EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2010 Press Release dated February 25, 2010

Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

Investors May Contact:

Ryan Marsh

Treasurer

(770) 418-8211

ir@asburyauto.com

Reporters May Contact:

Anna Okula

Porter Novelli

(404) 995-4554

aokula@porternovelli.com

Asbury Automotive Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End

Financial Results

 

   

Fourth quarter diluted EPS from continuing operations of $0.15

 

   

Fourth quarter results reduced $0.03 per share by tax items

 

   

Year-over-year growth in same-store new light vehicle retail revenues (4%) and gross profit (17%) for the first time since 2007

 

   

Year-over-year growth in same-store used light vehicle retail revenues (12%) and gross profit (15%) for the first time since 2007

Duluth, GA, February 25, 2010 – Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: ABG), one of the largest automotive retail and service companies in the U.S., today reported income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter 2009 of $5.0 million, or $0.15 per diluted share versus a loss from continuing operations of $352.4 million, or $11.12 per diluted share, in the corresponding period last year. Tax items reduced income from continuing operations by $0.03 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2009, increasing Asbury’s effective tax rate to 46.2% in the fourth quarter 2009. Non-core items, as disclosed in the attached tables, reduced last year’s fourth quarter income from continuing operations by $11.05 per diluted share.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2009 totaled $0.2 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared with a loss of $369.7 million, or $11.66 per diluted share, a year ago. In the fourth quarter 2009, Asbury incurred a $0.14 per diluted share loss in discontinued operations, primarily attributable to asset impairments. In the corresponding period last year the Company incurred a $0.54 per diluted share loss in discontinued operations, due primarily to goodwill and asset impairments.

Fourth quarter 2009 revenues totaled $898.6 million, compared to prior period revenues of $880.1 million. This 2.1% increase in revenues was driven primarily by relative strength in new and used vehicle revenues.

 

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“Asbury is pleased to announce solid financial results for the fourth quarter driven primarily by growth in new and used light vehicle units, revenues, and gross profits coupled with a leaner cost structure,” said Charles R. Oglesby, Asbury’s President and CEO. “Our ability to generate increased profitability this quarter, compared to the fourth quarter of last year, demonstrates the continuing benefits of our cost-savings initiatives as well as the strength of our portfolio of brands and geographies.”

Asbury’s heavy truck business continued to be adversely impacted by the unfavorable economic conditions, particularly in the home building and construction markets. For example, Class 8 truck sales in the United States have declined approximately 40% over the last two years. In the fourth quarter, our new heavy truck revenues declined 33% compared to the prior period and, on a pre-tax basis, our heavy truck business lost $1.6 million in the fourth quarter, driven primarily by inventory losses. Our heavy truck business generated a pre-tax loss of $1.8 million in 2009 versus a $3.5 million pre-tax profit in 2008. The Company has included additional disclosure of heavy truck financial performance in the tables included in this press release.

The Company’s revenues for the year 2009 totaled $3.7 billion, compared to $4.4 billion in the prior year. For the full year 2009, income from continuing operations was $24.2 million, or $0.74 per diluted share, compared with a loss of $323.4 million, or $10.20 per diluted share, in the corresponding period last year. Non-core items, as disclosed in the attached tables, reduced income from continuing operations by $0.09 per diluted share for the full year 2009, and by $11.12 per diluted share for the full year 2008.

Craig T. Monaghan, Asbury’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, stated, “The Company’s liquidity position remained strong as of December 31st, with total available liquidity of approximately $243 million, including $85 million of cash and credit facility borrowing availability of approximately $158 million. The Company repurchased over $7 million in subordinated debt during the fourth quarter and has no material debt maturities scheduled until 2012. We are pleased that the Board of Directors, at its meeting last week, has reauthorized the Company to repurchase up to $30 million in debt over the next twelve months. Clearly, our financial position has strengthened over the last year.”

Mr. Oglesby concluded, “Asbury has dramatically improved its operating performance in 2009 compared to 2008 despite a 21% drop in SAAR over the same period. The Company reduced operating costs by $87 million in 2009 compared to 2008, allowing Asbury to keep its selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of gross profit flat despite a 17% decline in revenues. I am thrilled with how quickly this Company responded to the challenges we faced in 2009 and I am excited about the opportunities we will encounter in the future. Thanks to the dedication and commitment of our employees, we believe the Company is well-positioned to generate significantly improved earnings as sales volumes recover.”

Asbury will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and year-end results this morning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The call will be simulcast live on the Internet and can be accessed by logging onto http://www.asburyauto.com or http://www.ccbn.com. In addition, a live audio of the call will be accessible to the public by calling (800) 289-0544 (domestic), or (913) 312-0654 (international); pass code – 7609047. Callers should dial in approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the call begins.

About Asbury Automotive Group

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (“Asbury”), headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, is one of the largest automobile retailers in the U.S. Built through a combination of organic growth and a series of strategic acquisitions, Asbury currently operates 81 retail auto stores, encompassing 108 franchises for the sale and servicing of 38 different brands of American, European and Asian automobiles. Asbury offers customers an extensive range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicle sales and related financing and insurance, vehicle maintenance and repair services, replacement parts and service contracts.

