Lithia Motors / LAD (/NYSE)

Q3/Lithia

Ein BRAVO für LAD  

MEDFORD, OR -- (Marketwired) -- 10/21/15 -- Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE: LAD) reported adjusted net income of $53.6 million for the third quarter of 2015, the highest quarterly net income in company history and a 54% increase over the prior year period.

2015 third quarter adjusted net income was $2.03 per diluted share. This compares to 2014 third quarter adjusted net income of $34.9 million, or $1.32 per diluted share.

Unadjusted net income for the third quarter of 2015 was $43.4 million, or $1.64 per diluted share, compared to $34.5 million, or $1.31 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2014. As shown in the attached non-GAAP reconciliation tables, the 2015 third quarter adjusted results exclude a $0.39 non-core net charge related to a previously announced employee transition agreement partially offset by an equity investment. The 2014 third quarter adjusted results exclude a $0.01 non-core net charge related to acquisition expenses partially offset by a non-core benefit resulting from a tax attribute.

Third quarter 2015 revenue increased $788 million, or 61%, to $2.1 billion from $1.3 billion for the third quarter of 2014.

Third Quarter-over-Quarter Operating Highlights:

• Total same store sales increased 12%
• New vehicle same store sales increased 11%
• Used vehicle retail same store sales increased 13%
• Service, body and parts same store sales increased 10%
• Same store F&I per unit increased $71 to $1,274
• Adjusted SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit was 66.0%

"Our third quarter earnings were the highest in company history," said Bryan DeBoer, President and CEO. "Same store sales in all four business lines grew by double digits, led by a 13% increase in used vehicle sales. Total revenues increased 61% and adjusted earnings per share increased 54% over the prior year period. A robust new vehicle sales environment, improving supply of late model used vehicles, and the continued growth in our service, body and parts business is allowing our store leaders to unlock new opportunities to improve performance across our company. We remain positive on the overall outlook for both organic and acquisition growth in 2016."

For the first nine months of 2015, revenue from continuing operations increased 63% to $5.9 billion from $3.6 billion in 2014.

For the first nine months of 2015, adjusted net income per diluted share increased 43% to $5.28 from $3.69 for the first nine months of 2014. Unadjusted net income from continuing operations was $5.10 per diluted share for the first nine months of 2015, compared to $3.58 per diluted share for the first nine months of 2014.

Chris Holzshu, SVP and CFO, said, "Adjusted SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 66.0% in the third quarter of 2015, bringing the first nine months of the year down to 67.8%, thanks to strong performance from both Lithia and DCH. For the third quarter, incremental throughput, or the percentage of additional same store gross profit dollars that we retain after deducting incremental selling costs, was 49.3% We are targeting consolidated SG&A as a percentage of gross profit in the mid-60s on a full year basis. Additionally, same store F&I per unit was $1,274 per unit, an increase of $71 over the prior year. We still believe opportunity remains to improve this number given continued focus by our store personnel."

Corporate Development
As previously announced, in the third quarter of 2015 we acquired a Ford store in Missoula, Montana, an Acura store in Honolulu, Hawaii, and a Subaru Hyundai GMC store in Great Falls, Montana. Also as previously announced, in October, 2015 we acquired a Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat store in Concord, California. We estimate these stores will contribute approximately $175 million in annual revenues.

Bryan DeBoer, President and CEO, stated, "We have purchased or opened six stores in 2015 which will add cumulative annual revenues of approximately $220 million. We are actively seeking stores in both our Lithia exclusive market strategy and in our DCH metropolitan market strategy. The acquisition market remains robust and we anticipate further transactions for both Lithia and DCH in the near term."

Balance Sheet Update
We ended the second quarter with $33 million in cash and $163 million in availability on our credit facilities. Additionally, approximately $144 million of our operating real estate is currently unfinanced, which could provide an estimated additional $108 million in available liquidity, for total potential liquidity of $304 million.

Dividend Payment
Our Board of Directors has approved a dividend of $0.20 per share related to third quarter 2015 financial results. We will pay the dividend November 20, 2015 to shareholders of record on November 6, 2015.

