activities of the Company's corporate office, the U.K. and Brazil. The reportable segments are the business activities of the Company for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by its chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer. See Note 15, "Segment Information", for additional details regarding the Company's reportable segments.

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Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Statements of Cash Flows

With respect to all new vehicle floorplan borrowings, the manufacturers of the vehicles draft the Company’s credit facilities directly with no cash flow to or from the Company. With respect to borrowings for used vehicle financing in the U.S., the Company finances up to 85% of the value of the used vehicle inventory and the funds flow directly to the Company from the lender. In the U.K. and Brazil, the Company chooses which used vehicles to finance and the borrowings flow directly to the Company from the lender. All borrowings from, and repayments to, lenders affiliated with the vehicle manufacturers (excluding the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the Company’s syndicated lending group under the Revolving Credit Facility) are presented within Cash Flows from Operating Activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. All borrowings from, and repayments to, the syndicated lending group under the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 9, “Credit Facilities”) (including the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the facility), as well as borrowing from, and repayments to, the Company’s other credit facilities are presented within Cash Flows from Financing Activities.

Cash paid for interest, including the monthly settlement of the Company’s interest rate derivatives, was $20.3 million and $17.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company received a net refund from taxes of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds, was $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total of the same amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 11, "Fair Value Measurements", for additional details regarding the Company's restricted cash balances.

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	33,090	$	28,787
Restricted cash, included in other assets	1,469		844
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	34,559	$	29,631

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendment addresses several specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its net income, retained earnings, consolidated financial statements, results of operations or cash flows.     

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF"). The amendments require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The amendments in this update clarify the definition of a business in order to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively. The Company adopted ASU 2017-01 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. The amendments in this update provide clarity and reduce both diversity in practice and cost and complexity when applying the guidance of Topic 718 to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. Under the new guidance, an entity will not apply modification accounting to a share-based payment award if all of the following are the same immediately before and after the change: 1) the award's fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if those measurement methods are used), 2) the award's vesting conditions, and 3) the award's classification as an equity or liability instrument. The Company adopted ASU 2017-09 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

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Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Adoption of ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers"

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and all subsequent amendments issued thereafter, that amends the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The Company adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized as of the date of adoption. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting policies under Topic 605.

The Company identified its material revenue streams to be the sale of new and used vehicles; arrangement of associated vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts; the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services; and the sale of vehicle parts. The Company concluded that no changes to the timing of revenue recognition for the sale of new and used vehicles, as well as vehicle parts are necessary. As it relates to the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services recognized as a part of Parts and service sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the Company identified a change in its accounting policies and procedures. Through December 31, 2017, the Company recognized revenue once the maintenance or repair services were completed and the vehicle was delivered to the customer. Under Topic 606, the Company determined that it has an enforceable right to payment during the course of the work being performed in certain jurisdictions and, thus, the Company changed its policy under Topic 606 for those jurisdictions to recognize revenue over time as the maintenance and repair services are performed. With regards to the revenue generated from the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts recognized as a part of Finance, insurance and other, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the Company also identified a change in the Company’s accounting policies and procedures. Generally, the Company receives an upfront commission for these transactions from the finance or insurance provider and recognizes the associated revenue when the contract is executed. In some cases, the Company also earns retrospective commission income by participating in the future profitability of the portfolio of contracts sold by the Company. Through December 31, 2017, the Company’s accounting policy was to recognize upfront commission income earned when the contract was executed and the amount was determinable, and to recognize retrospective commission income as the amounts were determined and realized. The Company concluded that this retrospective commission income represents variable consideration for which the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied when the finance or insurance product contract is executed with the end user. Under the new standard, an estimate of variable consideration, subject to a constraint, is to be included in the transaction price and recognized when or as the performance obligation is satisfied. Therefore, the Company’s accounting policy changed under Topic 606 such that the Company will estimate the amount of future earnings that it will realize from the ultimate profitability of the portfolio and recognize such estimate, subject to any constraint in the estimate, upfront when the contract is executed with the end user. The Company's estimates of the amount of variable consideration to be ultimately realized will be reassessed at the end of each reporting period and changes in those estimates will be adjusted through revenue.

As a result of adopting Topic 606 and implementing the changes aforementioned for maintenance and repair services and the arrangement of associated vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts, the Company recognized a net, after-tax cumulative effect adjustment to increase retained earnings as of the date of adoption of $4.8 million and $6.6 million, respectively.

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Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

The cumulative effect of the changes made to the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018 for the adoption of Topic 606 were as follows (in thousands):

	January 1, 2018
Balance Sheet	Balance at December 31, 2017		Adjustment due to ASC 2016-09 606			Balance at January 1, 2018
	(In thousands)
Assets
Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	$	188,611	$	20,306		$	208,917
Inventories, net	1,763,293		(3,660		)	1,759,633
Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	412,981	$	1,756		$	414,737
Deferred income taxes	124,404		3,493			127,897
Stockholders' equity
Retained earnings	1,246,323		11,397			1,257,720

⁽¹⁾ Contract assets, representing a conditional right to payment, of $8.7 million are included in Accounts and notes receivables, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018.

The impact of applying Topic 606 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was as follows (in thousands):

	March 31, 2018
	As Reported		Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606		Effect of Change Higher / (Lower)
Income Statement	(In thousands)
Revenues
Parts and service sales	$	349,515	$	350,992	$	(1,477	)
Finance, insurance and other, net	112,322		112,122		200
Cost of sales
Parts and service sales	$	162,651	$	163,116	$	(465	)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	324,347		324,543		(196		)
Provision for income taxes	10,353		10,504		(151		)
Net income	35,814		36,279		(465		)
Balance Sheet
Assets
Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	$	200,159	$	181,131	$	19,028
Inventories, net	1,804,176		1,807,371		(3,195		)
Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	491,841	$	490,281	$	1,560
Deferred income taxes	134,800		131,459		3,341
Stockholders' equity
Retained earnings	$	1,288,052	$	1,277,120	$	10,932

⁽¹⁾ Contract assets, representing a conditional right to payment, of $8.9 million are included in Accounts and notes receivables, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2018.

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

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Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments in this ASU relate to the accounting for leasing transactions. This standard requires a lessee to record on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. In addition, this standard requires both lessees and lessors to disclose certain key information about lease transactions. This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that adoption will have on its consolidated balance sheet and statement of income. However, the Company expects that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have a significant impact on its consolidated balance sheet, as currently approximately half of its real estate is rented, not owned, via operating leases. Adoption of this ASU is required to be done using a modified retrospective approach.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendment replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology of recognizing credit losses when a loss is probable, with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to assess credit loss estimates. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for periods after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements or results of operations, but does not expect the amendments in this ASU to materially impact its consolidated financial statements.     

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendment eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Earlier application is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 715): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this update better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The guidance also eases the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. The amendments to cash flow and net investment hedge relationships should be applied using a modified retrospective approach while the presentation and disclosure requirements are applied prospectively, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in this update will permit entities to reclassify tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of tax legislation enacted by the U.S. government on December 22, 2017, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), to retained earnings. The FASB gave entities the option to reclassify these amounts rather than require reclassification and the option to apply the guidance retrospectively or in the period of adoption. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

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2. REVENUE

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

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2018		2017 (1)
	(In thousands)
REVENUES:
New vehicle retail sales	$	1,513,590	$	1,337,213
Used vehicle retail sales	780,570		660,927
Used vehicle wholesale sales	104,029		104,157
Total new and used vehicle sales	2,398,189		2,102,297
Vehicle parts sales	85,196		74,665
Maintenance and repair sales	264,319		245,033
Total parts and service sales	349,515		319,698
Finance, insurance and other, net	112,322		96,834
Total revenues	$	2,860,026	$	2,518,829

⁽¹⁾ As noted above, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective approach.

The following table presents the Company's revenues disaggregated by its geographical segments:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Consolidated
REVENUES:	(In thousands)
New vehicle retail sales	$	1,089,953	$	354,404	$	69,233	$	1,513,590
Used vehicle retail sales	563,830		192,549		24,191		780,570
Used vehicle wholesale sales	54,002		46,185		3,842		104,029
Total new and used vehicle sales	1,707,785		593,138		97,266		2,398,189
Vehicle parts sales	74,355		9,515		1,326		85,196
Maintenance and repair sales	210,159		43,626		10,534		264,319
Total parts and service sales	284,514		53,141		11,860		349,515
Finance, insurance and other, net	96,187		14,263		1,872		112,322
Total revenues	$	2,088,486	$	660,542	$	110,998	$	2,860,026

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	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 (1)
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Consolidated
REVENUES:	(In thousands)
New vehicle retail sales	$	1,018,249	$	258,640	$	60,324	$	1,337,213
Used vehicle retail sales	521,947		115,369		23,611		660,927
Used vehicle wholesale sales	70,545		30,509		3,103		104,157
Total new and used vehicle sales	1,610,741		404,518		87,038		2,102,297
Vehicle parts sales	66,754		6,280		1,631		74,665
Maintenance and repair sales	204,405		30,501		10,127		245,033
Total parts and service sales	271,159		36,781		11,758		319,698
Finance, insurance and other, net	85,819		9,028		1,987		96,834
Total revenues	$	1,967,719	$	450,327	$	100,783	$	2,518,829

⁽¹⁾ As noted above, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective approach.

New and Used Vehicle Sales

Specific to the sale of new and used vehicles, the Company has a single performance obligation associated with these contracts - the delivery of the vehicle to the customer, which is the point at which transfer of control occurs. Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon satisfaction of the performance obligation (i.e., delivery of the vehicle to the customer). In some cases, the Company uses a third-party auction as an agent to facilitate delivery of used vehicles to the customer. Incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract are accrued at the time of sale. The transaction price for new and used vehicle sales (i.e., the amount that the Company has the right to under the terms of the sales contract with the customer) is the stand-alone sales price of each individual vehicle and is generally settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation. In many new and used vehicle sales transactions, a portion of the consideration applied by the customer to the satisfaction of the total transaction price is a used vehicle trade-in (i.e., noncash consideration). The Company measures such noncash consideration at fair value. Revenue recognized from the sale of new and used vehicles is reflected in New vehicle retail sales, Used vehicle retail sales, and Used vehicle wholesale sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. With respect to the cost of freight and shipping from its dealerships to its customers, the Company’s policy is to recognize such cost in the corresponding Cost of sales category. With respect to taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are imposed upon new and used vehicle sales transactions and collected by the Company from its customer, the Company’s policy is to exclude such amounts from Revenues.

Vehicle Parts Sales

Related to the sale of vehicle parts, the Company has a single performance obligation associated with these contracts - the delivery of the parts to the customer, which is the point at which transfer of control occurs. Revenue from the sale of vehicle parts is recognized upon satisfaction of the performance obligation (i.e., delivery of the parts to the customer). The transaction price for vehicle parts sales (i.e., the amount that the Company has the right to under the terms of the sales contract with the customer) is the stand-alone sales price of each individual part and is generally settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation. Revenue recognized from the sale of vehicle parts is reflected in Parts and service sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. With respect to the cost of freight and shipping to its customer, the Company’s policy is to recognize such fulfillment cost in the corresponding Cost of sales category. With respect to taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are imposed upon vehicle parts sales transactions and collected by the Company from its customer, the Company’s policy is to exclude such amounts from Revenues.

Maintenance and Repair Services

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

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transaction price is typically settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation, which generally occurs within a short period of time from contract inception. Revenue recognized from vehicle maintenance and repair services is reflected in Parts and service sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. With respect to taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are imposed upon vehicle maintenance and repair service transactions and collected by the Company from its customer, the Company’s policy is to exclude such amounts from Revenues.

Arrangement of Vehicle Financing and the Sale of Service and Other Insurance Contracts

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

3. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

During the three months endedMarch 31, 2018, the Company acquired 5 dealerships in the U.K., inclusive of 8 franchises, and opened one dealership for one awarded franchise. Additionally, the Company acquired 2 dealerships in the U.S., inclusive of 2 franchises. Aggregate consideration paid for these dealerships totaled $76.6 million, including the associated real estate and goodwill. Also included in the consideration paid was $5.1 million of cash received in the acquisition of the dealerships. The purchase prices have been allocated based upon the consideration paid and the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates. The allocation of the purchase prices are preliminary and based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to change within the purchase price allocation periods (generally one year from the respective acquisition date).

During the three months endedMarch 31, 2017, the Company opened one dealership for one awarded franchise in the U.K. and added motorcycles to an existing BMW dealership in Brazil. In addition, during the three months endedMarch 31, 2017, the Company disposed of two dealerships in Brazil representing two franchises.

4. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

The periodic interest rates of the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 9, “Credit Facilities”) and certain variable-rate real estate related borrowings in the U.S. are indexed to the one-month London Inter Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus an associated company credit risk rate. In order to minimize the earnings variability related to fluctuations in these periodic interest rates, the Company employs an interest rate hedging strategy, whereby it enters into arrangements with various financial institutional counterparties with investment grade credit ratings, swapping its variable interest rate exposure for a fixed interest rate over terms not to exceed the related variable-rate debt.

The Company presents the fair value of all interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company measures the fair value of its interest rate derivative instruments utilizing an income approach valuation technique, converting future amounts of cash flows to a single present value in order to obtain a transfer exit price within the bid and ask spread that is most representative of the fair value of its derivative instruments. In measuring fair value, the Company utilizes the option-pricing Black-Scholes present value technique for all of its derivative instruments. This option-pricing technique utilizes a one-month LIBOR forward yield curve, obtained from an independent external service provider, matched to the identical maturity term of the instrument being measured. Observable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation technique incorporate identical contractual notional amounts, fixed coupon rates, periodic terms for interest payments and contract maturity. The fair value estimate of the interest rate derivative instruments also considers the credit risk of the Company for instruments in a liability position or the counterparty for instruments in an asset position. The credit risk is calculated by using the spread between the one-month LIBOR yield curve and the relevant average 10 and 20-year rate according to Standard and Poor’s. The Company has determined the valuation measurement inputs of these derivative instruments to maximize the use of observable inputs that market participants would use in pricing similar or identical instruments and market data obtained from independent sources, which is readily observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the derivative instrument. Further, the valuation measurement inputs minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accordingly, the Company has classified the derivatives within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework as described by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurement.

The related gains or losses on these interest rate derivative instruments are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. These deferred gains and losses are recognized in income in the period in which the related items being hedged are recognized in expense. However, to the extent that the change in value of a derivative contract does not perfectly offset the change in the value of the items being hedged, that ineffective portion is immediately recognized in other income or expense. Monthly contractual settlements of these swap positions are recognized as floorplan or other interest expense in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. All of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges. As of March 31, 2018, all of the Company’s derivative instruments that were in effect were determined to be effective. The Company had no gains or losses related to ineffectiveness or amounts excluded from effectiveness testing recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 or 2017, respectively.

The Company held 25 interest rate derivative instruments in effect as of March 31, 2018 of $822.1 million in notional value that fixed its underlying one-month LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.6%. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the impact of the Company’s interest rate hedges in effect increased floorplan interest expense by $1.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively. Total floorplan interest expense, inclusive of the aforementioned impact of the Company's interest rate hedges, was $14.1 million and $11.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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In addition to the $822.1 million of swaps in effect as of March 31, 2018, the Company held seven additional interest rate derivative instruments with forward start dates between December 2018 and December 2020 and expiration dates between December 2021 and December 2030. The aggregate notional value of these seven forward-starting swaps was $375.0 million, and the weighted average interest rate was 1.8%. The combination of the interest rate derivative instruments currently in effect and these forward-starting derivative instruments is structured such that the notional value in effect at any given time through December 2030 does not exceed $918.4 million, which is less than the Company's expectation for variable-rate debt outstanding during such period.

Assets and liabilities associated with interest rate derivative instruments as reflected in the accompanying balance sheets were as follows:

	As of March 31, 2018		As of December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Assets from interest rate risk management activities:
Other long-term assets	$	15,987	$	9,501
Total	$	15,987	$	9,501
Liabilities from interest rate risk management activities:
Current	$	1,177	$	1,996
Long-term	3,512		8,583
Total	$	4,689	$	10,579

Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss at March 31, 2018 and 2017 were accumulated unrealized losses, net of income taxes, totaling $8.7 million and $6.7 million, respectively, related to these interest rate derivative instruments.

The following table presents the impact during the current and comparative prior year periods for the Company's interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheets.

	Amount of Unrealized Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship	2018			2017
	(In thousands)
Interest rate derivative instruments	$	7,892		$	390
	Amount of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations
Location of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
	(In thousands)
Floorplan interest expense	$	(1,737	)	$	(2,948	)
Other interest expense	(254		)	(681		)

The amount of loss expected to be reclassified out of other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings as additional floorplan interest expense or other interest expense in the next twelve months is $2.7 million.

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5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The Company provides stock-based compensation benefits to employees and non-employee directors pursuant to its 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"), as well as to employees pursuant to its Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the "Purchase Plan", formerly named the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan).

Long Term Incentive Plan

The Incentive Plan provides for the grant of options (including options qualified as incentive stock options under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and options that are non-qualified), restricted stock, performance awards, bonus stock, and phantom stock to the Company's employees, consultants, non-employee directors and officers. The Incentive Plan expires on May 21, 2024. The terms of the awards (including vesting schedules) are established by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. As of March 31, 2018, there were 878,454 shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan.

Restricted Stock Awards

Under the Incentive Plan, the Company grants to non-employee directors and certain employees restricted stock awards or, at their election, restricted stock units (to non-employee directors only) at no cost to the recipient. Restricted stock awards qualify as participating securities because each award contains non-forfeitable rights to dividends. As such, the two-class method is required for the computation of earnings per share. See Note 6, "Earnings Per Share", for further details. Restricted stock awards are considered outstanding at the date of grant but are subject to vesting periods upon issuance of up to five years. Restricted stock units are considered vested at the time of issuance. However, since they convey no voting rights, they are not considered outstanding when issued. Restricted stock units settle in cash upon the termination of the grantees’ employment or directorship. In the event an employee or non-employee director terminates his or her employment or directorship with the Company prior to the lapse of the restrictions, the shares, in most cases, will be forfeited to the Company. The Company issues new shares or treasury shares, if available, when restricted stock vests. Compensation expense for restricted stock awards is calculated based on the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant and recognized over the requisite service period. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. This estimate is adjusted annually based on the extent to which actual or expected forfeitures differ from the previous estimate.

A summary of the restricted stock awards as of March 31, 2018, along with the changes during the three months then ended, is as follows:

	Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2017	702,778		$	68.23
Granted	194,421		75.72
Vested	(167,934	)	61.63
Forfeited	(14,180	)	70.34
Nonvested at March 31, 2018	715,085		$	71.78

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Purchase Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 4.5 million shares of common stock and provides that no options to purchase shares may be granted under the Purchase Plan after May 19, 2025. The Purchase Plan is available to all employees of the Company and its participating subsidiaries and is a qualified plan as defined by Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. At the end of each fiscal quarter (the “Option Period”) during the term of the Purchase Plan, employees can acquire shares of common stock from the Company at 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or the last day of the Option Period, whichever is lower. As of March 31, 2018, there were 1,102,825 shares available for issuance under the Purchase Plan. During the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company issued 36,270 and 30,154 shares, respectively, of common stock to employees participating in the Purchase Plan. With respect to shares issued under the Purchase Plan, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized specific share repurchases to fund the shares issuable under the Purchase Plan.

The weighted average per share fair value of employee stock purchase rights issued pursuant to the Purchase Plan was $16.22 and $18.66 for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The fair value of stock purchase rights is calculated using the grant date stock price, the value of the embedded call option and the value of the embedded put option.

Stock-Based Compensation

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Total stock-based compensation cost was $5.6 million and $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Cash received from Purchase Plan purchases was $2.0 million and $1.9 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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6. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The two-class method is utilized for the computation of the Company's earnings per share (“EPS”). The two-class method requires a portion of net income to be allocated to participating securities, which are unvested awards of share-based payments with non-forfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents. The Company’s restricted stock awards are participating securities. Income allocated to these participating securities is excluded from net earnings available to common shares, as shown in the table below. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to basic common shares by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to diluted common shares by the weighted average number of dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.

The following table sets forth the calculation of EPS for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	20,298		20,692
Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock	9		6
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding	20,307		20,698
Basic:
Net Income	$	35,814	$	33,939
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	1,209		1,250
Earnings available to basic common shares	$	34,605	$	32,689
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.70	$	1.58
Diluted:
Net Income	$	35,814	$	33,939
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	1,208		1,250
Earnings available to diluted common shares	$	34,606	$	32,689
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.70	$	1.58

7. INCOME TAXES

The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%, creating a territorial tax system that generally eliminates U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated earnings of their foreign subsidiaries, creating a "minimum tax" on certain foreign earnings (i.e. global intangible low-taxed income, or "GILTI"), limiting the deduction for net interest expense incurred by U.S. corporations, and eliminating certain deductions, including deductions for certain compensation arrangements and certain other business expenses.

In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (“SAB 118”), the Company made a reasonable estimate of the Tax Act’s impact and provisionally recorded this estimate in its results for the period ended December 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2018, the Company has not completed its accounting for the aspects of the Tax Act recorded provisionally: the re-measurement of deferred taxes based on the reduced tax rate, and the Company's provisional determination that the Company does not have a transition tax liability for previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profits of foreign subsidiaries. The Company will continue to gather data and evaluate the impact of the Tax Act after the Company has considered additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, state tax authorities and other standard-setting bodies. This analysis may result in adjustments to the provisional amounts, which would impact the Company's provision for income taxes and effective tax rate for the period in which the adjustments are made. The Company expects to complete its accounting for the Tax Act in 2018.

The Company recognizes the tax on GILTI as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred. Under this policy, the Company has not provided deferred taxes related to temporary differences that upon their reversal will affect the amount of income subject to GILTI in the period. As of March 31, 2018, the Company estimated that the 2018 GILTI tax will not be material.

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The Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and income taxes in numerous U.S. states. In addition, the Company is subject to income tax in the U.K. and Brazil relative to its foreign subsidiaries. The Company's effective income tax rate of 22.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was more than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0%, due primarily to: (1) the taxes provided for in U.S. state jurisdictions; (2) valuation allowances provided for net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain U.S. states and in Brazil; and (3) unrecognized tax benefits with respect to uncertain tax positions, partially offset by: (1) income generated in the U.K., which is taxed at a 19.0% statutory rate; and (2) excess tax deductions for restricted stock awards. Compared to the effective tax rate for three months ended March 31, 2017 of 33.7%, the Company's effective tax rate decreased primarily due to the impact of the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate as a result of the Tax Act.

As of March 31, 2018, the Company's unrecognized tax benefits totaled $1.3 million, including related interest and penalty. To the extent that any such tax benefits are recognized in the future, such recognition would impact the tax liability in that period by approximately $1.0 million. Consistent with prior treatment of tax related assessments, the Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

The Company's taxable years 2013 and subsequent remain open for examination in the U.S. The Company's taxable years 2016 and subsequent remain open in the U.K., and taxable years 2012 and subsequent remain open in Brazil.

8. DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

Accounts and notes receivable consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(unaudited)
	(In thousands)
Amounts due from manufacturers	$	107,521	$	109,599
Parts and service receivables (1)	52,013		39,343
Finance and insurance receivables (1)	31,180		25,293
Other	12,666		17,514
Total accounts and notes receivable	203,380		191,749
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	3,221		3,138
Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	$	200,159	$	188,611

Inventories consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(unaudited)
	(In thousands)
New vehicles	$	1,237,012	$	1,194,632
Used vehicles	359,725		350,760
Rental vehicles	136,809		144,213
Parts, accessories and other (1)	80,632		82,755
Total inventories	1,814,178		1,772,360
Less lower of cost or net realizable value allowance	10,002		9,067
Inventories, net (1)	$	1,804,176	$	1,763,293

⁽¹⁾ December 31, 2017 balances have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective approach as a part of the implementation of Topic 606. See Note 1, "Interim Financial Information", for further detail.

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

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Property and equipment consisted of the following:

	Estimated Useful Lives in Years	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(unaudited)
		(in thousands)
Land	—	$	485,938	$	482,600
Buildings	25 to 50	721,033		700,257
Leasehold improvements	varies	177,869		172,071
Machinery and equipment	7 to 20	120,626		117,781
Furniture and fixtures	3 to 10	105,632		100,881
Company vehicles	3 to 5	12,157		11,933
Construction in progress	—	55,837		41,824
Total		1,679,092		1,627,347
Less accumulated depreciation		321,222		308,388
Property and equipment, net		$	1,357,870	$	1,318,959

During the three months endedMarch 31, 2018, the Company incurred $33.0 million of capital expenditures for the construction of new or expanded facilities and the purchase of equipment and other fixed assets in the maintenance of the Company’s dealerships and facilities, excluding $8.8 million of capital expenditures accrued as of December 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had accrued $6.1 million of capital expenditures. In addition, the Company purchased real estate (including land and buildings) during the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 associated with existing dealership operations totaling $12.2 million. In conjunction with the acquisition of dealerships and franchises in the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company acquired $8.9 million of real estate and other property and equipment.

9. CREDIT FACILITIES

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

Revolving Credit Facility

After considering the outstanding balance of $1,087.0 million at March 31, 2018, the Company had $353.0 million of available floorplan borrowing capacity under the Floorplan Line. Included in the $353.0 million available borrowings under the Floorplan Line was $74.4 million of immediately available funds. The weighted average interest rate on the Floorplan Line was 3.0% and 2.7% as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, excluding the impact of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments. With regards to the Acquisition Line, there were $28.0 million borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and $27.0 million borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2017, both of which consisted entirely of borrowings in British pound sterling. The interest rate on the Acquisition Line was 2.25% as of March 31, 2018, representing the applicable rate for borrowings in British pound sterling. After considering $25.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and other factors

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included in the Company’s available borrowing base calculation, there was $307.5 million of available borrowing capacity under the Acquisition Line as of March 31, 2018. The amount of available borrowing capacity under the Acquisition Line is limited from time to time based upon certain debt covenants.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to make disbursements outside of the ordinary course of business, dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, create liens on assets, make investments and engage in mergers or consolidations. The Company is also required to comply with specified financial tests and ratios defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, such as the fixed charge coverage and total adjusted leverage ratios. Further, the Revolving Credit Facility restricts the Company’s ability to make certain payments, such as dividends or other distributions of assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations or securities (“Restricted Payments”). The Restricted Payments cannot exceed the sum of $208.5 million plus (or minus if negative) (a) one-half of the aggregate consolidated net income for the period beginning on April 1, 2014 and ending on the date of determination and (b) the amount of net cash proceeds received from the sale of capital stock after June 2, 2014 and ending on the date of determination less (c) cash dividends and share repurchases after June 2, 2014 (“Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket”). For purposes of the calculation of the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket, net income represents such amounts per the Consolidated Financial Statements adjusted to exclude the Company’s foreign operations, non-cash interest expense, non-cash asset impairment charges, and non-cash stock-based compensation. As of March 31, 2018, the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket totaled $186.6 million. The Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants and ratios under the Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2018. All of the U.S. dealership-owning subsidiaries are co-borrowers under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company's obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by essentially all of the Company's U.S. personal property (other than equity interests in dealership-owning subsidiaries), including all motor vehicle inventory and proceeds from the disposition of dealership-owning subsidiaries, excluding inventory financed directly with manufacturer-affiliates and other third-party financial institutions.

Ford Motor Credit Company Facility

As of March 31, 2018, the Company had an outstanding balance of $146.3 million under the FMCC Facility with an available floorplan borrowing capacity of $153.7 million. Included in the $153.7 million available borrowings under the FMCC Facility was $24.0 million of immediately available funds. This facility bears interest at a rate of Prime plus 150 basis points minus certain incentives. The interest rate on the FMCC Facility was 6.25% before considering the applicable incentives as of March 31, 2018.

Other Credit Facilities

The Company has credit facilities with financial institutions in the U.K., most of which are affiliated with the manufacturers, for financing new, used and rental vehicle inventories related to its U.K. operations. As of March 31, 2018, borrowings outstanding under these facilities totaled $149.6 million. Annual interest rates charged on borrowings outstanding under these facilities, after the grace period of zero to 30 days, ranged from 1.25% to 3.95%.

The Company has credit facilities with financial institutions in Brazil, most of which are affiliated with the manufacturers, for the financing of new, used and rental vehicle inventories related to its Brazilian operations. As of March 31, 2018, borrowings outstanding under these facilities totaled $22.8 million. Annual interest rates charged on borrowings outstanding under these facilities, after the grace period of zero to 90 days, ranged from 10.92% to 16.77%.

Excluding rental vehicles financed through the Revolving Credit Facility, financing for U.S. rental vehicles is typically obtained directly from the automobile manufacturers. As of March 31, 2018, borrowings outstanding under these rental vehicle facilities totaled $116.0 million, with interest rates that vary up to 6.25%.

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10. LONG-TERM DEBT

The Company carries its long-term debt at face value, net of applicable discounts and capitalized debt issuance costs. Long-term debt consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(in thousands)
5.00% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $550,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)	$	542,474	$	542,063
5.25% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $300,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)	296,295		296,151
Acquisition Line	28,035		26,988
Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt	500,716		440,845
Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through December 2037 with a weighted average interest rate of 8.7% and 10.4%, respectively	67,445		51,665
	1,434,965		1,357,712
Less current maturities of long-term debt	58,195		39,528
	$	1,376,770	$	1,318,184

Included in current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, as of December 31, 2017, were two short-term revolving working capital loan agreements with third-party financial institutions in the U.K. that totaled $13.4 million and an unsecured loan agreement with a third-party financial institution in the U.S. that totaled $24.7 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company repaid the entire balance under all of the short-term financing arrangements.

Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt

The mortgage loans in the U.S. consist of 60 term loans for an aggregate principal amount of $442.9 million. As of March 31, 2018, borrowings outstanding under these notes totaled $379.7 million, with $41.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company made additional net borrowings and principal payments of $34.8 million and $5.1 million, respectively.

The Company has entered into 18 separate term mortgage loans in the U.K. with other third-party financial institutions which are secured by the Company’s U.K. properties. These mortgage loans (collectively, “U.K. Notes”) are denominated in British pound sterling and are being repaid in monthly installments that will mature by September 2034. As of March 31, 2018, borrowings under the U.K. mortgage loans totaled $87.6 million, with $8.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company made additional borrowings and principal payments of $12.1 million and $6.6 million, respectively, associated with the U.K. Notes. Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company entered into an unsecured loan agreement in the U.K. with a third-party financial institution that matures in March 2028. As of March 31, 2018, borrowings under the agreement totaled $22.0 million, with $2.2 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of March 31, 2018, borrowings under the Brazil mortgage totaled $3.1 million, with $0.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company made no additional borrowings and made principal payments of $0.1 million associated with the Brazil mortgage.

The Company also has a working capital loan agreement with a third-party financial institution in Brazil. As of March 31, 2018, borrowings under the Brazilian third-party loan totaled $6.7 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company made no additional borrowings or principal payments.

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

The Company's outstanding 5.00% Notes had a fair value of $555.7 million and $567.9 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company's outstanding 5.25% Notes had a fair value of $300.0 million and $310.9 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The carrying value of the Company's fixed interest rate borrowings included in real estate related and other long-term debt totaled $85.0 million and $86.8 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The fair value of such fixed interest rate borrowings was $91.0 million and $92.9 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The fair value estimates are based on Level 2 inputs of the fair value hierarchy available as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company determined the estimated fair value of its long-term debt using available market information and commonly accepted valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, these estimates are not

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

11. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; requires disclosure of the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date; and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs utilized in the measurement and valuation of financial assets or liabilities as of the measurement date:

•Level 1 — unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

•Level 2 — quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and

•Level 3 — unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, investments in debt and equity securities, accounts payable, credit facilities, long-term debt and interest rate derivative instruments. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, and credit facilities approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments and/or the existence of variable interest rates. The Company evaluated its assets and liabilities for those that met the criteria of the disclosure requirements and fair value framework of ASC 820 and identified demand obligations, interest rate derivative instruments, and investment balances in certain financial institutions as having met such criteria. See Note 10, "Long-Term Debt" for details regarding the fair value of the Company's long-term debt.

The Company periodically invests in unsecured, corporate demand obligations with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies, which bear interest at a variable rate and are redeemable on demand by the Company. Therefore, the Company has classified these demand obligations as cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework.

In addition, the Company maintains an investment balance with certain of the financial institutions in Brazil that provide credit facilities for the financing of new, used and rental vehicle inventories. The investment balances bear interest at a variable rate and are redeemable by the Company in the future under certain conditions. The Company has classified these investment balances as restricted cash within other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework.

The Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair market value. See Note 4, "Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities" for further details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments.

