LITHIA MOTORS INC
10-Q, 1997-11-12
AUTO DEALERS & GASOLINE STATIONS
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                                 UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

                              ___________________

                                   FORM 10-Q
                              ___________________

   (Mark One)

   [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
                             EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
               For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997
                                      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: 000-21789

                              ___________________

                              LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            OREGON                                       93-0572810
(State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

360 E. JACKSON STREET, MEDFORD, OREGON                     97501
(Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  541-776-6899

                              ___________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to 
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes   X      No 
    -----       -----

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of 
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

     Class A Common stock without par value                2,895,550
     Class B Common stock without par value                4,110,000
                    (Class)                    (Outstanding at November 5, 1997)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>

                              LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
                                   FORM 10-Q
                                     INDEX


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                              Page
                                                                            ----

Item 1.  Financial Statements

         Consolidated Balance Sheets -September 30, 1997 and December 31, 
         1996                                                                 2

         Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three and Nine Months 
         Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996                                    3

         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Nine Months Ended 
         September 30, 1997 and 1996                                          4

         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                           5

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
         and Results of Operations                                            8


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                    15

Signatures                                                                   16


                                       1

<PAGE>

                             PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                     LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                (in thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          September 30,   December 31,
                                                              1997            1996     (1)
                                                          -------------   ------------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents                                $  7,379       $15,413
    Trade receivables                                           5,952         2,260
    Notes receivable, current portion                             429           414
    Notes receivable - related party                             -              308
    Inventories, net                                           50,748        33,362
    Vehicles leased to others, current portion                    991           524
    Prepaid expenses and other                                  1,330           372
    Deferred income taxes                                       1,251         1,646
                                                             --------       -------
        Total Current Assets                                   68,080        54,299

Property and Equipment, net of accumulated
  depreciation of $3,900 and $2,073                            11,933         4,616
Vehicles Leased to Others, less current portion                 5,103         4,500
Notes Receivable, less current portion                            328           377
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of
  $204 and $23                                                 14,817         4,101
Other Non-Current Assets                                        1,040         1,071
                                                             --------       -------
        Total Assets                                         $101,301       $68,964
                                                             --------       -------
                                                             --------       -------

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
    Notes payable                                            $   -          $   500
    Flooring notes payable                                     33,856        19,645
    Current maturities of long-term debt                        4,307         1,855
    Trade payables                                              2,197         2,434
    Accrued liabilities                                         4,690         2,482
    Payable to related parties                                   -            1,952
                                                             --------       -------
        Total Current Liabilities                              45,050        28,868

Long-Term Debt, less current maturities                        14,662         6,160
Deferred Revenue                                                2,615         3,250
Other Long-Term Liabilities                                       264           -
Deferred Income Taxes                                           2,840         2,772
                                                             --------       -------
        Total Liabilities                                      65,431        41,050
                                                             --------       -------

Shareholders' Equity
    Preferred stock - no par value; authorized 15,000
      shares; issued and outstanding; none                       -              -
    Class A common stock - no par value;
      authorized 100,000 shares; issued and 
      outstanding 2,896 and 2,500                              28,038        24,172
    Class B common stock
      authorized 25,000 shares; issued and 
      outstanding 4,110 and 4,110                                 511           511
    Retained earnings                                           7,321         3,231
                                                             --------       -------
       Total Shareholders' Equity                              35,870        27,914
                                                             --------       -------
       Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity            $101,301       $68,964
                                                             --------       -------
                                                             --------       -------

</TABLE>

(1) Restated, see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


                The accompanying notes are an integral part of 
                      these consolidated balance sheets.


                                       2

<PAGE>

                     LITHIA MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
               (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 Three months ended September 30,      Nine months ended September 30,
                                                 --------------------------------      -------------------------------
                                                       1997            1996      (1)         1997           1996      (1)
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>                   <C>            <C>
Sales:
   Vehicles                                         $   73,525      $   31,599            $  178,400     $   91,477
   Service, body, parts and other                       12,048           4,924                28,299         14,089
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------
        Net Sales                                       85,573          36,523               206,699        105,566
Cost of sales
   Vehicles                                             66,107          27,590               160,156         80,495
   Service, body, parts and other                        5,281           2,367                12,694          6,897
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------
        Cost of Sales                                   71,388          29,957               172,850         87,392
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------
        Gross profit                                    14,185           6,566                33,849         18,174
Selling, general and administrative                     11,162           5,202                26,743         14,475
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------
        Operating income                                 3,023           1,364                 7,106          3,699
Other income (expense)
    Equity in income of affiliate                           (4)             16                    52             40
    Interest income                                         39              44                   100            175
    Interest expense                                      (723)           (315)               (1,374)        (1,012)
    Other, net                                             238              96                   779            443
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------
                                                          (450)           (159)                 (443)          (354)
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------
Income before minority interest and income taxes         2,573           1,205                 6,663          3,345
Minority interest                                        -                 311                 -                627
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------
Income before income taxes                               2,573             894                 6,663          2,718
Income tax expense                                         994           -                     2,573          -
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------
Net income                                          $    1,579      $      894            $    4,090     $    2,718
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------
Net income per share                                $     0.22      $     0.18   (2)      $     0.56     $     0.56   (2)
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------
Shares used in per share calculations                7,311,758       4,883,016             7,280,875      4,883,016
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------
                                                    ----------      ----------            ----------     ----------

