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Asbury Automotive Group Reports First Quarter Income from Continuing Operations of $0.07 per Diluted Share

Posted on: Wednesday, 29 April 2009, 05:30 CDT

DULUTH, Ga., April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: ABG), one of the largest automotive retail and service companies in the U.S., today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009.

Income from continuing operations for the first quarter was $2.2 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, compared to $10.4 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, in the corresponding period last year. Results for both periods included non-core items, as disclosed in the attached tables, which had no material impact on the current quarter's results, and reduced income from continuing operations for last year's first quarter by $0.01 per diluted share. Net income for the quarter totaled $0.3 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared with $10.1 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, a year ago.

"In light of the extraordinary conditions in the automotive retail market, we are very pleased and encouraged with our first quarter results," said Charles R. Oglesby, Asbury's President and CEO. "Delivering income from continuing operations of $0.07 per diluted share, compared with our operating loss in the fourth quarter of 2008, is a tremendous accomplishment in view of the further sequential decline in U.S. new vehicle sales. Over the past twelve months, we have made the difficult but necessary decisions to streamline our organization. We are realizing the cost saving benefits from our corporate relocation and have announced the elimination of our regional management structure, as well as accelerated our efforts to improve the productivity and profitability in our dealerships. Combined, these initiatives have enabled us to reduce same-store operating expenses by $34 million compared to the first quarter of 2008, which represents further progress in reducing our cost structure relative to the fourth quarter of last year."

Mr. Oglesby added, "As we complete our restructuring program this year, we will be centralizing many of the management functions that had previously been handled by our regional organizations. It's important to note that this is not merely a temporary response to the current sales environment -- we are rebuilding Asbury, creating the optimal structure for the future of our organization. This will help us not only to weather the current storm, but also to be much more efficient and profitable when vehicle sales eventually rebound."

Craig T. Monaghan, Asbury's Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, said, "We are currently in compliance with all of our covenants, and our liquidity position is strong. As of March 31st, we had $36 million in cash on hand and $163 million in available borrowing capacity under our credit facilities. With no major debt maturities until 2012, the Company has the financial flexibility to adapt and respond as necessary to the current market headwinds."

Asbury will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter results this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The call will be simulcast live on the Internet and can be accessed by logging onto http://www.asburyauto.com or http://www.ccbn.com. In addition, a live audio of the call will be accessible to the public by calling (877) 795-3646 (domestic), or (719) 325-4839 (international); passcode - 9438944. Callers should dial in approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the call begins.