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Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework, in the accompanying balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, were as follows:

	As of March 31, 2018		As of December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Investments	$	1,469	$	844
Demand obligations	13		13
Interest rate derivative financial instruments	15,987		9,501
Total	$	17,469	$	10,358
Liabilities:
Interest rate derivative financial instruments	$	4,689	$	10,579
Total	$	4,689	$	10,579

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12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

From time to time, the Company’s dealerships are named in various types of litigation involving customer claims, employment matters, class action claims, purported class action claims, as well as claims involving the manufacturer of automobiles, contractual disputes and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Due to the nature of the automotive retailing business, the Company may be involved in legal proceedings or suffer losses that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. In the normal course of business, the Company is required to respond to customer, employee and other third-party complaints. Amounts that have been accrued or paid related to the settlement of litigation are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the manufacturers of the vehicles that the Company sells and services have audit rights allowing them to review the validity of amounts claimed for incentive, rebate or warranty-related items and charge the Company back for amounts determined to be invalid payments under the manufacturers’ programs, subject to the Company’s right to appeal any such decision. Amounts that have been accrued or paid related to the settlement of manufacturer chargebacks of recognized incentives and rebates are included in cost of sales in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, while such amounts for manufacturer chargebacks of recognized warranty-related items are included as a reduction of Revenues in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Legal Proceedings

Currently, the Company is not party to any legal proceedings that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, including class action lawsuits. However, the results of current, or future, matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of such matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

Other Matters

The Company, acting through its subsidiaries, is the lessee under many real estate leases that provide for the use by the Company’s subsidiaries of their respective dealership premises. Pursuant to these leases, the Company’s subsidiaries generally agree to indemnify the lessor and other parties from certain liabilities arising as a result of the use of the leased premises, including environmental liabilities, or a breach of the lease by the lessee. Additionally, from time to time, the Company enters into agreements in connection with the sale of assets or businesses in which it agrees to indemnify the purchaser, or other parties, from certain liabilities or costs arising in connection with the assets or business. Also, in the ordinary course of business in connection with purchases or sales of goods and services, the Company enters into agreements that may contain indemnification provisions. In the event that an indemnification claim is asserted, liability would be limited by the terms of the applicable agreement.

From time to time, primarily in connection with dealership dispositions, the Company’s subsidiaries sublet to the dealership purchaser the subsidiaries’ interests in any real property leases associated with such dealerships and continue to be primarily obligated on the lease. In these situations, the Company’s subsidiaries retain primary responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases. To the extent that the Company remains primarily responsible under such leases, a quantification of such lease obligations is included in the Company's disclosure of future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases in Note 18, "Operating Leases" to "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of the 2017 Form 10-K.

In certain instances, also in connection with dealership dispositions, the Company’s subsidiaries assign to the dealership purchaser the subsidiaries’ interests in any real property leases associated with such dealerships. The Company’s subsidiaries may retain secondary responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases to the extent that the assignee does not perform, if such performance is required following the assignment of the lease. Additionally, the Company and its subsidiaries may remain subject to the terms of a guaranty made by the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with such leases. In these circumstances, the Company generally has indemnification rights against the assignee in the event of non-performance under these leases, as well as certain defenses. The Company and its subsidiaries also may be called on to perform other obligations under these leases, such as environmental remediation of the leased premises or repair of the leased premises upon termination of the lease. However, potential environmental liabilities are generally known at the time of the sale of the dealership if not previously remediated. The Company does not have any known material environmental commitments or contingencies and presently has no reason to believe that it or its subsidiaries will be called on to so perform. Although not estimated to be material, the Company’s exposure under these leases is difficult to estimate and there can be no assurance that any performance of the Company or its subsidiaries required under these leases would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, or cash flows.

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13. INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS AND GOODWILL

The following is a roll-forward of the Company’s intangible franchise rights and goodwill accounts by reportable segment:

	Intangible Franchise Rights
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
BALANCE, December 31, 2017	$	255,981	$	29,483	$	168	$	285,632
Additions through acquisitions	1,301		7,454		—		8,755
Currency translation	—		1,238		1		1,239
BALANCE, March 31, 2018	$	257,282	$	38,175	$	169	$	295,626

	Goodwill
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
BALANCE, December 31, 2017	$	835,267	$	65,034	$	12,733	$	913,034	(1)
Additions through acquisitions	14,199		29,930		—		44,129
Purchase price allocation adjustments	18		—		—		18
Currency translation	—		2,901		28		2,929
BALANCE, March 31, 2018	$	849,484	$	97,865	$	12,761	$	960,110	(1)

⁽¹⁾ Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million

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14. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
	Accumulated foreign currency translation loss			Accumulated gain on interest rate swaps			Total
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	(122,552	)	$	(674	)	$	(123,226	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
Pre-tax	7,871			10,384			18,255
Tax effect	—			(2,492		)	(2,492		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to:
Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax)	—			1,737			1,737
Other interest expense (pre-tax)	—			254			254
Tax effect	—			(478		)	(478		)
Net current period other comprehensive income	7,871			9,405			17,276
Balance, March 31, 2018	$	(114,681	)	$	8,731		$	(105,950	)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Accumulated foreign currency translation loss			Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps			Total
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2016	$	(137,613	)	$	(9,331	)	$	(146,944	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:
Pre-tax	4,137			624			4,761
Tax effect	—			(234		)	(234		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to:
Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax)	—			2,948			2,948
Other interest expense (pre-tax)	—			681			681
Tax effect	—			(1,361		)	(1,361		)
Net current period other comprehensive income	4,137			2,658			6,795
Balance, March 31, 2017	$	(133,476	)	$	(6,673	)	$	(140,149	)

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15. SEGMENT INFORMATION

As of March 31, 2018, the Company had three reportable segments: (1) the U.S., (2) the U.K., and (3) Brazil. Each of the reportable segments is comprised of retail automotive franchises, which sell new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. The vast majority of the Company's corporate activities are associated with the operations of the U.S. operating segment and therefore the corporate financial results are included within the U.S. reportable segment.

Reportable segment revenue, income (loss) before income taxes, (provision) benefit for income taxes and net income (loss) were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
	U.S.			U.K.			Brazil			Total
	(In thousands)
Total revenues	$	2,088,486		$	660,542		$	110,998		$	2,860,026
Income (loss) before income taxes	40,510			5,737			(80		)	46,167
Provision for income taxes	(9,357		)	(862		)	(134		)	(10,353		)
Net income (loss)	31,153			4,875			(214		)	35,814

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	U.S.			U.K.			Brazil			Total
	(In thousands)
Total revenues	$	1,967,719		$	450,327		$	100,783		$	2,518,829
Income before income taxes	45,606			5,381			209			51,196
Provision for income taxes	(16,347		)	(870		)	(40		)	(17,257		)
Net income (1)	29,259			4,511			169			33,939

⁽¹⁾ Includes the following, after tax: gain on legal settlement with an OEM of $1.1 million in the U.S.

Reportable segment total assets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, were as follows:

	As of March 31, 2018
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
Total assets	$	4,099,066	$	824,333	$	135,079	$	5,058,478

	As of December 31, 2017
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
Total assets	$	4,087,039	$	654,154	$	129,872	$	4,871,065

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16. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following tables include condensed consolidating financial information as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, for Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s (as issuer of the 5.00% Notes) guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries (representing foreign entities). The condensed consolidating financial information includes certain allocations of balance sheet, statement of operations and cash flows items that are not necessarily indicative of the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of these entities had they operated on a stand-alone basis. In accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, condensed consolidated financial statements of non-guarantors are not required. The Company has no assets or operations independent of its subsidiaries. Obligations under the 5.00% Notes are fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company’s current wholly owned domestic subsidiaries and certain of the Company’s future domestic subsidiaries, with the exception of the Company’s “minor” subsidiaries (as defined by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X). There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Company or subsidiary guarantors for the Company to obtain funds from its subsidiary guarantors by dividend or loan. None of the subsidiary guarantors’ assets represent restricted assets pursuant to SEC Rule 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

March 31, 2018

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.		Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Elimination			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	8,874		$	24,216	$	—		$	33,090
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	—		209,364			88,521		—			297,885
Accounts and notes receivable, net	—		140,243			59,916		—			200,159
Intercompany accounts receivable	28,035		40,271			—		(68,306		)	—
Inventories, net	—		1,438,626			365,550		—			1,804,176
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		28,151			49,737		—			77,888
Total current assets	28,035		1,865,529			587,940		(68,306		)	2,413,198
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	—		1,127,632			230,238		—			1,357,870
GOODWILL	—		849,485			110,625		—			960,110
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	—		257,281			38,345		—			295,626
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	3,017,378		—			—		(3,017,378		)	—
OTHER ASSETS	—		19,943			11,731		—			31,674
Total assets	$	3,045,413	$	4,119,870		$	978,879	$	(3,085,684	)	$	5,058,478
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	$	—	$	1,161,401		$	38,340	$	—		$	1,199,741
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	—		(74,359		)	—		—			(74,359		)
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates	—		286,320			133,995		—			420,315
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	—		(24,000		)	—		—			(24,000		)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	—		46,207			11,988		—			58,195
Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities	—		1,177			—		—			1,177
Accounts payable	—		217,150			274,691		—			491,841
Intercompany accounts payable	904,425		—			68,306		(972,731		)	—
Accrued expenses	696		159,784			33,768		—			194,248
Total current liabilities	905,121		1,773,680			561,088		(972,731		)	2,267,158
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	866,803		373,977			135,990		—			1,376,770
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	—		3,512			—		—			3,512
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	855		218,811			13,293		—			232,959
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	1,272,634		2,654,315			268,508		(3,017,378		)	1,178,079
Intercompany note receivable	—		(904,425		)	—		904,425			—
Total stockholders’ equity	1,272,634		1,749,890			268,508		(2,112,953		)	1,178,079
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,045,413	$	4,119,870		$	978,879	$	(3,085,684	)	$	5,058,478

30

Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2017

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Elimination			Total Company
	(In thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	10,096		$	18,691	$	—		$	28,787
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	—			266,788			39,645		—			306,433
Accounts and notes receivable, net	—			144,872			43,739		—			188,611
Intercompany accounts receivable	26,988			12,948			—		(39,936		)	—
Inventories, net	—			1,434,852			328,441		—			1,763,293
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,934			8,378			31,750		—			42,062
Total current assets	28,922			1,877,934			462,266		(39,936		)	2,329,186
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	—			1,121,108			197,851		—			1,318,959
GOODWILL	—			835,268			77,766		—			913,034
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	—			255,980			29,652		—			285,632
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	2,999,407			—			—		(2,999,407		)	—
OTHER ASSETS	—			13,682			10,572		—			24,254
Total assets	$	3,028,329		$	4,103,972		$	778,107	$	(3,039,343	)	$	4,871,065
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	$	—		$	1,219,844		$	20,851	$	—		$	1,240,695
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	—			(86,547		)	—		—			(86,547		)
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates	—			272,563			124,620		—			397,183
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	—			(22,500		)	—		—			(22,500		)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	24,741			31,229			21,639		—			77,609
Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities	—			1,996			—		—			1,996
Accounts payable	—			229,470			183,511		—			412,981
Intercompany accounts payable	890,995			—			39,936		(930,931		)	—
Accrued expenses	—			150,241			26,829		—			177,070
Total current liabilities	915,736			1,796,296			417,386		(930,931		)	2,198,487
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	865,202			360,526			92,456		—			1,318,184
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	—			8,583			—		—			8,583
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	(117		)	210,216			11,430		—			221,529
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	1,247,508			2,619,346			256,835		(2,999,407		)	1,124,282
Intercompany note receivable	—			(890,995		)	—		890,995			—
Total stockholders’ equity	1,247,508			1,728,351			256,835		(2,108,412		)	1,124,282
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,028,329		$	4,103,972		$	778,107	$	(3,039,343	)	$	4,871,065

31

Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Elimination			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
REVENUES	$	—		$	2,088,487		$	771,539		$	—		$	2,860,026
COST OF SALES	—			1,752,802			687,461			—			2,440,263
GROSS PROFIT	—			335,685			84,078			—			419,763
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	1,768			249,165			73,414			—			324,347
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	—			12,881			3,461			—			16,342
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	—			—			—			—			—
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(1,768		)	73,639			7,203			—			79,074
OTHER EXPENSE:
Floorplan interest expense	—			(12,337		)	(1,750		)	—			(14,087		)
Other interest expense, net	—			(17,017		)	(1,803		)	—			(18,820		)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	(1,768		)	44,285			3,650			—			46,167
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	424			(9,780		)	(997		)	—			(10,353		)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	37,158			—			—			(37,158		)	—
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	35,814		$	34,505		$	2,653		$	(37,158	)	$	35,814
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	—			9,405			7,871			—			17,276
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	$	35,814		$	43,910		$	10,524		$	(37,158	)	$	53,090

32

Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Elimination			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
REVENUES	$	—		$	1,967,718		$	551,111		$	—		$	2,518,829
COST OF SALES	—			1,647,123			488,184			—			2,135,307
GROSS PROFIT	—			320,595			62,927			—			383,522
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	1,966			232,611			55,202			—			289,779
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	—			11,567			2,039			—			13,606
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(1,966		)	76,417			5,686			—			80,137
OTHER EXPENSE:
Floorplan interest expense	—			(10,878		)	(1,064		)	—			(11,942		)
Other interest expense, net	—			(16,274		)	(725		)	—			(16,999		)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	(1,966		)	49,265			3,897			—			51,196
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	737			(17,084		)	(910		)	—			(17,257		)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	35,167			—			—			(35,167		)	—
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	33,938		$	32,181		$	2,987		$	(35,167	)	$	33,939
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	—			2,658			4,137			—			6,795
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	$	33,938		$	34,839		$	7,124		$	(35,167	)	$	40,734

33

Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	35,814		$	114,862		$	(1,894	)	$	148,782
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	—			(31,414		)	(40,085		)	(71,499		)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	—			918			2,022			2,940
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	—			(34,101		)	(13,847		)	(47,948		)
Other	—			140			—			140
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(64,457		)	(51,910		)	(116,367		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	—			1,612,866			43,326			1,656,192
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	—			(1,675,917		)	(26,530		)	(1,702,447		)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	66,945			—			—			66,945
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	(66,444		)	—			—			(66,444		)
Borrowings on other debt	—			43,326			22,288			65,614
Principal payments on other debt	(24,742		)	(1,987		)	(13,349		)	(40,078		)
Borrowings on debt related to real estate	—			34,817			12,018			46,835
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	—			(31,000		)	(6,819		)	(37,819		)
Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings	(1,638		)	—			—			(1,638		)
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	(9,199		)	—			—			(9,199		)
Dividends paid	(5,495		)	—			—			(5,495		)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	22,730			(50,554		)	27,824			—
Investment in subsidiaries	(17,971		)	16,822			1,149			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(35,814		)	(51,627		)	59,907			(27,534		)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	—			—			47			47
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	—			(1,222		)	6,150			4,928
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period	—			10,096			19,535			29,631
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period	$	—		$	8,874		$	25,685		$	34,559

34

Table of Contents         GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	33,939		$	23,409		$	11,869		$	69,217
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	—			—			(95		)	(95		)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	—			181			2,026			2,207
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	—			(43,091		)	(3,360		)	(46,451		)
Other	—			2,459			—			2,459
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(40,451		)	(1,429		)	(41,880		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	—			1,580,590			13,781			1,594,371
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	—			(1,586,075		)	(12,216		)	(1,598,291		)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	15,000			—			—			15,000
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	(15,000		)	—			—			(15,000		)
Principal payments on other debt	—			(232		)	—			(232		)
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	—			(5,589		)	(1,242		)	(6,831		)
Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings	(1,030		)	—			—			(1,030		)
Dividends paid	(5,150		)	—			—			(5,150		)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	(70,250		)	68,483			1,767			—
Investment in subsidiaries	42,491			(42,498		)	7			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(33,939		)	14,679			2,097			(17,163		)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	—			—			260			260
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	—			(2,363		)	12,797			10,434
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period	—			8,039			16,207			24,246
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period	$	—		$	5,676		$	29,004		$	34,680

35

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report including, but not limited to, the following sections: "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk." This information includes statements regarding our strategy, plans, goals or current expectations with respect to, among other things:

•our future operating performance;

•our ability to maintain or improve our margins;

•operating cash flows and availability of capital;

•the completion of future acquisitions and divestitures;

•the future revenues of acquired dealerships;

•future stock repurchases, refinancing of debt, and dividends;

•future capital expenditures;

•changes in sales volumes and availability of credit for customer financing in new and used vehicles and sales volumes in the parts and service markets;

•business trends in the retail automotive industry, including the level of manufacturer incentives, new and used vehicle retail sales volume, customer demand, interest rates and changes in industry-wide inventory levels;

•availability of financing for inventory, working capital, real estate and capital expenditures; and

•implementation of international and domestic trade tariffs.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable when and as made, we cannot assure you that these expectations will prove to be correct. When used in this Form 10-Q, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” "intend," “may” and similar expressions, as they relate to our company and management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate. All comments concerning our expectations for future revenues and operating results are based on our forecasts for our existing operations and do not include the potential impact of any future acquisitions. Our forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Known material factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements for a number of reasons, including:

•future deterioration in the economic environment, including consumer confidence, interest rates, the prices of oil and gasoline, the level of manufacturer incentives and the availability of consumer credit may affect the demand for new and used vehicles, replacement parts, maintenance and repair services and finance and insurance products;

•adverse domestic and international developments such as war, terrorism, political conflicts or other hostilities may adversely affect the demand for our products and services;

•the existing and future regulatory environment, including legislation related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, climate control changes legislation, and unexpected litigation or adverse legislation, including changes in state franchise laws, may impose additional costs on us or otherwise adversely affect us;

•a concentration of risk associated with our principal automobile manufacturers, especially Toyota, Nissan, Honda, BMW, Ford, Daimler, General Motors, Chrysler, and Volkswagen, because of financial distress, bankruptcy, natural disasters that disrupt production or other reasons, may not continue to produce or make available to us vehicles that are in high demand by our customers or provide financing, insurance, advertising or other assistance to us;

•restructuring by one or more of our principal manufacturers, up to and including bankruptcy may cause us to suffer financial loss in the form of uncollectible receivables, devalued inventory or loss of franchises;

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

36

•our existing and/or new dealership operations may not perform at expected levels or achieve expected improvements;

•our failure to achieve expected future cost savings or future costs may be higher than we expect;

•manufacturer quality issues, including the recall of vehicles, may negatively impact vehicle sales and brand reputation;

•available capital resources, increases in cost of financing (such as higher interest rates) and our various debt agreements may limit our ability to complete acquisitions, complete construction of new or expanded facilities, repurchase shares or pay dividends;

•our ability to refinance or obtain financing in the future may be limited and the cost of financing could increase significantly;

•foreign exchange controls and currency fluctuations;

•new accounting standards could materially impact our reported earnings per share;

•our ability to acquire new dealerships and successfully integrate those dealerships into our business;

•the impairment of our goodwill, our indefinite-lived intangibles and our other long-lived assets;

•natural disasters, adverse weather events and other catastrophic events;

•our foreign operations and sales in the U.K. and Brazil, which pose additional risks;

•the inability to adjust our cost structure and inventory levels to offset any reduction in the demand for our products and services;

•loss of our key personnel;

•competition in our industry may impact our operations or our ability to complete additional acquisitions;

•the failure to achieve expected sales volumes from our new franchises;

•insurance costs could increase significantly and all of our losses may not be covered by insurance; 

•our inability to obtain inventory of new and used vehicles and parts, including imported inventory, at the cost, or in the volume, we expect; and

•advancements in vehicle technology and changes in ownership models.

For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our projected results, please see Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the "2017 Form 10-K"), as well as "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no responsibility to publicly release the result of any revision of our forward-looking statements after the date they are made.

37

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

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements because of various factors. See “Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements.”

In the preparation of our financial statements and reporting of our operating results in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"), certain non-core business items are required to be presented. Examples of items that we consider non-core include non-cash asset impairment charges, gains and losses on dealership, franchise or real estate transactions, and catastrophic events such as hail storms, hurricanes, and snow storms. In order to improve the transparency of our disclosures, provide a meaningful presentation of results from our core business operations and improve period-over-period comparability, we have included certain adjusted financial measures that exclude the impact of these non-core business items. These adjusted measures are not measures of financial performance under U.S. GAAP, but are instead considered non-GAAP financial performance measures.

In addition, management evaluates our results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our underlying business and results of operations, consistent with how we evaluate our performance. We calculate constant currency percentages by converting our current period reported results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars using comparative period exchange rates rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. The constant currency performance measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Our management uses these adjusted measures in conjunction with U.S. GAAP financial measures to assess our business, including communication with our Board of Directors, investors and industry analysts concerning financial performance. Therefore, we believe these adjusted financial measures are relevant and useful to users of the following financial information. For further explanation and reconciliation to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures, see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.

Overview

We are a leading operator in the automotive retail industry. Through our dealerships, we sell new and used cars and light trucks; arrange related vehicle financing; sell service and insurance contracts; provide automotive maintenance and repair services; and sell vehicle parts. Our operations are aligned into three geographic regions: the United States ("U.S."), the United Kingdom ("U.K.") and Brazil. Our President of U.S. Operations reports directly to our Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the overall performance of the U.S. region, including dealership operations management. The operations of the Company's international regions are structured similar to the U.S. region, each with a regional vice president reporting directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer. As such, our three reportable segments are the U.S., which includes the activities of our corporate office, the U.K. and Brazil.

As of March 31, 2018, we owned and operated 238 franchises, representing 32 brands of automobiles, at 180 dealership locations and 48 collision centers worldwide. We own 153 franchises at 117 dealerships and 30 collision centers in the U.S., 64 franchises at 47 dealerships and 11 collision centers in the U.K., and 21 franchises at 16 dealerships and seven collision centers in Brazil. Our U.S. operations are primarily located in major metropolitan areas in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas in the U.S., in 32 towns of the U.K. and in key metropolitan markets in the states of Sao Paulo, Parana, Mato Grosso do Sul and Santa Catarina in Brazil.

Outlook

Our operating results reflect the combined performance of each of our interrelated business activities, which include the sale of new vehicles, used vehicles, finance and insurance contracts, and parts, as well as maintenance, repair and collision restoration services. Historically, each of these activities has been directly or indirectly impacted by a variety of supply/demand factors, including vehicle inventories, consumer confidence, discretionary spending levels, availability and affordability of consumer credit, manufacturer incentives, weather patterns, fuel prices and interest rates. For example, during periods of sustained economic downturn or significant supply/demand imbalances, new vehicle sales may be negatively impacted as consumers tend to shift their purchases to used vehicles. Some consumers may even delay their purchasing decisions altogether, electing instead to continue to maintain and repair their existing vehicles. In such cases, however, we believe the new vehicle sales impact on our overall business is mitigated by our ability to offer other products and services, such as used vehicles and parts, as well as maintenance, repair and collision services. In addition, our ability to expediently adjust our cost structure in response to changes in new vehicle sales volumes also tempers the negative impact of such volume changes.

38

In the U.S., we generally experience higher volumes of vehicle sales and service in the second and third calendar quarters of each year. This seasonality is generally attributable to consumer buying trends and the timing of manufacturer new vehicle model introductions. In addition, in some regions of the U.S., vehicle purchases decline during the winter months due to inclement weather. As a result, our U.S. revenues and operating income are typically lower in the first and fourth calendar quarters. For the U.K., the first and third quarters' sales volumes tend to be stronger, driven by the vehicle license plate change months of March and September. For Brazil, we expect higher sales volumes in the third and fourth quarters. The first quarter is generally the weakest, driven by heavy consumer vacations and activities associated with Carnival. Other factors unrelated to seasonality, such as changes in economic conditions, manufacturer incentive programs, the impact of severe weather events, or changes in currency exchange rates, may exaggerate seasonal or cause counter-seasonal fluctuations in our reported consolidated revenues and consolidated operating income.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, industry new vehicle registrations in the U.S. improved 2.0% as compared to the same period a year ago. New vehicle sales in our energy-dependent markets have begun to improve, as higher oil prices have lifted economic activity in those areas. We are focused on opportunities to enhance our operating results by: (a) maintaining our new and used vehicle gross profit per unit sold; (b) expanding used vehicle sales by maximizing used retail sales opportunities and limiting wholesale activity; (c) continuing to focus on our higher margin parts and service business, implementing strategic selling methods, and improving operational efficiencies; (d) investing capital where necessary to support our anticipated growth, particularly in our parts and service business; (e) further leveraging our revenue and gross profit growth through the continued implementation of cost efficiencies; and (f) implementing focused strategies to improve employee retention and recruitment in both our vehicle sales and aftersales sectors of the business.

In terms of gross domestic product ("GDP"), the U.K. economy represents the fifth largest economy in the world. In June 2016, the majority vote in favor of the Referendum of the United Kingdom’s Membership of the European Union (E.U.) (referred to as "Brexit"), advising for the exit of the U.K. from the E.U., initially created much uncertainty in the U.K., as well as in global markets. The overall U.K. economy and, more specifically, retail automotive industry sales were further disrupted in 2017 by the U.K. general election in June 2017, as well as multiple acts of violence and terrorism. As a result, the U.K. industry's new vehicle sales have experienced more volatility than normal. Industry new vehicle registrations in the U.K. decreased 12.4% in the three months endedMarch 31, 2018, as compared to the same period a year ago that significantly benefited from consumer purchases in advance of an April 2017 road tariffs increase. We expect industry sales to remain volatile in the near future and potentially down for the full year 2018. In addition, the announcement of Brexit initially caused significant exchange rate fluctuations that resulted in the weakening of the British pound sterling, in which we conduct business in the U.K., against the U.S. dollar and other global currencies. While the British pound sterling has strengthened relative to the U.S. dollar more recently, any further weakening of the British pound sterling in the future may adversely affect our results of operations as reported under U.S. GAAP, as well as have a negative impact on the pricing and affordability of the vehicles in the U.K. Volatility in exchange rates may continue in the short term. Similar to our priorities in the U.S., we are focused on opportunities in the U.K. to enhance our operating results by: (a) integrating recent acquisitions and further leveraging our revenue and gross profit growth through the continued implementation of cost efficiencies; (b) expanding used vehicle sales by maximizing used retail sales opportunities and limiting wholesale activity; (c) continuing to focus on our higher margin parts and service business, implementing strategic selling methods, and improving operational efficiencies; and (d) investing capital where necessary to support our anticipated growth, particularly in our parts and service business.

In terms of GDP, the Brazilian economy represents the ninth largest economy in the world. The Brazilian economy has been in a recession, although it has recently exhibited signs of recovery. Industry new vehicle registrations in Brazil increased 14.7% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 as compared to the same period a year ago. We expect macro-economic conditions in Brazil, as well as retail automotive industry sales, to continue to improve. We remain focused on continued implementation of cost efficiencies and leveraging our structure with dealership acquisitions. Longer term, we expect sustained improvements in industry sales volumes and are utilizing a strategy of aligning with growing brands. We expect that the net impact to our profitability of this adjustment to our portfolio, as well as of a more efficient organizational structure, will be positive.

We expect that our consolidated operations will continue to consistently generate positive cash flow in the future and we are focused on maximizing the return that we generate from our invested capital, as well as positioning our balance sheet to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise. Our capital allocation strategy is dynamic and dependent on a variety of market conditions and, as such, we will continue to monitor the relative value of dealership acquisitions, share repurchases and shareholder dividends in the future. However, we remain committed to our growth-by-acquisition strategy and, over the long term, we believe that significant opportunities exist to enhance our portfolio with dealership acquisitions in the U.S., U.K. and Brazil that provide satisfactory returns on our investment. We will continue to pursue dealership investment opportunities that we believe will add value for our stockholders.

We continue to closely scrutinize all planned future capital spending and work closely with our manufacturer partners to make prudent capital investment decisions that are expected to generate an adequate return and/or improve the customer

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

Key Performance Indicators

On a consolidated basis for the three months ended March 31, 2018, our total revenues increased 13.5%, as compared to the same period in 2017, to $2.9 billion and gross profit improved 9.4% to $419.8 million. We generated net income of $35.8 million, or $1.70 per diluted common share for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $33.9 million, or $1.58 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Consolidated Statistical Data

The following table highlights certain of the additional key performance indicators we use to manage our business.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Unit Sales
Retail Sales
New Vehicle	41,190		38,290
Used Vehicle	36,216		31,566
Total Retail Sales	77,406		69,856
Wholesale Sales	15,327		14,529
Total Vehicle Sales	92,733		84,385
Gross Margin
New Vehicle Retail Sales	5.0%		5.2%
Total Used Vehicle Sales	5.1%		5.9%
Parts and Service Sales	53.5%		53.9%
Total Gross Margin	14.7%		15.2%
SG&A (1) as a % of Gross Profit	77.3%		75.6%
Adjusted SG&A (1) as a % of Gross Profit (2)	77.3%		76.0%
Operating Margin	2.8%		3.2%
Adjusted Operating Margin (2)	2.8%		3.1%
Pretax Margin	1.6%		2.0%
Adjusted Pretax Margin (2)	1.6%		2.0%
Finance and Insurance Revenues per Retail Unit Sold	$	1,451	$	1,386

⁽¹⁾  Selling, general and administrative expenses.

⁽²⁾  See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more details.

In addition to key performance indicators presented above, we also reference numerous Same Store metrics as key indicators of results and trends occurring within the business. Those Same Store metrics, results and trends are discussed in more detail in the “Results of Operations” section that follows.

Critical Accounting Policies and Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. In particular, to evaluate the carrying value of goodwill and intangible franchise rights for impairment, we must estimate the fair market value of the net assets of each of our reporting units and our intangible franchise rights, using estimates, assumptions and unobservable inputs that require us to use our knowledge of (1) the industry, (2) recent transactions and (3) reasonable performance expectations for our operations.

We disclosed certain critical accounting policies and estimates in our 2017 Form 10-K, and no significant changes have occurred since that time.

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Results of Operations

The "Same Store" amounts presented below include the results of dealerships for the identical months in each period presented in comparison, commencing with the first full month in which the dealership was owned by us and, in the case of dispositions, ending with the last full month it was owned by us. The following table summarizes our combined Same Store results for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018, as compared to 2017. Same Store results also include the activities of our corporate headquarters.

Total Same Store Data

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		% Increase/(Decrease)	Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)	2017
Revenues
New Vehicle Retail	$	1,407,514	5.6%	3.5%	$	1,333,038
Used Vehicle Retail	724,164		10.0%	7.7%	658,552
Used Vehicle Wholesale	92,694		(10.9)%	(14.6)%	104,046
Parts and Service	333,488		4.6%	3.3%	318,703
Finance, Insurance and Other	106,658		10.9%	9.8%	96,154
Total Revenues	$	2,664,518	6.1%	4.1%	$	2,510,493
Cost of Sales
New Vehicle Retail	$	1,337,078	5.8%	3.7%	$	1,264,015
Used Vehicle Retail	683,013		11.3%	8.9%	613,647
Used Vehicle Wholesale	91,168		(12.3)%	(16.0)%	103,927
Parts and Service	155,700		6.2%	5.0%	146,590
Total Cost of Sales	$	2,266,959	6.5%	4.3%	$	2,128,179
Gross Profit	$	397,559	4.0%	2.5%	$	382,314
SG&A	$	306,200	6.2%	4.6%	$	288,295
Adjusted SG&A (1)	$	306,200	5.5%	3.9%	$	290,128
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses	$	15,267	13.9%	12.0%	$	13,409
Floorplan Interest Expense	$	13,599	13.6%	12.5%	$	11,966
Gross Margin
New Vehicle Retail	5.0%				5.2%
Total Used Vehicle	5.2%				5.9%
Parts and Service	53.3%				54.0%
Total Gross Margin	14.9%				15.2%
SG&A as a % of Gross Profit	77.0%				75.4%
Adjusted SG&A as a % of Gross Profit (1)	77.0%				75.9%
Operating Margin	2.9%				3.2%
Adjusted Operating Margin(1)	2.9%				3.1%
Finance and Insurance Revenues per Retail Unit Sold	$	1,481	7.2%	6.0%	$	1,382

(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more details.

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

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New Vehicle Retail Data

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		% Increase/(Decrease)	Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)	2017
Retail Unit Sales
Same Stores
U.S.	28,150		2.4%		27,498
U.K.	8,012		(10.0)%		8,904
Brazil	2,067		23.3%		1,676
Total Same Stores	38,229		0.4%		38,078
Transactions	2,961				212
Total	41,190		7.6%		38,290
Retail Sales Revenues
Same Stores
U.S.	$	1,068,221	4.9%	N/A	$	1,018,249
U.K.	270,060		5.2%	(6.6)%	256,703
Brazil	69,233		19.2%	23.5%	58,086
Total Same Stores	1,407,514		5.6%	3.5%	1,333,038
Transactions	106,076				4,175
Total	$	1,513,590	13.2%	10.4%	$	1,337,213
Gross Profit
Same Stores
U.S.	$	52,071	1.7%	N/A	$	51,207
U.K.	14,584		2.0%	(9.6)%	14,296
Brazil	3,781		7.4%	11.3%	3,520
Total Same Stores	70,436		2.0%	(0.2)%	69,023
Transactions	4,991				204
Total	$	75,427	9.0%	6.1%	$	69,227
Gross Profit per Retail Unit Sold
Same Stores
U.S.	$	1,850	(0.6)%	N/A	$	1,862
U.K.	$	1,820	13.3%	0.5%	$	1,606
Brazil	$	1,829	(12.9)%	(9.8)%	$	2,100
Total Same Stores	$	1,842	1.6%	(0.6)%	$	1,813
Transactions	$	1,686			$	962
Total	$	1,831	1.3%	(1.4)%	$	1,808
Gross Margin
Same Stores
U.S.	4.9%				5.0%
U.K.	5.4%				5.6%
Brazil	5.5%				6.1%
Total Same Stores	5.0%				5.2%
Transactions	4.7%				4.9%
Total	5.0%				5.2%

(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more details.

