Edgar Filing: LITHIA MOTORS INC

lad20151119_10k.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

___________________

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended: December 31, 2015

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 001-14733

LITHIA MOTORS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Oregon		93-0572810
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

150 N. Bartlett Street, Medford, Oregon		97501
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

541-776-6401

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A common stock, without par value		New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

(Title of Class)

___________________

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act: Yes [X] No[ ]

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act: [ ]

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K, or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]

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

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $2,686,645,000 computed by reference to the last sales price ($113.16) as reported by the New York Stock Exchange for the Registrant’s Class A common stock, as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2015).

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock as of February 26, 2016 was: Class A: 23,176,372 shares and Class B: 2,542,231 shares.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

The Registrant has incorporated into Part III of Form 10-K, by reference, portions of its Proxy Statement for its 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

LITHIA MOTORS, INC.

2015 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
	PART I

Item 1.	Business	2

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	10

Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	24

Item 2.	Properties	25

Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	25

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosure	25

	PART II

Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	26

Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	29

Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	31

Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	63

Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	64

Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	64

Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	64

Item 9B.	Other Information	64

	PART III

Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	65

Item 11.	Executive Compensation	65

Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	65

Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	65

Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	65

	PART IV

Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	66

Signatures		69

PART I

Item 1. Business

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this Annual Report, including in the sections entitled “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business” constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “project”, “outlook,” “target”, “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “seek,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “likely,” “goal,” “strategy,” “future,” “maintain,” and “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terms. Examples of forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K include, among others, statements we make regarding:

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Future market conditions;

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Expected operating results, such as improved store performance; maintaining incremental throughput between 45% and 50%; continued improvement of selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses as a percentage of gross profit and all projections;

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Anticipated continued success and growth of DCH Auto Group (“DCH”);

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Anticipated ability to capture additional market share;

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Anticipated ability to find accretive acquisitions;

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Expected revenues from acquired stores;

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Anticipated additions of dealership locations to our portfolio in the future;

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Anticipated availability of liquidity from our unfinanced operating real estate;

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Anticipated levels of capital expenditures in the future; and

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Our strategies for customer retention, growth, market position, financial results and risk management.

The forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and situations that may cause our actual results to materially differ from the results expressed or implied by these statements. Some of those important factors are discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, and in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and, from time to time, in our other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events that depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

Overview

We are a leading operator of automotive franchises and a retailer of new and used vehicles and related services. As of February 26, 2016, we offered 31 brands of new vehicles and all brands of used vehicles in 139 stores in the United States and online at Lithia.com and DCHauto.com. We sell new and used cars and replacement parts; provide vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and repair services; arrange related financing; and sell service contracts, vehicle protection products and credit insurance.

Our dealerships are located across the United States. We seek domestic, import and luxury franchises in cities ranging from mid-sized regional markets to metropolitan markets. We evaluate all brands for expansion opportunities provided the market is large enough to support adequate new vehicle sales to justify the required capital investment.

The following table sets forth information about stores that were part of our continuing operations as of December 31, 2015:

State	Number of Stores		Percent of 2015 Revenue
California		31		21.6	%
Oregon		24		16.7
Texas		16		15.0
New Jersey		10		14.6
Montana		11		6.0
Alaska		9		5.4
Washington		9		5.2
Nevada		4		3.0
New York		3		2.9
Idaho		4		2.9
Iowa		7		2.8
Hawaii		4		1.5
North Dakota		3		1.5
New Mexico		2		0.9
Total		137		100.0	%

Business Strategy and Operations

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

We offer a variety of luxury, import and domestic new vehicle brands and models, reducing our dependence on any one manufacturer and our susceptibility to changing consumer preferences. Encompassing economy and luxury cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), crossovers, minivans and trucks, we believe our brand mix is well-suited to what customers demand in the markets we serve. Our new vehicle unit mix of 54% import, 33% domestic and 13% luxury compares to the national market mix of 48%, 45% and 7%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2015.

We have centralized many administrative functions to streamline store level operations. Accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit and collections, accounting and taxes, payroll and benefits, information technology, legal, human resources, personnel development, treasury, cash management, advertising and marketing are all centralized at our corporate headquarters. The reduction of administrative functions at our stores allows our local managers to focus on customer-facing opportunities to generate increased revenues and gross profit. Our operations are supported by our dedicated training and personnel development program, which shares best practices across our dealership network and seeks to develop our store management talent.

Operations are structured to promote an entrepreneurial environment at the dealership level. Each store’s general manager and department managers, with assistance from regional and corporate management, are responsible for developing retail plans that perform in their stores. They are the leaders in driving dealership operations, personnel development, manufacturer relationships, store culture and financial performance.

During 2015, we focused on the following areas to achieve our mission:

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increasing revenues in all business lines;

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capturing a greater percentage of overall new vehicle sales in our local markets;

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capitalizing on a used vehicle market that is approximately three times larger than the new vehicle market by increasing sales of manufacturer certified pre-owned used vehicles; late model, lower-mileage vehicles; and value autos, which are older, higher mileage vehicles;

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growing our service, body and parts revenues as units in operation increase;

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leveraging our cost structure;

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diversifying our franchise mix through acquisitions;

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integrating acquired stores to achieve targeted returns;

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increasing our return to investors through dividends and strategic share buy backs;

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investing in our existing stores to increase profits; and

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paying down debt to prepare for future expansion opportunities.

We believe we can leverage our cost structure as revenues increase and we integrate acquired stores. In 2015, we purchased six stores and one franchise and opened one new store. We expect these acquisitions to add over $270 million in annual revenues. Our acquisition targets typically have higher SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit than our existing store base.

We target SG&A as a percentage of gross profit in the upper 60% range and monitor how efficiently we leverage our cost structure by evaluating throughput. Throughput is calculated as the percentage of incremental gross profit dollars we retain after deducting increases in SG&A expense. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, our incremental throughput was 29.6% and 29.4%, respectively. Adjusting for non-core items, our adjusted throughput in 2015 and 2014 was 31.5% and 30.5%, respectively. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for additional information.

Throughput contributions for newly opened or acquired stores are on a “first dollar” basis for the first twelve months of operations and typically reduce overall throughput. In the first year of operation, a store’s throughput is equal to the inverse of its SG&A as a percentage of gross profit. For example, a store which achieves SG&A as a percentage of gross profit of 70% will have throughput of 30% in the first year of operation.

As noted above, we acquired six stores, one franchise and opened one new store in 2015, in addition to acquiring 35 stores and opening one new store in 2014. Adjusting to exclude these locations and other non-core adjustments, our throughput contribution on a same store basis was 51% and 43% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We continue to target a same store throughput contribution of 45% to 50% in 2016.

We continuously evaluate our portfolio of franchises to balance our brand mix, minimize exposure to any one franchise and achieve financial returns. In the past three years we acquired or opened 51 stores. Additionally, we divest stores that are not meeting our financial return requirements or other performance expectations. Divestiture activity generated $23.6 million during the past three years as we sold three stores.

New Vehicles

In 2015, we sold 137,486 new vehicles, generating 23.8% of our gross profit for the year. New vehicle sales have the potential to create incremental future profit opportunities through certain manufacturer incentive programs, resale of used vehicles acquired through trade-in, arranging of third-party financing, vehicle service and insurance contracts, and future service and repair work.

In 2015, we represented 31 domestic and import brands ranging from economy to luxury cars, SUVs, crossovers, minivans and light trucks.

Manufacturer	Percent of 2015 New Vehicle Revenue			Percent of 2015 New Vehicle Gross Profit
Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Alfa Romeo		20.6	%		17.1	%
Honda, Acura		18.4			20.5
Toyota, Scion		16.3			15.0
Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Buick		11.2			12.2
BMW, MINI		9.0			10.2
Subaru		5.6			3.2
Ford, Lincoln		5.4			5.2
Volkswagen, Audi		3.3			3.8
Nissan		2.9			3.8
Mercedes, smart		2.5			3.5
Hyundai		1.6			2.4
Lexus		1.4			1.5
Kia		1.0			0.8
Porsche		0.3			0.5
Mazda		0.2			0.3
Fiat		0.1			—	*
Mitsubishi		0.1			—	*
Volvo		0.1			—	*
Total		100.0	%		100.0	%

* Less than 0.1%

We purchase our new car inventory directly from manufacturers, who generally allocate new vehicles to stores based on availability, monthly sales and market area. Accordingly, we rely on the manufacturers to provide us with vehicles that meet consumer demand at suitable locations, with appropriate quantities and prices. However, if high demand vehicles, or vehicles with certain option configurations are in short supply, we exchange vehicles with other automotive retailers and between our own stores to accommodate customer demand and to balance inventory.

Used Vehicles

At each new vehicle store, we also sell used vehicles. In 2015, we sold 99,109 retail used vehicles, which generated 20.5% of our gross profit.

Our used vehicle operations give us an opportunity to:

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generate sales to customers unable or unwilling to purchase a new vehicle;

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generate sales of vehicle brands other than the store’s new vehicle franchise(s);

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increase vehicle sales by aggressively pursuing customer trade-ins; and

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increase finance and insurance revenues and service and parts sales.

We classify our used vehicles in three categories: manufacturer certified pre-owned used vehicles ("CPO"); late model, lower-mileage vehicles ("Core Product") and higher mileage, older vehicles "(Value Autos"). We offer CPO vehicles at most of our franchised dealerships. These vehicles undergo additional reconditioning and receive an extended OEM-provided warranty. Core Product are reconditioned and offer a Lithia certified warranty. Value Autos undergo a safety check and a lesser degree of reconditioning and are offered to customers who desire a less expensive vehicle or a lower monthly payment.

We acquire our used vehicles through customer trade-ins, purchases from non-Lithia stores, independent vehicle wholesalers and private parties, and at closed auctions.

Our near-term goal for used vehicles is to retail an average of 75 units per store per month. As of December 31, 2015, our stores sold an annualized average of 62 retail used units per month. We believe used vehicle sales represent a significant area for organic growth. As new vehicle sales growth rates return to average historical levels and we continue our focus on growing used retail sales, we believe our long-term target is achievable.

Wholesale transactions result from vehicles we have acquired via trade-in from customers or vehicles we have attempted to sell via retail that we elect to dispose of due to inventory age or other factors. As part of our used vehicle strategy, we have concentrated on directing more lower-priced, older vehicles to retail sale rather than wholesale disposal.

Vehicle Financing, Service Contracts and Other Products

As part of the vehicle sales process, we assist in arranging customer financing options as well as offering extended warranties, insurance contracts and vehicle and theft protection products. The sale of these items generated 24.1% of our gross profit in 2015.

We believe that arranging financing is an important part of our ability to sell vehicles and related products and services. Our sales personnel and finance and insurance managers receive training in securing customer financing and possess extensive knowledge of available financing alternatives. We attempt to arrange financing for every vehicle we sell and we offer customers financing on a “same day” basis, giving us an advantage, particularly over smaller competitors who do not generate enough sales to attract our breadth of finance sources.

We earn a commission on each finance, service and insurance contract we write and subsequently sell to a third-party. We normally arrange financing for customers by selling the contracts to outside sources on a non-recourse basis to avoid the risk of default.

We arranged financing on 77% of the vehicles we sold during 2015. Our presence in multiple markets and changes in technology surrounding the credit application process have allowed us to utilize a larger network of lenders across a broader geographic area. Additionally, we continue to see the availability of consumer credit expand with lenders increasing the loan-to-value amount available to most customers. These shifts afford us the opportunity to sell additional or more comprehensive products, while remaining within a loan-to-value framework acceptable to our lenders.

We also market third-party extended warranty contracts, insurance contracts and vehicle and theft protection products to our customers. These products and services yield higher profit margins than vehicle sales and contribute significantly to our profitability. Extended warranty and service contracts for vehicles provide coverage for certain repairs beyond the duration or scope of the manufacturer’s warranty. We believe the sale of extended warranties, service contracts and vehicle and theft protection products increases our service and parts business. Additionally, these products build a customer base for future repair work at our locations.

When customers finance an automobile purchase, we offer them life, accident and disability insurance coverage, as well as guaranteed auto protection coverage that provides protection from loss incurred by the difference in the amount owed and the amount received under a comprehensive insurance claim. We receive a commission on each policy sold.

We offer a lifetime lube, oil and filter (“LOF”) service, which, in 2015, was purchased by 25% of our total new and used vehicle buyers. This service, where customers prepay for their LOF services, helps us retain customers by building customer loyalty and provides opportunities for selling additional routine maintenance items and generating repeat service business. In 2015, we sold an average of $56 of additional maintenance on each lifetime LOF service we performed.

Service, Body and Parts

In 2015, our service, body and parts operations generated 31% of our gross profit. Our service, body and parts operations are an integral part of establishing customer loyalty and contribute significantly to our overall revenue and profits. We provide parts and service for the new vehicle brands sold by our stores, as well as service and repair most other makes and models.

The service and parts business provides important repeat revenues to our stores, which we seek to grow organically. Customer pay revenues represent sales for vehicle maintenance, service performed on vehicles that have fallen outside the manufacturer warranty period, repairs not covered by a manufacturer warranty, or maintenance and service on other makes and models. We believe increasing our product and service offerings for customers differentiates us from independent repair shops and dealerships with less scale. Our service and parts revenues benefit from the increases we have seen in new vehicle sales over the last few years as there are a greater number of late model vehicles in operation, which tend to visit franchised dealership locations more frequently than older vehicles due to the manufacturer warranty period. Additionally, certain franchises provide routine maintenance, such as oil changes, for two to four years after a vehicle is sold, which provides for future warranty work.

We focus on growing our customer pay business and market our parts and service products by notifying owners when their vehicles are due for periodic service. This encourages preventive maintenance rather than post-breakdown repairs. The number of customers who purchase our lifetime LOF service helps to improve customer loyalty and provides opportunities for repeat parts and service business.

Revenues from the service and parts departments are particularly important during economic downturns, when owners tend to repair their existing vehicles rather than buy new vehicles. This partially mitigates the effects of a drop in new vehicle sales that may occur in a recessionary economic environment.

We believe body shops provide an attractive opportunity to grow our business, and we continue to evaluate potential locations to expand. We currently operate 17 collision repair centers: five in Texas; four in Oregon; two each in Idaho and Washington; and one each in Alaska, Montana, Iowa and Nevada.

Segments

We report three business segments: Domestic, Import and Luxury. For certain financial information by segment, see Notes 1 and 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

Marketing

We believe that stores with strong local identities and customer loyalty are critical to our success. We want our customers’ experiences to be so satisfying that we earn their business for life. In conjunction with our manufacturer partners, we utilize an owner marketing strategy consisting of database analysis, email, traditional mail and phone contact to anticipate, listen and respond to customer needs.

To increase awareness and traffic at our stores, we use a combination of traditional, digital and social media to reach potential customers. Total advertising expense, net of manufacturer credits, was $69.9 million in 2015, $46.7 million in 2014 and $39.6 million in 2013. In 2015, approximately 35% of those funds were spent in traditional media and 65% were spent in digital and owner communications and other media outlets. In all of our communications, we seek to convey the promise of a positive customer experience, competitive pricing and wide selection.

Certain advertising and marketing expenditures are offset by manufacturer cooperative programs which require us to submit requests for reimbursement to manufacturers for qualifying advertising expenditures. These advertising credits are not tied to specific vehicles and are earned as qualifying expenses are incurred. These reimbursements are recognized as a reduction of advertising expense. Manufacturer cooperative advertising credits were $19.8 million in 2015, $16.3 million in 2014 and $11.8 million in 2013.

Many people now shop online before visiting our stores. We maintain websites for all of our stores and corporate sites (Lithia.com and DCHAuto.com) to generate customer leads for our stores.

Our websites enable our customers to:

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locate our stores and identify the new vehicle brands sold at each store;

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search new and pre-owned vehicle inventory;

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view current pricing and specials;

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calculate payments for purchase or lease;

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obtain a value for their vehicle to trade or sell to us;

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submit credit applications;

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shop for and order manufacturers’ vehicle parts;

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schedule service appointments; and

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provide feedback about their experience.

We also maintain mobile versions of our websites and a mobile application in anticipation of greater adoption of mobile technology. Mobile traffic now accounts for 35% of our web traffic and all of the sites utilize responsive technology to enhance mobile and tablet usage.

We post our inventory on major new and used vehicle listing services (cars.com, autotrader.com, kbb.com, edmunds.com, eBay, craigslist, etc.) to reach online shoppers. We also employ search engine optimization, search engine marketing and online display advertising (including re-targeting) to reach more online prospects.

Social influence marketing represents a cost-effective method to enhance our corporate reputation and our stores’ reputations, and increase vehicle sales and service. We deploy tools and training to our employees in ways that will help us listen to our customers and create more advocates for Lithia.

We also encourage our stores to give back to their local communities through financial and non-financial participation in local charities and events. Through Lithia4Kids and DCH Teen Safe Driving Foundation, our initiatives to increase employee volunteerism and community involvement, we focus the impact of our contributions on projects that support opportunities and the safety and development of young people.

Franchise Agreements

Each of our stores operates under a separate agreement (“Franchise Agreement”) with the manufacturer of the new vehicle brand it sells.

Typical automobile Franchise Agreements specify the locations within a designated market area at which the store may sell vehicles and related products and perform approved services. The designation of such areas and the allocation of new vehicles among stores are at the discretion of the manufacturer. Franchise Agreements do not, however, guarantee exclusivity within a specified territory.

A Franchise Agreement may impose requirements on the store with respect to:

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facilities and equipment;

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inventories of vehicles and parts;

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minimum working capital;

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training of personnel; and

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performance standards for market share and customer satisfaction.

Each manufacturer closely monitors compliance with these requirements and requires each store to submit monthly financial statements. Franchise Agreements also grant a store the right to use and display manufacturers’ trademarks, service marks and designs in the manner approved by each manufacturer.

We have determined the useful life of a Franchise Agreement is indefinite, even though certain Franchise Agreements are renewed after one to six years. In our experience, agreements are routinely renewed without substantial cost and there are legal remedies to help prevent termination. Certain Franchise Agreements have no termination date. In addition, state franchise laws protect franchised automotive retailers. Under certain laws, a manufacturer may not terminate or fail to renew a franchise without good cause or prevent any reasonable changes in the capital structure or financing of a store.

The typical Franchise Agreement provides for early termination or non-renewal by the manufacturer upon:

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a change of management or ownership without manufacturer consent;

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insolvency or bankruptcy of the dealer;

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death or incapacity of the dealer/manager;

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conviction of a dealer/manager or owner of certain crimes;

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misrepresentation of certain sales or inventory information by the store, dealer/manager or owner to the manufacturer;

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failure to adequately operate the store;

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failure to maintain any license, permit or authorization required for the conduct of business;

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poor market share; or

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low customer satisfaction index scores.

Franchise Agreements generally provide for prior written notice before a franchise may be terminated under most circumstances. We also sign master framework agreements with most manufacturers that impose additional requirements. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

Competition

The retail automotive business is highly competitive. Currently, there are approximately 17,800 dealers in the United States, many of whom are independent stores managed by individuals, families or small retail groups. We compete primarily with other automotive retailers, both publicly- and privately-held.

Vehicle manufacturers have designated specific marketing and sales areas within which only one dealer of a vehicle brand may operate. In addition, our Franchise Agreements typically limit our ability to acquire multiple dealerships of a given brand within a particular market area. Certain state franchise laws also restrict us from relocating our dealerships, or establishing new dealerships of a particular brand, within any area that is served by another dealer with the same brand. To the extent that a market has multiple dealers of a particular brand, as certain markets we operate in do, we are subject to significant intra-brand competition.

We are larger and have more financial resources than most private automotive retailers with which we currently compete in the majority of our regional markets. We compete directly with retailers with similar or greater resources in markets such as metropolitan New York, the greater Los Angeles area, Seattle, Washington; Spokane, Washington; Anchorage, Alaska; Portland, Oregon and the San Francisco Bay Area, California. If we enter other new markets, we may face competitors that are larger or have access to greater financial resources. We do not have any cost advantage in purchasing new vehicles from manufacturers. We rely on advertising and merchandising, pricing, our customer guarantees and sales model, our sales expertise, service reputation and the location of our stores to sell new vehicles.

Regulation

Automotive and Other Laws and Regulations

We operate in a highly regulated industry. A number of state and federal laws and regulations affect our business. In every state in which we operate, we must obtain various licenses to operate our businesses, including dealer, sales and finance and insurance licenses issued by state regulatory authorities. Numerous laws and regulations govern our business, including those relating to our sales, operations, financing, insurance, advertising and employment practices. These laws and regulations include state franchise laws and regulations, consumer protection laws, privacy laws, escheatment laws, anti-money laundering laws and federal and state wage-hour, anti-discrimination and other employment practices laws.

Our financing activities with customers are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations. In recent years, there has been an increase in activity related to oversight of consumer lending by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which has broad regulatory powers. The CFPB does not have direct authority over automotive dealers; however, its regulation of larger automotive finance companies and other financial institutions could affect our financing activities. Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law may be asserted against us or our stores by individuals, a class of individuals, or governmental entities. These claims may expose us to significant damages or other penalties, including revocation or suspension of our licenses to conduct store operations and fines.

The vehicles we sell are subject to rules and regulations of various federal and state regulatory agencies.

Environmental, Health, and Safety Laws and Regulations

Our operations involve the use, handling, storage and contracting for recycling and/or disposal of materials such as motor oil and filters, transmission fluids, antifreeze, refrigerants, paints, thinners, batteries, cleaning products, lubricants, degreasing agents, tires and fuel. Consequently, our business is subject to a complex variety of federal, state and local requirements that regulate the environment and public health and safety.

Most of our stores use above ground storage tanks, and, to a lesser extent, underground storage tanks, primarily for petroleum-based products. Storage tanks are subject to periodic testing, containment, upgrading and removal under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and its state law counterparts. Clean-up or other remedial action may be necessary in the event of leaks or other discharges from storage tanks or other sources. In addition, water quality protection programs under the federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), the Safe Drinking Water Act and comparable state and local programs govern certain discharges from our operations. Similarly, certain air emissions from operations, such as auto body painting, may be subject to the federal Clean Air Act and related state and local laws. Health and safety standards promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States Department of Labor and related state agencies also apply.

Certain stores may become a party to proceedings under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or CERCLA, typically in connection with materials that were sent to former recycling, treatment and/or disposal facilities owned and operated by independent businesses. The remediation or clean-up of facilities where the release of a regulated hazardous substance occurred is required under CERCLA and other laws.

We incur certain costs to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the ordinary course of our business. We do not anticipate, however, that the costs of such compliance will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, although such outcome is possible given the nature of our operations and the extensive environmental, public health and safety regulatory framework. We may become aware of minor contamination at certain of our facilities, and we conduct investigations and remediation at properties as needed. In certain cases, the current or prior property owner may conduct the investigation and/or remediation or we have been indemnified by either the current or prior property owner for such contamination. We do not currently expect to incur significant costs for the remediation. However, no assurances can be given that material environmental commitments or contingencies will not arise in the future, or that they do not already exist but are unknown to us.

Employees

As of December 31, 2015, we employed approximately 9,574 persons on a full-time equivalent basis.

Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations

Historically, our sales have been lower in the first and fourth quarters of each year due to consumer purchasing patterns during the holiday season, inclement weather in certain of our markets and the reduced number of business days during the holiday season. As a result, financial performance is expected to be lower during the first and fourth quarters than during the second and third quarters of each fiscal year. More recently, our franchise diversification and cost control efforts have moderated the significance of our seasonality. We believe that interest rates, levels of consumer debt, consumer confidence and manufacturer sales incentives, as well as general economic conditions, also contribute to fluctuations in sales and operating results.

Available Information and NYSE Compliance

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). You may inspect and copy our reports, proxy statements, and other information filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains an Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov where you may access copies of our SEC filings. We also make available free of charge, on our website at www.lithiainvestorrelations.com, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically with the SEC. The information found on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You may also obtain copies of these reports by contacting Investor Relations at 877-331-3084.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. The risks described below are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks not presently known to us, or that we currently deem immaterial, may also impair our business operations.

Risks related to our business

Our business will be harmed if overall consumer demand suffers from a severe or sustained downturn.

Our business is heavily dependent on consumer demand and preferences. A downturn in overall levels of consumer spending may materially and adversely affect our revenues. Retail vehicle sales are cyclical and historically have experienced periodic downturns characterized by oversupply and weak demand. These cycles are often dependent on general economic conditions and consumer confidence, as well as the level of discretionary personal income and credit availability. Economic conditions may be anemic for an extended period of time, or deteriorate in the future. This would have a material adverse effect on our retail business, particularly sales of new and used automobiles.

Our operations are geographically concentrated and our business may be adversely affected by unfavorable conditions in our local markets, even if those conditions are not prominent nationally.

Our performance is subject to local economic, competitive and other conditions prevailing in our various geographic areas. Our dealerships are currently located in limited markets in 15 states, with sales in the top three states accounting for approximately 53% of our revenue in 2015. Our results of operations, therefore, depend substantially on general economic conditions, consumer spending levels and other factors in those markets and could be materially adversely affected to the extent these markets experience sustained economic downturns regardless of improvements in the U.S. economy overall.

Natural disasters and adverse weather conditions can disrupt our business.

Our dealerships are concentrated in states and regions in the U.S., including California and Texas, in which actual or threatened natural disasters and severe weather events (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, floods, landslides and wind or hail storms) or other extraordinary events have in the past, and may in the future, disrupt our dealership operations. A disruption in our operations may adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition to business interruption, the automotive retailing business is subject to substantial risk of property loss due to the significant concentration of property at dealership locations.

In addition, the automotive manufacturing supply chain spans the globe. As such, supply chain disruptions resulting from natural disasters and adverse weather events may affect the flow of inventory or parts to us or our manufacturing partners. Such disruptions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Increasing competition among automotive retailers reduces our profit margins on vehicle sales and related businesses. Further, the use of the Internet in the car purchasing process could materially adversely affect us.

Automobile retailing is a highly competitive business. Our competitors include publicly- and privately-owned dealerships, of which certain competitors are larger and have greater financial and marketing resources than we have. Many of our competitors sell the same or similar makes of new and used vehicles that we offer in our markets at competitive prices. We do not have any cost advantage in purchasing new vehicles from manufacturers due to the volume of purchases or otherwise.

Our finance and insurance business and other related businesses, which have higher margins than sales of new and used vehicles, are subject to strong competition from various financial institutions and others.

The Internet has become a significant part of the sales process in our industry. Customers are using the Internet to compare pricing for vehicles and related finance and insurance services, which may further reduce margins for new and used vehicles and profits for related finance and insurance services. If Internet new vehicle sales are allowed to be conducted without the involvement of franchised dealers, our business could be materially adversely affected. In addition, other franchise groups have aligned themselves with services offered on the Internet or are investing heavily in the development of their own Internet capabilities, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our Franchise Agreements do not grant us the exclusive right to sell a manufacturer’s product within a given geographic area. Our revenues or profitability could be materially adversely affected if any of our manufacturers award franchises to others in the same markets where we operate or if existing franchised dealers increase their market share in our markets.

In addition, we may face increasingly significant competition as we strive to gain market share through acquisitions or otherwise. Our operating margins may decline over time as we expand into markets where we do not have a leading position.

Increasing fuel prices change consumer demand. Significant increases in fuel prices can be expected to reduce vehicle sales.

Historically, in times of rapid increase in crude oil and fuel prices, sales of vehicles have dropped, particularly in the short term, as the economy slows, consumer confidence wanes and fuel costs become more prominent to the consumer’s buying decision. In sustained periods of higher fuel costs, consumers who do purchase vehicles tend to prefer smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles (which typically have lower margins) or hybrid vehicles (which can be in limited supply during these periods).

Additionally, a significant portion of our new vehicle revenue and gross profit is derived from domestic manufacturers. These manufacturers have historically sold a higher percentage of trucks and SUVs than import or luxury brands. They may, therefore, experience a more significant decline in sales in the event that fuel prices increase.

A decline of available financing in the lending market has adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our vehicle sales volume.

A significant portion of vehicle buyers finance their purchases of automobiles. Sub-prime lenders have historically provided financing for consumers who, for a variety of reasons, including poor credit histories and lack of down payment, do not have access to more traditional finance sources. If lenders tighten their credit standards or there is a decline in the availability of credit in the lending market, the ability of these consumers to purchase vehicles could be limited, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Adverse conditions affecting one or more key manufacturers may negatively affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

We depend on our manufacturers to provide a supply of vehicles which supports expected sales levels. If manufacturers are unable to supply the needed level of vehicles, our financial performance may be adversely impacted.

We are subject to a concentration of risk in the event of financial distress, including potential reorganization or bankruptcy, of a major vehicle manufacturer. We purchase substantially all of our new vehicles from various manufacturers or distributors at the prevailing prices available to all franchised dealers. Our sales volume could be materially adversely impacted by the manufacturers’ or distributors’ inability to supply our stores with an adequate supply of vehicles.

In the event of a manufacturer or distributor bankruptcy, we could be held liable for damages related to product liability claims, intellectual property suits or other legal actions. These legal actions are typically directed towards the vehicle manufacturer and it is customary for manufacturers to indemnify us from exposure related to any judgments associated with the claims. However, if damages could not be collected from the manufacturer or distributor, we could be named in lawsuits and judgments could be levied against us.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully address the risks described above or those of the current economic circumstances and sales environment.

