News Releases

AutoCanada Inc. announces strong fourth quarter results and provides updated acquisition guidance:

A conference call to discuss the results for the year ended December 31, 2013 will be held on March 21, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time (9:00 a.m. Mountain time). To participate in the conference call, please dial 1-888-231-8191 or (647) 427-7450 approximately 10 minutes prior to the call. A live and archived audio webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Company's website www.autocan.ca.

EDMONTON, March 20, 2014 /CNW/ - AutoCanada Inc. (the "Company" or "AutoCanada") (TSX: ACQ) today announced financial results for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the three month period ended December 31, 2013.

   
 
2013 Fourth Quarter Operating Results
 
 
 
 
 
 
  • Revenue increased 27.8% or $72.6 million
  • Gross profit increased by 28.9% or $14.0 million
  • Same store revenue increased by 8.9%
  • Same store gross profit increased by 9.2%
  • EBITDA was $14.8 million vs. $10.3 million in 2012, a 43.3% increase
  • Net earnings increased by $3.0 million or 44.6% to $9.6 million from $6.6 million
  • Basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.44 vs. $0.33 in 2012, a 33.3% increase
  • The number of new vehicles retailed increased by 23.9%
  • The number of used vehicles retailed increased by 18.0%
  • Repair orders completed for the quarter were up 23.0%
  • Same store repair orders completed for the quarter were up 1.3%

In commenting on the financial results for the three month period ended December 31, 2013, Pat Priestner, Chief Executive Officer of AutoCanada Inc. stated that, "The fourth quarter of 2013 was very strong with $14.8 million in EBITDA, an increase of over 40% compared to the same quarter of the prior year.  A combination of same store sales increases and acquisitions completed during the year is the main contributor to the strong results we achieved in the fourth quarter. We are also pleased to have completed the real estate transaction at the end of the year and look forward to the additional cash flow as a result of the purchase. With record results throughout the year, we were very pleased to complete 2013 with such a strong finish."

   
 
2013 Annual Operating Results
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  • Revenue increased by 27.9% or $307.1 million to $1.4 billion
  • Gross profit increased by 29.2% or $55.6 million
  • Same store revenue increased by 17.2%
  • Same store gross profit increased by 17.5%
  • EBITDA was $58.5 million vs. $37.9 million in 2012, a 54.4% increase
  • Net earnings increased by $13.9 million or 57.5% to $38.2 million from $24.2 million
  • Basic and diluted earnings per share of $1.83 vs. $1.22, a 50.0% increase
  • The number of new vehicles retailed increased by 26.5%
  • The number of used vehicles retailed increased by 9.7%
  • Repair orders completed for the year were up 17.7%
  • Same store repair orders completed for the year were up 5.0%

In commenting on the financial results for the year ended December 31, 2013, Mr. Priestner stated that, "2013 was a record year in terms of sales and earnings for AutoCanada due to the six dealership acquisitions completed and double digit growth in same store sales and gross profit during the year. We are very proud of the performance of our dealership teams, head office team and Manufacturer partners, all of whom performed exceptionally well in 2013." With respect to recent growth opportunities announced, Mr. Priestner further commented, "We are very pleased to have invested in two General Motors dealerships, located in the province of Saskatchewan, with the Mann family. Both stores are very well established and we are eager to begin operations in the great province of Saskatchewan, a new and exciting market with great potential. The award of a Volkswagen open point in Sherwood Park, Alberta also presents a great opportunity for AutoCanada to grow its dealership base with another excellent brand in a market so close to home."  Mr. Priestner further stated.

Acquisition Guidance Update

Over the past 15 months it has become apparent to Management that the Canadian dealer succession issue which industry analysts have been forecasting over the past number of years is beginning to materialize.  As such, the Company has experienced a significant increase in the number of interested sellers of auto dealerships in Canada and has noticed that many of these opportunities are large, more profitable premium dealerships.

In recognition of this increased activity, Management is raising its guidance to ten to twelve dealership acquisitions over the coming 24 months. Should the Company be able to acquire a larger group, this would increase the guidance.