Pro Forma Net Income Data (unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Income before minority interest and income taxes, as reported       $    1,205                           $    3,345
Pro forma income taxes                                                     462                                1,284
                                                                    ----------                           ----------
Pro forma net income                                                $      743                           $    2,061
                                                                    ----------                           ----------
                                                                    ----------                           ----------
Pro forma net income per share                                      $     0.15                           $     0.42
                                                                    ----------                           ----------
                                                                    ----------                           ----------

</TABLE>

(1) Restated, see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Not comparable to 1997 data due to S Corporation status in 1996, therefore
    this is a pre-tax earnings per share amount.  See Note 8 of Notes to
    Consolidated Financial Statements.


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


                                       3

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                             LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                (In thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)


                                                                  Nine months ended September 30,
                                                                  -------------------------------
                                                                    1997                   1996
                                                                  --------               --------
<S>                                                               <C>                    <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net income                                                     $  4,090               $  2,718
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows
      provided by operating activities:
         Depreciation and amortization                               1,721                  1,218
         Loss on sale of assets                                          2                    180
         Gain on sale of vehicles leased to others                    (216)                  -
         Deferred income taxes                                          68                   -
         Minority interest in income                                  -                       627
         Equity in income of affiliate                                  91                    (40)
         (Increase) decrease in:
            Trade and installment contract receivables, net         (3,694)                  (843)
            Inventories                                              5,966                  2,269
            Prepaid expenses and other                                (316)                  (519)
            Other noncurrent assets                                   (236)                  -
         Increase (decrease) in:
            Trade payables                                            (344)                   (68)
            Accrued liabilities                                      2,149                    765
            Other liabilities                                       (2,324)                   711
         Proceeds from sale of vehicles leased to others             4,042                  3,909
         Expenditures for vehicles leased to others                 (5,953)                (5,726)
                                                                  --------               --------
            Net cash provided by operating activities                5,046                  5,201

Cash flows from investing activities:
   Notes receivable issued                                            (219)                  (488)
   Principal payments received on notes receivable                     253                    454
   Capital expenditures                                             (5,043)                  (274)
   Proceeds from sale of assets                                          3                    176
   Cash paid for acquisitions                                      (11,094)                  -
                                                                  --------               --------
            Net cash used in investing activities                  (16,100)                  (132)

Cash flows from financing activities:
   Net borrowings (repayments) on notes payable                       -                     2,419
   Net repayments on flooring notes payable                         (6,005)                (6,095)
   Principal payments on long-term debt                             (5,919)               (11,265)
   Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                         11,078                 10,272
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock                            3,866                   -
   Proceeds from minority interest share receivable                   -                       320
   Dividends and distributions                                        -                      (604)
                                                                  --------               --------
            Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities      3,020                 (4,953)
                                                                  --------               --------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                    (8,034)                   116

Cash and cash equivalents:
   Beginning of period                                              15,413                  9,706
                                                                  --------               --------
   End of period                                                  $  7,379               $  9,822
                                                                  --------               --------
                                                                  --------               --------

</TABLE>


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


                                       4

<PAGE>

                              LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The financial information included herein for the three and nine-month 
periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 is unaudited; however, such 
information reflects all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring 
adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair 
presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows 
for the interim periods.  The financial information as of December 31, 1996 
is derived from Lithia Motors, Inc.'s (the Company's) 1996 Annual Report on 
Form 10-K.  The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in 
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto 
included in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The results of 
operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative 
of the results to be expected for the full year.