Our success depends in large part upon the overall demand for the particular lines of vehicles that each of our stores sell and the ability of the manufacturers to continue to deliver high quality, defect-free vehicles.

Demand for our primary manufacturers’ vehicles, as well as the financial condition, management, marketing, production and distribution capabilities of these manufacturers, can significantly affect our business. Events that adversely affect a manufacturer’s ability to timely deliver new vehicles may adversely affect us by reducing our supply of popular new vehicles and leading to lower sales in our stores during those periods than would otherwise occur. We depend on our manufacturers to deliver high-quality, defect-free vehicles. If manufacturers experience quality issues, our financial performance may be adversely impacted. In addition, the discontinuance of a particular brand could negatively impact our revenues and profitability.

Many new manufacturers are entering the automotive industry. New companies have raised capital to produce fully electric vehicles or to license battery technology to existing manufacturers. Tesla has demonstrated the ability to successfully introduce electric vehicles to the marketplace. Foreign manufacturers from China and India are producing significant volumes of new vehicles and are entering the U.S. and selecting partners to distribute their products. Because the automotive market in the U.S. is mature and the overall level of new vehicle sales may not increase in the coming years, the success of new competitors will likely be at the expense of other, established brands. This could have a material adverse impact on our success in the future.

Vehicle manufacturers would be adversely affected by economic downturns or recessions, adverse fluctuations in currency exchange rates, significant declines in the sales of their new vehicles, increases in interest rates, declines in their credit ratings, port closures, labor strikes or similar disruptions (including within their major suppliers), supply shortages or rising raw material costs, rising employee benefit costs, adverse publicity that may reduce consumer demand for their products, product defects, vehicle recall campaigns, litigation, poor product mix or unappealing vehicle design, or other adverse events. These and other risks could materially adversely affect any manufacturer and limit its ability to profitably design, market, produce or distribute new vehicles, which, in turn, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In February 2015, for example, Honda and other manufacturers announced they would curtail car production in North America due to parts shortages caused by port closures and work slowdowns on the West Coast; if these continue and a materially lower number of Hondas are manufactured, our supply and sales of Hondas may materially decrease.

Additionally, federal and certain state laws mandate minimum levels of vehicle fuel economy and establish emission standards. These levels and standards could be increased in the future, including the required use of renewable energy sources. Such laws often increase the costs of new vehicles, which would be expected to reduce demand. Further, changes in these laws could result in fewer vehicles available for sale by manufacturers unwilling or unable to comply with the higher standards.

Adverse conditions resulting from issues related to Volkswagen vehicle emissions may negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

In September 2015, Volkswagen and related entities admitted utilizing software in certain diesel engine vehicles to detect when they were being emissions tested and to temporarily change performance to improve results. According to Automotive News, approximately 11 million vehicles built between 2009 and 2015 are affected and will be recalled and Volkswagen is potentially facing lawsuits and significant penalties from regulators worldwide. The current and future impact on Volkswagen’s operations, consumer reputation and future vehicle demand is unclear, as is the effect on our business for the Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche brands. Lithia currently operates five Volkswagen, three Audi and one Porsche stores, and approximately 3% of 2015 and 2014 new vehicle unit sales were within these brands. Changes in demand for Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche vehicles could significantly affect our business from those brands. Certain of the Company’s related entities that operate its Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche stores have been named as defendants or otherwise served in certain putative class actions filed by automobile owners against dealerships selling these brands. The Company has tendered defense of these cases to the manufacturers, and the manufacturers have honored their contractual defense and indemnity obligations to date.

If manufacturers or distributors discontinue or change sales incentives, warranties and other promotional programs, our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows may be materially adversely affected.

We depend upon the manufacturers and distributors for sales incentives, warranties and other programs that are intended to promote new vehicle sales or supplement dealer income. Manufacturers and distributors routinely make changes to their incentive programs. Key incentive programs include:

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customer rebates;

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dealer incentives on new vehicles;

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special financing rates on certified, pre-owned cars; and

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below-market financing on new vehicles and special leasing terms.

Our financial condition could be materially adversely impacted by a discontinuation or change in our manufacturers’ or distributors’ incentive programs. In addition, certain manufacturers use a dealership’s manufacturer-determined customer satisfaction index, or “CSI”, score as a factor governing participation in incentive programs. To the extent we do not meet minimum score requirements, we may be precluded from receiving certain incentives, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The ability of our stores to make new vehicle sales depends in large part upon the manufacturers and, therefore, any disruption or change in our relationships could impact our business.

We depend on the manufacturers to provide us with a desirable mix of new vehicles. The most popular vehicles usually produce the highest profit margins and are frequently in short supply. If we cannot obtain sufficient quantities of the most popular models, our profitability may be adversely affected. Sales of less desirable models may reduce our profit margins.

Each of our stores operates pursuant to a Franchise Agreement with each of the respective manufacturers for which it serves as franchisee. Each of our stores may obtain new vehicles from manufacturers, service vehicles, sell new vehicles, and display vehicle manufacturers’ brand only to the extent permitted under these agreements. As a result of the terms of our Franchise Agreements, manufacturers exert significant control over the day-to-day operations at our stores. Such agreements contain provisions for termination or non-renewal for a variety of causes, including service retention, facility compliance, customer satisfaction and sales and financial performance. From time to time, certain of our stores have failed to comply with certain provisions of their franchise agreements, and we cannot ensure that our stores will be able to comply with these provisions in the future.

Our Franchise Agreements expire at various times, and there can be no assurances that we will be able to renew these agreements on a timely basis or on acceptable terms or at all. Actions taken by a manufacturer to exploit its bargaining position in negotiating the terms of renewals of franchise agreements or otherwise could also have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability. If a manufacturer terminates or fails to renew one or more of our significant franchise agreements or a large number of our franchise agreements, such action could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our Franchise Agreements also specify that, except in certain situations, we cannot operate a franchise by another manufacturer in the same building as the manufacturer’s franchised store. This may require us to build new facilities at a significant cost. Moreover, our manufacturers generally require that the store meet defined image standards. These commitments could require us to make significant capital expenditures.

Our Franchise Agreements do not give us the exclusive right to a given geographic area. Manufacturers may be able to establish new franchises or relocate existing franchises, subject to applicable state franchise laws. The establishment of or relocation of franchises in our markets could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of our stores in the market in which the action is taken.

Manufacturer stock ownership requirements and restrictions may impair our ability to maintain or renew franchise agreements or issue additional equity.

Certain of our Franchise Agreements prohibit transfers of ownership interests of a store or, in some cases, the ownership interests of the store’s indirect parent companies, including the Company. Agreements with various manufacturers, including, among others, Honda/Acura, Hyundai, Mazda, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Toyota, Ford/Lincoln, GM, and Nissan, provide that, under certain circumstances, we may lose a franchise and/or be forced to sell one or more stores or their assets if there occurs a prohibited transfer of ownership interests (in some cases not defined or defined ambiguously) or a person or entity acquires an ownership interest in us above a specified level (ranging from 20% to 50% depending on the particular manufacturer’s restrictions and falling as low as 5% if another vehicle manufacturer or distributor is the entity acquiring the ownership interest) without the approval of the manufacturer. Transactions in our stock by our stockholders or prospective stockholders, including transactions in our Class B common stock, are generally outside of our control and may result in the termination or non-renewal of one or more of our franchises, may result in a forced sale of one or more of our stores or their assets at a price below fair market value or may impair our ability to negotiate new franchise agreements for dealerships we desire to acquire in the future, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. These restrictions may also prevent or deter a prospective acquirer from acquiring control of us or otherwise adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock or limit our ability to restructure our debt obligations.

If state dealer laws are repealed or weakened, our dealerships will be more susceptible to termination, non-renewal or renegotiation of their franchise agreements. Additionally, federal bankruptcy law can override protections afforded under state dealer laws.

State dealer laws generally provide that a manufacturer may not terminate or refuse to renew a franchise agreement unless it has first provided the dealer with written notice setting forth good cause and stating the grounds for termination or non-renewal. Certain state dealer laws allow dealers to file protests or petitions or attempt to comply with the manufacturer’s criteria within the notice period to avoid the termination or non-renewal. If dealer laws are repealed in the states where we operate, manufacturers may be able to terminate our franchises without providing advance notice, an opportunity to cure or a showing of good cause. Without the protection of state dealer laws, it may also be more difficult to renew our franchise agreements upon expiration or on terms acceptable to us.

In addition, these laws restrict the ability of automobile manufacturers to directly enter the retail market in the future. If manufacturers obtain the ability to directly retail vehicles and do so in our markets, such competition could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

As evidenced by the bankruptcy proceedings of both Chrysler and GM in 2009, state dealer laws do not afford continued protection from manufacturer terminations or non-renewal of franchise agreements. No assurances can be given that a manufacturer will not seek protection under bankruptcy laws, or that, in this event, they will not seek to terminate franchise rights held by us.

Import product restrictions, currency valuations, and foreign trade risks may impair our ability to sell foreign vehicles or parts profitably.

A significant portion of the vehicles we sell, as well as certain major components of such vehicles, are manufactured outside the U.S. As a result, our operations are subject to customary risks of importing merchandise, including import duties, exchange rates, trade restrictions, work stoppages, transportation costs, natural or man-made disasters, and general political and socio-economic conditions in other countries. The U.S. or the countries from which our products are imported, may, from time to time, impose new quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions, or adjust presently prevailing quotas, duties or tariffs, which may affect our operations and our ability to purchase imported vehicles and/or parts at reasonable prices. Fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies in the future may result in an increase in costs to us and in the retail price of such vehicles or parts, which could discourage consumers from purchasing such vehicles and adversely impact our profitability.

Environmental, health or safety regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows or cause us to incur significant expenditures.

We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental, health and safety regulations that govern items such as the generation, storage, handling, use, treatment, recycling, transportation, disposal and remediation of hazardous material and the emission and discharge of hazardous material into the environment. Under certain environmental regulations or pursuant to signed private contracts, we could be held responsible for all of the costs relating to any contamination at our present, or our previously owned, facilities, and at third party waste disposal sites. We are aware of minor contamination at certain of our facilities, and we routinely conduct investigations and/or remediation at certain properties. The current level of contamination is such that we do not expect to incur significant costs for the remediation. In certain cases, the current or prior property owner is conducting the investigation and/or remediation or we have been indemnified by either the current or prior property owner for such contamination. There can be no assurance that these owners will remediate, or continue to remediate, these properties or pay, or continue to pay, pursuant to these indemnities. We are also required to obtain permits from governmental authorities for certain operations. If we violate or fail to fully comply with these regulations or permits, we could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators.

Environmental, health and safety regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. There can be no assurance that the cost of compliance with these regulations will not result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Further, no assurances can be given that additional environmental, health or safety matters will not arise or new conditions or facts will not develop in the future at our currently or formerly owned or operated facilities, or at sites that we may acquire in the future, which will require us to incur significant expenditures.

With the breadth of our operations and volume of consumer and financing transactions, compliance with the many applicable federal and state laws and regulations cannot be assured. New regulations are enacted on an ongoing basis. Claims may arise out of actual or alleged violations of these various laws and regulations which may be asserted against us through class actions or by governmental entities in civil or criminal investigations and proceedings. Fines, judgments and administrative sanctions can be severe.

We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations in the 15 states in which we operate. New laws and regulations are enacted on an ongoing basis. With the number of stores we operate, the number of personnel we employ and the large volume of transactions we handle, it is likely that technical mistakes will be made. These regulations affect our profitability and require ongoing training. Current practices in stores may become prohibited. We are responsible for ensuring that continued compliance with laws is maintained. If there are unauthorized activities, the state and federal authorities have the power to impose civil penalties and sanctions, suspend or withdraw dealer licenses or take other actions. These actions could materially impair our activities or our ability to acquire new stores in those states where violations occurred. Further, private causes of action on behalf of individuals or a class of individuals could result in significant damages or injunctive relief.

We may be involved in legal proceedings arising from the conduct of our business, including litigation with customers, employee-related lawsuits, class actions, purported class actions and actions brought by governmental authorities. Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law may be asserted against us or any of our dealers by individuals, either individually or through class actions, or by governmental entities in civil or criminal investigations and proceedings. Such actions may expose us to substantial monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief, criminal and civil fines and penalties and damage our reputation and sales.

Governmental regulations related to fuel economy standards and greenhouse gases may have an adverse impact on the ability of vehicle manufacturers to cost-effectively produce vehicles or design vehicles desired by customers. These regulations may also impact our ability to sell these vehicles at affordable prices.

Federal regulations around fuel economy standards and “greenhouse gas” emissions have continued to increase. New requirements may adversely affect any manufacturer’s ability to profitably design, market, produce and distribute vehicles that comply with such regulations. We could be adversely impacted in our ability to market and sell these vehicles at affordable prices and in our ability to finance these inventories. These regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Government regulations, compliance costs and tax policies may adversely affect our business, and the failure to comply could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We are, and expect to continue to be, subject to a wide range of federal, state and local laws and regulations, including local licensing requirements. These laws regulate the conduct of our business, including:

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motor vehicle and retail installment sales practices;

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leasing;

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sales of finance, insurance and vehicle protection products;

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consumer credit;

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deceptive trade practices;

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consumer protection;

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consumer privacy;

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money laundering;

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advertising;

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land use and zoning;

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health and safety; and

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employment practices.

In every state where we operate, we must obtain certain licenses issued by state authorities to operate our businesses, including dealer, sales, finance and insurance-related licenses. State laws also regulate our advertising, operating, financing, employment and sales practices. Other laws and regulations include state franchise laws and regulations and laws and regulations applicable to new and used automobile dealers. In some states, some of our practices must be approved by regulatory agencies which have broad discretion. The enactment of new laws and regulations that materially impair or restrict our sales, finance and insurance or other operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and prospects.

Our financing activities are subject to federal truth-in-lending, consumer leasing and equal credit opportunity laws and regulations, as well as state and local motor vehicle finance laws, installment finance laws, insurance laws, usury laws and other installment sales laws and regulations. Some states regulate finance, documentation and administrative fees that may be charged in connection with vehicle sales. Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law may be asserted against us or our dealerships by individuals or governmental entities and may expose us to significant damages or other penalties, including revocation or suspension of our licenses to conduct dealership operations and fines. In recent years, private plaintiffs and state attorneys general in the United States have increased their scrutiny of advertising, sales, and finance and insurance activities in the sale and leasing of motor vehicles. These activities have led many lenders to limit the amounts that may be charged to customers as fee income for these activities. If these or similar activities were to significantly restrict our ability to generate revenue from arranging financing for our customers, we could be adversely affected.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which has broad regulatory powers. Although the CFPB may not exercise its authority over an automotive dealer that is predominantly engaged in the sale and servicing of motor vehicles, the leasing and servicing of motor vehicles, or both, the Dodd-Frank Act and future regulatory actions by this bureau could lead to additional, indirect regulation of automotive dealers through its regulation of automotive finance companies and other financial institutions, and it could affect our arrangements with lending sources.

In March 2013, the CFPB issued a bulletin suggesting that auto dealers who arrange credit through outside parties may be participating in a credit decision such that they are subject to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, including its anti-discrimination provisions. In particular, the CFPB highlighted that the payment to a dealer of the excess of the interest rate the dealer negotiates with the customer over the rate at which the lender is willing to provide financing may encourage pricing disparities on the basis of race, national origin, or potentially other prohibited bases. This bulletin may affect the willingness of outsider lenders to continue these practices, and heightened focus on these arrangements may affect our relationships and agreements, including our indemnification obligations, with lenders. The level of commissions paid by lenders to us for arranging financing may change due to this bulletin. These factors could adversely affect our business.

The vehicles we sell are also subject to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards promulgated by the United States Department of Transportation and various state motor vehicle regulatory agencies. The imported automobiles we purchase are subject to U.S. customs duties and, in the ordinary course of our business, we may, from time to time, be subject to claims for duties, penalties, liquidated damages or other charges.

Our marketing and disclosure regarding the sale and servicing of vehicles is regulated by federal, state and local agencies including the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") and state Attorneys General. For example, in January 2016, we settled FTC allegations that we did not adequately disclose information about used vehicles with open safety recalls. Under the settlement, we did not make any payments or admit wrong-doing, but we did agree to make specified disclosures on our website and to provide that disclosure to certain customers who had previously purchased a used vehicle from us.

If we or any of our employees at any individual dealership violate or are alleged to violate laws and regulations applicable to them or protecting consumers generally, we could be subject to individual claims or consumer class actions, administrative, civil or criminal investigations or actions and adverse publicity. Such actions could expose us to substantial monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief and criminal and civil fines and penalties, including suspension or revocation of our licenses and franchises to conduct dealership operations.

Likewise, employees and former employees are protected by a variety of employment-related laws and regulations relating to, among other things, wages and discrimination. Allegations of a violation could subject us to individual claims or consumer class actions, administrative investigations or adverse publicity. Such actions could expose us to substantial monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief and civil fines and penalties, and damage our reputation and sales.

Environmental laws and regulations govern, among other things, discharges into the air and water, storage of petroleum substances and chemicals, the handling and disposal of wastes and remediation of contamination arising from spills and releases. In addition, we may also have liability in connection with materials that were sent to third-party recycling, treatment and/or disposal facilities under federal and state statutes. These federal and state statutes impose liability for investigation and remediation of contamination without regard to fault or the legality of the conduct that contributed to the contamination. Similar to many of our competitors, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur capital and operating expenditures and other costs in complying with such federal and state statutes. In addition, we may be subject to broad liabilities arising out of contamination at our currently and formerly owned or operated facilities, at locations to which hazardous substances were transported from such facilities, and at such locations related to entities formerly affiliated with us. Although for some such potential liabilities we believe we are entitled to indemnification from other entities, we cannot assure you that such entities will view their obligations as we do or will be able or willing to satisfy them. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or significant additional expenditures required to maintain compliance therewith, may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and prospects.

A significant judgment against us, the loss of a significant license or permit or the imposition of a significant fine could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and future prospects. We further expect that, from time to time, new laws and regulations, particularly in the labor, employment, environmental and consumer protection areas will be enacted, and compliance with such laws, or penalties for failure to comply, could significantly increase our costs.

We are subject to tax liabilities imposed by the jurisdictions where we operate, which may vary significantly and are subject to change. Among others, these taxes include income taxes, property taxes, indirect taxes (excise/duty, sales/use and gross receipts taxes), payroll taxes, franchise taxes, withholding taxes and ad valorem taxes. These taxes may disproportionately affect us, compared to other businesses and our competitors. We may not be able to pass these taxes on to consumers in all cases and remain competitive. For example, a proposed initiative in Oregon would impose a minimum tax on gross receipts of C Corporations that cannot be offset by tax credits. Such a tax would have a disproportionate effect on us because certain of our competitors who are not C Corporations would not be subject to this tax. New tax laws and regulations and changes in existing tax laws and regulations could materially and adversely affect our financial results.

Breaches in our data security systems or in systems used by our vendor partners, including cyber-attacks or unauthorized data distribution by employees or affiliated vendors, could disrupt our operations or result in the loss or misuse of customers’ proprietary information.

Our information technology systems are important to operating our business efficiently. We employ information technology systems, including websites, that allow for the secure storage and transmission of customers’ proprietary information. The failure of our information technology systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and could expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, litigation and potential liability.

In addition, our customers have an expectation that we will adequately protect their information from cyber-attack or other security breaches. A significant breach of customer, employee or other data could attract a substantial amount of media attention, damage our customer relationships and reputation and result in lost sales, fines, or lawsuits.

Our information technology systems, and those of our vendors, may be vulnerable to data protection breaches and cyber-attacks beyond our control and we may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyber-attacks. There are numerous opportunities for a data-security breach, including cyber-security breaches, burglary, lost or misplaced data, scams, misappropriation of data by employees, vendors or unaffiliated third parties, computer viruses, human errors, programming errors, vandalism, and other events. We invest in security technology to protect our data and business processes against many of these risks. We also purchase insurance to mitigate the potential financial impact of many of these risks. Despite these precautions, we cannot assure that a breach will not occur and any breach or attack could have a negative impact on our operations or business reputation.

Our ability to increase revenues through acquisitions depends on our ability to acquire and successfully integrate additional stores.

General

The U.S. automobile industry is considered a mature industry in which minimal growth is expected in unit sales of new vehicles. Accordingly, a principal component of our growth in sales is to make acquisitions in our existing markets and in new geographic markets. To complete the acquisition of additional stores, we need to successfully address each of the following challenges.

Manufacturers

We are required to obtain consent from the applicable manufacturer prior to the acquisition of a franchised store. In determining whether to approve an acquisition, a manufacturer considers many factors, including our financial condition, ownership structure, the number of stores currently owned and our performance with those stores. Obtaining manufacturer approval of acquisitions also takes a significant amount of time, typically 60 to 90 days. In the past, we have been denied the ability to purchase stores due to the performance of our stores. We cannot assure you that manufacturers will approve future acquisitions timely, if at all, which could significantly impair the execution of our acquisition strategy.

Most major manufacturers have now established limitations or guidelines on the:

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number of such manufacturers’ stores that may be acquired by a single owner;

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number of stores that may be acquired in any market or region;

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percentage of market share that may be controlled by one automotive retailer group;

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ownership of stores in contiguous markets;

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performance requirements for existing stores; and

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frequency of acquisitions.

In addition, such manufacturers generally require that no other manufacturers’ brands be sold from the same store location, and many manufacturers have site control agreements in place that limit our ability to change the use of the facility without their approval.

A manufacturer also considers our past performance as measured by the Minimum Sales Responsibility (“MSR”) scores, CSI scores and Sales Satisfaction Index (“SSI”) scores at our existing stores. At any point in time, certain stores may have scores below the manufacturers’ sales zone averages or have achieved sales below the targets manufacturers have set. Our failure to maintain satisfactory scores and to achieve market share performance goals could restrict our ability to complete future store acquisitions.

Acquisition Risks

We will face risks commonly encountered with growth through acquisitions. These risks include, without limitation:

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failing to assimilate the operations and personnel of acquired dealerships;

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straining our existing systems, procedures, structures and personnel;

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failing to achieve predicted sales levels;

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incurring significantly higher capital expenditures and operating expenses, which could substantially limit our operating or financial flexibility;

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entering new, unfamiliar markets;

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encountering undiscovered liabilities and operational difficulties at acquired dealerships;

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disrupting our ongoing business;

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diverting our management resources;

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failing to maintain uniform standards, controls and policies;

•

impairing relationships with employees, manufacturers and customers as a result of changes in management;

•

incurring increased expenses for accounting and computer systems, as well as integration difficulties;

•

failing to obtain a manufacturer’s consent to the acquisition of one or more of its dealership franchises or renew the franchise agreement on terms acceptable to us;

•

incorrectly valuing entities to be acquired; and

•

Incurring additional facility renovation costs or other expenses required by the manufacturer.

In addition, we may not adequately anticipate all of the demands that growth will impose on our systems, procedures and structures.

Consummation and Competition

We may not be able to complete future acquisitions at acceptable prices and terms or identify suitable candidates. In addition, increased competition in the future for acquisition candidates could result in fewer acquisition opportunities for us and higher acquisition prices. The magnitude, timing, pricing and nature of future acquisitions will depend upon various factors, including:

•

the availability of suitable acquisition candidates;

•

competition with other dealer groups for suitable acquisitions;

•

the negotiation of acceptable terms with the seller and with the manufacturer;

•

our financial capabilities and ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms;

•

our stock price;

•

our ability to maintain required financial covenant levels after the acquisition; and

•

the availability of skilled employees to manage the acquired businesses.

Operating and Financial Condition

Although we conduct what we believe to be a prudent level of investigation, an unavoidable level of risk remains regarding the actual operating condition of acquired stores and we may not have an accurate understanding of each acquired store’s financial condition and performance. Similarly, most of the dealerships we acquire do not have financial statements audited or prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We may not have an accurate understanding of the historical financial condition and performance of our acquired businesses. Until we assume control of the business, we may not be able to ascertain the actual value or understand the potential liabilities of the acquired businesses and their earnings potential. These risks may not be adequately mitigated by the indemnification obligations we negotiated with sellers.

Limitations on Our Capital Resources

We make a substantial capital investment when we acquire dealerships. Limitations on our capital resources would restrict our ability to complete new acquisitions or could limit our operating or financial flexibility.

We finance acquisitions activity with cash flows from our operations, borrowings under our credit arrangements, proceeds from mortgage financing and the issuance of shares of Class A common stock. The size of our acquisition activity in recent years magnifies risks associated with debt service obligations. These risks include potential lower earnings per share, our inability to pay dividends and potential negative impacts to the debt covenants we negotiated under our credit agreement.

If we fail to meet the covenants in our credit facility, or if some other event occurs that results in a default or an acceleration of our repayment obligations under our credit agreements, we may not be able to refinance our debt on terms acceptable to us or at all. We may not be able to obtain financing in the future due to the market price of our Class A common stock and overall market conditions. Additionally, a substantial amount of assets of our dealerships are pledged to secure the indebtedness under our credit facility and our other floor plan financing indebtedness. These pledges may limit our ability to borrow from other sources in order to fund our acquisitions.

We are subject to substantial risk of loss under our various self-insurance programs including property and casualty, open lot vehicle coverage, workers’ compensation and employee medical coverage. Our insurance does not fully cover all of our operational risks, and changes in the cost of insurance or the availability of insurance could materially increase our insurance costs or result in a decrease in our insurance coverage.

We have a significant concentration of our property values at each dealership location, including vehicle and parts inventories and our facilities. Natural disasters and severe weather events (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, floods, landslides and wind or hail storms) or other extraordinary events subject us to property loss and business interruption. Illegal or unethical conduct by employees, customers, vendors and unaffiliated third parties can also impact our business. Other potential liabilities arising out of our operations may involve claims by employees, customers or third parties for personal injury or property damage and potential fines and penalties in connection with alleged violations of regulatory requirements.

Under our self-insurance programs, we retain various levels of aggregate loss limits, per claim deductibles and claims-handling expenses. Costs in excess of these retained risks may be insured under various contracts with third-party insurance carriers. As of December 31, 2015, we had total reserve amounts associated with these programs of $25.9 million.

The level of risk we retain may change in the future as insurance market conditions or other factors affecting the economics of our insurance purchasing change. The operation of automobile dealerships is subject to a broad variety of risks. In certain instances, our insurance may not fully cover an insured loss depending on the magnitude and nature of the claim. Accordingly, we cannot assure that we will not be exposed to uninsured or underinsured losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, changes in the cost of insurance or the availability of insurance in the future could substantially increase our costs to maintain our current level of coverage or could cause us to reduce our insurance coverage and increase the portion of our risks that we self-insure.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which consist of goodwill and franchise value, comprise a meaningful portion of our total assets ($370.9 million, or 11.5% of our total assets, at December 31, 2015). We must assess our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually, which may result in a non-cash write-down of franchise rights or goodwill.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to impairment assessments at least annually (or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred) by applying a fair-value based test. Our principal intangible assets are goodwill and our rights under our Franchise Agreements with vehicle manufacturers. The risk of impairment charges associated with goodwill and franchise value increase if there are declines in our market capitalization, profitability, or cash flows; if losses are suffered at particular stores; if a manufacturer files for bankruptcy or if stores are closed. Impairment charges result in non-cash write-downs of the affected store's franchise value or goodwill. Furthermore, impairment charges could have an adverse impact on our ability to satisfy the financial ratios or other covenants under our debt agreements and could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our indebtedness and lease obligations could materially adversely affect our financial health, limit our ability to finance future acquisitions and capital expenditures and prevent us from fulfilling our financial obligations. Much of our debt has a variable interest rate component that may significantly increase our interest costs in a rising rate environment.

Our indebtedness and lease obligations could have important consequences to us, including the following:

•

limitations on our ability to make acquisitions;

•

impaired ability to obtain additional financing for acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital or general corporate purposes;

•

reduced funds available for our operations and other purposes, as a larger portion of our cash flow from operations would be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness; and

•

exposure to the risk of increasing interest rates as certain borrowings are, and will continue to be, at variable rates of interest.

In addition, our loan agreements contain covenants that limit our discretion with respect to business matters, including incurring additional debt, acquisition activity or disposing of assets. Other covenants are financial in nature, including current ratio, fixed charge coverage and leverage ratio calculations. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the applicable agreement. In addition, a default under one agreement could result in a default and acceleration of our repayment obligations under the other agreements under the cross-default provisions in such other agreements.

Certain debt agreements contain subjective acceleration clauses based on a lender deeming itself insecure or if a “material adverse change” in our business has occurred. If these clauses are implicated, and the lender declares that an event of default has occurred, the outstanding indebtedness would likely be immediately due and owing.

If these events were to occur, we may not be able to pay our debts or borrow sufficient funds to refinance them. Even if new financing were available, it may not be on terms acceptable to us. As a result of this risk, we could be forced to take actions that we otherwise would not take, or not take actions that we otherwise might take, in order to comply with these agreements.

Additionally, our real estate debt generally has a five to ten-year term, after which the debt needs to be renewed or replaced. A decline in the appraised value of real estate or a reduction in the loan-to-value lending ratios for new or renewed real estate loans could result in our inability to renew maturing real estate loans at the debt level existing at maturity, or on terms acceptable to us, requiring us to find replacement lenders or to refinance at lower loan amounts.

