Lithia Motors(LAD)

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Lithia Motors(LAD) - 2020 Q2 - Quarterly Report
2020-07-24 17:51
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number: 001-14733 LITHIA MOTORS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Oregon 93-0572810 (I.R.S. Employer Identificati ...
Lithia Motors(LAD) - 2020 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2020-07-22 20:03
Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE:LAD) Q2 2020 Earnings Conference Call July 22, 2020 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Eric Pitt - Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer Bryan DeBoer - President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Holzshu - Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tina Miller - Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Rick Nelson - Stephens Armintas Sinkevicius - Morgan Stanley Ryan Sigdahl - Craig-Hallum Capital Rajat Gupta - JPMorgan Bret ...
Lithia Motors(LAD) - 2020 Q1 - Quarterly Report
2020-04-24 17:25
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number: 001-14733 LITHIA MOTORS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Oregon 93-0572810 (I.R.S. Employer Identificat ...
Lithia Motors(LAD) - 2019 Q4 - Annual Report
2020-02-21 21:42
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549 FORM 10-K ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended: December 31, 2019 OR ☐ 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 001-14733 93-0572810 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (Comm ...
Lithia Motors(LAD) - 2019 Q3 - Quarterly Report
2019-10-25 18:28
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number: 001-14733 LITHIA MOTORS INC (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) (State or other jurisdiction of incorporatio ...
Lithia Motors(LAD) - 2019 Q2 - Quarterly Report
2019-07-26 20:31
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number: 001-14733 LITHIA MOTORS INC (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) Oregon 93-0572810 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 150 N. Bartlett Street Medford Oregon 97501 (Address of principal exe ...
Lithia Motors(LAD) - 2019 Q1 - Quarterly Report
2019-04-26 19:02
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 Oregon 93-0572810 FORM 10-Q (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (Mark One) [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number: 001-14733 LITHIA MOTORS, INC. (Exact name of r ...
Lithia Motors(LAD) - 2018 Q4 - Annual Report
2019-02-22 22:46
Part I [Business](index=4&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Business) Lithia Motors, Inc. is a major U.S. automotive retailer operating 181 stores across 18 states, diversified across vehicle sales, F&I, and service - As of December 31, 2018, Lithia operated **181 stores** representing 28 brands in 18 states, ranking **294 on the Fortune 500**[12](index=12&type=chunk) - In 2018, the company invested **$253.8 million** in acquisitions, which are expected to add over **$1.2 billion** in annual revenues[22](index=22&type=chunk) - A strategic partnership with Shift Technologies, Inc. was formed through a **$54 million investment**, making Lithia its largest shareholder to enhance digital retail capabilities[23](index=23&type=chunk) Store Distribution and Revenue by State (2018) | State | Number of Stores | Percent of 2018 Revenue (%) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | California | 41 | 25.4% | | New Jersey | 15 | 14.7% | | Oregon | 26 | 13.1% | | Texas | 15 | 10.2% | | Other | 84 | 36.6% | | **Total** | **181** | **100.0%** | Advertising Expense Breakdown (2016-2018) | Year | Total Ad Expense (Net) ($ millions) | Manufacturer Credits ($ millions) | Digital/Social/Listings (%) | Traditional Media (%) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 2018 | $108.7 million | $25.5 million | 78% | 22% | | 2017 | $93.3 million | $22.8 million | N/A | N/A | | 2016 | $81.4 million | $20.3 million | N/A | N/A | [Risk Factors](index=9&type=section&id=Item%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) The company faces significant risks related to economic conditions, intense competition, manufacturer dependency, regulatory compliance, and acquisition strategy execution - The business is highly sensitive to economic conditions, consumer spending, and credit availability, with **53% of revenue in 2018** concentrated in just three states[51](index=51&type=chunk)[53](index=53&type=chunk) - The company faces increasing competition from other automotive retailers and the use of the internet for