NOTE 2: CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
Effective January 1, 1997, the Company changed its method of accounting for 
inventories from the last-in first-out (LIFO) method to the specific 
identification method for vehicles and the first-in first-out (FIFO) method 
of accounting for parts (collectively, the FIFO method).  Management believes 
the FIFO method is preferable because the FIFO method of valuing inventories 
more accurately presents the Company's financial position as it reflects more 
recent costs at the balance sheet date, more accurately matches revenues with 
costs reported during the period presented and provides comparability to 
industry information.  The financial statements of prior periods have been 
restated to apply the new method of accounting for inventories retroactively. 
The effect of this restatement was to increase retained earnings as of 
January 1, 1996 by $4,896.  The restatement decreased net income by $321, or 
$0.07 per share and $86, or $0.02 per share, for the three and nine-month 
periods ended September 30, 1996, respectively.

NOTE 3: INVENTORIES
Inventories are valued at cost, using the specific identification method for 
vehicles and the first-in first-out (FIFO) method of accounting for parts 
(collectively, the FIFO method).

                                     September 30, 1997      December 31, 1996
                                     ------------------      -----------------
New and demonstrator vehicles             $33,158                 $19,402
Used vehicles                              14,381                  12,199
Parts and accessories                       3,209                   1,761
                                          -------                 -------
                                          $50,748                 $33,362
                                          -------                 -------
                                          -------                 -------

NOTE 4: ACQUISITIONS
In April 1997, the Company closed its previously announced acquisition of 
Magnussen Dodge and Magnussen Isuzu in Concord, California.  The Company paid 
a total of $10.4 million in cash and notes for all of the assets of the 
dealerships and certain leasehold improvements, with bank finance funding a 
substantial portion of the total payment.


                                       5

<PAGE>

In July 1997, the Company closed its previously announced acquisition of 
Magnussen-Barbee Ford of Napa, California.  The Company paid a total of 
$7.9 million in cash and notes for all of the assets of the dealerships, with 
bank finance funding a substantial portion of the total payment.

These acquisitions were recorded as purchase transactions. Pro forma 
financial information is not presented, as it is not materially different 
from the reported financial information of the Company.

In August 1997, the Company closed its previously announced acquisition of 
Sun Valley Ford, Inc., a California corporation, dba "Sun Valley Ford 
Volkswagen Hyundai", located in Concord, California.  The Company paid a 
total of $17.9 million in cash and notes, with bank finance funding a 
substantial portion of the total payment.  Pro forma financial information is 
as follows:

                          Nine Months Ended
                            September 30,
                        ----------------------
                          1997          1996
                        --------      --------
Total revenues          $251,620      $161,315
Net income                 3,943         1,829
Earnings per share          0.54          0.37

NOTE 5: CREDIT FACILITY
In September 1997, the Company announced an agreement in principal with U.S. 
Bank for $175 million in credit lines, including $110 million in new, used 
and program flooring lines, $30 million in acquisition capital and $35 
million for other corporate purposes.

NOTE 6: SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information is as follows:

                                                 Nine Months Ended September 30,
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                  1997                      1996
                                                 ------                     ----
Cash paid during the period for income taxes     $2,262                     $  -
Cash paid during the period for interest          1,511                      996
Property acquired through debt                    1,424                        -
LIFO to FIFO restatement                          9,620                        -

NOTE 7: EARNINGS PER SHARE
In March 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement 128, 
EARNINGS PER SHARE ("SFAS 128"), superseding Opinion 15. This statement 
establishes a different method of computing net income per share than is 
currently required under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board 
Opinion No. 15.  Under SFAS 128, the Company will be required to present both 
basic net income per share and diluted net income per share.  Basic net 
income per share is expected to be comparable or slightly higher than the 
currently presented net income per share as the effect of dilutive stock 
options will not be considered in computing basic net income per share.  
Diluted net income per share is expected to be comparable or slightly higher 
than the currently presented net income per share since the diluted 
calculation will also use the average market price instead of the 


                                       6

<PAGE>

higher of the average or ending market price for its calculations.  SFAS 128 
is required to be adopted for periods ending after December 15, 1997.  Pro 
forma effects of applying SFAS 128 are as follows:

                                 Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
                                   September 30,         September 30,
                                 ------------------    -----------------
                                  1997         1996     1997        1996
                                 -----        -----    -----       -----
Primary EPS as reported          $0.22        $0.09    $0.56       $0.33
Effect of SFAS 128                0.01         0.00     0.03        0.00
                                 -----        -----    -----       -----
Basic EPS as restated            $0.23        $0.09    $0.59       $0.33
                                 -----        -----    -----       -----
                                 -----        -----    -----       -----

Fully diluted EPS as reported    $0.22        $0.09    $0.56       $0.33
Effect of SFAS 128                0.00         0.00     0.00        0.00
                                 -----        -----    -----       -----
Diluted EPS as restated          $0.22        $0.09    $0.56       $0.33
                                 -----        -----    -----       -----
                                 -----        -----    -----       -----

NOTE 8: RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period statements to 
conform to current presentation.  Such reclassifications are a result of the 
change from an S Corporation to a C Corporation as of December 18, 1996, the 
date of the Company's initial public offering and also as a result of the 
change in accounting principle discussed above in Note 2.

