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BASIS OF PRESENTATION, CONSOLIDATION AND SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and reflect the consolidated accounts of the parent company, Group 1 Automotive, Inc., and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the “Company” in these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Use of Estimates Use of EstimatesThe preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the amounts of revenues and expenses recognized during the reporting period. Management analyzes the Company’s estimates based on historical experience and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, however, actual results could differ materially from such estimates. The significant estimates made by management in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements including, but not limited to, inventory valuation adjustments, reserves for future chargebacks on finance, insurance and VSC fees, self-insured property and casualty insurance exposure, the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, the valuation of goodwill and intangible franchise rights, and reserves for potential litigation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and various other short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.
Inventories
Inventories
New and used retail vehicles are carried at the lower of specific cost or net realizable value. Specific cost consists of the amount paid to acquire the vehicle, plus the cost of reconditioning, equipment addition and transportation. In determining the lower of specific cost or net realizable value of new and used vehicles, the Company considers historical loss experience and current market trends.
Parts and accessories inventories are valued at lower of cost or net realizable value and determined on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company incurs shipping costs in connection with selling parts to customers which is included in Cost of Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Certain manufacturers offer vehicle rebates, in the form of purchase discounts, once applicable incentive targets are met. Incentive targets typically consist of volume incentives to order and/or sell certain models and/or volumes of inventory over designated periods of time. The Company also receives dealer rebates and incentive payments on parts purchases from the automobile manufacturers on new vehicle retail sales. Additionally, the Company receives interest assistance from certain automobile manufacturers that is reflected as a vehicle purchase price discount. The rebates, interest assistance and other dealer incentives reduce inventory costs in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are reflected as a reduction to Cost of Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as the vehicles are sold.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, recorded at cost, is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets to estimated salvage values. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the lesser of the estimated term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the asset.
Property and equipment estimated useful lives are as follows:
 Estimated
Useful Lives
in Years
 
Buildings and leasehold improvements
25 to 50
Machinery and dealership equipment
7 to 20
Office equipment, furniture and fixtures
3 to 20
Company vehicles
3 to 5
Expenditures for major additions or improvements, which improve or extend the useful lives of the assets are capitalized. Minor replacements and routine maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the lives of the assets, are expensed as incurred. Disposals are removed at cost less accumulated depreciation, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company performs an impairment analysis on long-lived assets used in operations when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. This review consists of comparing the carrying amount of the asset group with its expected future undiscounted cash flows. Estimates of expected future cash flows represent management’s best estimate based on currently available information and reasonable and supportable assumptions. If the asset group’s carrying amount exceeds its future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which its carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Refer to Note 10. Property and Equipment, Net for further discussion. The fair value of property is typically based on a third-party appraisal which requires adjustments to market-based valuation inputs to reflect the different characteristics between the property being measured and comparable properties, which are considered level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy
Business Combinations
Business Combinations
Business acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting, whereby the Company measures and recognizes the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The operating results of entities acquired are included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition. For material acquisitions, the Company typically utilizes third-party experts to determine the fair values of property acquired.
The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations are estimated using various assumptions. The most significant assumptions, and those requiring the most judgment, involve the estimated fair values of property and intangible franchise rights.
If the initial accounting for a business combination has not been concluded by the end of the reporting period in which the acquisition occurs, an estimate will be recorded and disclosure of those open areas will be provided. The Company will record any material adjustments to the initial estimates based on new information obtained that would have existed as of the date of the acquisition within a year of the acquisition date.
Goodwill and Intangible Franchise Rights
Goodwill and Intangible Franchise Rights
Goodwill represents the excess, at the date of acquisition, of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company is organized into two geographic regions, the U.S. region and the U.K. region. The Company has determined that each region represents a reporting unit for the purpose of assessing goodwill for impairment.
In addition to goodwill, the Company recognizes, at the dealership level, separately identifiable intangible assets for rights under franchise agreements with manufacturers. Most of the Company’s franchise agreements continue indefinitely. The Company believes that these agreements can be renewed without substantial cost based on the history with the manufacturer. As such, the Company’s intangible assets for rights under franchise agreements are considered non-amortizing indefinite lived intangible assets, expected to contribute to cash flows of the Company for an indefinite period of time.
The Company evaluates goodwill and intangible franchise rights for impairment annually as of October 31, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate possible impairment has occurred.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
The Company is subject to income taxes at the federal level and in 17 states in the U.S., as well as in the U.K., each of which has unique tax calculations. As the amount of income generated in each jurisdiction varies from period to period, the Company’s effective tax rate can vary based on the proportion of taxable income generated in each jurisdiction.
The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the underlying assets are realized or liabilities are settled. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company has recognized deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, that it believes will be realized, based primarily on the assumption of future taxable income.
Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial InstrumentsThe Company holds derivative financial instruments consisting of interest rate swaps that are designated as cash flow hedges.The Company holds interest rate swaps to hedge against variability of interest payments indexed to SOFR. The Company’s interest rate swaps are measured at fair value utilizing a SOFR forward yield curve matched to the identical maturity term of the instrument being measured. Observable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation technique incorporate identical contractual notional amounts, fixed coupon rates, periodic terms for interest payments and contract maturity. The fair value of the interest rate swaps also considers the credit risk of the Company for instruments in a liability position or the counterparty for instruments in an asset position. The credit risk is calculated using the spread between the SOFR yield curve and the relevant interest rate according to rating agencies. The inputs to the fair value measurements reflect Level 2 of the hierarchy framework.Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges and the related gains or losses are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of AOCI in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The deferred gains or losses are recognized in income in the period in which the related items being hedged are recognized in expense. Monthly contractual settlements of the positions are recognized as Floorplan interest expense or Other interest expense, net, in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains or losses for periods where future forecasted hedged transactions are deemed probable of not occurring are reclassified from AOCI into income as Floorplan interest expense.
