This story was originally published on WardsAuto. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily WardsAuto newsletter. LTA Auto Group, a division American Automotive Capital Partners, has acquired Golden State Nissan and Golden State Infiniti and changed the names to Nissan of Serramonte and Infiniti of Serramonte. The dealership acquisitions are the first of what American Automotive Capital Partners aims to be many, said T.J. Anthony, co-founder and CEO of AACAP. “We’re fundamentally f ...

Creditors of PrimaLend, which provides financing to auto dealerships that cater to subprime borrowers, are weighing pushing the firm into bankruptcy. https://t.co/ZY2qB5S12n ...

Core Viewpoint - Sonic Automotive (SAH) has shown a downtrend recently, with a 5.2% loss over the past week, but a hammer chart pattern suggests a potential trend reversal as buying interest may be emerging [1][2]. Technical Analysis - The hammer chart pattern indicates a possible bottoming out, suggesting that selling pressure may be exhausting, which could lead to a trend reversal [2][5]. - A hammer pattern forms when there is a small candle body with a long lower wick, indicating that despite a downtrend, buyers are starting to emerge [4][5]. - The occurrence of a hammer pattern at the bottom of a downtrend signals that bears may be losing control, indicating a potential shift in market sentiment [5]. Fundamental Analysis - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for SAH, which is a bullish indicator suggesting potential price appreciation [7]. - The consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased by 0.3% over the last 30 days, indicating that analysts expect better earnings than previously predicted [8]. - SAH holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks, which typically outperform the market [9][10].

Company Overview - Eagers Automotive plans to acquire a 65% stake in CanadaOne for A$1.04bn ($687m) to enhance its presence in the Canadian market [1] - The valuation of CanadaOne is A$2.71bn, including debt [2] - CanadaOne operates 42 franchised dealerships and will maintain its headquarters in Edmonton, Alberta [3] Leadership and Management - Pat Priestner will continue as CEO of CanadaOne, supported by the existing senior management team [2] - The acquisition aims to leverage local knowledge and Eagers' international expertise for long-term growth [4] Strategic Partnerships - Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) will subscribe to newly issued shares of Eagers as part of a strategic investment [4] - MC will also invest in Eagers' independent used-car business, easyauto123, and hold an indirect interest in Carlins, Eagers' vehicle auction company [5] - A new holding company will be established with Eagers holding an 80% stake and MC owning the remaining [5] Future Plans - The acquisition is expected to finalize in the first quarter of 2026, pending necessary regulatory approvals [3] - The partnership with MC aims to enhance collaboration and explore new ventures in the automotive and mobility industries [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - Asbury Automotive Group (ABG) has received a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) upgrade, indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][4]. Earnings Estimates and Ratings - The Zacks rating system is primarily based on a company's changing earnings picture, tracking the Zacks Consensus Estimate for EPS from sell-side analysts [2]. - The Zacks rating upgrade for Asbury Automotive reflects an optimistic earnings outlook, likely leading to increased buying pressure and a rise in stock price [4][6]. Impact of Earnings Estimate Revisions - Changes in a company's future earnings potential, as shown by earnings estimate revisions, are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements, particularly due to institutional investors' reliance on these estimates for fair value calculations [5]. - Rising earnings estimates and the subsequent rating upgrade for Asbury Automotive suggest an improvement in the company's underlying business, which should encourage investors to drive the stock price higher [6]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank stock-rating system categorizes stocks into five groups based on four earnings estimate-related factors, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [8]. - The upgrade of Asbury Automotive to a Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [11]. Earnings Estimate Revisions for Asbury Automotive - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Asbury Automotive is expected to earn $27.39 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 2.2% over the past three months [9].

Core Viewpoint - U.S. franchise auto dealerships are showing solid momentum despite tariff challenges and the expiration of EV credits, with demand remaining better than expected in the near term [1][2]. Demand and Affordability - Retail new-vehicle sales are experiencing mid- to high-single-digit growth in Q3, driven by stable consumer spending and limited price increases from OEMs despite tariffs [4]. - The expiration of certain EV incentives has accelerated demand, increasing the battery-electric vehicle mix to approximately 10% in the current quarter, up from about 7% in the previous quarter [4]. Inventory and Profitability - Inventory levels and days' supply are stable, contributing to a gradual normalization in gross profit per unit (GPU) rather than a sudden reset [5]. - Used vehicle volumes remain strong, and service lanes are experiencing healthy traffic and pricing, indicating the resilience of higher-margin fixed operations [5][7]. Market Outlook - JPMorgan has raised its Q3 estimates for U.S. franchise auto dealers, projecting about 2% above previous estimates and roughly 7% above consensus [6]. - The bank's top picks include Lithia & Driveway and AutoNation, while noting potential impacts from a recent cyber incident affecting some U.K.-exposed operators [6]. Future Risks - Looking beyond Q3, there are increasing risks to demand and GPUs as EV credits phase out and tariffs are fully reflected in vehicle prices, alongside a softening labor market in key regions [8]. - JPMorgan forecasts a U.S. SAAR of approximately 15.5 million in 2026, slightly down from 16.0 million in 2025, with potential upside if trade outcomes with Canada and Mexico improve [8].