 

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Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical in nature, and may include statements relating to goals, plans and projections regarding industry and general economic trends, Asbury’s expected financial position, results of operations, market position and business strategy. These statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, Asbury’s relationships with, and the financial stability and reputation of, vehicle manufacturers and other suppliers, risks associated with Asbury’s indebtedness (including available borrowing capacity and compliance with its financial covenants), Asbury’s relationship with, and the financial stability of, its lenders and lessors, risks related to competition in the automotive retail and service industries, general economic and business conditions both nationally and locally, changes in governmental regulations and laws, Asbury’s ability to execute its cost-savings initiatives and strategies, Asbury’s ability to leverage gains from its dealership portfolio, Asbury’s ability to capitalize on opportunities to repurchase its debt securities or purchase properties that it currently leases, and Asbury’s estimated future capital expenditures. There can be no guarantees that Asbury’s plans for future operations will be successfully implemented or that they will prove to be commercially successful.

These and other risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements are and will be discussed in Asbury’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)

(In millions, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     For the Three Months Ended
December 31,
    For the Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
   2009     2008     2009     2008  

REVENUES:

        

New vehicle

   $ 499.8      $ 498.8      $ 2,014.0      $ 2,585.8   

Used vehicle

     228.1        196.9        923.7        1,033.5   

Parts and service

     149.0        157.4        622.1        653.0   

Finance and insurance, net

     21.7        27.0        90.8        130.5   
                                

Total revenues

     898.6        880.1        3,650.6        4,402.8   

COST OF SALES:

        

New vehicle

     465.5        467.7        1,877.6        2,412.0   

Used vehicle

     211.4        182.6        847.8        946.7   

Parts and service

     73.9        79.4        312.2        323.5   
                                

Total cost of sales

     750.8        729.7        3,037.6        3,682.2   
                                

GROSS PROFIT

     147.8        150.4        613.0        720.6   

OPERATING EXPENSES:

        

Selling, general and administrative

     118.9        128.7        494.7        581.5   

Depreciation and amortization

     6.0        6.0        23.5        22.3   

Impairment expenses

     —          528.7        —          528.7   

Other operating (income) expense, net

     (0.4     (0.3     (1.5     1.3   
                                

Income (loss) from operations

     23.3        (512.7     96.3        (413.2

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

        

Floor plan interest expense

     (4.3     (6.5     (18.0     (28.9

Other interest expense

     (9.5     (11.0     (38.2     (40.0

Convertible debt discount amortization

     (0.4     (0.6     (1.8     (3.0

Interest income

     0.1        0.1        0.2        1.5   

Gain on extinguishment of long-term debt

     0.1        27.9        0.1        26.2   
                                

Total other (expense) income, net

     (14.0     9.9        (57.7     (44.2
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

     9.3        (502.8     38.6        (457.4

INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)

     4.3        (150.4     14.4        (134.0
                                

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     5.0        (352.4     24.2        (323.4

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax

     (4.8     (17.3     (10.8     (20.3
                                

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 0.2      $ (369.7   $ 13.4      $ (343.7
                                

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:

        

BASIC -

        

Continuing operations

   $ 0.16      $ (11.12   $ 0.76      $ (10.20

Discontinued operations

     (0.15     (0.54     (0.34     (0.64
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ 0.01      $ (11.66   $ 0.42      $ (10.84
                                

DILUTED -

        

Continuing operations

   $ 0.15      $ (11.12   $ 0.74      $ (10.20

Discontinued operations

     (0.14     (0.54     (0.33     (0.64
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ 0.01      $ (11.66   $ 0.41      $ (10.84
                                

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

        

Basic

     32.1        31.7        32.0        31.7   
                                

Diluted

     33.0        31.7        32.9        31.7   
                                

 

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New Vehicle—

 

     For the Three Months Ended
December 31,
   Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 
   2009    2008     
   (In millions)  

Revenue:

          

New vehicle revenue—same store

          

Luxury

   $ 187.2    $ 174.0    $ 13.2      8

Mid-line import

     212.2      204.0      8.2      4

Mid-line domestic

     59.4      62.2      (2.8   (5 )% 

Value

     3.7      2.9      0.8      28
                  

Total new light vehicle revenue—same store

     462.5      443.1      19.4      4

Heavy truck

     37.3      55.7      (18.4   (33 )% 
                  

Total new vehicle revenue—same store

     499.8      498.8      1.0     

New vehicle revenue—acquisitions

     —        —       
                  

Total new vehicle revenue, as reported

   $ 499.8    $ 498.8    $ 1.0     
                  

Gross profit:

          

New vehicle gross profit—same store

          

Luxury

   $ 15.3    $ 11.7    $ 3.6      31

Mid-line import

     14.2      12.9      1.3      10

Mid-line domestic

     4.5      4.5      —       

Value

     0.1      0.1      —       
                  

Total new light vehicle gross profit—same store

     34.1      29.2      4.9      17

Heavy truck

     0.2      1.9      (1.7   (89 )% 
                  

Total new vehicle gross profit—same store

     34.3      31.1      3.2      10

New vehicle gross profit—acquisitions

     —        —       
                  

Total new vehicle gross profit, as reported

   $ 34.3    $ 31.1    $ 3.2      10
                  
     For the Three Months Ended
December 31,
   Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 
     2009    2008     

