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Group 1 Automotive Reports 25 Percent Increase in2006 Full-Year Earnings Per Share

HOUSTON--Group 1 Automotive, Inc. , a Fortune 500 automotive retailer, today reported net income for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2006, of $14.8 million, or $0.61 earnings per diluted share. These results include a non-cash, after-tax charge of $1.5 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, related to fixed asset write-offs associated with a domestic disposal as well as franchise rights impairment charges. Excluding this charge, net income was $16.3 million, or $0.67 diluted earnings per share, for the fourth-quarter period. This compares with net income of $16.2 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2005. The 2005 results were positively impacted by adjustments to deferred tax items for certain assets and liabilities of $0.08 per diluted share, offset by asset impairment charges of $0.07 per diluted share.

Fourth-quarter total revenues increased 5.7 percent to $1.5 billion from the previous-year quarter. New vehicle revenues grew 7.6 percent on an 8.2 percent unit sales increase; parts and service revenues were 4.6 percent higher; and finance and insurance revenues increased 9.6 percent. Used vehicle retail revenues increased 2.8 percent on a unit sales increase of 1.4 percent, while used vehicle wholesale revenues declined 4.6 percent on 1 percent higher unit sales.

Gross margin decreased 20 basis points to 15.6 percent with slight declines in all segments except total used vehicle margin that remained steady at 9.1 percent.

Group 1 noted that within its domestic stores, overall Ford sales declined significantly, particularly in December when the company experienced a 36 percent decline in F-Series truck sales. In California, the company experienced a slowing across all brands as market conditions softened in that region. The sudden decrease in sales and gross profit resulting from these market issues increased SG&A as a percent of gross profit to 80.3 percent for the fourth quarter, down 10 basis points from the same period a year ago, but up from the 75.5 percent for the first nine months of 2006.

In connection with its annual assessment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, the company determined that the fair value of two of its domestic franchises no longer supported the carrying value associated with them. As a result, the company recorded a non-cash, pretax charge of $1.4 million, which equates to $0.9 million after tax or $0.04 per diluted share. The company determined the impairment charge in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. In addition, Group 1 previously announced that it determined that the fair market value of one of its Atlanta Ford dealerships no longer supported the carrying value of certain other long-lived assets associated with it. As a result, the company recorded a non-cash, pretax charge of $0.8 million, which equates to $0.5 million after tax, or $0.02 per diluted share in the fourth quarter 2006. The company determined the impairment charge in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. The charge recorded by the company reflects its estimate of the fair value of the stores fixed assets. These charges were excluded from the 2006 full-year guidance announced Oct. 31, 2006.

Income from operations increased 5.7 percent to $39.2 million in the fourth quarter. Operating margin was equal to the same period last year at 2.6 percent.

On a same-store basis, total gross margin was flat at 15.7 percent year over year. SG&A expenses decreased 2.2 percent, but increased 60 basis points to 80.7 percent as a percent of gross profit, as the decline in gross profit outpaced expense reductions in the quarter.

Total floorplan interest expense expanded 17.4 percent to $11.7 million, reflecting the higher year-over-year weighted average interest rates. Partially offsetting the higher rates was an $18.9 million decrease in weighted average floorplan borrowings. Other interest expense also increased $1.5 million, or 37.5 percent, primarily due to a $255.8 million increase in weighted average borrowings outstanding in the period, reflecting the issuance of the 2.25 percent convertible notes in June.

Full-Year Results

On a full-year basis, net income was up 25.8 percent to $88.4 million, or $3.62 per diluted share, compared with $70.3 million, or $2.90 per diluted share, before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in 2005. Excluding the fixed asset write-offs associated with a domestic disposal as well as franchise rights impairment charges, net income was $89.8 million, or $3.68 per diluted share, which is within the previously provided guidance range of $3.65 to $3.75.

Group 1 realized a 1.9 percent increase to $6.1 billion in total revenues and a 30 basis-point increase in gross margin to 15.9 percent, primarily driven by the 60 basis-point improvement in total used vehicle margin. SG&A declined 280 basis points as a percent of gross profit to 76.7 percent over the prior year.

Same-store results reflected a 1 percent decline in total revenues year over year, primarily explained by lower used vehicle wholesale revenues. Total gross margin improved 40 basis points to 16 percent, primarily driven by a 70 basis-point increase in total used vehicle margin. Total used vehicle gross profit increased 10.6 percent to $1,246 per unit. SG&A as a percent of gross profit was reduced 110 basis points to 77.3 percent.

