Group 1 Automotive (GPI) Soars 3.1%: Is Further Upside Left in the Stock?

Core Viewpoint - Group 1 Automotive (GPI) shares have shown significant growth, driven by strategic acquisitions and positive earnings expectations, indicating potential strength in the stock moving forward [1][2][3]. Group 1 Automotive (GPI) - GPI shares increased by 3.1% to close at $480.13, with a notable trading volume compared to typical sessions, and a total gain of 5.2% over the past four weeks [1]. - The company has focused on expanding its portfolio through acquisitions, including the Inchcape buyout in 2024, which is projected to add $2.7 billion in annualized revenues. Total acquired revenues for 2024 reached $3.9 billion, with $430 million in annualized revenues acquired year to date [2]. - The upcoming quarterly earnings report is expected to show earnings of $10.16 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.7%, and revenues are anticipated to be $5.51 billion, up 17.3% from the previous year [3]. - The consensus EPS estimate for GPI has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, suggesting that the stock's price movement may not sustain without trends in earnings estimate revisions [4]. - GPI currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable outlook compared to other stocks in the automotive retail and wholesale industry [5]. Industry Context - Group 1 Automotive is part of the Zacks Automotive - Retail and Wholesale industry, where AutoNation (AN) also operates. AN shares closed 0.7% higher at $214.83, with a return of 9.8% over the past month [5]. - AutoNation's consensus EPS estimate has increased by 0.7% over the past month to $4.62, representing a year-over-year change of 15.8% [6].