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Asbury Automotive Group(ABG) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-28 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated a record revenue of $4.8 billion in Q3 2025, with a gross profit of $803 million and a gross profit margin of 16.7% [7] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was reported at $7.17, with an adjusted EBITDA of $261 million [7][16] - Adjusted net income for the quarter was $140 million, excluding various non-cash and acquisition-related expenses [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store revenue for new vehicles increased by 8% year-over-year, with unit sales up by 7% [9] - The parts and service business saw a same-store gross profit increase of 7%, with customer pay gross profit up by 8% [6][13] - Used vehicle unit volume decreased by 4% year-over-year, but used retail gross profit per unit (GPU) increased to $1,551 [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced elevated consumer demand for electric vehicles (EVs), with EV unit sales doubling from Q2 to Q3 [25] - Same-store new day supply was reported at 58 days, indicating a slight improvement in inventory management [10] - The company anticipates headwinds in the used vehicle market due to a softening labor market and vehicle affordability challenges [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deleveraging its balance sheet and optimizing its portfolio while being opportunistic with share repurchases [6][20] - The integration of the Herb Chambers Group is expected to enhance operating metrics and contribute positively to gross profits [4][26] - The company aims to continue its transition to the Techyon platform, which is expected to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs in the long term [57][58] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about maintaining margins in Q4, particularly in the luxury vehicle segment, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [25] - The company expects to see a recovery in the used vehicle market starting in 2026, with improved inventory levels anticipated in the following years [11][66] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by the current economic environment but remains confident in the company's ability to generate cash and reduce leverage [20] Other Important Information - The company divested four stores in July, generating annualized revenue of $300 million, as part of its disciplined portfolio management strategy [6] - The adjusted SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was reported at 64.2%, with expectations for potential reductions as the Techyon rollout progresses [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on new GPUs for Q4 - Management indicated that Q4 is traditionally strong for luxury vehicles, and they expect margins to hold up well despite the lower gross profit from EVs compared to traditional vehicles [25][26] Question: Impact of Chambers acquisition on new GPUs - The acquisition is expected to have a positive effect on new GPUs, as the Herb Chambers Group has historically performed well in generating growth [26] Question: Updates on TCA and EPS projections - Management revised TCA projections due to changes in the SAR estimates, indicating a delay in achieving previous EPS targets [30][32] Question: Capital allocation priorities - Management indicated a focus on share repurchases and debt reduction, with a balanced approach to portfolio management [43] Question: Trends in luxury vehicle performance - Management noted that luxury performance is more brand-specific than region-specific, with expectations for a strong luxury end to the quarter [49] Question: Strategies for increasing used vehicle volume - The company is leveraging digital marketing tools and focusing on service drives to acquire more used vehicles, while balancing volume and profitability [64][66]