Our full-year results demonstrate the effectiveness of the strategic initiatives we began implementing at the start of 2006, said Earl J. Hesterberg, Group 1s president and chief executive officer. The focus placed on our used vehicle business was rewarded with margin improvements on both a consolidated and same-store basis. Management will continue to focus on the used vehicle business while implementing new initiatives surrounding our parts and service business and purchasing efforts.

Acquisition and Disposition Recap

Group 1 expanded its import and luxury offerings by acquiring 14 import and luxury franchises in 2006 with total estimated aggregate annual revenues of $728.1 million. The company also acquired one domestic franchise, in association with a divestiture, with estimated annual revenues of $4.0 million.

In 2007, Group 1 previously announced the acquisition of the Baron Automotive Group in Kansas City, Kan. The acquisition of the two dealerships is expected to generate approximately $123.1 million in estimated annual revenues.

Group 1 has targeted acquiring franchises with a total of $600 million in estimated annual revenues in 2007. The company will focus on import and luxury brands outside of Texas and Oklahoma with a goal of having its import and luxury offerings account for at least 75 percent of its new vehicle unit sales by year end.

In conjunction with Group 1s strategy to dispose of its underperforming dealerships, the company divested of eight domestic and five import franchises with trailing twelve-month revenues of $197.8 million in 2006.

In 2007, the company previously announced that it disposed of one Chrysler and two Ford stores with total revenues of $49.3 million.

Group 1 will continue to evaluate its dealership portfolio and dispose of underperforming stores. The company anticipates incurring approximately $5 million to $10 million in associated disposition charges, which includes costs associated with disposition actions previously announced in 2007.

2007 Full-Year Guidance Reaffirmed

Group 1 reaffirmed its 2007 full-year guidance of $4.00 to $4.25 per diluted share based on its outlook and the following assumptions:

  • Industry seasonally adjusted annual sales rate (SAAR) of 16.3 million vehicles.
  • Flat interest rates throughout 2007.
  • Tax rate of 38 percent.
  • Estimated average diluted shares outstanding of 24.5 million.
  • Guidance excludes the impact of future acquisitions, and dispositions with related exit charges estimated at $5 million to $10 million.

Fourth-Quarter Earnings Release and Conference Call

A conference call to discuss fourth-quarter financial results and Group 1s 2007 outlook and strategy will be held at 10 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Feb. 21.

The conference call will be simulcast live on the Internet at www.group1auto.com through the Investor Relations section. A replay will be available for 30 days.

The conference call will also be available live by dialing in 10 minutes prior to the call at: 800-218-8862 (domestic) or 303-262-2138 (international).

A telephonic replay will be available following the call through Feb. 28, by dialing: 800-405-2236 (domestic) or 303-590-3000 (international), with passcode: 11082288#.

About Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

Group 1 owns 104 automotive dealerships comprised of 143 franchises, 33 brands and 28 collision service centers in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma and Texas. Through its dealerships, the company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related financing, vehicle service and insurance contracts; provides maintenance and repair services; and sells replacement parts.

Group 1 Automotive can be reached on the Internet at www.group1auto.com.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements," which are statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, the forward-looking statements often include statements regarding our goals, plans, projections and guidance regarding our financial position, results of operations, market position, pending and potential future acquisitions and business strategy, and often contain words such as expects, anticipates, intends, plans, believes, seeks or will. Any such forward-looking statements are not assurances of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, (a) general economic conditions, (b) the level of manufacturer incentives, (c) the future regulatory environment, (d) our ability to obtain an inventory of desirable new and used vehicles, (e) our relationship with our automobile manufacturers and the willingness of manufacturers to approve future acquisitions, (f) our cost of financing and the availability of credit for consumers, (g) our ability to complete acquisitions and dispositions and the risks associated therewith, and (h) our ability to retain key personnel. These factors, as well as additional factors that could affect our forward-looking statements, are described in our Form 10-K under the headings BusinessRisk Factors and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We urge you to carefully consider this information. We undertake no duty to update our forward-looking statements, including our earnings outlook.