2015 Outlook
We project 2015 fourth quarter earnings of $1.61 to $1.65 per diluted share and 2015 full year earnings of $6.89 to $6.93 per diluted share. Both projections are based on the following annual assumptions:

Continuing Operations Projections

• Total revenues of $7.8 to $7.9 billion
• New vehicle sales increasing 48%
• New vehicle gross margin of 6.0% to 6.2%
• Used vehicle sales increasing 41%
• Used vehicle gross margin of 12.4% to 12.6%
• Service body and parts sales increasing 44%
• Service body and parts gross margin of 48.8% to 49.2%
• Finance and insurance gross profit of $1,190 per unit
• Tax rate of 39.0%
• Average diluted shares outstanding of 26.5 million

Same Store Projections

• Total revenues of $5.7 to $5.9 billion
• New vehicle same store sales increasing 9%
• Used vehicle same store sales increasing 12.5%
• Service body and parts same store sales increasing 10%
• Finance and insurance gross profit of $1,230 per unit

2016 Earnings Guidance
We project 2016 first quarter earnings of $1.46 to $1.50 per diluted share and 2016 full year earnings of $7.15 to $7.35 per diluted share. Both projections are based on the following annual assumptions:

• Total revenues of $8.3 to $8.4 billion
• New vehicle sales increasing 5.5%
• New vehicle gross margin of 5.9% to 6.1%
• Used vehicle sales increasing 6%
• Used vehicle gross margin of 12.4% to 12.6%
• Service body and parts sales increasing 5%
• Service body and parts gross margin of 49.0%to 49.4%
• Finance and insurance gross profit of $1,210 per unit
• Tax rate of 40.0%
• Average diluted shares outstanding of 26.6 million

These projections exclude the impact of future acquisitions, dispositions and non-core items. Actual results may be affected by items described under Forward-Looking Statements below.

Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Updated Presentation
The third quarter conference call may be accessed at 11:00 a.m. ET today by telephone at 877-407-8029. An updated presentation highlighting the third quarter results has been added to www.lithiainvestorrelations.com.

To listen live on our website or for replay, visit www.lithiainvestorrelations.com and click on webcasts.

About Lithia
Lithia Motors, Inc. is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States. Lithia sells 31 brands of new vehicles and all brands of used vehicles at 135 stores in 14 states. Lithia also arranges finance, warranty, and credit insurance contracts; and provides vehicle parts, maintenance, and repair services at all of its locations.

Sites
www.lithia.com
www.lithiainvestorrelations.com
www.lithiacareers.com

Lithia Motors on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/LithiaMotors

Lithia Motors on Twitter
http://twitter.com/lithiamotors

Bald, bald, bald,

Oct 09, 2015Lithia Schedules Release of Third Quarter 2015 Results

MEDFORD, OR--(Marketwired - Oct 9, 2015) - Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE: LAD) announced its third quarter 2015 earnings will be released before the market opens on Wednesday, October 21, 2015. A conference call to discuss the earnings results is scheduled for the same day at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

How to Participate
The conference call may be accessed by telephone at (877) 407-8029. To listen live on our website or for replay, visit www.lithiainvestorrelations.com and click on webcasts.

About Lithia
Lithia Motors, Inc. is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States. Lithia sells 31 brands of new vehicles and all brands of used vehicles at 131 stores in 14 states. Lithia also arranges finance, warranty, and credit insurance contracts; and provides vehicle parts, maintenance, and repair services at all of its locations.

Sites
www.lithia.com
www.lithiacareers.com

Lithia Motors on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/LithiaMotors

Lithia Motors on Twitter
http://twitter.com/lithiamotors

Genau. Hier können Zahlen-Fans noch detaillierter reinschauen:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1023128/000143774915014428/0001437749-15-014428-index.htm

Sowas ist einfach nur schön!

22-07-2015 13:29  Press Release: Lithia Reports Adjusted EPS of $1.86 for Second Quarter of 2015; Revenues Increase 63%
 

Lithia Reports Adjusted EPS of $1.86 for Second Quarter of 2015; Revenues Increase 63%

Declares $0.20 per Share Dividend for Second Quarter

MEDFORD, OR--(Marketwired - Jul 22, 2015) - Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE: LAD) reported adjusted net income of $49.4 million for the second quarter of 2015, the highest quarterly net income in company history and a 40% increase over the prior year period.

2015 second quarter adjusted net income was $1.86 per diluted share. This compares to 2014 second quarter adjusted net income from continuing operations of $35.2 million, or $1.34 per diluted share.

Unadjusted net income from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2015 was $51.2 million, or $1.93 per diluted share, compared to $35.2 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2014. As shown in the attached non-GAAP reconciliation tables, the 2015 second quarter adjusted results exclude a $0.07 net benefit from non-core items related to a gain on the sale of a store, asset impairment charges related to real estate and a net benefit on an equity investment. The 2014 second quarter adjusted results from continuing operations exclude non-core charges related to acquisition expenses for the pending DCH combination offset by a non-core benefit resulting from a tax attribute, resulting in no change to earnings per share.