Core Viewpoint - U.S. franchise auto dealerships are showing resilience in fundamentals despite potential macroeconomic headwinds, with demand performing better than expected in the near term [1][2]. Demand and Affordability - Retail new-vehicle sales are experiencing mid- to high-single-digit growth in Q3, driven by stable consumer spending and limited price increases from OEMs despite tariffs [4]. - The expiration of certain EV incentives has accelerated demand, increasing the battery-electric vehicle mix to approximately 10% in the current quarter, up from about 7% in the previous quarter [4]. Inventory and Profitability - Inventory levels and days' supply are stable, contributing to a gradual normalization in gross profit per unit (GPU) rather than a sudden reset [5]. - Used vehicle volumes remain strong, and service lanes are experiencing healthy traffic and pricing, indicating robust higher-margin fixed operations [5]. Market Outlook - JPMorgan has raised its Q3 estimates, projecting them to be about 2% above previous estimates and roughly 7% above consensus [6]. - The bank's top picks in the sector are Lithia & Driveway and AutoNation, although a recent cyber incident may impact certain U.K.-exposed operators [6]. Used Vehicle Market - Industry checks indicate mid- to high-single-digit year-over-year gains in used retail sales through July and August, with tight late-model supply expected to ease in the coming quarters [7]. - Wholesale prices have cooled after an initial spike due to tariffs, and retail/wholesale spreads suggest a favorable GPU environment, although sourcing remains competitive [7]. Future Risks - Beyond Q3, there are increasing risks to demand and GPUs as EV credits expire and tariffs are fully reflected in vehicle prices amid a softening labor market [8]. - JPMorgan projects a U.S. SAAR of approximately 15.5 million in 2026, slightly down from 16.0 million in 2025, with potential upside if trade outcomes with Canada and Mexico improve [8].

Core Points - Krystal Roberts has been awarded the 2025 Ally Sees Her Award for her significant achievements as a woman of color in the automotive retail industry [1][2] - Roberts has been with Advantage Auto Group for over 22 years and has served as Executive Manager for eight years, leading Advantage Chevrolet to become one of the top dealerships in the Chicago and Northwest Indiana area [3][4] - Under her leadership, Advantage Chevrolet's sales have increased by 20%, selling approximately 2,200 new and used vehicles annually [4] - Roberts has implemented employee benefits such as extended lunch breaks and paid health club memberships, increasing female representation in the workforce to 25% over the past five years [5] - Ally Financial is donating $10,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Chicago in celebration of Roberts' leadership and community involvement [7] - Roberts holds an MBA from DePaul University and is the first female chair of the General Motors Commercial Dealer Advisory Board [8] Company Overview - Ally Financial Inc. is a financial services company known for its all-digital bank and industry-leading auto financing business, focusing on customer and community support [9]

Core Insights - The Tim Lamb Group facilitated the sale of Bob Chapman Ford in Marysville, Ohio to Coughlin Automotive, marking a significant transaction in the auto dealership sector [1][3] - Coughlin Automotive now operates 17 dealerships, enhancing its market presence in Marysville, where it already has other franchises [3] - The acquisition is notable as Bob Chapman Ford is Ohio's oldest Ford dealership, established in 1913, and the sale was driven by the owner's retirement plans [4][5] Company Details - Bob Chapman Ford spans 28,000 square feet on 6 acres, featuring 24 service bays and a Ford Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center, with no renovations planned post-acquisition [2] - Coughlin Automotive is committed to maintaining the legacy of Bob Chapman Ford and has expressed a strong dedication to community involvement and customer care [6][7] - The Tim Lamb Group has been a key player in dealership transactions, handling billions of dollars annually and is recognized as the largest auto dealership sales and acquisitions firm in North America [7][8]

Core Insights - The Tim Lamb Group has successfully sold Toyota of Warren to Rafih Auto Group, marking the 120th dealership sold in Ohio by the firm [1][5] - This acquisition represents Rafih Auto Group's first Toyota dealership in the United States and their initial transaction with the Tim Lamb Group [3] Company Overview - The Tim Lamb Group is the largest auto dealership sales and acquisitions firm in North America, having been established in 2006 [6] - The firm handles billions of dollars in transactions annually through its fifteen regional directors, serving multiple dealer operators across the United States and Canada [6] Transaction Details - The sale of Toyota of Warren was personally brokered by Tim Lamb, President and Director of the Northeast Region, and closed on April 28, 2025 [1][5] - The dealership is located at 2657 Niles-Cortland Rd. SE in Warren, Ohio, and will continue to operate under the same name [2] Facility Information - The newly acquired facility spans over 25,000 square feet and includes a showroom, parts and service center, and 18 service stalls [4] - Toyota of Warren is committed to providing superior customer service using certified OEM Toyota parts and advanced service technology [4] Client Relationship - The sellers, Jim Whetstone Auto Group, have had a long-standing relationship with Tim Lamb, having purchased their first dealership through him in 2007 [3] - The acquisition ensures that current employees of Toyota of Warren will be retained, maintaining continuity for customers and staff [5]