FINANCIAL TABLES TO FOLLOW

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,
2006  2005  % Change  2006  2005  % Change 
REVENUES:
New vehicle retail sales $ 949,751  $ 883,068  7.6  % $ 3,787,578  $ 3,674,880  3.1  %
Used vehicle retail sales 263,061  255,790  2.8  1,111,672  1,075,606  3.4 
Used vehicle wholesale sales 78,659  82,437  (4.6) 329,669  383,856  (14.1)
Parts and service 169,133  161,687  4.6  661,936  649,221  2.0 
Finance and insurance   46,457    42,379  9.6      192,629    186,027  3.5   
Total revenues 1,507,061  1,425,361  5.7  % 6,083,484  5,969,590  1.9  %
 
COST OF SALES:
New vehicle retail sales 884,238  819,134  7.9  % 3,515,568  3,413,513  3.0  %
Used vehicle retail sales 230,104  223,458  3.0  968,264  939,436  3.1 
Used vehicle wholesale sales 80,504  84,132  (4.3) 332,758  387,834  (14.2)
Parts and service   77,749    73,928  5.2      302,094    296,401  1.9   
Total cost of sales 1,272,595  1,200,652  6.0  % 5,118,684  5,037,184  1.6  %
 
GROSS PROFIT 234,466  224,709  4.3  % 964,800  932,406  3.5  %
 

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

188,302  180,618  4.3  % 739,765  741,471  (0.2) %
 

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE

4,754  4,405  7.9  % 18,138  18,927  (4.2) %
 
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS   2,241    2,620  (14.5) %   2,241    7,607  (70.5) %
 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 39,169  37,066  5.7  % 204,656  164,401  24.5  %
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Floorplan interest expense (11,739) (9,999) 17.4  % (46,682) (37,997) 22.9  %
Other interest expense, net (5,430) (3,948) 37.5  (18,783) (18,122) 3.5 
Other income (expense), net   524    30  1,646.7      157    125  25.6   
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 22,524  23,149  (2.7) % 139,348  108,407  28.5  %
 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES   7,737    6,995  10.6  %   50,958    38,138  33.6  %
 

INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF A CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE

14,787  16,154  (8.5) % 88,390  70,269  25.8  %
 

 

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF A CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE, NET OF TAX BENEFIT OF $10,231

          (16,038) N/A   
 
NET INCOME $ 14,787  $ 16,154  (8.5) % $ 88,390  $ 54,231  63.0  %
 
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:

Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

$ 0.61  $ 0.66  (7.6) % $ 3.62  $ 2.90  24.8  %

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

          (0.66)  
Net income $ 0.61  $ 0.66  (7.6) % $ 3.62  $ 2.24  61.6  %
 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 24,063  24,465  (1.6) % 24,446  24,229  0.9  %

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, December 31,
2006  2005  % Change 
 
ASSETS:
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 39,313  $ 37,695  4.3  %
Contracts in transit and vehicle receivables, net 189,004  187,769  0.7 
Accounts and notes receivable, net 76,793  81,463  (5.7)
Inventories 830,628  756,838  9.7 
Deferred income taxes 17,176  18,780  (8.5)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   25,098    23,283  7.8   
Total current assets 1,178,012  1,105,828  6.5 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 230,385  161,317  42.8 
GOODWILL 426,439  372,844  14.4 
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS 249,886  164,210  52.2 
OTHER ASSETS   29,233    29,419  (0.6)  
Total assets $ 2,113,955  $ 1,833,618  15.3  %
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Floorplan notes payable - credit facility $ 437,288  $ 407,396  7.3  %
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates 287,978  316,189  (8.9)
Current maturities of long-term debt 854  786  8.7 
Accounts payable 117,536  124,857  (5.9)
Accrued expenses   97,302    119,404  (18.5)  
Total current liabilities 940,958  968,632  (2.9)
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities 428,639  158,074  171.2 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 2,787  28,862  (90.3)
OTHER LIABILITIES   27,826    25,356  9.7   
Total liabilities before deferred revenues   1,400,210    1,180,924  18.6   
 
DEFERRED REVENUES 20,905  25,901  (19.3)
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock 252  246  2.4 
Additional paid-in capital 292,278  276,904  5.6 
Retained earnings 448,115  373,162  20.1 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 591  (706) (183.7)
Deferred stock-based compensation (5,413) (100.0)
Treasury stock   (48,396)   (17,400) 178.1   
Total stockholders' equity   692,840    626,793  10.5   
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,113,955  $ 1,833,618  15.3  %
 
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital $ 237,054  $ 137,196  72.8  %
Current ratio 1.25  1.14  9.6 
 
Long-term debt to capitalization 38% 20%
 
Inventory days supply: (1)
New vehicle 63  56  12.5  %
Used vehicle 31  28  10.7 
 

(1) Inventory days supply equals units in inventory as of the end of the period, divided by unit sales for the month then ended, times 30 days.