Highlights of Fourth Quarter 2013 Results

  • Same store revenue increased by 8.9% in the fourth quarter of 2013, compared to the same quarter in 2012.  Same store gross profit increased by 9.2% in the fourth quarter of 2013, compared to the same quarter in 2012.
  • Revenue from existing and new dealerships increased 27.8% to $333.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 from $261.1 million in the same quarter in 2012.
  • Gross profit from existing and new dealerships increased 28.9% to $62.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 from $48.4 million in the same quarter in 2012.
  • EBITDA increased 43.3% to $14.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 from $10.3 million in the same quarter in 2012.
  • Free cash flow increased to $8.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 or $0.39 per share as compared to $0.9 million or $0.05 per share in the fourth quarter of 2012.
  • Adjusted free cash flow increased to $11.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 or $0.55 per share as compared to $9.0 million or $0.45 per share in 2012.
  • Adjusted return on capital employed decreased to 5.4% in the fourth quarter of 2013 as compared to 6.6% in 2012.
  • The Company generated adjusted earnings of $9.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2013.  Adjusted pre-tax earnings increased by $3.4 million to $12.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 as compared to $8.9 million in the same period in 2012.

Highlights of 2013 Annual Results

  • Same store revenue and gross profit increased by 17.2% and 17.5% respectively in the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to the results of the Company for the 2012 year.
  • Revenue from existing and new dealerships increased 27.9% to $1.41 billion in the year ended December 31, 2013 from the $1.10 billion that was generated by the Company in 2012.
  • Gross profit from existing and new dealerships increased by 29.2% to $246.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2013 from the $190.4 million that was generated by the Company in the 2012 year.
  • EBITDA increased 54.4% to $58.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from the $37.9 million that was generated by the Company in the 2012 year.
  • Free cash flow increased to $34.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2013 or $1.65 per share as compared to $18.9 million or $0.95 per share in 2012.
  • Adjusted free cash flow increased to $44.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2013 or $2.15 per share as compared to $31.8 million or $1.60 per share in 2012.
  • The Company generated adjusted earnings of $37.6 million.  Adjusted pre-tax earnings increased by $18.5 million to $51.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to $32.6 million in 2012.

Dividends

Management reviews the Company's financial results on a monthly basis.  The Board of Directors reviews the financial results on a quarterly basis, or as requested by Management, and determines the level of dividend based on a number of factors.

The following table summarizes the dividends declared by the Company in 2013:

(In thousands of dollars)                  
            Total
Record date Payment date           Declared Paid
              $ $
February 28, 2013
May 31, 2013
August 30, 2013
November 29, 2013
March 15, 2013
June 17, 2013
September 16, 2013
December 16, 2013
          3,579
3,777
4,344
4,561
3,579
3,777
4,344
4,561

On February 14, 2014, the Board declared a quarterly eligible dividend of $0.22 per common share on AutoCanada's outstanding Class A common shares, payable on March 17, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2014. The quarterly eligible dividend of $0.22 represents an annual dividend rate of $0.88 per share. The next scheduled dividend review will be in May 2014.

SELECTED ANNUAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following table shows the audited results of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013.  The results of operations for these periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected in any given comparable period.