NOTE 9: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On October 1, 1997, the Company closed its previously announced acquisition 
of Dick Donnelly Automotive Enterprises, Inc., dba Dick Donnelly Lincoln, 
Mercury, Audi, Suzuki, Isuzu, located in Reno, Nevada. The Company paid a 
total of $12.8 million in cash and notes, with bank financing funding a 
substantial portion of the total payment.

On October 3, 1997, the Company closed its previously announced acquisition 
of Nissan-BMW, Inc., dba Bakersfield Nissan, Acura, BMW ("Bakersfield 
Nissan-BMW"), located in Bakersfield, California.  The Company paid a total 
of $9.2 million in cash and notes, with bank financing funding a substantial 
portion of the total payment.  The Company is leasing the land and facilities 
from the Bakersfield Nissan-BMW.

Both the Dick Donnelly and the Bakersfield acquisitions were accounted for as 
purchase transactions.


                                       7

<PAGE>

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS
This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. These statements are 
necessarily subject to risk and uncertainty.  Actual results could differ 
materially from those projected in these forward looking statements as a 
result of certain risks including those set forth in the Company's initial 
public offering prospectus dated December 18, 1996 and in its 1996 Annual 
Report on Form 10-K.  These risk factors include, but are not limited to, the 
cyclical nature of automobile sales, the intense competition in the 
automobile retail industry and the Company's ability to negotiate profitable 
acquisitions and secure manufacturer approvals for such acquisitions.

GENERAL
Lithia Motors is one of the larger retailers of new and used vehicles in the 
western United States, offering 21 domestic and imported makes of new 
automobiles and light trucks (including acquisitions that have not yet 
closed) at 15 locations. As an integral part of its operations, the Company 
arranges related financing (non-recourse) and insurance and sells parts, 
service and ancillary products. The Company's headquarters are currently 
located in Medford, Oregon, where it has a market share of over 40 percent. 
The Company has grown primarily by successfully acquiring and integrating 
dealerships and by obtaining new dealer franchises. The Company's strategy is 
to become a leading acquirer and operator of dealerships in the western 
United States.

The following table sets forth selected condensed financial data expressed as 
a percentage of total sales for the periods indicated for the average 
automotive dealer in the United States.

     AVERAGE U.S. DEALERSHIP            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
     STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:      -----------------------
                                         1996             1995
                                        ------           ------
     Sales:
        New vehicles                     57.7%            58.6%
        Used vehicles                    30.4             29.0
        Parts and service, other         11.9             12.4
                                        ------           ------
           Total sales                  100.0%           100.0%

     Gross profit                        12.8%            12.9%
     Total dealership expense            11.3%            11.5%
     Income before taxes                  1.5%             1.4%

__________
Source: NADA INDUSTRY ANALYSIS DIVISION


                                       8

<PAGE>

The following table sets forth selected condensed financial data for the 
Company, restated using the FIFO method, expressed as a percentage of total 
sales for the periods indicated below.

                                    THREE MONTHS ENDED    NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                      SEPTEMBER 30,         SEPTEMBER 30,
                                    ------------------    -----------------
                                    1997          1996    1997         1996
                                    ----          ----    ----         ----
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Sales:
   New vehicles                      52%           45%     49%          46%
   Used vehicles                     34            41      37           41
   Service, body, parts and other    14            14      14           13
                                    ----          ----    ----         ----
       Total sales                  100%          100%    100%         100%
Gross profit                         17            18      16           17
Selling, general and administrative  13            14      13           13
                                    ----          ----    ----         ----
Operating income                      4             4       3            4
Other income (expense), net          (1)           (1)      -           (1)
                                    ----          ----    ----         ----
   Income before taxes and minority
     interest                         3%            3%      3%           3%
                                    ----          ----    ----         ----
                                    ----          ----    ----         ----

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

1997 COMPARED TO 1996
Net sales for the Company increased $49.1 million, or 134 percent, to $85.6 
million for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 from $36.5 million for the 
comparable period of 1996.  Net sales increased $101.1 million, or 96 
percent, to $206.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 
compared to $105.6 million for the comparable period of 1996. Same store 
revenue growth for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 1997 
was 5.7 percent and 5.6 percent, respectively, with a 6.3 percent decrease 
and 5.0 percent increase in used retail revenue, respectively, a 22.2 percent 
and 20.8 percent increase in other operating revenue, respectively, and a 6.6 
percent and 0.2 percent increase in new vehicle sales, respectively.

