Why Is Group 1 Automotive (GPI) Down 0.3% Since Last Earnings Report?

Core Viewpoint - Group 1 Automotive's recent earnings report showed mixed results, with adjusted earnings per share missing estimates but revenues increasing year over year, raising questions about future performance [3][4][5]. Financial Performance - Q3 2025 adjusted EPS was $10.45, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $10.64 but up 5.6% year over year [3]. - Net sales reached $5.8 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.63 billion and up from $5.2 billion in the previous year [3]. - New vehicle retail sales increased 9.3% to $2.81 billion, surpassing projections, while total retail new vehicles sold rose 6.5% year over year to 57,269 units [4]. - Used-vehicle retail sales rose 11.8% to $1.85 billion, exceeding forecasts, but total retail used vehicles sold increased only 6.6% to 59,574 units [5]. Segment Performance - U.S. business segment revenues rose 6.5% year over year to $4.28 billion, with gross profit increasing 5.4% to $715 million [7]. - U.K. business segment revenues jumped 20.4% to $1.50 billion, although it missed estimates, while gross profit surged 17.3% to $204.7 million [8]. Financial Position - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 10.7% year over year to $654.9 million [9]. - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $30.8 million from $34.4 million, while total debt rose to $3.47 billion from $2.91 billion [9]. Shareholder Actions - During the quarter, Group 1 repurchased 185,788 shares at an average price of $443.18, totaling $82.5 million, with $226.3 million remaining in the stock buyback program [10]. Market Sentiment - Since the earnings release, there has been a downward trend in estimates revision, with the consensus estimate shifting down by 7.8% [11][12]. - Group 1 Automotive holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [14].