(In thousands of dollars except Operating
Data and gross profit %)
The Company

(Audited)
2011
The Company

(Audited)
2012
The Company

(Audited)
2013
Income Statement Data      
New vehicles       640,721        683,034        882,858 
Used vehicles       206,030        243,351        300,881 
Parts, service and collision repair       110,465        114,276        142,343 
Finance, insurance and other       51,126        61,241        82,958 
Revenue       1,008,342        1,101,902        1,409,040 
New vehicles       47,762        57,833        75,835 
Used vehicles       17,395        16,299        20,273 
Parts, service and collision       57,699        59,898        73,755 
Finance and insurance       46,364        56,399        76,172 
Gross profit       169,220        190,429        246,035 
Gross Profit %       16.8%        17.3%        17.5% 
Operating expenses       136,846        149,140        188,519 
Operating exp. as a % of gross profit       80.9%        78.3%        76.6% 
Finance costs - floorplan       8,473        9,279        7,353 
Finance costs - long term debt       1,069        960        1,007 
Reversal of impairment of intangibles       (25,172)        (222)        (746) 
Income from investments in associates       -        468        2,241 
Income tax       12,509        8,576        13,696 
Net Comprehensive income       36,784        24,236        38,166 
EBITDA1       29,070        37,861        58,469 
Basic earnings (loss) per share       1.850        1.219        1.829 
Diluted earnings per share       1.850        1.219        1.829 
Operating Data      
Vehicles (new and used) sold       27,998        29,780        35,774 
Vehicles (new and used) sold including GM 4 27,998 31,554 40,136
New vehicles sold including GM 4 19,331 21,501 28,024
New retail vehicles sold       14,499        16,226        20,523 
New fleet vehicles sold       4,832        4,096        4,876 
Used retail vehicles sold       8,667        9,458        10,375 
Number of service & collision repair orders completed       305,298        309,488        364,361 
Absorption rate 2       88%        86%        87% 
# of dealerships at year end       24        24        28 
# of dealership investments at year end - 2 3
# of same store dealerships 3       21        22        21 
# of service bays at period end       333        333        381 
Same store revenue growth 3       17.3%        8.6%        17.2% 
Same store gross profit growth 3       13.9%        10.9%        17.5% 

1  EBITDA has been calculated as described under "NON-GAAP MEASURES".
2  Absorption has been calculated as described under "NON-GAAP MEASURES".
3  Same store revenue growth & same store gross profit growth is calculated using franchised automobile dealerships that we have owned for at least 2 full years.
4  The Company has investments in General Motors dealerships that are not consolidated. This number includes 100% of vehicles sold by these dealerships in which we have less than 100% investment.

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following table shows the unaudited results of the Company for each of the eight most recently completed quarters.  The results of operations for these periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected in any given comparable period.

(In thousands of dollars except Operating Data and
gross profit %)
  Q1
2012
Q2
2012
Q3
2012
Q4
2012
Q1
2013
Q2
2013
Q3
2013
Q4
2013
                 