About Asbury Automotive Group

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. ("Asbury"), headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, is one of the largest automobile retailers in the U.S. Built through a combination of organic growth and a series of strategic acquisitions, Asbury currently operates 86 retail auto stores, encompassing 113 franchises for the sale and servicing of 37 different brands of American, European and Asian automobiles. Asbury offers customers an extensive range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicle sales and related financing and insurance, vehicle maintenance and repair services, replacement parts and service contracts.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements include statements relating to goals, plans, market conditions and projections regarding the Company's financial position, liquidity, ability to continue as a going concern, results of operations, market position, the benefits of its restructuring program and store-level productivity initiatives, ability to structure the business to be profitable in the current challenging economic environment, ability to maintain compliance with the covenants in its debt and lease agreements and future business strategy. These statements are based on management's current expectations and involve significant 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, market factors, the Company's relationships with, and financial stability of, vehicle manufacturers and other suppliers, risks associated with the Company's indebtedness, the Company's relationship with its lenders, risks related to competition in the automotive retail and service industries, general economic conditions both nationally and locally, governmental regulations, legislation and the Company's ability to execute its restructuring programs and other operational strategies. There can be no guarantees that the Company's plans for future operations will be successfully implemented or that they will prove to be commercially successful. These and other risk factors are discussed in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In millions, except per share data) (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 2008 REVENUES: New vehicle $443.1 $697.2 Used vehicle 210.7 299.7 Parts and service 163.6 169.4 Finance and insurance, net 20.9 36.3 Total revenues 838.3 1,202.6 COST OF SALES: New vehicle 415.8 650.7 Used vehicle 190.8 273.2 Parts and service 83.6 83.9 Total cost of sales 690.2 1,007.8 GROSS PROFIT 148.1 194.8 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling, general and administrative 123.7 156.1 Depreciation and amortization 6.1 5.1 Other operating income (expense), net (0.4) (0.3) Income from operations 18.7 33.9 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Floor plan interest expense (5.0) (8.4) Other interest expense (9.8) (8.9) Convertible debt discount amortization (0.5) (0.8) Interest income - 1.0 Total other expense, net (15.3) (17.1) Income before income taxes 3.4 16.8 INCOME TAX EXPENSE 1.2 6.4 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 2.2 10.4 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax (1.9) (0.3) NET INCOME $0.3 $10.1 EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE: BASIC - Continuing operations $0.07 $0.33 Discontinued operations (0.06) (0.01) Net income $0.01 $0.32 DILUTED - Continuing operations $0.07 $0.32 Discontinued operations (0.06) (0.01) Net income $0.01 $0.31 WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING: Basic 32.0 31.6 Diluted 32.3 32.3 ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. SELECTED DATA (Dollars in millions, except per vehicle data) (Unaudited) As Reported for the Three Months Ended March 31, Increase 2009 2008 (Decrease) % Change REVENUE: New light vehicles $406.6 $660.6 $(254.0) (38%) New heavy trucks 36.5 36.6 (0.1) -% Total new vehicle 443.1 697.2 (254.1) (36%) Used retail 173.2 229.7 (56.5) (25%) Used wholesale 37.5 70.0 (32.5) (46%) Total used vehicle 210.7 299.7 (89.0) (30%) Parts and service 163.6 169.4 (5.8) (3%) Finance and insurance, net 20.9 36.3 (15.4) (42%) Total revenue $838.3 $1,202.6 $(364.3) (30%) GROSS PROFIT New light vehicles $25.7 $44.8 $(19.1) (43%) New heavy trucks 1.6 1.7 (0.1) (6%) Total new 27.3 46.5 (19.2) (41%) Used retail 19.6 26.8 (7.2) (27%) Used wholesale 0.3 (0.3) 0.6 (200%) Total used vehicle 19.9 26.5 (6.6) (25%) Parts and service 80.0 85.5 (5.5) (6%) Finance and insurance, net 20.9 36.3 (15.4) (42%) Total gross profit $148.1 $194.8 $(46.7) (24%) VEHICLES SOLD: New light retail vehicles 13,174 20,946 (7,772) (37%) New fleet vehicles 459 1,330 (871) (65%) Total light vehicles 13,633 