For personal use only | y l | | --- | | n | | o | | e | | s | | u | | l | | a | | n | | o | | s | | r | | e | | p | | r | | o | | F | FY25 Results Overview al use only FY25 Financial Overview Underlying PBT delivered in line with guidance PBT" EBITDA" 68) personal use or Revenue 8 $110.1m S2.483m S22.3m 4.0c FY24: $2,475m FY24: $135.0m FY24: $56.8m FY25 Interim: 1.6c v H1HY25 car inventory S229m 46 7m S 55 m FY24: $383m FY24: $60.7m NTA of $1.42 per share Impact of cost reductions (1) EBITDA and PBT are und ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the **US Inflation Monitor** and the implications of the **Consumer Price Index (CPI)** for the broader economy, particularly regarding inflation trends and Federal Reserve policy decisions. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **CPI Results**: The CPI for July showed a core increase of **0.32% month-over-month (m/m)** and a headline increase of **0.20% m/m**, aligning with Morgan Stanley's expectations. Year-over-year (y/y), core inflation stands at **3.06%** and headline inflation at **2.70%** [1][5][10]. 2. **PCE Inflation Forecast**: The forecast for core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation is an increase of **0.29% m/m** for July, with a headline PCE forecasted at **0.21% m/m**. On a y/y basis, core PCE is projected to be **2.91%** [10][12]. 3. **Labor Market Impact**: There is an expectation of no rate cut in September, contingent on the upcoming PCE inflation report and the August employment report. A stronger payroll growth and a low unemployment rate (around **4.2%**) are necessary for maintaining current policy rates [2][5]. 4. **Tariff Effects on Prices**: Core goods prices are rising, particularly in categories exposed to tariffs, such as motor vehicle parts and household furnishings. New car prices have remained stable, with a m/m change of **0.02%** compared to an average of **-0.10%** for the year [3][6]. 5. **Core Services Performance**: Core services showed stronger than expected results, with notable increases in airfares and healthcare services. Shelter inflation continues to trend downwards [4][9]. Additional Important Details 1. **Component Breakdown of CPI**: The CPI report details various components, showing fluctuations in categories such as energy, food, and core goods. For instance, energy prices decreased by **-1.07%** m/m in July, while used vehicle prices increased by **0.48%** m/m [9]. 2. **Implications for Federal Reserve Policy**: The modest tariff pass-through and employment trends could influence the Federal Reserve's decision-making process regarding interest rates in the near future [2][5]. 3. **Forecast Updates**: Future updates to forecasts are anticipated following the Producer Price Index (PPI) report, which significantly influences the PCE basket [12]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call, highlighting the current state of inflation, its components, and the potential implications for monetary policy.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the **US Inflation Monitor** and the **Consumer Price Index (CPI)** trends in North America, particularly regarding the impact of tariffs on inflation rates [1][6][24]. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Core CPI Trends**: - Core CPI is expected to rise by **0.32% month-over-month (m/m)** and **3.04% year-over-year (y/y)** in July, up from **0.23% in June**. This increase is primarily driven by core goods inflation, particularly in categories exposed to tariffs [1][6][19]. 2. **Core Goods Inflation**: - There is an anticipated acceleration in core goods inflation, with categories such as apparel, appliances, furniture, and select electronics expected to continue rising. New car prices are also projected to see a modest increase [7][14][32]. 3. **Housing Market Dynamics**: - Housing inflation is expected to remain stable, with a slight decline in Owners' Equivalent Rent (OER) offset by rising rents for primary residences. The overall rents inflation trend is estimated at **0.29% m/m**, with a gradual deceleration expected through 2025 [8][16]. 4. **Core Services Performance**: - Core services, excluding housing, are projected to remain flat, with mixed signals across components. Medical services are expected to decline, while airfares, hotel rates, and car insurance are likely to show stronger inflation prints [9][19]. 5. **Energy Inflation**: - Energy inflation is expected to revert to negative territory, which will bring the headline CPI below the core CPI. The timing of tariff pass-through remains a critical question, complicating the prediction of inflation data [10][19]. 6. **Airfares and Hotel Rates**: - Airfares are likely to see a modest increase, supported by rising oil prices, while hotel inflation is expected to rebound from a weak June print. However, average daily rates suggest hotel inflation may remain negative [17][41]. 7. **Tariff Impact**: - There are clearer signs of tariff-related price pressures, particularly in goods categories heavily exposed to tariffs. This trend is expected to continue, with leading indicators suggesting ongoing inflation in goods without sharp acceleration [24][25]. 