Stoneridge (SRI) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 01, 2025 09:00 AM ET Speaker0 Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us to discuss our first quarter twenty twenty five results. The release and accompanying presentation was filed with the SEC and is posted on our website at stoneridge.com in the Investors section under Presentations and Events. Joining me on today's call are Jim Ziezelman, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Matt Horvath, our Chief Financial Officer. During today's call, we w ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the contrasting outlooks for two prominent stock-split companies: O'Reilly Automotive, which is seen as a strong buy, and Arista Networks, which is viewed as potentially overvalued and risky. Group 1: Stock-Split Overview - Stock splits allow companies to adjust their share price and outstanding share count without affecting market capitalization or operating performance [3] - Historically, companies conducting forward splits have averaged a 25.4% return in the 12 months following the announcement, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [5] Group 2: O'Reilly Automotive - O'Reilly Automotive is the first high-profile company to announce a forward split in 2025, with a planned 15-for-1 split reducing its share price from nearly $1,400 to around $90 [7][8] - The average age of vehicles in the U.S. has reached an all-time high of 12.6 years, increasing demand for O'Reilly's auto parts [9] - O'Reilly's business model is recession-resistant, as consumers are likely to keep their vehicles longer during economic downturns [10] - The company has an effective hub-and-spoke distribution model, allowing for quick delivery of a wide range of products [11] - O'Reilly has repurchased $25.94 billion worth of its common stock since 2011, retiring 59.4% of its outstanding shares, which boosts earnings per share [12] Group 3: Arista Networks - Arista Networks announced a 4-for-1 forward split, reducing its share price from nearly $422 to around $105 [16] - The company has experienced sustained sales growth, with service revenue increasing by 35% in 2024 to $1.12 billion [18] - Concerns exist regarding the potential bursting of the AI bubble, as many businesses have not yet optimized their AI solutions [19] - Macro factors, including a projected 2.4% decline in U.S. GDP, could negatively impact demand for Arista's products [20] - Despite a decline from its peak, Arista's price-to-sales multiple remains high at over 14, indicating potential for further downside [21]

Core Insights - The focus is on the Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and revisions to identify strong stocks [1] - Value investing is highlighted as a preferred method for finding undervalued stocks through fundamental analysis [2] - The Style Scores system developed by Zacks helps identify stocks with specific traits, particularly those with high grades in the Value category [3] Company Analysis: Advance Auto Parts (AAP) - Advance Auto Parts currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and an A grade for Value [4] - The stock has a Forward P/E ratio of 16.14, significantly lower than the industry average of 22.77 [4] - Over the past 52 weeks, AAP's Forward P/E has fluctuated between a high of 32.99 and a low of -94.12, with a median of 16.16 [4] - The strong earnings outlook and current valuation suggest that AAP is likely undervalued, making it an impressive value stock [5]

Key Information - The discloser is Man Group PLC, which has interests in relevant securities of American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. and Dowlais Group plc [1][1][1] - The date of the position held is April 24, 2025 [1] Positions of the Discloser - Man Group PLC holds 855,942 shares of USD 0.01 common stock, representing 0.73% of the relevant securities [3] - The company has short positions in cash-settled derivatives amounting to 99,521, representing 0.08% [3] Dealings - Man Group PLC sold a total of 39,439 shares of USD 0.01 common stock at a price of 3.641 USD per unit on April 24, 2025 [7] Other Information - There are no indemnity or option arrangements related to the relevant securities [12] - There are no agreements or understandings regarding voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of relevant securities [14]