NEW VEHICLE SALES.  The Company sells 21 domestic and imported brands ranging 
from economy to luxury cars, as well as sport utility vehicles, minivans and 
light trucks. Revenue on new vehicle sales increased 170 percent to $44.6 
million and 110 percent to $101.0 million, respectively, for the three and 
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997 compared to $16.5 million and 
$48.0 million, respectively, for the comparable periods of 1996.  These 
increases were achieved by a 150 percent and 97 percent increase, 
respectively, in units sold to 2,083 and 4,768, respectively, for the three 
and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997 and a 8 percent and 7 percent 
increase, respectively, in the average selling price to $21,393 and $21,187 
respectively, for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997.  
The increases are primarily attributable to the Eugene Dodge, Vacaville 
Toyota, Concord Dodge, Napa Ford, Sun Valley Ford and Sun Valley Volkswagen 
stores, all of which were acquired since the fourth quarter of 1996.  Same 
store new vehicle revenue was up 6.6 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively, 
for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997.  The increase 
in the third quarter is primarily as a result of manufacturer incentives at 
the end of the model year.


                                       9

<PAGE>

The Company purchases substantially all of its new car inventory directly 
from manufacturers who allocate new vehicles to dealerships based on the 
amount of vehicles sold by the dealership and by the dealership's market 
area. The Company will also exchange vehicles with other dealers to 
accommodate customer demand and to balance inventory. 

The Company sells vehicles from the factory to a fleet purchaser utilizing 
(i) "book only" fleet sales in which the Company does not take delivery of a 
vehicle; or (ii) fleet sales which pass through the Company's inventory. The 
Company realizes substantially less profit per vehicle on fleet sales than it 
does through retail sales. For "book only" fleet sales, only the net revenue 
is included in the Company's revenue.   Fleet sales do not represent a 
material portion of the Company's sales.

USED VEHICLE SALES.  The Company offers a variety of makes and models of used 
cars and light trucks of varying model years and prices. Revenue from retail 
used vehicle sales increased 75 percent and 64 percent, respectively to $22.4 
million and $58.9 million for the three and nine-month periods ended 
September 30, 1997 from $12.8 million and $35.9 million, respectively, for 
the comparable periods of 1996.  Retail used unit volume increased 76 percent 
and 56 percent, respectively, to 1,793 units and 4,779 units, respectively, 
for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997. The average 
unit price decreased 1 percent and increased 5 percent, respectively, to 
$12,499 and $12,327, respectively for the three and nine-month periods ended 
September 30, 1997.  The increases in units and total used retail revenue are 
attributable to the addition of the six new stores, combined with a same 
store used retail revenue decrease of 6.3 percent and increase of 5.0 
percent, respectively, with a 0.6 percent decrease and a 5.0 percent 
increase, respectively, in same store average selling prices for the three 
and nine month periods ended September 30, 1997 compared to the same periods 
of 1996.

Used vehicle sales are an important part of the Company's overall 
profitability. The Company has made a strategic commitment to emphasize used 
vehicle sales. As part of its focus on used vehicle sales, the Company 
retains a full-time used vehicle manager at each of its locations and has 
allocated additional financing and display space to this effort. The Company 
believes there is substantial consumer demand for quality used vehicles.

The Company sells used vehicles to retail customers and, in the case of 
vehicles in poor condition, or vehicles which have not sold within a 
specified period of time, to other dealers, and to wholesalers.  Sales to 
other dealers and to wholesalers are frequently at, or close to, cost and 
therefore affect the Company's overall gross profit margin on used vehicle 
sales.

SERVICE, BODY, PARTS AND OTHER.  The Company's service, body, parts and other 
operating revenue, the Company's highest margin product area, increased to 
$12.0 million and $28.3 million, respectively, for the three and nine-month 
periods ended September 30, 1997, from $4.9 million and $14.1 million, 
respectively, for the comparable periods of 1996.  This increase is primarily 
due to an increased number of finance and insurance transactions and an 
increase in revenues derived from service department maintenance and repairs. 
To a limited extent, revenues from the parts and service department are 
countercyclical to new 


                                       10

<PAGE>

car sales as owners repair existing vehicles rather than buy new vehicles. 
The Company believes this helps mitigate the affects of a downturn in the new 
vehicle sales cycle.