Second quarter 2015 revenue from continuing operations increased $775 million, or 63%, to $2.0 billion from $1.2 billion for the second quarter of 2014.

Second Quarter-over-Quarter Operating Highlights:

   -- Total same store sales increased 11% 
 
   -- New vehicle same store sales increased 8% 
 
   -- Used vehicle retail same store sales increased 16% 
 
   -- Service, body and parts same store sales increased 10% 
 
   -- Same store F&I per unit increased $78 to $1,280 
 
   -- Adjusted SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit was 66.6% 

"Our second quarter earnings were the highest quarterly earnings in company history," said Bryan DeBoer, President and CEO. "Total same store sales grew double digits, led by a 16% increase in used vehicle sales. Total revenues increased 63% and adjusted earnings per share increased 39% over the prior year period. Our store leaders remain focused on continuing to capture more new vehicle market share, increasing used vehicle unit volume and growing service revenue while providing an exceptional customer experience. Within both DCH and Lithia, many opportunities remain to improve store performance and to find accretive acquisitions."

For the first six months of 2015, revenue from continuing operations increased 65% to $3.8 billion from $2.3 billion in 2014.

For the first six months of 2015, adjusted net income per diluted share increased 38% to $3.26 from $2.36 for the first six months of 2014. Unadjusted net income from continuing operations was $3.47 per diluted share for the first six months of 2015, compared to $2.27 per diluted share for the first six months of 2014.

Chris Holzshu, SVP and CFO, said, "Adjusted SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 66.6% in the second quarter of 2015, bringing the first half of the year down to 68.8%. DCH has been able to reduce selling costs more quickly than we anticipated. As we continue to integrate operations, we are targeting consolidated SG&A as a percentage of gross profit in the mid-60s on a full year basis. Additionally, same store F&I per unit was $1,280 per unit, an increase of $78 over the prior year and the best result in company history. We still believe opportunity remains to improve this number given continued focus by our store personnel."

Balance Sheet Update

We ended the second quarter with $23 million in cash and $168 million in available credit on our credit facilities. Additionally, approximately $156 million of our operating real estate is currently unfinanced, which could provide an estimated additional $117 million in available liquidity, for total potential liquidity of $308 million.

Dividend Payment

Our Board of Directors has approved a dividend of $0.20 per share related to second quarter 2015 financial results. We will pay the dividend August 21, 2015 to shareholders of record on August 7, 2015.

2015 Outlook

We project 2015 third quarter earnings of $1.83 to $1.87 per diluted share and 2015 full year earnings of $6.63 to $6.72 per diluted share. Both projections are based on the following annual assumptions:

Continuing Operations Projections

   -- Total revenues of $7.6 to $7.8 billion 
 
   -- New vehicle sales increasing 45.0% 
 
   -- New vehicle gross margin of 5.9% to 6.1% 
 
   -- Used vehicle sales increasing 40.0% 
 
   -- Used vehicle gross margin of 12.6% to 12.8% 
 
   -- Service body and parts sales increasing 42.0% 
 
   -- Service body and parts gross margin of 48.8% to 49.2% 
 
   -- Finance and insurance gross profit of $1,200 per unit 
 
   -- Tax rate of 40.0% 
 
   -- Average diluted shares outstanding of 26.5 million 

Same Store Projections

   -- Total revenues of $5.7 to $5.9 billion 
 
   -- New vehicle same store sales increasing 7.0% 
 
   -- Used vehicle same store sales increasing 12.0% 
 
   -- Service body and parts same store sales increasing 8.5% 
 
   -- Finance and insurance gross profit of $1,250 per unit 

These projections exclude the impact of future acquisitions, dispositions and non-core items. Actual results may be affected by items described under Forward-Looking Statements below.

Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Updated Presentation

The second quarter conference call may be accessed at 10:00 a.m. ET today by telephone at 877-407-8029. An updated presentation highlighting the second quarter results has been added to www.lithiainvestorrelations.com.

To listen live on our website or for replay, visit www.lithiainvestorrelations.com and click on webcasts.