New retail units:

          

New vehicle retail units—same store

          

Luxury

     3,911      3,697      214      6

Mid-line import

     8,405      8,145      260      3

Mid-line domestic

     1,628      1,942      (314   (16 )% 

Value

     180      135      45      33
                  

Total new light vehicle retail units—same store

     14,124      13,919      205      1

Fleet vehicles

     340      440      (100   (23 )% 
                  

Total new light vehicle units—same store

     14,464      14,359      105      1

Heavy truck

     645      782      (137   (18 )% 
                  

Total new vehicle units—same store

     15,109      15,141      (32  

Total new vehicle units—acquisitions

     —        —       
                  

New vehicle units—actual

     15,109      15,141      (32  
                  

Total new light vehicle units—same store

     14,464      14,359      105      1

Total new light vehicle units—acquisitions

     —        —       
                  

Total new light vehicle units

     14,464      14,359      105      1
                  

 

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New Vehicle Metrics—

 

     For the Three Months Ended
December 31,
    Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 
   2009     2008      

Revenue per new light vehicle sold—same store

   $ 31,976      $ 30,859      $ 1,117      4
                    

Revenue per new heavy truck sold

   $ 57,829      $ 71,228      $ (13,399   (19 )% 
                    

Revenue per new vehicle sold—same store

   $ 33,080      $ 32,944      $ 136     
                    

Gross profit per new light vehicle sold—same store

   $ 2,358      $ 2,034      $ 324      16
                    

Gross profit per new heavy truck sold

   $ 310      $ 2,430      $ (2,120   (87 )% 
                    

Gross profit per new vehicle sold—same store

   $ 2,270      $ 2,054      $ 216      11
                    

New light vehicle gross margin—same store

     7.4     6.6     0.8   12
                    

New heavy truck gross margin

     0.5     3.4     (2.9 )%    (85 )% 
                    

New vehicle gross margin—same store

     6.9     6.2     0.7   11
                    

 

6


Used Vehicle—

 

     For the Three Months Ended
December 31,
    Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 
     2009     2008      
     (Dollars in millions, except for vehicle unit data)  

Revenue:

        

Used vehicle retail revenues—same store

        

Light vehicles

   $ 174.6      $ 156.3      $ 18.3      12

Heavy trucks

     3.0        2.3        0.7      30
                    

Total used vehicle retail revenues—same store

     177.6        158.6        19.0      12

Used vehicle retail revenues—acquisitions

     —          —         
                    

Total used vehicle retail revenues

     177.6        158.6        19.0      12

Used vehicle wholesale revenues—same store

        

Light vehicles

     50.5        35.2        15.3      43

Heavy trucks

     —          3.1        (3.1   (100 )% 
                    

Total used vehicle wholesale revenues—same store

     50.5        38.3        12.2      32

Used vehicle wholesale revenues—acquisitions

     —          —         
                    

Total used vehicle wholesale revenues

     50.5        38.3        12.2      32
                    

Used vehicle revenue, as reported

   $ 228.1      $ 196.9      $ 31.2      16
                    

Gross profit:

        

Used vehicle retail gross profit—same store

        

Light vehicles

   $ 18.1      $ 15.7      $ 2.4      15

Heavy trucks

     (1.1     (0.2     (0.9   NM   
                    

Total used vehicle retail gross profit—same store

     17.0        15.5        1.5      10

Used vehicle retail gross profit—acquisitions

     —          —         
                    

Total used vehicle retail gross profit

     17.0        15.5        1.5      10

Used vehicle wholesale gross profit—same store

        

Light vehicles

     (0.2     (1.0     0.8      80

Heavy trucks

     (0.1     (0.2     0.1      50
                    

Total used vehicle wholesale gross profit—same store

     (0.3     (1.2     0.9      75

Used vehicle wholesale gross profit—acquisitions

     —          —         
                    

Used vehicle wholesale gross profit

     (0.3     (1.2     0.9      75
                    

Used vehicle gross profit, as reported

   $ 16.7      $ 14.3      $ 2.4      17
                    

Used vehicle retail units—same store

        

Light vehicles

     9,355        8,743        612      7

Heavy trucks

     104        56        48      86
                    

Used vehicle retail units—same store

     9,459        8,799        660      8

Used vehicle retail units—acquisitions

     —          —         
                    

Used vehicle retail units—actual

     9,459        8,799        660      8
                    

Used Vehicle Metrics—

 

     For the Three Months Ended
December 31,
    Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 
   2009     2008      

Revenue per used light vehicle retailed—same store

   $ 18,664      $ 17,877      $ 787      4
                    

Revenue per used heavy truck retailed

   $ 28,846      $ 41,071      $ (12,225   (30 )% 
                    

Revenue per used vehicle retailed—same store

   $ 18,776      $ 18,025      $ 751      4
                    

Gross profit per used light vehicle retailed—same store

   $ 1,935      $ 1,796      $ 139      8
                    

Gross profit per used heavy truck retailed

   $ (10,577   $ (3,571   $ (7,006   NM   
                    

Gross profit per used vehicle retailed—same store

   $ 1,797      $ 1,762      $ 35      2
                    

Used light vehicle retail gross margin—same store

     10.4     10.0     0.4   4
                    

Used heavy truck retail gross margin

     (36.7 )%      (8.7 )%      (28.0 )%    NM   
                    

Used vehicle retail gross margin—same store

     9.6     9.8     (0.2 )%    (2 )% 
                    

 