GROSS PROFIT.  Gross profit increased to $14.2 million and $33.8 million, 
respectively, for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997, 
compared with $6.6 million and $18.2 million, respectively, for the 
comparable periods of 1996.   These increases are primarily due to an 
increase in new and used vehicle unit sales during the periods at the 
Company's new stores as discussed above.  Gross profit margins were 16.6 
percent and 16.4 percent, respectively, for the three and nine-month periods 
ended September 30, 1997 compared to 18.0 percent and 17.2 percent for the 
comparable periods of 1996. The decrease in the gross profit margin is 
primarily attributable to large volume increases at certain key stores.  As 
volumes increase, gross profit margin typically decreases.  The margins on 
the newly acquired stores have improved, however, from pre-acquisition 
margins.  The decrease in gross profit margins for the three and nine-month 
periods was primarily a result of increased volume at several of the 
Company's stores during 1997.  The Company's gross profit margin continues to 
exceed the average U.S. dealership gross profit margin of 12.8 percent for 
1996.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE ("SG&A").  The Company's SG&A 
expense increased to $11.2 million and $26.7 million (13.0 percent and 12.9 
percent, respectively, of total sales), respectively, for the three and 
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997 compared to $5.2 million and 
$14.5 million (14.2 percent and 13.7 percent, respectively, of total sales), 
respectively, for the comparable periods of 1996. The increase in SG&A was 
due primarily to increased selling, or variable, expense related to the 
increase in sales and increased costs associated with being a public company. 
The decrease in SG&A as a percent of total sales is a result of economies of 
scale gained as the fixed expenses are spread over a larger revenue base.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE.  The Company's effective tax rate for the three and 
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997 was 38.6 percent compared to 38.4 
percent (on a pro forma basis) for the comparable periods of 1996.  The 
Company's effective tax rate may be effected by the purchase of new stores in 
jurisdictions with tax rates either higher or lower than the current 
estimated rate.

NET INCOME.  Net income was $1.6 million and $4.1 million (1.9 percent and 
2.0 percent, respectively, of total sales), respectively, for the three and 
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997 compared to $0.7 million and $2.0 
million (2.0 percent and 2.0 percent, respectively, of total sales), 
respectively, on a pro forma basis, for the comparable periods of 1996, as a 
result of the individual line item changes discussed above.


                                       11

<PAGE>

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At September 30, 1997 the Company had working capital of $23.0 million, which 
included  $7.4 million of cash and cash equivalents.  The $8.0 million 
decrease in cash since December 31, 1996 is primarily a result of $11.1 
million used for acquisitions and $5.0 million used for the purchase of 
property and equipment, offset by $5.0 million provided by operations, and 
$3.9 million in net proceeds from the sale of the Company's common stock as a 
result of the exercise of the underwriters' overallotment option.  The 
current ratio at September 30, 1997 was 1.5:1 compared to 1.9:1 at December 31, 
1996.

Trade receivables increased $3.7 million to $6.0 million at September 30, 
1997 from $2.3 million at December 31, 1996, primarily as a result of the 
acquisitions since the Company's initial public offering in December 1996.

Inventories increased $17.4 million to $50.7 million at September 30, 1997 
from $33.4 million at December 31, 1996 primarily as a result of vehicles 
acquired with the Company's 1997 acquisitions.

Property and equipment increased $7.3 million to $11.9 million at September 30, 
1997 from $4.6 million at December 31, 1996 primarily as a result of the 
purchase of a new body and paint shop, a vacant parcel of land, which is 
being held for future development, and property and equipment acquired with 
the acquisitions since the Company's initial public offering in December 1996.

Total debt, excluding flooring lines, increased by $10.5 million to $19.0 
million at September 30, 1997 compared to $8.5 million at December 31, 1996, 
primarily as a result of 1997 acquisitions.  At September 30, 1997, the 
Company's debt to equity ratio was 53 percent.

In September 1997, the Company announced an agreement in principal with U.S. 
Bank for $175 million in credit lines, including $110 million in new, used 
and program flooring lines, $30 million in acquisition capital and $35 
million for other corporate purposes.  Management believes that the Flooring 
Line provides the Company with financing at rates lower than those available 
from manufacturers.  At September 30, 1997, there was approximately $33.9 
million outstanding under the Flooring Line and $52.8 million outstanding 
under the credit facility in total.

Total shareholders' equity increased $8.0 million in the first nine months of 
1997 as a result of the underwriters' exercise of their over allotment option 
for 375,000 additional shares of Class A Common Stock for a total of $3.9 
million, $3.2 million of non-cash, after-tax LIFO reserves resulting from the 
conversion to the FIFO method of accounting (the industry standard) and $4.1 
million of retained earnings from the nine months ended September 30, 1997.