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Same Store New Vehicle Unit Sales

The following table sets forth our Same Store new vehicle retail unit sales volume by manufacturer:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018	% Increase/(Decrease)	2017
Toyota/Lexus	9,617	8.2%	8,889
BMW/MINI	5,223	(4.4)%	5,463
Volkswagen/Audi/Porsche	4,780	(0.5)%	4,804
Ford/Lincoln	4,545	(7.4)%	4,909
Honda/Acura	3,931	12.4%	3,496
Nissan	2,565	(16.1)%	3,059
Chevrolet/GMC/Buick/Cadillac	2,402	(5.8)%	2,549
Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM	1,699	21.1%	1,403
Hyundai/Kia	1,421	8.2%	1,313
Mercedes-Benz/smart/Sprinter	1,378	(6.7)%	1,477
Other	668	(6.7)%	716
Total	38,229	0.4%	38,078

In total, our Same Store new vehicle retail unit sales increased 0.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017. The increase was driven by improvements of 2.4% and 23.3% in the U.S. and Brazil, respectively, mostly offset by a 10.0% decrease in the U.K. The improvement in our U.S. new vehicle retail unit sales corresponds with the increase in overall U.S. industry sales of 2.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period a year ago. New vehicle sales in Texas and Oklahoma continued their positive trend and were up 4.2% in the quarter on a same store basis. The Houston metro area, our largest U.S. market, increased 4.5% as the local economic outlook remains promising amid the uptick in drilling activity and continued construction post-Hurricane Harvey. In the U.K., we outperformed industry sales. In an industry that was down 12.4%, our Same Store new vehicle retail units sales declined 10.0%. The decrease was primarily attributable to exceptional sales volumes in the first quarter of 2017 stemming from pull ahead demand in response to increased road tariffs that went into effect in April of 2017. We experienced a 23.3% increase in our Same Store new vehicle retail unit sales in Brazil, reflecting improved market conditions and an initiative to improve inventory levels by selling more volume. Our sales volumes in Brazil outperformed industry sales that improved 14.7%,

Our total Same Store new vehicle retail sales revenue increased 5.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, reflecting increases in the U.S., U.K., and Brazil. The 4.9% increase in U.S. Same Store new vehicle revenue was primarily due to the increase in new vehicle retail units of 2.4%, coupled with a 2.5% increase in the average new vehicle retail sales price to $37,947. The increase in U.S. Same Store average new vehicle retail sales price was primarily due to a mix shift in sales from cars to trucks, generally driven by lower gas prices. For the first quarter of 2018, U.S. Same Store new vehicle retail truck sales represented 64.1% of total Same Store new vehicle retail units sold, as compared to 59.6% for the same period last year. Our U.K. Same Store new vehicle retail revenues increased 5.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period last year, more than explained by a favorable change in exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, U.K. Same Store new vehicle retail revenues decreased 6.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period last year. The 6.6% decline is more than explained by the 10.0% decrease in new vehicle retail units that was partially offset by a 3.8% increase in our average new vehicle retail sales price on a constant currency basis. Our Brazil Same Store new vehicle retail sales revenue increased 19.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to last year, driven by a 23.3% increase in new vehicle retail units and partially offset by a 3.4% decline in average new vehicle retail sales price. The decline in average new vehicle retail sales price was explained by the unfavorable change in exchange rates, as on a constant currency basis, average new vehicle retail sales price was relatively flat. The level of retail sales, as well as our own ability to retain or grow market share during any future period, is difficult to predict.

Our total Same Store new vehicle gross profit increased 2.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, reflecting increases in the U.S., U.K., and Brazil. In the U.S., Same Store new vehicle gross profit increased 1.7%, explained by the 2.4% increase in new vehicle retail units, slightly offset by a 0.6% decline in gross profit PRU to $1,850. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, our Same Store new vehicle gross profit in the U.K. increased 2.0%, more than explained by a favorable change in exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, U.K. gross profit fell 9.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period last year, more than explained by the 10.0% decline in new vehicle units, partially offset by a 0.5% increase in gross profit PRU on a constant currency basis. In Brazil, Same Store new vehicle gross profit increased 7.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. The increase in gross profit in Brazil was more than explained by the 23.3% increase in retail unit sales volume, partially offset

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by a 12.9% decline in new vehicle gross profit per retail unit ("PRU"), reflecting an emphasis in the first quarter of 2018 to sell more volume and reduce inventory levels. Our total Same Store new vehicle gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, declined 20 basis points from 5.2% to 5.0%.

In the U.S., most manufacturers offer interest assistance to offset floorplan interest charges incurred in connection with inventory purchases. This assistance varies by manufacturer, but generally provides for a defined amount, adjusted periodically for changes in market interest rates, regardless of our actual floorplan interest rate or the length of time for which the inventory is financed. We record these incentives as a reduction of new vehicle cost of sales as the vehicles are sold, impacting the gross profit and gross margin detailed above. The total interest assistance recognized in cost of sales during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $11.0 million and $10.5 million, respectively. The amount of interest assistance we recognize in a given period is primarily a function of: (a) the mix of units being sold, as U.S. domestic brands tend to provide more assistance, (b) the specific terms of the respective manufacturers' interest assistance programs and market interest rates, (c) the average wholesale price of inventory sold, and (d) our rate of inventory turnover. Over the past three years, consolidated manufacturers' interest assistance as a percentage of our total consolidated floorplan interest expense has ranged from 78.3% in the first quarter of 2018 to 139.9% in the third quarter of 2015. In the U.S., manufacturers' interest assistance was 87.1% of floorplan interest expense in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to 94.5% in the first quarter of 2017.

We increased our new vehicle inventory levels by $42.4 million, or 3.5%, from $1,194.6 million as of December 31, 2017 to $1,237.0 million as of March 31, 2018, reflecting seasonal changes and normal inventory management in preparation for the spring selling season in the U.S., as well as dealership acquisition activity. As compared to March 31, 2017, our inventory levels have decreased by $2.9 million, or 0.2%. Our consolidated days' supply of new vehicle inventory decreased to 53 days as of March 31, 2018, which was down from 61 days as of to December 31, 2017 and down from 62 days as of March 31, 2017.

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Used Vehicle Retail Data

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		% Increase/(Decrease)	Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)	2017
Retail Unit Sales
Same Stores
U.S.	26,858		7.7%		24,929
U.K.	5,864		5.1%		5,578
Brazil	1,071		9.2%		981
Total Same Stores	33,793		7.3%		31,488
Transactions	2,423				78
Total	36,216		14.7%		31,566
Retail Sales Revenues
Same Stores
U.S.	$	553,733	6.1%	N/A	$	521,945
U.K.	146,240		27.4%	13.4%	114,806
Brazil	24,191		11.0%	14.9%	21,801
Total Same Stores	724,164		10.0%	7.7%	658,552
Transactions	56,406				2,375
Total	$	780,570	18.1%	15.0%	$	660,927
Gross Profit
Same Stores
U.S.	$	33,028	(12.9)%	N/A	$	37,931
U.K.	6,671		23.9%	10.3%	5,383
Brazil	1,452		(8.7)%	(5.7)%	1,591
Total Same Stores	41,151		(8.4)%	(9.9)%	44,905
Transactions	2,344				100
Total	$	43,495	(3.4)%	(5.3)%	$	45,005
Gross Profit per Unit Sold
Same Stores
U.S.	$	1,230	(19.2)%	N/A	$	1,522
U.K.	$	1,138	17.9%	4.9%	$	965
Brazil	$	1,356	(16.4)%	(13.6)%	$	1,622
Total Same Stores	$	1,218	(14.6)%	(16.0)%	$	1,426
Transactions	$	967			$	1,282
Total	$	1,201	(15.8)%	(17.5)%	$	1,426
Gross Margin
Same Stores
U.S.	6.0%				7.3%
U.K.	4.6%				4.7%
Brazil	6.0%				7.3%
Total Same Stores	5.7%				6.8%
Transactions	4.2%				4.2%
Total	5.6%				6.8%

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Used Vehicle Wholesale Data

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			% Increase/(Decrease)	Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)	2017
Wholesale Unit Sales
Same Stores
U.S.	9,223			(7.6)%		9,981
U.K.	4,333			4.6%		4,142
Brazil	357			32.7%		269
Total Same Stores	13,913			(3.3)%		14,392
Transactions	1,414					137
Total	15,327			5.5%		14,529
Wholesale Sales Revenues
Same Stores
U.S.	$	52,779		(25.2)%	N/A	$	70,544
U.K.	36,073			18.6%	5.6%	30,415
Brazil	3,842			24.5%	29.0%	3,087
Total Same Stores	92,694			(10.9)%	(14.6)%	104,046
Transactions	11,335					111
Total	$	104,029		(0.1)%	(4.9)%	$	104,157
Gross Profit
Same Stores
U.S.	$	1,425		513.0%	N/A	$	(345	)
U.K.	(50		)	(123.6)%	(123.5)%	212
Brazil	151			(40.1)%	(37.4)%	252
Total Same Stores	1,526			1,182.4%	1,181.5%	119
Transactions	129					(19		)
Total	$	1,655		1,555.0%	1,549.1%	$	100
Gross Profit per Wholesale Unit Sold
Same Stores
U.S.	$	155		542.9%	N/A	$	(35	)
U.K.	$	(12	)	(123.5)%	(122.4)%	$	51
Brazil	$	423		(54.9)%	(52.9)%	$	937
Total Same Stores	$	110		1,275.0%	1,225.6%	$	8
Transactions	$	91				$	(139	)
Total	$	108		1,442.9%	1,463.3%	$	7
Gross Margin
Same Stores
U.S.	2.7%					(0.5)%
U.K.	(0.1)%					0.7%
Brazil	3.9%					8.2%
Total Same Stores	1.6%					0.1%
Transactions	1.1%					(17.1)%
Total	1.6%					0.1%

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Total Used Vehicle Data

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		% Increase/(Decrease)	Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)	2017
Used Vehicle Unit Sales
Same Stores
U.S.	36,081		3.4%		34,910
U.K.	10,197		4.9%		9,720
Brazil	1,428		14.2%		1,250
Total Same Stores	47,706		4.0%		45,880
Transactions	3,837				215
Total	51,543		11.8%		46,095
Sales Revenues
Same Stores
U.S.	$	606,512	2.4%	N/A	$	592,489
U.K.	182,313		25.5%	11.7%	145,221
Brazil	28,033		12.6%	16.6%	24,888
Total Same Stores	816,858		7.1%	4.6%	762,598
Transactions	67,741				2,486
Total	$	884,599	15.6%	12.3%	$	765,084
Gross Profit
Same Stores
U.S.	$	34,453	(8.3)%	N/A	$	37,586
U.K.	6,621		18.3%	5.2%	5,595
Brazil	1,603		(13.0)%	(10.0)%	1,843
Total Same Stores	42,677		(5.2)%	(6.7)%	45,024
Transactions	2,473				81
Total	$	45,150	0.1%	(1.9)%	$	45,105
Gross Profit per Unit Sold
Same Stores
U.S.	$	955	(11.3)%	N/A	$	1,077
U.K.	$	649	12.7%	0.3%	$	576
Brazil	$	1,123	(23.8)%	(21.3)%	$	1,474
Total Same Stores	$	895	(8.8)%	(10.3)%	$	981
Transactions	$	645			$	377
Total	$	876	(10.5)%	(12.3)%	$	979
Gross Margin
Same Stores
U.S.	5.7%				6.3%
U.K.	3.6%				3.9%
Brazil	5.7%				7.4%
Total Same Stores	5.2%				5.9%
Transactions	3.7%				3.3%
Total	5.1%				5.9%

(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more details.

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

Our total Same Store used vehicle retail revenues increased $65.6 million, or 10.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, reflecting a 7.3% increase in total Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales, coupled with a 2.5% increase in average used vehicle retail selling price to $21,429. In the U.S., Same Store used vehicle retail revenues increased $31.8 million, or 6.1%, reflecting a 7.7% increase in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales, partially offset by 1.5%, or $320, decrease in the average used vehicle retail sales price to $20,617. The improvements in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales were driven by the launch of Val-U-Line, a proprietary brand for older model, higher mileage pre-owned vehicles that targets customer demand and enables the Company to retail lower cost units that would have otherwise been sent to auction. Our Val-U-Line products were approximately 9.5% of U.S. Same Store used vehicle retail units. The decrease in Same Store average used vehicle retail sales price reflected an 150 basis point decline in Certified Pre-Owned ("CPO") units sold as a percentage of U.S. Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales for the first quarter of 2018 to 25.7% as compared to 27.2% for the same period in 2017, as well as an increased mix of lower cost units associated with our Val-U-Line brand during the first quarter of 2018. In the U.K., Same Store used vehicle retail revenues increased by $31.4 million, or 27.4%, for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. The increase in Same Store used vehicle retail revenue was driven by a 21.2% increase in Same Store average used vehicle retail sales price, coupled with a 5.1% increase in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales. On a constant currency basis, U.K. Same store average used vehicle retail sales price increased 7.9% in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the same period last year. These increases were primarily driven by a strong performance from our operating team, as we shifted our focus to growing the used vehicles and aftersales portions of our business as an offset to a slowing new vehicle SAAR. In Brazil, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, Same Store used vehicle retail revenues increased 11.0%, reflecting a 9.2% increase in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales, coupled with a 1.6% increase in the average used vehicle retail selling price. These increases reflect improved market conditions, our inventory management initiatives and ongoing process improvements.

In total, our Same Store used vehicle retail total gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2018 decreased 8.4%, as compared to the same period in 2017, reflecting declines in the U.S. and Brazil that were partially offset by improvements in the U.K. In the U.S., Same Store used vehicle gross profit decreased by 12.9%, driven by a decline in Same Store used vehicle gross profit PRU of 19.2%, or $292, partially offset by the 7.7% increase in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales. The decline in our U.S. Same Store used vehicle gross profit PRU was significantly more pronounced in our luxury brands and primarily in our CPO business as we work with our OEM partners to absorb an increased supply of off-lease and loaner vehicles. In Brazil, the decrease of 8.7% in Same Store used vehicle retail gross profit resulted from a 16.4% decrease in Same Store used vehicle retail gross profit PRU, which was partially offset by the 9.2% increase in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales, as we continue to actively manage our inventory levels. In the U.K., Same Store used vehicle retail gross profit increased 23.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period last year. This improvement can be explained by an increase of 17.9% in Same Store used vehicle gross profit PRU and the 5.1% increase in Same Store used vehicle retail unit sales, resulting from improving used vehicle demand, a strong performance by our operating teams and a favorable change in the exchange rates. On a constant currency basis our U.K. Same Store used vehicle gross profit and Same Store used vehicle gross profit PRU increased 10.3% and 4.9%, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, total Same Store used vehicle wholesale revenue decreased 10.9%, as compared to the same period in 2017, driven by a decline in the U.S. and partially offset by increases in the U.K. and Brazil. In the U.S., the 25.2% decrease in Same Store used vehicle wholesale revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was the result of a 7.6% decrease in Same Store wholesale used vehicle unit sales coupled with a 19.0% decrease in Same Store used vehicle wholesale average sales price. This decline was primarily driven by our Val-U-Line initiative, which was launched in the first quarter of 2018 to sell older model, higher mileage vehicles through retail channels and lower our reliance on the auction markets. In the U.K., Same Store used vehicle wholesale revenue increased 18.6%, which is explained by a 4.6% increase in Same Store wholesale used vehicle units sales coupled with a 13.4% increase in used vehicle wholesale average sales price primarily as a result of the favorable change in exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, our U.K. Same Store used vehicle wholesale revenue increased 5.6% and used vehicle average wholesale price was relatively flat. In Brazil, Same Store used vehicle wholesale revenue increased 24.5%, primarily as a result of a 32.7% increase in wholesale unit sales, partially offset by a decrease of 6.2% in Same Store wholesale used vehicle average sales price. The increase in used vehicle wholesale unit sales reflects our inventory management initiatives.

Our total Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit increased from $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 to $1.5 million for the comparable period in 2018 driven by an improvement in the U.S. and partially offset by declines in the U.K. and Brazil. In the U.S., Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit increased as a result of an increase

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in used vehicle wholesale gross profit per unit from a loss of $35 per unit in the first quarter of 2017 to profit of $155 per unit in the first quarter of 2018, which was partially offset by a 7.6% decrease in Same Store used vehicle wholesale unit sales. The increase in used vehicle wholesale gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was driven by our initiative to sell more units at retail and lessen our dependence on auctions. In the U.K., the decline in Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit was driven by a decrease in Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit per unit from $51 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 to a loss of $12 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, coupled with an increase of 4.6% in Same Store used vehicle wholesale units sales. In Brazil, the 40.1% decline in Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit was driven by a decrease in Same Store used vehicle wholesale gross profit per unit of 54.9% for the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the same period last year partially offset by an increase of 32.7% in Same Store used vehicle wholesale units sales for the same comparable periods both as a result of our efforts to manage inventory levels.

As of March 31, 2018, we increased our used vehicle inventory levels by $9.0 million, or 2.6%, from December 31, 2017 and by $66.1 million, or 22.5% from March 31, 2017 to $359.7 million, in response to continued improvement in the used vehicle selling environment and our dealership acquisition activity. Our consolidated days' supply of used vehicle inventory was 31 days, as of March 31, 2018, as compared to 39 days as of December 31, 2017 and 30 days as of March 31, 2017.

Parts and Service Data

(dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		% Increase/(Decrease)	Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)	2017
Parts and Services Revenue
Same Stores
U.S.	$	280,403	3.4%	N/A	$	271,159
U.K.	41,225		13.1%	0.7%	36,446
Brazil	11,860		6.9%	10.4%	11,098
Total Same Stores	333,488		4.6%	3.3%	318,703
Transactions	16,027				995
Total	$	349,515	9.3%	7.6%	$	319,698
Gross Profit
Same Stores
U.S.	$	148,910	2.0%	N/A	$	145,998
U.K.	23,505		11.5%	(0.7)%	21,073
Brazil	5,373		6.6%	10.1%	5,042
Total Same Stores	177,788		3.3%	1.9%	172,113
Transactions	9,076				243
Total	$	186,864	8.4%	6.6%	$	172,356
Gross Margin
Same Stores
U.S.	53.1%				53.8%
U.K.	57.0%				57.8%
Brazil	45.3%				45.4%
Total Same Stores	53.3%				54.0%
Transactions	56.6%				24.4%
Total	53.5%				53.9%

(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more details.

Our total Same Store parts and service revenues increased $14.8 million, or 4.6%, to $333.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, driven by growth in all the segments of our business: the U.S., the U.K. and Brazil. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, our U.S. Same Store parts and service revenue increased 3.4%, or $9.2 million, reflecting a 10.4% increase in wholesale parts revenues and a 3.1% increase in customer-pay parts and service revenue. These increases were partially offset by decreases of 0.1% in our warranty parts and service revenue and 1.0% in collision revenue, when compared to the same period in 2017. The decrease in warranty parts and service revenue was

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primarily due to a decline in activity related to several OEM recall campaigns, including General Motors ignition switches, Takata airbags and Lexus ignition switches, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Our U.K. Same Store parts and service revenues increased 13.1%, or $4.8 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to 2017. The increase in the U.K. Same Store parts and services revenues was driven by a 16.8% increase in customer-pay parts and service revenue and a 16.2% increase in wholesale parts revenue. On a constant currency basis, our customer-pay parts and service revenue grew 3.9% and our wholesale parts revenue increased 3.4%, while our collision revenue declined 6.2% and our warranty parts and service revenue declined 5.3%, as compared to the same period in 2017. The increases in customer-pay parts and service revenue and wholesale parts revenues are primarily attributable to management initiatives executed to enhance our processes and increase productivity. The decline in our warranty parts and service revenue primarily reflects a decrease in activity from the prior year period related to diesel emission repairs.

Our Same Store parts and service revenues in Brazil increased 6.9%, or $0.7 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period 2017. The increase in Brazil Same Store parts and service revenues was driven by a 30.2% increase in warranty parts and service revenue and 5.2% increase in customer-pay parts and service revenue, partially offset by a 14.4% decline in collision revenue. The improvement in warranty parts and service revenue was primarily due to an increase in high volume recalls related to Takata airbags within our Honda brand that occurred during the first quarter of 2018.

Our total Same Store parts and service gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased 3.3%, as compared to the same period in 2017. This increase in gross profit was driven by increases of 2.0% in the U.S., 11.5% in the U.K. and 6.6% in Brazil. The increases in all three segments were driven primarily by improvements in our customer-pay parts and service revenue business.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, our total Same Store parts and service gross margin declined 70 basis-points, as compared to the same period in 2017. This decrease was driven by a 70 basis-point decrease in the U.S., an 80 basis-point decline in the U.K. and a 10 basis-point decline in Brazil. The decrease in the U.S. gross margin was primarily due to margin declines in our customer-pay parts and service, wholesale parts and collision businesses, as well as the mix effect from the disproportionate growth in our relatively lower-margin wholesale parts business. The decrease in the U.K. gross margin reflects a decrease in our collision, wholesale parts and warranty parts and service businesses. The decrease in Same Store parts and service gross margin in Brazil was the result of a decline in our collision business, partially offset by an improvement in our customer-pay parts and service business.

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Finance and Insurance Data

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		% Increase/(Decrease)	Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)	2017
Retail New and Used Unit Sales
Same Stores
U.S.	55,008		4.9%		52,427
U.K.	13,876		(4.2)%		14,482
Brazil	3,138		18.1%		2,657
Total Same Stores	72,022		3.5%		69,566
Transactions	5,384				290
Total	77,406		10.8%		69,856
Retail Finance Fees
Same Stores
U.S.	$	27,059	4.2%	N/A	$	25,980
U.K.	6,181		22.1%	8.5%	5,061
Brazil	515		10.3%	14.7%	467
Total Same Stores	33,755		7.1%	5.0%	31,508
Transactions	2,796				79
Total	$	36,551	15.7%	12.8%	$	31,587
Vehicle Service Contract Fees
Same Stores
U.S.	$	38,171	10.4%	N/A	$	34,565
U.K.	210		8.2%	(3.5)%	194
Brazil	—		—%	—%	—
Total Same Stores	38,381		10.4%	10.4%	34,759
Transactions	512				1
Total	$	38,893	11.9%	11.8%	$	34,760
Insurance and Other
Same Stores
U.S.	$	28,921	16.4%	N/A	$	24,846
U.K.	4,244		14.1%	1.4%	3,718
Brazil	1,357		2.6%	6.3%	1,323
Total Same Stores	34,522		15.5%	14.1%	29,887
Transactions	2,356				600
Total	$	36,878	21.0%	19.1%	$	30,487
Total Finance and Insurance Revenues
Same Stores
U.S.	$	94,151	10.3%	N/A	$	85,391
U.K.	10,635		18.5%	5.3%	8,973
Brazil	1,872		4.6%	8.5%	1,790
Total Same Stores	106,658		10.9%	9.8%	96,154
Transactions	5,664				680
Total	$	112,322	16.0%	14.4%	$	96,834
Finance and Insurance Revenues per Retail Unit Sold
Same Stores
U.S.	$	1,712	5.1%	N/A	$	1,629
U.K.	$	766	23.5%	9.9%	$	620
Brazil	$	597	(11.4)%	(8.1)%	$	674
Total Same Stores	$	1,481	7.2%	6.0%	$	1,382
Transactions	$	1,052			$	2,345
Total	$	1,451	4.7%	3.3%	$	1,386

⁽¹⁾  See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more details.

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Our total Same Store Finance and Insurance revenues grew $10.5 million, or 10.9%, to $106.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017. Our U.S. Same Store finance and insurance revenue increased by $8.8 million, or 10.3%, primarily as a result of a 4.9% increase in total vehicle retail units, improved penetration rates for most of our major U.S. product offerings, and a reduction in our overall chargeback experience. These increases were partially offset by a decline in our income per contract for our retail finance fees. In the U.K., our Same Store finance and insurance revenue increased by $1.7 million, or 18.5%, as compared to the same period in 2017, due to increases in income per contract and penetration rates for most of our product offerings and a favorable change in exchange rates between periods. Partially offsetting these increases was a 4.2% decline in our retail sales volume as compared to the same period last year. Our Brazil Same Store finance and insurance revenue increased 4.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 driven by the 18.1% increase in total vehicle retail units. On a PRU basis, our total Same Store finance and insurance revenue improved 7.2% for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, to $1,481, as compared to the same period in 2017. This improvement can be explained by PRU increases in the U.S. and the U.K. of 5.1% and 23.5%, respectively. These increases were partially offset by an 11.4% decrease in Brazil.

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Selling, General and Administrative Data

(dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		% Increase/(Decrease)	Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)	2017
Personnel
Same Stores
U.S.	$	160,718	5.7%	N/A	$	152,109
U.K.	27,072		10.6%	(1.5)%	24,467
Brazil	6,458		(3.8)%	(0.5)%	6,710
Total Same Stores	194,248		6.0%	4.5%	183,286
Transactions	10,712				757
Total	$	204,960	11.4%	9.4%	$	184,043
Advertising
Same Stores
U.S.	$	15,147	(5.2)%	N/A	$	15,975
U.K.	1,764		9.1%	(2.9)%	1,617
Brazil	332		159.4%	170.3%	128
Total Same Stores	17,243		(2.7)%	(3.7)%	17,720
Transactions	1,063				53
Total	$	18,306	3.0%	1.6%	$	17,773
Rent and Facility Costs
Same Stores
U.S.	$	18,587	(8.3)%	N/A	$	20,270
U.K.	5,582		29.7%	15.5%	4,303
Brazil	2,320		3.8%	7.3%	2,234
Total Same Stores	26,489		(1.2)%	(3.2)%	26,807
Transactions	1,913				405
Total	$	28,402	4.4%	1.8%	$	27,212
Other SG&A
Same Stores
U.S.	$	53,159	11.5%	N/A	$	47,697
U.K.	12,398		17.6%	4.7%	10,542
Brazil	2,663		18.7%	22.3%	2,243
Total Same Stores	68,220		12.8%	10.7%	60,482
Transactions	4,459				269
Total	$	72,679	19.6%	17.0%	$	60,751
Total SG&A
Same Stores
U.S.	$	247,611	4.9%	N/A	$	236,051
U.K.	46,816		14.4%	1.8%	40,929
Brazil	11,773		4.0%	7.5%	11,315
Total Same Stores	306,200		6.2%	4.6%	288,295
Transactions	18,147				1,484
Total	$	324,347	11.9%	9.8%	$	289,779
Total Gross Profit
Same Stores
U.S.	$	329,585	2.9%	N/A	$	320,182
U.K.	55,345		10.8%	(1.5)%	49,937
Brazil	12,629		3.6%	7.1%	12,195
Total Same Stores	397,559		4.0%	2.5%	382,314
Transactions	22,204				1,208
Total	$	419,763	9.4%	7.5%	$	383,522
SG&A as a % of Gross Profit
Same Stores
U.S.	75.1%				73.7%
U.K.	84.6%				82.0%
Brazil	93.2%				92.8%
Total Same Stores	77.0%				75.4%
Transactions	81.7%				122.8%
Total	77.3%				75.6%
Adjusted Total SG&A (1)
Same Stores
U.S.	$	247,611	4.1%	N/A	$	237,884
U.K.	46,816		14.4%	1.8%	40,929
Brazil	11,773		4.0%	7.5%	11,315
Total Same Stores	306,200		5.5%	3.9%	290,128
Transactions	18,147				1,484
Total	$	324,347	11.2%	9.1%	$	291,612
Adjusted SG&A as a % of Gross Profit (1)
Same Stores
U.S.	75.1%				74.3%
U.K.	84.6%				82.0%
Brazil	93.2%				92.8%
Total Same Stores	77.0%				75.9%
Transactions	81.7%				122.8%
Total	77.3%				76.0%
Employees	14,400				13,700

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(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more details.

Our SG&A consists primarily of salaries, commissions and incentive-based compensation, as well as rent and facility costs, advertising, insurance, benefits, utilities and other fixed expenses. We believe that the majority of our personnel, all of our advertising and a portion of certain other expenses are variable and can be adjusted in response to changing business conditions. We continue to aggressively pursue opportunities that take advantage of our size and negotiating leverage with our vendors and service providers in order to more effectively rationalize our cost structure.

Our total Same Store SG&A increased 6.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, explained by increases of 4.9%, 14.4%, and 4.0% in the U.S., the U.K., and Brazil, respectively. Adjusted total Same Store SG&A increased 5.5% in the first quarter of 2018, compared to 2017. Adjusted total Same Store SG&A for three months ended March 31, 2017 excluded a non-core Same Store other SG&A item for a pre-tax gain on a settlement with an OEM partner of $1.8 million. No adjustments for non-core items were made to the 2018 results.

Our total Same Store personnel costs increased 6.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, to $194.2 million, as compared to the same period in 2017, explained by increases of 5.7% and 10.6% in the U.S. and the U.K., respectively, partially offset by a decrease of 3.8% in Brazil. The increase in Same Store personnel costs in the U.S. was primarily explained by an increase in variable commission payments, largely driven by an improvement in new and used retail vehicle sales as a

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result of continued recovery in the Houston metro area amid the uptick in the oil and gas industry. In addition, the first quarter of 2018 was negatively impacted by a one-time bonus payment of $3.0 million to our U.S. non-managerial dealership and operational support staff, as well as the cost of several strategic initiatives that were launched during the first quarter of 2018 to improve retention of service personnel and increase used vehicle sales. The increase in Same Store personnel costs in the U.K. was attributable to the change in exchange rates between periods. On a constant currency basis, Same Store personnel costs in the U.K. declined 1.5%, primarily in conjunction with the decrease in new and used retail vehicle sales.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, our total Same Store advertising costs decreased 2.7% to $17.2 million, more than explained by a decrease of 5.2% in the U.S. The decrease was offset by increases in the U.K. and Brazil of 9.1% and 159.4%, respectively. The decrease in the U.S. was the result of efforts to rationalize and enhance the efficiency of our advertising spend, as well as capitalize on our size and negotiating leverage. The increase in the U.K., for the three months ended March 31, 2018, was attributable to the change in exchange rates between periods. On a constant currency basis, Same Store advertising costs in the U.K. decreased 2.9%, as result of an ongoing initiative to leverage our growing scale and control costs.

Our consolidated Same Store rent and facility costs decreased 1.2% to $26.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period a year ago, more than explained by a decrease of 8.3% in the U.S. The decrease in the U.S was partially offset by increases of 29.7% and 3.8% in the U.K. and Brazil, respectively. The decrease in the U.S. was primarily explained by the continuation of strategic efforts to own the real estate associated with our dealerships and, thereby, reduce rent expense. The increase in the U.K. was primarily related to septennial property rate adjustments that occurred in 2017, as well as additional building maintenance costs associated with new and/or enhanced dealership facilities.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, our total Same Store other SG&A increased 12.8% to $68.2 million as compared to the same period in 2017, resulting from increases of 11.5%, 17.6%, and 18.7% in the U.S., U.K., and Brazil, respectively. The increase in the U.S. can be partially explained by an increased supply of loaner vehicles corresponding with efforts to enhance our service customer experience, other expenses that correlate to overall growth of gross profit and the $1.8 million pretax gain recognized in the first quarter of 2017 related to a settlement with an OEM.

Our total Same Store SG&A as a percentage of gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to 2017, increased 160 basis points to 77.0%, resulting from increases in all three segments. The overall increase was largely attributable to costs associated with strategic initiatives, primarily in the U.S., designed to further strengthen our used vehicle and parts and service businesses, as well as the mix effect from our growth in the U.K. operations that inherently have a higher cost structure. The increase in the U.S. was further explained by the $3.0 million one-time bonus paid to our U.S. non-managerial dealership and operational support staff.

Depreciation and Amortization Data

(dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		% Increase/(Decrease)	Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)	2017
Same Stores
U.S.	$	12,496	9.6%	N/A	$	11,398
U.K.	2,382		44.7%	28.9%	1,646
Brazil	389		6.6%	10.1%	365
Total Same Stores	15,267		13.9%	12.0%	13,409
Transactions	1,075				197
Total	$	16,342	20.1%	17.7%	$	13,606

(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more details.

Our total Same Store depreciation and amortization expense increased 13.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, as we continue to strategically add dealership-related real estate to our investment portfolio and make improvements to our existing facilities intended to enhance the profitability of our dealerships and the overall customer experience. We critically evaluate all planned future capital spending, working closely with our manufacturer partners to maximize the return on our investments.

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Floorplan Interest Expense

(dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		% Increase/(Decrease)	Constant Currency (1) % Increase/(Decrease)	2017
Same Stores
U.S.	$	12,061	10.9%	N/A	$	10,876
U.K.	1,302		27.0%	13.1%	1,025
Brazil	236		263.1%	272.6%	65
Total Same Stores	13,599		13.6%	12.5%	11,966
Transactions	488				(24		)
Total	$	14,087	18.0%	16.7%	$	11,942
Total manufacturer’s assistance	$	11,035	5.0%	4.7%	$	10,513

(1)See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more details.

Our floorplan interest expense fluctuates with changes in our borrowings outstanding and interest rates, which are based on the one-month LIBOR (or Prime rate in some cases) plus a spread in the U.S. and U.K. and a benchmark rate plus a spread in Brazil. To mitigate the impact of interest rate fluctuations, we employ an interest rate hedging strategy, whereby we swap variable interest rate exposure for a fixed interest rate over the term of the variable interest rate debt. As of March 31, 2018, we had interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $822.1 million in effect that fixed our underlying one-month LIBOR at a weighted average interest rate of 2.6%. The total of these swaps represented 60.9% of our total U.S. floorplan borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2018. The majority of the monthly settlements of these interest rate swap liabilities are recognized as floorplan interest expense. From time to time, we utilize excess cash on hand to pay down our floorplan borrowings, and the resulting interest earned is recognized as an offset to our gross floorplan interest expense.