About Lithia

Lithia Motors, Inc. is one of the largest automotive retailer in the United States. Lithia sells 31 brands of new vehicles and all brands of used vehicles at 129 stores in 14 states. Lithia also arranges finance, warranty, and credit insurance contracts; and provides vehicle parts, maintenance, and repair services at all of its locations.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

July 22, 2015 07:29 ET (11:29 GMT)

LAD bei 100.-

Es ist mir stets wieder eine Freude von unserem einstigen Baby zu hören. Aus dem Baby ist inzwischen ein strammer Kerl geworden, der zudem recht erfolgreich wirtschaftet:

14-04-2015 02:17  Merger and Acquisition Activity Picks Up in Auto Retailing 
 

 By Christina Rogers

In 2007, as the U.S. auto industry was about the hit the skids, Georgia dealers Brian Logun and Frank Jackson made a gamble on an Atlanta Ford dealership that would pay off big.

Mr. Logun said the duo essentially snapped up the dealer by investing operating capital in it. In December, Messrs. Logun and Jackson sold the dealership then generating $110 million in annual sales for about $40 million to Asbury Automotive Group, a publicly traded Georgia-based chain with 83 stores.

Their sale is one of many by small independent dealers looking to cash out amid the recent boom in U.S. auto sales. Last year, 324 stores changed hands in the U.S., up 60% compared with 2013, said Cliff Banks, founder of dealership news provider The Banks Report.

Mr. Banks estimates more than 130 stores changed hands in the first quarter of 2015, most of which were part of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s March purchase of the 81-store Van Tuyl Group.

With interest rates low, dealer profits at record highs and the pool of deep-pocketed buyers widening, the flow of deals is expected to continue this year and further consolidate the highly fragmented car retailing business.

The current seller-friendly environment contrasts with the situation just a few years ago, when many dealers faced a tightening credit market and an economic crisis that weighed on consumer confidence, bringing acquisition activity to a grinding halt. As part of its 2009 bankruptcy, General Motors paid $587 million to shutter 1,303 dealerships, or $451,000 a store.

As the industry roared back, dealer margins quickly rebounded and consolidation marched on. Since 2009, the number of retail outlets in the U.S. has fallen 13% to 17,875.

"When the market turned back on, it really turned on for the surviving dealers," said Erin Kerrigan, founder of Kerrigan Advisors, an advisory firm for dealers. "Auto retailers have had an incredible resurgence in success and that is the biggest contributor to the buy-sell party we see today."

The last wave of consolidation among car retailers was in the 1990s when many of the publicly traded dealership groups formed. Even with the rise in dealership mergers and acquisitions, the industry remains highly fragmented with the public groups controlling only about 8% of total revenue.

Car makers have also been known to hold up deals. As part of their dealer contracts, they have the right to refuse a sale and instead offer the franchise to their own buyer, experts said.

Automotive News, an industry trade paper, estimates the combination of dealer property values and so-called blue-sky multiples has increased 82% since 2006--the last time industry sales were as high as they are now. Blue-sky multiples include goodwill and other intangible assets, such as customer lists.

Dealership values also have nearly doubled in the last decade, climbing to $36 million a store last year, according to Kerrigan Advisors.

"It's an easy business right now," said Mr. Logun, 51 years old, who no longer owns any stores. "But as good as it is now; it's going to be just as bad in three or four years. the thought of being able to walk away with enough money to live the rest of my life was very appealing."

The rich prices also appeal to owners who have had their businesses for decades.

John Schenden last spring decided it was time to sell his Denver-area Fiat Chrysler store after 21 years in car-retailing business. "I'd just turned 71 and I realized I didn't have the stamina I had 10 years earlier."

He immediately attracted four potential buyers, and sold the store for an undisclosed sum to Larry H. Miller Dealerships, which has 55 stores in seven states and is in the top 10 in the U.S. by number of stores.

Many independent retailers are looking to sell to larger chains because the business is changing, requiring them to revamp their stores and invest in technology to aid Internet sales. The shift is spurring a new and accelerated wave of consolidation in an industry long ruled by a patchwork of family-run businesses, many with deep ties to their communities.

"There are dealers who have been doing business one way for a long time, " said Steve Starks, vice president for mergers and acquisitions at Larry H. Miller. "They're looking at how people buy cars today, and rather than making wholesale changes, they decide to move on." His company has been averaging about three to seven acquisitions a year, a pace it hopes to continue.

Among last year's bigger acquisitions was Lithia Motors Inc.'s $600 million purchase of the DCH Auto Group, one of the largest in recent history. The publicly traded Lithia now owns 129 stores nationwide with plans to further expand.

The car-retailing business is drawing interest from outside investors, too. Billionaire Warren Buffett last year agreed to buy the Van Tuyl Group, the nation's largest privately-owned dealership chain. His Berkshire Hathaway Automotive is pursuing more deals, and bought a Honda store in March from the store-founder's grandchildren.