As of December 31, 2015, including the effect of interest rate swaps, approximately 84% of our total debt was variable rate. The majority of our variable rate debt is indexed to the one-month LIBOR rate. The current interest rate environment is at historically low levels, and interest rates will likely increase in the future. In the event interest rates increase, our borrowing costs may increase substantially. Additionally, fixed rate debt that matures may be renewed at interest rates significantly higher than current levels. As a result, this could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

We may not be able to satisfy our debt obligations upon the occurrence of a change in control or another event of default under our credit agreement.

Upon the occurrence of a change in control or another event of default as defined in our credit agreement, the agent under the credit agreement will have the right to declare all outstanding obligations immediately due and payable and to terminate the availability of future advances to us. There can be no assurance that we would have sufficient resources available to satisfy all of our obligations under the credit agreement in the event of a change in control or fundamental change. In the event we were unable to satisfy these obligations, it could have a material adverse impact on our business and our common stock holders. A “change in control” as defined in our credit agreement includes, among other events, Lithia Holding Company, L.L.C. and Mr. Sidney DeBoer or Bryan DeBoer (or certain successors acceptable to the agent and the required lenders) ceasing to directly own more than 51% of the voting power of our capital stock ordinarily having the right to vote at an election of directors.

A decline in our credit rating or a general disruption in the credit markets could negatively impact our liquidity and ability to conduct our operations.

A deterioration of our credit rating, or a general disruption in the credit markets, could limit our ability to obtain credit on favorable terms. In addition, in the recent past, global financial markets and economic conditions have been disruptive and volatile, and continue to be uncertain. These issues, along with significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of certain credit risks and continued uncertain economic conditions in certain industries and sectors may make it more difficult for us to obtain funding at any given time.

Our inability to access necessary or desirable funding, or to enter into certain related transactions, at times and at costs deemed appropriate by us, could have a negative impact on our liquidity and our ability to conduct our operations.

We currently maintain a credit facility with a syndicate of banks and manufacturer finance companies. However, if any of the financial institutions that have extended credit commitments to us is adversely affected by continued uncertain conditions in the U.S. and international capital markets, they may become unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations to us, which also could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and our ability to conduct our operations.

We may not be able to utilize certain income tax benefits.

Our ability to utilize the income tax benefits and credits generated by our equity investments intended to generate new market tax credits (NMTC) depends on compliance with NMTC program requirements, which we do not control. Our ability to utilize NMTC, and other deferred tax assets, also depends on our generating sufficient taxable income from operations in the future. The inability to utilize the income tax benefits could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

We have a significant relationship with a third-party warranty insurer and administrator. This third-party is the obligor of service warranty policies sold to our customers. Additionally, we have agreements in place that allow for future income based on the claims experience on policies sold to our customers.

We sell service warranty policies to our customers issued by a third-party obligor. We receive additional fee income if actual claims are less than the amounts reserved for anticipated claims and the costs of administration and administrator profit.

A decline in the financial health of the third-party insurer could jeopardize the claims reserves held by the administrator, and prevent us from collecting the experience payments anticipated to be earned in future years. While the amount we receive varies annually, the loss of this income could negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Further, the inability of the insurer to honor service warranty claims would likely result in reputational risk to us and might result in claims to cover any default by the insurer.

The loss of key personnel or the failure to attract additional qualified management personnel could adversely affect our operations and growth.

Our success depends to a significant degree on the efforts and abilities of our senior management, particularly Bryan B. DeBoer, our Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Christopher S. Holzshu, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Further, we have identified Bryan B. DeBoer in most of our store franchise agreements as the individual who controls the franchises and upon whose financial resources and management expertise the manufacturers may rely when awarding or approving the transfer of any franchise. If we lose these key personnel, our business may suffer.

In addition, as we expand, we will need to hire additional managers and other employees. The market for qualified employees in the industry and in the regions in which we operate, particularly for general managers and sales and service personnel, is highly competitive and may subject us to increased labor costs during periods of low unemployment. The loss of the services of key employees or the inability to attract additional qualified managers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, the lack of qualified managers or other employees employed by potential acquisition candidates may limit our ability to consummate future acquisitions.

The sole voting control of our company is currently held by Sidney B. DeBoer, who may have interests different from our other shareholders. Further, 1.8 million shares of the 2.5 million shares of our Class B common stock held by Lithia Holding Company, LLC (“Lithia Holding”) are pledged to secure indebtedness of Lithia Holding. The failure to repay the indebtedness could result in the sale of such shares and the loss of such control, which may violate agreements with certain manufacturers.

Sidney B. DeBoer, our Founder and Executive Chairman, is the sole managing member of Lithia Holdings, which holds all of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock. A holder of Class B common stock is entitled to ten votes for each share held, while a holder of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share held. On most matters, the Class A and Class B common stock vote together as a single class. As of February 26, 2016, Lithia Holding controlled, and Mr. DeBoer had the authority to vote, approximately 52% of the aggregate number of votes eligible to be cast by shareholders for the election of directors and most other shareholder actions. In addition, Mr. DeBoer may prevent a change in control and make certain transactions more difficult or impossible. The interests of Mr. DeBoer may not always coincide with our interests as a company or the interests of other shareholders. Accordingly, Mr. DeBoer could cause us to enter into transactions or agreements that other shareholders would not approve or make decisions with which other shareholders may disagree.

Lithia Holding has pledged 1.8 million shares of our Class B common stock to secure a loan from U.S. Bank National Association. If Lithia Holding is unable to repay the loan, the bank could foreclose on the Class B common stock, which would result in the automatic conversion of such shares to Class A common stock and a change in control. If this change is not consented to by the manufacturers, we would have a technical violation under most of the dealer sales and service agreements held by us. In addition, the market price of our Class A common stock could decline if the bank foreclosed on the pledged stock and subsequently sold such stock in the open market.

Our business is seasonal, and events occurring during seasons in which revenues are typically higher may disproportionately affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Historically, our sales have been lower during the first quarter of each year due to consumer purchasing patterns during the holiday season and inclement weather in certain of our markets. More recently our franchise diversification and cost controls have moderated this seasonality. However, if conditions occur during the other quarters that weaken automotive sales, such as severe weather in the geographic areas in which our dealerships operate, war, high fuel costs, depressed economic conditions including unemployment or weakened consumer confidence or similar adverse conditions, our revenues for the year may be disproportionately adversely affected.

Our internal control over financial reporting may not be effective.

If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement or difficulty in implementing required new or improved controls, our business and results of operations could be harmed, the results of operations we report could be subject to adjustments, we could incur remediation costs, we could fail to be able to provide reasonable assurance as to our financial results or the effectiveness of our internal controls, or fail to meet our reporting obligations under SEC regulations and the terms of our debt agreements on a timely basis and there could be a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock.

Risks related to investing in our Class A common stock

Future sales of our Class A common stock in the public market could adversely impact the market price of our Class A common stock.

As of February 26, 2016, we had 1,949,583 shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under our equity plans (including our employee stock purchase plan). As of February 26, 2016, a total of 446,361 shares related to outstanding restricted stock units. In addition, we had 2,542,231 shares of Class B common stock outstanding convertible into 2,542,231 shares of Class A common stock.

In the future, we may issue additional shares of our Class A common stock to raise capital or effect acquisitions. We cannot predict the size of future sales or issuance or the effect, if any, they may have on the market price of our Class A common stock. The sale of substantial amounts of Class A common stock, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities, or to sell equity at a price acceptable to us.

Volatility in the market price and trading volume of our Class A common stock could adversely impact the value of the shares of our Class A common stock.

The stock market in recent years has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies like ours. These broad market factors may materially reduce the market price of our Class A common stock, regardless of our operating performance. The market price of our Class A common stock, which has experienced large price and volume fluctuations over the last five years, could continue to fluctuate significantly for many reasons, including in response to the risks described herein or for reasons unrelated to our operations, such as:

•

reports by industry analysts;

•

changes in financial estimates by securities analysts or us, or our inability to meet or exceed securities analysts’, investors’ or our own estimates or expectations;

•

actual or anticipated sales of common stock by existing shareholders or us;

•

capital commitments;

•

additions or departures of key personnel;

•

developments in our business or in our industry;

•

a prolonged downturn in our industry;

•

general market conditions, such as interest or foreign exchange rates, commodity and equity prices, availability of credit, asset valuations and volatility;

•

changes in global financial and economic markets;

•

armed conflict, war or terrorism;

•

regulatory changes affecting our industry generally or our business and operations in particular;

•

changes in market valuations of other companies in our industry;

•

the operating and securities price performance of companies that investors consider to be comparable to us; and

•

announcements of strategic developments, acquisitions and other material events by us, our competitors or our suppliers.

Oregon law and our Restated Articles of Incorporation may impede or discourage a takeover, which could impair the market price of our Class A common stock.

We are an Oregon corporation, and certain provisions of Oregon law and our Restated Articles of Incorporation may have anti-takeover effects. These provisions could delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider to be in his or her best interest. These provisions may also affect attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by shareholders, and may make removal of the incumbent management and directors more difficult, which, under certain circumstances, could reduce the market price of our Class A common stock.

Our issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect holders of Class A common stock.

Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue a series of preferred stock without any action on the part of our holders of Class A common stock. Our Board of Directors also has the power, without shareholder approval, to set the terms of any such series of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting powers, preferences over our Class A common stock with respect to dividends or if we voluntarily or involuntarily dissolve or distribute our assets, and other terms. If we issue preferred stock in the future that has preference over our Class A common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of our Class A common stock, the rights of holders of our Class A common stock or the price of our Class A common stock could be adversely affected.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

Our stores and other facilities consist primarily of automobile showrooms, display lots, service facilities, collision repair and paint shops, supply facilities, automobile storage lots, parking lots and offices located in the states listed under the caption Overview in Item 1. We believe our facilities are currently adequate for our needs and are in good repair. Some of our facilities do not currently meet manufacturer image or size requirements and we are actively working to find a mutually acceptable outcome in terms of timing and overall cost. We own our corporate headquarters in Medford, Oregon, a corporate building in South Amboy, New Jersey and certain other properties used in operations. Certain of these properties are mortgaged. We also lease certain properties, providing future flexibility to relocate our retail stores as demographics, economics, traffic patterns or sales methods change. Most leases provide us the option to renew the lease for one or more lease extension periods. We also hold certain vacant dealerships and undeveloped land for future expansion.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

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

Stein Litigation

On December 14, 2015, Shiva Y. Stein, a Lithia shareholder, filed derivative claims on behalf of Lithia Motors, Inc. ("Lithia") against its Board of Directors, also listing Lithia as a nominal defendant. The case, Stein v. DeBoer, et al., Case No. 15CV33696, is pending in the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Marion County. Ms. Stein’s claims relate to the adoption of a transition agreement between Lithia and Sidney B. DeBoer, as disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 16, 2015. Ms. Stein alleges that Lithia's directors breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty and due care, and wasted corporate assets when they approved the agreement with Mr. DeBoer. Ms. Stein also alleges a claim against Sidney B. DeBoer, asserting that he has been unjustly enriched by the agreement. Ms. Stein is seeking relief in the amount of damages allegedly sustained by Lithia as a result of the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and alleged corporate waste, disgorgement and imposition of a constructive trust on all property and profits Sidney B. DeBoer received as a result of the alleged wrongful conduct, and an award of the costs and disbursements of the lawsuit, including reasonable attorneys fees, costs, and expenses. The Board and Mr. DeBoer are defending themselves against Ms. Stein’s allegations. Although we do not anticipate that the resolution of this legal proceeding will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, we cannot predict this with certainty.

Jessos Litigation

On February 12, 2016, Marty A. Jessos, a Lithia shareholder, filed derivative claims on behalf of Lithia against its Board of Directors, also listing Lithia as a nominal defendant. The case, Jessos v. DeBoer, et al., is pending in the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Multnomah County. Mr. Jessos’ claims are very similar to those made by Shiva Y. Stein in the Stein Litigation described above, relating to the adoption of the transition agreement between Lithia and Sidney B. DeBoer. Mr. Jessos alleges that Lithia's directors breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty and due care, and wasted corporate assets, when they approved the agreement with Sidney B. DeBoer. Mr. Jessos also alleges a claim against Sidney B. DeBoer, asserting that he has been unjustly enriched by the agreement. Mr. Jessos is seeking relief in the amount of damages allegedly sustained by Lithia as a result of the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and alleged corporate waste, disgorgement and imposition of a constructive trust on all property and profits Sidney B. DeBoer received as a result of the alleged wrongful conduct, and an award of the costs and disbursements of the lawsuit, including reasonable attorneys fees, costs, and expenses. The Board and Mr. DeBoer are defending themselves against Mr. Jessos’s allegations. Although we do not anticipate that the resolution of this legal proceeding will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, we cannot predict this with certainty.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Stock Prices and Dividends

Our Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LAD. The following table presents the high and low sale prices for our Class A common stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape for each of the quarters in 2014 and 2015:

2014	High		Low
First quarter	$	69.68	$	53.57
Second quarter		94.31		64.37
Third quarter		97.20		75.21
Fourth quarter		90.44		63.05

2015
First quarter	$	100.25	$	79.84
Second quarter		117.14		95.98
Third quarter		122.01		98.29
Fourth quarter		126.56		102.01

The number of shareholders of record and approximate number of beneficial holders of Class A common stock as of February 26, 2016 was 560 and 33,655, respectively. All shares of Lithia’s Class B common stock are held by Lithia Holding Company, LLC. Sidney B. DeBoer Trust U.T.A.D. January 30, 1997 (Trust) is the manager of Lithia Holding Company, L.L.C., and Sidney DeBoer, as the trustee of the Trust, has the authority to vote all of the issued and outstanding shares of our Class B common stock.

Dividends declared on our Class A and Class B common stock during 2013, 2014 and 2015 were as follows:

Quarter declared:	Dividend amount per share		Total amount of dividend (in thousands)
2013
First quarter⁽¹⁾	$	—	$	—
Second quarter		0.13		3,356
Third quarter		0.13		3,363
Fourth quarter		0.13		3,366
2014
First quarter	$	0.13	$	3,378
Second quarter		0.16		4,179
Third quarter		0.16		4,174
Fourth quarter		0.16		4,198
2015
First quarter	$	0.16	$	4,216
Second quarter		0.20		5,266
Third quarter		0.20		5,257
Fourth quarter		0.20		5,246

(1) We declared and paid a dividend payment of $2.6 million in December 2012 in lieu of the dividend typically declared and paid in March of the following year.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is included in Item 12.

Repurchases of Equity Securities

We made the following repurchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2015:

	Total number of shares purchased		Average price paid per share		Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plan⁽¹⁾		Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan
October 1 – October 31		21,953	$	110.58		21,900		1,313,487
November 1 – November 30		20,000		119.66		20,000		1,293,487
December 1 – December 31		22,000		114.97		22,000		1,271,487
Total⁽²⁾		63,953		114.93		63,900

(1)

In 2011 and 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to a total of 3,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock. Through December 31, 2015, we have repurchased 1,728,513 shares at an average price of $41.34 per share. This authority to repurchase shares does not have an expiration date or a maximum aggregate dollar amount for repurchases.

(2)	Includes 53 shares repurchased in association with tax withholdings on the vesting of RSUs.

Stock Performance Graph

The following line-graph shows the annual percentage change in the cumulative total returns for the past five years on an assumed $100 initial investment and reinvestment of dividends, on (a) Lithia Motors, Inc.’s Class A common stock; (b) the Russell 2000; and (c) an auto peer group index composed of Penske Automotive Group, AutoNation, Sonic Automotive, Group 1 Automotive and Asbury Automotive Group, the only other comparable publicly traded automobile dealerships in the United States as of December 31, 2015. The peer group index utilizes the same methods of presentation and assumptions for the total return calculation as does Lithia Motors and the Russell 2000. All companies in the peer group index are weighted in accordance with their market capitalizations.

	Base Period		Indexed Returns for the Year Ended
Company/Index	12/31/2010		12/31/2011		12/31/2012		12/31/2013		12/31/2014		12/31/2015
Lithia Motors, Inc.	$	100.00	$	155.25	$	270.85	$	505.77	$	636.78	$	789.09
Auto Peer Group		100.00		123.72		153.90		208.39		248.06		227.67
Russell 2000		100.00		95.82		111.53		154.83		162.41		155.24

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

You should read the Selected Financial Data in conjunction with Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and other financial information contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Year Ended December 31,
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:	2015		2014		2013		2012		2011
Revenues:
New vehicle	$	4,552,301	$	3,077,670	$	2,256,598	$	1,847,603	$	1,391,375
Used vehicle retail		1,927,016		1,362,481		1,032,224		833,484		678,571
Used vehicle wholesale		261,530		195,699		158,235		139,237		128,329
Finance and insurance		283,018		190,381		139,007		112,234		84,130
Service, body and parts		738,990		512,124		383,483		347,703		315,958
Fleet and other		101,397		51,971		36,202		36,226		34,383
Total revenues	$	7,864.252	$	5,390,326	$	4,005,749	$	3,316,487	$	2,632,746

Gross Profit:
New vehicle	$	280,370	$	198,184	$	151,118	$	134,447	$	107,150
Used vehicle retail		241,249		179,253		150,858		121,721		98,214
Used vehicle wholesale		4,457		3,646		2,711		1,414		597
Finance and insurance		283,018		190,381		139,007		112,234		84,130
Service, body and parts		363,921		249,736		185,570		168,070		152,220
Fleet and other		2,619		2,122		1,689		1,414		2,973
Total gross profit	$	1,175,634	$	823,322	$	630,953	$	539,300	$	445,284

Operating income ⁽¹⁾	$	302,735	$	231,899	$	183,518	$	148,369	$	110,818

Income from continuing operations before income taxes⁽¹⁾	$	262,704	$	210,495	$	165,788	$	128,457	$	88,270

Income from continuing operations⁽¹⁾	$	182,999	$	135,540	$	105,214	$	79,395	$	55,210

Basic income per share from continuing operations	$	6.96	$	5.19	$	4.08	$	3.09	$	2.10
Basic income per share from discontinued operations		—		0.12		0.03		0.04		0.14
Basic net income per share	$	6.96	$	5.31	$	4.11	$	3.13	$	2.24
Shares used in basic per share		26,290		26,121		25,805		25,696		26,230

Diluted income per share from continuing operations	$	6.91	$	5.14	$	4.02	$	3.03	$	2.07
Diluted income per share from discontinued operations		—		0.12		0.03		0.04		0.14
Diluted net income per share	$	6.91	$	5.26	$	4.05	$	3.07	$	2.21
Shares used in diluted per share		26,490		26,382		26,191		26,170		26,664

Cash dividends declared per common share⁽²⁾	$	0.76	$	0.61	$	0.39	$	0.47	$	0.26

(In thousands)	As of December 31,
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:	2015		2014		2013		2012		2011
Working capital	$	288,040	$	172,909	$	209,038	$	211,905	$	191,607
Inventories		1,470,987		1,249,659		859,019		723,326		506,484
Total assets		3,227,299		2,880,932		1,725,121		1,492,702		1,146,133
Floor plan notes payable		1,313,955		1,178,679		713,855		581,584		343,940
Long-term debt, including current maturities		645,354		640,978		252,554		295,058		286,874
Total stockholders’ equity		828,164		673,105		534,722		428,101		367,121

(1)

Includes $20.1 million, $1.9 million, $0.1 million and $1.4 million of non-cash charges related to asset impairments for the years ended 2015, 2014, 2012 and 2011, respectively. No non-cash charges related to asset impairments were recorded in 2013. See Notes 1, 4 and 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

(2)	In November 2012, we paid dividends of $2.5 million that had been declared in October 2012. An additional dividend payment of $2.6 million was declared and paid in December 2012 in lieu of the dividend typically declared and paid in March of the following year.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with Item 1. “Business,” Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

Overview

We believe that the fragmented nature of the automotive dealership sector provides us with the opportunity to achieve growth through consolidation. In 2015, the top ten automotive retailers represented 7% of the stores in the United States. Our dealerships are located across the United States. We seek domestic, import and luxury franchises in cities ranging from mid-sized regional markets to metropolitan markets. We evaluate all brands for expansion opportunities provided the market is large enough to support adequate new vehicle sales to justify the required capital investment. Our acquisition strategy has been to acquire dealerships at prices that meet our internal investment targets and, through the application of our centralized operating structure, leverage costs and improve store profitability. We believe our disciplined approach and the current economic environment provides us with attractive acquisition opportunities.

We also believe that we can continue to improve operations at our existing stores. By promoting entrepreneurial leadership within our general and department managers, we strive for continuous improvement to drive sales and capture market share in our local markets. Our goal is to retail an average of 75 used vehicles per store per month and we believe we can make additional improvements in our used vehicle sales performance by offering lower-priced value vehicles and selling brands other than the new vehicle franchise at each location. Our service, body and parts operations provide important repeat business for our stores. We continue to grow this business through increased marketing efforts, competitive pricing on routine maintenance items and diverse commodity product offerings. In 2015, we continued to experience organic growth and profitability through increasing market share and maintaining a lean cost structure, while adding significant revenue to our base through acquisitions.

As sales volume increases and we gain leverage in our cost structure, we anticipate targeting SG&A as a percentage of gross profit in the upper 60% range. As we focus on maintaining discipline in controlling costs, in 2015 we continue to target maintaining, on a same store basis, between 45% and 50% of each incremental gross profit dollar after deducting SG&A expense.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and reported amounts of revenues and expenses at the date of the financial statements. Certain accounting policies require us to make difficult and subjective judgments on matters that are inherently uncertain. The following accounting policies involve critical accounting estimates because they are particularly dependent on assumptions made by management. While we have made our best estimates based on facts and circumstances available to us at the time, different estimates could have been used in the current period. Changes in the accounting estimates we used are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, which may have a material impact on the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations.

Our most critical accounting estimates include those related to goodwill and franchise value, long-lived assets, deferred taxes, equity-method investment associated with new markets tax credits, service contracts and other insurance contracts, and lifetime lube, oil and filter contracts, self-insurance programs and valuation of accounts receivable. We also have other key accounting policies for expense accruals and revenue recognition. However, these policies either do not meet the definition of critical accounting estimates described above or are not currently material items in our financial statements. We review our estimates, judgments and assumptions periodically and reflect the effects of revisions in the period that they are deemed to be necessary. We believe that these estimates are reasonable. However, actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

Goodwill and Franchise Value

We are required to test our goodwill and franchise value for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if conditions indicate that an impairment may have occurred. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. Our reporting units are individual retail automotive franchises as this is the level at which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. We have the option to qualitatively or quantitatively assess goodwill for impairment and, in 2015, evaluated our goodwill using a quantitative assessment process. We test goodwill for impairment using the Adjusted Present Value method (“APV”) to estimate the fair value of our reporting unit. Under the APV method, future cash flows are based on recently prepared budget forecasts and business plans and are used to estimate the future economic benefits that the reporting unit will generate. An estimate of the appropriate discount rate is utilized to convert the future economic benefits to their present value equivalent.

The quantitative goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. The first step identifies potential impairments by comparing the calculated fair value of a reporting unit with its book value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not impaired and the second step is not necessary. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the second step includes determining the implied fair value in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined. The implied fair value of goodwill is then compared with the carrying amount to determine if an impairment loss should be recorded.

We also may use a market approach to determine whether or not the carrying amount of our goodwill is impaired. These market data points include our acquisition and divestiture experience and third-party broker estimates.

As of December 31, 2015, we had $213.2 million of goodwill on our balance sheet associated with 133 reporting units. The first step of our annual goodwill impairment analysis, which we perform as of October 1 of each year, did not result in an indication of impairment in 2015, 2014 or 2013.

We have determined the appropriate unit of accounting for testing franchise rights for impairment is on an individual store basis. We have the option to qualitatively or quantitatively assess indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. In 2015, we evaluated our indefinite-lived intangible assets using a quantitative assessment process. We estimate the fair value of our franchise rights primarily using the Multi-Period Excess Earnings (“MPEE”) model. The forecasted cash flows used in the MPEE model contain inherent uncertainties, including significant estimates and assumptions related to growth rates, margins, general operating expenses, and cost of capital. We use primarily internally-developed forecasts and business plans to estimate the future cash flows that each franchise will generate. We have determined that only certain cash flows of the store are directly attributable to the franchise rights. We estimate the appropriate interest rate to discount future cash flows to their present value equivalent taking into consideration factors such as a risk-free rate, a peer group average beta, an equity risk premium and a small stock risk premium.

We also may use a market approach to determine the fair value of our franchise rights. These market data points include our acquisition and divestiture experience and third-party broker estimates.

As of December 31, 2015, we had $157.7 million of franchise value on our balance sheet associated with 95 stores. No individual store accounted for more than 5% of our total franchise value as of December 31, 2015. Our impairment testing of franchise value did not indicate any impairment in 2015, 2014 or 2013.

We are subject to financial statement risk to the extent that our goodwill or franchise rights become impaired due to decreases in the fair value. A future decline in performance, decreases in projected growth rates or margin assumptions or changes in discount rates could result in a potential impairment, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations. Furthermore, if a manufacturer becomes insolvent, we may be required to record a partial or total impairment on the franchise value or goodwill related to that manufacturer. No individual manufacturer accounted for more than 19% of our total franchise value and goodwill as of December 31, 2015.

See Notes 1 and 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Long-Lived Assets

We estimate the depreciable lives of our property and equipment, including leasehold improvements, and review each asset group for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We determined an asset group is comprised of the long-lived assets used in the operations of an individual store.

We determine a triggering event has occurred by reviewing store forecasted and historical financial performance. An asset group is evaluated for recoverability if it has an operating loss in the current year and two of the prior three years. Additionally, we may judgmentally evaluate an asset group if its financial performance indicates it may not support the carrying amount of the long-lived assets. If a store meets these criteria, we estimate the projected undiscounted cash flows for each asset group based on internally developed forecasts. If the undiscounted cash flows are lower than the carrying value of the asset group, we determine the fair value of the asset group based on additional market data, including recent experience in selling similar assets.

We hold certain property for future development or investment purposes. If a triggering event is deemed to have occurred, we evaluate the property for impairment by comparing its estimated fair value based on listing price less costs to sell and other market data, including similar property that is for sale or has been recently sold, to the current carrying value. If the carrying value is more than the estimated fair value, an impairment is recorded.

Although we believe our property and equipment and assets held and used are appropriately valued, the assumptions and estimates used may change and we may be required to record impairment charges to reduce the value of these assets. A future decline in store performance, decrease in projected growth rates or changes in other operating assumptions could result in an impairment of long-lived asset groups, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations.

In 2015, we recorded $3.6 million of impairment charges associated with certain properties and equipment. As the expected future use of these facilities changed, the long-lived assets were tested for recoverability and were determined to have a carrying value exceeding their fair value.

We did not record any impairments related to long-lived assets in 2014 or 2013.

See Notes 1 and 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Deferred Taxes

As of December 31, 2015, we had deferred tax assets of $90.3 million, net of valuation allowance of $5.4 million, and deferred tax liabilities of $143.5 million. The principal components of our deferred tax assets are related to goodwill, allowances and accruals, capital loss carryforwards, deferred revenue and cancellation reserves. The principal components of our deferred tax liabilities are related to depreciation on property and equipment, inventories and goodwill.

We consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carryback and carryforward periods), projected future taxable income, and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment.

Based upon the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, and our projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, we believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of the unreserved deductible differences.

As of December 31, 2015, we had a $5.4 million valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. This valuation allowance is mainly associated with losses from the sale of corporate entities. As these amounts are characterized as capital losses, we evaluated the availability of projected capital gains and determined that it is unlikely these amounts will be fully utilized. If we are unable to meet the projected taxable income levels utilized in our analysis, and depending on the availability of feasible tax planning strategies, we might record an additional valuation allowance on a portion or all of our deferred tax assets in the future.

Equity-Method Investment Associated with New Markets Tax Credits

As of December 31, 2015, we had a $22.3 million equity investment in a limited liability company managed by U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. This investment generates new market tax credits under the New Markets Tax Credit Program (“NMTC Program”). The NMTC Program was established by Congress in 2000 to spur new or increased investments into operating businesses and real estate projects located in low-income communities. We are obligated to make $49.8 million of contributions to the entity over a two-year period ending October 2016, $26.9 million of which had been paid as of December 31, 2015.

While U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation exercises management control over the limited liability company, due to the economic interest we hold in the entity, we determined the appropriate accounting for our ownership portion of the entity was under the equity method of accounting. The equity-method investment generates operating losses on a quarterly basis and, accordingly, we are required to assess the investment for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis.

In 2015, we recorded asset impairments totaling $16.5 million. We also recorded non-cash interest expense related to the discounted fair value of future equity contributions of $0.7 million, a $6.9 million charge to other income, net for our portion of the investment’s operating losses and a tax benefit of $30.8 million.

See Notes 1, 12 and 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Service Contracts and Other Insurance Contracts

We receive commissions from the sale of vehicle service contracts and certain other insurance contracts. The contracts are sold through unrelated third parties, but we may be charged back for a portion of the commissions in the event of early termination of the contracts by customers. We sell these contracts on a straight commission basis; in addition, we participate in future underwriting profit pursuant to retrospective commission arrangements, which are recognized as income upon receipt.

We record commissions at the time of sale of the vehicles, net of an estimated liability for future charge-backs. We have established a reserve for estimated future charge-backs based on an analysis of historical charge-backs in conjunction with estimated lives of the applicable contracts. If future cancellations are different than expected, we could have additional expense related to the cancellations in future periods, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations.