price comparison, which could reduce profit margins[58](index=58&type=chunk)[60](index=60&type=chunk)[64](index=64&type=chunk) - Dependence on manufacturers is a major risk, as they control vehicle supply, incentive programs, and franchise agreements[67](index=67&type=chunk)[73](index=73&type=chunk)[76](index=76&type=chunk) - The company's acquisition strategy faces risks including obtaining manufacturer consent, integrating new stores successfully, and potential overpayment[96](index=96&type=chunk)[97](index=97&type=chunk)[100](index=100&type=chunk) - Significant indebtedness of **$3.4 billion** and lease obligations could affect financial health, with covenants in debt agreements limiting operational flexibility[112](index=112&type=chunk)[247](index=247&type=chunk) - A **$54 million investment** in start-up company Shift carries risks, including its lack of operating history and potential unprofitability[124](index=124&type=chunk) [Unresolved Staff Comments](index=20&type=section&id=Item%201B.%20Unresolved%20Staff%20Comments) The company reports no unresolved staff comments from the SEC - None[127](index=127&type=chunk) [Properties](index=20&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Properties) The company's properties primarily consist of showrooms, service facilities, and offices, with significant owned assets and ongoing sustainability efforts - As of December 31, 2018, the company had outstanding mortgage debt of **$592.3 million** on its owned properties[128](index=128&type=chunk) - The company is engaged in sustainability efforts, with a LEED-certified corporate headquarters, two LEED-certified stores, and solar projects at four other locations[129](index=129&type=chunk) [Legal Proceedings](index=21&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Legal%20Proceedings) The company is involved in various legal proceedings that arise in the normal course of business, not expected to have a material adverse effect - The company is party to numerous legal proceedings from the normal course of business but does not expect them to have a material adverse effect[130](index=130&type=chunk) [Mine Safety Disclosure](index=21&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Mine%20Safety%20Disclosure) This item is not applicable to the company's business - Not applicable[131](index=131&type=chunk) Part II [Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities](index=22&type=section&id=Item%205.%20Market%20for%20Registrant%27s%20Common%20Equity%2C%20Related%20Stockholder%20Matters%20and%20Issuer%20Purchases%20of%20Equity%20Securities) Lithia's Class A common stock trades on the NYSE; the company repurchased **913,113 shares** for **$67.3 million** in Q4 2018, with an additional **$250 million** repurchase authorization - A Class B Conversion Agreement requires all **1,000,000 Class B shares** to be converted to Class A shares by December 31, 2025, in scheduled tranches[136](index=136&type=chunk) - In October 2018, the Board of Directors authorized an additional **$250 million** for the repurchase of Class A common stock[139](index=139&type=chunk) Share Repurchases (Q4 2018) | Period | Total Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid ($) | Shares Purchased Under Plan | Remaining Authorization ($ thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | October | 423,863 | $76.85 | 423,863 | $268,318 | | November | 165 | $90.06 | — | $268,318 | | December | 489,329 | $70.96 | 489,250 | $233,603 | | **Total Q4** | **913,357** | **$73.70** | **913,113** | **$233,603** | [Selected Financial Data](index=24&type=section&id=Item%206.%20Selected%20Financial%20Data) In 2018, total revenues reached **$11.82 billion**, net income was **$265.7 million**, and diluted EPS was **$10.86**, reflecting significant growth in assets and equity Selected Financial Data (2016-2018) | (In millions, except per share amounts) | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total revenues** | $11,821.4 | $10,086.5 | $8,678.2 | | **Total gross profit** | $1,777.0 | $1,516.1 | $1,301.3 | | **Operating income** | $447.0 | $409.0 | $338.4 | | **Net income** | $265.7 | $245.2 | $197.1 | | **Diluted net income per share** | $10.86 | $9.75 | $7.72 | | **Total assets** | $5,384.0 | $4,683.1 | $3,844.2 | | **Total stockholders' equity** | $1,197.2 | $1,083.2 | $910.8 | [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=25&type=section&id=Item%207.