Group 1: Stock Split Overview - The first major stock split of 2025 has been announced by O'Reilly Automotive, marking its first forward split in 20 years and fourth since going public in 1993 [17][18] - O'Reilly Automotive's board approved a 15-for-1 forward split, which is expected to take effect after trading closes on June 9, 2025 [18] - The stock split is aimed at making it easier for employees to purchase whole shares rather than fractions, enhancing participation in the employee stock purchase plan [19] Group 2: Company Performance - O'Reilly Automotive's stock has increased over 4,500% since its last stock split two decades ago, indicating strong company performance and effective management decisions [20] - The average age of vehicles on U.S. roads has risen to 12.6 years in 2024, which benefits auto parts suppliers like O'Reilly as consumers tend to keep older vehicles longer [21] - O'Reilly's hub-and-spoke distribution model, with 31 regional distribution centers and nearly 400 hub stores, ensures efficient supply and availability of over 153,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) [22] Group 3: Share Repurchase Program - O'Reilly Automotive has executed a significant share repurchase program, buying back 96.5 million shares for a total investment of $25.94 billion, resulting in a 59.4% reduction in outstanding shares [23] - The reduction in share count due to buybacks is expected to positively impact earnings per share (EPS), making the stock more attractive to investors [23] Group 4: Market Resilience - The demand for auto parts is considered relatively recession-resistant, suggesting that O'Reilly Automotive's stock may continue to rise in the long term [24]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the automotive sector, indicating a continued bullish sentiment towards the industry [3][46]. Core Insights - The automotive sector is experiencing a rebound, with a week-on-week increase of 10.8% in passenger car insurance registrations, signaling a recovery in demand [2][46]. - The report highlights the importance of AI integration and the dual focus on innovation and traditional growth strategies within the automotive industry [3]. - Key automotive companies such as Tesla, BYD, and Great Wall Motors have shown varying performance in Q1 2025, with Tesla reporting a revenue of $19.335 billion, a decrease of 9.2% quarter-on-quarter [2][3]. Summary by Sections Weekly Review - The SW automotive index increased by 4.9% this week, with commercial passenger vehicles leading the gains at +6.6% [2]. - Notable stock performances include NIO, Nastec, and Chuanfeng Power, which have shown significant price increases [2][24]. Industry Changes - Tesla's Q1 2025 revenue was $19.335 billion, down 9.2% quarter-on-quarter, while BYD reported a revenue of 170.4 billion yuan, up 36% quarter-on-quarter [2][3]. - The report anticipates a strong demand for passenger vehicles due to new scrappage policies, projecting a retail sales volume of 23.83 million units in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 4.7% [47][48]. Market Trends - The report emphasizes the ongoing competition in smart driving technology, predicting that L3 automation will see significant adoption among mainstream automakers by 2025 [50]. - The penetration rate of new energy vehicles is expected to reach 62% by 2025, reflecting a growing trend towards electrification in the automotive market [48][51]. Stock Recommendations - The report suggests a focus on companies that are leading in AI and electrification, recommending stocks such as Xpeng, Li Auto, and BYD for A-shares, and NIO for Hong Kong shares [3][46].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the automotive sector, indicating a continued bullish sentiment towards the industry [3][46]. Core Insights - The automotive sector is experiencing a rebound, with a week-on-week increase of 10.8% in passenger car insurance registrations, signaling a recovery in demand [2][46]. - The report highlights the importance of AI integration and the coexistence of growth styles within the automotive industry, suggesting that these factors will drive future performance [3][52]. - Key automotive companies such as Tesla, BYD, and Great Wall Motors have shown varying revenue and profit trends, with BYD reporting a significant year-on-year revenue increase of 36% [2][47]. Summary by Sections Weekly Review - The automotive index increased by 4.9% this week, with commercial passenger vehicles leading the gains at 6.6% [2][3]. - Notable stock performances include NIO, Nanchang, and Chuanfeng Power, which have shown strong price increases [2][24]. Industry Changes - Tesla's Q1 2025 revenue was reported at $19.335 billion, reflecting a decline of 9.2% quarter-on-quarter and 24.8% year-on-year, with a net profit drop of 70.6% [2][3]. - BYD's Q1 2025 revenue reached 170.4 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 36%, with net profit doubling compared to the previous year [2][47]. - The report anticipates a total retail sales volume of 23.83 million vehicles in 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 4.7% [47][48]. Market Trends - The report emphasizes the ongoing shift towards electric vehicles, with a penetration rate of 53.3% for new energy vehicles in the latest week [46]. - The expected growth in the commercial vehicle segment is supported by domestic demand and potential policy incentives, projecting a 16.3% increase in heavy truck registrations in 2025 [52][57]. Company Performance - Top-performing stocks in the automotive sector include NIO, which has seen a significant increase in orders for its new model, the Wanjie M8, surpassing 50,000 units within four days of launch [2][3]. - The report suggests a focus on companies that are leading in AI and electric vehicle technology, such as Xpeng, Li Auto, and BYD, as key investment opportunities [3][52].

Core Viewpoint - O'Reilly Automotive is positioned as a strong investment opportunity, with solid business fundamentals and a proposed stock split aimed at increasing accessibility for investors and employees [3][4][11]. Group 1: Financial Performance - O'Reilly Automotive reported Q1 revenue of $4.14 billion, reflecting a 4% year-over-year increase, driven by a 3.6% comparable store gain [6]. - The company achieved a quarterly net income of $538 million, maintaining positive cash flow while returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases [8]. - Despite margin contraction due to increased cost pressures, the earnings remain robust enough to sustain the financial outlook [8]. Group 2: Stock Split and Market Impact - A proposed 15:1 stock split is set for a vote in May, aimed at making shares more accessible and potentially benefiting the broader market [3][4]. - Historical data suggests that stocks that undergo splits tend to outperform the market over time, indicating a positive outlook for O'Reilly post-split [4]. - Analysts have raised their price targets following the guidance update, with a consensus target of $1,412.06, suggesting a potential upside of 4.83% [10][11]. Group 3: Analyst Sentiment - The consensus among 18 analysts remains bullish, with all recent revisions indicating price target increases [11]. - The stock price is currently experiencing a pullback from record highs but shows signs of forming a bullish consolidation, with potential for further increases [12]. - Support is anticipated near the $1,300 level, which may be retested before reaching new highs [13].