Our total Same Store floorplan interest expense increased 13.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, which was driven by increases in all of our segments. Our U.S. Same Store floorplan interest expense increased $1.2 million, or 10.9%, primarily explained by the increase in LIBOR compared to the same period in 2017. In the U.K., our Same Store floorplan interest expense increased 27.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, more than explained by a $25.2 million increase in our weighted average borrowings. Our Brazil Same Store floorplan interest expense increased 263.1% as compared to prior year, driven by increases in the weighted average interest rate and in our weighted average borrowings outstanding, reflecting our inventory and cash management strategies.

Other Interest Expense, net

Other interest expense, net consists of interest charges primarily on our real estate related debt, working capital lines of credit and our other long-term debt, partially offset by interest income. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, other interest expense net increased$1.8 million, or 10.7%, to $18.8 million, as compared to the same period in 2017. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the weighted average interest rates associated with our variable-rate, real estate and other long-term debt, corresponding with an increase in LIBOR.

Provision for Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes decreased$6.9 million to $10.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017. This decrease was primarily due to the impact of the Tax Act that reduced the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%, and the decline of pretax book income in 2018. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, our effective tax rate decreased to 22.4% from 33.7% as compared to the same period in 2017. This decrease was primarily due to the impact of the federal corporate tax rate reduction as a result of the Tax Act.

We expect our effective tax rate for the full-year of 2018 will be between 23.0% and 24.0%. We believe that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances provided, will be realized, based primarily on assumptions of our future taxable income.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our liquidity and capital resources are primarily derived from cash on hand, cash temporarily invested as a pay down of Floorplan Line and FMCC Facility (defined below) levels, cash from operations, borrowings under our credit facilities, which provide vehicle floorplan financing, working capital and dealership and real estate acquisition financing, and proceeds from debt and equity offerings. Based on current facts and circumstances, we believe we will have adequate cash flow, coupled with available borrowing capacity, to fund our current operations, capital expenditures and acquisitions for the remainder of 2018. If economic and business conditions deteriorate or if our capital expenditures or acquisition plans for 2018 change, we may need to access the private or public capital markets to obtain additional funding.

Cash on Hand. As of March 31, 2018, our total cash on hand was $33.1 million. The balance of cash on hand excludes $98.4 million of immediately available funds used to pay down our Floorplan Line and FMCC Facility as of March 31, 2018. We use the pay down of our Floorplan Line and FMCC Facility as a channel for the short-term investment of excess cash.

Cash Flows. With respect to all new vehicle floorplan borrowings in the normal course of business, the manufacturers of the vehicles draft our credit facilities directly with no cash flows to or from us. With respect to borrowings for used vehicle financing, we finance up to 85% of the value of our used vehicle inventory in the U.S., and the funds flow directly to us from the lender. All borrowings from, and repayments to, lenders affiliated with our vehicle manufacturers (excluding the cash flows from or to manufacturer-affiliated lenders participating in our syndicated lending group) are presented within Cash Flows from Operating Activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in conformity with U.S. GAAP. All borrowings from, and repayments to, the Revolving Credit Facility (defined below) (including the cash flows from or to manufacturer-affiliated lenders participating in the facility) and other credit facilities in the U.K. and Brazil unaffiliated with our manufacturer partners (collectively, "Non-OEM Floorplan Credit Facilities"), are presented within Cash Flows from Financing Activities in conformity with U.S. GAAP. However, the incurrence of all floorplan notes payable represents an activity necessary to acquire inventory for resale, resulting in a trade payable. Our decision to utilize our Revolving Credit Facility does not substantially alter the process by which our vehicle inventory is financed, nor does it significantly impact the economics of our vehicle procurement activities. Therefore, we believe that all floorplan financing of inventory purchases in the normal course of business should correspond with the related inventory activity and be classified as an operating activity. As a result, we use the non-GAAP measure "Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities," which makes such reclassification, to further evaluate our cash flows. We believe that this classification eliminates excess volatility in our operating cash flows prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and avoids the potential to mislead the users of our financial statements.

In addition, for dealership acquisitions and dispositions that are negotiated as asset purchases, we do not assume transfer of liabilities for floorplan financing in the execution of the transactions. Therefore, borrowings and repayments of all floorplan financing associated with dealership acquisition and disposition are characterized as either operating or financing activities in our statement of cash flows presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP, depending on the relationship described above. However, the floorplan financing activity is so closely related to the inventory acquisition process that we believe the presentation of all acquisition and disposition related floorplan financing activities should be classified as investing activity to correspond with the associated inventory activity, and we have made such adjustments in our adjusted operating cash flow presentations.

The following tables set forth selected historical information regarding cash flows from our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows on a GAAP and on an adjusted, non-GAAP basis. For further explanation and reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
GAAP Basis	2018			2017
	(In thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	148,782		$	69,217
Net cash used in investing activities	(116,367		)	(41,880		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(27,534		)	(17,163		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	47			260
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	4,928		$	10,434

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	Three Months Ended March 31,
Adjusted, Non-GAAP Basis	2018			2017
	(In thousands)
Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities	$	102,491		$	104,070
Adjusted net cash used in investing activities	(110,223		)	(41,880		)
Adjusted net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	12,613			(52,016		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	47			260
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	4,928		$	10,434

Sources and Uses of Liquidity from Operating Activities

For the three months endedMarch 31, 2018, we generated $148.8 million of net cash flow from operating activities. On an adjusted basis for the same period, we generated $102.5 million in net cash flow from operating activities, primarily consisting of $35.8 million in net income, as well as non-cash adjustments related to depreciation and amortization of $16.3 million, stock-based compensation of $5.6 million, deferred income taxes of $2.7 million, and a $41.9 million net change in operating assets and liabilities. Included in the adjusted net changes of operating assets and liabilities were cash inflows of $7.2 million from decreases in inventory levels, $12.7 million from the net decrease in accounts and notes receivable, $11.2 million from the net decrease in vehicle receivables and contracts-in-transit, and $65.2 million from increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses. These cash inflows were partially offset by adjusted cash outflows of $41.2 million from the net decrease in floorplan borrowings and $12.5 million from the net increase in prepaid expenses and other assets.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, we generated $69.2 million of net cash flow from operating activities. On an adjusted basis for the same period, we generated $104.1 million in net cash flow from operating activities, primarily consisting of $33.9 million in net income, as well as non-cash adjustments related to depreciation and amortization of $13.6 million, stock-based compensation of $6.1 million, deferred income taxes of $5.5 million, and a $45.2 million net change in operating assets and liabilities. Included in the adjusted net changes of operating assets and liabilities were cash inflows of $21.5 million from the net decrease in accounts and notes receivable, $9.2 million from increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses, $56.1 million from decreases of vehicle receivables and contracts-in-transit, $31.7 million from the net increase in floorplan borrowings, and $1.1 million from the net decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets. These cash inflows were partially offset by adjusted cash outflows of $74.3 million from increases in inventory levels.

Working Capital. At March 31, 2018, we had $146.0 million of working capital. Changes in our working capital are explained primarily by changes in floorplan notes payable outstanding. Borrowings on our new vehicle floorplan notes payable, subject to agreed-upon pay-off terms, are equal to 100% of the factory invoice of the vehicles. Borrowings on our used vehicle floorplan notes payable, subject to agreed-upon pay-off terms, are limited to 85% of the aggregate book value of our used vehicle inventory, except in the U.K. and Brazil. At times, we have made payments on our floorplan notes payable using excess cash flow from operations and the proceeds of debt and equity offerings. As needed, we re-borrow the amounts later, up to the limits on the floorplan notes payable discussed above, for working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures or general corporate purposes.

Sources and Uses of Liquidity from Investing Activities

During the three months endedMarch 31, 2018, we used $116.4 million in net cash flow for investing activities. On an adjusted basis for the same period, we used $110.2 million in net cash flow for investing activities, primarily consisting of $65.4 million of cash flows for dealership acquisition activity and $47.9 million for purchases of property and equipment and to construct new and improve existing facilities. Within this total of property and equipment purchases, $33.0 million was used for capital expenditures, $12.2 million was used for the purchase of real estate associated with existing dealership operations and $2.7 million represents the net decrease in the accrual for capital expenditures from year-end. These cash outflows were partially offset by cash inflows of $2.9 million related to dispositions of franchises and fixed assets.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we used $41.9 million in net cash flow for investing activities, primarily consisting of $46.5 million for purchases of property and equipment and to construct new and improve existing facilities, which consisted of $27.6 million for capital expenditures, $10.3 million for the purchase of real estate associated with existing dealership operations and a $8.6 million net decrease in the accrual for capital expenditures from year-end. These cash outflows were partially offset by cash inflows of $2.2 million related to dispositions of franchises and fixed assets and $2.5 million of other items.

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

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spending, working closely with our manufacturer partners to maximize the return on our investments. We forecast our capital expenditures for the full year of 2018 will be less than $130.0 million which could generally be funded from excess cash.

Acquisitions. We evaluate the expected return on investment in our consideration of potential business purchases. In general, the purchase price, excluding real estate and floorplan liabilities, is approximately 15% to 20% of the annual revenue. Cash needed to complete our acquisitions normally comes from excess working capital, operating cash flows of our dealerships, and borrowings under our floorplan facilities, term loans and our Acquisition Line (defined below).

Sources and Uses of Liquidity from Financing Activities

For the three months endedMarch 31, 2018, we used $27.5 million in net cash flow from financing activities. On an adjusted basis for the same period, we generated $12.6 million in net cash flow from financing activities, primarily related to cash inflows of $10.7 million in net borrowings on our Floorplan lines (representing the net cash activity in our floorplan offset accounts), $0.5 million of net borrowings on our Acquisition Line, $9.0 million of net borrowings of real estate debt, and $8.7 million of net borrowings of other debt. These inflows were partially offset by cash outflows of $9.2 million to repurchase our Company's common stock and $5.5 million for dividend payments.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, we used $17.2 million in net cash for financing activities. On an adjusted basis for the same period, we used $52.0 million in net cash flow from financing activities, primarily related to cash outflows of $38.8 million in adjusted net payments on our Floorplan Line (representing the net cash activity in our floorplan offset accounts), $6.8 million for principal payments of long-term debt related to real estate loans, and $5.2 million for dividend payments.

Credit Facilities, Debt Instruments and Other Financing Arrangements. Our various credit facilities, debt instruments and other financing arrangements are used to finance the purchase of inventory and real estate, provide acquisition funding and provide working capital for general corporate purposes.

The following table summarizes the position of our U.S. credit facilities as of March 31, 2018. 

	As of March 31, 2018
U.S. Credit Facilities	Total Commitment		Outstanding		Available
			(In thousands)
Floorplan Line (1)	$	1,440,000	$	1,087,041	$	352,959
Acquisition Line (2)	360,000		52,510		307,490
Total Revolving Credit Facility	1,800,000		1,139,551		660,449
FMCC Facility (3)	300,000		146,289		153,711
Total U.S. Credit Facilities (4)	$	2,100,000	$	1,285,840	$	814,160

(1) The available balance at March 31, 2018 includes $74.4 million of immediately available funds.

(2) The outstanding balance of $52.5 million is related to outstanding letters of credit of $25.0 million and $27.5 million in borrowings as of March 31, 2018. The borrowings outstanding under the Acquisition Line represent 20.0 million British pound sterling translated at the spot rate on the day borrowed, solely for the purpose of calculating the Outstanding and Available borrowings under the Acquisition Line. The available borrowings may be limited from time to time, based on certain debt covenants.

(3) The available balance at March 31, 2018 includes $24.0 million of immediately available funds.

(4) The outstanding balance excludes $288.4 million of borrowings with manufacturer-affiliates and third-party financial institutions for foreign and rental vehicle financing not associated with any of our U.S. credit facilities.

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

	As of March 31, 2018
	Required	Actual
Total Adjusted Leverage Ratio	< 5.50	3.89
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	> 1.20	2.31

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Based upon our current five year operating and financial projections, we believe that we will remain compliant with such covenants in the future.

Other Inventory Credit Facilities and Financing Arrangements. We have other credit facilities in the U.S., U.K. and Brazil with third-party financial institutions, most of which are affiliated with the automobile manufacturers that provide financing for portions of our new, used and rental vehicle inventories. In addition, we have outstanding debt instruments, including our 5.00% Notes and 5.25% Notes, as well as real estate related and other long-term debt instruments.

See Note 9 and 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, “Credit Facilities” and “Long-Term Debt”, respectively, for further discussion of our credit facilities, debt instruments and other financing arrangements existing as of March 31, 2018.

Stock Issuances. No shares of our common stock were issued during the three months ended March 31, 2018 or March 31, 2017.

Stock Repurchases. From time to time, our Board of Directors gives authorization to repurchase shares of our common stock, subject to the restrictions of various debt agreements and our judgment. The Company issues new shares or treasury shares, if available, when restricted stock vests. With respect to shares issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the "Purchase Plan", formerly named the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan), our Company's Board of Directors has authorized specific share repurchases to fund the shares issuable under the Purchase Plan.

In May 2017, our Board of Directors approved a new authorization of $75.0 million for the purchase of our common shares, replacing the prior $150.0 million authorization. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we repurchased 135,605 shares under the authorization at an average price of $67.83 per share, for a total of $9.2 million, leaving $40.4 million available for future repurchases. Future repurchases are subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors after considering our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, existing debt covenants, outlook for our business, general business conditions and other factors.

Dividends. The payment of dividends is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors after considering the results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, outlook for our business, general business conditions, the political and legislative environments and other factors.

Further, we are limited under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, certain mortgage term loans, 5.00% Notes and 5.25% Notes in our ability to make cash dividend payments to our stockholders and to repurchase shares of our outstanding common stock. As of March 31, 2018, the restricted payment baskets limited us to $186.6 million in restricted payments. Generally, these restricted payment baskets will increase in the future periods by 50.0% of our future cumulative net income, adjusted to exclude the Company's foreign operations, non-cash interest expense, non-cash asset impairment charges, and non-cash stock-based compensation, plus the net proceeds received from the sale of our capital stock, and decrease by the amount of future payments for cash dividends and share repurchases. For the three months endedMarch 31, 2018, we paid dividends of $5.3 million to common stock shareholders and $0.2 million to unvested restricted stock award holders.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

In addition to using such non-GAAP measures to evaluate results in a specific period, management believes that such measures may provide more complete and consistent comparisons of operational performance on a period-over-period historical basis and a better indication of expected future trends. Our management also uses these adjusted measures in

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conjunction with U.S. GAAP financial measures to assess our business, including communication with our Board of Directors, investors and industry analysts concerning financial performance. We disclose these non-GAAP measures, and the related reconciliations, because we believe investors use these metrics in evaluating longer-term period-over-period performance, and to allow investors to better understand and evaluate the information used by management to assess operating performance. The exclusion of certain expenses in the calculation of non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as an inference that these costs are unusual or infrequent. We anticipate excluding these expenses in the future presentation of our non-GAAP financial measures.

In addition, we evaluate our results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our underlying business and results of operations, consistent with how we evaluate our performance. We calculate constant currency percentages by converting our current period reported results for entities reporting in currencies other than U.S. dollars using comparative period exchange rates rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. The constant currency performance measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

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The following tables reconcile certain reported non-GAAP measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure from our Statements of Operations by segment and on a consolidated basis (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts; may not foot due to rounding). Only adjusted amounts are reconciled below. We have not presented any non-GAAP measures associated with non-core items for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Therefore, no tables are presented for such period:

				U.S. Adjustments for
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	U.S. GAAP			Legal settlements (1)			Non-GAAP Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	236,273		$	1,833		$	238,106
Income (loss) from operations	72,756			(1,833		)	70,923
Income (loss) before income taxes	45,606			(1,833		)	43,773
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(16,347		)	696			(15,651		)
Net income (loss)	$	29,259		$	(1,137	)	$	28,122
SG&A as % Gross Profit:	73.7						74.3
Operating Margin %:	3.7						3.6
Pretax Margin %:	2.3						2.2
Same Store SG&A	$	236,051		$	1,833		$	237,884
Same Store SG&A as % Gross Profit:	73.7						74.3
Same Store income (loss) from operations	$	72,738		$	(1,833	)	$	70,905
Same Store Operating Margin %:	3.7						3.6

				Consolidated Adjustments for
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	U.S. GAAP			Legal settlements (1)			Non-GAAP Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	289,779		$	1,833		$	291,612
Income (loss) from operations	80,137			(1,833		)	78,304
Income (loss) before income taxes	51,196			(1,833		)	49,363
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(17,257		)	696			(16,561		)
Net income (loss)	33,939			(1,137		)	32,802
Less: Adjusted earnings (loss) allocated to participating securities	1,250			(44		)	1,206
Adjusted net income (loss) available to diluted common shares	$	32,689		(1,093		)	$	31,596
Diluted income (loss) per common share	$	1.58		$	(0.05	)	$	1.53
Effective tax rate %	33.7						33.6
SG&A as % Gross Profit:	75.6						76.0
Operating Margin %:	3.2						3.1
Pretax Margin %:	2.0						2.0
Same Store SG&A	$	288,295		1,833			$	290,128
Same Store SG&A as % Gross Profit:	75.4						75.9
Same Store income (loss) from operations	$	80,615		(1,833		)	$	78,782
Same Store Operating Margin %:	3.2						3.1

⁽¹⁾ For the three months ended March 31, 2017, we recognized a net pre-tax gain related to a settlement with an OEM of $1.8 million.

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The following table reconciles cash flow provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities on a U.S. GAAP basis to the corresponding adjusted amounts (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017			% Change
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	148,782		$	69,217		115.0
Change in floorplan notes payable-credit facilities, excluding floorplan offset account and net acquisition and disposition related activity	(47,791		)	34,853
Change in floorplan notes payable-manufacturer affiliates associated with net acquisition and disposition related activity	1,500			—
Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities	$	102,491		$	104,070		(1.5)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(116,367	)	$	(41,880	)	177.9
Change in cash paid for acquisitions, associated with floorplan notes payable	6,144			—
Change in proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment, associated with floorplan notes payable	—			—
Adjusted net cash used in investing activities	$	(110,223	)	$	(41,880	)	163.2
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(27,534	)	$	(17,163	)	60.4
Change in net borrowings and repayments on floorplan notes payable-credit facilities, excluding net activity associated with our floorplan offset account	40,147			(34,853		)
Adjusted net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	$	12,613		$	(52,016	)	124.2

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

This Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk contains information about our market-sensitive financial instruments that constitute forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements.”

We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. We address interest rate risks primarily through the use of interest rate swaps. We do not currently hedge foreign exchange risk, as discussed further below. The following quantitative and qualitative information is provided about foreign currency exchange rates and financial instruments to which we are a party at March 31, 2018, and from which we may incur future gains or losses from changes in market interest rates. We do not enter into derivative or other financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

Hypothetical changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates chosen for the following estimated sensitivity analysis are considered to be reasonable near-term changes generally based on consideration of past fluctuations for each risk category. However, since it is not possible to accurately predict future changes in interest rate and foreign currency exchange rates, these hypothetical changes may not necessarily be an indicator of probable future fluctuations.

As of March 31, 2018, our 5.00% Notes, with an outstanding principal amount of $550.0 million, had a fair value and carrying amount of $555.7 million and $542.5 million, respectively. At December 31, 2017, our 5.00% Notes, with an outstanding principal amount of $550.0 million, had a fair value and carrying amount of $567.9 million and $542.1 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2018, our 5.25% Notes, with an outstanding principal amount of $300.0 million, had a fair value and carrying amount of $300.0 million and $296.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2017, our 5.25% Notes, with an outstanding principal amount of $300.0 million, had a fair value and carrying amount of $310.9 million and $296.2 million, respectively. Our other fixed-rate debt, primarily consisting of real estate related debt, had outstanding borrowings of $85.0 million and $86.8 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The fair value of such fixed interest rate borrowings was $91.0 million and $92.9 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Interest Rates. We have interest rate risk in our variable-rate debt obligations. Our policy is to monitor the effects of market changes in interest rates and manage our interest rate exposure through the use of a combination of fixed and floating-rate debt and interest rate swaps.

We use interest rate swaps to adjust our exposure to interest rate movements, when appropriate, based upon market conditions. As of March 31, 2018, we held interest rate swaps in effect with aggregate notional amounts of $822.1 million that fixed our underlying one-month LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.6%. These hedge instruments are designed to convert

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

A summary of our interest rate swaps, including those in effect, as well as forward-starting, follows (dollars in millions):

	Q1 2018			Q2 2018			Q3 2018			Q4 2018			2019			2020			2021			2022			2023			2024			2025			2026			2027			2028			2029			2030
Weighted average notional amount in effect during the period	$	822		$	822		$	821		$	821		$	917		$	564		$	432		$	168		$	134		$	125		$	125		$	100		$	100		$	100		$	100		$	100
Weighted average interest rate during the period	2.59		%	2.59		%	2.59		%	2.59		%	2.28		%	2.19		%	1.76		%	1.74		%	1.81		%	1.81		%	1.81		%	1.85		%	1.85		%	1.85		%	1.85		%	1.85		%

As of March 31, 2018, we had $1,766.1 million of variable-rate borrowings outstanding. Based on the average amount of variable-rate borrowings outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and before the impact of our interest rate swaps described above, a 100 basis-point change in interest rates would have resulted in an approximate $17.9 million change to our annual interest expense. After consideration of the average interest rate swaps described in effect during the three months ended March 31, 2018, a 100 basis-point change would have yielded a net annual change of $9.7 million in annual interest expense. This interest rate sensitivity increased from March 31, 2017 primarily as a result of the increase in variable-rate floorplan borrowings.

Our exposure to changes in interest rates with respect to our variable-rate floorplan borrowings is partially mitigated by manufacturers’ interest assistance, which historically has been influenced by changes in market based variable interest rates. We reflect interest assistance as a reduction of new vehicle inventory cost until the associated vehicle is sold. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recognized $11.0 million of interest assistance as a reduction of new vehicle cost of sales. For the past three years, the reduction to our new vehicle cost of sales has ranged from 78.3% of our floorplan interest expense for the first quarter of 2018 to 139.9% for the third quarter of 2015. In the U.S., manufacturer's interest assistance was 87.1% of floorplan interest expense in the first quarter of 2018. Although we can provide no assurance as to the amount of future interest assistance, it is our expectation, based on historical practice of the OEMs, that an increase in prevailing interest rates would result in increased assistance from certain manufacturers over time.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates. As of March 31, 2018, we had dealership operations in the U.K. and Brazil. The functional currency of our U.K. subsidiaries is the British pound sterling (£) and of our Brazil subsidiaries is the Brazilian real (R$). We intend to remain permanently invested in these foreign operations and, as such, do not hedge against foreign currency fluctuations that may temporarily impact our investment in our U.K. and Brazil subsidiaries. If we change our intent with respect to such international investment, we would expect to implement strategies designed to manage those risks in an effort to mitigate the effect of foreign currency fluctuations on our earnings and cash flows. A 10% devaluation in average exchange rates for the British pound sterling to the U.S. dollar would have resulted in a $60.0 million decrease to our revenues for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018. A 10% devaluation in average exchange rates for the Brazilian real to the U.S. dollar would have resulted in a $10.1 million decrease to our revenues for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018. We believe that inflation rates over the last few years have not had a significant impact on our consolidated revenues or profitability. We do not expect inflation to have near-term material effects on the sale of our products and services on a consolidated basis; however, we cannot be sure there will be no such effect in the future. We finance substantially all of our inventory through various revolving floor plan arrangements with interest rates that vary based on various benchmarks. Such rates have historically increased during periods of increasing inflation.

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For additional information about our market sensitive financial instruments please see Part II, “Item 7. Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and Note 4 to “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in our 2017 Form 10-K.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2018 at the reasonable assurance level.

Our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures can prevent all possible errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that objectives of the control system are met. There are inherent limitations in all control systems, including the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the intentional acts of one or more persons. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and while our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to be effective under circumstances where they should reasonably be expected to operate effectively, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to possible errors or fraud may occur and not be detected.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, there was no change in our system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In late June 2016, Volkswagen agreed to pay up to an aggregate of $14.7 billion to settle claims stemming from the diesel emissions scandal. In October 2016, we received notification from Volkswagen that we are entitled to receive, in the aggregate, approximately $13.2 million in connection with our current and prior ownership of seven Volkswagen dealerships in the U.S. We accepted and executed the offer in the fourth quarter of 2016 and received half of the compensation in a lump sum amount in January 2017 with the remaining amount to be paid over 18 months. We have received 14 of the remaining 18 monthly installments as of March 31, 2018. Also, in conjunction with the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal, Volkswagen agreed in March 2017 to settle allegations of damages by us relative to our three Audi branded dealerships. We received the cash settlement for Audi in the second quarter of 2017.

We are not party to any legal proceedings, including class action lawsuits that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. For a discussion of our legal proceedings, see Part I, “Item 1. Financial Statements,” Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies”.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors previously disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our 2017 Form 10-K. Readers should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2017 Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our 2017 Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results.

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

The following table provides information about purchases of equity securities that are registered by us pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the three months ended March 31, 2018:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
					(In thousands, excluding commissions)
January 1 - January 31, 2018	—	$	—	—	$	49,641
February 1 - February 28, 2018	—	$	—	—	$	49,641
March 1 - March 31, 2018	135,605	$	67.83	135,605	$	40,442
Total	135,605	$	67.83	135,605

⁽¹⁾ In May 2017, the Board of Directors approved a new authorization of up to $75.0 million of shares of our common stock, replacing the prior $150.0 million authorization. Under both of the authorizations, we repurchased 649,298 shares during 2017 at an average price of $61.75 per share, for a total of $40.1 million, leaving $49.6 million available for future purchases. Future repurchases are subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors after considering our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, existing debt covenants, outlook for our business, general business conditions and other factors. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, 135,605 shares were repurchased for a total cost of $9.2 million.

Item 6. Exhibits

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

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number		Description
3.1	—	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed May 22, 2015)
3.2	—	Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed April 6, 2017)
10.1*†	—	Form of Restricted Stock Agreement with Qualified Retirement Provisions
10.2†	—	Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2018 Short Term Incentive Plan Guidelines (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-13461) filed February 22, 2018
31.1*	—	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*	—	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*	—	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*	—	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS*	—	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*	—	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*	—	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*	—	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*	—	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*	—	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

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

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

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

Date: May 4, 2018

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EX-10.1

FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENTQualified Retirement

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of the effective date set forth on the attached notice of grant (the “Grant Notice”), between GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the employee whose name is set forth on the Grant Notice (“Employee”).

1.Award. Pursuant to the GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. 2014 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (the “Plan”), the number of shares (the “Restricted Shares”) of the Company’s common stock set forth in the Grant Notice shall be issued as hereinafter provided in Employee’s name, subject to certain restrictions thereon. The Restricted Shares shall be issued upon acceptance hereof by Employee (which shall be demonstrated by Employee’s execution of the Grant Notice) and upon satisfaction of the conditions of this Agreement and the Grant Notice. Employee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, and agrees that this award of Restricted Shares shall be subject to all of the terms and provisions of the Plan, including future amendments thereto, if any, pursuant to the terms thereof. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Plan, the Plan shall control. The Plan and the Grant Notice are incorporated herein by reference as a part of this Agreement. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Plan. Employee agrees to comply with the Additional Employee Obligations (as hereinafter defined).

2.Restricted Shares. Employee hereby accepts the Restricted Shares when issued and agrees with respect thereto as follows:

(a)Forfeiture Restrictions. The Restricted Shares may not be sold, assigned, pledged, exchanged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred, encumbered or disposed of to the extent then subject to the Forfeiture Restrictions (as hereinafter defined), and in the event of termination of Employee’s employment with the Company for any reason other than Qualified Retirement (as hereinafter defined), death or Disability (as hereinafter defined), Employee shall, for no consideration, forfeit to the Company all Restricted Shares to the extent then subject to the Forfeiture Restrictions. In the case of a Qualified Retirement, Employee shall, for no consideration, forfeit to the Company (y) all the Restricted Shares to the extent subject to the forfeiture restrictions on the date of such termination if Employee fails to comply with the Additional Employee Obligations continuously from the date of the termination of his employment as a result of a Qualified Retirement until the Compliance Expiration Date (as hereinafter defined) and (z) as of the date of such Qualified Retirement, Restricted Shares granted to Employee less than six (6) months prior to the date of such Qualified Retirement. The prohibition against transfer and the obligation to forfeit and surrender Restricted Shares to the Company upon termination of employment, or thereafter in the case of non-compliance with the Additional Employee Obligations following termination of employment as a result of a Qualified Retirement, are herein referred to as the “Forfeiture Restrictions.” For purposes of this Agreement, the following capitalized words and terms shall have the meanings indicated below:

(i)“Additional Employee Obligations” shall mean those obligations of Employee to the Company and its Affiliates that apply during or after Employee’s employment by the Company as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as a part of this Agreement.

(ii)“Affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

(iii)“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

(iv)“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to any section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to such section and any regulations under such section

(v)“Committee” shall mean the committee of the Board that is selected by the Board to administer the Plan as provided in Paragraph IV(a) of the Plan.

(vi)“Compliance Expiration Date” shall mean the date that is two years following the effective date of the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company or, if earlier, the date of Employee’s death or Disability after a Qualified Retirement.

(vii)“Disability” shall mean that Employee has become disabled within the meaning of section 409A(a)(2)(C) of the Code and applicable administrative authority thereunder.

(viii)“Qualified Retirement” shall mean the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company on a date that is on or after Employee’s attainment of age 63 and following Employee’s completion of at least 10 years of Service.

(ix)“Service” shall mean the years of service credited to Employee for vesting purposes under The Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan, as amended from time to time.

(b)Lapse of Forfeiture Restrictions. The Forfeiture Restrictions shall lapse as to the Restricted Shares in accordance with the schedule set forth on the Grant Notice, provided that Employee has been continuously employed by the Company from the date of this Agreement through the lapse date set forth on the Grant Notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Forfeiture Restrictions shall lapse as to all of the Restricted Shares then subject to the Forfeiture Restrictions on the date Employee’s employment with the Company is terminated by reason of death or Disability. Further notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Employee’s employment with the Company terminates as a result of a Qualified Retirement, all of the Restricted Shares that are then subject to the Forfeiture Restrictions shall remain subject to forfeiture under this Agreement until the Compliance Expiration Date and, upon the Compliance Expiration Date, provided that Employee has complied with the Additional Employee Obligations continuously from the date of the termination of his employment with the Company as a result of such Qualified Retirement until the Compliance Expiration Date, the Forfeiture Restrictions shall lapse as to all of the Restricted Shares then subject to the Forfeiture Restrictions (which, for purposes of clarity, shall not include Restricted Shares granted to Employee less than six (6) months prior to the date of such Qualified Retirement and forfeited upon the Qualified Retirement).

(c)Certificates. A certificate evidencing the Restricted Shares shall be issued by the Company in Employee’s name, pursuant to which Employee shall have all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to the Restricted Shares, including, without limitation, voting rights and the right to receive dividends (provided, however, that dividends paid in shares of the Company’s stock shall be subject to the Forfeiture Restrictions and provided further that dividends that are paid other than in shares of the Company’s stock shall be paid no later than the end of the calendar year in which the dividend for such class of stock is paid to stockholders of such class or, if later, the 15th day of the third month following the date the dividend is paid to stockholders of such class of stock). Employee may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of the stock until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired and a breach of the terms of this Agreement shall cause a forfeiture of the Restricted Shares. The certificate shall be delivered upon issuance to the Secretary of the Company or to such other depository as may be designated by the Committee as a depository for safekeeping until the forfeiture of such Restricted Shares occurs or the Forfeiture Restrictions lapse pursuant to the terms of the Plan and this award. On the date of this Agreement, Employee shall deliver to the Company a stock power, endorsed in blank, relating to the Restricted Shares. Upon the lapse of the Forfeiture Restrictions without forfeiture, the Company shall cause a new certificate or certificates to be issued without legend (except for any legend required pursuant to applicable securities laws or any other agreement to which Employee is a party) in the name of Employee in exchange for the certificate evidencing the Restricted Shares. However, the Company, in its sole discretion, may elect to deliver the certificate either in certificate form or electronically to a brokerage account established for Employee’s benefit at a brokerage/financial institution selected by the Company. Employee agrees to complete and sign any documents and take additional action that the Company may request to enable it to deliver the shares on Employee’s behalf.

(d)Corporate Acts. The existence of the Restricted Shares shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s capital structure or its business, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue of debt or equity securities, the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or any part of its assets or business or any other corporate act or proceeding. The prohibitions of Section 2(a) hereof shall not apply to the transfer of Restricted Shares pursuant to a plan of reorganization of the Company, but the stock, securities or other property received in exchange therefor shall also become subject to the Forfeiture Restrictions and provisions governing the lapsing of such Forfeiture Restrictions applicable to the original Restricted Shares for all purposes of this Agreement and the certificates representing such stock, securities or other property shall be legended to show such restrictions.