%20Management%27s%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) In 2018, net income rose to **$265.7 million** on **$11.8 billion** total revenue, driven by acquisitions and same-store growth in used vehicles, F&I, and service, while maintaining strong liquidity [Results of Operations](index=26&type=section&id=Results%20of%20Operations) For 2018, total revenues increased **17.2%** to **$11.8 billion**, and total gross profit grew **17.2%**, driven by acquisitions and same-store growth in used vehicles, F&I, and service - Same-store new vehicle revenue decreased **1.9%** due to a **4.4%** drop in unit volume, partially offset by a **2.7%** increase in average selling price[157](index=157&type=chunk) - Same-store used vehicle revenue grew **6.8%**, driven by a **4.1%** increase in unit volume and a **2.6%** increase in average selling price[161](index=161&type=chunk) - Same-store F&I revenue per retail unit increased by **$69** to **$1,373** in 2018, driven by higher penetration rates for financing and service contracts[166](index=166&type=chunk) Consolidated Performance Summary (2018 vs. 2017) | Metric | 2018 | 2017 | Change | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $11,821.4M | $10,086.5M | $1,734.9M | 17.2% | | Total Gross Profit | $1,777.0M | $1,516.1M | $260.9M | 17.2% | | New Vehicle Units | 184,601 | 167,146 | 17,455 | 10.4% | | Used Vehicle Units | 151,234 | 129,913 | 21,321 | 16.4% | Same Store Performance Summary (2018 vs. 2017) | Metric | 2018 | 2017 | Change | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $9,888.7M | $9,768.2M | $120.5M | 1.2% | | New Vehicle Revenue | $5,463.5M | $5,569.4M | ($105.9M) | (1.9)% | | Used Vehicle Revenue | $2,639.0M | $2,470.7M | $168.3M | 6.8% | | F&I Revenue | $390.7M | $373.6M | $17.1M | 4.6% | | Service, Body & Parts Revenue | $1,021.1M | $985.6M | $35.5M | 3.6% | [Segments](index=30&type=section&id=Segments) In 2018, all three operating segments—Domestic, Import, and Luxury—posted revenue growth, largely due to acquisitions, though Domestic and Import segment income decreased Segment Revenue and Income (2018 vs. 2017) | Segment (in millions) | Revenue 2018 | Revenue 2017 | % Change | Segment Income* 2018 | Segment Income* 2017 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Domestic | $4,215.0 | $3,845.8 | 9.6% | $97.6 | $105.2 | (7.2)% | | Import | $5,038.1 | $4,432.8 | 13.7% | $116.2 | $117.8 | (1.4)% | | Luxury | $2,560.3 | $1,810.1 | 41.4% | $43.9 | $37.0 | 18.6% | [Selling, General and Administrative Expense ("SG&A")](index=34&type=section&id=Selling%2C%20General%20and%20Administrative%20Expense%20%28%22SG%26A%22%29) SG&A expenses increased **19.4%** to **$1.25 billion** in 2018, rising to **70.5% of gross profit** primarily due to acquisitions and higher personnel costs - Total SG&A increased by **$203.9 million (19.4%)** in 2018 compared to 2017, mainly due to acquisitions[197](index=197&type=chunk)[198](index=198&type=chunk) SG&A as a Percentage of Gross Profit | Expense Category | 2018 (%) | 2017 (%) | Change (bps) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Personnel | 46.4% | 45.9% | 50 bps | | Advertising | 6.1% | 6.2% | (10) bps | | Rent | 2.4% | 2.2% | 20 bps | | Other | 12.3% | 11.2% | 110 bps | | **Total SG&A** | **70.5%** | **69.2%** | **130 bps** | [Liquidity and Capital Resources](index=40&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20Capital%20Resources) The company's primary liquidity sources are cash from operations and credit facilities, with **$211.2 million** in available funds and **$373.8 million** used for acquisitions in 2018 - In 2018, the company used **$373.8 million** for acquisitions, **$158.0 million** for capital expenditures, and **$148.9 million** to repurchase **2.1 million shares**[232](index=232&type=chunk)[234](index=234&type=chunk)[244](index=244&type=chunk) - The syndicated credit facility was amended in June 2018, increasing the total commitment to **$2.6 billion** and extending the maturity to July 2023[249](index=249&type=chunk) Available Liquidity (as of Dec 31) | Source (in millions) | 2018 | 2017 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash and cash equivalents | $31.6 | $57.3 | | Available on credit facilities | $179.6 | $222.5 | | **Total current available funds** | **$211.2** | **$279.8** | | Estimated from unfinanced real estate | $247.7 | $236.1 | | **Total estimated available funds** | **$458.9** | **$515.9** | Summary of Cash Flows (in millions) | Activity | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash from operating activities | $519.7 | $148.9 | $90.9 | | Net cash used in investing activities | ($557.1) | ($538.2) | ($351.7) | | Net cash from financing activities | $11.7 | $396.3 | $266.1 | [Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates](index=47&type=section&id=Critical%20Accounting%20Policies%20and%20Estimates) Management