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Parts and Service—

 

     For the Three Months
Ended December 31,
    Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 
   2009     2008      
   (Dollars in millions)  

Revenue:

        

Parts and service revenues—same store

        

Light vehicles

   $ 133.6      $ 141.7      $ (8.1   (6 )% 

Heavy trucks

     15.4        15.7        (0.3   (2 )% 
                    

Total parts and service revenue—same store

     149.0        157.4        (8.4   (5 )% 

Parts and service revenues—acquisitions

     —          —         
                    

Parts and service revenue, as reported

   $ 149.0      $ 157.4      $ (8.4   (5 )% 
                    

Gross profit:

        

Parts and service gross profit—same store

        

Light vehicles

   $ 70.6      $ 73.0      $ (2.4   (3 )% 

Heavy trucks

     4.5        5.0        (0.5   (10 )% 
                    

Total parts and service gross profit—same store

     75.1        78.0        (2.9   (4 )% 
                    

Parts and service gross profit—acquisitions

     —          —         
                    

Parts and service gross profit, as reported

   $ 75.1      $ 78.0      $ (2.9   (4 )% 
                    

Light vehicle parts and service gross margin—same store

     52.8     51.5     1.3   3
                    

Heavy truck parts and service gross margin

     29.2     31.8     (2.6 )%    (8 )% 
                    

Parts and service gross margin—same store

     50.4     49.6     0.8   2
                    

Finance and Insurance, net—

 

     For the Three Months
Ended December 31,
   Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 
   2009     2008     
   (In millions, except for per vehicle data)  

Dealership generated F&I, net—same store

         

Light vehicles

   $ 22.2      $ 22.1    $ 0.1     

Heavy trucks

     —          0.1      (0.1   (100 )% 
                   

Dealership generated F&I—same store

     22.2        22.2      —       

Dealership generated F&I—acquisitions

     —          —       
                   

Dealership generated F&I, net

     22.2        22.2      —       

Corporate generated F&I

     (0.5     4.8      (5.3   (110 )% 
                   

Finance and insurance, net as reported

   $ 21.7      $ 27.0    $ (5.3   (20 )% 
                   

Dealership generated light vehicle F&I per vehicle sold—same store(1)

   $ 932      $ 957    $ (25   (3 )% 
                   

Dealership generated F&I per vehicle sold—same store(1)

   $ 904      $ 927    $ (23   (2 )% 
                   

Light vehicle F&I per vehicle sold—same store

   $ 911      $ 1,164    $ (253   (22 )% 
                   

Heavy truck F&I per vehicle sold

   $ —        $ 119    $ (119   (100 )% 
                   

F&I per vehicle sold—same store

   $ 883      $ 1,128    $ (245   (22 )% 
                   

 

(1) Dealership generated F&I per vehicle sold excludes corporate generated F&I.

 

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     For the Three Months
Ended December 31,
 
   2009     2008  

REVENUE MIX PERCENTAGES:

    

New light vehicles

   51.5   50.3

New heavy trucks

   4.2   6.3

Used retail light vehicles

   19.4   17.7

Used retail heavy trucks

   0.3   0.3

Used wholesale light vehicles

   5.6   4.0

Used wholesale heavy trucks

     0.4

Parts and service light vehicles

   14.9   16.1

Parts and service heavy trucks

   1.7   1.8

Finance and insurance, net - light vehicles

   2.4   3.1

Finance and insurance, net - heavy trucks

    
            

Total revenue

   100.0   100.0
            

GROSS PROFIT MIX PERCENTAGES:

    

New light vehicles

   23.1   19.4

New heavy trucks

   0.1   1.3

Used retail light vehicles

   12.2   10.3

Used retail heavy trucks

   (0.7 )%    (0.1 )% 

Used wholesale light vehicles

   (0.1 )%    (0.7 )% 

Used wholesale heavy trucks

   (0.1 )%    (0.1 )% 

Parts and service light vehicles

   47.8   48.6

Parts and service heavy trucks

   3.0   3.3

Finance and insurance, net - light vehicles

   14.7   17.9

Finance and insurance, net - heavy trucks

     0.1
            

Total gross profit

   100.0   100.0
            

SG&A EXPENSES AS A PERCENTAGE OF GROSS PROFIT

   80.4   85.6

 

9


New Vehicle—

 

     For the Twelve Months
Ended December 31,
   Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 
   2009    2008     
   (In millions)  

Revenue:

          

New vehicle revenue—same store

          

Luxury

   $ 678.0    $ 892.4    $ (214.4   (24 )% 

Mid-line import

     917.5      1,178.8      (261.3   (22 )% 

Mid-line domestic

     252.0      303.6      (51.6   (17 )% 

Value

     19.2      19.9      (0.7   (4 )% 
                  

Total new light vehicle revenue—same store

     1,866.7      2,394.7      (528.0   (22 )% 

Heavy truck

     141.3      191.1      (49.8   (26 )% 
                  

Total new vehicle revenue—same store

     2,008.0      2,585.8      (577.8   (22 )% 

New vehicle revenue—acquisitions

     6.0      —       
                  

Total vehicle revenue, as reported

   $ 2,014.0    $ 2,585.8    $ (571.8   (22 )% 
                  

Gross profit:

          

New vehicle gross profit—same store

          

Luxury

   $ 54.6    $ 65.8    $ (11.2   (17 )% 

Mid-line import

     58.8      78.1      (19.3   (25 )% 

Mid-line domestic

     17.3      21.3      (4.0   (19 )% 

Value

     0.9      1.0      (0.1   (10 )% 
                  

Total new light vehicle gross profit—same store

     131.6      166.2      (34.6   (21 )% 

Heavy truck

     4.5      7.6      (3.1   (41 )% 
                  

Total new vehicle gross profit—same store

     136.1      173.8      (37.7   (22 )% 

New vehicle gross profit—acquisitions

     0.3      —       
                  

Total new vehicle gross profit, as reported

   $ 136.4    $ 173.8    $ (37.4   (22 )% 
                  
     For the Twelve Months
Ended December 31,
   Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 
   2009    2008     

New retail units:

          

New vehicle retail units—same store

          

Luxury

     14,400      19,015      (4,615   (24 )% 

Mid-line import

     37,586      47,438      (9,852   (21 )% 

Mid-line domestic

     7,388      9,522      (2,134   (22 )% 

Value

     929      997      (68   (7 )% 
                  

Total new light vehicle retail units—same store

     60,303      76,972      (16,669   (22 )% 

Fleet vehicles

     1,785      3,086      (1,301   (42 )% 
                  

Total new light vehicle units—same store

     62,088      80,058      (17,970   (22 )% 

Heavy truck

     2,279      2,885      (606   (21 )% 
                  

Total new vehicle units—same store

     64,367      82,943      (18,576   (22 )% 

Total new vehicle units—acquisitions

     251      —       
                  

New vehicle units—actual

     64,618      82,943      (18,325   (22 )% 
                  

Total new light vehicle units—same store

     62,088      80,058      (17,970   (22 )% 

Total new light vehicle units—acquisitions

     251      —       
                  

Total new light vehicle units

     62,339      80,058      (17,719   (22 )% 
                  

 

10


New Vehicle Metrics—

 

     For the Twelve Months
Ended December 31,
    Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 
   2009     2008      

Revenue per new light vehicle sold—same store

   $ 30,065      $ 29,912      $ 153      1
                    

Revenue per new heavy truck sold

   $ 62,001      $ 66,239      $ (4,238   (6 )% 
                    

Revenue per new vehicle sold—same store

   $ 31,196      $ 31,176      $ 20     
                    

Gross profit per new light vehicle sold—same store

   $ 2,120      $ 2,076      $ 44      2
                    

Gross profit per new heavy truck sold

   $ 1,975      $ 2,634      $ (659   (25 )% 
                    

Gross profit per new vehicle sold—same store

   $ 2,114      $ 2,095      $ 19      1
                    

New light vehicle gross margin—same store

     7.0     6.9     0.1   1
                    

New heavy truck gross margin

     3.2     4.0     (0.8 )%    (20 )% 
                    

New vehicle gross margin—same store

     6.8     6.7     0.1   1
                    

 

11


Used Vehicle—

 

     For the Twelve Months
Ended December 31,
    Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 
   2009     2008      
   (Dollars in millions, except for vehicle unit data)  

Revenue:

        

Used vehicle retail revenues—same store

        

Light vehicles

   $ 721.1      $ 796.0      $ (74.9   (9 )% 

Heavy trucks

     13.7        7.2        6.5      90
                    

Total used vehicle retail revenues—same store

     734.8        803.2        (68.4   (9 )% 

Used vehicle retail revenues—acquisitions

     2.0        —         
                    

Total used vehicle retail revenues

     736.8        803.2        (66.4   (8 )% 

Used vehicle wholesale revenues—same store

        

Light Vehicles

     184.8        225.5        (40.7   (18 )% 

Heavy trucks

     1.4        4.8        (3.4   (71 )% 
                    

Total used vehicle wholesale revenues—same store

     186.2        230.3        (44.1   (19 )% 

Used vehicle wholesale revenues—acquisitions

     0.7        —         
                    

Total used vehicle wholesale revenues

     186.9        230.3        (43.4   (19 )% 
                    

Used vehicle revenue, as reported

   $ 923.7      $ 1,033.5      $ (109.8   (11 )% 
                    

Gross profit:

        

Used vehicle retail gross profit—same store

        

Light vehicles

   $ 80.1      $ 90.3      $ (10.2   (11 )% 

Heavy trucks

     (2.6     (0.1     (2.5   NM   
                    

Total used vehicle retail gross profit—same store

     77.5      $ 90.2        (12.7   (14 )% 

Used vehicle retail gross profit—acquisitions

     0.3        —         
                    

Total used vehicle retail gross profit

     77.8        90.2        (12.4   (14 )% 

Used vehicle wholesale gross profit—same store

        