3.Withholding of Tax/Tax Election. To the extent that the receipt of the Restricted Shares or the lapse of any Forfeiture Restrictions results in compensation income to Employee for federal or state income tax purposes, Employee shall deliver to the Company at the time of such receipt or lapse, as the case may be, such amount of money as the Company may require to meet its obligation under applicable tax laws or regulations or make such other arrangements to satisfy such withholding obligation as the Company, in its sole discretion, may approve. In addition, the Company may withhold unrestricted shares of stock of the Company (valued at their fair market value on the date of withholding of such shares) otherwise to be issued upon the lapse of the Forfeiture Restrictions in such amount as the Company may allow provided such amount does not result in negative accounting consequences to the Company. If Employee makes the election authorized by section 83(b) of the Code in connection with the award of the Restricted Shares, Employee shall submit to the Company a copy of the statement filed by Employee to make such election.

4.Status of Stock. Employee agrees that the Restricted Shares issued under this Agreement will not be sold or otherwise disposed of in any manner which would constitute a violation of any applicable securities laws, whether federal or state, or the Company’s Code of Conduct. Employee also agrees that (a) the certificates representing the Restricted Shares may bear such legend or legends as the Committee deems appropriate in order to reflect the Forfeiture Restrictions and to assure compliance with applicable securities laws, (b) the Company may refuse to register the transfer of the Restricted Shares on the stock transfer records of the Company if such proposed transfer would constitute a violation of the Forfeiture Restrictions or, in the opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company, of any applicable securities law, and (c) the Company may give related instructions to its transfer agent, if any, to stop registration of the transfer of the Restricted Shares. The Company (or to such other depository as may be designated pursuant to Section 2(c) above) shall hold the Restricted Shares (and the related stock powers) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement until such time as (y) a certificate or certificates for the Restricted Shares are delivered to Employee free of restrictions (which, for purposes of clarity in the event of a Qualified Retirement, shall not be prior to the Compliance Expiration Date provided that Employee has complied with the Additional Employee Obligations continuously from the date of the termination of his employment with the Company as a result of a Qualified Retirement until the Compliance Expiration Date), or (z) the Restricted Shares are canceled and forfeited pursuant to this Agreement.

5.Employment Relationship. For purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be considered to be in the employment of the Company as long as Employee remains an employee or a consultant of either the Company, a parent or subsidiary corporation (as defined in section 424 of the Code) of the Company, or any successor corporation. Nothing in the adoption of the Plan, nor the award of the Restricted Shares thereunder pursuant to this Agreement, shall confer upon Employee the right to continued employment or engagement as a consultant by the Company or affect in any way the right of the Company to terminate such employment or consulting relationship at any time. Unless otherwise provided in a written employment or consulting agreement or by applicable law, Employee’s employment or engagement as a consultant by the Company shall be on an at-will basis, and the employment and/or consulting relationship may be terminated at any time by either Employee or the Company for any reason whatsoever or no reason at all, with or without cause. Any question as to whether and when there has been a termination of such employment and/or consulting relationship, and the cause of such termination, shall be determined by the Committee, and its determination shall be final.

6.Notices. Any notices or other communications provided for in this Agreement must be provided in writing. In the case of Employee, such notices or communications shall be effectively delivered if hand delivered to Employee at his principal place of employment or if sent by registered or certified mail to Employee at the last address Employee has filed with the Company. In the case of the Company, such notices or communications shall be effectively delivered if sent by registered or certified mail to the Company at its principal Employee offices.

7.Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement and the documents incorporated by reference herein, including such documents referenced in Section 2(a)(i) above, replace and merge all previous agreements and discussions relating to the same subject matters between Employee and the Company and constitute the entire agreement between Employee and the Company with respect to the subject matters of this Agreement; provided, however, that the vesting terms of this Agreement shall not modify and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of any employment, consulting and/or severance agreement between the Company and Employee that provides for accelerated vesting of the Restricted Shares upon or after termination of employment. Without limiting the scope of the preceding sentence, except as provided therein, all prior understandings and agreements, if any, among the parties hereto relating to the subject matters hereof are hereby null and void and of no further force and effect. Any modification of this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by both Employee and an authorized officer of the Company.

8.Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successors to the Company and all persons lawfully claiming under Employee.

9.Forfeiture (“Clawback”) Policy. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any Restricted Shares granted and/or shares issued hereunder, and/or any amount received with respect to any sale of any such shares, shall be subject to potential cancellation, recoupment, rescission, payback or other action in accordance with the terms of any clawback policy (“Policy”) established by the Company to comply with any provision of applicable law relating to cancellation, rescission, payback or recoupment of compensation, and Employee expressly agrees that the Company may take such actions as are necessary to effectuate the Policy, any similar policy or applicable law without further consent or action being required by Employee. To the extent that the terms of this Agreement and the Policy or any similar policy conflict, then the terms of such policy shall prevail.

10.Controlling Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENTQualified Retirement Acknowledgement

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on this the ______ day of______________________, 20____.

Print Name        For Group 1 Automotive, Inc

Print Name    Signature

Exhibit A
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION

1.Defined Terms; Employment Relationship. Capitalized terms used in this Exhibit A that are not defined in this Exhibit A shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Restricted Stock Agreement to which this Exhibit A is attached (the “Restricted Stock Agreement”). For purposes of this Exhibit A, Employee shall be considered to be in the employment of the Company as provided in Section 5 of the Restricted Stock Agreement.

As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) “Business” means the business of auto retailing (whether public or private), automobile dealership consolidation and any other business that is the same as, or competitive with, the business in which Employee was engaged during Employee’s employment by the Company and its Affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the “Business” shall not include automotive manufacturing or any business in which the Company and its Affiliates have permanently refrained from engaging.

(b) “Restricted Area” means the geographic area within a 50-mile radius of any automotive dealership in which the Company or an Affiliate has an ownership interest as of the date of the termination of Employee’s employment by the Company, which such area includes, without limitation, the Louisiana parishes listed on Annex 1; provided, however, that the Restricted Area shall not include any area within the State of California.

2.Protection of Confidential Information. Except as required by law, Employee promises that Employee will not, at any time during or after Employee’s employment by the Company, make any unauthorized disclosure of any confidential information or trade secrets of the Company or its Affiliates, or make any use thereof, except in the carrying out of Employee’s responsibilities on behalf of the Company and its Affiliates. Employee also agrees to preserve and protect the confidentiality of confidential information and trade secrets belonging to third parties, such as customers, suppliers, partners, joint venturers of the Company and its Affiliates to the same extent, and on the same basis, as the Company’s and its Affiliates’ confidential information and trade secrets.

3.Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation. As an express incentive for the Company to enter into the Restricted Stock Agreement, and in order to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ confidential information, goodwill and legitimate business interests, Employee expressly acknowledges and agrees that, until the Compliance Expiration Date, Employee will not, directly or indirectly, on Employee’s own behalf or on behalf of others:

(a) within the Restricted Area, engage or carry on in the Business (other than on behalf of the Company or its Affiliates); for purposes of this Section 3(a), employee acknowledges that the following constitute non-exclusive examples of engaging or carrying on in the Business, in violation of this agreement: rendering advice or services to, or otherwise assisting, any other person, association or entity that is engaged in, or planning to engage in, the Business in such a manner that Employee performs duties or services that are the same or similar to those duties or services that Employee performed on behalf of the Company and its Affiliates;

(b) within the Restricted Area, solicit or attempt to solicit the business of any customer or client of the Company or its Affiliates with whom or which Employee has had any material business dealings during Employee’s employment by the Company and its Affiliates for the furtherance of, or on behalf of, a competitive business or a competitive activity; and

(c) encourage or induce any current or former employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates to leave the employment of the Company or any of its Affiliates or offer employment, retain, hire or assist in the hiring of any such employee by any person, association, or entity not affiliated with the Company or any of its Affiliates; provided, however, that nothing in this subsection (c) shall prohibit Employee from offering employment to any prior employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates who was not employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates at any time in the twelve (12) months prior to the termination of Employee’s employment by the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of Sections 3(a) and 3(b) above will not apply in that portion of the Restricted Area, if any, located within the State of Oklahoma. Instead, Employee agrees that, within that portion of the Restricted Area that is located within the State of Oklahoma, in addition to the restrictions set forth in Section 3(c) above, Employee shall not directly or indirectly solicit the sale of goods, services or a combination of goods and services from the established customers of the Company and its Affiliates. In addition, the provisions of Sections 3(a) and 3(b) above shall not apply following Employee’s termination of employment with the Company if such termination does not constitute a Qualified Retirement.

4.Employee’s Acknowledgements. Employee acknowledges and agrees that, during the course of Employee’s employment with the Company, Employee has been provided with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ confidential information and become associated with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ goodwill. Employee further acknowledges and agrees that, as a consequence of Employee’s continued employment and entry into the Restricted Stock Agreement, Employee will receive benefits to which Employee was not otherwise entitled and will be provided with, and have access to, additional confidential information of the Company and its Affiliates and become further associated with, and will further build, customer relationships and the Company’s and its Affiliates’ goodwill. Employee acknowledges and agrees that: the provisions of this Exhibit A are no greater than necessary to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ legitimate business interests, including the protection of their confidential information, customer relationships and goodwill; the provisions of this Exhibit A create no undue hardship on Employee; and Employee is receiving sufficient consideration in exchange for Employee’s entry into this agreement. Employee further acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions set forth in this Exhibit A are reasonable and that Employee has had, or will have, responsibilities with regard to, and has received or will receive, confidential information about, the Business operated by the Company and its Affiliates throughout the Restricted Area.

5.Reformation. Notwithstanding the Employee’s acknowledgements in Section 4 above, if any of the restrictions hereunder are found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unreasonable, or overly broad as to geographic area or time, or otherwise unenforceable, Employee and the Company intend for the restrictions herein set forth to be modified by the court making such determination so as to be reasonable and enforceable and, as so modified, to be fully enforced. By agreeing to this contractual modification prospectively at this time, Employee and the Company intend to make this provision enforceable under the law or laws of all applicable States and other jurisdictions so that the entire agreement not to compete and this Exhibit A as prospectively modified shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be rendered void or illegal.

Annex 1Louisiana Parishes

[Select which of the following parishes are within, or reasonably expected to be within, the 50-mile radius described above]

[Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, De Soto, East Baton Rouge, East Carroll, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Franklin, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson David, La Salle, Lafayette, Lafourche, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Terrebonne, Union, Vermillion, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Baton Rouge, West Carroll, West Feliciana, Winn.]

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
2014 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

APPENDIX TO RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This Appendix, which is part of the Agreement, contains additional terms and conditions that govern the Restricted Stock granted to the Employee under the Plan if he or she resides outside the United States. The terms and conditions in Part A apply to all Employees outside the United States. The country-specific terms and conditions and/or notifications in Part B will also apply to the Employee if he or she resides in one of the countries listed below. Unless otherwise defined, capitalized terms used but not defined in this Appendix have the meanings set forth in the Plan and/or the Agreement.

NOTIFICATIONS

This Appendix also includes information regarding exchange controls and certain other issues of which the Employee should be aware with respect to participation in the Plan. The information is based on the exchange control, securities and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of June 2014. Such laws are often complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that the Employee not rely on the information in this Appendix as the only source of information relating to the consequences of his or her participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time that the Employee vests in the Restricted Shares or sell shares of common stock acquired under the Plan.

In addition, the information contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to the Employee’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure the Employee of a particular result. Accordingly, the Employee is advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in his or her country may apply to the Employee’s situation.

Finally, if the Employee is a citizen or resident, or is considered a resident, of a country other than the one in which he or she is currently working, or transferred employment after the Restricted Shares were granted to him or her, the information contained herein may not be applicable. In addition, the Company shall, in its sole discretion, determine to what extent the additional terms and conditions included herein will apply to you under these circumstances.

A.ALL NON-U.S. COUNTRIES ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The following additional terms and conditions will apply to the Employee if he or she resides in any country outside the United States.

Responsibility for Taxes. The following section replaces Section 3 of the Agreement in its entirety:

The Employee acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, the Employee’s employer (the “Employer”), the ultimate liability for all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to the Employee’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to the Employee (“Tax-Related Items”) is and remains the Employee’s responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Employer. The Employee further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (1) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Restricted Shares, including, but not limited to, the grant or vesting of the Restricted Shares, the subsequent sale of shares of common stock acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends; and (2) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Restricted Shares to reduce or eliminate the Employee’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if the Employee is subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction between the date of grant and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, the Employee acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, the Employee agrees to make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all Tax-Related Items. In this regard, the Employee authorizes the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy the obligations with regard to all Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following methods: (i) requiring payment by the Employee to the Company, on demand, by cash, check or other method of payment as may be determined acceptable by the Company; (ii) withholding from the Employee’s wages or other cash compensation paid to the Employee by the Company and/or the Employer; (iii) withholding from proceeds of the sale of shares of common stock at vesting of the Restricted Shares either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on the Employee’s behalf pursuant to this authorization) without further consent; or (ii) withholding shares of common stock at vesting of the Restricted Shares.

Depending on the withholding method, the Company and/or the Employer may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable minimum statutory withholding rates or other applicable withholding rates, including maximum applicable rates, in which case the Employee will receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the common stock equivalent. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in shares of common stock, for tax purposes, the Employee is deemed to have been issued the full number of shares of common stock subject to the vested Restricted Shares, notwithstanding that a number of the shares of common stock are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items.

Finally, the Employee agrees to pay the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for as a result of the Employee’s participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to issue or deliver the shares or the proceeds of the sale of shares of common stock, if the Employee fails to comply with the Employee’s obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.

Nature of Grant. The following section is added to Section 5 of the Agreement:

In accepting the grant, the Employee acknowledges, understands and agrees that: (1) the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan; (2) all decisions with respect to future Restricted Share or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company; (3) the Employee is voluntarily participating in the Plan; (4) the Restricted Shares are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation; (5) the future value of the underlying shares of common stock is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty; (6) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Restricted Shares resulting from the termination of the Employee’s employment or other service relationship (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where the Employee is employed or the terms of the Employee’s employment agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of the Restricted Shares to which the Employee is otherwise not entitled, the Employee irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the Employer, waives the Employee’s ability, if any, to bring any such claim, and releases the Company, its Subsidiaries and the Employer from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, the Employee shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim; (7) for purposes of the Restricted Shares, the Employee’s employment or service relationship will be considered terminated as of the date the Employee is no longer actively providing services to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where the Employee is employed or providing services or the terms of the Employee’s employment or service agreement, if any) and unless otherwise expressly provided in these Terms and Conditions or determined by the Company, the Employee’s right to vest in the Restricted Shares under the Plan, if any, will terminate as of such date and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., the Employee’s period of service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where the Employee is employed or providing services or the terms of the Employee’s employment or service agreement, if any); the Company shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when the Employee is no longer actively providing services for purposes of the Employee’s Restricted Share grant (including whether the Employee may still be considered to be providing services while on an approved leave of absence); (8) unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, the Restricted Shares and the benefits evidenced by these Terms and Conditions do not create any entitlement to have the Restricted Shares or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the shares of the Company; (9) the Restricted Shares and the shares of common stock subject to the Restricted Shares, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, without limitation, calculating severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments; and (10) the Employee acknowledges and agrees that neither the Company, the Employer nor any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between the Employee’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Restricted Shares or of any amounts due to the Employee pursuant to the settlement of the Restricted Shares or the subsequent sale of any shares of common stock acquired upon settlement.

No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding the Employee’s participation in the Plan, or the Employee’s acquisition or sale of the underlying shares of common stock. The Employee is hereby advised to consult with the Employee’s own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding the Employee’s participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.

Data Privacy. The Employee hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of the Employee’s personal data as described in the Agreement and any other Restricted Share grant materials (“Data”) by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Employee’s participation in the Plan.

The Employee understands that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about the Employee, including, but not limited to, the Employee’s name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all Restricted Shares or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in the Employee’s favor, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.

The Employee understands that Data will be transferred to a stock plan service provider as may be selected by the Company in the future, which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. The Employee understands that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere (including outside the EEA), and that the recipients’ country (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than the Employee’s country. The Employee understands that the Employee may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting the Employee’s local human resources representative. The Employee authorizes the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Employee’s participation in the Plan. The Employee understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage the Employee’s participation in the Plan. The Employee understands that the Employee may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing the Employee’s local human resources representative. Further, the Employee understands that the Employee is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If the Employee does not consent, or if the Employee later seeks to revoke the Employee’s consent, the Employee’s employment status or service and career with the Employer will not be adversely affected; the only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing the Employee’s consent is that the Company would not be able to grant the Employee Restricted Shares or other equity awards or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, the Employee understands that refusing or withdrawing the Employee’s consent may affect the Employee’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of the Employee’s refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, the Employee understands that the Employee may contact the Employee’s local human resources representative.

Language. If the Employee has received the Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.

B.COUNTRY-SPECIFIC ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND NOTIFICATIONS

BRAZIL

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Compliance with Law. By accepting the Restricted Shares, the Employee acknowledges that he or she agrees to comply with applicable Brazilian laws and pay any and all applicable taxes associated with the vesting of the Restricted Shares, the receipt of any dividends, and the sale of shares of common stock acquired under the Plan.

NOTIFICATIONS

Exchange Control Information. If the Employee is resident or domiciled in Brazil, he or she will be required to submit annually a declaration of assets and rights held outside of Brazil to the Central Bank of Brazil if the aggregate value of such assets and rights is equal to or greater than US$100,000. Assets and rights that must be reported include shares of common stock.

UNITED KINGDOM

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

U.K. Sub-Plan. The terms of the U.K. Sub-plan apply to the grant of Restricted Shares.

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Earl J. Hesterberg, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2018 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (“registrant”);

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Earl J. Hesterberg

Earl J. Hesterberg

Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 4, 2018

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, John C. Rickel, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2018 of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (“registrant”);

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ John C. Rickel

John C. Rickel

Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 4, 2018

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

OF GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. § 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2018 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (“Report”), I, Earl J. Hesterberg, Chief Executive Officer of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (“Company”), hereby certify that to my knowledge:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Earl J. Hesterberg

Earl J. Hesterberg

Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 4, 2018

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

OF GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. § 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2018 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (“Report”), I, John C. Rickel, Chief Financial Officer of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (“Company”), hereby certify that to my knowledge:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ John C. Rickel

John C. Rickel

Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 4, 2018

XML

Document and Entity Information - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 26, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001031203
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,928,957
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01		$ 0.01

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
ASSETS
Total assets	$ 5,058,478		$ 4,871,065
Total current assets	2,413,198		2,329,186
Cash and cash equivalents	33,090		28,787
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	297,885		306,433
Accounts and notes receivable, net	200,159		188,611
Inventories, net	1,804,176		1,763,293
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	77,888		42,062
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,357,870		1,318,959
GOODWILL	960,110	[1]	913,034
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	295,626		285,632
OTHER ASSETS	31,674		24,254
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	5,058,478		4,871,065
Total current liabilities	2,267,158		2,198,487
Floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other	1,199,741		1,240,695
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	(74,359)		(86,547)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	420,315		397,183
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	(24,000)		(22,500)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	58,195		77,609
Derivative Liability, Current	1,177		1,996
Accounts payable	491,841		412,981
Accrued expenses	194,248		177,070
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	1,376,770		1,318,184
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	134,800		124,404
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	3,512		8,583
OTHER LIABILITIES	98,159		97,125
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Total stockholders’ equity	1,178,079		1,124,282
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000 shares authorized; 25,527 and 25,515 issued, respectively	255		255
Additional paid-in capital	286,244		291,461
Retained earnings	1,288,052		1,246,323
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(105,950)		(123,226)
Treasury stock, at cost; 4,597 and 4,617 shares, respectively	$ (290,522)		$ (290,531)

[1] (1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	(50,000,000)	(50,000,000)
Common Stock, shares issued	(20,298,021)	(25,515,306)
Treasury securities, shares	(4,597,256)	(4,616,635)

XML

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
REVENUES:
New vehicle retail sales	$ 1,513,590	$ 1,337,213
Used vehicle retail sales	780,570	660,927
Used vehicle wholesale sales	104,029	104,157
Parts and service sales	349,515	319,698
Finance, insurance and other, net	112,322	96,834
Total revenues	2,860,026	2,518,829
COST OF SALES:
New vehicle retail sales	1,438,163	1,267,986
Used vehicle retail sales	737,075	615,922
Used vehicle wholesale sales	102,374	104,057
Parts and service sales	162,651	147,342
Total cost of sales	2,440,263	2,135,307
GROSS PROFIT	419,763	383,522
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	324,347	289,779
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	16,342	13,606
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	79,074	80,137
OTHER EXPENSE:
Floorplan interest expense	(14,087)	(11,942)
Other interest expense, net	(18,820)	(16,999)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	46,167	51,196
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	(10,353)	(17,257)
NET INCOME	$ 35,814	$ 33,939
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE	$ 1.70	$ 1.58
Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,298	20,692
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE	$ 1.70	$ 1.58
Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,307	20,698
CASH DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE	$ 0.26	$ 0.24

XML

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
NET INCOME	$ 35,814	$ 33,939
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	7,871	4,137
Unrealized gain on interest rate risk management activities, net of tax	9,405	2,658
Unrealized gain arising during the period, net of tax provision of $2,492 and $234, respectively	7,892	390
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in interest expense, net of tax provision of $478, and $1,361, respectively	1,513	2,268
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAXES	17,276	6,795
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$ 53,090	$ 40,734

XML

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Tax (benefit) provision of unrealized loss on interest rate swap	$ (2,492)	$ (234)
Tax provision of reclassification adjustment	$ (478)	$ (1,361)

XML

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2018 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in-Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017		25,515
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,124,282	$ 255	$ 291,461	$ 1,246,323	$ (123,226)	$ (290,531)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	35,814	0	0	35,814	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	17,276	0	0	0	17,276	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued	(9,199)	$ 0	0	0	0	(9,199)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		12
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	(1,638)	$ 0	10,846	0	0	(9,208)
Stock-based compensation	5,629	0	5,629	0	0	0
Cash dividends	(5,482)	$ 0	0	(5,482)	0	0
Ending balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2018		25,527
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 1,178,079	$ 255	286,244	$ 1,288,052	$ (105,950)	$ (290,522)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation

XML

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation

XML

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 34,559	$ 34,680
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	35,814	33,939
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	16,342	13,606
Deferred income taxes	2,675	5,503
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0
Stock-based compensation	5,642	6,074
Amortization of debt discount and issue costs	650	912
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	(516)	(280)
Other	(6)	(871)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	65,200	9,164
Accounts and notes receivable	12,727	21,508
Inventories	7,153	(74,254)
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables	11,237	56,140
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(12,548)	1,066
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	5,067	(3,126)
Deferred revenues	(655)	(164)
Net cash provided by operating activities	148,782	69,217
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(71,499)	(95)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	2,940	2,207
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(47,948)	(46,451)
Other	140	2,459
Net cash used in investing activities	(116,367)	(41,880)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on credit facility - Floorplan Line	1,656,192	1,594,371
Repayments on credit facility - Floorplan Line	(1,702,447)	(1,598,291)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	66,945	15,000
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	(66,444)	(15,000)
Borrowings on other debt	65,614	0
Principal payments on other debt	(40,078)	(232)
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs	46,835	0
Principal payments of long-term debt related to real estate loans	(37,819)	(6,831)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	(1,638)	(1,030)
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	(9,199)	0
Dividends paid	(5,495)	(5,150)
Net cash used in financing activities	(27,534)	(17,163)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	47	260
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash period increase (decrease)	4,928	10,434
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	28,787	24,246
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	33,090
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate, accrued in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 6,066	$ 7,287

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Interim Financial Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Interim Financial Information

Business and Organization

Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a leading operator in the automotive retailing industry with business activities in 15 states in the United States of America ("U.S."), 32 towns in the United Kingdom ("U.K.") and four states in Brazil. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the "Company" in these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company, through its regions, sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s U.S. retail network consisted of 117 dealerships within the following states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. The President of U.S. Operations reports directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the overall performance of the U.S. region, as well as for overseeing the market directors and dealership general managers. In addition, as of March 31, 2018, the Company had two international regions: (a) the U.K., which consisted of 47 dealerships and (b) Brazil, which consisted of 16 dealerships. The operations of the Company's international regions are structured similar to the U.S. region.

The Company's operating results are generally subject to seasonal variations, as well as changes in the economic environment. This seasonality is generally attributable to consumer buying trends and the timing of manufacturer new vehicle model introductions. In addition, in some regions of the U.S., vehicle purchases decline during the winter months due to inclement weather. As a result, U.S. revenues and operating income are typically lower in the first and fourth quarters and higher in the second and third quarters. For the U.K., the first and third quarters tend to be stronger, driven by the vehicle license plate change months of March and September. For Brazil, the Company expects higher volumes in the third and fourth calendar quarters. The first quarter in Brazil is generally the weakest, driven by more consumer vacations and activities associated with Carnival. Other factors unrelated to seasonality, such as changes in economic conditions, manufacturer incentive programs, seasonal weather events and changes in currency exchange rates may exaggerate seasonal or cause counter-seasonal fluctuations in the Company's revenues and operating income. Due to seasonality and other factors, the results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be realized for any other interim period or for the entire fiscal year.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. All business acquisitions completed during the periods presented have been accounted for by applying the acquisition method of accounting, and their results of operations are included from the effective dates of the closings of the acquisitions. The allocations of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are assigned and recorded based on estimates of fair value and are subject to change within the purchase price allocation period (generally one year from the respective acquisition date). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“2017 Form 10-K”).

Business Segment Information

The Company has three reportable segments: the U.S., which includes the activities of the Company's corporate office, the U.K. and Brazil. The reportable segments are the business activities of the Company for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by its chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer. See Note 15, "Segment Information", for additional details regarding the Company's reportable segments.

Statements of Cash Flows

With respect to all new vehicle floorplan borrowings, the manufacturers of the vehicles draft the Company’s credit facilities directly with no cash flow to or from the Company. With respect to borrowings for used vehicle financing in the U.S., the Company finances up to 85% of the value of the used vehicle inventory and the funds flow directly to the Company from the lender. In the U.K. and Brazil, the Company chooses which used vehicles to finance and the borrowings flow directly to the Company from the lender. All borrowings from, and repayments to, lenders affiliated with the vehicle manufacturers (excluding the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the Company’s syndicated lending group under the Revolving Credit Facility) are presented within Cash Flows from Operating Activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. All borrowings from, and repayments to, the syndicated lending group under the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 9, “Credit Facilities”) (including the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the facility), as well as borrowing from, and repayments to, the Company’s other credit facilities are presented within Cash Flows from Financing Activities.

Cash paid for interest, including the monthly settlement of the Company’s interest rate derivatives, was $20.3 million and $17.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company received a net refund from taxes of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds, was $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total of the same amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 11, "Fair Value Measurements", for additional details regarding the Company's restricted cash balances.

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	33,090	$	28,787
Restricted cash, included in other assets	1,469		844
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	34,559	$	29,631

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendment addresses several specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its net income, retained earnings, consolidated financial statements, results of operations or cash flows.     

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF"). The amendments require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The amendments in this update clarify the definition of a business in order to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively. The Company adopted ASU 2017-01 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. The amendments in this update provide clarity and reduce both diversity in practice and cost and complexity when applying the guidance of Topic 718 to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. Under the new guidance, an entity will not apply modification accounting to a share-based payment award if all of the following are the same immediately before and after the change: 1) the award's fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if those measurement methods are used), 2) the award's vesting conditions, and 3) the award's classification as an equity or liability instrument. The Company adopted ASU 2017-09 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

Adoption of ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers"

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and all subsequent amendments issued thereafter, that amends the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The Company adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized as of the date of adoption. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting policies under Topic 605.

The Company identified its material revenue streams to be the sale of new and used vehicles; arrangement of associated vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts; the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services; and the sale of vehicle parts. The Company concluded that no changes to the timing of revenue recognition for the sale of new and used vehicles, as well as vehicle parts are necessary. As it relates to the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services recognized as a part of Parts and service sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the Company identified a change in its accounting policies and procedures. Through December 31, 2017, the Company recognized revenue once the maintenance or repair services were completed and the vehicle was delivered to the customer. Under Topic 606, the Company determined that it has an enforceable right to payment during the course of the work being performed in certain jurisdictions and, thus, the Company changed its policy under Topic 606 for those jurisdictions to recognize revenue over time as the maintenance and repair services are performed. With regards to the revenue generated from the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts recognized as a part of Finance, insurance and other, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the Company also identified a change in the Company’s accounting policies and procedures. Generally, the Company receives an upfront commission for these transactions from the finance or insurance provider and recognizes the associated revenue when the contract is executed. In some cases, the Company also earns retrospective commission income by participating in the future profitability of the portfolio of contracts sold by the Company. Through December 31, 2017, the Company’s accounting policy was to recognize upfront commission income earned when the contract was executed and the amount was determinable, and to recognize retrospective commission income as the amounts were determined and realized. The Company concluded that this retrospective commission income represents variable consideration for which the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied when the finance or insurance product contract is executed with the end user. Under the new standard, an estimate of variable consideration, subject to a constraint, is to be included in the transaction price and recognized when or as the performance obligation is satisfied. Therefore, the Company’s accounting policy changed under Topic 606 such that the Company will estimate the amount of future earnings that it will realize from the ultimate profitability of the portfolio and recognize such estimate, subject to any constraint in the estimate, upfront when the contract is executed with the end user. The Company's estimates of the amount of variable consideration to be ultimately realized will be reassessed at the end of each reporting period and changes in those estimates will be adjusted through revenue.

As a result of adopting Topic 606 and implementing the changes aforementioned for maintenance and repair services and the arrangement of associated vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts, the Company recognized a net, after-tax cumulative effect adjustment to increase retained earnings as of the date of adoption of $4.8 million and $6.6 million, respectively.

The cumulative effect of the changes made to the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018 for the adoption of Topic 606 were as follows (in thousands):

	January 1, 2018
Balance Sheet	Balance at December 31, 2017		Adjustment due to ASC 2016-09 606			Balance at January 1, 2018
	(In thousands)
Assets
Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	$	188,611	$	20,306		$	208,917
Inventories, net	1,763,293		(3,660		)	1,759,633
Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	412,981	$	1,756		$	414,737
Deferred income taxes	124,404		3,493			127,897
Stockholders' equity
Retained earnings	1,246,323		11,397			1,257,720

⁽¹⁾ Contract assets, representing a conditional right to payment, of $8.7 million are included in Accounts and notes receivables, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018.

The impact of applying Topic 606 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was as follows (in thousands):

	March 31, 2018
	As Reported		Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606		Effect of Change Higher / (Lower)
Income Statement	(In thousands)
Revenues
Parts and service sales	$	349,515	$	350,992	$	(1,477	)
Finance, insurance and other, net	112,322		112,122		200
Cost of sales
Parts and service sales	$	162,651	$	163,116	$	(465	)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	324,347		324,543		(196		)
Provision for income taxes	10,353		10,504		(151		)
Net income	35,814		36,279		(465		)
Balance Sheet
Assets
Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	$	200,159	$	181,131	$	19,028
Inventories, net	1,804,176		1,807,371		(3,195		)
Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	491,841	$	490,281	$	1,560
Deferred income taxes	134,800		131,459		3,341
Stockholders' equity
Retained earnings	$	1,288,052	$	1,277,120	$	10,932

⁽¹⁾ Contract assets, representing a conditional right to payment, of $8.9 million are included in Accounts and notes receivables, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2018.

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

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments in this ASU relate to the accounting for leasing transactions. This standard requires a lessee to record on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. In addition, this standard requires both lessees and lessors to disclose certain key information about lease transactions. This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that adoption will have on its consolidated balance sheet and statement of income. However, the Company expects that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have a significant impact on its consolidated balance sheet, as currently approximately half of its real estate is rented, not owned, via operating leases. Adoption of this ASU is required to be done using a modified retrospective approach.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendment replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology of recognizing credit losses when a loss is probable, with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to assess credit loss estimates. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for periods after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements or results of operations, but does not expect the amendments in this ASU to materially impact its consolidated financial statements.     

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendment eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Earlier application is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 715): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this update better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The guidance also eases the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. The amendments to cash flow and net investment hedge relationships should be applied using a modified retrospective approach while the presentation and disclosure requirements are applied prospectively, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in this update will permit entities to reclassify tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of tax legislation enacted by the U.S. government on December 22, 2017, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), to retained earnings. The FASB gave entities the option to reclassify these amounts rather than require reclassification and the option to apply the guidance retrospectively or in the period of adoption. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

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Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions and Dispositions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

During the three months endedMarch 31, 2018, the Company acquired 5 dealerships in the U.K., inclusive of 8 franchises, and opened one dealership for one awarded franchise. Additionally, the Company acquired 2 dealerships in the U.S., inclusive of 2 franchises. Aggregate consideration paid for these dealerships totaled $76.6 million, including the associated real estate and goodwill. Also included in the consideration paid was $5.1 million of cash received in the acquisition of the dealerships. The purchase prices have been allocated based upon the consideration paid and the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates. The allocation of the purchase prices are preliminary and based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to change within the purchase price allocation periods (generally one year from the respective acquisition date).

During the three months endedMarch 31, 2017, the Company opened one dealership for one awarded franchise in the U.K. and added motorcycles to an existing BMW dealership in Brazil. In addition, during the three months endedMarch 31, 2017, the Company disposed of two dealerships in Brazil representing two franchises.

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Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

The periodic interest rates of the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 9, “Credit Facilities”) and certain variable-rate real estate related borrowings in the U.S. are indexed to the one-month London Inter Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus an associated company credit risk rate. In order to minimize the earnings variability related to fluctuations in these periodic interest rates, the Company employs an interest rate hedging strategy, whereby it enters into arrangements with various financial institutional counterparties with investment grade credit ratings, swapping its variable interest rate exposure for a fixed interest rate over terms not to exceed the related variable-rate debt.