Investor George Soros also has representatives chasing potential deals, looking to either buy a large dealership group or take a minority position in one, people familiar with the situation have said.

"If [buyers] can meet the [car maker's] requirements, they provide an exit strategy to some of these large groups looking to sell," said Alan Haig, president of Haig Partners, another dealership advisory firm that worked on Mr. Logun's sale of the Atlanta dealership.

Mr. Haig doesn't expect acquisition activity to slow soon. "This year is going to be every bit as good as last year in terms of the value and volume done," he said.

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 13, 2015 20:17 ET (00:17 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2015 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

LAD / Earnings Q-3

Man kann sich irren? Besser als erwartet, Erwartungen getroffen, offenbar läuft das Autogeschäft auch hier problemlos:

30-10-2014 12:28  Press Release: Lithia Motors Reports Adjusted EPS of $1.32 for the Third Quarter of 2014, an Increase of 17% Over the Prior Year 
 

Lithia Motors Reports Adjusted EPS of $1.32 for the Third Quarter of 2014, an Increase of 17% Over the Prior Year

Lithia Motors Declares $0.16 per Share Dividend for Third Quarter

MEDFORD, OR--(Marketwired - Oct 30, 2014) - Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE: LAD) reported the highest third quarter adjusted net income in Company history and an increase in adjusted net income from continuing operations of 18% for the third quarter 2014 over the prior year period.

2014 third quarter adjusted net income from continuing operations was $34.9 million, or $1.32 per diluted share. This compares to 2013 third quarter adjusted net income from continuing operations of $29.6 million, or $1.13 per diluted share.

Unadjusted net income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2014 was $34.5 million, or $1.31 per diluted share, compared to $30.9 million or $1.18 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2013. As shown in the attached non-GAAP reconciliation tables, the 2014 third quarter adjusted results from continuing operations exclude a $0.01 per share expense related to non-core acquisition expenses for the purchase of DCH Auto Group offset by a non-core benefit resulting from a tax attribute. The 2013 third quarter adjusted results from continuing operations exclude a $0.05 per share benefit related to non-core tax attribute.

Third quarter 2014 revenue from continuing operations increased $228 million, or 21%, to $1.3 billion from $1.1 billion for the third quarter of 2013.

Third Quarter-over-Quarter Operating Highlights:

   -- Total same store sales increased 12% 
 
   -- New vehicle same store sales increased 11% 
 
   -- Used vehicle retail same store sales increased 13% 
 
   -- Service, body and parts same store sales increased 13% 
 
   -- Same store F&I per unit increased $97 to $1,202 
 
   -- Adjusted SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit was 66.1% 

"As we previously announced, we had solid results in new vehicle sales, service and parts and F&I per unit in the quarter," said Bryan DeBoer, President and CEO. "Used vehicle revenue showed strong growth but margin compression was a headwind in the quarter. The outlook remains bright for automotive retailing, with exciting product from our manufacturer partners, ample credit availability and opportunities for us to increase earnings through improving store operations and finding synergies with the DCH Auto group. "

For the first nine months of 2014, adjusted net income per diluted share from continuing operations increased 22% to $3.69 from $3.02 for the first nine months of 2013. Unadjusted net income from continuing operations was $3.58 per diluted share for the first nine months of 2014, compared to $2.98 per diluted share for the first nine months of 2013.

Chris Holzshu, SVP and CFO, said, "For the second quarter in a row, our same store F&I per unit was above $1,200, and was $97 per unit above the third quarter of last year. Our adjusted SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 66.1% for the third quarter of 2014, slightly higher than last year's result and among the best in the industry. Our incremental throughput, or the percentage of incremental gross profit remaining after deducting incremental SG&A expense, was 38% on a same store basis in the third quarter of 2014, and was impacted by the lower gross profit dollars generated in our used vehicle business. We seek to improve operational leverage through targeting incremental throughput of 50%."

Corporate Development

On October 1, 2014, we completed the purchase of DCH Auto Group (USA) Inc., one of the 10 largest dealer groups in the country. The DCH stores are estimated to generate approximately $2.3 billion in annualized revenue. The transaction was funded by approximately $364 million in cash, the issuance of 268,770 shares of Lithia Class A common stock, incurring $230 million of vehicle floorplan debt financing, and the assumption of non-floor plan debt of $53 million.

Additionally, in October 2014, we acquired Harris Nissan in Clovis, California with $25 million in estimated total annual revenues.