Income Statement Data                
  New vehicles       147,383        186,560        190,065        159,026        174,278        254,261        257,222        197,097 
  Used vehicles       60,453        62,822        62,816        57,260        62,656        77,113        85,975        75,137 
  Parts, service and collision repair       26,953        28,915        28,488        29,920        29,515        34,456        37,104        41,268 
  Finance, insurance and other       13,399        16,139        16,775        14,928        17,602        22,555        22,530        20,271 
Revenue       248,188        294,436        298,144        261,134        284,051        388,385        402,831        333,773 
  New vehicles       12,066        14,684        15,556        15,527        16,022        20,793        20,694        18,326 
  Used vehicles       4,420        4,238        4,004        3,637        3,789        5,794        6,240        4,450 
  Parts, service and collision       14,049        15,298        15,133        15,418        15,233        17,586        20,114        20,822 
  Finance and insurance       12,344        14,842        15,428        13,785        16,096        20,676        20,666        18,734 
Gross profit       42,879        49,062        50,121        48,367        51,140        64,849        67,714        62,332 
Gross Profit %       17.3%        16.7%        16.8%        18.5%        18.0%        16.7%        16.8%        18.7% 
Operating expenses       35,381        37,659        38,361        37,739        40,353        48,639        51,080        48,447 
Operating exp. as a % of gross profit       82.5%        76.8%        76.5%        78.0%        78.9%        75.0%        75.4%        77.7% 
Finance costs - floorplan       2,053        2,622        2,745        1,859        1,675        1,888        1,903        1,887 
Finance costs - long term debt       214        239        250        257        237        244        139        387 
Reversal of impairment of intangibles       -        -        -        (222)        -        -        -        (746) 
Income from investments in associates       -        83        130        255        201        648        555        837 
Income tax       1,441        2,216        2,379        2,540        2,309        3,976        3,920        3,491 
Net earnings 4       4,112        6,712        6,806        6,606        6,822        10,823        10,968        9,553 
EBITDA 1,4       6,792        10,195        10,575        10,299        10,557        16,532        16,626        14,754 
Basic earnings (loss) per share 0.207        0.338        0.344        0.334        0.345        0.532        0.507        0.441 
Diluted earnings per share       0.207        0.338        0.344        0.334        0.345        0.532        0.507        0.441 
Operating Data                
Vehicles (new and used) sold       6,836        8,154        8,087        6,703        7,341        10,062        10,325        8,046 
Vehicles (new and used) sold including GM 5       6,836        8,557        8,783        7,378        8,123        11,399        11,405        9,209 
New vehicles sold including GM 5       4,403        5,964        6,178        4,956        5,665        8,246        8,023        6,090 
New retail vehicles sold       3,434        4,400        4,410        3,982        4,118        5,487        5,986        4,932 
New fleet vehicles sold       969        1,313        1,265        549        1,036        1,923        1,365        552 
Used retail vehicles sold       2,433        2,441        2,412        2,172        2,187        2,652        2,974        2,562 
Number of service & collision repair orders completed       74,439        78,104        78,944        78,001        77,977        93,352        97,074        95,958 
Absorption rate 2       91%        81%        89%        89%        85%        82%        90%        90% 
# of dealerships at period end       24        24        24        24        25        27        29        28 
# of same store dealerships 3       21        21        21        22        22        22        22        21 
# of service bays at period end       333        333        333        333        341        341        388        381 
Same store revenue growth 3       20.2%        2.4%        8.0%        7.4%        12.9%        26.2%        19.9%        8.9% 
Same store gross profit growth 3       18.3%        7.1%        7.9%        11.9%        16.9%        25.8%        18.5%        9.2% 
Balance Sheet Data                
Cash and cash equivalents       53,403        51,198        54,255        34,472        41,975        35,058        37,940        35,113 
Restricted cash       -        -        -        10,000        10,000        10,000        -        - 
Trade and other receivables       51,364        52,042        54,148        47,944        57,144        69,136        62,105        57,771 
Inventories       156,262        201,692        194,472        199,119        217,707        232,878        237,460        278,091 
Revolving floorplan facilities       178,145        221,174        212,840        203,525        225,387        246,325        228,526        264,178 

1  EBITDA has been calculated as described under "NON-GAAP MEASURES".
2  Absorption has been calculated as described under "NON-GAAP MEASURES".
3  Same store revenue growth & same store gross profit growth is calculated using franchised automobile dealerships that we have owned for at least 2 full years.
4  The results from operations have been lower in the first and fourth quarters of each year, largely due to consumer purchasing patterns during the holiday season, inclement weather and the reduced number of business days during the holiday season. As a result, our financial performance is generally not as strong during the first and fourth quarters than during the other quarters of each fiscal year. The timing of acquisitions may have also caused substantial fluctuations in operating results from quarter to quarter.
5  The Company has investments in General Motors dealerships that are not consolidated. This number includes 100% of vehicles sold by these dealerships in which we have less than 100% investment.

The following table summarizes the results for the year ended December 31, 2013, on a same store basis by revenue source, and compare these results to the same periods in 2012.

Same Store Gross Profit and Gross Profit Percentage
   
  For the Year Ended
  Gross Profit Gross Profit %
             
(In thousands of dollars except %
change and gross profit %)
Dec. 31,
2013
Dec. 31,
2012
%
Change
Dec. 31,
2013
Dec. 31,
2012
Change
Revenue Source            
             
New vehicles       66,396        54,801        21.2%        8.5%        8.3%        0.2% 
             
Used vehicles       18,235        15,881        14.8%        6.9%        6.8%        0.1% 
             
Finance and insurance       67,119        54,072        24.1%        91.5%        92.1%  (0.6%) 
             
Subtotal       151,750        124,754        21.6%       
             
Parts, service and collision       62,212        57,279        8.6%        52.4%        52.6%        (0.2)% 
             
Total       213,962        182,033        17.5%        17.3%        17.2%       0.1% 

The following table summarizes the results for the three month period ended December 31, 2013, on a same store basis by revenue source, and compares these results to the same period in 2012.