The Company's principal needs for capital resources are to finance 
acquisitions, capital expenditures and increased working capital 
requirements. Historically, the Company has relied primarily upon internally 
generated cash flows from operations, borrowings under its credit facility 
and borrowings from its shareholders to finance its operations and expansion.


                                       12

<PAGE>

In April 1997, the Company closed its acquisition of Magnussen Dodge Isuzu in 
Concord, California for $10.4 million in cash and notes, canceled its 
agreement to acquire Linder Honda of Salinas, California and signed a 
definitive agreement to purchase Sun Valley Ford Volkswagen Hyundai in 
Concord, California.

In July 1997, the Company closed its previously announced acquisition of 
Magnussen-Barbee Ford Lincoln Mercury of Napa, California.  The Company paid 
a total of $7.9 million in cash and notes for all of the assets of the 
dealerships, with bank financing funding a substantial portion of the total 
payment.

In August 1997, the Company closed its previously announced acquisition of 
Sun Valley Ford, Inc., a California corporation, dba "Sun Valley Ford 
Volkswagen Hyundai", located in Concord, California.  The Company paid a 
total of $17.9 million in cash and notes, with bank financing funding a 
substantial portion of the total payment.

On October 1, 1997, the Company closed its previously announced acquisition 
of Dick Donnelly Automotive Enterprises, Inc., dba Dick Donnelly Lincoln, 
Mercury, Audi, Suzuki, Isuzu, located in Reno, Nevada. The Company paid a 
total of $12.8 million in cash and notes, with bank financing funding a 
substantial portion of the total payment.

On October 3, 1997, the Company closed its previously announced acquisition 
of Nissan-BMW, Inc., dba Bakersfield Nissan, Acura, BMW ("Bakersfield 
Nissan-BMW"), located in Bakersfield, California.  The Company paid a total 
of $9.2 million in cash and notes, with bank financing funding a substantial 
portion of the total payment.  The Company is leasing the land and facilities 
from the Bakersfield Nissan-BMW.

As of the date of this filing, the Company did not have any pending 
acquisitions.

SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS
Historically, the Company's sales 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, financial performance for the Company 
is generally lower during the fourth quarter than during the other quarters 
of each fiscal year; however, this did not hold true for the years 1996 and 
1995. Management believes that interest rates, levels of consumer debt, 
consumer buying patterns and confidence, as well as general economic 
conditions, also contribute to fluctuations in sales and operating results. 
The timing of acquisitions may cause substantial fluctuations of operating 
results from quarter to quarter.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, "Earnings per Share" 
("SFAS 128").  This statement establishes a different method of computing net 
income per share than is currently required under the provisions of 
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15.  Under SFAS 128, the Company will 
be required to present both basic net income per share and diluted net income 
per share. Basic net income per share is expected to be comparable or 
slightly higher than the currently presented net income per share as the 
effect of dilutive stock options will not be considered in computing basic 
net income per 


                                       13

<PAGE>

share.  Diluted net income per share is expected to be comparable or slightly 
higher than the currently presented net income per share since the diluted 
calculation will also use the average market price instead of the higher of 
the average or ending market price for its calculations.  The Company expects 
to adopt SFAS 128 in the fourth quarter of 1997 and, at that time, all 
historical net income per share data presented will be restated to conform to 
the provisions of SFAS 128.

In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 
No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS 130").  This statement 
establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and 
its components in a full set of general purpose financial statements.  The 
objective of SFAS 130 is to report a measure of all changes in equity of an 
enterprise that result from transactions and other economic events of the 
period other than transactions with owners.  The Company expects to adopt 
SFAS 130 in the first quarter of 1998 and does not expect comprehensive 
income to be materially different from currently reported net income.


                                       14

<PAGE>

                          PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits
The exhibits filed as a part of this report are listed below and this list 
constitutes the exhibit index.