The Company presents the fair value of all interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company measures the fair value of its interest rate derivative instruments utilizing an income approach valuation technique, converting future amounts of cash flows to a single present value in order to obtain a transfer exit price within the bid and ask spread that is most representative of the fair value of its derivative instruments. In measuring fair value, the Company utilizes the option-pricing Black-Scholes present value technique for all of its derivative instruments. This option-pricing technique utilizes a one-month LIBOR forward yield curve, obtained from an independent external service provider, matched to the identical maturity term of the instrument being measured. Observable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation technique incorporate identical contractual notional amounts, fixed coupon rates, periodic terms for interest payments and contract maturity. The fair value estimate of the interest rate derivative instruments also considers the credit risk of the Company for instruments in a liability position or the counterparty for instruments in an asset position. The credit risk is calculated by using the spread between the one-month LIBOR yield curve and the relevant average 10 and 20-year rate according to Standard and Poor’s. The Company has determined the valuation measurement inputs of these derivative instruments to maximize the use of observable inputs that market participants would use in pricing similar or identical instruments and market data obtained from independent sources, which is readily observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the derivative instrument. Further, the valuation measurement inputs minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accordingly, the Company has classified the derivatives within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework as described by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurement.

The related gains or losses on these interest rate derivative instruments are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. These deferred gains and losses are recognized in income in the period in which the related items being hedged are recognized in expense. However, to the extent that the change in value of a derivative contract does not perfectly offset the change in the value of the items being hedged, that ineffective portion is immediately recognized in other income or expense. Monthly contractual settlements of these swap positions are recognized as floorplan or other interest expense in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. All of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges. As of March 31, 2018, all of the Company’s derivative instruments that were in effect were determined to be effective. The Company had no gains or losses related to ineffectiveness or amounts excluded from effectiveness testing recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 or 2017, respectively.

The Company held 25 interest rate derivative instruments in effect as of March 31, 2018 of $822.1 million in notional value that fixed its underlying one-month LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.6%. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the impact of the Company’s interest rate hedges in effect increased floorplan interest expense by $1.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively. Total floorplan interest expense, inclusive of the aforementioned impact of the Company's interest rate hedges, was $14.1 million and $11.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

In addition to the $822.1 million of swaps in effect as of March 31, 2018, the Company held seven additional interest rate derivative instruments with forward start dates between December 2018 and December 2020 and expiration dates between December 2021 and December 2030. The aggregate notional value of these seven forward-starting swaps was $375.0 million, and the weighted average interest rate was 1.8%. The combination of the interest rate derivative instruments currently in effect and these forward-starting derivative instruments is structured such that the notional value in effect at any given time through December 2030 does not exceed $918.4 million, which is less than the Company's expectation for variable-rate debt outstanding during such period.

Assets and liabilities associated with interest rate derivative instruments as reflected in the accompanying balance sheets were as follows:

	As of March 31, 2018		As of December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Assets from interest rate risk management activities:
Other long-term assets	$	15,987	$	9,501
Total	$	15,987	$	9,501
Liabilities from interest rate risk management activities:
Current	$	1,177	$	1,996
Long-term	3,512		8,583
Total	$	4,689	$	10,579

Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss at March 31, 2018 and 2017 were accumulated unrealized losses, net of income taxes, totaling $8.7 million and $6.7 million, respectively, related to these interest rate derivative instruments.

The following table presents the impact during the current and comparative prior year periods for the Company's interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheets.

	Amount of Unrealized Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship	2018			2017
	(In thousands)
Interest rate derivative instruments	$	7,892		$	390
	Amount of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations
Location of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
	(In thousands)
Floorplan interest expense	$	(1,737	)	$	(2,948	)
Other interest expense	(254		)	(681		)

The amount of loss expected to be reclassified out of other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings as additional floorplan interest expense or other interest expense in the next twelve months is $2.7 million.

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Stock-Based Compensation Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The Company provides stock-based compensation benefits to employees and non-employee directors pursuant to its 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"), as well as to employees pursuant to its Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the "Purchase Plan", formerly named the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan).

Long Term Incentive Plan

The Incentive Plan provides for the grant of options (including options qualified as incentive stock options under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and options that are non-qualified), restricted stock, performance awards, bonus stock, and phantom stock to the Company's employees, consultants, non-employee directors and officers. The Incentive Plan expires on May 21, 2024. The terms of the awards (including vesting schedules) are established by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. As of March 31, 2018, there were 878,454 shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan.

Restricted Stock Awards

Under the Incentive Plan, the Company grants to non-employee directors and certain employees restricted stock awards or, at their election, restricted stock units (to non-employee directors only) at no cost to the recipient. Restricted stock awards qualify as participating securities because each award contains non-forfeitable rights to dividends. As such, the two-class method is required for the computation of earnings per share. See Note 6, "Earnings Per Share", for further details. Restricted stock awards are considered outstanding at the date of grant but are subject to vesting periods upon issuance of up to five years. Restricted stock units are considered vested at the time of issuance. However, since they convey no voting rights, they are not considered outstanding when issued. Restricted stock units settle in cash upon the termination of the grantees’ employment or directorship. In the event an employee or non-employee director terminates his or her employment or directorship with the Company prior to the lapse of the restrictions, the shares, in most cases, will be forfeited to the Company. The Company issues new shares or treasury shares, if available, when restricted stock vests. Compensation expense for restricted stock awards is calculated based on the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant and recognized over the requisite service period. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. This estimate is adjusted annually based on the extent to which actual or expected forfeitures differ from the previous estimate.

A summary of the restricted stock awards as of March 31, 2018, along with the changes during the three months then ended, is as follows:

	Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2017	702,778		$	68.23
Granted	194,421		75.72
Vested	(167,934	)	61.63
Forfeited	(14,180	)	70.34
Nonvested at March 31, 2018	715,085		$	71.78

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Purchase Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 4.5 million shares of common stock and provides that no options to purchase shares may be granted under the Purchase Plan after May 19, 2025. The Purchase Plan is available to all employees of the Company and its participating subsidiaries and is a qualified plan as defined by Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. At the end of each fiscal quarter (the “Option Period”) during the term of the Purchase Plan, employees can acquire shares of common stock from the Company at 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or the last day of the Option Period, whichever is lower. As of March 31, 2018, there were 1,102,825 shares available for issuance under the Purchase Plan. During the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company issued 36,270 and 30,154 shares, respectively, of common stock to employees participating in the Purchase Plan. With respect to shares issued under the Purchase Plan, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized specific share repurchases to fund the shares issuable under the Purchase Plan.

The weighted average per share fair value of employee stock purchase rights issued pursuant to the Purchase Plan was $16.22 and $18.66 for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The fair value of stock purchase rights is calculated using the grant date stock price, the value of the embedded call option and the value of the embedded put option.

Stock-Based Compensation

Total stock-based compensation cost was $5.6 million and $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Cash received from Purchase Plan purchases was $2.0 million and $1.9 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE

The two-class method is utilized for the computation of the Company's earnings per share (“EPS”). The two-class method requires a portion of net income to be allocated to participating securities, which are unvested awards of share-based payments with non-forfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents. The Company’s restricted stock awards are participating securities. Income allocated to these participating securities is excluded from net earnings available to common shares, as shown in the table below. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to basic common shares by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to diluted common shares by the weighted average number of dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.

The following table sets forth the calculation of EPS for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	20,298		20,692
Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock	9		6
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding	20,307		20,698
Basic:
Net Income	$	35,814	$	33,939
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	1,209		1,250
Earnings available to basic common shares	$	34,605	$	32,689
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.70	$	1.58
Diluted:
Net Income	$	35,814	$	33,939
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	1,208		1,250
Earnings available to diluted common shares	$	34,606	$	32,689
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.70	$	1.58

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Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%, creating a territorial tax system that generally eliminates U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated earnings of their foreign subsidiaries, creating a "minimum tax" on certain foreign earnings (i.e. global intangible low-taxed income, or "GILTI"), limiting the deduction for net interest expense incurred by U.S. corporations, and eliminating certain deductions, including deductions for certain compensation arrangements and certain other business expenses.

In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (“SAB 118”), the Company made a reasonable estimate of the Tax Act’s impact and provisionally recorded this estimate in its results for the period ended December 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2018, the Company has not completed its accounting for the aspects of the Tax Act recorded provisionally: the re-measurement of deferred taxes based on the reduced tax rate, and the Company's provisional determination that the Company does not have a transition tax liability for previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profits of foreign subsidiaries. The Company will continue to gather data and evaluate the impact of the Tax Act after the Company has considered additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, state tax authorities and other standard-setting bodies. This analysis may result in adjustments to the provisional amounts, which would impact the Company's provision for income taxes and effective tax rate for the period in which the adjustments are made. The Company expects to complete its accounting for the Tax Act in 2018.

The Company recognizes the tax on GILTI as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred. Under this policy, the Company has not provided deferred taxes related to temporary differences that upon their reversal will affect the amount of income subject to GILTI in the period. As of March 31, 2018, the Company estimated that the 2018 GILTI tax will not be material.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and income taxes in numerous U.S. states. In addition, the Company is subject to income tax in the U.K. and Brazil relative to its foreign subsidiaries. The Company's effective income tax rate of 22.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was more than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0%, due primarily to: (1) the taxes provided for in U.S. state jurisdictions; (2) valuation allowances provided for net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain U.S. states and in Brazil; and (3) unrecognized tax benefits with respect to uncertain tax positions, partially offset by: (1) income generated in the U.K., which is taxed at a 19.0% statutory rate; and (2) excess tax deductions for restricted stock awards. Compared to the effective tax rate for three months ended March 31, 2017 of 33.7%, the Company's effective tax rate decreased primarily due to the impact of the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate as a result of the Tax Act.

As of March 31, 2018, the Company's unrecognized tax benefits totaled $1.3 million, including related interest and penalty. To the extent that any such tax benefits are recognized in the future, such recognition would impact the tax liability in that period by approximately $1.0 million. Consistent with prior treatment of tax related assessments, the Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

The Company's taxable years 2013 and subsequent remain open for examination in the U.S. The Company's taxable years 2016 and subsequent remain open in the U.K., and taxable years 2012 and subsequent remain open in Brazil.

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Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]

Detail Of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts

DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

Accounts and notes receivable consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(unaudited)
	(In thousands)
Amounts due from manufacturers	$	107,521	$	109,599
Parts and service receivables (1)	52,013		39,343
Finance and insurance receivables (1)	31,180		25,293
Other	12,666		17,514
Total accounts and notes receivable	203,380		191,749
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	3,221		3,138
Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	$	200,159	$	188,611

Inventories consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(unaudited)
	(In thousands)
New vehicles	$	1,237,012	$	1,194,632
Used vehicles	359,725		350,760
Rental vehicles	136,809		144,213
Parts, accessories and other (1)	80,632		82,755
Total inventories	1,814,178		1,772,360
Less lower of cost or net realizable value allowance	10,002		9,067
Inventories, net (1)	$	1,804,176	$	1,763,293

⁽¹⁾ December 31, 2017 balances have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective approach as a part of the implementation of Topic 606. See Note 1, "Interim Financial Information", for further detail.

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

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

	Estimated Useful Lives in Years	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(unaudited)
		(in thousands)
Land	—	$	485,938	$	482,600
Buildings	25 to 50	721,033		700,257
Leasehold improvements	varies	177,869		172,071
Machinery and equipment	7 to 20	120,626		117,781
Furniture and fixtures	3 to 10	105,632		100,881
Company vehicles	3 to 5	12,157		11,933
Construction in progress	—	55,837		41,824
Total		1,679,092		1,627,347
Less accumulated depreciation		321,222		308,388
Property and equipment, net		$	1,357,870	$	1,318,959

During the three months endedMarch 31, 2018, the Company incurred $33.0 million of capital expenditures for the construction of new or expanded facilities and the purchase of equipment and other fixed assets in the maintenance of the Company’s dealerships and facilities, excluding $8.8 million of capital expenditures accrued as of December 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had accrued $6.1 million of capital expenditures. In addition, the Company purchased real estate (including land and buildings) during the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 associated with existing dealership operations totaling $12.2 million. In conjunction with the acquisition of dealerships and franchises in the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company acquired $8.9 million of real estate and other property and equipment.

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Credit Facilities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]

CREDIT FACILITIES

CREDIT FACILITIES

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

Revolving Credit Facility

After considering the outstanding balance of $1,087.0 million at March 31, 2018, the Company had $353.0 million of available floorplan borrowing capacity under the Floorplan Line. Included in the $353.0 million available borrowings under the Floorplan Line was $74.4 million of immediately available funds. The weighted average interest rate on the Floorplan Line was 3.0% and 2.7% as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, excluding the impact of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments. With regards to the Acquisition Line, there were $28.0 million borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and $27.0 million borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2017, both of which consisted entirely of borrowings in British pound sterling. The interest rate on the Acquisition Line was 2.25% as of March 31, 2018, representing the applicable rate for borrowings in British pound sterling. After considering $25.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and other factors included in the Company’s available borrowing base calculation, there was $307.5 million of available borrowing capacity under the Acquisition Line as of March 31, 2018. The amount of available borrowing capacity under the Acquisition Line is limited from time to time based upon certain debt covenants.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to make disbursements outside of the ordinary course of business, dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, create liens on assets, make investments and engage in mergers or consolidations. The Company is also required to comply with specified financial tests and ratios defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, such as the fixed charge coverage and total adjusted leverage ratios. Further, the Revolving Credit Facility restricts the Company’s ability to make certain payments, such as dividends or other distributions of assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations or securities (“Restricted Payments”). The Restricted Payments cannot exceed the sum of $208.5 million plus (or minus if negative) (a) one-half of the aggregate consolidated net income for the period beginning on April 1, 2014 and ending on the date of determination and (b) the amount of net cash proceeds received from the sale of capital stock after June 2, 2014 and ending on the date of determination less (c) cash dividends and share repurchases after June 2, 2014 (“Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket”). For purposes of the calculation of the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket, net income represents such amounts per the Consolidated Financial Statements adjusted to exclude the Company’s foreign operations, non-cash interest expense, non-cash asset impairment charges, and non-cash stock-based compensation. As of March 31, 2018, the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket totaled $186.6 million. The Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants and ratios under the Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2018. All of the U.S. dealership-owning subsidiaries are co-borrowers under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company's obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by essentially all of the Company's U.S. personal property (other than equity interests in dealership-owning subsidiaries), including all motor vehicle inventory and proceeds from the disposition of dealership-owning subsidiaries, excluding inventory financed directly with manufacturer-affiliates and other third-party financial institutions.

Ford Motor Credit Company Facility

As of March 31, 2018, the Company had an outstanding balance of $146.3 million under the FMCC Facility with an available floorplan borrowing capacity of $153.7 million. Included in the $153.7 million available borrowings under the FMCC Facility was $24.0 million of immediately available funds. This facility bears interest at a rate of Prime plus 150 basis points minus certain incentives. The interest rate on the FMCC Facility was 6.25% before considering the applicable incentives as of March 31, 2018.

Other Credit Facilities

The Company has credit facilities with financial institutions in the U.K., most of which are affiliated with the manufacturers, for financing new, used and rental vehicle inventories related to its U.K. operations. As of March 31, 2018, borrowings outstanding under these facilities totaled $149.6 million. Annual interest rates charged on borrowings outstanding under these facilities, after the grace period of zero to 30 days, ranged from 1.25% to 3.95%.

The Company has credit facilities with financial institutions in Brazil, most of which are affiliated with the manufacturers, for the financing of new, used and rental vehicle inventories related to its Brazilian operations. As of March 31, 2018, borrowings outstanding under these facilities totaled $22.8 million. Annual interest rates charged on borrowings outstanding under these facilities, after the grace period of zero to 90 days, ranged from 10.92% to 16.77%.

Excluding rental vehicles financed through the Revolving Credit Facility, financing for U.S. rental vehicles is typically obtained directly from the automobile manufacturers. As of March 31, 2018, borrowings outstanding under these rental vehicle facilities totaled $116.0 million, with interest rates that vary up to 6.25%.

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Long-Term Debt

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT

The Company carries its long-term debt at face value, net of applicable discounts and capitalized debt issuance costs. Long-term debt consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(in thousands)
5.00% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $550,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)	$	542,474	$	542,063
5.25% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $300,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)	296,295		296,151
Acquisition Line	28,035		26,988
Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt	500,716		440,845
Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through December 2037 with a weighted average interest rate of 8.7% and 10.4%, respectively	67,445		51,665
	1,434,965		1,357,712
Less current maturities of long-term debt	58,195		39,528
	$	1,376,770	$	1,318,184

Included in current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, as of December 31, 2017, were two short-term revolving working capital loan agreements with third-party financial institutions in the U.K. that totaled $13.4 million and an unsecured loan agreement with a third-party financial institution in the U.S. that totaled $24.7 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company repaid the entire balance under all of the short-term financing arrangements.

Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt

The mortgage loans in the U.S. consist of 60 term loans for an aggregate principal amount of $442.9 million. As of March 31, 2018, borrowings outstanding under these notes totaled $379.7 million, with $41.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company made additional net borrowings and principal payments of $34.8 million and $5.1 million, respectively.

The Company has entered into 18 separate term mortgage loans in the U.K. with other third-party financial institutions which are secured by the Company’s U.K. properties. These mortgage loans (collectively, “U.K. Notes”) are denominated in British pound sterling and are being repaid in monthly installments that will mature by September 2034. As of March 31, 2018, borrowings under the U.K. mortgage loans totaled $87.6 million, with $8.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company made additional borrowings and principal payments of $12.1 million and $6.6 million, respectively, associated with the U.K. Notes. Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company entered into an unsecured loan agreement in the U.K. with a third-party financial institution that matures in March 2028. As of March 31, 2018, borrowings under the agreement totaled $22.0 million, with $2.2 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of March 31, 2018, borrowings under the Brazil mortgage totaled $3.1 million, with $0.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company made no additional borrowings and made principal payments of $0.1 million associated with the Brazil mortgage.

The Company also has a working capital loan agreement with a third-party financial institution in Brazil. As of March 31, 2018, borrowings under the Brazilian third-party loan totaled $6.7 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company made no additional borrowings or principal payments.

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

The Company's outstanding 5.00% Notes had a fair value of $555.7 million and $567.9 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company's outstanding 5.25% Notes had a fair value of $300.0 million and $310.9 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The carrying value of the Company's fixed interest rate borrowings included in real estate related and other long-term debt totaled $85.0 million and $86.8 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The fair value of such fixed interest rate borrowings was $91.0 million and $92.9 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The fair value estimates are based on Level 2 inputs of the fair value hierarchy available as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company determined the estimated fair value of its long-term debt using available market information and commonly accepted valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, these estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company, or holders of the instruments, could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on estimated fair values. The carrying value of the Company’s variable rate debt approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the interest rates.

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Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; requires disclosure of the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date; and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs utilized in the measurement and valuation of financial assets or liabilities as of the measurement date:

•Level 1 — unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

•Level 2 — quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and

•Level 3 — unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, investments in debt and equity securities, accounts payable, credit facilities, long-term debt and interest rate derivative instruments. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, and credit facilities approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments and/or the existence of variable interest rates. The Company evaluated its assets and liabilities for those that met the criteria of the disclosure requirements and fair value framework of ASC 820 and identified demand obligations, interest rate derivative instruments, and investment balances in certain financial institutions as having met such criteria. See Note 10, "Long-Term Debt" for details regarding the fair value of the Company's long-term debt.

The Company periodically invests in unsecured, corporate demand obligations with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies, which bear interest at a variable rate and are redeemable on demand by the Company. Therefore, the Company has classified these demand obligations as cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework.

In addition, the Company maintains an investment balance with certain of the financial institutions in Brazil that provide credit facilities for the financing of new, used and rental vehicle inventories. The investment balances bear interest at a variable rate and are redeemable by the Company in the future under certain conditions. The Company has classified these investment balances as restricted cash within other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework.

The Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair market value. See Note 4, "Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities" for further details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments.

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework, in the accompanying balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, were as follows:

	As of March 31, 2018		As of December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Investments	$	1,469	$	844
Demand obligations	13		13
Interest rate derivative financial instruments	15,987		9,501
Total	$	17,469	$	10,358
Liabilities:
Interest rate derivative financial instruments	$	4,689	$	10,579
Total	$	4,689	$	10,579

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Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

From time to time, the Company’s dealerships are named in various types of litigation involving customer claims, employment matters, class action claims, purported class action claims, as well as claims involving the manufacturer of automobiles, contractual disputes and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Due to the nature of the automotive retailing business, the Company may be involved in legal proceedings or suffer losses that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. In the normal course of business, the Company is required to respond to customer, employee and other third-party complaints. Amounts that have been accrued or paid related to the settlement of litigation are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the manufacturers of the vehicles that the Company sells and services have audit rights allowing them to review the validity of amounts claimed for incentive, rebate or warranty-related items and charge the Company back for amounts determined to be invalid payments under the manufacturers’ programs, subject to the Company’s right to appeal any such decision. Amounts that have been accrued or paid related to the settlement of manufacturer chargebacks of recognized incentives and rebates are included in cost of sales in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, while such amounts for manufacturer chargebacks of recognized warranty-related items are included as a reduction of Revenues in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Legal Proceedings

Currently, the Company is not party to any legal proceedings that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, including class action lawsuits. However, the results of current, or future, matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of such matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

Other Matters

The Company, acting through its subsidiaries, is the lessee under many real estate leases that provide for the use by the Company’s subsidiaries of their respective dealership premises. Pursuant to these leases, the Company’s subsidiaries generally agree to indemnify the lessor and other parties from certain liabilities arising as a result of the use of the leased premises, including environmental liabilities, or a breach of the lease by the lessee. Additionally, from time to time, the Company enters into agreements in connection with the sale of assets or businesses in which it agrees to indemnify the purchaser, or other parties, from certain liabilities or costs arising in connection with the assets or business. Also, in the ordinary course of business in connection with purchases or sales of goods and services, the Company enters into agreements that may contain indemnification provisions. In the event that an indemnification claim is asserted, liability would be limited by the terms of the applicable agreement.

From time to time, primarily in connection with dealership dispositions, the Company’s subsidiaries sublet to the dealership purchaser the subsidiaries’ interests in any real property leases associated with such dealerships and continue to be primarily obligated on the lease. In these situations, the Company’s subsidiaries retain primary responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases. To the extent that the Company remains primarily responsible under such leases, a quantification of such lease obligations is included in the Company's disclosure of future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases in Note 18, "Operating Leases" to "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of the 2017 Form 10-K.

In certain instances, also in connection with dealership dispositions, the Company’s subsidiaries assign to the dealership purchaser the subsidiaries’ interests in any real property leases associated with such dealerships. The Company’s subsidiaries may retain secondary responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases to the extent that the assignee does not perform, if such performance is required following the assignment of the lease. Additionally, the Company and its subsidiaries may remain subject to the terms of a guaranty made by the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with such leases. In these circumstances, the Company generally has indemnification rights against the assignee in the event of non-performance under these leases, as well as certain defenses. The Company and its subsidiaries also may be called on to perform other obligations under these leases, such as environmental remediation of the leased premises or repair of the leased premises upon termination of the lease. However, potential environmental liabilities are generally known at the time of the sale of the dealership if not previously remediated. The Company does not have any known material environmental commitments or contingencies and presently has no reason to believe that it or its subsidiaries will be called on to so perform. Although not estimated to be material, the Company’s exposure under these leases is difficult to estimate and there can be no assurance that any performance of the Company or its subsidiaries required under these leases would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, or cash flows.

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Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS AND GOODWILL

INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS AND GOODWILL

The following is a roll-forward of the Company’s intangible franchise rights and goodwill accounts by reportable segment:

	Intangible Franchise Rights
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
BALANCE, December 31, 2017	$	255,981	$	29,483	$	168	$	285,632
Additions through acquisitions	1,301		7,454		—		8,755
Currency translation	—		1,238		1		1,239
BALANCE, March 31, 2018	$	257,282	$	38,175	$	169	$	295,626

	Goodwill
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
BALANCE, December 31, 2017	$	835,267	$	65,034	$	12,733	$	913,034	(1)
Additions through acquisitions	14,199		29,930		—		44,129
Purchase price allocation adjustments	18		—		—		18
Currency translation	—		2,901		28		2,929
BALANCE, March 31, 2018	$	849,484	$	97,865	$	12,761	$	960,110	(1)

⁽¹⁾ Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Equity [Abstract]

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
	Accumulated foreign currency translation loss			Accumulated gain on interest rate swaps			Total
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	(122,552	)	$	(674	)	$	(123,226	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
Pre-tax	7,871			10,384			18,255
Tax effect	—			(2,492		)	(2,492		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to:
Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax)	—			1,737			1,737
Other interest expense (pre-tax)	—			254			254
Tax effect	—			(478		)	(478		)
Net current period other comprehensive income	7,871			9,405			17,276
Balance, March 31, 2018	$	(114,681	)	$	8,731		$	(105,950	)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Accumulated foreign currency translation loss			Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps			Total
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2016	$	(137,613	)	$	(9,331	)	$	(146,944	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:
Pre-tax	4,137			624			4,761
Tax effect	—			(234		)	(234		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to:
Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax)	—			2,948			2,948
Other interest expense (pre-tax)	—			681			681
Tax effect	—			(1,361		)	(1,361		)
Net current period other comprehensive income	4,137			2,658			6,795
Balance, March 31, 2017	$	(133,476	)	$	(6,673	)	$	(140,149	)

XML

Segment Information Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

SEGMENT INFORMATION

As of March 31, 2018, the Company had three reportable segments: (1) the U.S., (2) the U.K., and (3) Brazil. Each of the reportable segments is comprised of retail automotive franchises, which sell new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. The vast majority of the Company's corporate activities are associated with the operations of the U.S. operating segment and therefore the corporate financial results are included within the U.S. reportable segment.

Reportable segment revenue, income (loss) before income taxes, (provision) benefit for income taxes and net income (loss) were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
	U.S.			U.K.			Brazil			Total
	(In thousands)
Total revenues	$	2,088,486		$	660,542		$	110,998		$	2,860,026
Income (loss) before income taxes	40,510			5,737			(80		)	46,167
Provision for income taxes	(9,357		)	(862		)	(134		)	(10,353		)
Net income (loss)	31,153			4,875			(214		)	35,814

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	U.S.			U.K.			Brazil			Total
	(In thousands)
Total revenues	$	1,967,719		$	450,327		$	100,783		$	2,518,829
Income before income taxes	45,606			5,381			209			51,196
Provision for income taxes	(16,347		)	(870		)	(40		)	(17,257		)
Net income (1)	29,259			4,511			169			33,939

⁽¹⁾ Includes the following, after tax: gain on legal settlement with an OEM of $1.1 million in the U.S.

Reportable segment total assets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, were as follows:

	As of March 31, 2018
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
Total assets	$	4,099,066	$	824,333	$	135,079	$	5,058,478

	As of December 31, 2017
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
Total assets	$	4,087,039	$	654,154	$	129,872	$	4,871,065

XML

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Financial Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Text Block]

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following tables include condensed consolidating financial information as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, for Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s (as issuer of the 5.00% Notes) guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries (representing foreign entities). The condensed consolidating financial information includes certain allocations of balance sheet, statement of operations and cash flows items that are not necessarily indicative of the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of these entities had they operated on a stand-alone basis. In accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, condensed consolidated financial statements of non-guarantors are not required. The Company has no assets or operations independent of its subsidiaries. Obligations under the 5.00% Notes are fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company’s current wholly owned domestic subsidiaries and certain of the Company’s future domestic subsidiaries, with the exception of the Company’s “minor” subsidiaries (as defined by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X). There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Company or subsidiary guarantors for the Company to obtain funds from its subsidiary guarantors by dividend or loan. None of the subsidiary guarantors’ assets represent restricted assets pursuant to SEC Rule 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

March 31, 2018

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.		Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Elimination			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	8,874		$	24,216	$	—		$	33,090
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	—		209,364			88,521		—			297,885
Accounts and notes receivable, net	—		140,243			59,916		—			200,159
Intercompany accounts receivable	28,035		40,271			—		(68,306		)	—
Inventories, net	—		1,438,626			365,550		—			1,804,176
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		28,151			49,737		—			77,888
Total current assets	28,035		1,865,529			587,940		(68,306		)	2,413,198
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	—		1,127,632			230,238		—			1,357,870
GOODWILL	—		849,485			110,625		—			960,110
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	—		257,281			38,345		—			295,626
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	3,017,378		—			—		(3,017,378		)	—
OTHER ASSETS	—		19,943			11,731		—			31,674
Total assets	$	3,045,413	$	4,119,870		$	978,879	$	(3,085,684	)	$	5,058,478
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	$	—	$	1,161,401		$	38,340	$	—		$	1,199,741
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	—		(74,359		)	—		—			(74,359		)
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates	—		286,320			133,995		—			420,315
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	—		(24,000		)	—		—			(24,000		)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	—		46,207			11,988		—			58,195
Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities	—		1,177			—		—			1,177
Accounts payable	—		217,150			274,691		—			491,841
Intercompany accounts payable	904,425		—			68,306		(972,731		)	—
Accrued expenses	696		159,784			33,768		—			194,248
Total current liabilities	905,121		1,773,680			561,088		(972,731		)	2,267,158
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	866,803		373,977			135,990		—			1,376,770
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	—		3,512			—		—			3,512
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	855		218,811			13,293		—			232,959
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	1,272,634		2,654,315			268,508		(3,017,378		)	1,178,079
Intercompany note receivable	—		(904,425		)	—		904,425			—
Total stockholders’ equity	1,272,634		1,749,890			268,508		(2,112,953		)	1,178,079
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,045,413	$	4,119,870		$	978,879	$	(3,085,684	)	$	5,058,478

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2017

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Elimination			Total Company
	(In thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	10,096		$	18,691	$	—		$	28,787
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	—			266,788			39,645		—			306,433
Accounts and notes receivable, net	—			144,872			43,739		—			188,611
Intercompany accounts receivable	26,988			12,948			—		(39,936		)	—
Inventories, net	—			1,434,852			328,441		—			1,763,293
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,934			8,378			31,750		—			42,062
Total current assets	28,922			1,877,934			462,266		(39,936		)	2,329,186
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	—			1,121,108			197,851		—			1,318,959
GOODWILL	—			835,268			77,766		—			913,034
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	—			255,980			29,652		—			285,632
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	2,999,407			—			—		(2,999,407		)	—
OTHER ASSETS	—			13,682			10,572		—			24,254
Total assets	$	3,028,329		$	4,103,972		$	778,107	$	(3,039,343	)	$	4,871,065
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	$	—		$	1,219,844		$	20,851	$	—		$	1,240,695
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	—			(86,547		)	—		—			(86,547		)
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates	—			272,563			124,620		—			397,183
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	—			(22,500		)	—		—			(22,500		)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	24,741			31,229			21,639		—			77,609
Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities	—			1,996			—		—			1,996
Accounts payable	—			229,470			183,511		—			412,981
Intercompany accounts payable	890,995			—			39,936		(930,931		)	—
Accrued expenses	—			150,241			26,829		—			177,070
Total current liabilities	915,736			1,796,296			417,386		(930,931		)	2,198,487
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	865,202			360,526			92,456		—			1,318,184
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	—			8,583			—		—			8,583
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	(117		)	210,216			11,430		—			221,529
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	1,247,508			2,619,346			256,835		(2,999,407		)	1,124,282
Intercompany note receivable	—			(890,995		)	—		890,995			—
Total stockholders’ equity	1,247,508			1,728,351			256,835		(2,108,412		)	1,124,282
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,028,329		$	4,103,972		$	778,107	$	(3,039,343	)	$	4,871,065

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Elimination			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
REVENUES	$	—		$	2,088,487		$	771,539		$	—		$	2,860,026
COST OF SALES	—			1,752,802			687,461			—			2,440,263
GROSS PROFIT	—			335,685			84,078			—			419,763
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	1,768			249,165			73,414			—			324,347
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	—			12,881			3,461			—			16,342
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	—			—			—			—			—
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(1,768		)	73,639			7,203			—			79,074
OTHER EXPENSE:
Floorplan interest expense	—			(12,337		)	(1,750		)	—			(14,087		)
Other interest expense, net	—			(17,017		)	(1,803		)	—			(18,820		)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	(1,768		)	44,285			3,650			—			46,167
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	424			(9,780		)	(997		)	—			(10,353		)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	37,158			—			—			(37,158		)	—
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	35,814		$	34,505		$	2,653		$	(37,158	)	$	35,814
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	—			9,405			7,871			—			17,276
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	$	35,814		$	43,910		$	10,524		$	(37,158	)	$	53,090

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Elimination			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
REVENUES	$	—		$	1,967,718		$	551,111		$	—		$	2,518,829
COST OF SALES	—			1,647,123			488,184			—			2,135,307
GROSS PROFIT	—			320,595			62,927			—			383,522
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	1,966			232,611			55,202			—			289,779
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	—			11,567			2,039			—			13,606
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(1,966		)	76,417			5,686			—			80,137
OTHER EXPENSE:
Floorplan interest expense	—			(10,878		)	(1,064		)	—			(11,942		)
Other interest expense, net	—			(16,274		)	(725		)	—			(16,999		)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	(1,966		)	49,265			3,897			—			51,196
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	737			(17,084		)	(910		)	—			(17,257		)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	35,167			—			—			(35,167		)	—
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	33,938		$	32,181		$	2,987		$	(35,167	)	$	33,939
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	—			2,658			4,137			—			6,795
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	$	33,938		$	34,839		$	7,124		$	(35,167	)	$	40,734

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	35,814		$	114,862		$	(1,894	)	$	148,782
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	—			(31,414		)	(40,085		)	(71,499		)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	—			918			2,022			2,940
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	—			(34,101		)	(13,847		)	(47,948		)
Other	—			140			—			140
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(64,457		)	(51,910		)	(116,367		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	—			1,612,866			43,326			1,656,192
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	—			(1,675,917		)	(26,530		)	(1,702,447		)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	66,945			—			—			66,945
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	(66,444		)	—			—			(66,444		)
Borrowings on other debt	—			43,326			22,288			65,614
Principal payments on other debt	(24,742		)	(1,987		)	(13,349		)	(40,078		)
Borrowings on debt related to real estate	—			34,817			12,018			46,835
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	—			(31,000		)	(6,819		)	(37,819		)
Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings	(1,638		)	—			—			(1,638		)
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	(9,199		)	—			—			(9,199		)
Dividends paid	(5,495		)	—			—			(5,495		)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	22,730			(50,554		)	27,824			—
Investment in subsidiaries	(17,971		)	16,822			1,149			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(35,814		)	(51,627		)	59,907			(27,534		)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	—			—			47			47
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	—			(1,222		)	6,150			4,928
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period	—			10,096			19,535			29,631
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period	$	—		$	8,874		$	25,685		$	34,559

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	33,939		$	23,409		$	11,869		$	69,217
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	—			—			(95		)	(95		)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	—			181			2,026			2,207
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	—			(43,091		)	(3,360		)	(46,451		)
Other	—			2,459			—			2,459
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(40,451		)	(1,429		)	(41,880		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	—			1,580,590			13,781			1,594,371
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	—			(1,586,075		)	(12,216		)	(1,598,291		)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	15,000			—			—			15,000
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	(15,000		)	—			—			(15,000		)
Principal payments on other debt	—			(232		)	—			(232		)
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	—			(5,589		)	(1,242		)	(6,831		)
Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings	(1,030		)	—			—			(1,030		)
Dividends paid	(5,150		)	—			—			(5,150		)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	(70,250		)	68,483			1,767			—
Investment in subsidiaries	42,491			(42,498		)	7			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(33,939		)	14,679			2,097			(17,163		)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	—			—			260			260
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	—			(2,363		)	12,797			10,434
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period	—			8,039			16,207			24,246
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period	$	—		$	5,676		$	29,004		$	34,680

XML

Interim Financial Information Interim Financial Information (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Statements of Cash Flows [Policy Text Block]

Statements of Cash Flows

With respect to all new vehicle floorplan borrowings, the manufacturers of the vehicles draft the Company’s credit facilities directly with no cash flow to or from the Company. With respect to borrowings for used vehicle financing in the U.S., the Company finances up to 85% of the value of the used vehicle inventory and the funds flow directly to the Company from the lender. In the U.K. and Brazil, the Company chooses which used vehicles to finance and the borrowings flow directly to the Company from the lender. All borrowings from, and repayments to, lenders affiliated with the vehicle manufacturers (excluding the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the Company’s syndicated lending group under the Revolving Credit Facility) are presented within Cash Flows from Operating Activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. All borrowings from, and repayments to, the syndicated lending group under the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 9, “Credit Facilities”) (including the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the facility), as well as borrowing from, and repayments to, the Company’s other credit facilities are presented within Cash Flows from Financing Activities.