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Additional Information - Consolidated
(Unaudited)
 

Three Months Ended

Year Ended,
December 31,   December 31,
2006    2005    2006    2005   
NEW VEHICLE UNIT SALES GEOGRAPHIC MIX:
Region Geographic Market
Northeast Massachusetts 11.3  % 12.3  % 12.5  % 13.0  %
New Hampshire 3.6  0.6  3.8  0.3 
New Jersey 5.0  3.1  3.3  2.9 
New York 2.3  2.5  2.3  2.3 
22.2  18.5  21.9  18.5 
 
Southeast Florida 3.8  5.2  4.5  5.9 
Louisiana 3.8  8.1  5.0  5.8 
Georgia 3.6  4.2  3.8  4.8 
Mississippi 1.6  0.6 
Alabama 0.9  0.3 
13.7  17.5  14.2  16.5 
 
Central Texas 32.3  35.1  33.4  33.1 
Oklahoma 9.9  10.1  10.6  11.5 
New Mexico 2.0  2.1  2.1  2.6 
Colorado 0.3  0.2  0.8 
44.2  47.6  46.3  48.0 
 
West California 19.9  16.4  17.6  17.0 
100.0  % 100.0  % 100.0  % 100.0  %
 
NEW VEHICLE UNIT SALES BRAND MIX:
Toyota/Scion/Lexus 36.7  % 31.1  % 36.0  % 29.2  %
Ford 12.2  17.5  15.1  18.5 
DaimlerChrysler 12.5  14.2  12.8  14.8 
Nissan/Infiniti 12.7  10.2  11.1  10.9 
Honda/Acura 11.5  10.2  10.1  9.6 
GM 7.4  8.7  8.0  9.8 
Other 7.0    8.1    6.9    7.2   
100.0  % 100.0  % 100.0  % 100.0  %
 
NEW VEHICLE UNIT OTHER MIX:
Import 54.4  % 46.4  % 52.6  % 46.1  %
Domestic 26.3  34.3  30.3  37.6 
Luxury 19.3    19.3    17.1    16.3   
100.0  % 100.0  % 100.0  % 100.0  %
 
Car 49.0  % 46.6  % 49.3  % 46.0  %
Truck 51.0    53.4    50.7    54.0   
100.0  % 100.0  % 100.0  % 100.0  %

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Additional Information - Consolidated
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,
2006    2005    % Change  2006    2005    % Change 
REVENUES:
New vehicle retail sales $ 949,751  $ 883,068  7.6  % $ 3,787,578  $ 3,674,880  3.1  %
Used vehicle retail sales 263,061  255,790  2.8  1,111,672  1,075,606  3.4 
Used vehicle wholesale sales   78,659      82,437    (4.6)     329,669      383,856    (14.1)  
Total used 341,720  338,227  1.0  1,441,341  1,459,462  (1.2)
Parts and service 169,133  161,687  4.6  661,936  649,221  2.0 
Finance and insurance   46,457      42,379    9.6      192,629      186,027    3.5   

Total

$ 1,507,061  $ 1,425,361  5.7  % $ 6,083,484  $ 5,969,590  1.9  %
 
GROSS MARGIN:
New vehicle retail sales 6.9  % 7.2  % 7.2  % 7.1  %
Used vehicle retail sales 12.5  12.6  12.9  12.7 
Used vehicle wholesale sales   (2.3)     (2.1)     (0.9)     (1.0)  
Total used 9.1  9.1  9.7  9.1 
Parts and service 54.0  54.3  54.4  54.3 
Finance and insurance   100.0      100.0      100.0      100.0   
Total 15.6  % 15.8  % 15.9  % 15.6  %
 