Same Store Gross Profit and Gross Profit Percentage
   
  For the Three Months Ended
  Gross Profit Gross Profit %
             
(In thousands of dollars except %
change and gross profit %)
Dec. 31,
2013
Dec. 31,
2012
%
Change
Dec. 31,
2013
Dec. 31,
2012
Change
Revenue Source            
New vehicles       14,764        14,710        0.4%        9.1%        9.7%        (0.6)% 
             
Used vehicles       4,049        3,619        11.9%        6.6%        6.6%               - % 
             
Finance and insurance       15,489        13,050        18.7%        91.7%        92.3%        (0.6)% 
             
Subtotal       34,302        31,379        9.3%       
             
Parts, service and collision       16,087        14,757        9.0%        51.4%        51.6%        (0.2)% 
             
Total       50,389        46,136        9.2%        18.5%        18.5%          - % 

About AutoCanada

AutoCanada is one of Canada's largest multi-location automobile dealership groups, currently operating 28 wholly-owned franchised dealerships and managing 5 franchised dealership investments in seven provinces and has about 1,600 employees.  AutoCanada currently sells Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT, Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Infiniti, Nissan, Hyundai, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Audi and Volkswagen branded vehicles.  In 2013, our dealerships sold approximately 36,000 vehicles and processed approximately 364,000 service and collision repair orders in our 381 service bays during that time.

Our dealerships derive their revenue from the following four inter-related business operations: new vehicle sales; used vehicle sales; parts, service and collision repair; and finance and insurance. While new vehicle sales are the most important source of revenue, they generally result in lower gross profits than used vehicle sales, parts, service and collision repair operations and finance and insurance sales. Overall gross profit margins increase as revenues from higher margin operations increase relative to revenues from lower margin operations. We earn fees for arranging financing on new and used vehicle purchases on behalf of third parties.  Under our agreements with our retail financing sources we are required to collect and provide accurate financial information, which if not accurate, may require us to be responsible for the underlying loan provided to the consumer.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements and information (collectively "forward-looking statements"), within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation.  We hereby provide cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements.  Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "will continue", "is anticipated", "projection", "vision", "goals", "objective", "target", "schedules", "outlook", "anticipate", "expect", "estimate", "could", "should", "expect", "plan", "seek", "may", "intend", "likely", "will", "believe" and similar expressions are not historical facts and are forward-looking and may involve estimates and assumptions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict.  Accordingly, these factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.  Therefore, any such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed throughout this document.

The Company's Annual Information Form and other documents filed with securities regulatory authorities (accessible through the SEDAR website www.sedar.com describe the risks, material assumptions and other factors that could influence actual results and which are incorporated herein by reference.

Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

NON-GAAP MEASURES

This press release contains certain financial measures that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by Canadian GAAP.  Therefore, these financial measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.  Investors are cautioned these measures should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings (loss) or to cash provided by (used in) operating, investing, and financing activities determined in accordance with Canadian GAAP, as indicators of our performance.  We provide these measures to assist investors in determining our ability to generate earnings and cash provided by (used in) operating activities and to provide additional information on how these cash resources are used.  We list and define these "NON-GAAP MEASURES" below:

EBITDA

EBITDA is a measure commonly reported and widely used by investors as an indicator of a company's operating performance and ability to incur and service debt, and as a valuation metric.  The Company believes EBITDA assists investors in comparing a company's performance on a consistent basis without regard to depreciation and amortization and asset impairment charges which are non-cash in nature and can vary significantly depending upon accounting methods or non-operating factors such as historical cost.  References to "EBITDA" are to earnings before interest expense (other than interest expense on floorplan financing and other interest), income taxes, depreciation, amortization and asset impairment charges.