8. **New Car Prices**: - Data from JD Power indicates a mild acceleration in new car prices, with average transaction prices increasing from **1.4% y/y to 3.1% y/y**. This aligns with recent price increase announcements from major manufacturers [32][33]. Additional Important Insights - **Economic Models and Predictions**: - Economic models typically estimate the magnitude of price shifts due to tariffs but struggle with timing and pace, making it challenging to pinpoint when these effects will manifest in inflation data [10][12]. - **Potential Risks**: - There are upside risks to the July core CPI print, with a reading rounding to **0.4%** being more likely than one rounding to **0.2%**. This reflects the potential for sudden tariff-related price increases during the summer months [12][19]. - **CPI Forecasts**: - The forecast for headline CPI is **0.25% m/m**, with softer energy inflation contributing to this figure. The CPI NSA Index is projected at **323.218** for July [19][20]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, highlighting the trends and expectations surrounding inflation in the US economy, particularly in relation to tariffs and various market sectors.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call primarily discusses the **US economy** and its outlook, focusing on inflation, consumer spending, and the impact of tariffs on prices and economic growth [7][23][24]. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Inflation Trends**: - CPI inflation accelerated in June, with core CPI rising by **0.23% month-over-month** compared to **0.13%** in May. Core PCE is expected to be **0.29% month-over-month** for June, indicating a stronger inflationary trend [7][8][16]. - The tariff-driven impulse is becoming more evident, particularly in heavily tariffed categories such as appliances and electronics, which showed signs of price acceleration [9][11]. 2. **Consumer Spending**: - Retail sales were solid, with expectations of real spending growth at **1.6% quarter-over-quarter** for Q2. Despite a slowdown in spending growth, there are no immediate signs of weakness [7][17]. - Real consumption growth is projected to be **0.3% month-over-month** in June, with an average growth of **2.5%** over the past four quarters, which is slower than the previous year's average of approximately **3%** [17][18]. 3. **Economic Outlook**: - A significant slowdown in growth is anticipated in Q3 and Q4 due to rising prices affecting consumer spending. However, the unemployment rate is expected to remain low due to restrictive immigration policies [23][24]. - The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain its current policy stance throughout 2025, with potential cuts beginning in 2026, contingent on labor market conditions [23][24]. 4. **Tariff Impact**: - The baseline forecast anticipates a total tariff push to core PCE of about **60 basis points** in 2025, with only **10-15 basis points** of this impact realized so far [11][24]. - Recent tariff announcements have increased the probability of a downside scenario, potentially leading to a mild recession if all tariffs go into effect [24]. 5. **Container Traffic and Trade**: - Container traffic from China to the US remains stable, with no significant changes in the number of vessels or used capacity, indicating a steady trade environment despite high tariff rates [27][28]. Additional Important Insights - **Labor Market**: Initial and continuing jobless claims have decreased, suggesting a resilient labor market, which may support consumer spending despite inflationary pressures [16][23]. - **Investment Trends**: Business investments are expected to pick up, driven by fiscal policy, although there are concerns about the impact of tariffs on capital expenditures [23][24]. - **Consumer Confidence**: Confidence is rebounding but remains limited due to ongoing economic uncertainties, high inflation, and sluggish growth [24]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the current economic landscape and future expectations.

Core Viewpoint - Carvana and Asbury Automotive represent two distinct approaches in the auto retail sector, with Carvana focusing on a fully digital used-car buying experience and Asbury blending traditional dealership strengths with digital initiatives [2][3]. Group 1: Carvana (CVNA) - Carvana is the second-largest used car retailer in the U.S., leveraging a digital platform that allows for a leaner operation compared to traditional retailers [4]. - The company has consistently exceeded earnings expectations for four consecutive quarters, selling over 100,000 vehicles per quarter, with a year-over-year EPS increase and a 46% rise in retail unit sales [5]. - Carvana's adjusted EBITDA reached a record $488 million with an 11.5% margin, leading all auto retailers in adjusted EBITDA margin [6]. - Rising tariffs on new vehicles may drive more consumers to the used car market, where Carvana is well-positioned [7]. - Despite over $5 billion in long-term debt, Carvana's scalable model and growth targets present a compelling narrative for investors [7]. Group 2: Asbury Automotive (ABG) - Asbury combines traditional dealership operations with a growing digital presence, selling both new and used vehicles and generating additional revenue from finance and insurance products [10]. - The Clicklane platform has shown growth, selling over 51,000 units in 2024, a 13% increase year-over-year [11]. - Strategic acquisitions have been a key growth strategy, with the latest acquisition expected to add $3 billion in annualized revenues [12]. - Asbury faces near-term challenges, including deferred revenues impacting earnings and rising SG&A costs, which reached 63.9% of gross profit [14]. - The company's adjusted EBITDA margin is below 6%, significantly lower than Carvana's, and high capital expenditures could limit free cash flow [14]. Group 3: Market Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, Carvana shares have increased by over 70%, while Asbury's stock has gained 7% [16]. - Carvana's forward sales multiple is 3.67, significantly above its five-year median of 1.95, reflecting high growth expectations [18]. - Asbury's forward sales multiple stands at 0.27, indicating a more conservative valuation [18].