identifies its most critical accounting estimates as those related to goodwill and franchise value, income taxes, and acquisitions, requiring significant judgment - The most critical accounting estimates are related to goodwill and franchise value, income taxes, and acquisitions[267](index=267&type=chunk) - Goodwill of **$434.9 million** and franchise value of **$288.7 million** are tested for impairment annually using a qualitative assessment, with no impairments recorded in 2018, 2017, or 2016[270](index=270&type=chunk)[272](index=272&type=chunk) - Accounting for acquisitions requires estimating the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with significant judgments applied to property, equipment, and intangible franchise rights[280](index=280&type=chunk)[281](index=281&type=chunk) [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](index=48&type=section&id=Item%207A.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20About%20Market%20Risk) The company is exposed to interest rate risk, with **$2.7 billion** in variable-rate debt; a 10% rate increase would raise annual interest expense by **$7.7 million** - As of December 31, 2018, the company had **$2.7 billion** in outstanding variable-rate debt[284](index=284&type=chunk) - A **10% increase** in interest rates (**38 basis points**) would result in an estimated **$7.7 million** increase in annual interest expense, net of tax[284](index=284&type=chunk) - The fair value of the company's **$745.8 million** in long-term fixed-rate debt was estimated at **$727.3 million** as of December 31, 2018[286](index=286&type=chunk) [Financial Statements and Supplementary Data](index=49&type=section&id=Item%208.%20Financial%20Statements%20and%20Supplementary%20Data) This section refers to the full consolidated financial statements, notes, and supplementary quarterly financial data, which begin on page F-1 of the report - The full financial statements and supplementary data required by this item are included from page F-1 onwards[289](index=289&type=chunk) [Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure](index=49&type=section&id=Item%209.%20Changes%20in%20and%20Disagreements%20With%20Accountants%20on%20Accounting%20and%20Financial%20Disclosure) The company reports no changes in or disagreements with its accountants on accounting and financial disclosure - None[290](index=290&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=49&type=section&id=Item%209A.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Management concluded that disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2018, excluding newly acquired stores - The CEO and CFO concluded that disclosure controls and procedures are effective[291](index=291&type=chunk) - Management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018[296](index=296&type=chunk) - The evaluation of internal controls excluded the **17 stores** acquired in 2018, as permitted by SEC guidance[295](index=295&type=chunk) [Other Information](index=50&type=section&id=Item%209B.%20Other%20Information) There is no other information to report for this period - None[298](index=298&type=chunk) Part III [Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance](index=51&type=section&id=Item%2010.%20Directors%2C%20Executive%20Officers%20and%20Corporate%20Governance) Information required for this item is incorporated by reference from the company's 2019 Proxy Statement - Information is incorporated by reference from the 2019 Proxy Statement[300](index=300&type=chunk) [Executive Compensation](index=51&type=section&id=Item%2011.%20Executive%20Compensation) Information required for this item concerning executive compensation is incorporated by reference from the company's 2019 Proxy Statement - Information is incorporated by reference from the 2019 Proxy Statement[301](index=301&type=chunk) [Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters](index=51&type=section&id=Item%2012.%20Security%20Ownership%20of%20Certain%20Beneficial%20Owners%20and%20Management%20and%20Related%20Stockholder%20Matters) This section provides information on equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2018, with other details incorporated by reference from the 2019 Proxy Statement - Additional information is incorporated by reference from the 2019 Proxy Statement[304](index=304&type=chunk) Equity Compensation Plan Information (as of Dec 31, 2018) | Plan Category | Securities to be issued upon exercise (a) | Weighted average exercise price (b) | Securities available for future issuance (c) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Approved by shareholders | 409,865 | $— | 1,403,645 | | Not approved by shareholders | — | — | — | | **Total** | **409,865** | **$—** | **1,403,645** | [Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence](index=51&type=section&id=Item%2013.