At December 31, 2015, the reserve for future cancellations totaled $35.0 million and is included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. A 10% increase in expected cancellations would result in an additional reserve of $3.5 million.

Lifetime Lube, Oil and Filter Contracts

We retain the obligation for lifetime lube, oil and filter service contracts sold to our customers and assumed the liability of certain existing lifetime, lube, oil and filter contracts. Payments we receive upon sale of the lifetime oil contracts are deferred and recognized in revenue over the expected life of the service agreement to best match the expected timing of the costs to be incurred to perform the service. We estimate the timing and amount of future costs for claims and cancellations related to our lifetime lube, oil and filter contracts using historical experience rates and estimated future costs.

If our estimates of future costs to perform under the contracts exceed the existing deferred revenue, we would record a reserve for the additional expected cost. The estimate of future costs to perform under the contract are mainly dependent on our estimated number of oil changes to be performed over a vehicle’s life and our assumptions about future costs expected to be incurred. Significant increases to either of these assumptions could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations.

At December 31, 2015, the deferred revenue related to these self-insured contracts was $80.2 million.

Self-Insurance Programs

We self-insure a portion of our property and casualty insurance, vehicle open lot coverage, medical insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. We engage third-parties to assist in estimating the loss exposure related to the self-retained portion of the risk associated with these insurances. Additionally, we analyze our historical loss and claims trends associated with these programs. The maximum exposure on any single claim under our property and casualty insurance, medical insurance and workers’ compensation insurance is $1 million. There is no limit on our exposure to wind and hail storms for our vehicle open lot coverage. Although we believe we have sufficient insurance, exposure to uninsured or underinsured losses may result in the recognition of additional charges, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations.

At December 31, 2015, we had liabilities associated with these programs of $25.9 million recorded as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Results of Continuing Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2015, we reported income from continuing operations, net of tax, of $183.0 million, or $6.91 per diluted share. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we reported income from continuing operations, net of tax, of $135.5 million, or $5.14 per diluted share, and $105.2 million, or $4.02 per diluted share, respectively.

Discontinued Operations

In the third quarter of 2014, we early-adopted guidance that redefined discontinued operations. As a result, we determined that individual stores that met the criteria for held for sale after our adoption date would no longer qualify for classification as discontinued operations. We had previously reclassified a store’s operations to discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, on a comparable basis for all periods presented, provided we did not expect to have any significant continuing involvement in the store’s operations after its disposal.

We did not have any income from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. We realized income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense, of $3.2 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Notes 1 and 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Key Performance Metrics

Certain key performance metrics for revenue and gross profit were as follows (dollars in thousands):

2015	Revenues		Percent of Total Revenues			Gross Profit		Gross Profit Margin			Percent of Total Gross Profit
New vehicle	$	4,552,301		57.9	%	$	280,370		6.2	%		23.8	%
Used vehicle retail		1,927,016		24.5			241,249		12.5			20.5
Used vehicle wholesale		261,530		3.3			4,457		1.7			0.4
Finance and insurance⁽¹⁾		283,018		3.6			283,018		100.0			24.1
Service, body and parts		738,990		9.4			363,921		49.2			31.0
Fleet and other		101,397		1.3			2,619		2.6			0.2
	$	7,864,252		100.0	%	$	1,175,634		14.9	%		100.0	%

2014	Revenues		Percent of Total Revenues			Gross Profit		Gross Profit Margin			Percent of Total Gross Profit
New vehicle	$	3,077,670		57.1	%	$	198,184		6.4	%		24.1	%
Used vehicle retail		1,362,481		25.3			179,253		13.2			21.8
Used vehicle wholesale		195,699		3.6			3,646		1.9			0.4
Finance and insurance(1)		190,381		3.5			190,381		100.0			23.1
Service, body and parts		512,124		9.5			249,736		48.8			30.3
Fleet and other		51,971		1.0			2,122		4.1			0.3
	$	5,390,326		100.0	%	$	823,322		15.3	%		100.0	%

2013	Revenues		Percent of Total Revenues			Gross Profit		Gross Profit Margin			Percent of Total Gross Profit
New vehicle	$	2,256,598		56.3	%	$	151,118		6.7	%		24.0	%
Used vehicle retail		1,032,224		25.8			150,858		14.6			23.9
Used vehicle wholesale		158,235		3.9			2,711		1.7			0.4
Finance and insurance(1)		139,007		3.5			139,007		100.0			22.0
Service, body and parts		383,483		9.6			185,570		48.4			29.4
Fleet and other		36,202		0.9			1,689		4.7			0.3
	$	4,005,749		100.0	%	$	630,953		15.8	%		100.0	%

(1)	Commissions reported net of anticipated cancellations.

Same Store Operating Data

In 2014, we acquired 35 stores and opened one store primarily in the second half of the year. As a result, we experienced significant growth in 2015 compared to 2014. We believe that same store comparisons are an important indicator of our financial performance. Same store measures demonstrate our ability to grow revenues in our existing locations. Therefore, we have integrated same store measures into the discussion below.

Same store measures reflect results for stores that were operating in each comparison period, and only include the months when operations occurred in both periods. For example, a store acquired in August 2014 would be included in same store operating data beginning in September 2015, after its first complete comparable month of operation. The operating results for the same store comparisons would include results for that store from September through December of each year.

New Vehicle Revenue and Gross Profit

	Year Ended December 31,						Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)	2015			2014			(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Reported
Revenue	$	4,552,301		$	3,077,670		$	1,474,631			47.9	%
Gross profit	$	280,370		$	198,184		$	82,186			41.5
Gross margin		6.2	%		6.4	%		(20	)bps

Retail units sold		137,486			91,104			46,382			50.9
Average selling price per retail unit	$	33,111		$	33,782		$	(671	)		(2.0	)
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	2,039		$	2,175		$	(136	)		(6.3	)

Same store
Revenue	$	3,327,450		$	3,056,366		$	271,084			8.9	%
Gross profit	$	205,802		$	196,354		$	9,448			4.8
Gross margin		6.2	%		6.4	%		(20	)bps

Retail units sold		96,556			90,352			6,204			6.9
Average selling price per retail unit	$	34,461		$	33,827		$	634			1.9
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	2,131		$	2,173		$	(42	)		(1.9	)

	Year Ended December 31,						Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)	2014			2013			(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Reported
Revenue	$	3,077,670		$	2,256,598		$	821,072			36.4	%
Gross profit	$	198,184		$	151,118		$	47,066			31.1
Gross margin		6.4	%		6.7	%		(30	)bps

Retail units sold		91,104			66,857			24,247			36.3
Average selling price per retail unit	$	33,782		$	33,753		$	29			0.1
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	2,175		$	2,260		$	(85	)		(3.8	)

Same store
Revenue	$	2,485,516		$	2,230,064		$	255,452			11.5	%
Gross profit	$	162,073		$	148,774		$	13,299			8.9
Gross margin		6.5	%		6.7	%		(20	)bps

Retail units sold		71,563			65,890			5,673			8.6
Average selling price per retail unit	$	34,732		$	33,845		$	887			2.6
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	2,265		$	2,258		$	7			0.3

(1) A basis point is equal to 1/100^th of one percent.

New vehicle sales increased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily driven by the acquisition of 27 stores from the DCH Auto Group in the fourth quarter of 2014. On a same store basis, new vehicle sales increased 8.9% primarily due to unit volume growth of 6.9% in 2015 compared to 2014.

Acquisitions also drove new vehicle sales increases in 2014 compared to 2013. On a same store basis, new vehicle sales improved 11.5% in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to volume growth as year-over-year same store unit volume increased 8.6% in 2014.

In both comparative periods, our stores have focused on capturing more sales in their respective market areas and improving their overall market share. Additionally, on a unit basis, national new vehicle sales levels increased approximately 6% in 2015 compared to 2014 and 6% in 2014 compared to 2013.

Same store unit sales increased in all categories as follows:

	2015 compared to 2014			2014 compared to 2013			National growth in 2015 compared to 2014
Domestic brand same store unit sales growth		9.6	%		8.7	%		5.8	%
Import brand same store unit sales growth		5.9			7.0			5.6
Luxury brand same store unit sales growth		0.7			10.2			6.7
Overall		6.9			8.2			5.8

Our unit volume growth rate for 2015 was higher than the national average for our domestic and import stores as our store personnel aggressively sought to increase market share within our markets. Our luxury stores lagged the national average in 2015, primarily because store leaders at our BMW and Mercedes locations chose to avoid significant discounting on sales prices to achieve incremental sales at the expense of gross profit dollars. We continue to focus on increasing our share of overall new vehicle sales within our markets.

Recovery in some of our specific markets behaved differently than the national average in both 2015 and 2014. Certain of our markets saw an increase in local market sales volumes exceeding the national average, while others continued to lag behind the national average due to differing levels of economic recovery in different parts of the country, including economic activity and regional employment levels recovering at different rates.

At the end of 2015, we believe only two of the markets we operate in remain below the pre-recessionary normalized annual vehicle registration levels experienced in 2006, our baseline year.

In addition to the increases in unit volume, increases in average selling prices of 1.9% and 2.6%, respectively, in 2015 compared to 2014 and in 2014 compared to 2013, contributed to the overall increases in same store new vehicle revenue. Most of these increases are a function of an annual increase in manufacturer suggested retail price over the manufacturers' invoice cost of vehicles, with the remainder driven by a shift in mix towards more truck and SUV sales, which typically have a higher average selling price than other vehicle types.

New vehicle gross profit increased 41.5% in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily driven by the acquisition of the DCH Auto Group in the fourth quarter of 2014. On a same store basis, new vehicle gross profit increased 4.8% in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to increased volume, partially offset by decreased gross profit per unit and lower gross margins.

On a same store basis, the average gross profit per new retail unit decreased $42, or 1.9%, in 2015 compared to 2014. Consumers are increasingly aware of our wholesale cost of vehicles and average transaction prices for new vehicle sales due to the proliferation of third-party providers providing this information over the internet. As a result, the average gross profit realized on new vehicle sales has been under pressure for the last several years across the automobile industry. In addition, we have aggressively pursued market share to continue to capture incremental new vehicle sales transactions. We believe our volume-based strategy creates additional used vehicle trade-in opportunities, finance and insurance sales and future service work, which will generate incremental business in future periods that will offset the lower new vehicle gross profit per unit that has occurred as a result of this strategy.

New vehicle gross profit increased 31.1% in 2014 compared to 2013. On a same store basis, gross profit increased 8.9% in 2014 compared to 2013. These increases were primarily due to a greater number of vehicles sold. New vehicle unit sales improved throughout 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to an overall market recovery. Additionally, similar to 2015, we increased our share of vehicle sales in several of our markets in 2014.

Used Vehicle Retail Revenue and Gross Profit

	Year Ended December 31,						Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)	2015			2014			(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Reported
Retail revenue	$	1,927,016		$	1,362,481		$	564,535			41.4	%
Retail gross profit	$	241,249		$	179,253		$	61,996			34.6
Retail gross margin		12.5	%		13.2	%		(70	)bps

Retail units sold		99,109			71,674			27,435			38.3
Average selling price per retail unit	$	19,443		$	19,009		$	434			2.3
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	2,434		$	2,501		$	(67	)		(2.7	)

Same store
Retail revenue	$	1,528,803		$	1,350,813		$	177,990			13.2	%
Retail gross profit	$	197,380		$	177,999		$	19,381			10.9
Retail gross margin		12.9	%		13.2	%		(30	)bps

Retail units sold		77,552			70,967			6,585			9.3
Average selling price per retail unit	$	19,713		$	19,034		$	679			3.6
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	2,545		$	2,508		$	37			1.5

	Year Ended December 31,						Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)	2014			2013			(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Reported
Retail revenue	$	1,362,481		$	1,032,224		$	330,257			32.0	%
Retail gross profit	$	179,253		$	150,858		$	28,395			18.8
Retail gross margin		13.2	%		14.6	%		(140	)bps

Retail units sold		71,674			57,061			14,613			25.6
Average selling price per retail unit	$	19,009		$	18,090		$	919			5.1
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	2,501		$	2,644		$	(143	)		(5.4	)

Same store
Retail revenue	$	1,171,100		$	1,016,632		$	154,468			15.2	%
Retail gross profit	$	157,242		$	148,680		$	8,562			5.8
Retail gross margin		13.4	%		14.6	%		(120	)bps

Retail units sold		60,940			56,113			4,827			8.6
Average selling price per retail unit	$	19,217		$	18,118		$	1,099			6.1
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	2,580		$	2,650		$	(70	)		(2.6	)

Used vehicle retail sales are a strategic focus for organic growth. We offer three categories of used vehicles: manufacturer CPO vehicles; Core Vehicles, or late-model vehicles with lower mileage; and Value Autos, or older vehicles with over 80,000 miles. Additionally, our volume-based strategy for new vehicle sales increases the organic opportunity to convert vehicles acquired via trade to retail used vehicle sales.

Same store sales increased in all three categories of used vehicles as follows:

	2015 compared to 2014			2014 compared to 2013
Certified pre-owned vehicles		16.9	%		24.5	%
Core vehicles		12.4			11.8
Value autos		8.9			8.5
Overall		13.2			14.6

The same store sales increases in 2015 compared to 2014 and in 2014 compared to 2013 were a result of increased unit sales and increased average selling prices per unit as our mix shifted toward higher-priced certified pre-owned and core vehicles and away from value autos. This mix shift was primarily due to the increased number of off-lease vehicles as a result of increased new vehicle leasing since 2010. Because the average new vehicle lease is approximately 30 months, the supply of late model used vehicles is increasing.

On average, in 2015 and 2014, each of our stores sold 62 and 56 retail used vehicle units per month, respectively. We continue to target increasing sales to 75 units per store per month.

Used retail vehicle gross profit increased 34.6% in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily driven by the acquisition of the DCH Auto Group in the fourth quarter of 2014. On a same store basis, gross profit increased 10.9% in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to increased unit volume and increased gross profit per unit, partially offset by slight margin declines. The unit volume growth was driven by a mix shift toward certified pre-owned and core vehicles, which have higher average selling prices, but lower gross margins than value autos.

Used retail vehicle gross profit dollars increased 18.8% in 2014 compared to 2013. On a same store basis, gross profit increased 5.8% in 2014 compared to 2013. These increases were primarily due to volume growth, partially offset by decreases in the average gross profit per unit sold. The volume growth was driven by a larger number of late-model vehicles being available in the marketplace compared to the prior few years. Vehicle production levels were cut significantly in the 2009 and 2010 model years, and as production increased in subsequent years, a greater number of vehicles are available due to the natural trade cycle and more lease returns. Similar to new vehicle sales, we focus on gross profit dollars earned per unit, not on gross margin, in evaluating our sales performance. Gross profit per unit was lower in 2014 than in 2013 primarily due to shift in mix to more late-model vehicles due to the increase in supply noted above. These vehicles are more homogenous in nature and typically are more commoditized relative to older cars that have a wider variety of mileage and condition, allowing more gross profit to be earned per vehicle due to their unique nature.

Used Vehicle Wholesale Revenue and Gross Profit

	Year Ended December 31,						Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)	2015			2014			(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Reported
Wholesale revenue	$	261,530		$	195,699		$	65,831			33.6	%
Wholesale gross profit	$	4,457		$	3,646		$	811			22.2
Wholesale gross margin		1.7	%		1.9	%		(20	)bps

Wholesale units sold		38,167			27,918			10,249			36.7
Average selling price per wholesale unit	$	6,852		$	7,010		$	(158	)		(2.3	)
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	117		$	131		$	(14	)		(10.7	)

Same store
Wholesale revenue	$	210,468		$	194,926		$	15,542			8.0	%
Wholesale gross profit	$	4,022		$	3,782		$	240			6.3
Wholesale gross margin		1.9	%		1.9	%		—	bps

Wholesale units sold		28,613			27,696			917			3.3
Average selling price per wholesale unit	$	7,356		$	7,038		$	318			4.5
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	141		$	137		$	4			2.9

	Year Ended December 31,						Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)	2014			2013			(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Reported
Wholesale revenue	$	195,699		$	158,235		$	37,464			23.7	%
Wholesale gross profit	$	3,646		$	2,711		$	935			34.5
Wholesale gross margin		1.9	%		1.7	%		20	bps

Wholesale units sold		27,918			22,086			5,832			26.4
Average selling price per wholesale unit	$	7,010		$	7,164		$	(154	)		(2.1	)
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	131		$	123		$	8			6.5

Same store
Wholesale revenue	$	171,813		$	157,329		$	14,484			9.2	%
Wholesale gross profit	$	3,864		$	2,860		$	1,004			35.1
Wholesale gross margin		2.2	%		1.8	%		40	bps

Wholesale units sold		23,360			21,894			1,466			6.7
Average selling price per wholesale unit	$	7,355		$	7,186		$	169			2.4
Average gross profit per retail unit	$	165		$	131		$	34			26.0

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

Finance and Insurance

	Year Ended December 31,						%
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)	2015		2014		Increase		Increase
Reported
Revenue	$	283,018	$	190,381	$	92,637		48.7	%
Average finance and insurance per retail unit		1,196		1,170		26		2.2

Same store
Revenue	$	216,590	$	188,913	$	27,677		14.7	%
Average finance and insurance per retail unit		1,244		1,171		73		6.2

	Year Ended December 31,						%
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)	2014		2013		Increase		Increase
Reported
Revenue	$	190,381	$	139,007	$	51,374		37.0	%
Average finance and insurance per retail unit		1,170		1,122		48		4.3

Same store
Revenue	$	159,971	$	137,211	$	22,760		16.6	%
Average finance and insurance per retail unit		1,207		1,125		82		7.3

The increase in finance and insurance revenue in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to higher unit volume as a result of the acquisition of the DCH Auto Group in the fourth quarter of 2014. On a same store basis, the increase was due to higher unit volume sales and an increase in the average finance and insurance revenue earned per unit.

The increase in finance and insurance sales in 2014 compared to 2013 was driven by increased vehicle sales volume and higher average selling prices per retail unit.

Trends in penetration rates for total new and used retail vehicles sold are detailed below:

	2015			2014			2013
Finance and insurance		77	%		78	%		78	%
Service contracts		42			43			42
Lifetime lube, oil and filter contracts		25			35			36

Penetration rates have been consistent for finance and insurance and service contracts in all three years. Penetration rates in lifetime lube, oil and filter contracts decreased in 2015 compared to prior years because we only began to offer this product at stores acquired as part of the DCH Auto Group in the second half of 2015, diluting the average across our entire store base. Penetration rates, excluding the DCH stores, remained relatively consistent.

We believe the availability of credit is one of the key indicators of our ability to retail automobiles, as we arrange financing on almost 80% of the vehicles we sell and believe a significant amount of the vehicles we do not arrange financing for are financed elsewhere. To evaluate the availability of credit, we categorize our customers based on their Fair, Isaac and Company (FICO) credit score.

The distribution by credit score for the customers we arranged financing for was as follows:

	FICO Score Range			2015			2014			2013
Prime	680 and above				70.0	%		70.3	%		70.3	%
Non-prime	620	-	679		18.4			18.1			18.4
Sub-prime	619 or less				11.6			11.6			11.3

We continued to see the availability of consumer credit expand in 2015 compared to 2014 and in 2014 compared to 2013.

Service, Body and Parts Revenue and Gross Profit

	Year Ended December 31,									%
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			Increase			Increase
Reported
Customer pay	$	414,063		$	285,337		$	128,726			45.1	%
Warranty		165,902			96,308			69,594			72.3
Wholesale parts		111,557			87,519			24,038			27.5
Body shop		47,468			42,960			4,508			10.5
Total service, body and parts	$	738,990		$	512,124		$	226,866			44.3

Service, body and parts gross profit	$	363,921		$	249,736		$	114,185			45.7	%
Service, body and parts gross margin		49.2	%		48.8	%		40	bps

Same store
Customer pay	$	305,130		$	282,996		$	22,134			7.8	%
Warranty		120,042			95,794			24,248			25.3
Wholesale parts		90,898			86,871			4,027			4.6
Body shop		44,647			42,924			1,723			4.0
Total service, body and parts	$	560,717		$	508,585		$	52,132			10.3

Service, body and parts gross profit	$	274,855		$	247,900		$	26,955			10.9	%
Service, body and parts gross margin		49.0	%		48.7	%		30	bps

	Year Ended December 31,									%
(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			Increase			Increase
Reported
Customer pay	$	285,337		$	214,173		$	71,164			33.2	%
Warranty		96,308			62,580			33,728			53.9
Wholesale parts		87,519			70,655			16,864			23.9
Body shop		42,960			36,075			6,885			19.1
Total service, body and parts	$	512,124		$	383,483		$	128,641			33.5

Service, body and parts gross profit	$	249,736		$	185,570		$	64,166			34.6	%
Service, body and parts gross margin		48.8	%		48.4	%		40	bps

Same store
Customer pay	$	233,086		$	213,754		$	19,332			9.0	%
Warranty		76,925			62,448			14,477			23.2
Wholesale parts		76,116			70,451			5,665			8.0
Body shop		39,849			36,075			3,774			10.5
Total service, body and parts	$	425,976		$	382,728		$	43,248			11.3

Service, body and parts gross profit	$	206,939		$	185,268		$	21,671			11.7	%
Service, body and parts gross margin		48.6	%		48.4	%		20	bps

Our service, body and parts sales grew in all areas in 2015 compared to 2014 and in 2014 compared to 2013. There are more late-model units in operation as new vehicle sales volumes have been increasing annually since 2010. We believe this increase in units in operation will benefit our service, body and parts sales in the coming years as more late-model vehicles age, necessitating repairs and maintenance.

We focus on retaining customers by offering competitively priced routine maintenance and through our marketing efforts. We increased our same store customer pay business 7.8% in 2015 compared to 2014 and by 9.0% in 2014 compared to 2013.

Same store warranty sales increased 25.3% in 2015 compared to 2014 and 23.2% in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to significant vehicle recalls across multiple manufacturers. Additionally, we continue to see increases in warranty sales due to the growing number of units in operation. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, offered by certain brands, including BMW, Toyota and General Motors, for two to four years after a vehicle is sold, provides for future work as consumers return to the franchised dealer for this maintenance item.

Increases in same-store warranty work by segment were as follows:

	2015 compared to 2014			2014 compared to 2013
Domestic		27.4	%		42.3	%
Import		26.4			7.1
Luxury	20.9				12.9

Same store wholesale parts grew 4.6% and 8.0%, respectively, in 2015 compared to 2014 and in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to targeting independent repair shops, competing new vehicle dealers and wholesale accounts to expand parts sales to other repair shops.

Same store body shop grew 4.0% and 10.5%, respectively, in 2015 compared to 2014 and in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to increased productivity and pricing increases tied to CPI. The increase in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to obtaining additional direct repair relationships with insurance companies and certain personnel changes that increased productivity and volume.

Same store service, body and parts gross profit increased 10.9% and 11.7%, respectively, in 2015 compared to 2014 and in 2014 compared to 2013. The growth in gross profit in 2015 compared to 2014 outpaced our revenue growth due to improvements in gross margin. Our gross margin improvement was driven by a shift in mix as the growth in warranty, which has a relatively higher gross margin, outpaced customer pay, wholesale parts and body shop growth compared to 2014. We believe the increase in 2014 compared to 2013 was in line with our same store revenue growth. Our same store gross margins were consistent in 2014 compared to 2013 as margin pressures in our body shop sales were outpaced by the growth in our warranty sales.

Segments

Certain financial information by segment is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,				Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Revenues:
Domestic	$	3,034,849	$	2,566,473	$	468,376			18.2	%
Import		3,334,983		1,893,034		1,441,949			76.2
Luxury		1,490,632		926,856		563,776			60.8
		7,860,464		5,386,363		2,474,101			45.9
Corporate and other		3,788		3,963		(175	)		(4.4	)
	$	7,864,252	$	5,390,326	$	2,473,926			45.9

	Year Ended December 31,				Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Revenues:
Domestic	$	2,566,473	$	2,145,478	$	420,995			19.6	%
Import		1,893,034		1,225,800		667,234			54.4
Luxury		926,856		629,521		297,335			47.2
		5,386,363		4,000,799		1,385,564			34.6
Corporate and other		3,963		4,950		(987	)		(19.9	)
	$	5,390,326	$	4,005,749	$	1,384,577			34.6

	Year Ended December 31,								%
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			Increase		Increase
*Segment income:**
Domestic	$	115,525		$	96,888		$	18,637		19.2	%
Import		98,371			50,870			47,501		93.4
Luxury		36,391			25,448			10,943		43.0
		250,287			173,206			77,081		44.5
Corporate and other		74,514			71,195			3,319		4.7
Depreciation and amortization		(41,600	)		(26,363	)		15,237		57.8
Other interest expense		(19,491	)		(10,742	)		8,749		81.4
Other (expense) income, net		(1,006	)		3,199			NM		NM
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	262,704		$	210,495		$	52,209		24.8

NM - Not meaningful

	Year Ended December 31,								%
(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			Increase		Increase
*Segment income:**
Domestic	$	96,888		$	84,500		$	12,388		14.7	%
Import		50,870			40,264			10,606		26.3
Luxury		25,448			16,133			9,315		57.7
		173,206			140,897			32,309		22.9
Corporate and other		71,195			50,283			20,912		41.6
Depreciation and amortization		(26,363	)		(20,035	)		6,328		31.6
Other interest expense		(10,742	)		(8,350	)		2,392		28.6
Other (expense) income, net		3,199			2,993			206		6.9
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	210,495		$	165,788		$	44,707		27.0

*Segment income for each reportable segment is defined as Income from continuing operations before income taxes, depreciation and amortization, other interest expense and other (expense) income, net.

	Year Ended December 31,								%
	2015			2014			Increase		Increase
Retail new vehicle unit sales:
Domestic		44,926			39,006			5,920		15.2	%
Import		75,245			41,722			33,523		80.3
Luxury		17,556			10,570			6,986		66.1
		137,727			91,298			46,429		50.9
Allocated to management		(241	)		(194	)		47		24.2
		137,486			91,104			46,382		50.9

	Year Ended December 31,								%
	2014			2013			Increase		Increase
Retail new vehicle unit sales:
Domestic		39,006			33,895			5,111		15.1	%
Import		41,722			26,030			15,692		60.3
Luxury		10,570			7,037			3,533		50.2
		91,298			66,962			24,336		36.3
Allocated to management		(194	)		(105	)		89		84.8
		91,104			66,857			24,247		36.3

Domestic

A summary of financial information for our Domestic segment follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						%
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		Increase		Increase
Revenue	$	3,034,849	$	2,566,473	$	468,376		18.2	%
Segment income	$	115,525	$	96,888	$	18,637		19.2
Retail new vehicle unit sales		44,926		39,006		5,920		15.2

	Year Ended December 31,						%
(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		Increase		Increase
Revenue	$	2,566,473	$	2,145,478	$	420,995		19.6	%
Segment income	$	96,888	$	84,500	$	12,388		14.7
Retail new vehicle unit sales		39,006		33,895		5,111		15.1

Improvement in our Domestic segment revenue in 2015 compared to 2014 resulted from increases in retail new and used unit sales, increases in new and used vehicle selling prices, an increase in finance and insurance as a function of greater retail vehicle unit volume and improved service body and parts sales. These increases were driven by an improving economic environment, new product introductions from manufacturers, enhanced availability of late model used vehicles and better operational execution within our stores. Chrysler, which represented 53% of our domestic segment revenue in 2015, increased its U.S. market share 20 bps to 12.8% in 2015 compared to 12.6% in 2014. Segment retail new vehicle unit sales increased 15.2% in 2015 compared to 2014, as same store new unit sales increased 9.6%, with the remaining increase primarily a function of two stores acquired in 2015.

Our Domestic segment income increased 19.2% in 2015 compared to 2014. This growth exceeded both the growth in revenue and retail new vehicle unit sales primarily as a result of a volume-based retail vehicle strategy, while managing SG&A expenses.

Improvement in our Domestic operating results in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily a result of the improvements in all revenue categories as discussed above, overall improvements in the economy and growth in overall market share by Chrysler, which represented 54% of our Domestic segment revenue in 2014. Chrysler market share increased to 12.6% in 2014, compared to 11.5% in 2013.

Import

A summary of financial information for our Import segment follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						%
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		Increase		Increase
Revenue	$	3,334,983	$	1,893,034	$	1,441,949		76.2	%
Segment income	$	98,371	$	50,870	$	47,501		93.4
Retail new vehicle unit sales		75,245		41,722		33,523		80.3

	Year Ended December 31,						%
(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		Increase		Increase
Revenue	$	1,893,034	$	1,225,800	$	667,234		54.4	%
Segment income	$	50,870	$	40,264	$	10,606		26.3
Retail new vehicle unit sales		41,722		26,030		15,692		60.3

The increase in our Import segment revenue in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily a result of the acquisition of the DCH Auto Group in October 2014. Of the 27 stores acquired in the DCH Auto Group acquisition, 17 of the locations were import brands, which generated over 90% of their revenues.

Our segment income increased 93.4% in 2015 compared to 2014 mainly due to our acquisition activity. This growth exceeded the growth in revenue as we integrated the DCH Auto Group into our existing cost structure, which is more efficient than DCH's historical structure. Import segment income, as a percentage of revenue, improved 20 basis points to 2.9% for 2015 compared to 2014.

