350698--2/28/2008--AUTONATION_INC

related topics

{debt, indebtedness, cash}

{customer, product, revenue}

{financial, litigation, operation}

{condition, economic, financial}

{cost, regulation, environmental}

{operation, natural, condition}

{tax, income, asset}

{stock, price, operating}

{acquisition, growth, future}

{operation, international, foreign}

The automotive retailing industry is sensitive to changing economic conditions and various other factors. Our business and results of operations are substantially dependent on new vehicle sales levels in the United States and in our particular geographic markets and the level of gross profit margins that we can achieve on our sales of new vehicles, all of which are very difficult to predict. We are dependent upon the success and continued financial viability of the vehicle manufacturers and distributors with which we hold franchises. Our new vehicle sales are impacted by the consumer incentive and marketing programs of vehicle manufacturers. Natural disasters and adverse weather events can disrupt our business. We are subject to restrictions imposed by, and significant influence from, vehicle manufacturers that may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and prospects, including our ability to acquire additional stores. We are subject to numerous legal and administrative proceedings, which, if the outcomes are adverse to us, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, and prospects. Our operations, including, without limitation, our sales of finance and insurance and vehicle protection products, are subject to extensive governmental laws and regulations. If we are found to be in violation of, or subject to liabilities under, any of these laws or regulations, or if new laws or regulations are enacted that adversely affect our operations, our business, operating results, and prospects could suffer. Goodwill and other intangible assets comprise a significant portion of our total assets. We must test our intangible assets for impairment at least annually, which may result in a material, non-cash write down of goodwill or franchise rights and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and shareholders equity. Our ability to grow our business may be limited by our ability to acquire automotive stores on favorable terms or at all. We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with our floorplan notes payable, revolving credit facility, term loan facility, and floating rate senior unsecured notes that could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. Our revolving credit facility, term loan facility, mortgage facility, and the indenture relating to our senior unsecured notes contain certain restrictions on our ability to conduct our business. Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and operations and prevent us from fulfilling our debt service obligations. We may still be able to incur more debt, intensifying these risks. Our largest stockholder, as a result of its voting ownership, may have the ability to exert substantial influence over actions to be taken or approved by our stockholders.

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350698--2/28/2008--AUTONATION_INC_/FL