Core Viewpoint - Lithia Motors (LAD) shares have increased by approximately 5.3% since the last earnings report, but this performance is below that of the S&P 500 [1] Group 1: Earnings and Estimates - Recent estimates for Lithia Motors have trended downward, with a consensus estimate shift of -5.47% [2] - The most recent earnings report is crucial for understanding the catalysts affecting the stock [1] Group 2: VGM Scores - Lithia Motors has a strong Growth Score of A, but a low Momentum Score of F, while also receiving an A for value, placing it in the top quintile for this investment strategy [3] - The overall aggregate VGM Score for Lithia Motors is A, which is significant for investors not focused on a single strategy [3] Group 3: Outlook - The downward trend in estimates indicates a broader negative sentiment, with Lithia Motors holding a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4] - An in-line return is expected from the stock in the upcoming months [4]

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. AAP will release its first-quarter earnings results before the opening bell on Thursday, May 22.Analysts expect the Raleigh, North Carolina-based company to report a quarterly loss at 69 cents per share, versus a year-ago profit of 67 cents per share in the year-ago period. According to data from Benzinga Pro, Advance Auto Parts projects to report quarterly revenue at $2.51 billion, compared to $3.41 billion a year earlier.On March 26, Advance Auto Parts disclosed that it completed ...

Core Insights - Moretus Research provides high-quality equity research focused on U.S. public markets, aiming to deliver clarity, conviction, and alpha for serious investors [1] - The research methodology emphasizes a structured framework to identify companies with durable business models and mispriced cash flow potential, prioritizing simplicity and relevance in valuation [1] - The firm targets underappreciated companies experiencing structural changes or temporary dislocations, where disciplined analysis can yield asymmetric returns [1] Research Methodology - Moretus Research employs rigorous fundamental analysis combined with a judgment-driven process, avoiding noise and overly complex forecasting [1] - Valuation practices are based on sector-relevant multiples tailored to each company's business model and capital structure, ensuring comparability and relevance [1] Investment Philosophy - The firm maintains a deep respect for capital, discipline, and long-term compounding, aiming to elevate the standards of independent investment research [1] - Moretus Research focuses on providing professional-grade insights and actionable valuations, filtering out what truly matters in modern equity analysis [1]

Core Viewpoint - Group 1 Automotive, Inc. has expanded its luxury brand portfolio by acquiring three additional dealerships, which are expected to enhance its market presence and generate significant annual revenues [1][2][4]. Group 1 Automotive Expansion - The company has added a Lexus and an Acura dealership in Fort Myers, Florida, and a Mercedes-Benz dealership in South Austin, Texas, increasing its dealership count in these key markets [1][2]. - The new dealerships are projected to generate approximately $330 million in annual revenues [2][8]. Financial Performance and Share Repurchase - As of May 19, 2025, Group 1 has repurchased 401,649 shares at an average price of $416.62, totaling $167.3 million [3]. - The company has acquired an estimated $430 million in annual revenues in 2025, following $3.9 billion in acquired revenues in 2024 [4]. Company Overview - Group 1 operates 263 automotive dealerships, 335 franchises, and 39 collision centers across the U.S. and the U.K., offering a wide range of automotive services and products [5].

For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores. What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Sty ...

Dividend Announcement - Penske Automotive Group, Inc. has approved a quarterly dividend of $1.26 per share, marking a 3.3% increase or $0.04 per share, which is the 18th consecutive quarterly increase [1] - The dividend is payable on June 3, 2025, to shareholders of record as of May 27, 2025 [1] Securities Repurchase Authorization - The Board of Directors has authorized an additional $250 million in securities repurchase, increasing the total current authorization to $295.8 million [2] - The company may repurchase its outstanding common stock or debt through various means including open market transactions and accelerated share repurchase programs [2] Company Overview - Penske Automotive Group, Inc. is a diversified international transportation services company and a leading automotive and commercial truck retailer [3] - The company operates dealerships in multiple countries including the United States, Canada, Germany, and Japan, and is one of the largest retailers of commercial trucks in North America [3] - Penske Automotive employs over 28,700 people globally and owns 28.9% of Penske Transportation Solutions, which manages a large trucking fleet in North America [3]