Cash paid for interest, including the monthly settlement of the Company’s interest rate derivatives, was $20.3 million and $17.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company received a net refund from taxes of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds, was $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendment addresses several specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its net income, retained earnings, consolidated financial statements, results of operations or cash flows.     

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF"). The amendments require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The amendments in this update clarify the definition of a business in order to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively. The Company adopted ASU 2017-01 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. The amendments in this update provide clarity and reduce both diversity in practice and cost and complexity when applying the guidance of Topic 718 to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. Under the new guidance, an entity will not apply modification accounting to a share-based payment award if all of the following are the same immediately before and after the change: 1) the award's fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if those measurement methods are used), 2) the award's vesting conditions, and 3) the award's classification as an equity or liability instrument. The Company adopted ASU 2017-09 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

Adoption of ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers"

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and all subsequent amendments issued thereafter, that amends the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The Company adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized as of the date of adoption. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting policies under Topic 605.

The Company identified its material revenue streams to be the sale of new and used vehicles; arrangement of associated vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts; the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services; and the sale of vehicle parts. The Company concluded that no changes to the timing of revenue recognition for the sale of new and used vehicles, as well as vehicle parts are necessary. As it relates to the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services recognized as a part of Parts and service sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the Company identified a change in its accounting policies and procedures. Through December 31, 2017, the Company recognized revenue once the maintenance or repair services were completed and the vehicle was delivered to the customer. Under Topic 606, the Company determined that it has an enforceable right to payment during the course of the work being performed in certain jurisdictions and, thus, the Company changed its policy under Topic 606 for those jurisdictions to recognize revenue over time as the maintenance and repair services are performed. With regards to the revenue generated from the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts recognized as a part of Finance, insurance and other, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the Company also identified a change in the Company’s accounting policies and procedures. Generally, the Company receives an upfront commission for these transactions from the finance or insurance provider and recognizes the associated revenue when the contract is executed. In some cases, the Company also earns retrospective commission income by participating in the future profitability of the portfolio of contracts sold by the Company. Through December 31, 2017, the Company’s accounting policy was to recognize upfront commission income earned when the contract was executed and the amount was determinable, and to recognize retrospective commission income as the amounts were determined and realized. The Company concluded that this retrospective commission income represents variable consideration for which the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied when the finance or insurance product contract is executed with the end user. Under the new standard, an estimate of variable consideration, subject to a constraint, is to be included in the transaction price and recognized when or as the performance obligation is satisfied. Therefore, the Company’s accounting policy changed under Topic 606 such that the Company will estimate the amount of future earnings that it will realize from the ultimate profitability of the portfolio and recognize such estimate, subject to any constraint in the estimate, upfront when the contract is executed with the end user. The Company's estimates of the amount of variable consideration to be ultimately realized will be reassessed at the end of each reporting period and changes in those estimates will be adjusted through revenue.

As a result of adopting Topic 606 and implementing the changes aforementioned for maintenance and repair services and the arrangement of associated vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts, the Company recognized a net, after-tax cumulative effect adjustment to increase retained earnings as of the date of adoption of $4.8 million and $6.6 million, respectively.

The cumulative effect of the changes made to the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018 for the adoption of Topic 606 were as follows (in thousands):

	January 1, 2018
Balance Sheet	Balance at December 31, 2017		Adjustment due to ASC 2016-09 606			Balance at January 1, 2018
	(In thousands)
Assets
Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	$	188,611	$	20,306		$	208,917
Inventories, net	1,763,293		(3,660		)	1,759,633
Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	412,981	$	1,756		$	414,737
Deferred income taxes	124,404		3,493			127,897
Stockholders' equity
Retained earnings	1,246,323		11,397			1,257,720

⁽¹⁾ Contract assets, representing a conditional right to payment, of $8.7 million are included in Accounts and notes receivables, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018.

The impact of applying Topic 606 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was as follows (in thousands):

	March 31, 2018
	As Reported		Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606		Effect of Change Higher / (Lower)
Income Statement	(In thousands)
Revenues
Parts and service sales	$	349,515	$	350,992	$	(1,477	)
Finance, insurance and other, net	112,322		112,122		200
Cost of sales
Parts and service sales	$	162,651	$	163,116	$	(465	)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	324,347		324,543		(196		)
Provision for income taxes	10,353		10,504		(151		)
Net income	35,814		36,279		(465		)
Balance Sheet
Assets
Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	$	200,159	$	181,131	$	19,028
Inventories, net	1,804,176		1,807,371		(3,195		)
Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	491,841	$	490,281	$	1,560
Deferred income taxes	134,800		131,459		3,341
Stockholders' equity
Retained earnings	$	1,288,052	$	1,277,120	$	10,932

⁽¹⁾ Contract assets, representing a conditional right to payment, of $8.9 million are included in Accounts and notes receivables, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2018.

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

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments in this ASU relate to the accounting for leasing transactions. This standard requires a lessee to record on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. In addition, this standard requires both lessees and lessors to disclose certain key information about lease transactions. This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that adoption will have on its consolidated balance sheet and statement of income. However, the Company expects that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have a significant impact on its consolidated balance sheet, as currently approximately half of its real estate is rented, not owned, via operating leases. Adoption of this ASU is required to be done using a modified retrospective approach.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendment replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology of recognizing credit losses when a loss is probable, with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to assess credit loss estimates. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for periods after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements or results of operations, but does not expect the amendments in this ASU to materially impact its consolidated financial statements.     

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendment eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Earlier application is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 715): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this update better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The guidance also eases the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. The amendments to cash flow and net investment hedge relationships should be applied using a modified retrospective approach while the presentation and disclosure requirements are applied prospectively, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in this update will permit entities to reclassify tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of tax legislation enacted by the U.S. government on December 22, 2017, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), to retained earnings. The FASB gave entities the option to reclassify these amounts rather than require reclassification and the option to apply the guidance retrospectively or in the period of adoption. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation [Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. All business acquisitions completed during the periods presented have been accounted for by applying the acquisition method of accounting, and their results of operations are included from the effective dates of the closings of the acquisitions. The allocations of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are assigned and recorded based on estimates of fair value and are subject to change within the purchase price allocation period (generally one year from the respective acquisition date). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“2017 Form 10-K”).

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

Business Segment Information

The Company has three reportable segments: the U.S., which includes the activities of the Company's corporate office, the U.K. and Brazil. The reportable segments are the business activities of the Company for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by its chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer.

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Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

The periodic interest rates of the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 9, “Credit Facilities”) and certain variable-rate real estate related borrowings in the U.S. are indexed to the one-month London Inter Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus an associated company credit risk rate. In order to minimize the earnings variability related to fluctuations in these periodic interest rates, the Company employs an interest rate hedging strategy, whereby it enters into arrangements with various financial institutional counterparties with investment grade credit ratings, swapping its variable interest rate exposure for a fixed interest rate over terms not to exceed the related variable-rate debt.

The Company presents the fair value of all interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company measures the fair value of its interest rate derivative instruments utilizing an income approach valuation technique, converting future amounts of cash flows to a single present value in order to obtain a transfer exit price within the bid and ask spread that is most representative of the fair value of its derivative instruments. In measuring fair value, the Company utilizes the option-pricing Black-Scholes present value technique for all of its derivative instruments. This option-pricing technique utilizes a one-month LIBOR forward yield curve, obtained from an independent external service provider, matched to the identical maturity term of the instrument being measured. Observable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation technique incorporate identical contractual notional amounts, fixed coupon rates, periodic terms for interest payments and contract maturity. The fair value estimate of the interest rate derivative instruments also considers the credit risk of the Company for instruments in a liability position or the counterparty for instruments in an asset position. The credit risk is calculated by using the spread between the one-month LIBOR yield curve and the relevant average 10 and 20-year rate according to Standard and Poor’s. The Company has determined the valuation measurement inputs of these derivative instruments to maximize the use of observable inputs that market participants would use in pricing similar or identical instruments and market data obtained from independent sources, which is readily observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the derivative instrument. Further, the valuation measurement inputs minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accordingly, the Company has classified the derivatives within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework as described by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurement.

The related gains or losses on these interest rate derivative instruments are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. These deferred gains and losses are recognized in income in the period in which the related items being hedged are recognized in expense. However, to the extent that the change in value of a derivative contract does not perfectly offset the change in the value of the items being hedged, that ineffective portion is immediately recognized in other income or expense. Monthly contractual settlements of these swap positions are recognized as floorplan or other interest expense in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. All of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges.

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Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Policy Text Block]

ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; requires disclosure of the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date; and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs utilized in the measurement and valuation of financial assets or liabilities as of the measurement date:

•Level 1 — unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

•Level 2 — quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and

•Level 3 — unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, investments in debt and equity securities, accounts payable, credit facilities, long-term debt and interest rate derivative instruments. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, and credit facilities approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments and/or the existence of variable interest rates. The Company evaluated its assets and liabilities for those that met the criteria of the disclosure requirements and fair value framework of ASC 820 and identified demand obligations, interest rate derivative instruments, and investment balances in certain financial institutions as having met such criteria. See Note 10, "Long-Term Debt" for details regarding the fair value of the Company's long-term debt.

The Company periodically invests in unsecured, corporate demand obligations with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies, which bear interest at a variable rate and are redeemable on demand by the Company. Therefore, the Company has classified these demand obligations as cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework.

In addition, the Company maintains an investment balance with certain of the financial institutions in Brazil that provide credit facilities for the financing of new, used and rental vehicle inventories. The investment balances bear interest at a variable rate and are redeemable by the Company in the future under certain conditions. The Company has classified these investment balances as restricted cash within other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework.

The Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair market value.

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Revenue (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

New and Used Vehicle Sales

Specific to the sale of new and used vehicles, the Company has a single performance obligation associated with these contracts - the delivery of the vehicle to the customer, which is the point at which transfer of control occurs. Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon satisfaction of the performance obligation (i.e., delivery of the vehicle to the customer). In some cases, the Company uses a third-party auction as an agent to facilitate delivery of used vehicles to the customer. Incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract are accrued at the time of sale. The transaction price for new and used vehicle sales (i.e., the amount that the Company has the right to under the terms of the sales contract with the customer) is the stand-alone sales price of each individual vehicle and is generally settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation. In many new and used vehicle sales transactions, a portion of the consideration applied by the customer to the satisfaction of the total transaction price is a used vehicle trade-in (i.e., noncash consideration). The Company measures such noncash consideration at fair value. Revenue recognized from the sale of new and used vehicles is reflected in New vehicle retail sales, Used vehicle retail sales, and Used vehicle wholesale sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. With respect to the cost of freight and shipping from its dealerships to its customers, the Company’s policy is to recognize such cost in the corresponding Cost of sales category. With respect to taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are imposed upon new and used vehicle sales transactions and collected by the Company from its customer, the Company’s policy is to exclude such amounts from Revenues.

Vehicle Parts Sales

Related to the sale of vehicle parts, the Company has a single performance obligation associated with these contracts - the delivery of the parts to the customer, which is the point at which transfer of control occurs. Revenue from the sale of vehicle parts is recognized upon satisfaction of the performance obligation (i.e., delivery of the parts to the customer). The transaction price for vehicle parts sales (i.e., the amount that the Company has the right to under the terms of the sales contract with the customer) is the stand-alone sales price of each individual part and is generally settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation. Revenue recognized from the sale of vehicle parts is reflected in Parts and service sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. With respect to the cost of freight and shipping to its customer, the Company’s policy is to recognize such fulfillment cost in the corresponding Cost of sales category. With respect to taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are imposed upon vehicle parts sales transactions and collected by the Company from its customer, the Company’s policy is to exclude such amounts from Revenues.

Maintenance and Repair Services

As it relates to vehicle maintenance and repair services, the Company has a single performance obligation associated with these contracts - the completion of the services. The Company has an enforceable right to payment in certain jurisdictions and, as such, transfers control of vehicle maintenance and repair services to its customer over time. Therefore, satisfaction of the performance obligation associated with the vehicle maintenance and repair services occurs, and the associated revenue is recognized, over time. The Company uses the input method for the measurement of progress and recognition of revenue, utilizing labor hours and parts applied to the customer vehicle to estimate the services performed for which the Company has an enforceable right to payment. The transaction price for vehicle maintenance and repair services (i.e., the amount that the Company has the right to under the terms of the service contract with the customer) is the sum total of the labor and, if applicable, vehicle parts used in the performance of the service, as well as the margin above cost charged to the customer. The transaction price is typically settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation, which generally occurs within a short period of time from contract inception. Revenue recognized from vehicle maintenance and repair services is reflected in Parts and service sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. With respect to taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are imposed upon vehicle maintenance and repair service transactions and collected by the Company from its customer, the Company’s policy is to exclude such amounts from Revenues.

Arrangement of Vehicle Financing and the Sale of Service and Other Insurance Contracts

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

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Interim Financial Information Interim Financial Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block]

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total of the same amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 11, "Fair Value Measurements", for additional details regarding the Company's restricted cash balances.

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	33,090	$	28,787
Restricted cash, included in other assets	1,469		844
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	34,559	$	29,631

Schedule of Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Table Text Block]

The cumulative effect of the changes made to the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018 for the adoption of Topic 606 were as follows (in thousands):

	January 1, 2018
Balance Sheet	Balance at December 31, 2017		Adjustment due to ASC 2016-09 606			Balance at January 1, 2018
	(In thousands)
Assets
Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	$	188,611	$	20,306		$	208,917
Inventories, net	1,763,293		(3,660		)	1,759,633
Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	412,981	$	1,756		$	414,737
Deferred income taxes	124,404		3,493			127,897
Stockholders' equity
Retained earnings	1,246,323		11,397			1,257,720

The impact of applying Topic 606 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was as follows (in thousands):

	March 31, 2018
	As Reported		Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606		Effect of Change Higher / (Lower)
Income Statement	(In thousands)
Revenues
Parts and service sales	$	349,515	$	350,992	$	(1,477	)
Finance, insurance and other, net	112,322		112,122		200
Cost of sales
Parts and service sales	$	162,651	$	163,116	$	(465	)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	324,347		324,543		(196		)
Provision for income taxes	10,353		10,504		(151		)
Net income	35,814		36,279		(465		)
Balance Sheet
Assets
Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	$	200,159	$	181,131	$	19,028
Inventories, net	1,804,176		1,807,371		(3,195		)
Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	491,841	$	490,281	$	1,560
Deferred income taxes	134,800		131,459		3,341
Stockholders' equity
Retained earnings	$	1,288,052	$	1,277,120	$	10,932

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Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]

Assets and liabilities associated with interest rate derivative instruments as reflected in the accompanying balance sheets were as follows:

	As of March 31, 2018		As of December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Assets from interest rate risk management activities:
Other long-term assets	$	15,987	$	9,501
Total	$	15,987	$	9,501
Liabilities from interest rate risk management activities:
Current	$	1,177	$	1,996
Long-term	3,512		8,583
Total	$	4,689	$	10,579

Amount of Unrealized Gain, Net of Tax, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income

The following table presents the impact during the current and comparative prior year periods for the Company's interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheets.

	Amount of Unrealized Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship	2018			2017
	(In thousands)
Interest rate derivative instruments	$	7,892		$	390
	Amount of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations
Location of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
	(In thousands)
Floorplan interest expense	$	(1,737	)	$	(2,948	)
Other interest expense	(254		)	(681		)

The amount of loss expected to be reclassified out of other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings as additional floorplan interest expense or other interest expense in the next twelve months is $2.7 million.

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Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Restricted Stock Awards

A summary of the restricted stock awards as of March 31, 2018, along with the changes during the three months then ended, is as follows:

	Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2017	702,778		$	68.23
Granted	194,421		75.72
Vested	(167,934	)	61.63
Forfeited	(14,180	)	70.34
Nonvested at March 31, 2018	715,085		$	71.78

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Basic and Diluted Earnings per share

The following table sets forth the calculation of EPS for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	20,298		20,692
Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock	9		6
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding	20,307		20,698
Basic:
Net Income	$	35,814	$	33,939
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	1,209		1,250
Earnings available to basic common shares	$	34,605	$	32,689
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.70	$	1.58
Diluted:
Net Income	$	35,814	$	33,939
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	1,208		1,250
Earnings available to diluted common shares	$	34,606	$	32,689
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.70	$	1.58

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Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]

Accounts and notes receivable

Accounts and notes receivable consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(unaudited)
	(In thousands)
Amounts due from manufacturers	$	107,521	$	109,599
Parts and service receivables (1)	52,013		39,343
Finance and insurance receivables (1)	31,180		25,293
Other	12,666		17,514
Total accounts and notes receivable	203,380		191,749
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	3,221		3,138
Accounts and notes receivable, net (1)	$	200,159	$	188,611

Summary of inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(unaudited)
	(In thousands)
New vehicles	$	1,237,012	$	1,194,632
Used vehicles	359,725		350,760
Rental vehicles	136,809		144,213
Parts, accessories and other (1)	80,632		82,755
Total inventories	1,814,178		1,772,360
Less lower of cost or net realizable value allowance	10,002		9,067
Inventories, net (1)	$	1,804,176	$	1,763,293

Property and equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

	Estimated Useful Lives in Years	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(unaudited)
		(in thousands)
Land	—	$	485,938	$	482,600
Buildings	25 to 50	721,033		700,257
Leasehold improvements	varies	177,869		172,071
Machinery and equipment	7 to 20	120,626		117,781
Furniture and fixtures	3 to 10	105,632		100,881
Company vehicles	3 to 5	12,157		11,933
Construction in progress	—	55,837		41,824
Total		1,679,092		1,627,347
Less accumulated depreciation		321,222		308,388
Property and equipment, net		$	1,357,870	$	1,318,959

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Long-Term Debt (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Summary of long-term debt

The Company carries its long-term debt at face value, net of applicable discounts and capitalized debt issuance costs. Long-term debt consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(in thousands)
5.00% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $550,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)	$	542,474	$	542,063
5.25% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $300,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)	296,295		296,151
Acquisition Line	28,035		26,988
Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt	500,716		440,845
Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through December 2037 with a weighted average interest rate of 8.7% and 10.4%, respectively	67,445		51,665
	1,434,965		1,357,712
Less current maturities of long-term debt	58,195		39,528
	$	1,376,770	$	1,318,184

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Asset and liabilities recorded at fair value

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework, in the accompanying balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, were as follows:

	As of March 31, 2018		As of December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Investments	$	1,469	$	844
Demand obligations	13		13
Interest rate derivative financial instruments	15,987		9,501
Total	$	17,469	$	10,358
Liabilities:
Interest rate derivative financial instruments	$	4,689	$	10,579
Total	$	4,689	$	10,579

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Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Roll-forward of intangible franchise rights and goodwill accounts

The following is a roll-forward of the Company’s intangible franchise rights and goodwill accounts by reportable segment:

	Intangible Franchise Rights
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
BALANCE, December 31, 2017	$	255,981	$	29,483	$	168	$	285,632
Additions through acquisitions	1,301		7,454		—		8,755
Currency translation	—		1,238		1		1,239
BALANCE, March 31, 2018	$	257,282	$	38,175	$	169	$	295,626

	Goodwill
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
BALANCE, December 31, 2017	$	835,267	$	65,034	$	12,733	$	913,034	(1)
Additions through acquisitions	14,199		29,930		—		44,129
Purchase price allocation adjustments	18		—		—		18
Currency translation	—		2,901		28		2,929
BALANCE, March 31, 2018	$	849,484	$	97,865	$	12,761	$	960,110	(1)

⁽¹⁾ Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Equity [Abstract]

Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income

Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
	Accumulated foreign currency translation loss			Accumulated gain on interest rate swaps			Total
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	(122,552	)	$	(674	)	$	(123,226	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
Pre-tax	7,871			10,384			18,255
Tax effect	—			(2,492		)	(2,492		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to:
Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax)	—			1,737			1,737
Other interest expense (pre-tax)	—			254			254
Tax effect	—			(478		)	(478		)
Net current period other comprehensive income	7,871			9,405			17,276
Balance, March 31, 2018	$	(114,681	)	$	8,731		$	(105,950	)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Accumulated foreign currency translation loss			Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps			Total
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2016	$	(137,613	)	$	(9,331	)	$	(146,944	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:
Pre-tax	4,137			624			4,761
Tax effect	—			(234		)	(234		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to:
Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax)	—			2,948			2,948
Other interest expense (pre-tax)	—			681			681
Tax effect	—			(1,361		)	(1,361		)
Net current period other comprehensive income	4,137			2,658			6,795
Balance, March 31, 2017	$	(133,476	)	$	(6,673	)	$	(140,149	)

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Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]

Reportable segment revenue, income (loss) before income taxes, (provision) benefit for income taxes and net income (loss) were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
	U.S.			U.K.			Brazil			Total
	(In thousands)
Total revenues	$	2,088,486		$	660,542		$	110,998		$	2,860,026
Income (loss) before income taxes	40,510			5,737			(80		)	46,167
Provision for income taxes	(9,357		)	(862		)	(134		)	(10,353		)
Net income (loss)	31,153			4,875			(214		)	35,814

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	U.S.			U.K.			Brazil			Total
	(In thousands)
Total revenues	$	1,967,719		$	450,327		$	100,783		$	2,518,829
Income before income taxes	45,606			5,381			209			51,196
Provision for income taxes	(16,347		)	(870		)	(40		)	(17,257		)
Net income (1)	29,259			4,511			169			33,939

⁽¹⁾ Includes the following, after tax: gain on legal settlement with an OEM of $1.1 million in the U.S.

Reportable segment total assets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, were as follows:

	As of March 31, 2018
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
Total assets	$	4,099,066	$	824,333	$	135,079	$	5,058,478

	As of December 31, 2017
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
Total assets	$	4,087,039	$	654,154	$	129,872	$	4,871,065

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Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Financial Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]

Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

March 31, 2018

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.		Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Elimination			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	8,874		$	24,216	$	—		$	33,090
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	—		209,364			88,521		—			297,885
Accounts and notes receivable, net	—		140,243			59,916		—			200,159
Intercompany accounts receivable	28,035		40,271			—		(68,306		)	—
Inventories, net	—		1,438,626			365,550		—			1,804,176
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		28,151			49,737		—			77,888
Total current assets	28,035		1,865,529			587,940		(68,306		)	2,413,198
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	—		1,127,632			230,238		—			1,357,870
GOODWILL	—		849,485			110,625		—			960,110
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	—		257,281			38,345		—			295,626
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	3,017,378		—			—		(3,017,378		)	—
OTHER ASSETS	—		19,943			11,731		—			31,674
Total assets	$	3,045,413	$	4,119,870		$	978,879	$	(3,085,684	)	$	5,058,478
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	$	—	$	1,161,401		$	38,340	$	—		$	1,199,741
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	—		(74,359		)	—		—			(74,359		)
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates	—		286,320			133,995		—			420,315
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	—		(24,000		)	—		—			(24,000		)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	—		46,207			11,988		—			58,195
Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities	—		1,177			—		—			1,177
Accounts payable	—		217,150			274,691		—			491,841
Intercompany accounts payable	904,425		—			68,306		(972,731		)	—
Accrued expenses	696		159,784			33,768		—			194,248
Total current liabilities	905,121		1,773,680			561,088		(972,731		)	2,267,158
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	866,803		373,977			135,990		—			1,376,770
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	—		3,512			—		—			3,512
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	855		218,811			13,293		—			232,959
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	1,272,634		2,654,315			268,508		(3,017,378		)	1,178,079
Intercompany note receivable	—		(904,425		)	—		904,425			—
Total stockholders’ equity	1,272,634		1,749,890			268,508		(2,112,953		)	1,178,079
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,045,413	$	4,119,870		$	978,879	$	(3,085,684	)	$	5,058,478

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2017

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Elimination			Total Company
	(In thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	10,096		$	18,691	$	—		$	28,787
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	—			266,788			39,645		—			306,433
Accounts and notes receivable, net	—			144,872			43,739		—			188,611
Intercompany accounts receivable	26,988			12,948			—		(39,936		)	—
Inventories, net	—			1,434,852			328,441		—			1,763,293
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,934			8,378			31,750		—			42,062
Total current assets	28,922			1,877,934			462,266		(39,936		)	2,329,186
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	—			1,121,108			197,851		—			1,318,959
GOODWILL	—			835,268			77,766		—			913,034
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	—			255,980			29,652		—			285,632
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	2,999,407			—			—		(2,999,407		)	—
OTHER ASSETS	—			13,682			10,572		—			24,254
Total assets	$	3,028,329		$	4,103,972		$	778,107	$	(3,039,343	)	$	4,871,065
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	$	—		$	1,219,844		$	20,851	$	—		$	1,240,695
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	—			(86,547		)	—		—			(86,547		)
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates	—			272,563			124,620		—			397,183
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	—			(22,500		)	—		—			(22,500		)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	24,741			31,229			21,639		—			77,609
Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities	—			1,996			—		—			1,996
Accounts payable	—			229,470			183,511		—			412,981
Intercompany accounts payable	890,995			—			39,936		(930,931		)	—
Accrued expenses	—			150,241			26,829		—			177,070
Total current liabilities	915,736			1,796,296			417,386		(930,931		)	2,198,487
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	865,202			360,526			92,456		—			1,318,184
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	—			8,583			—		—			8,583
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	(117		)	210,216			11,430		—			221,529
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	1,247,508			2,619,346			256,835		(2,999,407		)	1,124,282
Intercompany note receivable	—			(890,995		)	—		890,995			—
Total stockholders’ equity	1,247,508			1,728,351			256,835		(2,108,412		)	1,124,282
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,028,329		$	4,103,972		$	778,107	$	(3,039,343	)	$	4,871,065

Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Elimination			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
REVENUES	$	—		$	2,088,487		$	771,539		$	—		$	2,860,026
COST OF SALES	—			1,752,802			687,461			—			2,440,263
GROSS PROFIT	—			335,685			84,078			—			419,763
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	1,768			249,165			73,414			—			324,347
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	—			12,881			3,461			—			16,342
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	—			—			—			—			—
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(1,768		)	73,639			7,203			—			79,074
OTHER EXPENSE:
Floorplan interest expense	—			(12,337		)	(1,750		)	—			(14,087		)
Other interest expense, net	—			(17,017		)	(1,803		)	—			(18,820		)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	(1,768		)	44,285			3,650			—			46,167
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	424			(9,780		)	(997		)	—			(10,353		)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	37,158			—			—			(37,158		)	—
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	35,814		$	34,505		$	2,653		$	(37,158	)	$	35,814
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	—			9,405			7,871			—			17,276
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	$	35,814		$	43,910		$	10,524		$	(37,158	)	$	53,090

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Elimination			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
REVENUES	$	—		$	1,967,718		$	551,111		$	—		$	2,518,829
COST OF SALES	—			1,647,123			488,184			—			2,135,307
GROSS PROFIT	—			320,595			62,927			—			383,522
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	1,966			232,611			55,202			—			289,779
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	—			11,567			2,039			—			13,606
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(1,966		)	76,417			5,686			—			80,137
OTHER EXPENSE:
Floorplan interest expense	—			(10,878		)	(1,064		)	—			(11,942		)
Other interest expense, net	—			(16,274		)	(725		)	—			(16,999		)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	(1,966		)	49,265			3,897			—			51,196
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	737			(17,084		)	(910		)	—			(17,257		)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	35,167			—			—			(35,167		)	—
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	33,938		$	32,181		$	2,987		$	(35,167	)	$	33,939
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	—			2,658			4,137			—			6,795
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	$	33,938		$	34,839		$	7,124		$	(35,167	)	$	40,734

Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	35,814		$	114,862		$	(1,894	)	$	148,782
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	—			(31,414		)	(40,085		)	(71,499		)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	—			918			2,022			2,940
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	—			(34,101		)	(13,847		)	(47,948		)
Other	—			140			—			140
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(64,457		)	(51,910		)	(116,367		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	—			1,612,866			43,326			1,656,192
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	—			(1,675,917		)	(26,530		)	(1,702,447		)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	66,945			—			—			66,945
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	(66,444		)	—			—			(66,444		)
Borrowings on other debt	—			43,326			22,288			65,614
Principal payments on other debt	(24,742		)	(1,987		)	(13,349		)	(40,078		)
Borrowings on debt related to real estate	—			34,817			12,018			46,835
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	—			(31,000		)	(6,819		)	(37,819		)
Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings	(1,638		)	—			—			(1,638		)
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	(9,199		)	—			—			(9,199		)
Dividends paid	(5,495		)	—			—			(5,495		)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	22,730			(50,554		)	27,824			—
Investment in subsidiaries	(17,971		)	16,822			1,149			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(35,814		)	(51,627		)	59,907			(27,534		)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	—			—			47			47
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	—			(1,222		)	6,150			4,928
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period	—			10,096			19,535			29,631
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period	$	—		$	8,874		$	25,685		$	34,559

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Total Company
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	33,939		$	23,409		$	11,869		$	69,217
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	—			—			(95		)	(95		)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	—			181			2,026			2,207
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	—			(43,091		)	(3,360		)	(46,451		)
Other	—			2,459			—			2,459
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(40,451		)	(1,429		)	(41,880		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	—			1,580,590			13,781			1,594,371
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	—			(1,586,075		)	(12,216		)	(1,598,291		)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	15,000			—			—			15,000
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	(15,000		)	—			—			(15,000		)
Principal payments on other debt	—			(232		)	—			(232		)
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	—			(5,589		)	(1,242		)	(6,831		)
Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings	(1,030		)	—			—			(1,030		)
Dividends paid	(5,150		)	—			—			(5,150		)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	(70,250		)	68,483			1,767			—
Investment in subsidiaries	42,491			(42,498		)	7			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(33,939		)	14,679			2,097			(17,163		)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	—			—			260			260
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	—			(2,363		)	12,797			10,434
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period	—			8,039			16,207			24,246
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period	$	—		$	5,676		$	29,004		$	34,680

XML

Revenue (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Table Text Block]

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

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2018		2017 (1)
	(In thousands)
REVENUES:
New vehicle retail sales	$	1,513,590	$	1,337,213
Used vehicle retail sales	780,570		660,927
Used vehicle wholesale sales	104,029		104,157
Total new and used vehicle sales	2,398,189		2,102,297
Vehicle parts sales	85,196		74,665
Maintenance and repair sales	264,319		245,033
Total parts and service sales	349,515		319,698
Finance, insurance and other, net	112,322		96,834
Total revenues	$	2,860,026	$	2,518,829

⁽¹⁾ As noted above, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective approach.