Improvements in our Import operating results in 2014 compared to 2013 were primarily a result of the improvements in all revenue categories as discussed above, overall improvements in the economy and a strategic focus to diversify our dependence on Domestic brands through the acquisition of Import branded stores. We added a total of 21 import locations in 2014, including the 17 locations acquired as part of the DCH Auto Group.

Luxury

A summary of financial information for our Luxury segment follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						%
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		Increase		Increase
Revenue	$	1,490,632	$	926,856	$	563,776		60.8	%
Segment income	$	36,391	$	25,448	$	10,943		43.0
Retail new vehicle unit sales		17,556		10,570		6,986		66.1

	Year Ended December 31,						%
(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		Increase		Increase
Revenue	$	926,856	$	629,521	$	297,335		47.2	%
Segment income	$	25,448	$	16,133	$	9,315		57.7
Retail new vehicle unit sales		10,570		7,037		3,533		50.2

Our Luxury segment revenue increased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily as a result of the acquisition of the DCH Auto Group, which included nine luxury stores in metropolitan markets, which typically are higher volume stores than our historical markets.

Our Luxury segment income increased in 2015 compared to 2014; however, the growth was lower than both the growth in revenue and retail new vehicle unit sales primarily as a result of lower gross margins. The DCH Auto Group stores use a high-volume, low-margin strategy and face more competition because the stores are in high-density metropolitan locations. Additionally, the DCH Auto Group has less efficient SG&A expense control than we have historically had, which resulted in lower total Luxury segment income as a percentage of revenue due to the averaging of the cost structures.

Improvements in our Luxury operating results in 2014 compared to 2013 were primarily a result of the improvements in all revenue categories described above, overall improvements in the economy and a strategic focus to diversify our dependence on Domestic brands through the acquisition of Luxury branded stores. We added six luxury locations in 2014.

See Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.

Corporate and Other

Revenue attributable to Corporate and other includes the results of operations of our stand-alone collision center offset by certain unallocated reserve and elimination adjustments related to vehicle sales.

	Year Ended December 31,				Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Revenue	$	3,788	$	3,963	$	(175	)		(4.4	)%
Segment income	$	74,514	$	71,195	$	3,319			4.7

	Year Ended December 31,				Increase			% Increase
(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		(Decrease)			(Decrease)
Revenue	$	3,963	$	4,950	$	(987	)		(19.9	)%
Segment income	$	71,195	$	50,283	$	20,912			41.6

The decreases in Corporate and other revenues in 2015 compared to 2014 and in 2014 compared to 2013 were primarily a result of changes to certain unallocated reserves.

Segment income attributable to Corporate and other includes amounts associated with the operating income from our stand-alone body shop and certain internal corporate expense allocations that reduce reportable segment income but increase Corporate and other income. These internal corporate expense allocations are used to increase comparability of our dealerships and reflect the capital burden a stand-alone dealership would experience. Examples of these internal allocations include internal rent expense, internal floor plan financing charges, and internal fees charged to offset employees within our corporate headquarters who perform certain dealership functions.

The increase in Corporate and other segment income in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily related to reduced expense associated with certain insurance reserve adjustments and increased internal corporate expense allocations offset by an $18.3 million charge associated with a transition agreement. See Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the transition agreement.

The increase in Corporate and other segment income in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to increased internal corporate expense allocations for the capital burden of higher inventory levels.

Asset Impairment Charges

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

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Equity-method investment	$	16,521	$	1,853	$	—
Long-lived assets		3,603		—		—

Asset impairments of our equity-method investment are associated with our investment in a limited liability company that participates in the NMTC Program. We evaluated this equity-method investment at the end of each reporting period and identified indications of loss resulting from other than temporary declines in value. As a result, we recorded impairments of $16.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively, in 2015 and 2014.

In 2015, we recorded $3.6 million of impairment charges associated with certain properties and equipment. As the expected future use of these facilities and equipment changed, the long-lived assets were tested for recoverability and were determined to have a carrying value exceeding their fair value.

See Notes 1, 4, 12 and 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expense

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

	Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		Increase		% Increase
Personnel	$	556,719	$	374,757	$	181,962		48.6	%
Advertising		69,599		46,652		22,947		49.2
Rent		23,817		17,230		6,587		38.2
Facility costs		39,738		33,762		5,976		17.7
Other		121,302		90,806		30,496		33.6
Total SG&A	$	811,175	$	563,207	$	247,968		44.0

	Year Ended December 31,						Increase
As a % of gross profit	2015			2014			(Decrease)
Personnel		47.4	%		45.5	%		190	bps
Advertising		5.9			5.7			20
Rent		2.0			2.1			(10	)
Facility costs		3.4			4.1			(70	)
Other		10.3			11.0			(70	)
Total SG&A		69.0	%		68.4	%		60	bps

	Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		Increase		% Increase
Personnel	$	374,757	$	278,497	$	96,260		34.6	%
Advertising		46,652		39,598		7,054		17.8
Rent		17,230		13,962		3,268		23.4
Facility costs		33,762		24,443		9,319		38.1
Other		90,806		70,900		19,906		28.1
Total SG&A	$	563,207	$	427,400	$	135,807		31.8

	Year Ended December 31,						Increase
As a % of gross profit	2014			2013			(Decrease)
Personnel		45.5	%		44.1	%		140	bps
Advertising		5.7			6.3			(60	)
Rent		2.1			2.2			(10	)
Facility costs		4.1			3.9			20
Other		11.0			11.2			(20	)
Total SG&A		68.4	%		67.7	%		70	bps

SG&A increased $248.0 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily driven by increased variable cost associated with increased sales volume and store count. Additionally, SG&A in 2015 was increased due to an $18.3 million charge associated with a transition agreement, offset by a $5.9 million gain associated with the sale of two stores and adjustments to insurance reserves. SG&A in 2014 included a non-core charge of $1.9 million related to the acquisition of DCH Auto Group, as well as non-core charges totaling $3.9 million related to an increase to a reserve associated with a lawsuit filed in 2006 and settled in 2013, a loss reserve for a hailstorm in Texas and a reserve for a contract assumed in an acquisition.

SG&A increased $135.8 million in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to increased variable costs associated with increased sales volume and store count. As noted above, SG&A in 2014 included total non-core charges of $5.8 million. SG&A in 2013 included a $6.2 million expense associated with a non-core legal reserve related to the settlement of a claim filed in 2006, offset by a $2.5 million non-core gain on the sale of property.

SG&A adjusted for non-core charges was as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		Increase		% Increase
Personnel	$	538,422	$	374,758	$	163,664		43.7	%
Advertising		69,599		46,652		22,947		49.2
Rent		23,817		17,230		6,587		38.2
Facility costs		45,656		33,763		11,893		35.2
Other		121,304		85,008		36,296		42.7
Total SG&A	$	798,798	$	557,411	$	241,387		43.3

	Year Ended December 31,						Increase
As a % of gross profit	2015			2014			(Decrease)
Personnel		45.8	%		45.5	%		30	bps
Advertising		5.9			5.7			20
Rent		2.0			2.1			(10	)
Facility costs		3.9			4.1			(20	)
Other		10.3			10.3			—
Total SG&A		67.9	%		67.7	%		20	bps

	Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		Increase		% Increase
Personnel	$	374,758	$	278,496	$	96,262		34.6	%
Advertising		46,652		39,598		7,054		17.8
Rent		17,230		13,962		3,268		23.4
Facility costs		33,763		26,973		6,790		25.2
Other		85,008		64,749		20,259		31.3
Total SG&A	$	557,411	$	423,778	$	133,633		31.5

	Year Ended December 31,						Increase
As a % of gross profit	2014			2013			(Decrease)
Personnel		45.5	%		44.1	%		140	bps
Advertising		5.7			6.3			(60	)
Rent		2.1			2.2			(10	)
Facility costs		4.1			4.3			(20	)
Other		10.3			10.3			—
Total SG&A		67.7	%		67.2	%		50	bps

See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.

We also measure the leverage of our cost structure by evaluating throughput, which is the incremental percentage of gross profit retained after deducting SG&A.

	Year Ended December 31,									% of Change in
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			Change			Gross Profit
Gross profit	$	1,175,634		$	823,322		$	352,312			100.0	%
SG&A expense		(811,175	)		(563,207	)		(247,968	)		(70.4	)
Throughput contribution							$	104,344			29.6	%

	Year Ended December 31,									% of Change in
(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			Change			Gross Profit
Gross profit	$	823,322		$	630,953		$	192,369			100.0	%
SG&A expense		(563,207	)		(427,400	)		(135,807	)		(70.6	)
Throughput contribution							$	56,562			29.4	%

Throughput contributions for newly opened or acquired stores reduce overall throughput because, in the first year of operation, a store’s throughput is equal to the inverse of its SG&A as a percentage of gross profit. For example, a store which achieves SG&A as a percentage of gross profit of 70% will have throughput of 30% in the first year of operation.

We acquired six stores and one franchise and opened one new store in 2015 and acquired 35 stores and opened one new store in 2014. Adjusting for these locations and the non-core adjustments discussed above, we estimate our throughput contribution on a same store basis was 51% in 2015 compared to 43% in 2014. We continue to target a same store throughput contribution in a range of 45% to 50%.

Depreciation and Amortization

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

Year Ended

December 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2015

2014

Increase

Depreciation and amortization

41,600

26,363

15,237

57.8

Year Ended

December 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

Increase

Depreciation and amortization

26,363

20,035

6,328

31.6

The increase in depreciation and amortization in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to our acquisition activity since September 30, 2014. Additionally, we purchased previously leased facilities, built new facilities subsequent to the acquisition of stores and invested in improvements at our facilities and replacement of equipment.

The increase in depreciation and amortization in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to the purchase of previously leased facilities, the addition of facilities due to acquisitions, the building of new facilities subsequent to the acquisition of stores and investments in improvements at our facilities and replacement of equipment.

These investments increase the amount of depreciable assets and amortizable expenses. Capital expenditures totaled $83.2 million and $86.0 million, respectively, in 2015 and 2014. See the discussion under Liquidity and Capital Resources for additional information.

Operating Income

Operating income as a percentage of revenue, or operating margin, was as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Operating margin		3.8%		4.3%		4.6%
Operating margin adjusted for non-core charges⁽¹⁾		4.3%		4.4%		4.7%

(1)	See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for additional information.

In 2015, our operating margin was affected by the integration of the DCH Auto Group, which has a lower operating efficiency than our other stores, and a charge of $18.3 million associated with a transition agreement. Adjusting for this transition agreement charge and other non-core charges, our operating margin was 4.3% in 2015. We continue to focus on cost control, which allows us to leverage our cost structure in an environment of improving sales and aspire to increase our operating margin to our historical level.

Floor Plan Interest Expense and Floor Plan Assistance

Floor plan interest expense increased $5.7 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily as a result of an increase in the average outstanding balances on our floor plan facilities due to our increase in vehicle sales as discussed above. Changes in the average outstanding balances on our floor plan facilities increased the expense $3.9 million and changes in the interest rates on our floor plan facilities decreased the expense $1.8 million during 2015 compared to 2014.

Floor plan interest expense increased $1.5 million in 2014 compared to 2013. Changes in the average outstanding balances on our floor plan facilities increased the expense $4.4 million, changes in the interest rates on our floor plan facilities decreased the expense $2.2 million and the maturity of three interest rate swaps decreased the expense $0.7 million during 2014 compared to 2013.

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

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

	Year Ended December 31,								%
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			Increase		Increase
Floor plan interest expense (new vehicles)	$	19,534		$	13,861		$	5,673		40.9	%
Floor plan assistance (included as an offset to cost of sales)		(41,438	)		(28,748	)		12,690		44.1
Net new vehicle carrying costs (benefit)	$	(21,904	)	$	(14,887	)	$	7,017		47.1

	Year Ended December 31,								%
(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			Increase		Increase
Floor plan interest expense (new vehicles)	$	13,861		$	12,373		$	1,488		12.0	%
Floor plan assistance (included as an offset to cost of sales)		(28,748	)		(20,967	)		7,781		37.1
Net new vehicle carrying costs (benefit)	$	(14,887	)	$	(8,594	)	$	6,293		73.2

Other Interest Expense

Other interest expense includes interest on debt incurred related to acquisitions, real estate mortgages, our used vehicle inventory financing facility and our revolving line of credit.

	Year Ended December 31,								%
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			Increase		Increase
Mortgage interest	$	13,295		$	7,540		$	5,755		76.3	%
Other interest		6,646			3,609			3,037		84.2
Capitalized interest		(450	)		(407	)		43		10.6
Total other interest expense	$	19,491		$	10,742		$	8,749		81.4

	Year Ended December 31,								%
(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			Increase		Increase
Mortgage interest	$	7,540		$	6,519		$	1,021		15.7	%
Other interest		3,609			1,916			1,693		88.4
Capitalized interest		(407	)		(85	)		322		378.8
Total other interest expense	$	10,742		$	8,350		$	2,392		28.6

The increase in other interest expense in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to higher volumes of borrowing on our credit facility and higher mortgage interest due to additional mortgage financings, partially offset by increased capitalized interest.

The increase in other interest expense in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to an increase in other interest related to higher volumes of borrowing on our credit facility and higher mortgage interest following the financing of several locations to fund the DCH Auto Group acquisition, partially offset by increased capitalized interest.

Other (Expense) Income, net

Other (expense) income, net primarily includes interest income and the gains and losses related to equity-method investments.

Year Ended

December 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2015

2014

Increase

Other (expense) income, net

(1,006

)

3,199

Year Ended

December 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

Increase

Other income, net

3,199

2,993

206

6.9

In 2015, we recorded other expense of $1.0 million compared to other income of $3.2 million for 2014. The increase in expense was primarily due to $6.9 million in operating losses related to our equity-method investment with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation recorded in 2015 compared to $1.2 million in operating losses recorded in 2014. Adjusting for these losses, other income, net increased $1.6 million mainly associated with interest income related to our auto loan receivables.

The increase in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to higher interest income associated with increased auto loan receivables, partially offset by operating losses of $1.2 million recognized related to our equity-method investment with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation.

Income Tax Provision

Our effective income tax rate was as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Effective income tax rate		30.3	%		35.6	%		36.5	%
Effective income tax rate excluding tax credits generated through our equity-method investment and other non-core items⁽¹⁾		38.4	%		38.6	%		38.2	%

⁽¹⁾ See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for more details.

Our effective income tax rate in 2015 and 2014 was positively affected by new markets tax credits that are generated through our equity-method investment with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. Our effective income tax rate in 2013 was positively affected by beneficial tax treatment associated with certain state tax credits, capital gains and tax benefits associated with the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which was enacted at the beginning of 2013.

Excluding the tax credits generated by our equity-method investment and adjusting for other non-core items, our effective income tax rate for 2015 would have been 38.4%, similar to the rate for 2014.

Non-GAAP Reconciliations

We believe each of the non-GAAP financial measures below improves the transparency of our disclosures, provides a meaningful presentation of our results from the core business operations because they exclude adjustments for items not related to our ongoing core business operations and other non-cash adjustments, and improves the period-to-period comparability of our results from the core business operations. We use these measures in conjunction with GAAP financial measures to assess our business, including our compliance with covenants in our credit facility and in communications with our Board of Directors concerning financial performance. These measures should not be considered an alternative to GAAP measures.

The following tables reconcile certain reported non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measure from our Consolidated Statements of Operations (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Year Ended December 31, 2015
	As reported			Disposal gain on sale of stores			Asset impairment			Equity- method investment			Transition agreement			Adjusted
Asset impairments	$	20,124		$	—		$	(3,603	)	$	(16,521	)	$	—		$	—
Selling, general and administrative		811,175			5,919			—			—			(18,296	)		798,798

Operating income (loss)		302,735			(5,919	)		3,603			16,521			18,296			335,236

Other (expense) income, net		(1,006	)		—			—			6,930			—			5,924

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	262,704		$	(5,919	)	$	3,603		$	23,451		$	18,296		$	302,135
Income tax (provision) benefit		(79,705	)		2,309			(1,385	)		(30,832	)		(6,507	)		(116,120	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	$	182,999		$	(3,610	)	$	2,218		$	(7,381	)	$	11,789		$	186,015

Diluted income (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	6.91		$	(0.14	)	$	0.08		$	(0.28	)	$	0.45		$	7.02
Diluted share count		26,490

	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	As reported			Reserve adjustments			Acquisition expenses			Equity- method investment			Tax attributes			Adjusted
Asset impairments	$	1,853		$	—		$	—		$	(1,853	)	$	—		$	—
Selling, general and administrative		563,207			(3,931	)		(1,865	)		—			—			557,411

Income from operations		231,899			3,931			1,865			1,853			—			239,548

Other income, net		3,199			—			—			1,160			—			4,359

Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	210,495		$	3,931		$	1,865		$	3,013		$	—		$	219,304
Income tax provision		(74,955	)		(1,545	)		(720	)		(6,506	)		(867	)		(84,593	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	$	135,540		$	2,386		$	1,145		$	(3,493	)	$	(867	)	$	134,711

Diluted income (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	5.14		$	0.09		$	0.04		$	(0.13	)	$	(0.03	)	$	5.11
Diluted share count		26,382

	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	As reported			Disposal gain			Reserve adjustments			Tax attribute			Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative	$	427,400		$	2,531		$	(6,153	)	$	—		$	423,778

Operating income (loss)		183,518			(2,531	)		6,153			—			187,140

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	165,788		$	(2,531	)	$	6,153		$	—		$	169,410
Income tax (provision) benefit		(60,574	)		968			(2,353	)		(2,832	)		(64,791	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	$	105,214		$	(1,563	)	$	3,800		$	(2,832	)	$	104,619

Diluted income (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	4.02		$	(0.06	)	$	0.14		$	(0.11	)	$	3.99
Diluted share count		26,191

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We manage our liquidity and capital resources to fund our operating, investing and financing activities. We rely primarily on cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit facilities as the main sources for liquidity. We use those funds to invest in capital expenditures, increase working capital and fulfill contractual obligations. Remaining funds are used for acquisitions, debt retirement, cash dividends, share repurchases and general business purposes.

Available Sources

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

	As of December 31,						%
	2015		2014		Increase		Increase
Cash and cash equivalents	$	45,008	$	29,898	$	15,110		50.5	%
Available credit on the credit facilities		134,120		70,391		63,729		90.5
Total current available funds		179,128		100,289		78,839		78.6
Estimated funds from unfinanced real estate		158,605		109,434		49,171		44.9
Total estimated available funds	$	337,733	$	209,723	$	128,010		61.0

Cash flows generated by operating activities and from our credit facility are our most significant sources of liquidity. We also have the ability to raise funds through mortgaging real estate. As of December 31, 2015, our unencumbered owned operating real estate had a book value of $211.5 million. Assuming we can obtain financing on 75% of this value, we estimate we could have obtained additional funds of approximately $158.6 million at December 31, 2015; however, no assurances can be provided that the appraised value of these properties will match or exceed their book values or that this capital source will be available on terms acceptable to us.

In addition to the above sources of liquidity, potential sources include the placement of subordinated debentures or loans, the sale of equity securities and the sale of stores or other assets. We evaluate all of these options and may select one or more of them depending on overall capital needs and the availability and cost of capital, although no assurances can be provided that these capital sources will be available in sufficient amounts or with terms acceptable to us.

Information about our cash flows, by category, is presented in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The following table summarizes our cash flows (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	74,209		$	30,319		$	32,059
Net cash used in investing activities		(169,733	)		(736,332	)		(130,322	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		110,634			712,225			79,110

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities increased $43.9 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily as a result of increased profitability and improved trade receivables collections, partially offset by increased inventory purchases.

Borrowings from and repayments to our syndicated lending group related to our new vehicle inventory floor plan financing are presented as financing activities. To better understand the impact of changes in inventory and the associated financing, we also consider our net cash provided by operating activities adjusted to include cash activity associated with our new vehicle credit facility.

Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities is presented below (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			Change
Net cash provided by operating activities – as reported	$	74,209		$	30,319		$	43,890
Add: Net borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade		136,201			440,341			(304,140	)
Less: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade associated with acquired new vehicle inventory		(25,642	)		(257,363	)		231,721
Net cash provided by operating activities – adjusted	$	184,768		$	213,297		$	(28,529	)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			Change
Net cash provided by operating activities – as reported	$	30,319		$	32,059		$	(1,740	)
Add: Net borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade		440,341			128,636			311,705
Less: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade associated with acquired new vehicle inventory		(257,363	)		(25,148	)		(232,215	)
Net cash provided by operating activities – adjusted	$	213,297		$	135,547		$	77,750

Inventories are the most significant component of our cash flow from operations. As of December 31, 2015, our new vehicle days supply was 67 days, or 5 days higher than our days supply as of December 31, 2014. Our days supply of used vehicles was 55 days as of December 31, 2015, or 2 days higher than our days supply as of December 31, 2014. We calculate days supply of inventory based on current inventory levels, excluding in-transit vehicles, and a 30-day historical cost of sales level. We have continued to focus on managing our unit mix and maintaining an appropriate level of new and used vehicle inventory.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $169.7 million and $736.3 million, respectively, for 2015 and 2014. Cash flows from investing activities relate primarily to capital expenditures, acquisition and divestiture activity and sales of property and equipment.

Below are highlights of significant activity related to our cash flows from investing activities (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,						Increase (Decrease) in
	2015			2014			Cash Flow
Capital expenditures	$	(83,244	)	$	(85,983	)	$	2,739
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(71,615	)		(659,634	)		588,019
Cash paid for other investments		(28,110	)		(9,110	)		(19,000	)
Proceeds from sales of stores		12,966			10,617			2,349

	Year Ended December 31,						Increase (Decrease) in
	2014			2013			Cash Flow
Capital expenditures	$	(85,983	)	$	(50,025	)	$	(35,958	)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(659,634	)		(81,105	)		(578,529	)
Cash paid for other investments		(9,110	)		(3,915	)		(5,195	)
Proceeds from sales of stores		10,617			—			10,617

Capital Expenditures

Below is a summary of our capital expenditure activities (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Post-acquisition capital improvements	$	32,802	$	20,760	$	12,170
Facilities for open points		3,338		6,700		5,640
Purchases of previously leased facilities		9,946		25,082		6,894
Existing facility improvements		20,245		19,813		13,773
Maintenance		16,913		13,628		11,548
Total capital expenditures	$	83,244	$	85,983	$	50,025

Many manufacturers provide assistance in the form of additional incentives or assistance if facilities meet manufacturer image standards and requirements. We expect that certain facility upgrades and remodels will generate additional manufacturer incentive payments. Also, tax laws allowing accelerated deductions for capital expenditures reduce the overall investment needed and encourage accelerated project timelines.

We expect to use a portion of our future capital expenditures to upgrade facilities that we recently acquired. This additional capital investment is contemplated in our initial evaluation of the investment return metrics applied to each acquisition and is usually associated with manufacturer image standards and requirements.

If we undertake a significant capital commitment in the future, we expect to pay for the commitment out of existing cash balances, construction financing and borrowings on our credit facility. Upon completion of the projects, we believe we would have the ability to secure long-term financing and general borrowings from third party lenders for 70% to 90% of the amounts expended, although no assurances can be provided that these financings will be available to us in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us.

We expect to make expenditures of approximately $100 million in 2016 for capital improvements at recently acquired stores, purchases of land for expansion of existing stores, facility image improvements, purchases of store facilities, purchases of previously leased facilities and replacement of equipment.

Acquisitions

We focus on acquiring stores at opportunistic purchase prices that meet our return thresholds and strategic objectives. We look for acquisitions that diversify our brand and geographic mix as we continue to evaluate our portfolio to minimize exposure to any one manufacturer and achieve financial returns.

We are able to subsequently floor new vehicle inventory acquired as part of an acquisition; however, the cash generated by this transaction is recorded as borrowings on floor plan notes payable, non-trade. Adjusted net cash paid for acquisitions, as well as certain other acquisition-related information is presented below (dollars in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Number of stores acquired		6			35			6
Number of stores opened		1			—			1
Number of franchises added		1			1			—

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$	71,615		$	659,634		$	81,105
Less: Borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade associated with acquired new vehicle inventory		(25,642	)		(257,363	)		(25,148	)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired – adjusted	$	45,973		$	402,271		$	55,957

We evaluate potential capital investments primarily based on targeted rates of return on assets and return on our net equity investment.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities, adjusted for borrowing on floor plan facilities: non-trade was as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Cash provided by financing activities, as reported	$	110,634		$	712,225		$	79,110
Less: cash provided by borrowings of floor plan notes payable: non-trade		(136,201	)		(440,341	)		(128,636	)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities, as adjusted	$	(25,567	)	$	271,884		$	(49,526	)

Below are highlights of significant activity related to our cash flows from financing activities, excluding net borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade, which are discussed above (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,						Decrease in
	2015			2014			Cash Flow
Net borrowings (repayments) on lines of credit	$	(36,523	)	$	183,769		$	(220,292	)
Principal payments on long-term debt, unscheduled		(9,189	)		—			(9,189	)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt		75,675			124,902			(49,227	)
Repurchases of common stock		(31,548	)		(22,968	)		(8,580	)
Dividends paid		(19,985	)		(15,929	)		(4,056	)

	Year Ended December 31,						Increase (Decrease) in
	2014			2013			Cash Flow
Net borrowings (repayments) on lines of credit	$	183,769		$	(14,355	)	$	198,124
Principal payments on long-term debt, unscheduled		—			(25,770	)		25,770
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt		124,902			4,720			120,182
Repurchases of common stock		(22,968	)		(7,903	)		(15,065	)
Dividends paid		(15,929	)		(10,085	)		(5,844	)

Borrowing and Repayment Activity

During 2015, we raised net mortgage proceeds of $75.7 million, which were used to pay down $36.5 million on our line of credit, increasing availability on our credit facility. The remaining net mortgage proceeds were primarily used for acquisitions and capital expenditures.

Our debt to total capital ratio, excluding floor plan notes payable, was 43.8% at December 31, 2015 compared to 48.8% at December 31, 2014. We partially funded our 2014 acquisition activity, including the DCH Auto Group acquisition, with additional debt.

Equity Transactions

Under the share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors and repurchases associated with stock compensation activity, we repurchased 306,386 shares of our Class A common stock at an average price of $102.84 per share in 2015. As of December 31, 2015, we had 1.3 million shares available for repurchase under our share repurchase program. The authority to repurchase does not have an expiration date.

In 2016 to date, we have repurchased approximately 594,123 shares at a weighted average price of $79.11 per share. As of February 26, 2016, under our existing share repurchase authorization, approximately 677,364 shares remain available for purchase.

During 2015, we paid dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock as follows:

Dividend paid:	Dividend amount per share		Total amount of dividend (in thousands)
March 2015	$	0.16	$	4,216
May 2015		0.20		5,266
August 2015		0.20		5,257
November 2015		0.20		5,246

We evaluate performance and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors on dividend payments on a quarterly basis.

Summary of Outstanding Balances on Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt

Below is a summary of our outstanding balances on credit facilities and long-term debt (in thousands):

	Outstanding as of December 31, 2015		Remaining Available as of December 31, 2015
Floor plan note payable: non-trade	$	1,265,872	$	—	(1)
Floor plan notes payable		48,083		—
Used vehicle inventory financing facility		171,000		436	(2)
Revolving lines of credit		61,246		133,684	(2),(3)
Real estate mortgages		387,861		—
Other debt		25,247		—
Total debt	$	1,959,309	$	134,120

(1)	As of December 31, 2015, we had a $1.45 billion new vehicle floor plan commitment as part of our credit facility.

(2)	The amount available on the credit facility is limited based on a borrowing base calculation and fluctuates monthly.

(3)	Available credit is based on the borrowing base amount effective as of December 31, 2015. This amount is reduced by $8.6 million for outstanding letters of credit.

Credit Facility

We have a $1.85 billion revolving syndicated credit facility that matures in January 2021. This syndicated credit facility is comprised of 18 financial institutions, including eight manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. We may request a reallocation of any unused portion of our credit facility provided that the used vehicle inventory floor plan commitment does not exceed $250 million, the revolving financing commitment does not exceed $300 million, and the sum of those commitments plus the new vehicle inventory floor plan financing commitment does not exceed the total aggregate financing commitment. This credit facility may be expanded to $2.1 billion total availability, subject to lender approval. All borrowings from, and repayments to, our lending group are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities.

The new vehicle floor plan commitment is collateralized by our new vehicle inventory. Our used vehicle inventory financing facility is collateralized by our used vehicle inventory that has been in stock for less than 180 days. Our revolving line of credit is secured by our outstanding receivables related to vehicle sales, unencumbered vehicle inventory, other eligible receivables, parts and accessories and equipment.

We have the ability to deposit up to $50 million in cash in Principal Reduction (PR) accounts associated with our new vehicle inventory floor plan commitment. The PR accounts are recognized as offsetting credits against outstanding amounts on our new vehicle floor plan commitment and would reduce interest expense associated with the outstanding principal balance. As of December 31, 2015, we had no balances in our PR accounts.

If the outstanding principal balance on our new vehicle inventory floor plan commitment, plus requests on any day, exceeds 95% of the loan commitment, a portion of the revolving line of credit must be reserved. The reserve amount is equal to the lesser of $15.0 million or the maximum revolving line of credit commitment less the outstanding balance on the line less outstanding letters of credit. The reserve amount will decrease the revolving line of credit availability and may be used to repay the new vehicle floor plan commitment balance.