%20Certain%20Relationships%20and%20Related%20Transactions%2C%20and%20Director%20Independence) Information required for this item is incorporated by reference from the company's 2019 Proxy Statement - Information is incorporated by reference from the 2019 Proxy Statement[305](index=305&type=chunk) [Principal Accountant Fees and Services](index=51&type=section&id=Item%2014.%20Principal%20Accountant%20Fees%20and%20Services) Information required for this item concerning principal accountant fees and services is incorporated by reference from the company's 2019 Proxy Statement - Information is incorporated by reference from the 2019 Proxy Statement[306](index=306&type=chunk) Part IV [Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules](index=52&type=section&id=Item%2015.%20Exhibits%20and%20Financial%20Statement%20Schedules) This section lists the financial statements, schedules, and exhibits filed as part of the Form 10-K, including the independent auditor's report - The Consolidated Financial Statements and the report from KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are included starting on page F-1[308](index=308&type=chunk) - The Exhibit Index lists all filed exhibits, including material contracts, incentive plans, and certifications[310](index=310&type=chunk)[311](index=311&type=chunk)[312](index=312&type=chunk) [Form 10-K Summary](index=52&type=section&id=Item%2016.%20Form%2010-K%20Summary) No Form 10-K summary is provided - None[309](index=309&type=chunk) Financial Statements and Supplementary Data [Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm](index=57&type=section&id=Report%20of%20Independent%20Registered%20Public%20Accounting%20Firm) KPMG LLP issued an unqualified opinion on Lithia Motors' consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting for 2018 - KPMG LLP issued an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements[317](index=317&type=chunk) - KPMG LLP issued an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018[318](index=318&type=chunk)[323](index=323&type=chunk) - The audit of internal controls excluded **17 stores** acquired in 2018, which represented approximately **9%** of consolidated total assets[325](index=325&type=chunk) [Consolidated Financial Statements](index=59&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) As of December 31, 2018, total assets were **$5.38 billion**, total liabilities **$4.19 billion**, with **$11.82 billion** in revenue and **$265.7 million** in net income for the year Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (As of Dec 31) | (In millions) | 2018 | 2017 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Current Assets | $2,991.4 | $2,782.8 | | Total Assets | $5,384.0 | $4,683.1 | | Total Current Liabilities | $2,493.5 | $2,301.0 | | Total Liabilities | $4,186.8 | $3,599.9 | | Total Stockholders' Equity | $1,197.2 | $1,083.2 | Consolidated Statement of Operations Highlights (Year Ended Dec 31) | (In millions) | 2018 | 2017 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total revenues | $11,821.4 | $10,086.5 | | Gross profit | $1,777.0 | $1,516.1 | | Operating income | $447.0 | $409.0 | | Net income | $265.7 | $245.2 | [Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements](index=65&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) Notes detail significant accounting policies, **$3.44 billion** in total debt, **17 acquisitions** in 2018 for **$498.9 million**, and the impact of the 2017 Tax Act on the **21.3% effective tax rate** - The company adopted the new revenue recognition standard (ASC 606) on January 1, 2018, using the cumulative effect transition method, which had an immaterial effect on operations[499](index=499&type=chunk)[500](index=500&type=chunk) - In 2018, the company completed **17 acquisitions** for total consideration of **$498.9 million**, adding **$73.2 million** in goodwill and **$29.8 million** in franchise value[475](index=475&type=chunk)[476](index=476&type=chunk) - The effective income tax rate for 2018 was **21.3%**, down from **29.3%** in 2017, primarily due to the reduction in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate[217](index=217&type=chunk)[467](index=467&type=chunk) - In September 2018, the company invested **$54 million** in Shift Technologies, Inc. for Series D convertible preferred stock, accounted for as a cost method investment[496](index=496&type=chunk)