Light vehicles

     (0.6     (3.0     2.4      (80 )% 

Heavy trucks

     (1.3     (0.4     (0.9   225
                    

Total used vehicle wholesale gross profit—same store

     (1.9     (3.4     1.5      (44 )% 

Used vehicle wholesale gross profit—acquisitions

     —          —         
                    

Used vehicle wholesale gross profit

     (1.9     (3.4     1.5      (44 )% 
                    

Used vehicle gross profit, as reported

   $ 75.9      $ 86.8      $ (10.9   (13 )% 
                    

Used vehicle retail units—same store

        

Light vehicles

     39,423        44,570        (5,147   (12 )% 

Heavy trucks

     416        188        228      121
                    

Used vehicle retail units—same store

     39,839        44,758        (4,919   (11 )% 

Used vehicle retail units—acquisitions

     133        —         
                    

Used vehicle retail units—actual

     39,972        44,758        (4,786   (11 )% 
                    

Used Vehicle Metrics—

 

     For the Twelve Months
Ended December 31,
    Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 
   2009     2008      

Revenue per used light vehicle retailed—same store

   $ 18,291      $ 17,860      $ 431      2
                    

Revenue per used heavy truck retailed

   $ 32,933      $ 38,298      $ (5,365   (14 )% 
                    

Revenue per used vehicle retailed—same store

   $ 18,444      $ 17,945      $ 499      3
                    

Gross profit per used light vehicle retailed—same store

   $ 2,032      $ 2,026      $ 6     
                    

Gross profit per used heavy truck retailed

   $ (6,250   $ (532   $ (5,718   NM   
                    

Gross profit per used vehicle retailed—same store

   $ 1,945      $ 2,015      $ (70   (3 )% 
                    

Used light vehicle retail gross margin—same store

     11.1     11.3     (0.2 )%    (2 )% 
                    

Used heavy truck retail gross margin

     (19.0 )%      (1.4 )%      (17.6 )%    NM   
                    

Used vehicle retail gross margin—same store

     10.5     11.2     (0.7 )%    (6 )% 
                    

 

12


Parts and Service—

 

     For the Twelve Months
Ended December 31,
    Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 
   2009     2008      
   (Dollars in millions)  

Revenue:

        

Parts and service revenues—same store

        

Light vehicles

   $ 558.2      $ 590.8      $ (32.6   (6 )% 

Heavy trucks

     61.6        62.2        (0.6   (1 )% 
                    

Total parts and service revenue—same store

     619.8        653.0        (33.2   (5 )% 

Parts and service revenues—acquisitions

     2.3        —         
                    

Parts and service revenue, as reported

   $ 622.1      $ 653.0      $ (30.9   (5 )% 
                    

Gross profit:

        

Parts and service gross profit—same store

        

Light vehicles

   $ 289.8      $ 309.8      $ (20.0   (6 )% 

Heavy trucks

     19.1        19.7        (0.6   (3 )% 
                    

Total parts and service gross profit—same store

     308.9        329.5        (20.6   (6 )% 

Parts and service gross profit—acquisitions

     1.0        —         
                    

Parts and service gross profit, as reported

   $ 309.9      $ 329.5      $ (19.6   (6 )% 
                    

Light vehicle parts and service gross margin—same store

     51.9     52.4     (0.5 )%    (1 )% 
                    

Heavy truck parts and service gross margin

     31.0     31.7     (0.7 )%    (2 )% 
                    

Parts and service gross margin—same store

     49.8     50.5     (0.7 )%    (1 )% 
                    

Finance and Insurance, net—

 

     For the Twelve Months
Ended December 31,
   Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 
   2009     2008     
   (In millions, except for per vehicle data)  

Dealership generated F&I, net—same store

         

Light vehicles

   $ 90.8      $ 123.6    $ (32.8   (27 )% 

Heavy trucks

     0.2        0.3      (0.1   (33 )% 
                   

Dealership generated F&I—same store

     91.0        123.9      (32.9   (27 )% 

Dealership generated F&I—acquisitions

     0.3        —       
                   

Dealership generated F&I, net

     91.3        123.9      (32.6   (26 )% 

Corporate generated F&I

     (0.5     6.6      (7.1   (108 )% 
                   

Finance and insurance, net as reported

   $ 90.8      $ 130.5    $ (39.7   (30 )% 
                   

Dealership generated light vehicle F&I per vehicle sold—same store(1)

   $ 894      $ 992    $ (98   (10 )% 
                   

Dealership generated F&I per vehicle sold— same store(1)

   $ 873      $ 970    $ (97   (10 )% 
                   

Light vehicle F&I per vehicle sold—same store

   $ 890      $ 1,045    $ (155   (15 )% 
                   

Heavy truck F&I per vehicle sold

   $ 74      $ 98    $ (24   (24 )% 
                   

F&I per vehicle sold—same store

   $ 868      $ 1,022    $ (154   (15 )% 
                   

 

(1) Dealership generated F&I per vehicle sold excludes corporate generated F&I.