GROSS PROFIT:
New vehicle retail sales $ 65,513  $ 63,934  2.5  % $ 272,010  $ 261,367  4.1  %
Used vehicle retail sales 32,957  32,332  1.9  143,408  136,170  5.3 
Used vehicle wholesale sales   (1,845)     (1,695)   (8.8)     (3,089)     (3,978)   22.3   
Total used 31,112  30,637  1.6  140,319  132,192  6.1 
Parts and service 91,384  87,759  4.1  359,842  352,820  2.0 
Finance and insurance   46,457      42,379    9.6      192,629      186,027    3.5   
Total $ 234,466  $ 224,709  4.3  % $ 964,800  $ 932,406  3.5  %
 
UNITS SOLD:
Retail new vehicles sold 31,605  29,199  8.2  % 129,198  126,108  2.5  %
Retail used vehicles sold 15,992  15,777  1.4  67,868  68,286  (0.6)
Wholesale used vehicles sold   11,083      10,969    1.0      45,706      50,489    (9.5)  
Total used 27,075  26,746  1.2  % 113,574  118,775  (4.4) %
 
GROSS PROFIT PER UNIT SOLD:
New vehicle retail sales $ 2,073  $ 2,190  (5.3) % $ 2,105  $ 2,073  1.5  %
Used vehicle retail sales 2,061  2,049  0.6  2,113  1,994  6.0 
Used vehicle wholesale sales (166) (155) (7.1) (68) (79) 13.9 
Total used 1,149  1,145  0.3  1,235  1,113  11.0 
Finance and insurance (per retail unit) 976  942  3.6  977  957  2.1 
 
OTHER:
SG&A expenses $ 188,302  $ 180,618  4.3  % $ 739,765  $ 741,471  (0.2) %
SG&A as % revenues 12.5  % 12.7  % 12.2  % 12.4  %
SG&A as % gross profit 80.3  % 80.4  % 76.7  % 79.5  %
Operating margin 2.6  % 2.6  % 3.4  % 2.8  %
Pretax income margin 1.5  % 1.6  % 2.3  % 1.8  %
 
Floorplan interest $ (11,739) $ (9,999) 17.4  % $ (46,682) $ (37,997) 22.9  %
Floorplan assistance   9,602      8,083    18.8      38,129      35,610    7.1   
Net floorplan (expense) income $ (2,137) $ (1,916) 11.5  % $ (8,553) $ (2,387) 258.3  %

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Additional Information - Same Store(1)
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,
2006    2005    % Change  2006    2005    % Change 
REVENUES:
New vehicle retail sales $ 841,758  $ 866,722  (2.9) % $ 3,542,274  $ 3,578,174  (1.0) %
Used vehicle retail sales 238,311  248,519  (4.1) 1,058,082  1,037,638  2.0 
Used vehicle wholesale sales   70,478      79,635    (11.5)     309,502      367,412    (15.8)  
Total used 308,789  328,154  (5.9) 1,367,584  1,405,050  (2.7)
Parts and service 156,344  155,338  0.6  635,423  623,654  1.9 
Finance and insurance   41,769      41,284    1.2      182,206      180,582    0.9   
Total $ 1,348,660  $ 1,391,498  (3.1) % $ 5,727,487  $ 5,787,460  (1.0) %
 
GROSS MARGIN:
New vehicle retail sales 6.9  % 7.3  % 7.2  % 7.1  %
Used vehicle retail sales 12.6  12.6  13.0  12.6 
Used vehicle wholesale sales   (2.7)     (1.9)     (1.1)     (0.8)  
Total used 9.1  9.1  9.8  9.1 
Parts and service 53.8  54.4  54.2  54.5 
Finance and insurance   100.0      100.0      100.0      100.0   
Total 15.7  % 15.7  % 16.0  % 15.6  %
 
GROSS PROFIT:
New vehicle retail sales $ 58,056  $ 63,034  (7.9) % $ 254,935  $ 255,780  (0.3) %
Used vehicle retail sales 30,086  31,247  (3.7) 137,115  131,234  4.5 
Used vehicle wholesale sales   (1,909)     (1,528)   (24.9)     (3,379)     (3,121)   (8.3)  
Total used 28,177  29,719  (5.2) 133,736  128,113  4.4 
Parts and service 84,126  84,484  (0.4) 344,658  339,599  1.5 
Finance and insurance   41,769      41,284    1.2      182,206      180,582    0.9   
Total $ 212,128  $ 218,521  (2.9) % $ 915,535  $ 904,074  1.3  %
 