Bryan DeBoer, President and CEO, stated, "We continue to see robust acquisition activity in the marketplace, and are pleased to add Lithia Nissan of Clovis in our exclusive market strategy. Additionally, the integration of DCH will provide geographic and franchise diversification, shifting 20% of our revenues to the east coast and over 50% of our vehicle sales volume to import brands, while more than doubling our potential acquisition targets as we pursue a metro market strategy."

Balance Sheet Update

We ended the third quarter with $22 million in cash and $167 million in available credit on our credit facilities. Additionally, approximately $133 million of our operating real estate is currently unfinanced, which could provide an estimated additional $100 million in available liquidity, for total potential liquidity of $289 million.

On October 1, 2014, we amended our credit facility to increase the total financing commitment to $1.7 billion.

Dividend Payment and Share Repurchase

We announced that our Board of Directors has approved a dividend of $0.16 per share related to third quarter 2014 financial results. We will pay the dividend December 5, 2014 to shareholders of record on November 21, 2014.

Since the second quarter, we have repurchased approximately 161,000 shares at a weighted average price of $69 per share. Under our existing share repurchase authorization, approximately 1.5 million shares remain available for repurchase.

Outlook for 2014

We project 2014 fourth quarter earnings guidance within a range of $1.17 to $1.19 per diluted share, including earnings related to the DCH Auto Group. Full-year 2014 earnings are projected to be $4.86 to $4.88 per diluted share. Both projections are based on the following full year assumptions. Additionally, the fourth quarter projection excludes $0.04 to $0.06 per share and the full year projection excludes $0.06 to $0.08 per share in acquisition expenses and is based on the following assumptions:

Continuing Operations Projections

   -- Total revenues of $5.2 to $5.4 billion 
 
   -- New vehicle sales increasing 35.0% 
 
   -- New vehicle gross margin of 6.2% to 6.4% 
 
   -- Used vehicle sales increasing 31.5% 
 
   -- Used vehicle gross margin of 13.0% to 13.3% 
 
   -- Service body and parts sales increasing 33.5% 
 
   -- Service body and parts gross margin of 48.3% to 48.5% 
 
   -- Finance and insurance gross profit of $1,170 per unit 
 
   -- Tax rate of 40% 
 
   -- Average diluted shares outstanding of 26.4 million 
 
   -- Full year capital expenditures of $90 million 

Same Store Projections

   -- Total revenues of $4.2 to $4.4 billion 
 
   -- New vehicle same store sales increasing 9.5% 
 
   -- Used vehicle same store sales increasing 12.0% 
 
   -- Service body and parts same store sales increasing 10.5% 
 
   -- Finance and insurance gross profit of $1,200 per unit 

2015 Earnings Guidance

We project 2015 first quarter earnings $1.18 to $1.21 per diluted share and 2015 full year earnings of $5.60 to $5.80 per diluted share, with Lithia operations contributing $4.95 to $5.05 per diluted share and DCH operations contributing $0.65 to $0.75 per diluted share. Both projections are based on the following annual assumptions:

Continuing Operations Projections

   -- Total revenues of $7.4 to $7.6 billion 
 
   -- New vehicle sales increasing 45.0% 
 
   -- New vehicle gross margin of 5.9% to 6.1% 
 
   -- Used vehicle sales increasing 38.0% 
 
   -- Used vehicle gross margin of 12.3% to 12.5% 
 
   -- Service body and parts sales increasing 41.0% 
 
   -- Service body and parts gross margin of 48.0% to 48.1% 
 
   -- Finance and insurance gross profit of $1,125 per unit 
 
   -- Tax rate of 40% 
 
   -- Average diluted shares outstanding of 26.7 million 
 
   -- Full year capital expenditures are $80 million 

Same Store Projections

   -- Total revenues of $5.4 to $5.6 billion 
 
   -- New vehicle same store sales increasing 6.5% 
 
   -- Used vehicle same store sales increasing 10.5% 
 
   -- Service body and parts same store sales increasing 8.0% 
 
   -- Finance and insurance gross profit of $1,200 per unit 

These projections exclude the impact of future acquisitions, dispositions and non-core items. Actual results may be affected by items described under Forward-Looking Statements below.

Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Updated Presentation

The third quarter conference call may be accessed at 10:00 a.m. ET today by telephone at 877-407-8029. An updated presentation highlighting the third quarter results has been added to www.lithiainvestorrelations.com.

To listen live on our website or for replay, visit www.lithiainvestorrelations.com and click on webcasts.

