May/June 2012
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| The balance sheet — a critical management tool | |
 | An income statement is important, but it isn’t the best indicator of a dealership’s financial health. For that knowledge, a balance sheet is necessary. It tells the dealership how well or poorly it’s doing in increasing its equity — and a lot more. This article shows how to use the balance sheet to determine return on equity and calculate debt-service and current ratios. This information can help the dealer determine where its money is going now, while also providing big-picture insights. A sidebar offers a warning about round numbers on the balance sheet — they may signal unsubstantiated estimates, underreported expense or fraud. Read More |
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| Don’t let unwanted stock get the best of your store | |
 | Which new cars sell quickly in a particular market depends on local customers’ demographics and various vehicles’ popularity at the moment. This article suggests a number of ways for a dealership to avoid letting slow-moving vehicles have a negative impact. They include paying attention to customer satisfaction index scores, working with dealers and customers in other locations, and using undesirable vehicles in creative ways. Read More |
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| Estate planning checklist — Timing is everything | |
 | One of the essential questions in estate planning is: Who should inherit your assets? The answer can vary during one’s lifetime, and the challenge is to stay current with life changes. It’s also essential to remain on top of tax law developments that will affect the estate. This article offers a checklist of times when one should review their estate plan and make any necessary changes. Read More |
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| Dealer Digest | |
 | This issue’s “Dealer Digest” discusses how to effectively manage online leads; a Ford executive’s recommendation that dealerships in large metro areas emulate dealerships in small towns; and an increasing share of the used-vehicle market for auto dealers, as opposed to private parties. Read More |
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This publication is distributed with the understanding that the author, publisher and distributor are not rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice or opinions on specific facts or matters, and accordingly assume no liability whatsoever in connection with its use. ©2012 • DLRmj12 | |