EBIT

EBIT is a measure used by management in the calculation of Return on capital employed (defined below).  Management's calculation of EBIT is EBITDA (calculated above) less depreciation and amortization.

Adjusted Earnings

Adjusted earnings are calculated by adding back the after-tax effect of impairment or reversals of impairment of intangible assets and impairments of goodwill.  Adding back these non-cash charges to net earnings allows management to assess the net earnings of the Company from ongoing operations.

Adjusted Pre-Tax Earnings

Adjusted pre-tax earnings are calculated by adding back the impairment or reversals of impairment of intangible assets and impairments of goodwill.  Adding back these non-cash charges to pre-tax net earnings allows management to assess the pre-tax net earnings of the Company from ongoing operations.

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow is a measure used by management to evaluate its performance.  While the closest Canadian GAAP measure is cash provided by operating activities, free cash flow is considered relevant because it provides an indication of how much cash generated by operations is available after capital expenditures.  It shall be noted that although we consider this measure to be free cash flow, financial and non-financial covenants in our credit facilities and dealer agreements may restrict cash from being available for distributions, re-investment in the Company, potential acquisitions, or other purposes.  Investors should be cautioned that free cash flow may not actually be available for growth or distribution of the Company.  References to "Free cash flow" are to cash provided by (used in) operating activities (including the net change in non-cash working capital balances) less capital expenditures (not including acquisitions of dealerships and dealership facilities).

Adjusted Free Cash Flow

Adjusted free cash flow is a measure used by management to evaluate its performance.  Adjusted free cash flow is considered relevant because it provides an indication of how much cash generated by operations before changes in non-cash working capital is available after deducting expenditures for non-growth capital assets.  It shall be noted that although we consider this measure to be adjusted free cash flow, financial and non-financial covenants in our credit facilities and dealer agreements may restrict cash from being available for distributions, re-investment in the Company, potential acquisitions, or other purposes.  Investors should be cautioned that adjusted free cash flow may not actually be available for growth or distribution of the Company.  References to "Adjusted free cash flow" are to cash provided by (used in) operating activities (before changes in non-cash working capital balances) less non-growth capital expenditures.

Adjusted Average Capital Employed

Adjusted average capital employed is a measure used by management to determine the amount of capital invested in AutoCanada and is used in the measure of Adjusted Return on Capital Employed (described below).  Adjusted average capital employed is calculated as the average balance of interest bearing debt for the period (including current portion of long term debt, excluding revolving floorplan facilities) and the average balance of shareholders equity for the period, adjusted for impairments of intangible assets, net of deferred tax.  Management does not include future income tax, non-interest bearing debt, or revolving floorplan facilities in the calculation of adjusted average capital employed as it does not consider these items to be capital, but rather debt incurred to finance the operating activities of the Company.

Absorption Rate

Absorption rate is an operating measure commonly used in the retail automotive industry as an indicator of the performance of the parts, service and collision repair operations of a franchised automobile dealership. Absorption rate is not a measure recognized by GAAP and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. Therefore, absorption rate may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers that operate in the retail automotive industry.  References to ''absorption rate'' are to the extent to which the gross profits of a franchised automobile dealership from parts, service and collision repair cover the costs of these departments plus the fixed costs of operating the dealership, but does not include expenses pertaining to our head office. For this purpose, fixed operating costs include fixed salaries and benefits, administration costs, occupancy costs, insurance expense, utilities expense and interest expense (other than interest expense relating to floor plan financing) of the dealerships only.

Average Capital Employed

Average capital employed is a measure used by management to determine the amount of capital invested in AutoCanada and is used in the measure of Return on Capital Employed (described below). Average capital employed is calculated as the average balance of interest bearing debt for the period (including current portion of long term debt, excluding revolving floorplan facilities) and the average balance of shareholders equity for the period.  Management does not include future income tax, non-interest bearing debt, or revolving floorplan facilities in the calculation of average capital employed as it does not consider these items to be capital, but rather debt incurred to finance the operating activities of the Company.