Ich bin seit gestern weg hier. Vorsicht, Gewinnwarnung.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/2559915-lithia-motors-big-warning-no-immediate-appeal-despite-20-percent-sell-off

Heute war wieder mal der Einstieg zu einem Trade fällig, war grad noch schön zu greifen, fast schon etwas spät.

Aber die Zahlen sind hier ja jeweils absolute Spitze:

http://www.mysmartrend.com/news-briefs/candlestick/lithia-motors-bullish...

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/auto-dealers-rally-on-buffett-move-led-...

LAD - Eine Story für Feinschmecker - brachte heute das Ergebnis Q2/2014:

23-07-2014 13:28 Press Release: Lithia Motors Reports Adjusted EPS of $1.34 for the Second Quarter of 2014, an Increase of 28% Over the Prior Year

LITHIA MOTORS CL A ORD 94.39
3.96 (4.38

Lithia Motors Reports Adjusted EPS of $1.34 for the Second Quarter of 2014, an Increase of 28% Over the Prior Year

Lithia Motors Declares $0.16 Per Share Dividend for Second Quarter
MEDFORD, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 23, 2014--
Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE: LAD) reported the highest quarterly adjusted net income in Company history and an increase in adjusted net income from continuing operations of 29% for the second quarter 2014 over the prior year period.

2014 second quarter adjusted net income from continuing operations was $35.2 million, or $1.34 per diluted share. This compares to 2013 second quarter adjusted net income from continuing operations of $27.4 million, or $1.05 per diluted share.

Unadjusted net income from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2014 was $35.2 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, compared to $25.3 million or $0.97 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2013. As shown in the attached non-GAAP reconciliation tables, the 2014 second quarter adjusted results from continuing operations exclude non-core charges related to acquisition expenses for the pending DCH combination offset by non-core gains resulting from a tax attribute, resulting in no change to earnings per share. The 2013 second quarter adjusted results from continuing operations exclude a $0.09 per share expense related to non-core legal reserve related to a case filed in 2006, partially offset by a $0.01 per share benefit from a tax attribute.

Second quarter 2014 revenue from continuing operations increased $213 million, or 21%, to $1.2 billion from $1.0 billion for the second quarter of 2013.

Second Quarter-over-Quarter Operating Highlights:
-- Total same store sales increased 11%

-- New vehicle same store sales increased 12%

-- Used vehicle retail same store sales increased 11%

-- Service, body and parts same store sales increased 10%

-- Same store F&I per unit increased $104 to $1,206

-- Adjusted SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit decreased 80 basis
points to 65.2%
"For the first time in our history, same store sales experienced double digit increases in all four business lines," said Bryan DeBoer, President and CEO. "Notably, we saw a record quarterly increase in service, body and parts sales, at 10%, driven by a 10% improvement in customer pay work and a 15% increase in warranty activity. The monthly SAAR accelerated throughout the second quarter, reaching a level of 16.9 million in June, the highest level since July 2006."

For the first six months of 2014, adjusted net income per diluted share from continuing operations increased 25% to $2.36 from $1.89 for the first six months of 2013. Unadjusted net income from continuing operations was $2.27 per diluted share for the first six months of 2014, compared to $1.81 per diluted share for the first six months of 2013.

Chris Holzshu, SVP and CFO, said, "Our same store F&I per unit was $1,206, an increase of $104 per unit over the second quarter of 2013. Our adjusted SG&A as a percentage of gross profit improved by 80 basis points to a record result of 65.2% for the second quarter of 2014. Our incremental throughput, or the percentage of incremental gross profit remaining after deducting incremental SG&A expense, was 51% on a same store basis in the second quarter of 2014. We continue to target incremental throughput of 50% on a same store basis."

Corporate Development

In April 2014, we acquired Access Ford Lincoln in Corpus Christi, Texas and opened Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Wasilla in Wasilla, Alaska with $105 million in estimated total annual revenues. In June 2014, we acquired Vic Alfonso Cadillac and Braley & Graham Buick GMC in Portland, Oregon with $60 million in estimated total annual revenues.

In June 2014, we also entered into a definitive agreement with DCH Auto Group Limited to acquire 100 percent of the outstanding shares of DCH Auto Group Inc., one of the 10 largest dealer groups in the country. The DCH stores are estimated to generate approximately $2.3 billion in annualized revenue. The transaction is expected to be funded through the expansion of Lithia's existing credit facility by $600 million, mortgage financing of $200 million, and available cash flows from operations. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and expected to close in the fourth quarter.