22,276 (8,643) (39%) New heavy trucks 584 607 (23) (4%) Total new vehicle 14,217 22,883 (8,666) (38%) Used retail units 9,722 12,647 (2,925) (23%) REVENUE PER VEHICLE SOLD: New light vehicles $29,825 $29,655 $170 1% New heavy trucks 62,500 60,297 2,203 4% Used retail 17,815 18,162 (347) (2%) GROSS PROFIT PER VEHICLE SOLD: New light vehicles $1,885 $2,011 $(126) (6%) New heavy trucks 2,740 2,801 (61) (2%) Used retail 2,016 2,119 (103) (5%) Finance and insurance, net 873 1,022 (149) (15%) GROSS PROFIT MARGIN: New light vehicles 6.3% 6.8% (0.5%) (7%) New heavy trucks 4.4% 4.6% (0.2%) (4%) Used retail 11.3% 11.7% (0.4%) (3%) Parts and service 48.9% 50.5% (1.6%) (3%) Total 17.7% 16.2% 1.5% 9% REVENUE MIX PERCENTAGES: New light vehicles 48.5% 54.9% New heavy trucks 4.4% 3.0% Used retail 20.6% 19.2% Used wholesale 4.5% 5.8% Parts and service 19.5% 14.1% Finance and insurance, net 2.5% 3.0% Total revenue 100.0% 100.0% Gross profit mix percentages: New light vehicles 17.4% 23.0% New heavy trucks 1.1% 0.9% Used retail 13.2% 13.8% Used wholesale 0.2% (0.2%) Parts and service 54.0% 43.9% Finance and insurance, net 14.1% 18.6% Total gross profit 100.0% 100.0% SG&A EXPENSES AS A PERCENTAGE OF ADJUSTED GROSS PROFIT 83.5% 80.1% 3.4 4% Same Store for the Three Months Ended March 31, Increase 2009 2008 (Decrease) % Change REVENUE: New light vehicles $400.7 $660.6 $(259.9) (39%) New heavy trucks 36.5 36.6 (0.1) -% Total new vehicle 437.2 697.2 (260.0) (37%) Used retail 171.3 229.7 (58.4) (25%) Used wholesale 36.8 70.0 (33.2) (47%) Total used vehicle 208.1 299.7 (91.6) (31%) Parts and service 161.4 169.4 (8.0) (5%) Finance and insurance, net 20.6 36.3 (15.7) (43%) Total revenue $827.3 $1,202.6 $(375.3) (31%) GROSS PROFIT New light vehicles $25.2 $44.8 $(19.6) (44%) New heavy trucks 1.6 1.7 (0.1) (6%) Total new 26.8 46.5 (19.7) (42%) Used retail 19.4 26.8 (7.4) (28%) Used wholesale 0.3 (0.3) 0.6 (200%) Total used vehicle 19.7 26.5 (6.8) (26%) Parts and service 79.1 85.5 (6.4) (7%) Finance and insurance, net 20.6 36.3 (15.7) (43%) Total gross profit $146.2 $194.8 $(48.6) (25%) VEHICLES SOLD: New light retail vehicles 12,934 20,946 (8,012) (38%) New fleet vehicles 459 1,330 (871) (65%) Total light vehicles 13,393 22,276 (8,883) (40%) New heavy trucks 584 607 (23) (4%) Total new vehicle 13,977 22,883 (8,906) (39%) Used retail units 9,595 12,647 (3,052) (24%) Same Store for the Three Months Ended March 31, Increase 2009 2008 (Decrease) % Change REVENUE PER VEHICLE SOLD: New light vehicles $29,919 $29,655 $264 1% New heavy trucks 62,500 60,297 2,203 4% Used retail 17,853 18,162 (309) (2%) GROSS PROFIT PER VEHICLE SOLD: New light vehicles $1,882 $2,011 $(129) (6%) New heavy trucks 2,740 2,801 (61) (2%) Used retail 2,022 2,119 (97) (5%) Finance and insurance, net 874 1,022 (148) (14%) GROSS PROFIT MARGIN: New light vehicles 6.3% 6.8% (0.5%) (7%) New heavy trucks 4.4% 4.6% (0.2%) (4%) Used retail 11.3% 11.7% (0.4%) (3%) Parts and service 49.0% 50.5% (1.5%) (3%) Total 17.7% 16.2% 1.5% 9% REVENUE MIX PERCENTAGES: New light vehicles 48.4% 54.9% New heavy trucks 4.4% 3.0% Used retail 20.8% 19.2% Used wholesale 4.4% 5.8% Parts and service 19.5% 14.1% Finance and insurance, net 2.5% 3.0% Total revenue 100.0% 100.0% Gross profit mix percentages: New light vehicles 17.2% 23.0% New heavy trucks 1.1% 0.9% Used retail 13.3% 13.8% Used wholesale 0.2% (0.2%) Parts and service 54.1% 43.9% Finance and insurance, net 14.1% 18.6% Total gross profit 100.0% 100.0% SG&A EXPENSES AS A PERCENTAGE OF ADJUSTED GROSS PROFIT 83.8% 80.1% 3.7 5% ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. Selected Balance Sheet Data (In millions) (Unaudited) March December 31, 31, Increase 2009 2008 (Decrease) % Change Selected Balance Sheet Data Cash and cash equivalents $35.7 $91.6 $(55.9) (61.0%) New vehicle inventory 443.2 562.2 (119.0) (21.2%) Used vehicle inventory 69.5 59.9 9.6 16.0% Parts inventory 43.8 44.5 (0.7) (1.6%) Total current assets 850.9 1,019.7 (168.8) (16.6%) Floor plan notes payable 490.8 612.8 (122.0) (19.9%) Total current liabilities 675.6 854.5 (178.9) (20.9%) CAPITALIZATION: Long-term debt (including current portion) $549.2 $599.7 $(50.5) (8.4%) Shareholders' equity 226.5 226.6 (0.1) - Total $775.7 $826.3 $(50.6) (6.1%) Brand Mix - New Light Vehicle by Revenue For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 2008 Luxury BMW 9% 9% Mercedes-Benz 8% 8% Lexus 5% 7% Acura 4% 4% Infinity 4% 5% Other Luxury 6% 4% Total Luxury 36% 37% Mid-Line Imports: Honda 27% 26% Toyota 10% 9% Nissan 10% 13% Other imports 3% 2% Total Imports 50% 50% Mid-Line Domestic: Ford 8% 6% General Motors 2% 3% Chrysler 3% 3% Total Domestic 13% 12% Value 1% 1% Total Light Vehicles 100% 100%