Return on Capital Employed

Return on capital employed is a measure used by management to evaluate the profitability of our invested capital.  As a corporation, management of AutoCanada may use this measure to compare potential acquisitions and other capital investments against our internally computed cost of capital to determine whether the investment shall create value for our shareholders.  Management may also use this measure to look at past acquisitions, capital investments and the Company as a whole in order to ensure shareholder value is being achieved by these capital investments.  Return on capital employed is calculated as EBIT (defined above) divided by Average Capital Employed (defined above).

Adjusted Return on Capital Employed

Adjusted return on capital employed is a measure used by management to evaluate the profitability of our invested capital.  As a corporation, management of AutoCanada may use this measure to compare potential acquisitions and other capital investments against our internally computed cost of capital to determine whether the investment shall create value for our shareholders.  Management may also use this measure to look at past acquisitions, capital investments and the Company as a whole in order to ensure shareholder value is being achieved by these capital investments.  Adjusted return on capital employed is calculated as EBIT (defined above) divided by Adjusted Average Capital Employed (defined above).

Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures

EBITDA, EBIT, Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted Pre-tax Earnings, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow, Absorption Rate, Average Capital Employed and Return on Capital Employed are not earnings measures recognized by GAAP and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by GAAP.  Investors are cautioned that these non-GAAP measures should not replace net earnings or loss (as determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of the Company's performance, of its cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities or as a measure of its liquidity and cash flows. The Company's methods of calculating EBITDA, EBIT, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow, Absorption Rate, Average Capital Employed and Return on Capital Employed may differ from the methods used by other issuers. Therefore, the Company's EBITDA, EBIT, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow, Absorption Rate, Average Capital Employed and Return on Capital Employed may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

Additional information about AutoCanada Inc. is available at the Company's website at www.autocan.ca and www.sedar.com.

AutoCanada Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the Years Ended
(in thousands of Canadian dollars except for share and per share amounts)

  December 31,
2013
$
December 31,
2012
$
Revenue (Note 8)       1,409,040        1,101,902 
Cost of sales (Note 9)       (1,163,005)        (911,473) 
Gross profit       246,035        190,429 
Operating expenses (Note 10)       (188,519)        (149,140) 
Operating profit before other income       57,516        41,289 
     
Loss on disposal of assets, net       (210)        (95) 
Recovery of impairment of intangible assets (Note 21)       746        222 
Income from investments in associates (Note 16)       2,241        468 
Operating profit       60,293        41,884 
     
Finance costs (Note 12)       (9,618)        (11,045) 
Finance income (Note 12)       1,187        1,973 
Net comprehensive income for the year before taxation       51,862        32,812 
     
Income tax (Note 13)       13,696        8,576 
Net comprehensive income for the year       38,166        24,236 
     
Earnings per share     
Basic        1.829        1.222 
Diluted        1.829        1.222 
     
Weighted average shares     
Basic        20,868,726        19,840,802 
Diluted        20,868,726        19,840,802 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Approved on behalf of the Company:

(Signed) "Gordon R. Barefoot", Director                (Signed) "Michael Ross", Director


AutoCanada Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  December 31,
      2013
$
December 31,
      2012 
$
ASSETS    
Current assets    
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 17)       35,113        34,472 
Restricted cash (Note 17)       -        10,000 
Trade and other receivables (Note 18)       57,771        47,944 
Inventories (Note 19)       278,091        199,119 
Other current assets       1,603        1,102 
        372,578        292,637 
Property and equipment (Note 20)       122,915        38,513 
Intangible assets (Note 21)       96,985        66,403 
Goodwill (Note 21)       6,672        380 
Other long-term assets (Note 23)       6,797        7,699 
Investments in associates (Note 16)       13,131        4,730 
        619,078        410,362 
LIABILITIES    
Current liabilities    
Trade and other payables (Note 24)       50,428        35,590 
Revolving floorplan facilities (Note 25)       264,178        203,525 
Current tax payable       4,906        3,719 
Current lease obligations (Note 26)       1,398        1,282 
Current indebtedness (Note 25)       2,866        3,000 
        323,776        247,116 
Long-term indebtedness (Note 25)       83,580        23,937 
Deferred tax (Note 13)       21,480        14,809 
        428,836        285,862 
EQUITY       190,242        124,500 
        619,078        410,362 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 27)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