 

13


     For the Twelve Months
Ended December 31,
 
   2009     2008  

REVENUE MIX PERCENTAGES:

    

New light vehicles

   51.3   54.4

New heavy trucks

   3.9   4.3

Used retail light vehicles

   19.8   18.1

Used retail heavy trucks

   0.4   0.2

Used wholesale light vehicles

   5.0   5.1

Used wholesale heavy trucks

   0.1   0.1

Parts and service light vehicles

   15.3   13.4

Parts and service heavy trucks

   1.7   1.4

Finance and insurance, net - light vehicles

   2.5   3.0

Finance and insurance, net - heavy trucks

    
            

Total revenue

   100.0   100.0
            

GROSS PROFIT MIX PERCENTAGES:

    

New light vehicles

   21.5   23.1

New heavy trucks

   0.7   1.1

Used retail light vehicles

   13.1   12.5

Used retail heavy trucks

   (0.4 )%   

Used wholesale light vehicles

   (0.1 )%    (0.4 )% 

Used wholesale heavy trucks

   (0.2 )%    (0.1 )% 

Parts and service light vehicles

   47.5   43.0

Parts and service heavy trucks

   3.1   2.7

Finance and insurance, net - light vehicles

   14.8   18.1

Finance and insurance, net - heavy trucks

    
            

Total gross profit

   100.0   100.0
            

SG&A EXPENSES AS A PERCENTAGE OF GROSS PROFIT

   80.7   80.7

 

14


ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.

Selected Balance Sheet Data

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

 

     December 31,
2009
   December 31,
2008
   Increase
(Decrease)
    % Change  

Selected Balance Sheet Data

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 84.7    $ 91.6    $ (6.9   (8 )% 

New vehicle inventory

     394.2      562.2      (168.0   (30 )% 

Used vehicle inventory

     64.1      59.9      4.2      7

Parts inventory

     41.4      44.5      (3.1   (7 )% 

Total current assets

     815.6      1,019.7      (204.1   (20 )% 

Floor plan notes payable

     434.7      612.8      (178.1   (29 )% 

Total current liabilities

     598.8      854.5      (255.7   (30 )% 

CAPITALIZATION:

          

Long-term debt (including current portion)

   $ 537.8    $ 599.7    $ (61.9   (10 )% 

Shareholders’ equity

     243.6      226.6      17.0      8
                  

Total

   $ 781.4    $ 826.3    $ (44.9   (5 )% 

Brand Mix - New Light Vehicle by Revenue

 

     For the Twelve Months
Ended December 31,
 
   2009     2008  

Luxury

    

BMW

   5   6

Mercedes-Benz

   4   4

Lexus

   4   4

Acura

   3   4

Infiniti

   3   4

Other luxury

   4   3
            

Total luxury

   23   25

Mid-Line Imports:

    

Honda

   32   32

Toyota

   12   12

Nissan

   14   15

Other imports

   4   3
            

Total imports

   62   62

Mid-Line Domestic:

    

Ford

   8   6

General Motors

   2   2

Chrysler

   3   4
            

Total domestic

   13   12

Value

   2   1
            

Total Light Vehicles

   100   100
            

 

15


Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

Supplemental Disclosures

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

Our operations during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were impacted by certain items that are not core dealership operating items, but which we believe are important to highlight when reviewing and comparing our results of operations; however, due to the nature of these items, we do not believe it is appropriate to consider them when forecasting our future results.

The non-core items shown in the tables below, which are components of our GAAP results, include:

 

  (i) impairment expenses in 2008 totaling $491.7 million, which consisted of the write-off of all of our goodwill, a $30.9 million impairment of our franchise rights and other intangible assets and a $6.1 million impairment of certain property and equipment, each as a result of a sustained decline in our market capitalization and a significant decline in our total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2008;

 

  (ii) costs associated with transitioning our dealerships to DealerTrack’s Arkona dealer management system;

 

  (iii) restructuring costs consisting of severance and retention expenses related to the relocation of our corporate headquarters and the elimination of our regional management structure; and the acceleration of lease costs associated with our former headquarters in the third quarter of 2009;

 

  (iv) gains on the extinguishment of long-term debt as a result of the repurchase certain of our senior subordinated notes;

 

  (v) a corporate generated F&I gain related to the sale of our remaining interest in a pool of maintenance contracts in the fourth quarter of 2008;

 

  (vi) permanent differences between book and tax basis, which resulted in an increase to our effective tax rate in the fourth quarter of 2009 to 46.2%;

 

  (vii) a legal settlements benefit related to legal claims arising in, and before, the year 2003; and

 

  (viii) executive separation benefits paid in 2008 related to the departure of our former chief financial officer.

 

     For the Three Months
Ended December 31,
 
   2009     2008  

Non-core items – expense (income):

    

Impairment expenses

   $ —        $ 528.7   

Dealer management system transition costs

     0.4        0.1   

Restructuring costs

     —          3.3   

Gain on extinguishment of long-term debt

     (0.1     (27.9

Corporate generated F&I gain

     —          (4.7

Tax benefit of non-core items above

     (0.1     (149.1

Tax related items

     0.9        —     
                

Total

   $ 1.1      $ 350.4   
                

Non-core items per dilutive share

   $ 0.03      $ 11.05   
                

Weighted average common shares outstanding (diluted)

     33.0        31.7   
                

 

16


 

     For the Twelve Months
Ended December 31,
 
   2009     2008  

Non-core items – expense (income):

    