The interest rate on the credit facility varies based on the type of debt, with the rate of one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% for new vehicle floor plan financing, one-month LIBOR plus 1.50% for used vehicle floor plan financing; and a variable interest rate on the revolving financing ranging from the one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% to 2.50%, depending on our leverage ratio. The annual interest rate associated with our new vehicle floor plan commitment, excluding the effects of our interest rate swaps, was 1.68% at December 31, 2015. The annual interest rate associated with our used vehicle inventory financing facility and our revolving line of credit was 1.93% and 2.18%, respectively, at December 31, 2015.

Under our credit facility, we are required to maintain the ratios detailed in the following table:

Debt Covenant Ratio	Requirement			As of December 31, 2015
Current ratio	Not less than 1.10	to	1	1.26	to	1
Fixed charge coverage ratio	Not less than 1.20	to	1	3.36	to	1
Leverage ratio	Not more than 5.00	to	1	1.79	to	1
Funded debt restriction	Not to exceed $600 million			$413.4 million

As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all covenants. We expect to remain in compliance with the financial and restrictive covenants in our credit facility and other debt agreements. However, no assurances can be provided that we will continue to remain in compliance with the financial and restrictive covenants.

If we do not meet the financial and restrictive covenants and are unable to remediate or cure the condition or obtain a waiver from our lenders, a breach would give rise to remedies under the agreement, the most severe of which are the termination of the agreement, acceleration of the amounts owed and the seizure and sale of our assets comprising the collateral for the loans. A breach would also trigger cross-defaults under other debt agreements.

Floor Plan Notes Payable

We have floor plan agreements with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies for vehicles that are designated for use as service loaners. The variable interest rates on these floor plan notes payable commitments vary by manufacturer. At December 31, 2015, $48.1 million was outstanding on these arrangements. Borrowings from, and repayments to, manufacturer-affiliated finance companies are classified as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Real Estate Mortgages and Other Debt

We have mortgages associated with our owned real estate. Interest rates related to this debt ranged from 1.8% to 5.0% at December 31, 2015. The mortgages are payable in various installments through October 2034. As of December 31, 2015, we had fixed interest rates on 70.0% of our outstanding mortgage debt.

Our other debt includes capital leases, sellers’ notes and our equity contribution obligations associated with the new markets tax credit equity-method investment. The interest rates associated with our other debt ranged from 2.2% to 6.5% at December 31, 2015. This debt, which totaled $25.2 million at December 31, 2015, is due in various installments through January 2024.

Contractual Payment Obligations

A summary of our contractual commitments and obligations as of December 31, 2015, was as follows (in thousands):

	Payments Due By Period
*Contractual Obligation*	Total		2016		2017 and 2018		2019 and 2020		2021 and beyond
New vehicle floor plan commitment⁽¹⁾	$	1,265,872	$	1,265,872	$	—	$	—	$	—
Floor plan notes payable⁽¹⁾		48,083		48,083		—		—		—
Used vehicle inventory financing facility		171,000		—		—		—		171,000
Revolving lines of credit		61,246				246				61,000
Real estate debt, including interest		470,904		29,894		102,515		93,364		245,131
Other debt, including capital leases and interest		26,754		23,371		1,023		982		1,378
Charge-backs on various contracts		35,033		19,638		14,034		1,338		23
Operating leases⁽²⁾		230,261		25,514		43,728		37,926		123,093
Self-insurance programs		25,934		10,704		9,617		3,253		2,355
Fixed rate payments on interest rate swaps		585		585		—		—		—
	$	2,335,672	$	1,421,172	$	161,546	$	133,610	$	619,344

(1)	Amounts for floor plan notes payable, the used vehicle inventory financing facility and the revolving line of credit do not include estimated interest payments. See Notes 1 and 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2)	Amounts for operating lease commitments do not include sublease income, and certain operating expenses such as maintenance, insurance and real estate taxes. See Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Inflation and Changing Prices

Inflation and changing prices did not have a material impact on our revenues or income from continuing operations in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Selected Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data

The following tables set forth our unaudited quarterly financial data (in thousands, except per share amounts):^{(1) (2)}

2015	Three Months Ended,
	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
Revenues:
New vehicle	$	1,007,816		$	1,149,512		$	1,227,080		$	1,167,893
Used vehicle retail		462,931			488,801			505,885			469,399
Used vehicle wholesale		62,208			66,796			69,472			63,054
Finance and insurance		64,604			72,463			76,633			69,318
Service, body and parts		173,475			182,695			189,796			193,024
Fleet and other		18,144			36,680			15,979			30,594
Total revenues		1,789,178			1,996,947			2,084,845			1,993,282
Cost of sales		1,515,803			1,699,298			1,773,658			1,699,859
Gross profit		273,375			297,649			311,187			293,423
Asset impairments		4,130			6,130			4,131			5,733
Selling, general and administrative		191,618			195,610			223,728			200,219
Depreciation and amortization		9,726			10,287			10,531			11,056
Operating income		67,901			85,622			72,797			76,415
Floor plan interest expense		(4,649	)		(4,655	)		(4,951	)		(5,279	)
Other interest expense		(4,828	)		(4,972	)		(4,900	)		(4,791	)
Other (expense) income, net		(368	)		(356	)		(307	)		25
Income before income taxes		58,056			75,639			62,639			66,370
Income tax provision		(17,403	)		(24,416	)		(19,248	)		(18,638	)
Net income	$	40,653		$	51,223		$	43,391		$	47,732

Basic net income per share	$	1.55		$	1.95		$	1.64		$	1.82

Diluted net income per share	$	1.53		$	1.93		$	1.64		$	1.80

2014	Three Months Ended,
	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
Revenues:
New vehicle	$	579,522		$	694,484		$	732,121		$	1,071,543
Used vehicle retail		301,893			310,475			340,522			409,591
Used vehicle wholesale		42,693			44,286			48,853			59,867
Finance and insurance		39,631			43,838			46,855			60,057
Service, body and parts		104,617			114,337			120,772			172,398
Fleet and other		9,750			14,382			7,988			19,851
Total revenues		1,078,106			1,221,802			1,297,111			1,793,307
Cost of sales		906,045			1,029,502			1,099,271			1,532,186
Gross profit		172,061			192,300			197,840			261,121
Asset impairments		—			—			—			1,853
Selling, general and administrative		121,829			125,463			131,627			184,288
Depreciation and amortization		5,507			5,825			6,067			8,964
Operating income		44,725			61,012			60,146			66,016
Floor plan interest expense		(2,984	)		(3,215	)		(3,127	)		(4,535	)
Other interest expense		(1,974	)		(1,869	)		(2,051	)		(4,848	)
Other income, net		937			1,146			1,027			89
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		40,704			57,074			55,995			56,722
Income tax provision		(16,010	)		(21,904	)		(21,458	)		(15,583	)
Income before discontinued operations		24,694			35,170			34,537			41,139
Discontinued operations, net of tax		40			3,139			—			1
Net income	$	24,734		$	38,309		$	34,537		$	41,140

Basic income per share from continuing operations	$	0.95		$	1.35		$	1.32		$	1.57
Basic income per share from discontinued operations		—			0.12			—			—
Basic net income per share	$	0.95		$	1.47		$	1.32		$	1.57

Diluted income per share from continuing operations	$	0.94		$	1.34		$	1.31		$	1.56
Diluted income per share from discontinued operations		—			0.11			—			—
Diluted net income per share	$	0.94		$	1.45		$	1.31		$	1.56

(1) Quarterly data may not add to yearly totals due to rounding.

(2) Certain reclassifications of amounts previously reported have been made to the quarterly financial data to maintain consistency and comparability between periods presented.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Variable Rate Debt

Our credit facility, other floor plan notes payable and certain real estate mortgages are structured as variable rate debt. The interest rates on our variable rate debt are tied to either the one-month LIBOR or the prime rate. These debt obligations, therefore, expose us to variability in interest payments due to changes in these rates. Certain floor plan debt is based on open-ended lines of credit tied to each individual store from the various manufacturer finance companies.

Our variable-rate floor plan notes payable, variable rate mortgage notes payable and other credit line borrowings subject us to market risk exposure. At December 31, 2015, we had $1.7 billion outstanding under such agreements at a weighted average interest rate of 1.8% per annum. A 10% increase in interest rates, or 18 basis points, would increase annual interest expense by approximately $1.8 million, net of tax, based on amounts outstanding at December 31, 2015.

Fixed Rate Debt

The fair value of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the fair value of fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest rates fall because we would expect to be able to refinance for a lower rate. Conversely, the fair value of fixed interest rate debt will decrease as interest rates rise. The interest rate changes affect the fair value but do not impact earnings or cash flows.

At December 31, 2015, we had $297.5 million of long-term fixed interest rate debt outstanding and recorded on the balance sheet, with maturity dates between November 2016 and October 2034. Based on discounted cash flows using current interest rates for comparable debt, we have determined that the fair value of this long-term fixed interest rate debt was approximately $297.0 million at December 31, 2015.

Hedging Strategies

We believe it may be prudent to limit the variability of a portion of our interest payments. Accordingly, from time to time we have entered into interest rate swaps to manage the variability of our interest rate exposure, thus leveling a portion of our interest expense in a changing rate environment.

We have effectively changed the variable-rate cash flow exposure on a portion of our floor plan debt to fixed-rate cash flows by entering into receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps. Under the interest rate swaps, we receive variable interest rate payments and make fixed interest rate payments, thereby creating fixed rate floor plan debt.

We do not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than to manage interest rate exposure. That is, we do not engage in interest rate speculation using derivative instruments. Typically, we designate all interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges.

As of December 31, 2015, we had a $25 million interest rate swap outstanding with U.S. Bank Dealer Commercial Services. This interest rate swap matures on June 15, 2016 and has a fixed rate of 5.587% per annum. The variable rate on the interest rate swap is the one-month LIBOR rate. At December 31, 2015, the one-month LIBOR rate was 0.43% per annum, as reported in the Wall Street Journal.

The fair value of our interest rate swap agreement represents the estimated receipts or payments that would be made to terminate the agreement. The amounts related to our cash flow hedges are recorded as deferred gains or losses in our Consolidated Balance Sheets with the offset recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax. At December 31, 2015, the fair value of our interest rate swap agreement was a liability of $0.5 million. The estimated amount expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months was $0.5 million at December 31, 2015.

Risk Management Policies

We assess interest rate cash flow risk by identifying and monitoring changes in interest rate exposures that may adversely impact expected future cash flows and by evaluating hedging opportunities. Our policy is to manage this risk through a mix of fixed rate and variable rate debt structures and interest rate swaps.

We maintain risk management controls to monitor interest rate cash flow attributable to both our outstanding and forecasted debt obligations, as well as our offsetting hedge positions. The risk management controls include assessing the impact to future cash flows of changes in interest rates.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Financial Data

The financial statements and notes thereto required by this item begin on page F-1 as listed in Item 15 of Part IV of this document. Quarterly financial data for each of the eight quarters in the two-year period ended December 31, 2015 is included in Item 7.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed 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.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

In accordance with guidance issued by the SEC, companies are permitted to exclude acquisitions from their final assessment of internal controls over financial reporting during the year of the acquisition while integrating the acquired operations. Management’s evaluation of internal control over financial reporting excludes the operations of the six dealerships acquired in 2015. These stores represent approximately 3% of consolidated total assets and less than 1% of consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Based on our assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

KPMG LLP, our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, which is included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information required by this item will be included in our Proxy Statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Information required by this item will be included in our Proxy Statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes equity securities authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2015.

Plan Category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)		Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b)			Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) ⁽²⁾
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders		411,074	$	—	⁽¹⁾		1,988,570
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders		—		—			—
Total		411,074	$	—			1,988,570

(1)	There is no exercise price associated with our restricted stock units.

(2)	Includes 1,520,910 shares available pursuant to our 2013 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan and 467,660 shares available pursuant to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

The additional information required by this item will be included under the caption Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management in our Proxy Statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Information required by this item will be included in our Proxy Statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information required by this item will be included in our Proxy Statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and, upon filing, is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Financial Statements and Schedules

The Consolidated Financial Statements, together with the reports thereon of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are included on the pages indicated below:

	Page
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-1, F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014	F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013	F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013	F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013	F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013	F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-8

There are no schedules required to be filed herewith.

Exhibit Index

The following exhibits are filed herewith. An asterisk (*) beside the exhibit number indicates the exhibits containing a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

Exhibit	Description

2.1	Stock Purchase Agreement between Lithia Motors, Inc. and DCH Auto Group (USA) Limited dated June 14, 2014 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed October 3, 2014)

2.1.1	First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement between Lithia Motors, Inc. and DCH Auto Group (USA) Limited effective July 15, 2014 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014)

2.1.2	Second Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement between Lithia Motors, Inc. and DCH Auto Group (USA) Limited effective November 13, 2014 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014)

3.1	Restated Articles of Incorporation of Lithia Motors, Inc., as amended May 13, 1999 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999)

3.2	2013 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Lithia Motors, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed August 26, 2013)

10.1*	2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2009 annual meeting of shareholders filed on March 20, 2009)

10.1.1*	Amendment 2014-1 to the Lithia Motors, Inc. 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014)

10.2*	Lithia Motors, Inc. 2013 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 2, 2013)

10.2.1*	RSU Deferral Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011)

10.2.2*	Amendment to RSU Deferral Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014)

10.2.3*	Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Deferral Election Form (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2.3 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014)

10.3*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2015 Performance- and Time-Vesting) (for Senior Executives) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3.7 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014)

10.3.1*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2015 Long-Term Performance-Vesting) ($7.00 EPS award) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3.8 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014)

10.3.2*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2015 Time-Vesting) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3.9 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014)

10.3.3*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2016 Performance- and Time-Vesting) (for Senior Executives)

10.3.4*	Form of Restricted Stock Units Agreement (2015 Long-term Performance-Vesting) ($8.00 EPS award)

10.3.5*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2016 Time-Vesting)

10.4*	Lithia Motors, Inc. 2013 Discretionary Support Services Variable Performance Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 2, 2013)

10.5*	Form of Outside Director Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005)

10.6	Amended and Restated Loan Agreement among Lithia Motors, Inc., the subsidiaries of Lithia Motors, Inc. listed on the signature pages of the agreement or that thereafter become borrowers thereunder, the lenders party thereto from time to time, and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed October 3, 2014)

10.6.1	First Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015)

Exhibit	Description

10.6.2	Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed December 22, 2015)

10.7*	Amended and Restated Split-Dollar Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012)

10.8*	Form of Indemnity Agreement for each Named Executive Officer (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 29, 2009)

10.9*	Form of Indemnity Agreement for each non-management Director (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 29, 2009)

10.10*	Executive Management Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010)

10.10.1*	Form of Executive Management Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan – Notice of Discretionary Contribution Award for Sidney DeBoer (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.22.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010)

10.10.2*	Form of Executive Management Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plan – Notice of Discretionary Contribution Award (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.22.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010)

10.11*	Employment Agreement with Executive Vice President Brad Gray dated March 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012)

10.11.1*	Amendment to Terms of Employment Agreement with Brad Gray dated April 30, 2013 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013)

10.12*	Brad Gray Incentive Arrangement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015)

10.13*	Transition Agreement dated September 14, 2015 between Lithia Motors, Inc. and Sidney B. DeBoer (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 17, 2015)

10.14*	Director Service Agreement effective January 1, 2016 between Lithia Motors, Inc. and Sidney B. DeBoer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 17, 2015)

10.15*	Incentive Agreement effective August 1, 2014 between Lithia Motors, Inc. and Brad Gray (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed May 1, 2015)

10.16*	Form of Employment and Change in Control Agreement dated February 4, 2016 between Lithia Motors, Inc. and Bryan DeBoer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed February 5, 2016)⁽¹⁾

12	Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges

21	Subsidiaries of Lithia Motors, Inc.

23	Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

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.

(1)

Substantially similar agreements exist between Lithia Motors, Inc. and each of Scott Hillier, Christopher S. Holzshu, John F. North III, George Liang, Mark DeBoer and Tom Dobry. The "Cash Change in Control Benefits" under the agreements with Mr. Mark DeBoer and Mr. Dobry provide for 12 months of base salary rather than 24 months.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: February 26, 2016	LITHIA MOTORS, INC.

	By /s/ Bryan B. DeBoer
	Bryan B. DeBoer
	Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 26, 2016:

Signature		Title

/s/ Bryan B. DeBoer		Director, President and Chief Executive Officer. (Principal Executive Officer)
Bryan B. DeBoer

/s/ Christopher S. Holzshu		Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Christopher S. Holzshu

/s/ John F. North III		Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)
John F. North III

/s/ Sidney B. DeBoer		Director and Executive Chairman
Sidney B. DeBoer

/s/ Thomas Becker		Director
Thomas Becker

/s/ Susan O. Cain		Director
Susan O. Cain

/s/ Shau-wai Lam		Director
Shau-wai Lam

/s/ Kenneth E. Roberts		Director
Kenneth E. Roberts

/s/ William J. Young		Director
William J. Young

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Lithia Motors, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets of Lithia Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income, Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, and Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015. These Consolidated Financial Statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these Consolidated Financial Statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Lithia Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Lithia Motors, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 26, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

As discussed in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has changed its method for reporting discontinued operations as of September 2014.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Portland, Oregon

February 26, 2016

F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Lithia Motors, Inc.:

We have audited Lithia Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Lithia Motors, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Lithia Motors, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Lithia Motors, Inc. completed the acquisition of six stores during 2015 and, as permitted, management elected to exclude all of these acquisitions from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. The total assets of these six acquisitions represented approximately 3% of consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2015 and approximately 1% of consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Lithia Motors, Inc. also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of these six acquisitions.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Lithia Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income, Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, and Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, and our report dated February 26, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on those Consolidated Financial Statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Portland, Oregon

February 26, 2016

F-2

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

	December 31,
	2015			2014
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	45,008		$	29,898
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,243 and $2,904		308,462			295,379
Inventories, net		1,470,987			1,249,659
Other current assets		54,408			32,010
Assets held for sale		—			8,563
Total Current Assets		1,878,865			1,615,509

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $137,853 and $117,679		876,660			816,745
Goodwill		213,220			199,375
Franchise value		157,699			150,892
Other non-current assets		100,855			98,411
Total Assets	$	3,227,299		$	2,880,932

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
Floor plan notes payable	$	48,083		$	41,047
Floor plan notes payable: non-trade		1,265,872			1,137,632
Current maturities of long-term debt		38,891			31,912
Trade payables		70,871			70,853
Accrued liabilities		167,108			153,661
Deferred income taxes		—			2,603
Liabilities related to assets held for sale		—			4,892
Total Current Liabilities		1,590,825			1,442,600

Long-term debt, less current maturities		606,463			609,066
Deferred revenue		66,734			54,403
Deferred income taxes		53,129			42,795
Other long-term liabilities		81,984			58,963
Total Liabilities		2,399,135			2,207,827

Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock - no par value; authorized 15,000 shares; none outstanding		—			—
Class A common stock - no par value; authorized 100,000 shares; issued and outstanding 23,676 and 23,671		258,410			276,058
Class B common stock - no par value; authorized 25,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2,542 and 2,562		316			319
Additional paid-in capital		38,822			29,775
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(277	)		(926	)
Retained earnings		530,893			367,879
Total Stockholders' Equity		828,164			673,105
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	3,227,299		$	2,880,932

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Revenues:
New vehicle	$	4,552,301		$	3,077,670		$	2,256,598
Used vehicle retail		1,927,016			1,362,481			1,032,224
Used vehicle wholesale		261,530			195,699			158,235
Finance and insurance		283,018			190,381			139,007
Service, body and parts		738,990			512,124			383,483
Fleet and other		101,397			51,971			36,202
Total revenues		7,864,252			5,390,326			4,005,749
Cost of sales:
New vehicle		4,271,931			2,879,486			2,105,480
Used vehicle retail		1,685,767			1,183,228			881,366
Used vehicle wholesale		257,073			192,053			155,524
Service, body and parts		375,069			262,388			197,913
Fleet and other		98,778			49,849			34,513
Total cost of sales		6,688,618			4,567,004			3,374,796
Gross profit		1,175,634			823,322			630,953
Asset impairments		20,124			1,853			—
Selling, general and administrative		811,175			563,207			427,400
Depreciation and amortization		41,600			26,363			20,035
Operating income		302,735			231,899			183,518
Floor plan interest expense		(19,534	)		(13,861	)		(12,373	)
Other interest expense		(19,491	)		(10,742	)		(8,350	)
Other (expense) income, net		(1,006	)		3,199			2,993
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		262,704			210,495			165,788
Income tax provision		(79,705	)		(74,955	)		(60,574	)
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax		182,999			135,540			105,214
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax		—			3,180			786
Net income	$	182,999		$	138,720		$	106,000

Basic income per share from continuing operations	$	6.96		$	5.19		$	4.08
Basic income per share from discontinued operations		—			0.12			0.03
Basic net income per share	$	6.96		$	5.31		$	4.11

Shares used in basic per share calculations		26,290			26,121			25,805

Diluted income per share from continuing operations	$	6.91		$	5.14		$	4.02
Diluted income per share from discontinued operations		—			0.12			0.03
Diluted net income per share	$	6.91		$	5.26		$	4.05

Shares used in diluted per share calculations		26,490			26,382			26,191

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Net income	$	182,999	$	138,720	$	106,000
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $399, $380 and $668		649		612		1,077
Comprehensive income	$	183,648	$	139,332	$	107,077

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
(In thousands)

	Common Stock												Additional		Accumulated Other						Total
	Class A						Class B						Paid-In		Comprehensive			Retained			Stockholders'
	Shares			Amount			Shares			Amount			Capital		Loss			Earnings			Equity
Balance at December 31, 2012		22,916		$	268,801			2,762		$	343		$	12,399	$	(2,615	)	$	149,173		$	428,101
Net income		—			—			—			—			—		—			106,000			106,000
Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $668		—			—			—			—			—		1,077			—			1,077
Issuance of stock in connection with employee stock plans		283			5,149			—			—			—		—			—			5,149
Issuance of restricted stock to employees		117			—			—			—			—		—			—			—
Repurchase of Class A common stock		(187	)		(7,903	)		—			—			—		—			—			(7,903	)
Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock		200			24			(200	)		(24	)		—		—			—			—
Compensation for stock and stock option issuances and excess tax benefits from option exercises		—			2,184			—			—			10,199		—			—			12,383
Dividends paid		—			—			—			—			—		—			(10,085	)		(10,085	)
Balance at December 31, 2013		23,329			268,255			2,562			319			22,598		(1,538	)		245,088			534,722
Net income		—			—			—			—			—		—			138,720			138,720
Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $380		—			—			—			—			—		612			—			612
Issuance of stock in connection with employee stock plans		118			4,590			—			—			—		—			—			4,590
Issuance of stock in connection with acquisitions		269			19,736			—			—			—		—			—			19,736
Issuance of restricted stock to employees		288			—			—			—			—		—			—			—
Repurchase of Class A common stock		(333	)		(22,968	)		—			—			—		—			—			(22,968	)
Compensation for stock and stock option issuances and excess tax benefits from option exercises		—			6,445			—			—			7,177		—			—			13,622
Dividends paid		—			—			—			—			—		—			(15,929	)		(15,929	)
Balance at December 31, 2014		23,671			276,058			2,562			319			29,775		(926	)		367,879			673,105
Net income		—			—			—			—			—		—			182,999			182,999
Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $399		—			—			—			—			—		649			—			649
Issuance of stock in connection with employee stock plans		74			6,065			—			—			—		—			—			6,065
Issuance of restricted stock to employees		217			—			—			—			—		—			—			—
Repurchase of Class A common stock		(306	)		(31,548	)		—			—			—		—			—			(31,548	)
Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock		20			3			(20	)		(3	)		—		—			—			—
Compensation for stock and stock option issuances and excess tax benefits from option exercises		—			7,832			—			—			9,047		—			—			16,879
Dividends paid		—			—			—			—			—		—			(19,985	)		(19,985	)
Balance at December 31, 2015		23,676		$	258,410			2,542		$	316		$	38,822	$	(277	)	$	530,893		$	828,164

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	182,999		$	138,720		$	106,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Asset impairments		20,124			1,853			—
Depreciation and amortization		41,600			26,363			20,035
Stock-based compensation		11,871			7,436			6,565
(Gain) loss on disposal of other assets		203			271			(2,339	)
Gain from disposal activities		(5,919	)		(5,744	)		—
Deferred income taxes		12,341			13,355			14,477
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements		(5,012	)		(6,186	)		(5,994	)
(Increase) decrease (net of acquisitions and dispositions):
Trade receivables, net		(13,047	)		(59,474	)		(37,370	)
Inventories		(197,079	)		(76,002	)		(106,896	)
Other assets		(31,620	)		(31,182	)		(5,655	)
Increase (decrease) (net of acquisitions and dispositions):
Floor plan notes payable		7,035			(647	)		5,300
Trade payables		674			(3,105	)		8,480
Accrued liabilities		16,273			(13,472	)		12,304
Other long-term liabilities and deferred revenue		33,766			38,133			17,152
Net cash provided by operating activities		74,209			30,319			32,059

Cash flows from investing activities:
Principal payments received on notes receivable		—			2,882			91
Capital expenditures		(83,244	)		(85,983	)		(50,025	)
Proceeds from sales of assets		270			4,896			4,632
Cash paid for other investments		(28,110	)		(9,110	)		(3,915	)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(71,615	)		(659,634	)		(81,105	)
Proceeds from sales of stores		12,966			10,617			—
Net cash used in investing activities		(169,733	)		(736,332	)		(130,322	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on floor plan notes payable: non-trade, net		136,201			440,341			128,636
Borrowings on lines of credit		1,261,597			1,435,144			800,000
Repayments on lines of credit		(1,298,120	)		(1,251,375	)		(814,355	)
Principal payments on long-term debt, scheduled		(15,074	)		(8,666	)		(7,100	)
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases, other		(9,189	)		—			(25,770	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		75,675			124,902			4,720
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		6,065			4,590			4,973
Repurchase of common stock		(31,548	)		(22,968	)		(7,903	)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements		5,012			6,186			5,994
Dividends paid		(19,985	)		(15,929	)		(10,085	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		110,634			712,225			79,110

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		15,110			6,212			(19,153	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		29,898			23,686			42,839
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	45,008		$	29,898		$	23,686

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for interest	$	41,098		$	24,638		$	21,002
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net		86,533			63,827			42,682

Supplemental schedule of non-cash activities:
Debt issued or acquired in connection with acquisitions	$	2,160		$	55,693		$	—
Debt forgiven in connection with acquisitions		1,374			—			—
Floor plan debt acquired in connection with acquisitions		—			24,686			—
Floor plan debt paid in connection with store disposals		4,400			3,311			—
Issuance of Class A common stock in connection with acquisitions		—			19,736			—

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-7

LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(

1)	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Business

We are a leading operator of automotive franchises and a retailer of new and used vehicles and related services. As of December 31, 2015, we offered 31 brands of new vehicles and all brands of used vehicles in 137 stores in the United States and online at Lithia.com and DCHauto.com. We sell new and used cars and replacement parts; provide vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and repair services; arrange related financing; and sell service contracts, vehicle protection products and credit insurance.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the results of operations, the financial position and the cash flows for Lithia Motors, Inc. and its directly and indirectly wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash on hand and cash in bank accounts without restrictions.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable include amounts due from the following:

•

various lenders for the financing of vehicles sold;

•

customers for vehicles sold and service and parts sales;

•

manufacturers for factory rebates, dealer incentives and warranty reimbursement; and

•

insurance companies and other miscellaneous receivables.

Receivables are recorded at invoice and do not bear interest until they are 60 days past due. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents an estimate of the amount of net losses inherent in our portfolio of accounts receivable as of the reporting date. We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts based on our historical write-off experience and consider recent delinquency trends and recovery rates. Account balances are charged against the allowance after all appropriate means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The annual activity for charges and subsequent recoveries is immaterial. See Note 2.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of market value or cost, using a pooled approach for vehicles and the specific identification method for parts. Certain acquired inventories are valued using the last-in first-out (LIFO) method. The LIFO reserve associated with this inventory as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was immaterial. The cost of new and used vehicle inventories includes the cost of any equipment added, reconditioning and transportation.

Manufacturers reimburse us for holdbacks, floor plan interest assistance and advertising assistance, which are reflected as a reduction in the carrying value of each vehicle purchased. We recognize advertising assistance, floor plan interest assistance, holdbacks, cash incentives and other rebates received from manufacturers that are tied to specific vehicles as a reduction to cost of sales as the related vehicles are sold.

Parts are valued at lower of market value or cost using a specific identification method. Parts purchase discounts that we receive from the manufacturer are reflected as a reduction in the carrying value of the parts purchased from the manufacturer and are recognized as a reduction to cost of goods sold as the related inventory is sold. See Note 3.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives on the straight-line basis. Leasehold improvements made at the inception of the lease or during the term of the lease are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the life of the improvement or the remaining term of the lease.

F-8

The range of estimated useful lives is as follows:

Buildings and improvements (in years)	5	to	40
Service equipment (in years)	5	to	15
Furniture, office equipment, signs and fixtures (in years)	3	to	10

The cost for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals is expensed as incurred, while significant remodels and betterments are capitalized. In addition, interest on borrowings for major capital projects, significant remodels and betterments are capitalized. Capitalized interest becomes a part of the cost of the depreciable asset and is depreciated according to the estimated useful lives as previously stated. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recorded capitalized interest of $0.5 million, $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

When an asset is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is credited or charged to income from continuing operations.