The following table presents the Company's revenues disaggregated by its geographical segments:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Consolidated
REVENUES:	(In thousands)
New vehicle retail sales	$	1,089,953	$	354,404	$	69,233	$	1,513,590
Used vehicle retail sales	563,830		192,549		24,191		780,570
Used vehicle wholesale sales	54,002		46,185		3,842		104,029
Total new and used vehicle sales	1,707,785		593,138		97,266		2,398,189
Vehicle parts sales	74,355		9,515		1,326		85,196
Maintenance and repair sales	210,159		43,626		10,534		264,319
Total parts and service sales	284,514		53,141		11,860		349,515
Finance, insurance and other, net	96,187		14,263		1,872		112,322
Total revenues	$	2,088,486	$	660,542	$	110,998	$	2,860,026

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 (1)
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Consolidated
REVENUES:	(In thousands)
New vehicle retail sales	$	1,018,249	$	258,640	$	60,324	$	1,337,213
Used vehicle retail sales	521,947		115,369		23,611		660,927
Used vehicle wholesale sales	70,545		30,509		3,103		104,157
Total new and used vehicle sales	1,610,741		404,518		87,038		2,102,297
Vehicle parts sales	66,754		6,280		1,631		74,665
Maintenance and repair sales	204,405		30,501		10,127		245,033
Total parts and service sales	271,159		36,781		11,758		319,698
Finance, insurance and other, net	85,819		9,028		1,987		96,834
Total revenues	$	1,967,719	$	450,327	$	100,783	$	2,518,829

⁽¹⁾ As noted above, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective approach.

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Interim Financial Information (Details Textual) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) dealerships town states	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Value of used vehicle inventory financed		85.00%
Parts And Service Sales		$ 349,515	$ 319,698
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current	$ 208,917	200,159		$ 188,611
Inventory, Net	(1,759,633)	(1,804,176)		(1,763,293)
Accounts Payable, Current	414,737	491,841		412,981
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	127,897	134,800		124,404
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	11,397
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	1,257,720	1,288,052		1,246,323
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value		$ 33,090		28,787	$ 24,246
Number of International Regions		2
Number of Reportable Segments		3
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents		$ 34,559	34,680	29,631	$ 24,246
Financial Services Revenue		112,322	96,834
Parts And Service Sales Cost Of Sales		162,651	147,342
Selling, General and Administrative Expense		(324,347)	(289,779)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		10,353	17,257
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		35,814	33,939
Accrued Liabilities, Current		(194,248)		(177,070)
Interest Paid		20,300	17,600
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds		400	300
BRAZIL
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Parts And Service Sales		$ 11,860	11,758
Number of States in which Entity Operates | states		4
Number of Dealerships | dealerships		16
Financial Services Revenue		$ 1,872	1,987
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		134	40
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		(214)	169
UNITED STATES
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Parts And Service Sales		$ 284,514	271,159
Number of States in which Entity Operates | states		15
Number of Dealerships | dealerships		117
Financial Services Revenue		$ 96,187	85,819
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		9,357	16,347
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		31,153	29,259
UNITED KINGDOM
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Parts And Service Sales		$ 53,141	36,781
Number of Towns in which Entity Operates | town		32
Number of Dealerships | dealerships		47
Financial Services Revenue		$ 14,263	9,028
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		862	870
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		4,875	4,511
Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		1,469	$ 844	$ 844
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Parts And Service Sales		350,992
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current		181,131
Inventory, Net		(1,807,371)
Accounts Payable, Current		490,281
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent		131,459
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)		1,277,120
Financial Services Revenue		112,122
Parts And Service Sales Cost Of Sales		163,116
Selling, General and Administrative Expense		(324,543)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		10,504
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		36,279
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | PartsandServiceSales606 [Domain]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	4,800
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | FinanceandInsuranceSales606 [Domain]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	6,600
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	20,306
Inventories [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	(3,660)
Accounts Payable [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	1,756
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	$ 3,493
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Parts And Service Sales		(1,477)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current		19,028
Inventory, Net		(3,195)
Accounts Payable, Current		1,560
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent		3,341
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)		10,932
Financial Services Revenue		200
Parts And Service Sales Cost Of Sales		(465)
Selling, General and Administrative Expense		(196)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		(151)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		$ (465)

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Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details textuals) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 76.6
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents	$ 5.1
UNITED STATES
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number Of Dealerships Acquired	2
Number of Franchises Acquired	2
UNITED KINGDOM
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number Of Dealerships Acquired	5
Number of Franchises Acquired	8
Number Of Dealerships Opened	1	1
Number Of Franchises Awarded	1	1
BRAZIL
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of Dealerships Disposed		2
Number of Franchises Disposed		2

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Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	$ 15,987		$ 9,501
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	15,987		9,501
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	3,512		8,583
Derivative Liability, Current	1,177		1,996
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationship
Interest rate swap contracts	7,892	$ 390
Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	(1,513)	(2,268)
Derivative Liability	4,689		$ 10,579
Floorplan Interest Expense [Member]
Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	1,737	2,948
Other Interest Expense [Member]
Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	$ (254)	681
Interest Rate Swap Contracts [Member]
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationship
Interest rate swap contracts		$ 390

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Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) swap	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	$ 15,987,000		$ 9,501,000
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	0	$ 0
Increase in floor plan interest expense due to impact of interest rate hedges	1,700,000	2,900,000
Floor Plan Interest Expense	$ 14,087,000	11,942,000
Forward swaps expiration date	Dec. 31, 2030
Maximum Notional Amount Of Derivatives In Effect At Any Time	$ 918,400,000
Derivative Asset	15,987,000		9,501,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	8,731,000	$ (6,673,000)	(674,000)	$ (9,331,000)
Amount expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive loss into earnings	2,700,000
Derivative Liability, Current	1,177,000		1,996,000
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	3,512,000		8,583,000
Derivative Liability	4,689,000		10,579,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate notional value of forward interest rate swaps	$ 822,100,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.60%
Number of additional forward interest rate swaps | swap	25
Interest Rate Swaps Forward Starting [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate notional value of forward interest rate swaps	$ 375,000,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	0.00%
Number of additional forward interest rate swaps | swap	7
Minimum [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps Forward Starting [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Forward swaps start date	Dec. 31, 2018
Forward swaps expiration date	Dec. 31, 2021
Maximum [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps Forward Starting [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Forward swaps start date	Dec. 31, 2020
Forward swaps expiration date	Dec. 31, 2030
Level 2 [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value			$ 9,501,000

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Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Awards, Nonvested at December 31, 2016 | shares	702,778
Awards, Granted | shares	194,421
Awards, Vested | shares	(167,934)
Awards, Forfeited | shares	(14,180)
Awards, Nonvested at June 30, 2017 | shares	715,085
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested, December 31, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 68.23
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted | $ / shares	75.72
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested | $ / shares	61.63
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited | $ / shares	70.34
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested, June 30, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 71.78

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Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation	$ 5,642	$ 6,074
Cash received from employee stock purchase plan purchases	$ 2,000	$ 1,900
2014 Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Expiry date for stock options grant	May 21, 2024
Shares available for grant under the incentive plan	878,454
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Expiry date for stock options grant	May 19, 2025
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent	85.00%
Shares available for grant under the incentive plan	1,102,825
Shares authorized for issuance	4,500,000
Shares issued to employee under purchase plan	36,270	30,154
Weighted average fair value of employee stock purchase rights issued	$ 16.22	$ 18.66
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Range Of Forfeiture Provisions	5 years

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Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Basic and Diluted Earnings per share
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	20,298	20,692
Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock	9	6
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding	20,307	20,698
Basic:
Net income	$ 35,814	$ 33,939
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic	1,209	1,250
Earnings available to basic common shares	$ 34,605	$ 32,689
Basic earnings per common share	$ 1.70	$ 1.58
Diluted:
Net income	$ 35,814	$ 33,939
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Diluted	1,208	1,250
Earnings available to diluted common shares	$ 34,606	$ 32,689
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 1.70	$ 1.58

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Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Mar. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

INCOME TAXES

The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%, creating a territorial tax system that generally eliminates U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated earnings of their foreign subsidiaries, creating a "minimum tax" on certain foreign earnings (i.e. global intangible low-taxed income, or "GILTI"), limiting the deduction for net interest expense incurred by U.S. corporations, and eliminating certain deductions, including deductions for certain compensation arrangements and certain other business expenses.

In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (“SAB 118”), the Company made a reasonable estimate of the Tax Act’s impact and provisionally recorded this estimate in its results for the period ended December 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2018, the Company has not completed its accounting for the aspects of the Tax Act recorded provisionally: the re-measurement of deferred taxes based on the reduced tax rate, and the Company's provisional determination that the Company does not have a transition tax liability for previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profits of foreign subsidiaries. The Company will continue to gather data and evaluate the impact of the Tax Act after the Company has considered additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, state tax authorities and other standard-setting bodies. This analysis may result in adjustments to the provisional amounts, which would impact the Company's provision for income taxes and effective tax rate for the period in which the adjustments are made. The Company expects to complete its accounting for the Tax Act in 2018.

The Company recognizes the tax on GILTI as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred. Under this policy, the Company has not provided deferred taxes related to temporary differences that upon their reversal will affect the amount of income subject to GILTI in the period. As of March 31, 2018, the Company estimated that the 2018 GILTI tax will not be material.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and income taxes in numerous U.S. states. In addition, the Company is subject to income tax in the U.K. and Brazil relative to its foreign subsidiaries. The Company's effective income tax rate of 22.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was more than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0%, due primarily to: (1) the taxes provided for in U.S. state jurisdictions; (2) valuation allowances provided for net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain U.S. states and in Brazil; and (3) unrecognized tax benefits with respect to uncertain tax positions, partially offset by: (1) income generated in the U.K., which is taxed at a 19.0% statutory rate; and (2) excess tax deductions for restricted stock awards. Compared to the effective tax rate for three months ended March 31, 2017 of 33.7%, the Company's effective tax rate decreased primarily due to the impact of the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate as a result of the Tax Act.

As of March 31, 2018, the Company's unrecognized tax benefits totaled $1.3 million, including related interest and penalty. To the extent that any such tax benefits are recognized in the future, such recognition would impact the tax liability in that period by approximately $1.0 million. Consistent with prior treatment of tax related assessments, the Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

The Company's taxable years 2013 and subsequent remain open for examination in the U.S. The Company's taxable years 2016 and subsequent remain open in the U.K., and taxable years 2012 and subsequent remain open in Brazil.

Effective tax rate

22.40%

33.70%

U.S. federal statutory corporate tax rate

21.00%

35.00%

Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent

21.00%

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

$ 1,300,000.0

$ 0

Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions

$ 1,000,000

UNITED STATES

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Open Tax Year

2013

UNITED KINGDOM

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

U.S. federal statutory corporate tax rate

19.00%

Open Tax Year

2016

BRAZIL

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Open Tax Year

2012

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Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Accounts and Notes Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	$ 203,380		$ 191,749
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	3,221		3,138
Accounts and notes receivable, net	200,159	$ 208,917	188,611
Amounts due from manufacturers [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	107,521		109,599
Parts and service receivables [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	52,013		39,343
Finance and insurance receivables, net [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	31,180		25,293
Other [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	$ 12,666		$ 17,514

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Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of inventories
New Vehicles Inventory, Gross	$ 1,237,012		$ 1,194,632
Used Vehicles Inventory, Gross	359,725		350,760
Rental Vehicles Inventory, Gross	136,809		144,213
Parts, Accessories and Other Inventory, Gross	80,632		82,755
Inventory, Gross	1,814,178		1,772,360
Lower of cost or market reserves	10,002		9,067
Inventories, net	$ 1,804,176	$ 1,759,633	$ 1,763,293

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Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Property and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 1,679,092	$ 1,627,347
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	321,222	308,388
Property and equipment, net	1,357,870	1,318,959
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	485,938	482,600
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 721,033	700,257
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P25Y
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P50Y
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	varies
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 177,869	172,071
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 120,626	117,781
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P7Y
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P20Y
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 105,632	100,881
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P3Y
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P10Y
Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 12,157	11,933
Vehicles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P3Y
Vehicles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P5Y
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 55,837	$ 41,824

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Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Property and Equipment) (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital expenditures incurred for purchase and construction of assets	$ 33,000
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	6,066	$ 7,287	$ 8,800
Land and Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Acquisition of fixed assets	12,200
Land and Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Acquisition of fixed assets	$ 8,900

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Credit Facilities (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) loan	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Floorplan Offset	$ (74,359)	$ (86,547)
FMCC Offset	(24,000)	$ (22,500)
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$ 1,800,000
Expiry date of Revolving Credit Facility	Jun. 17, 2021
Number of financial institutions | loan	24
Number of Manufacturer-affiliated finance companies | loan	6
Maximum Limit Of Restricted Payment Basket	the sum of $208.5 million plus (or minus if negative) (a) one-half of the aggregate consolidated net income for the period beginning on April 1, 2014 and ending on the date of determination and (b) the amount of net cash proceeds received from the sale of capital stock after June 2, 2014 and ending on the date of determination less (c) cash dividends and share repurchases after June 2, 2014
Restricted payment	$ 186,600
Brazil Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	22,800
FMCC Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$ 300,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	$ 146,300
Available amount under borrowing capacity	$ 153,700
Debt interest rate	6.25%
Revolving Credit Facility, Floorplan Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 1,087,000
Available amount under borrowing capacity	353,000
Floorplan Offset	$ (74,400)
Weighted average interest rate	0.00%	2.70%
Revolving Credit Facility, Floorplan Line, New Vehicles [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Revolving Credit Facility, Floorplan Line, Used Vehicles [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$ 360,000
Line Of Credit Facility, Minimum Borrowing Capacity	$ 50,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 28,035	$ 26,988
Available amount under borrowing capacity	307,500
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 25,000
Debt interest rate	2.30%
Rental Vehicle Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 116,000
UK Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 149,600
Minimum [Member] | Brazil Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	10.92%
Grace Period for Outstanding Borrowings	0 days
Minimum [Member] | UK Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	1.25%
Maximum [Member] | Brazil Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	16.77%
Grace Period for Outstanding Borrowings	90 days
Maximum [Member] | Rental Vehicle Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	6.25%
Maximum [Member] | UK Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	3.95%
United States of America, Dollars | Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
Euros or Pound Sterling [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Euros or Pound Sterling [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.50%

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Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through December 2037 with a weighted average interest rate of 8.7% and 10.4%, respectively	$ 67,445	$ 51,665
Net carrying amount of liability component	1,434,965	1,357,712
Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Excluding Short Term Financing Current	58,195	39,528
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	1,376,770	1,318,184
5.00% Senior Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	542,474	542,063
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	550,000	550,000
5.25% Senior Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	296,295	296,151
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 300,000	$ 300,000
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	8.70%	10.40%
Lease Expiration Date	Mar. 31, 2035
Real Estate Related and Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt	$ 500,716	$ 440,845
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 28,035	$ 26,988

XML

Long-Term Debt (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Debt, Current		$ 24,700
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent	$ 67,445	51,665
U.K. Working Capital Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	0
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Total borrowings	22,000
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	2,200
Additional Borrowings	22,300
5.00% Senior Note [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Note agreement with a third party financial institution	$ 550,000	550,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.00%
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 555,700	567,900
5.25% Senior Note [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Note agreement with a third party financial institution	$ 300,000	300,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.25%
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 300,000	310,900
Real Estate Related and Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	5,100
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Note agreement with a third party financial institution	$ 442,900
Number of loans as per loan agreements	60
Total borrowings	$ 379,700
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	41,400
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	34,800
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount	85,000	86,800
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Fair Value	91,000	$ 92,900
U.K. Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 6,600
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Maturity date of notes	Sep. 01, 2034
Number of loans as per loan agreements	0
Total borrowings	$ 87,600
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	8,400
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	12,100
Brazil Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	100
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Total borrowings	3,100
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	400
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	0
Brazilian third party financial institution [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Total borrowings	6,700
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	$ 0

XML

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Assets:
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	$ 15,987	$ 9,501
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value		9,501
Total	17,469	10,358
Liabilities:
Total	4,689	10,579
Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	1,469	844	$ 844
Demand Obligation [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 13	$ 13

XML

Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 8,755,000
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance		285,632,000
Currency Translation		1,239,000
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance		295,626,000
Asset Impairment Charges		0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		913,034,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		44,129,000
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		18,000
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		2,929,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	960,110,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss			$ 97,800,000	$ 97,800,000
BRAZIL
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		0
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance		168,000
Currency Translation		1,000
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance		169,000
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	[1]	12,733,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		0
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		28,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	12,761,000
UNITED KINGDOM
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		7,454,000
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance		29,483,000
Currency Translation		1,238,000
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance		38,175,000
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	[1]	65,034,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		29,930,000
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		0
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		2,901,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	97,865,000
UNITED STATES
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		1,301,000
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance		255,981,000
Currency Translation		0
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance		257,282,000
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	[1]	835,267,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		14,199,000
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		18,000
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	$ 849,484,000

[1] (1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million

XML

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Translation, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	$ (122,552)	$ (137,613)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	7,871	4,137
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	7,871	4,137
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Translation, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	(114,681)	(133,476)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Swaps, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	(674)	(9,331)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	10,384	624
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	(2,492)	(234)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	478	1,361
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	9,405	2,658
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Swaps, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	8,731	(6,673)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	(123,226)	(146,944)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	18,255	4,761
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax	(2,492)	(234)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	(478)	(1,361)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	17,276	6,795
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance	(123,226)	(146,944)	$ (105,950)	$ (140,149)
Floorplan Interest Expense [Member]
Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, before Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax	1,737	2,948
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	1,737	2,948
Interest Expense [Member]
Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, before Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax	254	681
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	$ 254	$ 681

XML

Segment Information Segment Information (Details)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2017

USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017

USD ($)

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Asset Impairment Charges

$ 0

Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]

REVENUES:

2,860,026

$ 2,518,829

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest

46,167

51,196

BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES

10,353

17,257

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent

35,814

33,939

Segment Reporting Information, Additional Elements for Bank Presentation [Abstract]

Assets

$ 5,058,478

$ 4,871,065

Segment Information

SEGMENT INFORMATION

As of March 31, 2018, the Company had three reportable segments: (1) the U.S., (2) the U.K., and (3) Brazil. Each of the reportable segments is comprised of retail automotive franchises, which sell new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. The vast majority of the Company's corporate activities are associated with the operations of the U.S. operating segment and therefore the corporate financial results are included within the U.S. reportable segment.

Reportable segment revenue, income (loss) before income taxes, (provision) benefit for income taxes and net income (loss) were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
	U.S.			U.K.			Brazil			Total
	(In thousands)
Total revenues	$	2,088,486		$	660,542		$	110,998		$	2,860,026
Income (loss) before income taxes	40,510			5,737			(80		)	46,167
Provision for income taxes	(9,357		)	(862		)	(134		)	(10,353		)
Net income (loss)	31,153			4,875			(214		)	35,814

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	U.S.			U.K.			Brazil			Total
	(In thousands)
Total revenues	$	1,967,719		$	450,327		$	100,783		$	2,518,829
Income before income taxes	45,606			5,381			209			51,196
Provision for income taxes	(16,347		)	(870		)	(40		)	(17,257		)
Net income (1)	29,259			4,511			169			33,939

⁽¹⁾ Includes the following, after tax: gain on legal settlement with an OEM of $1.1 million in the U.S.

Reportable segment total assets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, were as follows:

	As of March 31, 2018
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
Total assets	$	4,099,066	$	824,333	$	135,079	$	5,058,478

	As of December 31, 2017
	U.S.		U.K.		Brazil		Total
	(In thousands)
Total assets	$	4,087,039	$	654,154	$	129,872	$	4,871,065

Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]

Number of Reportable Segments

3

UNITED STATES

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Chargeback reserves for finance and insurance revenues

$ 0

Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]

REVENUES:

2,088,486

1,967,719

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest

40,510

45,606

BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES

9,357

16,347

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent

31,153

29,259

Segment Reporting Information, Additional Elements for Bank Presentation [Abstract]

Assets

4,099,066

4,087,039

Brazil [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

0

UNITED KINGDOM

Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]

REVENUES:

660,542

450,327

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest

5,737

5,381

BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES

862

870

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent

4,875

4,511

Segment Reporting Information, Additional Elements for Bank Presentation [Abstract]

Assets

824,333

654,154

BRAZIL

Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]

REVENUES:

110,998

100,783

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest

(80)

209

BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES

134

40

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent

(214)

169

Segment Reporting Information, Additional Elements for Bank Presentation [Abstract]

Assets

135,079

$ 129,872

Net of taxes [Member] | UNITED STATES

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Payments for Legal Settlements

$ 1,100

Loss from Catastrophes

0

Asset Impairment Charges

$ 0

XML

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018		Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 33,090			$ 28,787		$ 24,246
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	297,885			306,433
Accounts and notes receivable, net	200,159		$ 208,917	188,611
Intercompany accounts receivable	0			0
Inventories, net	1,804,176		1,759,633	1,763,293
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	77,888			42,062
Total current assets	2,413,198			2,329,186
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,357,870			1,318,959
GOODWILL	960,110	[1]		913,034
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	295,626			285,632
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	0			0
OTHER ASSETS	31,674			24,254
Total assets	5,058,478			4,871,065
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	1,199,741			1,240,695
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	(74,359)			(86,547)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	420,315			397,183
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	(24,000)			(22,500)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	58,195			77,609
Derivative Liability, Current	1,177			1,996
Accounts payable	(491,841)		$ (414,737)	(412,981)
Intercompany accounts payable	0			0
Accrued Liabilities, Current	194,248			177,070
Total current liabilities	2,267,158			2,198,487
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	1,376,770			1,318,184
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	3,512			8,583
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	232,959			221,529
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	1,178,079			1,124,282
Intercompany note receivable	0			0
Total stockholders’ equity	1,178,079			1,124,282
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	5,058,478			4,871,065
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0			0	$ 0	$ 0
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	0			0
Accounts and notes receivable, net	0			0
Intercompany accounts receivable	28,035			26,988
Inventories, net	0			0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0			1,934
Total current assets	28,035			28,922
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	0			0
GOODWILL	0			0
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	0			0
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	3,017,378			2,999,407
OTHER ASSETS	0			0
Total assets	3,045,413			3,028,329
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	0			0
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	0			0
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0			0
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0			0
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	0			24,741
Derivative Liability, Current	0			0
Accounts payable	0			0
Intercompany accounts payable	904,425			890,995
Accrued Liabilities, Current	696			0
Total current liabilities	905,121			915,736
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	866,803			865,202
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	0			0
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	855			(117)
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	1,272,634			1,247,508
Intercompany note receivable	0			0
Total stockholders’ equity	1,272,634			1,247,508
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,045,413			3,028,329
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	8,874			10,096
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	209,364			266,788
Accounts and notes receivable, net	140,243			144,872
Intercompany accounts receivable	40,271			12,948
Inventories, net	1,438,626			1,434,852
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	28,151			8,378
Total current assets	1,865,529			1,877,934
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,127,632			1,121,108
GOODWILL	849,485			835,268
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	257,281			255,980
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	0			0
OTHER ASSETS	19,943			13,682
Total assets	4,119,870			4,103,972
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	1,161,401			1,219,844
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	(74,359)			(86,547)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	286,320			272,563
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	(24,000)			(22,500)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	46,207			31,229
Derivative Liability, Current	1,177			1,996
Accounts payable	(217,150)			(229,470)
Intercompany accounts payable	0			0
Accrued Liabilities, Current	159,784			150,241
Total current liabilities	1,773,680			1,796,296
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	373,977			360,526
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	3,512			8,583
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	218,811			210,216
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	2,654,315			2,619,346
Intercompany note receivable	(904,425)			890,995
Total stockholders’ equity	1,749,890			1,728,351
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	4,119,870			4,103,972
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	24,216			18,691
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	88,521			39,645
Accounts and notes receivable, net	59,916			43,739
Intercompany accounts receivable	0			0
Inventories, net	365,550			328,441
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	49,737			31,750
Total current assets	587,940			462,266
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	230,238			197,851
GOODWILL	110,625			77,766
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	38,345			29,652
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	0			0
OTHER ASSETS	11,731			10,572
Total assets	978,879			778,107
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	38,340			20,851
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	0			0
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	133,995			124,620
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0			0
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	11,988			21,639
Derivative Liability, Current	0			0
Accounts payable	(274,691)			(183,511)
Intercompany accounts payable	68,306			39,936
Accrued Liabilities, Current	33,768			26,829
Total current liabilities	561,088			417,386
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	135,990			92,456
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	0			0
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	13,293			11,430
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	268,508			256,835
Intercompany note receivable	0			0
Total stockholders’ equity	268,508			256,835
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	978,879			778,107
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0			0
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	0			0
Accounts and notes receivable, net	0			0
Intercompany accounts receivable	(68,306)			(39,936)
Inventories, net	0			0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0			0
Total current assets	(68,306)			(39,936)
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	0			0
GOODWILL	0			0
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	0			0
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	(3,017,378)			(2,999,407)
OTHER ASSETS	0			0
Total assets	(3,085,684)			(3,039,343)
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	0			0
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	0			0
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0			0
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0			0
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	0			0
Derivative Liability, Current	0			0
Accounts payable	0			0
Intercompany accounts payable	(972,731)			(930,931)
Accrued Liabilities, Current	0			0
Total current liabilities	(972,731)			(930,931)
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	0			0
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	0			0
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	0			0
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	(3,017,378)			(2,999,407)
Intercompany note receivable	904,425			(890,995)
Total stockholders’ equity	(2,112,953)			(2,108,412)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ (3,085,684)			$ (3,039,343)

[1] (1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million

XML

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	$ 2,860,026	$ 2,518,829
COST OF SALES:	2,440,263	2,135,307
GROSS PROFIT	419,763	383,522
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	324,347	289,779
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	16,342	13,606
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	79,074	80,137
Floorplan interest expense	(14,087)	(11,942)
Interest Expense, Other	(18,820)	(16,999)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	46,167	51,196
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	10,353	17,257
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	0	0
NET INCOME	35,814	33,939
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	17,276	6,795
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	53,090	40,734
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	0	0
COST OF SALES:	0	0
GROSS PROFIT	0	0
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	1,768	1,966
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	0	0
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	(1,768)	(1,966)
Floorplan interest expense	0	0
Interest Expense, Other	0	0
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(1,768)	(1,966)
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	(424)	737
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	37,158	35,167
NET INCOME	35,814	33,938
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	0	0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	35,814	33,938
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	2,088,487	1,967,718
COST OF SALES:	1,752,802	1,647,123
GROSS PROFIT	335,685	320,595
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	249,165	232,611
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	12,881	11,567
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	73,639	76,417
Floorplan interest expense	(12,337)	(10,878)
Interest Expense, Other	(17,017)	16,274
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	44,285	49,265
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	9,780	(17,084)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	0	0
NET INCOME	34,505	32,181
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	9,405	2,658
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	43,910	34,839
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	771,539	551,111
COST OF SALES:	687,461	488,184
GROSS PROFIT	84,078	62,927
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	73,414	55,202
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	3,461	2,039
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	7,203	5,686
Floorplan interest expense	(1,750)	(1,064)
Interest Expense, Other	(1,803)	725
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	3,650	3,897
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	997	(910)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	0	0
NET INCOME	2,653	2,987
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	7,871	4,137
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	10,524	7,124
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	0	0
COST OF SALES:	0	0
GROSS PROFIT	0	0
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	0	0
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	0	0
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	0	0
Floorplan interest expense	0	0
Interest Expense, Other	0	0
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	0	0
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	0	0
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	(37,158)	(35,167)
NET INCOME	(37,158)	(35,167)
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	0	0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	$ (37,158)	$ (35,167)

XML

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 34,559	$ 34,680		$ 29,631	$ 24,246
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	148,782	69,217
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(71,499)	(95)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	2,940	2,207
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(47,948)	(46,451)
Other	140	2,459
Net cash used in investing activities	(116,367)	(41,880)
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(1,656,192)	(1,594,371)	$ (1,656,192)
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(1,702,447)	(1,598,291)	(1,702,447)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	(66,945)	(15,000)	(66,945)
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	(66,444)	(15,000)	(66,444)
Borrowings on other debt	65,614	0	$ 65,614
Principal payments on other debt	(40,078)	(232)
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs	46,835	0
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	(37,819)	(6,831)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	(1,638)	(1,030)
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	(9,199)	0
Dividends paid	5,495	5,150
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(27,534)	(17,163)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	47	260
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash period increase (decrease)	4,928	10,434
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	33,090
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	0			0
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	35,814	33,939
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	0	0
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	0	0
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	0	0
Other	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	0	0
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	0	0
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	(66,945)	(15,000)
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	(66,444)	(15,000)
Borrowings on other debt	0
Principal payments on other debt	(24,742)	0
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs	0
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	0	0
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	(1,638)	(1,030)
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	(9,199)
Dividends paid	5,495	(5,150)
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities	22,730
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries		(70,250)
Investment in subsidiaries	(17,971)	(42,491)
Net cash used in financing activities	(35,814)	(33,939)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash period increase (decrease)	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	0	0
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	8,874	5,676		10,096	8,039
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	114,862	23,409
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(31,414)	0
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	918	181
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(34,101)	43,091
Other	140	(2,459)
Net cash used in investing activities	(64,457)	(40,451)
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(1,612,866)	(1,580,590)
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(1,675,917)	(1,586,075)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	0	0
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	0	0
Borrowings on other debt	43,326
Principal payments on other debt	(1,987)	232
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs	34,817
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	(31,000)	(5,589)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	0	0
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	0
Dividends paid	0	0
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities	(50,554)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries		68,483
Investment in subsidiaries	16,822	42,498
Net cash used in financing activities	(51,627)	14,679
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash period increase (decrease)	(1,222)	(2,363)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	8,874
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	25,685	29,004		$ 19,535	$ 16,207
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(1,894)	11,869
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(40,085)	(95)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	2,022	2,026
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(13,847)	3,360
Other	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(51,910)	(1,429)
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(43,326)	(13,781)
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(26,530)	(12,216)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	0	0
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	0	0
Borrowings on other debt	22,288
Principal payments on other debt	(13,349)	0
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs	12,018
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	(6,819)	(1,242)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	0	0
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	0
Dividends paid	0	0
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities	27,824
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries		1,767
Investment in subsidiaries	1,149	(7)
Net cash used in financing activities	59,907	2,097
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	47	260
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash period increase (decrease)	6,150	$ 12,797
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$ 24,216

XML

Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
New and Used Vehicle Sales	$ 2,398,189	$ 2,102,297
Vehicle parts sales	85,196	74,665
Used Vehicle Wholesale Sales	104,029	104,157
Maintenance and Repair Sales	264,319	245,033
Parts And Service Sales	349,515	319,698
New Vehicle Retail Sales	1,513,590	1,337,213
Financial Services Revenue	112,322	96,834
Revenues	2,860,026	2,518,829
Used Vehicle Retail Sales	780,570	660,927
UNITED STATES
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
New and Used Vehicle Sales	1,707,785	1,610,741
Vehicle parts sales	74,355	66,754
Used Vehicle Wholesale Sales	54,002	70,545
Maintenance and Repair Sales	210,159	204,405
Parts And Service Sales	284,514	271,159
New Vehicle Retail Sales	1,089,953	1,018,249
Financial Services Revenue	96,187	85,819
Revenues	2,088,486	1,967,719
Used Vehicle Retail Sales	563,830	521,947
UNITED KINGDOM
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
New and Used Vehicle Sales	593,138	404,518
Vehicle parts sales	9,515	6,280
Used Vehicle Wholesale Sales	46,185	30,509
Maintenance and Repair Sales	43,626	30,501
Parts And Service Sales	53,141	36,781
New Vehicle Retail Sales	354,404	258,640
Financial Services Revenue	14,263	9,028
Revenues	660,542	450,327
Used Vehicle Retail Sales	192,549	115,369
BRAZIL
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
New and Used Vehicle Sales	97,266	87,038
Vehicle parts sales	1,326	1,631
Used Vehicle Wholesale Sales	3,842	3,103
Maintenance and Repair Sales	10,534	10,127
Parts And Service Sales	11,860	11,758
New Vehicle Retail Sales	69,233	60,324
Financial Services Revenue	1,872	1,987
Revenues	110,998	100,783
Used Vehicle Retail Sales	$ 24,191	$ 23,611

XML

Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Table] (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
New Vehicle Retail Sales	$ 1,513,590	$ 1,337,213
Used Vehicle Retail Sales	780,570	660,927
Used Vehicle Wholesale Sales	104,029	104,157
New and Used Vehicle Sales	2,398,189	2,102,297
Vehicle parts sales	85,196	74,665
Maintenance and Repair Sales	264,319	245,033
Parts And Service Sales	349,515	319,698
Financial Services Revenue	112,322	96,834
Revenues	$ 2,860,026	$ 2,518,829

XML

Label	Element	Value
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification	$ 0
Treasury Stock [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification	0
Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification	11,397,000
Common Stock [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification	0
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification	$ 0