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Information

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

Our operations during 2009 were impacted by certain items that are not core dealership operating items, which we believe are important to highlight when reviewing our results and should not be considered when forecasting our future results.

The non-core items shown in the table below include (i) restructuring costs consisting primarily of severance and retention expenses related to the relocation of our corporate headquarters, (ii) implementation costs associated with transitioning our dealerships to the Arkona dealer management system, and, (iii) a legal settlements benefit related to legal claims arising in, and before, the year 2003.

As Reported for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 2008 Non-core items - (income) expense Restructuring costs $1.3 $- Dealer management system implementation costs 0.2 0.4 Legal settlements benefit (1.5) - Tax impact of non-core items above - (0.1) Total non-core items $- $0.3 Non-core items per dilutive share $- $0.01 Weighted average common shares outstanding (diluted) 32.3 32.3 Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. Summary of Debt Covenants As of and for the Period Ended March 31, 2009 (Dollars in millions, except per vehicle data) (Unaudited) Wachovia Credit Mortgages Facilities Senior Leverage Ratio must be < 3.00 SECURED DEBT (numerator) + Mortgage notes payable (including mortgages associated with assets held for sale) $184.3 + Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility - + Capital lease obligations 0.2 + Interest rate SWAP obligations - + Other indebtedness 1.0 = TOTAL SECURED DEBT (ex floorplan) $185.5 EBITDA (denominator) + Income from continuing operations - trailing 12 months ("T12") $(336.9) + Add back Total interest expense (ex floorplan interest) - T12 43.3 + Add back Income tax expense - T12 (142.5) + Add back Depreciation & amortization - T12 23.8 + Add back Accounting changes from gain on debt repurchase 6.3 + Add back Other non-cash charges - T12 540.2 = CONSOLIDATED EBITDA 134.2 + Add back Pro forma acquisitions EBITDA (as defined) - + Add back Pro forma rent savings (as defined) 2.8 = CONSOLIDATED PROFORMA EBITDA $137.0 SENIOR LEVERAGE RATIO 1.35 Total Leverage Ratio must be < 5.00 TOTAL DEBT (numerator) + 8.0% Sr. Subordinated Notes (face value outstanding) $179.4 $179.4 + 7.625% Sr. Subordinated Notes 143.2 143.2 + 3.0% Convertible Notes 62.0 62.0 + Mortgage notes payable (including mortgages associated with assets held for sale) 184.3 184.3 + Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility - - + Direct reimbursement obligations under letters of credit 8.1 - + Capital lease obligations 0.2 0.2 + Interest rate SWAP obligations 12.1 - + Other indebtedness (as defined) 2.1 1.0 = TOTAL DEBT (ex Floorplan) $591.4 $570.1 EBITDA (denominator) + Income from continuing operations - trailing 12 months ("T12") $(336.9) $(336.9) + Add back Total interest expense (ex floorplan) - T12 43.3 43.3 + Add back Income tax expense - T12 (142.5) (142.5) + Add back Depreciation & amortization - T12 23.8 23.8 + Add back Accounting changes from gain on debt repurchase 6.3 6.3 + Add back Other non-cash charges - T12 548.1 540.2 + Add back Non-recurring items - T12 8.6 - = CONSOLIDATED EBITDA 150.7 134.2 + Add back Pro forma acquisitions EBITDA (as defined) - - + Add back Pro forma rent savings (as defined) - 2.8 = CONSOLIDATED PROFORMA EBITDA $150.7 $137.0 TOTAL LEVERAGE RATIO 3.92 4.16 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio must be > 1.2 EBITDAR (numerator) + Pre-tax Income from continuing operations - trailing 12 months ("T12") $(336.9) $(336.9) + Add back Total interest expense (ex floorplan) - T12 43.3 43.3 + Add back Income tax expense - T12 (142.5) (142.5) + Add back Depreciation & amortization - T12 23.8 23.8 + Add back Accounting changes from gain on debt repurchase 6.3 6.3 + Add back Other non-cash charges - T12 (as defined) 548.1 540.2 + Add back Non-recurring items - T12 (as defined) 8.6 - = CONSOLIDATED EBITDA 150.7 134.2 + PLUS Required principal payments - T12 44.9 44.9 - LESS Capital expenditures (as defined) (17.3) (12.9) = TOTAL EARNINGS AVAILABLE FOR FIXED CHARGES $178.3 $166.2 FIXED CHARGES (denominator) + Total interest expense (ex Floorplan Interest) - T12 $43.3 $43.3 - LESS non-cash interest expense associated with convertible notes - T12 (2.7) (2.7) + PLUS Required principal payments - T12 7.1 7.1 + PLUS Rental expense - T12 44.9 44.9 - LESS Pro forma rent savings (as defined) - (2.8) + PLUS Cash paid for taxes - T12 6.5 6.5 = TOTAL FIXED CHARGES $99.1 $96.3 FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO 1.80 1.73 Current Ratio must be > 1.2 Total current assets (numerator) + Total current assets $850.9 $850.9 + PLUS Available unused commitments under Revolving Credit Facility 125.0 129.6 = TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS $975.9 $980.5 Total current liabilities (denominator) + Total current liabilities $675.6 $675.6 - LESS Debt balloon payments due within 6-12 months - - = TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES $675.6 $675.6 CURRENT RATIO 1.44 1.45 Adjusted Net Worth must be > $350 million Stockholders' equity $226.5 - LESS 50% of net income subsequent to March 31, 2008 (to the extent net income is positive) - - LESS Proceeds from stock option exercises subsequent to March 31, 2008 (0.1) + ADD Impairment expenses, net of tax 383.0 = ADJUSTED NET WORTH $609.4

Investors May Contact: Ryan Marsh Treasurer (770) 418-8211 investor@asburyauto.com Reporters May Contact: Tom Pratt RF|Binder Partners (212) 994-7563 tom.pratt@RFBinder.com

SOURCE Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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