UNITS SOLD:
Retail new vehicles sold 27,496  28,606  (3.9) % 119,912  122,484  (2.1) %
Retail used vehicles sold 14,564  15,279  (4.7) 64,874  65,689  (1.2)
Wholesale used vehicles sold   9,760      10,539    (7.4)     42,500      48,022    (11.5)  
Total used 24,324  25,818  (5.8) % 107,374  113,711  (5.6) %
 
GROSS PROFIT PER UNIT SOLD:
New vehicle retail sales $ 2,111  $ 2,204  (4.2) % $ 2,126  $ 2,088  1.8  %
Used vehicle retail sales 2,066  2,045  1.0  2,114  1,998  5.8 
Used vehicle wholesale sales (196) (145) (35.2) (80) (65) (23.1)
Total used 1,158  1,151  0.6  1,246  1,127  10.6 
Finance and insurance (per retail unit) 993  941  5.5  986  960  2.7 
 
OTHER:
SG&A expenses $ 171,182  $ 175,022  (2.2) % $ 708,059  $ 708,814  (0.1) %
SG&A as % revenues 12.7  % 12.6  % 12.4  % 12.2  %
SG&A as % gross profit 80.7  % 80.1  % 77.3  % 78.4  %
Operating margin 2.6  % 2.8  % 3.3  % 3.0  %
 
Floorplan interest $ (10,460) $ (9,543) 9.6  % $ (43,947) $ (36,062) 21.9  %
Floorplan assistance   8,608      7,986    7.8      35,971      34,539    4.1   
Net floorplan (expense) income $ (1,852) $ (1,557) 18.9  % $ (7,976) $ (1,523) 423.7  %
 
(1) Same store amounts include the results for the identical months in each period presented in the comparison, commencing with the first month we owned the dealership and, in the case of dispositions, ending with the last month we owned it. Same store results also include the activities of the corporate office, but exclude the results of our two New Orleans dealerships that were closed as a result of Hurricane Katrina in August of 2005.

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Net Income Diluted Earnings per Share

Q4 2006

Q4 2005 % Change  Q4 2006 Q4 2005 % Change 
Q4 2006 vs. Q4 2005 RECONCILIATION:
As reported $ 14,787  $ 16,154  (8.5) % $ 0.61  $ 0.66  (7.6) %
Adjustments: (1)
Asset impairments 1,470  1,829  0.06  0.07 
Deferred tax adjustments     (1,908)         (0.08)    
Adjusted (2) $ 16,257  $ 16,075  1.1  % $ 0.67  $ 0.65  3.1  %
 
 
 
Net Income Diluted Earnings per Share
2006  2005  % Change  2006  2005  % Change 
YTD 2006 vs. YTD 2005 RECONCILIATION:
As reported $ 88,390  $ 54,231  63.0  % $ 3.62  $ 2.24  61.6  %

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

    16,038        0.66   
Subtotal 88,390  70,269  25.8  % 3.62  2.90  24.8  %
Adjustments: (1)
Asset impairments 1,421  4,929  0.06  0.20 
Deferred tax adjustments     (1,908)         (0.08)    
Adjusted (2) $ 89,811  $ 73,290  22.5  % $ 3.68  $ 3.02  21.9  %
 
 

(1) Other adjustments, such as the impact of the change in accounting to SFAS 123(R) and lease exit costs associated with the DMS conversion, have been excluded from this presentation as they were included in our previously communicated earnings guidance.

 

(2) Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share means net income or diluted earnings per share, as the case may be, plus the adjustments noted above. We use adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share in our evaluation of the performance of the company, as we believe that they provide additional information regarding the performance of our operations. We believe the presentation of these measures is relevant and useful to investors because they improve period-to-period comparability and are more reflective of our operating performance. Neither of these measures is a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Accordingly, they should not be considered as substitutes for net income or diluted earnings per share prepared in accordance with GAAP. Although we find these non-GAAP results useful in evaluating the performance of our business, our reliance on these measures is limited because the adjustments often have a material impact on our net income and diluted earnings per share calculated in accordance with GAAP. Therefore, we typically use these adjusted numbers in conjunction with our GAAP results to address these limitations.