AutoCanada Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
For the Years Ended
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  Share
capital
$
Treasury
shares

Contributed
surplus
$
Total
capital
$
Accumulated
deficit
$
Equity
$
Balance,  January 1, 2013        190,435        (935)        4,423        193,923        (69,423)        124,500 
Net comprehensive income       -        -        -        -        38,166        38,166 
Dividends declared on common shares (Note 29)       -        -        -        -        (16,197)        (16,197) 
Common shares issued (Note 29)       43,811        -        -        43,811        -        43,811 
Common shares repurchased (Note 29)       -        (579)        -        (579)        -        (579) 
Restricted share units settled (Note 29)       -        206        (240)        (34)        -        (34) 
Share-based compensation       -        -        575        575        -        575 
Balance, December 31, 2013       234,246        (1,308)        4,758        237,696        (47,454)        190,242 
             
             
             
  Share
capital
$
Treasury
Shares

Contributed
surplus
$
Total
capital
$
Accumulated
deficit
$
Equity
$
Balance, January 1, 2012        190,435        -        3,918        194,353        (81,358)        112,995 
Net comprehensive income       -        -        -        -        24,236        24,236 
Dividends declared on common shares (Note 29)       -        -        -        -        (12,301)        (12,301) 
Common shares repurchased (Note 29)       -        (935)        -        (935)        -        (935) 
Share-based compensation       -        -        505        505        -        505 
Balance, December 31, 2012       190,435        (935)        4,423        193,923        (69,423)        124,500 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


AutoCanada Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  December 31,
2013
$
December 31,
2012
$
Cash provided by (used in)    
Operating activities    
Net income       38,166        24,236 
Income taxes (Note 13)       13,696        8,576 
Amortization of prepaid rent       452        452 
Amortization of property and equipment (Note 10)       6,346        4,311 
Loss on disposal of assets       210        95 
Recovery of impairment of intangible assets (Note 21)       (746)        (222) 
Share-based compensation - equity-settled       575        505 
Share-based compensation - cash-settled       2,054        235 
Income from investment in associate (Note 16)       (2,241)        (468) 
Income taxes paid       (10,559)        (4,255) 
Net change in non-cash working capital (Note 32)       (9,968)        (12,392) 
        37,985        21,073 
     
Investing activities    
Reduction in (addition to) restricted cash (Note 17)       10,000        (10,000) 
Investments in associates (Note 16)       (7,057)        (4,262) 
Purchases of property and equipment (Note 20)       (67,105)        (16,069) 
Disposal (purchase) of other assets       -        (58) 
Proceeds on sale of property and equipment       3,304        32 
Proceeds on divestiture of dealership (Note 15)       1,354        - 
Prepayments of rent       -        (540) 
Business acquisitions (Note 14)       (65,368)        - 
Dividends received from investments in associates (Note 16)       897        - 
        (123,975)        (30,897) 
     
Financing activities    
Proceeds from long-term indebtedness       241,287        79,465 
Repayment of long-term indebtedness       (181,757)        (75,596) 
Common shares repurchased       (513)        (912) 
Dividends paid (Note 29)       (16,197)        (12,301) 
Proceeds from issuance of shares (Note 29)       43,811        - 
        86,631        (9,344) 
Increase (decrease) in cash       641        (19,168) 
     
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year       34,472        53,641 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year       35,113        34,472 




SOURCE AutoCanada Inc.

For further information:

Jeff Christie, CA

Vice-President, Finance

Phone:  (780) 732-7164   Email: jchristie@autocan.ca