Investment Rating - The report provides a short-term investment focus on specific companies across various sectors, highlighting preferred and risk names based on tariff impacts [7][30]. Core Insights - The report analyzes the implications of the Trump administration's tariffs on nine major sectors, emphasizing the direct and indirect impacts on individual companies and their stock performance [6][30]. - The automotive sector is expected to face significant price increases due to tariffs, with an estimated 11.5% rise in US auto prices, translating to approximately $5,100 per vehicle [9][17]. - The report identifies key companies within each sector that are likely to be affected by tariffs, providing a detailed analysis of their potential performance [4][30]. Sector Summaries Autos and Auto Parts - Tariffs on automobiles could lead to a gross impact on operating profit ranging from 30% to over 100% for various automakers, with Toyota and Honda facing a manageable impact while Nissan and Mazda are at higher risk [4][9]. - Focus is placed on Toyota Motor for its resilience and ability to raise prices, while Bridgestone is noted for its high local production ratio [30][31]. Banks - The impact of tariffs on banks remains uncertain, but concerns over worst-case scenarios have eased, with a potential downside risk of slightly over 10% to sector earnings forecasts in a bearish scenario [4][33]. - Japan Post Bank is highlighted as a relatively stable option amidst tariff uncertainties [4][33]. Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices - Major pharmaceutical companies like Takeda and Astellas are expected to be heavily impacted by tariffs, while companies with lower US sales ratios may benefit from tariff avoidance [4][30]. - The report emphasizes the potential for increased costs of goods sold (CoGS) affecting operating profits for medical device companies [4]. Technology - The technology sector's tariff impact is complex, with companies like NEC and Fujitsu expected to perform well due to limited exposure to tariffs [5][30]. - Sony Group is under close observation for potential price hikes on its products, particularly the PlayStation 5 [5][30]. Chemicals and Steel - In the chemicals sector, companies like Nippon Paint are expected to benefit from lower raw material prices, while the steel sector is anticipated to experience limited direct tariff impacts [5][30]. - Kobe Steel is noted for its resilience due to a significant earnings contribution from its machinery business [5][30]. Retail - The retail sector is advised to focus on drugstores and discount retailers, with companies like Asics and Fast Retailing facing risks from declining sales due to high tariff exposure [5][30]. - Seven & i Holdings is highlighted as particularly vulnerable due to its significant exposure to the US market [5][30].

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Overweight" (OW) rating to General Motors (GM) and Ford, while Tesla and Rivian are rated "Underweight" (UW) [6][7]. Core Insights - The automotive industry is experiencing varied performance metrics across different companies, with GM and Ford showing potential upside in their stock prices, while Tesla and Rivian face significant downside risks [6][7]. - The report highlights the importance of valuation metrics such as EV/EBITDA, P/E ratios, and sales growth projections for assessing investment opportunities within the automotive sector [6][22]. Global Auto OEMs Investment Comparables - General Motors (GM) has a current price of $44.57 with a market cap of $43.067 billion and a target price of $53.00, indicating a 19% upside potential [6]. - Ford (F) is priced at $9.63 with a market cap of $38.294 billion and a target price of $11.00, representing a 14% upside [6]. - Ferrari (RACE) is valued at $439.97 with a target price of $460.00, showing a 5% upside [6]. - Tesla (TSLA) is currently priced at $241.37 with a target price of $120.00, indicating a -50% downside [6]. - Rivian (RIVN) has a price of $11.60 with a target price of $11.00, reflecting a -5% downside [6]. Global Auto Parts Suppliers Valuation Metrics - The average EV/EBITDA for US auto parts suppliers is projected at 1.8x for 2024, with a corresponding EBITDA margin of 12% [22]. - Aptiv (APTV) is rated "Overweight" with a current price of $51.71 and a target price of $102, indicating a 97% upside [22]. - Borg Warner (BWA) is rated "Overweight" with a price of $26.45 and a target price of $46, representing a 74% upside [22]. - Lear Corp (LEA) is rated "Overweight" with a price of $79.42 and a target price of $140, indicating a 76% upside [22]. Performance Metrics - The report indicates that the average revenue CAGR for US auto parts suppliers is projected to be 2% from 2023 to 2025 [74]. - The EBITDA margin for US auto parts suppliers is expected to be around 12% in 2025, with some companies showing higher margins [74][83]. - The report also highlights the financial returns of various suppliers, with some companies achieving significant returns on invested capital (ROIC) [54][56].