Bryan DeBoer, President and CEO, stated, "The acquisition market remains robust. We purchased another three stores in the second quarter of 2014, bringing the total number of stores purchased or opened this year to eight. Last month we announced an agreement to combine the DCH Auto Group and Lithia, which will add their 27 locations and approximately $2.3 billion in annual revenue to our organization. The transaction with DCH remains on track to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2014. Additionally we continue to seek stores reflecting Lithia's exclusive market strategy and believe the potential remains for more acquisitions in 2014."

Balance Sheet Update

We ended the second quarter with $28 million in cash and $84 million in available credit on our credit facilities. Additionally, approximately $216 million of our operating real estate is currently unfinanced, which could provide an estimated additional $162 million in available liquidity, for total potential liquidity of $274 million.

Dividend Payment and Share Repurchase

Lithia announced that the Board of Directors has approved a dividend of $0.16 per share related to second quarter 2014 financial results. Lithia will pay the dividend August 22, 2014 to shareholders of record on August 8, 2014.

Lithia repurchased 30,000 shares in the second quarter of 2014 at a weighted average price of $75.36 per share.

Outlook for Third Quarter 2014

We project 2014 third quarter earnings of $1.36 to $1.38 per diluted share. These projections are based on the following assumptions around third quarter 2014 performance:
-- Total revenues of $1.2 to $1.3 billion

-- New vehicle same store sales increasing 13.0%

-- New vehicle gross margin of 6.4% to 6.6%

-- Used vehicle same store sales increasing 7.5%

-- Used vehicle gross margin of 14.0% to 14.2%

-- Service body and parts same store sales increasing 8.0%

-- Service body and parts gross margin of 48.8% to 49.0%

-- Finance and insurance gross profit of $1,200 per unit

-- Tax rate of 39.5%

-- Average diluted shares outstanding of 26.4 million
Outlook for Fourth Quarter 2014

We project 2014 fourth quarter earnings for the combined Lithia / DCH organization of $1.23 to $1.26 per diluted share and full-year 2014 earnings of $4.95 to $5.00 per diluted share. These projections include $1.10 to 1.12 per share in earnings related to Lithia and $0.13 to $0.14 per share in earnings related to the DCH organization assuming an October 1 closing date. Additionally, these projections exclude $0.04 to $0.06 per share in acquisition expenses and are based on the following assumptions around fourth quarter 2014 performance:

Combined Results
-- Total revenues of $1.6 to $1.7 billion

-- New vehicle sales increasing 65.0%

-- New vehicle gross margin of 6.4% to 6.6%

-- Used vehicle sales increasing 54.0%

-- Used vehicle gross margin of 13.1% to 13.3%

-- Service body and parts sales increasing 59.0%

-- Service body and parts gross margin of 47.1% to 47.3%

-- Finance and insurance gross profit of $1,145 per unit

-- Tax rate of 40.0%

-- Average diluted shares outstanding of 26.6 million

-- Full year capital expenditures of $110 million
Same Store
-- Total revenues of $1.1 to $1.2 billion

-- New vehicle same store sales increasing 11.0%

-- Used vehicle same store sales increasing 6.0%

-- Service body and parts same store sales increasing 8.0%

-- Finance and insurance gross profit of $1,200 per unit
These projections exclude the impact of future acquisitions, dispositions and non-core items. Actual results may be affected by items described under Forward-Looking Statements below.

Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Updated Presentation

The second quarter conference call may be accessed at 10:00 a.m. ET today by telephone at 877-407-8029. An updated presentation highlighting the second quarter results has been added to www.lithiainvestorrelations.com.

To listen live on our website or for replay, visit www.lithiainvestorrelations.com and click on webcasts.

About Lithia

Lithia Motors, Inc. is the eighth largest automotive retailer in the United States. Lithia sells 29 brands of new vehicles and all brands of used vehicles at 101 stores in 12 states. Lithia also arranges finance, warranty, and credit insurance contracts; and provides vehicle parts, maintenance, and repair services at all of its locations.

Sites
www.lithia.com
www.lithiainvestorrelations.com
www.lithiacareers.com
www.assuredservice.com

Lithia Motors on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/LithiaMotors

Lithia Motors on Twitter
http://twitter.com/lithiamotors

Forward-Looking Statements

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July 23, 2014 07:28 ET (11:28 GMT)

Sauberes Jahres-Ergebnis und ebensolche Aussichten. Gut gemacht!

Das freut.

Da sieht man morgen noch Zahlen von LAD, vorbörslich. Sollte gut kommen.

http://www.lithiainvestorrelations.com/webcasts