Impairment expenses

   $ —        $ 528.7   

Dealer management system transition costs

     1.9        1.0   

Restructuring costs

     4.2        5.8   

Legal settlements benefit

     (1.5     —     

Gain on extinguishment of long-term debt

     (0.1     (27.9

Executive separation benefits expense

     —          1.7   

Corporate generated F&I gain

     —          (4.7

Tax benefit of non-core items above

     (1.7     (151.0

Tax related items

     0.1        (1.1
                

Total

   $ 2.9      $ 352.5   
                

Non-core items per dilutive share

   $ 0.09      $ 11.12   
                

Weighted average common shares outstanding (diluted)

     32.9        31.7   
                

 

17


Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

Summary of Debt Covenants

As of and for the Period Ended December 31, 2009

(Dollars in millions, except per vehicle data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Wachovia
Mortgages
(1)
   Credit
Facilities (2)
 

Senior Leverage Ratio must be < 3.00: 1.00

     

SECURED DEBT (numerator)

  

+

  Mortgage notes payable (including mortgages associated with assets held for sale)       $ 169.9   

+

  Borrowings under revolving credit facility         —     

+

  Capital lease obligations         —     

+

  Interest rate obligations         —     

+

  Other indebtedness         0.2   
             

=

  TOTAL SECURED DEBT (ex floorplan)       $ 170.1   
             

EBITDA (denominator)

     

+

  Net Income - trailing 12 months (“T12”)       $ 13.4   

+

  Add back Losses from discontinued operations - T12         10.8   

+

  Add back Total interest expense (excluding floorplan interest) - T12         40.0   

+

  Add back Income tax expense - T12         14.4   

+

  Add back Depreciation and amortization - T12         23.5   

+

  Add back Other non-cash charges - T12*         3.7   
             

=

  CONSOLIDATED EBITDA         105.8   

+

  Add back Pro forma acquisitions EBITDA (as defined)         —     

+

  Add back Pro forma rent savings (as defined)         —     

  Less Gain on debt extinguishment         (0.1
             

=

  CONSOLIDATED PRO FORMA EBITDA       $ 105.7   
             

SENIOR LEVERAGE RATIO

        1.61   

*Includes impairment expenses, stock-based compensation expense, deferred finance fee amortization and swap amortization.

(1) The “Wachovia Mortgages” are the Company’s mortgage notes with Wachovia Bank, National Association and Wachovia Financial Services, Inc.
(2) The “Credit Facilities” are the Company’s revolving credit facility with Bank of America, as administrative agent, and the Company’s used vehicle floor plan facility with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A.

 

18


Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio must be > 1.20: 1:00

    

EBITDAR (numerator)

  

 

+

  Net Income - trailing 12 months (“T12”)    $ 13.4      $ 13.4   

+

  Add back Losses from discontinued operations - T12      10.8        10.8   

+

  Add back Total interest expense (ex floorplan) - T12      40.0        40.0   

+

  Add back Income tax expense - T12      14.4        14.4   

+

  Add back Depreciation & amortization - T12      23.5        23.5   

+

  Add back Other non-cash charges - T12 (as defined)*      11.0        3.7   

+

  Add back Non-recurring items - T12 (as defined)**      6.1        —     
                  

=

  CONSOLIDATED EBITDA      119.2        105.8   

+

  PLUS Required principal payments - T12 (Rent)      40.4        40.4   

  LESS Capital expenditures (as defined)      (16.2     (12.2

  Less Gain on debt extinguishment      —          (0.1
                  

=

  TOTAL EARNINGS AVAILABLE FOR FIXED CHARGES    $ 143.4      $ 133.9   
                  

FIXED CHARGES (denominator)

  

 

+

  Total interest expense (ex Floorplan Interest) - T12      40.0        40.0   

-

  LESS Interest associated with convertible notes - T12      (1.8     (1.8

+

  PLUS Required principal payments - T12      8.8        8.8   

+

  PLUS Rental expense - T12      40.4        40.4   

-

  LESS Pro forma rent savings (as defined)      —          —     

+

  PLUS Cash paid for taxes - T12      —          —     
                  

=

  TOTAL FIXED CHARGES    $ 87.4      $ 87.4   
                  

FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO

     1.64        1.53   

Current Ratio must be > 1.20: 1:00

  

 

Total current assets (numerator)

  

 

+

  Total current assets    $ 815.6      $ 815.6   

+

  PLUS Available unused commitments under revolving credit facility      125.0        126.1   
                  

=

  TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS    $ 940.6      $ 941.7   
                  

Total current liabilities (denominator)

  

 

+

  Total current liabilities    $ 598.8      $ 598.8   

-

  LESS Debt balloon payments due within 6-12 months      —          —     
                  

=

  TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES    $ 598.8      $ 598.8   
                  

CURRENT RATIO

     1.57        1.57   

Adjusted Net Worth must be > $350 million

  

  Stockholders’ equity    $ 243.6     

-

  LESS 50% of net income subsequent to March 31, 2008 (to the extent net income is positive)      —       

-

  LESS Proceeds from stock option exercises subsequent to March 31, 2008      (1.6  

+

  ADD Impairment expenses, net of tax      383.0     
            

=

  ADJUSTED NET WORTH    $ 625.0     

 

* Includes impairment expenses, stock-based compensation expense, deferred finance fee amortization and swap amortization.
** Includes restructuring costs and dealer management system transition costs.

 

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