    Exhibit No.
    -----------
    2.1     Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Business Assets, by and between
            Sun Valley Ford, Inc., a California corporation, dba Sun Valley
            Ford Volkswagen Hyundai, and the Company, dated April 2, 1997,
            previously filed with the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
            June 30, 1997 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
            on August 12, 1997, and is incorporated herein by reference.
    2.2     Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Business Assets, by and between
            Nissan-BMW, Inc., a California corporation, dba Bakersfield Nissan,
            Acura, BMW, and the Company, dated June 26, 1997, previously filed
            with the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1997 as
            filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12,
            1997, and is incorporated herein by reference.
    2.3     Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Business Assets, by and between
            Dick Donnelly Automotive Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
            dba Dick Donnelly Lincoln, Mercury, Audi, Suzuki, Isuzu, and the
            Company, dated July 8, 1997, previously filed with the Company's
            Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1997 as filed with the
            Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 1997, and is
            incorporated herein by reference.
    10.1    Promissory Note for Leasehold Improvements by and between Lithia
            Motors, Inc. and Sun Valley Ford, Inc., dated August 8, 1997, as
            previously filed with the Company's Form 8-K dated August 8, 1997
            as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 21,
            1997, and is incorporated herein by reference.
    10.2    Promissory Note for Intangible Assets by and between Lithia Motors,
            Inc. and Sun Valley Ford, Inc., dated August 8, 1997, as previously
            filed with the Company's Form 8-K dated August 8, 1997 as filed
            with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 21, 1997, and
            is incorporated herein by reference.
    10.3    Standard Industrial Lease, as amended, and assignment thereof, by
            and between Lithia Motors, Inc., Edmund C. Bartlett, Jr. and Anna
            Bartlett and Sun Valley Ford, Inc., dated July 16, 1997, as
            previously filed with the Company's Form 8-K/A dated August 8, 1997
            as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14,
            1997, and is incorporated herein by reference.
    10.4    Lease Agreement, and assignment thereof, by and between Lithia
            Motors, Inc., George Valente and Lena E. Valenta and Sun Valley
            Ford, Inc., dated August 4, 1997, as previously filed with the
            Company's Form 8-K/A dated August 8, 1997 as filed with the
            Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 1997, and is
            incorporated herein by reference.
    11      Calculations of Net Income Per Share
    18      Letter re change in accounting principles, previously filed as
            exhibit 18 to the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the
            quarter ended March 31, 1997, as filed with the Securities and
            Exchange Commission on May 13, 1997 and incorporated herein by
            reference.
    27      Financial Data Schedule

(b) Reports on Form 8-K
The Company filed a report on Form 8-K under Item 2., Acquisition or 
Disposition of Assets and Item 7., Financial Statements and Exhibits, dated 
August 8, 1997 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 
August 21, 1997. 

The Company filed a report on Form 8-K under Item 2., Acquisition or 
Disposition of Assets and Item 7., Financial Statements and Exhibits dated 
July 1, 1997 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 
16, 1997.

                                       15

<PAGE>

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the 
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


Date:  November 6, 1997             LITHIA MOTORS, INC.


                                    By /s/ SIDNEY B. DEBOER
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Sidney B. DeBoer
                                    Chairman of the Board and
                                    Chief Executive Officer
                                    (Principal Executive Officer)


                                    By /s/ BRIAN R. NEILL
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Brian R. Neill
                                    Senior Vice President and
                                    Chief Financial Officer
                                    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


                                       16



<PAGE>

                                                                      EXHIBIT 11


                              LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
                     CALCULATIONS OF NET INCOME PER SHARE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                            Three Months Ended September 30,                Nine Months Ended September 30,
                            ----------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------
                            1997                    1996                    1997                    1996
                            ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
                            Primary     Fully       Primary     Fully       Primary     Fully       Primary     Fully
                                        Diluted                 Diluted                 Diluted                 Diluted
<S>                         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Weighted Average Shares
Outstanding for the Period
  Class A                    2,895,550   2,895,550     390,000     390,000   2,863,090   2,863,090     390,000     390,000
  Class B                    4,110,000   4,110,000   4,110,000   4,110,000   4,110,000   4,110,000   4,110,000   4,110,000


Dilutive Common Stock
Options Using the Treasury
Stock Method                   306,208     324,414       -           -         307,785     327,077       -           -

Shares Added Pursuant
to SAB 83                        -           -         383,016     383,016       -           -         383,016     383,016
                            ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
Total Shares Used for Per
Share Calculations           7,311,758   7,329,964   4,883,016   4,883,016   7,280,875   7,300,167   4,883,016   4,883,016

Net Income                  $1,579,000  $1,579,000  $  894,000  $  894,000  $4,090,000  $4,090,000  $2,718,000  $2,718,000
                            ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
Net Income Per Share             $0.22       $0.22       $0.18       $0.18       $0.56       $0.56       $0.56       $0.56
                            ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
                            ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------

</TABLE>


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                           7,379
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    6,381
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     50,748
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                68,080
<PP&E>                                          15,833
<DEPRECIATION>                                   3,900
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 101,301
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           45,050
<BONDS>                                         52,825
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        28,549
<OTHER-SE>                                       7,321
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   101,301
<SALES>                                        178,400
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               206,699
<CGS>                                          160,156
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  172,850
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                26,743
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    58
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,374
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  6,663
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,573
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              4,090
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     4,090
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.56
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.56
        

</TABLE>


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