Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for FY 2025 was just under $2.5 billion, slightly ahead of FY 2024, driven by a decline in the new car market but mitigated by strong performance in used cars, finance and insurance, and service [3][19] - EBITDA was just over $110 million, with underlying profit before tax of $22.3 million, in line with guidance [3][19] - Net debt decreased to $46.7 million, down $14 million from the previous year, with a net debt to property ratio of 20% [4][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Used vehicle sales increased by 14% to 9,702 units, offsetting declines in new car sales [20] - Service and parts revenue grew to $422 million, up 4% from the previous year [20] - New car margins decreased by 0.8 percentage points from 16.9% to 16.1%, but margins in other service lines remained favorable [22][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The new car market remains highly competitive with an influx of new brands, leading to margin pressures [9][29] - Chinese brands now represent around 20% of the company's brand portfolio, with significant consumer acceptance noted [6][70] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be Australia's most valued automotive group, focusing on innovation, customer centricity, organic growth, and acquisitions [12][13] - Emphasis on improving efficiencies through technology, including automation and AI, to enhance customer service and operational performance [15][18] - The strategy includes a balanced approach to managing used cars, service, parts, and finance to mitigate risks associated with new car market fluctuations [10][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the automotive industry is undergoing significant transformation, with a focus on adapting to new vehicle emission standards and increasing competition [8][9] - The outlook for FY 2026 includes expectations for continued growth in higher-margin service lines and a stable new car market [29][30] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to grow earnings and maintain a strong performance culture [30][33] Other Important Information - The company successfully reduced new vehicle inventory from $382 million to $351 million, reflecting disciplined inventory management [5] - A fully frank final dividend of $0.04 per share was declared, bringing the total dividend for the year to $0.56 per share [27][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the stronger used car sales performance? - Management highlighted the focus on acquiring the right level of stock and maximizing opportunities in used car sales [37][38] Question: How much of the OpEx improvement came from lower commissions? - A significant portion of the OpEx reduction was attributed to lower commissions, with expectations for continued cost savings in FY 2026 [40][42] Question: What is the business performance outlook for the first seven weeks of FY 2026? - Management indicated that gross margins have remained stable at 16.1%, with a slight increase in overall market activity [43][44] Question: Have gross margins found a sustainable base? - Management confirmed that margins have stabilized and are expected to remain consistent into FY 2026 [48][49] Question: What is the outlook for new vehicle sales and OEM responses? - Management noted that several OEMs are releasing new models, which should positively impact sales, with stable order rates observed [56][60] Question: Can you provide details on the new Chinese brands onboarded? - The company currently represents brands such as LDV, MG, and GWM, with positive market reception noted [67][70]