Summary of Cars.com (CARS) FY Conference Call - May 13, 2025 Industry Overview - The automotive industry is described as resilient, with a historical ability to recover from economic downturns, evidenced by sales figures during past recessions [3][4] - The shift towards digital solutions is emphasized, with consumers moving ahead of the industry in adopting online platforms for car shopping [6] Company Performance - Cars.com has seen improving core business trends, with solid dealer growth reported in February, March, and April [4][10] - The company powers over 8,000 retail websites and generates subscription or SaaS-based revenue from various ecosystem participants [5] - The marketplace caters to both new and used car shoppers, with a significant portion of traffic coming from undecided consumers [16][12] Revenue and Growth Insights - Revenue guidance has been suspended due to uncertainty, but EBITDA margin guidance remains intact, supported by strong dealer and consumer fundamentals [16][19] - OEMs are shifting budgets towards digital solutions, which could positively impact Cars.com’s revenue once supply chain issues are resolved [21][22] - The company expects year-over-year growth despite variability in quarterly performance [19] Competitive Landscape - Cars.com differentiates itself through brand strength and expertise, providing curated inventory and insights to consumers [29][30] - The company is focused on deepening its software solutions and tools for dealers, enhancing the value proposition beyond just a marketplace [31] New Initiatives - The introduction of Accu Trade allows dealers to appraise vehicles in real-time, facilitating better inventory management [15][54] - The Dealer Club initiative aims to create a reputation-based wholesale marketplace, attracting significant interest from dealers [53][54] Capital Allocation - The company is leaning into share buybacks, with a strong performance in Q1 indicating a potential annualized buyback of $90 to $100 million [66][67] - Current stock valuations are viewed as attractive for buybacks, suggesting a proactive approach to capital allocation [66] Key Takeaways - The automotive market is expected to remain healthy despite external challenges, with Cars.com positioned to capitalize on digital trends and dealer needs [64] - The company is optimistic about future growth, particularly with new initiatives like Dealer Club and Accu Trade, which are expected to enhance dealer engagement and revenue streams [59][60]

Group 1: Kroger - Kroger's stock forecast indicates a 12-month price target of $67.06, with a current price of $68.91, suggesting a potential downside of 2.69% [3] - The company is expected to deliver significant capital returns to investors, including a $5 billion accelerated plan and $2.5 billion remaining on the existing authorization [3][4] - Despite a contraction in FQ4 2024 results, the organic adjusted comparable figure rose modestly, and growth is anticipated to return in 2025, supported by a reliable dividend [5][6] Group 2: Casey's General Stores - Casey's General Stores has a 12-month stock price forecast of $430.33, with a current price of $436.80, indicating a downside of 1.48% [9] - The company is growing through acquisitions and organic expansion, with revenue growth of 17% in Q3 driven by the acquisition of Fikes [9] - Casey's maintains a reliable dividend with a payout ratio of almost 15% of earnings, aiming to extend its history of annual distribution increases [11] Group 3: AutoZone - AutoZone's stock forecast shows a 12-month price target of $3,821.91, with a current price of $3,663.00, indicating an upside of 4.34% [13] - The company focuses on share buybacks instead of dividends, reducing its share count by over 3.25% year-over-year in FQ2, with $1.3 billion remaining for buybacks [14] - AutoZone is expected to continue modest single-digit growth, supported by a strong balance sheet and cash flow [15]

Group 1 - Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG) is highlighted as a noteworthy player in the automotive retail space despite not being the favorite [1] - The management of Penske Automotive Group has a solid track record, indicating reliability and potential for growth [1] Group 2 - Crude Value Insights focuses on cash flow and companies in the oil and natural gas sector, emphasizing value and growth prospects [1] - The service offers subscribers access to a 50+ stock model account and in-depth cash flow analyses of exploration and production firms [2]

Core Insights - Carvana reported first-quarter earnings of $1.51 per share, significantly exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 75 cents and improving from a loss of 41 cents per share in the same quarter last year. This outperformance was driven by better-than-expected revenues across all segments [1] - Total revenues reached $4.23 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.7% and reflecting a 38% year-over-year increase [1] Financial Performance - Total gross profit for the quarter was $929 million, marking a 57.2% increase year over year. Gross profit per unit (GPU) rose to $6,938 from $6,432 in the prior year [2] - Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expenses were $535 million, up 17.3% year over year [2] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $488 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 11.5%, up from 7.7% in the first quarter of 2024 [2] Segmental Performance - Retail vehicle sales totaled $2.98 billion, a 37% increase year over year, exceeding the estimate of $2.87 billion. The number of vehicles sold to retail customers rose 45.7% to 133,898 units [3] - Wholesale vehicle sales reached $863 million, up 31.4% year over year, surpassing the estimate of $702 million. The number of vehicles sold to wholesale customers increased 43.7% to 63,454 units [4] - Other sales and revenues grew 70% year over year to $389 million, exceeding the forecast of $310.3 million [5] Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, Carvana had cash and cash equivalents of $1.85 billion, up from $1.71 million as of December 31, 2024. Long-term debt was $5.27 billion, slightly up from $5.25 billion [5] Outlook - Carvana anticipates significant growth in both retail units sold and adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2025, including sequential increases in the second quarter [6]