Advertising AdvertisingThe Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising expense is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and totaled $76.5 million, $65.8 million and $49.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company receives advertising assistance from certain automobile manufacturers, which the Company is required to spend on qualified advertising and which is subject to audit and chargeback by the manufacturer. The assistance is accounted for as a reduction to SG&A expenses as earned and amounted to $17.4 million, $14.9 million and $13.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Statements of Cash Flows
Statements of Cash Flows
With respect to all new vehicle floorplan borrowings, the vehicle manufacturers draft the funds directly from the Company’s credit facilities with no cash flow to or from the Company. With respect to borrowings for used vehicle financing in the U.S., the Company finances up to 85% of the value of the used vehicle inventory and the borrowed funds flow from the lender directly to the Company. In the U.K., the Company chooses which used vehicles to finance and the borrowings flow directly to the Company from the lender.
Excluding the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the Company’s syndicated lending group under the Revolving Credit Facility as defined in Note 13. Floorplan Notes Payable, all borrowings from, and repayments to, lenders affiliated with the vehicle manufacturers are presented within Cash Flows from Operating Activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. All borrowings from, and repayments to, the Company’s credit facilities (including the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the Revolving Credit Facility) are presented within Cash Flows from Financing Activities.
Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency for the Company’s U.K. subsidiaries is GBP. All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into USD using period-end exchange rates and all revenues and expenses are translated at average rates during the respective period. The gains and losses resulting from translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity.
Revenue Recognition
New and Used Retail Vehicle Sales
Revenues from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon delivery of the vehicle to the customer, which is the point at which transfer of control occurs and when the performance obligation is satisfied. In some cases, the Company uses a third-party transport company to facilitate delivery of used vehicles to the customer.
The transaction price for new and used vehicle sales is the stand-alone sales price of each individual vehicle and is generally settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation.
Used Vehicle Wholesale Sales
When the Company uses a third-party auction to facilitate the delivery of used vehicles to the customer, the Company has determined that the auction acts as an agent under the arrangement. Therefore, the Company recognizes revenues and cost of sales on a gross basis upon delivery of the vehicle by the auction to the customer, which is the point at which transfer of control occurs and when the performance obligation is satisfied.
The transaction price for wholesale vehicle sales is established by the winning bid under the auction process and is generally settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation.
Parts Sales
Revenues from the sale of vehicle parts is recognized upon delivery of the parts to the customer, which is the point at which transfer of control occurs and when the performance obligation is satisfied.
The transaction price for vehicle parts sales is the stand-alone sales price of each individual part and is generally settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation.
Service Sales
The Company performs maintenance and repair services, including collision restoration.
In certain jurisdictions, the Company has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date on open work orders and as such, the transfer of control of vehicle maintenance and repair services and satisfaction of the performance obligation to its customer occurs over time. For these contracts that qualify for revenue recognition over time, the Company uses the input method for the measurement of progress and recognition of revenues, utilizing labor cost incurred to estimate the services performed for which the Company has an enforceable right to payment. The Company believes this method is the most objective measure of progress and provides a faithful depiction of the Company’s transfer of services to the customer.
The transaction price for maintenance and repair services is the total of the labor and, if applicable, vehicle parts used in the performance of the service, as well as the margin above cost charged to the customer.
Arrangement of Vehicle Financing and the Sale of Service and Other Insurance Contracts
The Company receives commissions from F&I providers for the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance products. Within the context of these contracts with the F&I providers, the Company has determined that it is an agent for the F&I providers.
The Company has a single performance obligation associated with the F&I contracts, which is the facilitation of the financing of the vehicle or sale of the insurance product. Revenues from these contracts is recognized when the facilitated contract between the F&I provider and the customer is executed, which is when the performance obligation is satisfied.
With regards to the upfront commission for these contracts, the transaction price is the amount earned for each individual contract executed and is generally collected within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance.
Charge Backs
The Company may be charged back in the future for commissions received on F&I contract or VSC fees in the event of early termination of the contracts by customers. A reserve for future amounts estimated to be charged back, representing variable consideration, is recorded as a reduction to Finance, insurance and other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The reserve is estimated based on the Company’s historical charge back results and the termination provisions of the applicable contracts, and was $65.1 million and $58.3 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Retrospective Commissions and Associated Contract Assets
In some cases, the Company also earns retrospective commission income by participating in the future profitability of the portfolio of product contracts sold by the Company. This contingent consideration is variable and is generally settled over five to seven years from the satisfaction of the performance obligation. The Company utilizes the “expected value” method to predict the amount of consideration to which the Company will be entitled, subject to constraint in the estimate. The estimated amount under the expected value method is accrued upfront when the facilitated contract between the F&I provider and the customer is executed, which is when the performance obligation is satisfied. The estimated amount is reflected as a contract asset within Other current assets and Other long-term assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until the right to such consideration becomes unconditional, at which time amounts due are reclassified to accounts receivable. Changes in the estimated amount of variable consideration are adjusted through revenues.
Fair Value Measurement
Accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value and also establishes the following three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 — Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or model-derived valuations or other inputs that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
•Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Business Segment Information As of December 31, 2022, the Company had two reportable segments: the U.S. and the U.K. The Company defines its segments as those operations whose results the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who is the CODM, regularly reviews to analyze performance and allocate resources. Each segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new and used cars and light trucks; arrange related vehicle financing; sell service and insurance contracts; provide automotive maintenance and repair services; and sell vehicle parts.