Leased property meeting certain criteria is capitalized and the present value of the related lease payments is recorded as a liability. Amortization of capitalized leased assets is computed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, unless the lease transfers title or it contains a bargain purchase option, in which case, it is amortized over the asset’s useful life, and is included in depreciation expense.

Long-lived assets held and used by us are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. We consider several factors when evaluating whether there are indications of potential impairment related to our long-lived assets, including store profitability, overall macroeconomic factors and the impact of our strategic management decisions. If recoverability testing is performed, we evaluate assets to be held and used by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset, including its disposition. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets is recognized as a charge to income from continuing operations. See Note 4.

Franchise Value

We enter into agreements (“Franchise Agreements”) with the manufacturers. Franchise value represents a right received under Franchise Agreements with manufacturers and is identified on an individual store basis.

We evaluated the useful lives of our Franchise Agreements based on the following factors:

•

certain of our Franchise Agreements continue indefinitely by their terms;

•

certain of our Franchise Agreements have limited terms, but are routinely renewed without substantial cost to us;

•

other than franchise terminations related to the unprecedented reorganizations of Chrysler and General Motors, and allowed by bankruptcy law, we are not aware of manufacturers terminating Franchise Agreements against the wishes of the franchise owners in the ordinary course of business. A manufacturer may pressure a franchise owner to sell a franchise when the owner is in breach of the franchise agreement over an extended period of time;

•

state dealership franchise laws typically limit the rights of the manufacturer to terminate or not renew a franchise;

•

we are not aware of any legislation or other factors that would materially change the retail automotive franchise system; and

•

as evidenced by our acquisition and disposition history, there is an active market for most automotive dealership franchises within the United States. We attribute value to the Franchise Agreements acquired with the dealerships we purchase based on the understanding and industry practice that the Franchise Agreements will be renewed indefinitely by the manufacturer.

Accordingly, we have determined that our Franchise Agreements will continue to contribute to our cash flows indefinitely and, therefore, have indefinite lives.

F-9

As an indefinite-lived intangible asset, franchise value is tested for impairment at least annually, and more frequently if events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may exceed fair value. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets requires the comparison of estimated fair value to carrying value. An impairment charge is recorded to the extent the fair value is less than the carrying value. We have the option to qualitatively or quantitatively assess indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. We evaluated our indefinite-lived intangible assets using a quantitative assessment process. We have determined the appropriate reporting unit for testing franchise value for impairment is each individual store.

We test our franchise value for impairment on October 1 of each year. The quantitative assessment uses a multi-period excess earnings (“MPEE”) model to estimate the fair value of our franchises. We have determined that only certain cash flows of the store are directly attributable to franchise rights. Future cash flows are based on recently prepared operating forecasts and business plans to estimate the future economic benefits that the store will generate. Operating forecasts and cash flows include estimated revenue growth rates that are calculated based on management’s forecasted sales projections and on the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics for historical consumer price index data. Additionally, we use a contributory asset charge to represent working capital, personal property and assembled workforce costs. A discount rate is utilized to convert the forecasted cash flows to their present value equivalent. The discount rate applied to the future cash flows factors an equity market risk premium, small stock risk premium, an average peer group beta and a risk-free interest rate. See Note 5.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired which is not allocable to separately identifiable intangible assets. Other identifiable intangible assets, such as franchise rights, are separately recognized if the intangible asset is obtained through contractual or other legal right or if the intangible asset can be sold, transferred, licensed or exchanged.

Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually, and more frequently if events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of the reporting unit more likely than not exceeds fair value. We have the option to qualitatively or quantitatively assess goodwill for impairment and we evaluated our goodwill using a quantitative assessment process. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. Our reporting units are individual stores as this is the level at which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance.

We test our goodwill for impairment on October 1 of each year. We used an Adjusted Present Value (“APV”) method, a fair-value based test, to indicate the fair value of our reporting units. Under the APV method, future cash flows based on recently prepared operating forecasts and business plans are used to estimate the future economic benefits generated by the reporting unit. Operating forecasts and cash flows include estimated revenue growth rates based on management’s forecasted sales projections and on U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics for historical consumer price index data. A discount rate is utilized to convert the forecasted cash flows to their present value equivalent representing the indicated fair value of our reporting unit. The discount rate applied to the future cash flows factors an equity market risk premium, small stock risk premium, an average peer group beta and a risk-free interest rate. We compare the indicated fair value of our reporting unit to our market capitalization, including consideration of a control premium. The control premium represents the estimated amount an investor would pay to obtain a controlling interest. We believe this reconciliation is consistent with a market participant perspective.

The quantitative impairment test of goodwill is a two-step process. The first step identifies potential impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its book value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not impaired and the second step is not necessary. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the second step includes determining the implied fair value in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined. The implied fair value of goodwill is then compared with the carrying amount of goodwill to determine if an impairment loss is necessary. See Note 5.

Equity-Method Investments

We own investments in certain partnerships which we account for under the equity method. These investments are included as a component of other non-current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We determined that we lack certain characteristics to direct the operations of the businesses and, as a result, do not qualify to consolidate these investments. Activity related to our equity-method investments is recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:

•

an other than temporary decline in fair value is reflected as an asset impairment;

•

our portion of the operating gains and losses is included as a component of other income, net;

•

the amortization related to the discounted fair value of future equity contributions is recognized over the life of the investments as non-cash interest expense; and

•

tax benefits and credits are reflected as a component of income tax provision.

F-10

Periodically, whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may be impaired, we evaluate the equity-method investments for indications of loss resulting from an other than temporary decline. If the equity-method investment is determined to be impaired, the amount by which the investment basis exceeds the fair value of the investment is recognized as a charge to income from continuing operations. See Notes 12 and 18.

Advertising

We expense production and other costs of advertising as incurred as a component of selling, general and administrative expense. Additionally, manufacturer cooperative advertising credits for qualifying, specifically-identified advertising expenditures are recognized as a reduction of advertising expense. Advertising expense and manufacturer cooperative advertising credits were as follows (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014			2013
Advertising expense, gross	$	89,736		$	62,933		$	51,404
Manufacturer cooperative advertising credits		(19,801	)		(16,281	)		(11,806	)
Advertising expense, net	$	69,935		$	46,652		$	39,598

Contract Origination Costs

Contract origination commissions paid to our employees directly related to the sale of our self-insured lifetime lube, oil and filter service contracts are deferred and charged to expense in proportion to the associated revenue to be recognized.

Legal Costs

We are a party to numerous legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. We accrue for certain legal costs, including attorney fees and potential settlement claims related to various legal proceedings that are estimable and probable. See Note 7.

Stock-Based Compensation

Compensation costs associated with equity instruments exchanged for employee and director services are measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, with estimated forfeitures considered, and recognized as an expense on the straight-line basis over the individual’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award). If there is a performance-based element to the award, the expense is recognized based on the estimated attainment level, estimated time to achieve the attainment level and/or the vesting period. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by persons who receive equity awards. The fair value of non-vested stock awards is based on the intrinsic value on the date of grant. See Note 10.

Shares to be issued upon the exercise of stock options and the vesting of stock awards will come from newly issued shares.

Income and Other Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

When there are situations with uncertainty as to the timing of the deduction, the amount of the deduction, or the validity of the deduction, we adjust our financial statements to reflect only those tax positions that are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. Positions that meet this criterion are measured using the largest benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized. Interest and penalties are recorded as income tax provision in the period incurred or accrued when related to an uncertain tax position. See Note 13.

F-11

We account for all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction (i.e., sales, use, value-added) on a net (excluded from revenues) basis.

Concentration of Risk and Uncertainties

We purchase substantially all of our new vehicles and inventory from various manufacturers at the prevailing prices charged by auto makers to all franchised dealers. Our overall sales could be impacted by the auto manufacturers’ inability or unwillingness to supply dealerships with an adequate supply of popular models.

We depend on our manufacturers to provide a supply of vehicles which supports expected sales levels. In the event that manufacturers are unable to supply the needed level of vehicles, our financial performance may be adversely impacted.

We depend on our manufacturers to deliver high-quality, defect-free vehicles. In the event that manufacturers experience future quality issues, our financial performance may be adversely impacted.

We are subject to a concentration of risk in the event of financial distress, including potential reorganization or bankruptcy, of a major vehicle manufacturer. Our sales volume could be materially adversely impacted by the manufacturers’ or distributors’ inability to supply the stores with an adequate supply of vehicles. We also receive incentives and rebates from our manufacturers, including cash allowances, financing programs, discounts, holdbacks and other incentives. These incentives are recorded as accounts receivable in our Consolidated Balance Sheets until payment is received. Our financial condition could be materially adversely impacted by the manufacturers’ or distributors’ inability to continue to offer these incentives and rebates at substantially similar terms, or to pay our outstanding receivables.

We enter into Franchise Agreements with the manufacturers. The Franchise Agreements generally limit the location of the dealership and provide the auto manufacturer approval rights over changes in dealership management and ownership. The auto manufacturers are also entitled to terminate the Franchise Agreement if the dealership is in material breach of the terms. Our ability to expand operations depends, in part, on obtaining consents of the manufacturers for the acquisition of additional dealerships. See also “Goodwill” and “Franchise Value” above.

We have a credit facility with a syndicate of 18 financial institutions, including eight manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. Several of these financial institutions also provide mortgage financing. This credit facility is the primary source of floor plan financing for our new vehicle inventory and also provides used vehicle financing and a revolving line of credit. The term of the facility extends through January 2021. At maturity, our financial condition could be materially adversely impacted if lenders are unable to provide credit that has typically been extended to us or with terms unacceptable to us. Our financial condition could be materially adversely impacted if these providers incur losses in the future or undergo funding limitations. See Note 6.

We anticipate continued organic growth and growth through acquisitions. This growth will require additional credit which may be unavailable or with terms unacceptable to us. If these events were to occur, we may not be able to borrow sufficient funds to facilitate our growth.

Financial Instruments, Fair Value and Market Risks

The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate fair value because of the short-term nature and current market rates of these instruments.

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. See Note 12.

We have variable rate floor plan notes payable, mortgages and other credit line borrowings that subject us to market risk exposure. At December 31, 2015, we had $1.7 billion outstanding in variable rate debt. These borrowings had interest rates ranging from 1.49% to 3.00% per annum. An increase or decrease in the interest rates would affect interest expense for the period accordingly.

F-12

The fair value of long-term, fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the fair value of fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest rates fall because we could refinance for a lower rate. Conversely, the fair value of fixed interest rate debt will decrease as interest rates rise. The interest rate changes affect the fair value, but do not impact earnings or cash flows. We monitor our fixed interest rate debt regularly, refinancing debt that is materially above market rates if permitted. See Note 12.

We are also subject to market risk from changing interest rates. From time to time, we reduce our exposure to this market risk by entering into interest rate swaps and designating the swaps as cash flow hedges. We are generally exposed to credit or repayment risk based on our relationship with the counterparty to the derivative financial instrument. We minimize the credit or repayment risk on our derivative instruments by entering into transactions with institutions whose credit rating is Aa or higher. See Note 11.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes to financial statements. Changes in such estimates may affect amounts reported in future periods.

Estimates are used in the calculation of certain reserves maintained for charge-backs on estimated cancellations of service contracts; life, accident and disability insurance policies; finance fees from customer financing contracts and uncollectible accounts receivable.

We also use estimates in the calculation of various expenses, accruals and reserves, including anticipated losses related to workers’ compensation insurance; anticipated losses related to self-insurance components of our property and casualty and medical insurance; self-insured lifetime lube, oil and filter service contracts; discretionary employee bonuses, the Transition Agreement with Sidney B. DeBoer, our Executive Chairman; warranties provided on certain products and services; legal reserves and stock-based compensation. We also make certain estimates regarding the assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets, indefinite-lived intangible assets and deferred tax assets.

We offer a limited warranty on the sale of most retail used vehicles. This warranty is based on mileage and time. We also offer a mileage and time based warranty on parts used in our service repair work and on tire purchases. The cost that may be incurred for these warranties is estimated at the time the related revenue is recorded. A reserve for these warranty liabilities is estimated based on current sales levels, warranty experience rates and estimated costs per claim. The annual activity for reserve increases and claims is immaterial. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the accrued warranty balance was $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

We estimate the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination using various assumptions. The most significant assumptions used relate to determining the fair value of property and equipment and intangible franchise rights.

We estimate the fair value of property and equipment based on a market valuation approach. We use prices and other relevant information generated primarily by recent market transactions involving similar or comparable assets, as well as our historical experience in divestitures, acquisitions and real estate transactions. Additionally, we may use a cost valuation approach to value long-lived assets when a market valuation approach is unavailable. Under this approach, we determine the cost to replace the service capacity of an asset, adjusted for physical and economic obsolescence. When available, we use valuation inputs from independent valuation experts, such as real estate appraisers and brokers, to corroborate our estimates of fair value.

We use an MPEE model to determine the fair value of intangible franchise rights as discussed above under “Franchise Value.”

We use a relief-from-royalty method to determine the fair value of a trade name. Future cost savings associated with owning, rather than licensing, a trade name is estimated based on a royalty rate and management’s forecasted sales projections. The discount rate applied to the future cost savings factors an equity market risk premium, small stock risk premium, an average peer group beta, a risk-free interest rate and a premium for forecast risk.

F-13

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of a vehicle is recognized when a contract is signed by the customer, financing has been arranged or collectability is reasonably assured and the delivery of the vehicle to the customer is made. We do not allow the return of new or used vehicles, except where mandated by state law.

Revenue from parts and service is recognized upon delivery of the parts or service to the customer. We allow for customer returns on sales of our parts inventory up to 30 days after the sale. Most parts returns generally occur within one to two weeks from the time of sale, and are not significant.

Finance fees earned for notes placed with financial institutions in connection with customer vehicle financing are recognized, net of estimated charge-backs, as finance and insurance revenue upon acceptance of the credit by the financial institution and recognition of the sale of the vehicle.

Insurance income from third party insurance companies for commissions earned on credit life, accident and disability insurance policies sold in connection with the sale of a vehicle are recognized, net of anticipated cancellations, as finance and insurance revenue upon execution of the insurance contract and recognition of the sale of the vehicle.

Commissions from third party service contracts are recognized, net of anticipated cancellations, as finance and insurance revenue upon sale of the contracts and recognition of the sale of the vehicle. We also participate in future underwriting profit, pursuant to retrospective commission arrangements, which is recognized in income as earned.

Revenue related to self-insured lifetime lube, oil and filter service contracts is deferred and recognized based on expected future claims for service. The expected future claims experience is evaluated periodically to ensure it remains appropriate given actual claims history.

Segment Reporting

While we have determined that each individual store is a reporting unit, we have aggregated our reporting units into three reportable segments based on their economic similarities: Domestic, Import and Luxury.

Our Domestic segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured by Chrysler, General Motors and Ford. Our Import segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured primarily by Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Nissan and Volkswagen. Our Luxury segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles manufactured primarily by BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. The franchises in each segment also sell used vehicles, parts and automotive services, and automotive finance and insurance products.

Corporate and other revenue and income includes the results of operations of our stand-alone collision center offset by unallocated corporate overhead expenses, such as corporate personnel costs, and certain unallocated reserve and elimination adjustments. Additionally, certain internal corporate expense allocations increase segment income for Corporate and other while decreasing segment income for the other reportable segments. These internal corporate expense allocations are used to increase comparability of our dealerships and reflect the capital burden a stand-alone dealership would experience. Examples of these internal allocations include internal rent expense, internal floor plan financing charges, and internal fees charged to offset employees within our corporate headquarters that perform certain dealership functions.

We define our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to be certain members of our executive management group. Historical and forecasted operational performance is evaluated on a store-by-store basis and on a consolidated basis by the CODM. We derive the operating results of the segments directly from our internal management reporting system. The accounting policies used to derive segment results are substantially the same as those used to determine our consolidated results, excepted for the internal allocation within Corporate and other discussed above. Our CODM measures the performance of each operating segment based on several metrics, including earnings from operations, and uses these results, in part, to evaluate the performance of, and to allocate resources to, each of the operating segments. See Note 19.

F-14

(

2)	Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consisted of the following (in thousands):

December 31,	2015			2014
Contracts in transit	$	168,460		$	162,785
Trade receivables		33,749			37,194
Vehicle receivables		36,470			34,876
Manufacturer receivables		59,215			56,008
Auto loan receivables		42,490			25,424
Other receivables		3,033			4,554
		343,417			320,841
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts		(2,243	)		(2,904	)
Less: Long-term portion of accounts receivable, net		(32,712	)		(22,558	)
Total accounts receivable, net	$	308,462		$	295,379

Accounts receivable classifications include the following:

•

Contracts in transit are receivables from various lenders for the financing of vehicles that we have arranged on behalf of the customer and are typically received within five to ten days of selling a vehicle.

•

Trade receivables are comprised of amounts due from customers, lenders for the commissions earned on financing and others for commissions earned on service contracts and insurance products.

•

Vehicle receivables represent receivables for the portion of the vehicle sales price paid directly by the customer.

•

Manufacturer receivables represent amounts due from manufacturers, including holdbacks, rebates, incentives and warranty claims.

•

Auto loan receivables include amounts due from customers related to retail sales of vehicles and certain finance and insurance products.

Interest income on auto loan receivables is recognized based on the contractual terms of each loan and is accrued until repayment, charge-off or repossession. Direct costs associated with loan originations are capitalized and expensed as an offset to interest income when recognized on the loans. All other receivables are recorded at invoice and do not bear interest until they are 60 days past due.

The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on our historical write-off experience and is reviewed monthly. Consideration is given to recent delinquency trends and recovery rates. Account balances are charged against the allowance after all appropriate means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The annual activity for charges and subsequent recoveries is immaterial.

The long-term portion of accounts receivable was included as a component of other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3)

Inventories

The components of inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

December 31,	2015		2014
New vehicles	$	1,113,613	$	958,876
Used vehicles		302,911		240,908
Parts and accessories		54,463		49,875
Total inventories	$	1,470,987	$	1,249,659

The new vehicle inventory cost is generally reduced by manufacturer holdbacks and incentives, while the related floor plan notes payable are reflective of the gross cost of the vehicle. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the carrying value of inventory had been reduced by $13.6 million and $12.3 million, respectively, for assistance received from manufacturers as discussed in Note 1.

F-15

(4)

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

December 31,	2015			2014
Land	$	281,982		$	263,328
Building and improvements		527,545			475,149
Service equipment		70,559			60,644
Furniture, office equipment, signs and fixtures		119,250			100,163
		999,336			899,284
Less accumulated depreciation		(137,853	)		(117,679	)
		861,483			781,605
Construction in progress		15,177			35,140
	$	876,660		$	816,745

Long-lived Asset Impairment Charges

(5)

Goodwill and Franchise Value

The following is a roll-forward of goodwill (in thousands):

	Domestic		Import			Luxury		Consolidated
Balance as of December 31, 2013⁽¹⁾	$	22,548	$	16,797		$	10,166	$	49,511
Additions through acquisitions		68,463		62,804			18,597		149,864
Balance as of December 31, 2014⁽¹⁾		91,011		79,601			28,763		199,375
Additions through acquisitions		6,892		5,029			2,170		14,091
Reductions through divestitures		—		(246	)		—		(246	)
Balance as of December 31, 2015⁽¹⁾	$	97,903	$	84,384		$	30,933	$	213,220

(1)	Net of accumulated impairment losses of $299.3 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2008.

The following is a roll-forward of franchise value (in thousands):

	Franchise Value
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	71,199
Additions through acquisitions		80,233
Transfers to assets held for sale		(540	)
Balance as of December 31, 2014		150,892
Additions through acquisitions		6,843
Reductions through divestitures		(36	)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	$	157,699

F-16

(6)

Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt

Below is a summary of our outstanding balances on credit facilities and long-term debt (in thousands):

December 31,	2015		2014
New vehicle floor plan commitment	$	1,265,872	$	1,137,632
Floor plan notes payable⁽¹⁾		48,083		41,047
Total floor plan debt		1,313,955		1,178,679

Used vehicle inventory financing facility		171,000		134,000
Revolving lines of credit		61,246		134,769
Real estate mortgages		387,861		334,443
Other debt		25,247		37,766
Total debt	$	1,959,309	$	1,819,657

(1)	At December 31, 2014, we had an additional $4.9 million of floor plan notes payable outstanding on our new vehicle floor plan commitment recorded as liability related to assets held for sale.

Credit Facility

We have a $1.85 billion revolving syndicated credit facility that matures in January 2021. This syndicated credit facility is comprised of 18 financial institutions, including eight manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. As of December 31, 2015, our credit facility provides for up to $1.45 billion in new vehicle inventory floor plan financing, up to $200 million in used vehicle inventory floor plan financing and a maximum of $200 million in revolving financing for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and working capital. This credit facility may be expanded to $2.1 billion total availability, subject to lender approval.

We may request a reallocation of any unused portion of our credit facility provided that the used vehicle inventory floor plan commitment does not exceed $250 million, the revolving financing commitment does not exceed $300 million, and the sum of those commitments plus the new vehicle inventory floor plan financing commitment does not exceed the total aggregate financing commitment. All borrowings from, and repayments to, our lending group are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities.

We have the ability to deposit up to $50 million in cash in Principal Reduction “PR” accounts associated with our new vehicle inventory floor plan commitment. The PR accounts are recognized as offsetting credits against outstanding amounts on our new vehicle floor plan commitment and would reduce interest expense associated with the outstanding principal balance. As of December 31, 2015, we did not have any amounts deposited in our PR accounts.

F-17

Under the terms of our credit facility we are subject to financial covenants and restrictive covenants that limit or restrict our incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, selling or acquiring assets and granting security interests in our assets. As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all financial covenants. The table below details our financial covenants:

Debt Covenant Ratio	Requirement			As of December 31, 2015
Current ratio	Not less than 1.10	to	1	1.26	to	1
Fixed charge coverage ratio	Not less than 1.20	to	1	3.36	to	1
Leverage ratio	Not more than 5.00	to	1	1.79	to	1
Funded debt restriction	Not to exceed $600 million			$413.4 million

Floor Plan Notes Payable

We have floor plan agreements with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies for vehicles that are designated for use as service loaners. The interest rates on these floor plan notes payable commitments vary by manufacturer and are variable rates. At December 31, 2015, $48.1 million was outstanding on these agreements at interest rates ranging up to 3.0%. Borrowings from, and repayments to, manufacturer-affiliated finance companies are classified as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Real Estate Mortgages and Other Debt

Future Principal Payments

The schedule of future principal payments associated with real estate mortgages and other debt as of December 31, 2015 was as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,
2016	$	38,823
2017		39,164
2018		39,547
2019		41,775
2020		32,923
Thereafter		220,876
Total principal payments	$	413,108

(7)

Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

We lease certain facilities under non-cancelable operating and capital leases. These leases expire at various dates through 2066. Certain lease commitments contain fixed payment increases at predetermined intervals over the life of the lease, while other lease commitments are subject to escalation clauses of an amount equal to the increase in the cost of living based on the “Consumer Price Index - U.S. Cities Average - All Items for all Urban Consumers” published by the U.S. Department of Labor, or a substantially equivalent regional index. Lease expense related to operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.

The minimum lease payments under our operating and capital leases after December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,
2016	$	25,514
2017		22,910
2018		20,818
2019		19,740
2020		18,186
Thereafter		123,093
Total minimum lease payments		230,261
Less: sublease rentals		(8,723	)
	$	221,538

F-18

Rent expense, net of sublease income, for all operating leases was $23.8 million, $17.2 million and $14.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These amounts are included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In connection with dispositions of dealerships, we occasionally assign or sublet our interests in any real property leases associated with such dealerships to the purchaser. We often retain responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases to the extent that the assignee or sublessee does not perform. Additionally, we may remain subject to the terms of any guarantees and have correlating indemnification rights against the assignee or sublessee in the event of non-performance, as well as certain other defenses. We may also be called upon to perform other obligations under these leases, such as environmental remediation of the premises or repairs upon termination of the lease. We currently have no reason to believe that we will be called upon to perform any such services; however, there can be no assurance that any future performance required by us under these leases will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Charge-Backs for Various Contracts

We have recorded a liability of $35.0 million as of December 31, 2015 for our estimated contractual obligations related to potential charge-backs for vehicle service contracts, lifetime oil change contracts and other various insurance contracts that are terminated early by the customer. We estimate that the charge-backs will be paid out as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,
2016	$	19,638
2017		10,127
2018		3,907
2019		1,124
2020		214
Thereafter		23
Total	$	35,033

Lifetime Lube, Oil and Filter Contracts

We retain the obligation for lifetime lube, oil and filter service contracts sold to our customers and assumed the liability of certain existing lifetime lube, oil and filter contracts. These amounts are recorded as deferred revenues. At the time of sale, we defer the full sale price and recognize the revenue based on the rate we expect future costs to be incurred. As of December 31, 2015, we had a deferred revenue balance of $80.2 million associated with these contracts and estimate the deferred revenue will be recognized as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,
2016	$	16,103
2017		12,573
2018		10,053
2019		8,406
2020		7,118
Thereafter		25,940
Total	$	80,193

The current portion of this deferred revenue balance is recorded as a component of accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We periodically evaluate the estimated future costs of these assumed contracts and record a charge if future expected claim and cancellation costs exceed the deferred revenue to be recognized. As of December 31, 2015, we had a reserve balance of $3.4 million recorded as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The charges associated with this reserve were recognized in 2011 and earlier.

Self-insurance Programs

We self-insure a portion of our property and casualty insurance, vehicle open lot coverage, medical insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Third parties are engaged to assist in estimating the loss exposure related to the self-retained portion of the risk associated with these insurances. Additionally, we analyze our historical loss and claims experience to estimate the loss exposure associated with these programs. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had liabilities associated with these programs of $25.9 million and $23.2 million, respectively, recorded as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

F-19

Litigation

Stein Litigation

On December 14, 2015, Shiva Y. Stein, a Lithia shareholder, filed derivative claims on behalf of Lithia against its Board of Directors, also listing Lithia as a nominal defendant. The case, Stein v. DeBoer, et al., Case No. 15CV33696, is pending in the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Marion County. Ms. Stein’s claims relate to the adoption of a transition agreement between Lithia and Sidney B. DeBoer, as disclosed a Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 16, 2015. Ms. Stein alleges that Lithia's directors breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty and due care, and wasted corporate assets, when they approved the agreement with Mr. DeBoer. Ms. Stein also alleges a claim against Sidney B. DeBoer, asserting that he has been unjustly enriched by the agreement. Ms. Stein is seeking relief in the amount of damages allegedly sustained by Lithia as a result of the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and alleged corporate waste, disgorgement and imposition of a constructive trust on all property and profits Sidney B. DeBoer received as a result of the alleged wrongful conduct, and an award of the costs and disbursements of the lawsuit, including reasonable attorneys fees, costs, and expenses. The Board and Mr. DeBoer are defending themselves against Ms. Stein’s allegations. Although we do not anticipate that the resolution of this legal proceeding will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, we cannot predict this with certainty.

(8)

Stockholders’ Equity

Class A and Class B Common Stock

The shares of Class A common stock are not convertible into any other series or class of our securities. Each share of Class B common stock, however, is freely convertible into one share of Class A common stock at the option of the holder of the Class B common stock. All shares of Class B common stock shall automatically convert to shares of Class A common stock (on a share-for-share basis, subject to adjustment) on the earliest record date for an annual meeting of our stockholders on which the number of shares of Class B common stock outstanding is less than 1% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding. Shares of Class B common stock may not be transferred to third parties, except for transfers to certain family members and in other limited circumstances.

Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes for each share held of record. The Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to shareholders.

Repurchases of Class A Common Stock

In August 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock and, on July 20, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 additional shares of our Class A common stock. Through December 31, 2015, we had purchased approximately 1.7 million shares under this program at an average price of $41.34 per share. As of December 31, 2015, 1.3 million shares remained available for purchase pursuant to this program. These plans do not have an expiration date and we may continue to repurchase shares from time to time as conditions warrant.

The following is a summary of our repurchases in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

Year Ended December 31,	2015		2014		2013
Shares repurchased pursuant to repurchase plan		228,737		226,729		127,900
Total purchase price (in thousands)	$	24,676	$	15,990	$	5,213
Average purchase price per share	$	107.88	$	70.52	$	40.76
Shares repurchased in association with tax withholdings on the exercise of stock options		77,649		106,772		59,721

F-20

Dividends

We declared and paid dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock as follows:

Quarter declared	Dividend amount per Class A and Class B share		Total amount of dividend (in thousands)
2013
First quarter⁽¹⁾	$	—	$	—
Second quarter		0.13		3,356
Third quarter		0.13		3,363
Fourth quarter		0.13		3,366
2014
First quarter	$	0.13	$	3,378
Second quarter		0.16		4,179
Third quarter		0.16		4,174
Fourth quarter		0.16		4,198
2015
First quarter	$	0.16	$	4,216
Second quarter		0.20		5,266
Third quarter		0.20		5,257
Fourth quarter		0.20		5,246

(1)	We declared and paid a dividend payment in December 2012 in lieu of the dividend typically declared and paid in March of the following year.

Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss was as follows (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014			2013			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Operations
Loss on cash flow hedges	$	(449	)	$	(488	)	$	(740	)	Floor plan interest expense
Income tax benefits		174			187			283		Income tax provision
Loss on cash flow hedges, net	$	(275	)	$	(301	)	$	(457	)

See Note 11 for more details regarding our derivative contracts.

(9)

401(k) Profit Sharing, Deferred Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plans

We have a defined contribution 401(k) plan and trust covering substantially all full-time employees. The annual contribution to the plan is at the discretion of our Board of Directors. Contributions of $5.3 million, $3.2 million and $2.1 million were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Employees may contribute to the plan if they meet certain eligibility requirements.

We offer a deferred compensation and long-term incentive plan (the “LTIP”) to provide certain employees the ability to accumulate assets for retirement on a tax deferred basis. We may make discretionary contributions to the LTIP. Discretionary contributions vest between one and seven years based on the employee’s age and position. Additionally, a participant may defer a portion of his or her compensation and receive the deferred amount upon certain events, including termination or retirement.

The following is a summary related to our LTIP:

Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014			2013
Compensation expense (in millions)	$	1.8		$	1.9		$	1.4
Total discretionary contribution (in millions)	$	2.2		$	2.4		$	2.1
Guaranteed annual return		5.25	%		5.25	%		5.25	%

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the balance due to participants was $19.7 million and $14.2 million, respectively, and was included as a component of other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

F-21

(10)

Stock-Based Compensation

2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2009 ESPP”) allows for the issuance of 1,500,000 shares of our Class A common stock. The 2009 ESPP is intended to qualify as an “Employee Stock Purchase Plan” under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

Eligible employees are entitled to defer up to 10% of their base pay for the purchase of stock, up to $25,000 of fair market value of our Class A common stock annually. The purchase price is equal to 85% of the fair market value at the end of the purchase period.

Following is information regarding our 2009 ESPP:

Year Ended December 31,	2015
Shares purchased pursuant to 2009 ESPP		71,811
Weighted average per share price of shares purchased	$	90.04
Weighted average per share discount from market value for shares purchased	$	15.89

As of December 31,		2015
Shares available for purchase pursuant to 2009 ESPP			467,660

Compensation expense related to our 2009 ESPP is calculated based on the 15% discount from the per share market price on the date of grant.

2013 Stock Incentive Plan

Our 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, (the “2013 Plan”) allows for the grant of a total of 3.8 million shares in the form of stock appreciation rights, qualified stock options, nonqualified stock options and shares of restricted stock to our officers, key employees, directors and consultants. The 2013 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and permits accelerated vesting of outstanding awards upon the occurrence of certain changes in control. As of December 31, 2015, 1,520,910 shares of Class A common stock were available for future grants. As of December 31, 2015, there were no stock appreciation rights, qualified stock options or shares of restricted stock outstanding.

Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”)

RSU grants vest over a period up to four years from the date of grant. RSU activity was as follows:

	RSUs			Weighted average grant date fair value
Balance, December 31, 2014		464,758		$	36.33
Granted		171,185			88.74
Vested		(216,833	)		62.74
Forfeited		(8,036	)		57.73
Balance, December 31, 2015		411,074			59.13

We granted 34,903 time-vesting RSUs to members of our Board of Directors and employees in 2015. Each grant entitles the holder to receive shares of our Class A common stock upon vesting. A quarter of the RSUs vest on each of the four anniversaries of the grant date for employees and vests quarterly for our Board of Directors, over their service period.

Certain key employees were granted 85,290 performance and time-vesting RSUs in 2015. The RSUs entitled the holder to receive shares based on attaining various target levels of operational performance. Based on the levels of performance achieved in 2015, a weighted average attainment level of 72% for these RSUs was met. These RSUs will vest over four years from the grant date.

Twelve senior executives were also granted 50,992 long-term RSUs which vest based on attaining or exceeding a specified target level of adjusted net income per share in any fiscal year ending between December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2018. The RSUs will vest on the date the target level is certified.

F-22

Stock Options

Stock options become exercisable over a period of up to five years from the date of grant with expiration dates up to ten years from the date of grant and at exercise prices of not less than market value, as determined by the Board of Directors. The expiration date of options granted is six years.

Stock option activity was as follows:

	Shares subject to options			Weighted average exercise price		Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions)		Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)
Balance, December 31, 2014		6,834		$	6.79	$	0.5		0.8
Granted		—			—
Forfeited		—			—
Expired		(2,000	)		3.23
Exercised		(4,834	)		8.27
Balance, December 31, 2015		—			—		—		—
Exercisable, December 31, 2015		—			—		—		—

Stock-Based Compensation

As of December 31, 2015, unrecognized stock-based compensation related to outstanding, but unvested RSUs was $10.3 million, which will be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 1.3 years.

Certain information regarding our stock-based compensation was as follows:

Year Ended December 31,	2015		2014		2013
Per share intrinsic value of non-vested stock granted	$	88.74	$	68.99	$	43.13
Weighted average per share discount for compensation expense recognized under the 2009 ESPP		15.89		11.92		8.81
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised (in millions)		0.5		3.1		8.7
Fair value of non-vested stock that vested during the period (in millions)		19.3		18.9		8.4
Stock-based compensation recognized in Consolidated Statements of Operations, as a component of selling, general and administrative expense (in millions)		11.9		7.4		6.6
Tax benefit recognized in Consolidated Statements of Operations (in millions)		4.2		2.6		2.3
Cash received from options exercised and shares purchased under all share-based arrangements (in millions)		6.5		4.9		5.2
Tax deduction realized related to stock options exercised (in millions)		7.6		8.4		6.5

(11)

Derivative Financial Instruments

From time to time, we enter into interest rate swaps to fix a portion of our interest expense. We do not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than to manage interest rate exposure to fluctuations in the one-month LIBOR benchmark. That is, we do not engage in interest rate speculation using derivative instruments.

Typically, we designate all interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges and, accordingly, we record the change in fair value for the effective portion of these interest rate swaps in comprehensive income rather than net income until the underlying hedged transaction affects net income. If a swap is no longer designated as a cash flow hedge and the forecasted transaction remains probable or reasonably possible of occurring, the gain or loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recognized in income as the forecasted transaction occurs. If the forecasted transaction is probable of not occurring, the gain or loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recognized in income immediately. See Note 12.

F-23

The estimated amount that we expect to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income within the next twelve months is $0.5 million at December 31, 2015.

The fair value of our derivative instruments was included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in thousands):

Balance Sheet Information	Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location in Balance Sheet	December 31, 2015

Interest Rate Swap Contract	Accrued liabilities	$	532
	Other long-term liabilities		—
		$	532

Balance Sheet Information	Fair Value of Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location in Balance Sheet	December 31, 2014

Interest Rate Swap Contract	Accrued liabilities	$	1,194
	Other long-term liabilities		556
		$	1,750

The effect of derivative instruments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows (in thousands):

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of gain recognized in Accumulated OCI (effective portion)		Location of loss reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (effective portion)	Amount of loss reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (effective portion)			Location of loss recognized in Income on derivative (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)	Amount of loss recognized in Income on derivative (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)

For the Year Ended December 31, 2015
Interest rate swap contract	$	599	Floor plan interest expense	$	(449	)	Floor plan interest expense	$	(758	)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
Interest rate swap contract	$	505	Floor plan interest expense	$	(488	)	Floor plan interest expense	$	(732	)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
Interest rate swap contracts	$	1,005	Floor plan interest expense	$	(740	)	Floor plan interest expense	$	(1,235	)

(12)

Fair Value Measurements

Factors used in determining the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities are summarized into three broad categories:

•

Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;

•

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment spreads, credit risk; and

•

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs, including our own assumptions in determining fair value.

F-24

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

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

Inputs are collected from Bloomberg on the last market day of the period and used to determine the rate applied to discount the future cash flows. The valuation of the interest rate swap also takes into consideration estimates of our own, as well as the counterparty’s, risk of non-performance under the contract. See Note 8 and 11 for more details regarding our derivative contracts.

We estimate the value of our equity-method investment, which is recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis, based on a market valuation approach. We use prices and other relevant information generated primarily by recent market transactions involving similar or comparable assets. Because these valuations contain unobservable inputs, we classified the measurement of fair value of our equity-method investment as Level 3.

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

There were no changes to our valuation techniques during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

Following are the disclosures related to our assets and (liabilities) that are measured at fair value (in thousands):

Fair Value at December 31, 2015	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Measured on a recurring basis:
Derivative contract, net	$	—	$	532	$	—

Measured on a non-recurring basis:
Equity-method investment	$	—	$	—	$	22,284
Long-lived assets held and used:
Certain buildings and improvements		—		—		6,559

Fair Value at December 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Measured on a recurring basis:
Derivative contract, net	$	—	$	1,750	$	—

Measured on a non-recurring basis:
Equity-method investment	$	—	$	—	$	33,282

See Note 11 for more details regarding our derivative contracts.

F-25

Based on operating losses recognized by the equity-method investment, we determined that an impairment of our investment had occurred. Accordingly, we performed a fair value calculation for this investment and determined that a $16.5 million and $1.9 million impairment, respectively, was required to be recorded as asset impairments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 18.

Fair Value Disclosures for Financial Assets and Liabilities

We have fixed rate debt and calculate the estimated fair value of our fixed rate debt using a discounted cash flow methodology. Using estimated current interest rates based on a similar risk profile and duration (Level 2), the fixed cash flows are discounted and summed to compute the fair value of the debt. As of December 31, 2015, this debt had maturity dates between November 2016 and October 2034. A summary of the aggregate carrying values and fair values of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is as follows (in thousands):

December 31,	2015		2014
Carrying value	$	297,463	$	257,780
Fair value		296,961		270,781

We believe the carrying value of our variable rate debt approximates fair value.

(13)

Income Taxes

Income Tax Provision

Income tax provision from continuing operations was as follows (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,	2015		2014		2013
Current:
Federal	$	58,408	$	56,342	$	46,727
State		14,572		7,944		5,539
		72,980		64,286		52,266
Deferred:
Federal		6,046		10,433		9,010
State		679		236		(702	)
		6,725		10,669		8,308
Total	$	79,705	$	74,955	$	60,574

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had income taxes receivable of $23.8 million and $5.6 million, respectively, included as a component of other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The reconciliation between amounts computed using the federal income tax rate of 35% and our income tax provision from continuing operations is shown in the following tabulation (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014			2013
Federal tax provision at statutory rate	$	91,947		$	73,673		$	58,026
State taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		9,357			6,526			3,141
Equity investment basis difference		11,048			1,422			—
Non-deductible items		882			1,766			1,010
Permanent differences related to the employee stock purchase program		156			68			55
Net change in valuation allowance		(3,303	)		(4,121	)		(554	)
General business credits		(29,093	)		(4,002	)		(440	)
Other		(1,289	)		(377	)		(664	)
Income tax provision	$	79,705		$	74,955		$	60,574

F-26

Deferred Taxes

Individually significant components of the deferred tax assets and (liabilities) are presented below (in thousands):

December 31,	2015			2014
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue and cancellation reserves	$	39,323		$	31,539
Allowances and accruals, including state tax carryforward amounts		43,185			29,198
Interest on derivatives		206			678
Goodwill		2,581			2,668
Capital loss carryforward		10,414			10,711
Valuation allowance		(5,360	)		(8,663	)
Total deferred tax assets		90,349			66,131

Deferred tax liabilities:
Inventories		(21,313	)		(19,356	)
Goodwill		(31,258	)		(21,320	)
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation		(84,355	)		(67,271	)
Prepaid expenses and other		(6,552	)		(3,582	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(143,478	)		(111,529	)
Total	$	(53,129	)	$	(45,398	)

We consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carryback and carryforward periods), projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment.

As of December 31, 2015, we had a $5.4 million valuation allowance recorded associated with our deferred tax assets. The majority of this allowance is associated with capital losses from the sale of corporate entities in prior years. The valuation allowance decreased $3.3 million in the current year primarily as a result of our equity investment in a partnership with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. See also Note 18.

As of December 31, 2015, we evaluated the availability of projected capital gains and determined that it continues to be unlikely the remaining capital loss carryforward would be fully utilized. We will continue to evaluate if it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. However, additional valuation allowance amounts could be recorded in the future if estimates of taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.

At December 31, 2015, we had a number of state tax NOL carryforward amounts totaling approximately $2.0 million, tax effected, with expiration dates through 2035. We believe that it is more likely than not that the benefit from certain state NOL carryforward amounts will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, we have provided a valuation allowance of $2.0 million on the deferred tax assets relating to these state NOL carryforwards. Additionally, we have $2.2 million, tax effected, in state tax credit carryforwards with expiration dates through 2025. We believe it is more likely than not that the benefits from these state tax credit carryforwards will be realized.

We early adopted the guidance, ASU No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740)”, which simplifies the accounting for deferred taxes in a classified statement of financial position and requires all deferred taxes to be presented as non-current. Adoption of this guidance resulted in a reclassification of our net current deferred tax liability to the net non-current deferred tax liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. No prior periods were retrospectively adjusted.

F-27

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

The following is a reconciliation of our unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):

Balance, December 31, 2013	$	—
Acquired with acquisition		1,495
Balance, December 31, 2014		1,495
Decrease related to tax positions taken - prior year		(464	)
Balance, December 31, 2015	$	1,031

The unrecognized tax benefits recorded were acquired as part of the acquisition of DCH. We recorded a tax indemnification asset related to the unrecognized tax benefit as we determined the amount would be recoverable from the seller. Because we anticipate settlements and resulting cash payments related to the unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months, these amounts are included as a component of accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We did not have any activity during 2013 related to unrecognized tax benefits.

Open tax years at December 31, 2015 included the following:

Federal			2012	-	2015
18 states			2011	-	2015

(14)

Acquisitions

In 2015, we completed the following acquisitions:

•

On May 14, 2015, we acquired a smart franchise from Smart Center of Omaha.

•

On July 31, 2015, we acquired Bitterroot Ford in Missoula, Montana.

•

On August 20, 2015, we acquired Acura of Honolulu in Honolulu, Hawaii.

•

On September 28, 2015, we acquired Bennett Motors in Great Falls, Montana.

•

On October 12, 2015, we acquired Crown Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat in Concord, California.

•

On December 17, 2015, we acquired Barton Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Alfa Fiat in Spokane, Washington.

Revenue and operating income contributed by the 2015 acquisitions subsequent to the date of acquisition were as follows (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,	2015
Revenue	$	45,891
Operating income		23

In 2014, we completed the following acquisitions:

•

On January 31, 2014, we acquired Island Honda in Kahului, Hawaii.

•

On February 3, 2014, we acquired Stockton Volkswagen in Stockton, California.

•

On March 5, 2014, we acquired Honolulu Buick GMC Cadillac and Honolulu Volkswagen in Honolulu, Hawaii.

•

On April 1, 2014, we acquired Corpus Christi Ford in Corpus Christi, Texas.

•

On June 11, 2014, we acquired Beaverton GMC Buick and Portland Cadillac in Portland, Oregon.

•

On July 28, 2014, we acquired Bellingham GMC Buick in Bellingham, Washington.

•

On October 1, 2014, we completed the purchase of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock of DCH, which includes 27 stores located in New York, New Jersey and California.

•

On October 6, 2014, we acquired Harris Nissan in Clovis, California.

All acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The results of operations of the acquired stores are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition.

F-28

The following table summarizes the consideration paid in cash and equity securities for our acquisitions and the amount of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

Consideration paid for year ended December 31,	2015		DCH		All other acquisitions		Total 2014
Cash paid, net of cash acquired	$	71,615	$	569,995	$	89,639	$	659,634
Forgiven outstanding note receivable		1,374		—		—		—
Equity securities issued		—		19,736		—		19,736
	$	72,989	$	589,731	$	89,639	$	679,370

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed for year ended December 31,	2015			DCH			All other acquisitions			Total 2014
Trade receivables, net	$	36		$	63,888		$	—		$	63,888
Inventories		34,374			265,378			48,662			314,040
Franchise value		6,843			72,856			7,377			80,233
Property and equipment		22,118			256,122			17,395			273,517
Other assets		224			20,313			531			20,844
Floor plan notes payable		—			(24,686	)		—			(24,686	)
Debt and capital lease obligations		(2,160	)		(52,532	)		(3,161	)		(55,693	)
Deferred taxes, net		—			(49,651	)		—			(49,651	)
Other liabilities		(2,537	)		(92,863	)		(123	)		(92,986	)
		58,898			458,825			70,681			529,506
Goodwill		14,091			130,906			18,958			149,864
	$	72,989		$	589,731		$	89,639		$	679,370

We account for franchise value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset. We expect $14.1 million of the goodwill recognized in 2015 to be deductible for tax purposes. In 2014, we recorded $1.9 million in acquisition expenses as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We did not have any material acquisition-related expenses in 2015 or 2013.

The following unaudited pro forma summary presents consolidated information as if the acquisitions had occurred on January 1 of the previous year (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

Year Ended December 31,	2015		2014
Revenue	$	7,999,256	$	7,333,480
Income from continuing operations, net of tax		182,131		147,975
Basic income per share from continuing operations, net of tax		6.93		5.66
Diluted income per share from continuing operations, net of tax		6.88		5.61

These amounts have been calculated by applying our accounting policies and estimates. The results of the acquired stores have been adjusted to reflect the following: depreciation on a straight-line basis over the expected lives for property, plant and equipment; accounting for inventory on a specific identification method; and recognition of interest expense for real estate financing related to stores where we purchased the facility. No nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the acquisitions are included in the reported pro forma revenues and earnings.

(15)

Discontinued Operations and Assets and Related Liabilities Held for Sale

We classify an asset group as held for sale if the location has been sold, we have ceased operations at that location or the store meets the criteria required by U.S. generally accepted accounting standards as follows:

•

our management team, possessing the necessary authority, commits to a plan to sell the store;

•

the store is available for immediate sale in its present condition;

•

an active program to locate buyers and other actions that are required to sell the store are initiated;

•

a market for the store exists and we believe its sale is likely within one year;

•

active marketing of the store commences at a price that is reasonable in relation to the estimated fair market value; and

•

our management team believes it is unlikely changes will be made to the plan or the plan to dispose of the store will be withdrawn.

F-29

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standard update that amended the accounting guidance related to discontinued operations. This amendment defines discontinued operations as a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. We early adopted this guidance in September 2014 and, as a result, determined that individual stores which met the criteria for held for sale after our adoption date would no longer qualify for classification as discontinued operations. We had previously reclassified a store’s operations to discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, on a comparable basis for all periods presented, provided we did not expect to have any significant continuing involvement in the store’s operations after its disposal.

On May 1, 2014, we completed the sale of one store which had been classified as held for sale since October 2012. This store’s operations have been reclassified to discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statement of Operations, on a comparable basis for all periods presented.

As of December 31, 2014, we had two stores classified as held for sale. We did not have any stores classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2015. Assets held for sale included the following (in thousands):

December 31,	2015		2014
Inventories	$	—	$	6,284
Property, plant and equipment		—		1,739
Intangible assets		—		540
	$	—	$	8,563

Liabilities related to assets held for sale included the following (in thousands):

December 31,		2015				2014
Floor plan notes payable		$	—			$	4,892

Actual floor plan interest expense for a store classified as discontinued operations is directly related to the store’s new vehicles. Interest expense related to our used vehicle inventory financing and revolving line of credit is allocated based on the working capital level of the store. Interest expense included as a component of discontinued operations was as follows (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,	2015		2014		2013
Floor plan interest	$	—	$	32	$	117
Other interest		—		8		21
Total interest	$	—	$	40	$	138

Certain financial information related to discontinued operations was as follows (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,	2015		2014			2013
Revenue	$	—	$	12,569		$	38,978
Pre-tax gain (loss) from discontinued operations	$	—	$	(467	)	$	1,310
Net gain on disposal activities		—		5,744			—
				5,277			1,310
Income tax expense		—		(2,097	)		(524	)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense	$	—	$	3,180		$	786
Goodwill and other intangible assets disposed of	$	—	$	211		$	—

The net gain on disposal activities in 2014 included a $6.8 million gain related to the disposal of goodwill and other intangible assets.

(16)

Related Party Transactions

Transition Agreement

In September 2015, we entered into a transition agreement with Sidney B. DeBoer, our Executive Chairman, which provides him certain benefits until his death. The agreement has an effective date of January 1, 2016 with the initial payment of these benefits beginning in the third quarter of 2016.

F-30

We recorded a charge of $18.3 million in 2015 as a component of selling, general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations related to the present value of estimated future payments due pursuant to this agreement. We believe that this estimate is reasonable; however, actual cash flows could differ materially. We will periodically evaluate whether significant changes in our assumptions have occurred and record an adjustment if future expected cash flows are significantly different than the reserve recorded.

As of December 31, 2015, the balance associated with this agreement was $18.3 million and was included as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Sale of Land

In the fourth quarter of 2013, we completed the sale of land in Medford, Oregon to Dick Heimann for $4.2 million. Mr. Heimann relocated stores he purchased from us in 2012 to this location. We determined the fair value of the land based on a third party appraisal for the property. The sale resulted in a gain of $2.5 million, recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(17)

Net Income Per Share of Class A and Class B Common Stock

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

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

F-31

Following is a reconciliation of the income from continuing operations and weighted average shares used for our basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Year Ended December 31,	2015						2014						2013
Basic EPS	Class A			Class B			Class A			Class B			Class A			Class B
*Numerator:*
Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	165,172		$	17,827		$	122,246		$	13,294		$	94,532		$	10,682
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders		(18,038	)		(1,947	)		(14,367	)		(1,562	)		(9,061	)		(1,024	)
Basic undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	147,134		$	15,880		$	107,879		$	11,732		$	85,471		$	9,658
*Denominator:*
Weighted average number of shares out-standing used to calculate basic income per share		23,729			2,561			23,559			2,562			23,185			2,620
Basic income from continuing operations per share applicable to common stockholders	$	6.96		$	6.96		$	5.19		$	5.19		$	4.08		$	4.08
Basic distributed income per share applicable to common stockholders		(0.76	)		(0.76	)		(0.61	)		(61	)		(0.39	)		(0.39	)
Basic undistributed income from continuing operations per share applicable to common stockholders	$	6.20		$	6.20		$	4.58		$	4.58		$	3.69		$	3.69

F-32

Year Ended December 31,	2015					2014					2013
Diluted EPS	Class A		Class B			Class A		Class B			Class A		Class B
*Numerator:*
Distributed income applicable to common stockholders	$	18,038	$	1,947		$	14,367	$	1,562		$	9,061	$	1,024
Reallocation of distributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options		15		(15	)		15		(15	)		15		(15	)
Reallocation of distributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A		1,932		—			1,547		—			1,009		—
Diluted distributed income applicable to common stockholders	$	19,985	$	1,932		$	15,929	$	1,547		$	10,085	$	1,009
Undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	147,134	$	15,880		$	107,879	$	11,732		$	85,471	$	9,658
Reallocation of undistributed income as a result of conversion of dilutive stock options		120		(120	)		116		(116	)		142		(142	)
Reallocation of undistributed income due to conversion of Class B to Class A		15,760		—			11,616		—			9,516		—
Diluted undistributed income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders	$	163,014	$	15,760		$	119,611	$	11,616		$	95,129	$	9,516

*Denominator:*
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate basic income per share		23,729		2,561			23,559		2,562			23,185		2,620
Weighted average number of shares from stock options		200		—			261		—			386		—
Conversion of Class B to Class A		2,561		—			2,562		—			2,620		—
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to calculate diluted income per share		26,490		2,561			26,382		2,562			26,191		2,620

Year Ended December 31,	2015						2014						2013
Diluted EPS	Class A			Class B			Class A			Class B			Class A			Class B
Diluted income from continuing operations per share available to common stockholders	$	6.91		$	6.91		$	5.14		$	5.14		$	4.02		$	4.02
Diluted distributed income from continuing operations per share applicable to common stockholders		(0.76	)		(0.76	)		(0.61	)		(0.61	)		(0.39	)		(0.39	)
Diluted undistributed income from continuing operations per share applicable to common stockholders	$	6.15		$	6.15		$	4.53		$	4.53		$	3.63		$	3.63
*Antidilutive Securities:*
Shares issuable pursuant to stock options not included since they were antidilutive		16			—			13			—			16			—

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(18)

Equity-Method Investment

In October 2014, we acquired a 99.9% membership interest in a limited liability company managed by U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation with an initial equity contribution of $4.1 million. We made additional equity contributions to the entity of $22.8 million in 2015. We are obligated to make $49.8 million of total contributions to the entity over a two-year period ending October 2016, $26.9 million of which had been made as of December 31, 2015.

This investment generates new markets tax credits under the New Markets Tax Credit Program (“NMTC Program”). The NMTC Program was established by Congress in 2000 to spur new or increased investments into operating businesses and real estate projects located in low-income communities.

The following amounts related to this equity-method investment were recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2015		2014
Carrying value, recorded as a component of other non-current assets	$	22,284	$	33,282
Present value of obligation associated with future equity contributions, recorded as a component of accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities		22,511		32,177

The following amounts related to this equity-method investment were recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Asset impairments to write investment down to fair value	$	16,521	$	1,853	$	—
Our portion of the partnership’s operating losses		6,929		1,160		—
Non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of the discounted fair value of future equity contributions		674		152		—
Tax benefits and credits generated		30,832		6,506		—

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(19)

Segments

Certain financial information on a segment basis is as follows (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014			2013
Revenues:
Domestic	$	3,034,849		$	2,566,473		$	2,145,478
Import		3,334,983			1,893,034			1,225,800
Luxury		1,490,632			926,856			629,521
		7,860,464			5,386,363			4,000,799
Corporate and other		3,788			3,963			4,950
	$	7,864,252		$	5,390,326		$	4,005,749

*Segment income:**
Domestic	$	115,525		$	96,888		$	84,500
Import		98,371			50,870			40,264
Luxury		36,391			25,448			16,133
		250,287			173,206			140,897
Corporate and other		74,514			71,195			50,283
Depreciation and amortization		(41,600	)		(26,363	)		(20,035	)
Other interest expense		(19,491	)		(10,742	)		(8,350	)
Other (expense) income, net		(1,006	)		3,199			2,993
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	262,704		$	210,495		$	165,788

*Segment income for each of the segments is defined as Income from continuing operations before income taxes, depreciation and amortization, other interest expense and other (expense) income, net.

Floor plan interest expense:
Domestic	$	20,970		$	17,852		$	15,223
Import		15,051			9,439			6,475
Luxury		9,096			5,098			3,931
		45,117			32,389			25,629
Corporate and other		(25,583	)		(18,528	)		(13,256	)
	$	19,534		$	13,861		$	12,373

December 31,	2015		2014
Total assets:
Domestic	$	985,374	$	829,721
Import		725,011		698,015
Luxury		475,305		405,222
Corporate and other		1,041,609		947,974
	$	3,227,299	$	2,880,932

(20)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting standards update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which amends the accounting guidance related to revenues. This amendment will replace most of the existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective. The new standard, as amended in July 2015, is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and entities are allowed to adopt the standard as early as annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect this amendment will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and believe the financial impact is not material. We have not yet selected a transition method.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330).” ASU 2015-11 simplifies the accounting for the valuation of all inventory not accounted for using the last-in, first-out method by prescribing inventory be valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 is effective for public companies' annual periods, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016 on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-11 to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

F-35

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments.” This guidance eliminated the requirement for retrospective adjustments to financial statements for measurement-period adjustments that occur after a business combination is consummated. ASU 2015-16 is effective for public companies' annual periods, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-16 to have any effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

(21)

Subsequent Events

Common Stock Dividend

On February 22, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.20 per share on our Class A and Class B common stock related to our fourth quarter 2015 financial results. The dividend will total approximately $5.1 million and will be paid on March 25, 2016 to shareholders of record on March 11, 2016.

Repurchases of Class A Common Stock

Acquisitions

On January 26, 2016, we acquired the inventory, equipment and intangible assets of Riverside Subaru in Riverside, California. We paid $3.6 million in cash for this acquisition.

On February 1, 2016, we acquired the inventory, equipment and intangible assets of Ira Toyota / Scion of Milford, Massachusetts. We paid $6.5 million in cash for this acquisition.

Litigation

On February 12, 2016, Marty A. Jessos, a Lithia shareholder, filed derivative claims on behalf of Lithia against its Board of Directors, also listing Lithia as a nominal defendant. The case, Jessos v. DeBoer, et al., is pending in the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Multnomah County. Mr. Jessos’ claims are very similar to those made by Shiva Y. Stein in the Stein Litigation described in Note 7, relating to the adoption of the transition agreement between Lithia and Sidney B. DeBoer. Mr. Jessos alleges that Lithia's directors breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty and due care, and wasted corporate assets, when they approved the agreement with Sidney B. DeBoer. Mr. Jessos also alleges a claim against Sidney B. DeBoer, asserting that he has been unjustly enriched by the agreement. Mr. Jessos is seeking relief in the amount of damages allegedly sustained by Lithia as a result of the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and alleged corporate waste, disgorgement and imposition of a constructive trust on all property and profits Sidney B. DeBoer received as a result of the alleged wrongful conduct, and an award of the costs and disbursements of the lawsuit, including reasonable attorneys fees, costs, and expenses. The Board and Mr. DeBoer are defending themselves against Mr. Jessos’s allegations. Although we do not anticipate that the resolution of this legal proceeding will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, we cannot predict this with certainty.

F-36