Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][9] - The Zacks Style Scores are designed to help investors select stocks with the highest potential to outperform the market in the short term [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - The Style Scores consist of four categories: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score, each focusing on different investment strategies [3][4][5][6] - Value Score identifies undervalued stocks using financial ratios [3] - Growth Score assesses a company's future earnings and financial health [4] - Momentum Score capitalizes on price trends and earnings outlook changes [5] - VGM Score combines all three styles for a comprehensive evaluation [6] Zacks Rank and Performance - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to aid in stock selection [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically outperformed the S&P 500, with an average annual return of +23.93% since 1988 [8] - There are over 800 top-rated stocks available, making the selection process potentially overwhelming [9] Stock Analysis: Asbury Automotive Group (ABG) - Asbury Automotive Group is a major automotive retailer in the U.S., operating 152 new vehicle dealerships and 37 collision repair centers [12] - ABG holds a 3 (Hold) rating on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A and a Value Style Score of A, indicating strong valuation metrics [13] - The forward P/E ratio for ABG is 8.08, making it attractive for value investors [13] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates suggest positive momentum, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.37 to $27.57 per share [13] - ABG's average earnings surprise stands at +8.4%, reinforcing its potential as a solid investment choice [13][14]

Core Points - AutoNation, Inc. has authorized an additional $1 billion for share repurchase, reflecting confidence in its performance and long-term strategy [1][2] - Year-to-date, AutoNation has repurchased 3.0 million shares for a total of $576 million, averaging $189 per share, and has approximately $1.28 billion remaining for future repurchases [2] - The company has reduced its outstanding shares by 8% since December 31, 2024, with approximately 36 million shares outstanding as of October 30, 2025 [2] Financial Performance - AutoNation reported third quarter 2025 revenue of $7.0 billion, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period last year [7]

Core Insights - Magnolia Group, LLC has increased its stake in Asbury Automotive Group by purchasing an additional 44,500 shares, bringing its total holdings to 282,623 shares valued at $69.09 million, which represents 10.95% of Magnolia's U.S. equity assets [1][2]. Company Overview - Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. is a U.S. automotive retailer with diversified revenue streams including vehicle sales, after-sales services, and financial products [5][7]. - The company reported a total revenue of $17.83 billion and a net income of $560.80 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4]. Financial Metrics - Asbury Automotive's stock was priced at $235.89 as of October 28, 2025, with a one-year price change of 4.57% [4]. - The company's five-year revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is 19%, with a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.6 for FY2026 and an enterprise value to EBITDA ratio of 8.5 as of September 30, 2025 [2][4]. Recent Performance - Asbury Automotive experienced a strong Q3 revenue growth of 13% year-over-year, reaching an all-time high of $4.8 billion [8]. - Despite this growth, Asbury's stock has declined approximately 2% in 2025 through October 29, primarily due to an ongoing lawsuit from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding alleged hidden fees and racial discrimination [9][10]. Investment Position - Magnolia Group's investment in Asbury Automotive increased from 8.7% to 11% of its assets under management (AUM) in the third quarter, indicating a bullish outlook on the company [8]. - Asbury Automotive's stock is currently below its 52-week high of $312.56, which may have influenced Magnolia Group's decision to expand its position [10].

Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 1% to $7.7 billion for Q3 2025 compared to the same period last year[15] - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, total revenue increased by 1% to $23 billion[28] - Q3 2025 net income attributable to common stockholders was $213 million, a decrease of 6% compared to $226 million in Q3 2024[28] - Income per share for Q3 2025 was $323, a decrease of 5% compared to $339 in Q3 2024[28] - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, net income attributable to common stockholders was $707 million, a 4% increase compared to $683 million in the same period of 2024[28] - Income per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $1066, a 5% increase compared to $1020 in the same period of 2024[28] Retail Automotive - Retail automotive same-store revenue increased by 51%, with related gross profit up by 30%[15] - Same-store new units delivered increased by 39%[15] - Same-store service & parts revenue increased by 49%, with related gross profit up by 75%[15] Capital Allocation - Repaid $550 million of 35% senior subordinated notes due September 1, 2025, at scheduled maturity[15] - Through October 24, 2025, repurchased 1086560 shares of common stock for $167 million[15] - On October 15, 2025, the company announced a 45% increase in the quarterly dividend, representing $006 per share, to $138[15]

Core Viewpoint - Lithia Motors, Inc. is experiencing a shift in analyst price targets, reflecting a more conservative outlook despite strong financial performance and positive investor sentiment [2][4][6] Financial Performance - Lithia Motors reported a 19.2% increase in net income and a 25.4% growth in earnings per share (EPS) in Q2, indicating robust financial health [4][6] - The stock has risen by 18.9% since the last earnings report, suggesting positive investor sentiment [3] Price Target Adjustments - The average price target for Lithia Motors has decreased from $373.6 to $327 over the past year, indicating a more cautious perspective from analysts [2][6] - Wells Fargo and JPMorgan have set higher price targets of $350, reflecting optimism about Lithia's future growth [2][5][6] Market Outlook - Analysts are anticipating growth in earnings for the upcoming earnings report, although there are concerns that the company may not meet expectations [3] - JPMorgan's price target adjustment from $320 to $350 considers the mix of electric vehicles and challenges in the UK market, suggesting a balanced medium-term outlook [5]

Core Viewpoint - AutoNation, Inc. will release its financial results for Q3 2025 on October 23, 2025, before market opening, followed by a conference call to discuss these results [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, will be announced on October 23, 2025 [1]. - A conference call and audio webcast will take place on the same day at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results [1]. Group 2: Accessing the Conference Call - The conference call can be accessed via telephone at 833-470-1428 with Conference ID: 500167 or through AutoNation's investor relations website [2]. - The webcast will be available on AutoNation's website after the call and can be accessed until November 13, 2025 [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the U.S., offering a wide range of new and used vehicles, financing, parts, and maintenance services [3]. - The company has raised over $45 million for cancer-related causes through DRV PNK, highlighting its commitment to community service [3].

Core Insights - LRT Capital Management's "LRT Global Opportunities Strategy" reported a net return of -8.00% for September 2025 and a year-to-date return of -0.17%, indicating a challenging month amid a market surge driven by overvalued mega-cap stocks [1] Company Overview - Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:ABG) is highlighted as a premier operator and strategic consolidator in the U.S. automotive retail sector, managing a diverse portfolio of dealerships [3] - The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including new and used vehicle sales, financing, insurance products, and parts and service operations [3] Performance Metrics - Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. experienced a one-month return of -2.69% and an annual gain of 8.08% over the last 52 weeks, with its stock closing at $247.51 on October 6, 2025, and a market capitalization of $4.866 billion [2]

Investment Strategy Overview - LRT Global Opportunities strategy returned -8.00% in September and -0.17% year-to-date as of October 1, 2025 [4][5] - The strategy focuses on long positions in high-quality companies and short positions in broad market indexes, viewing September's performance as a temporary setback [6] - Current market valuations are at extreme levels, with a trailing P/E ratio over 30x, P/B ratio over 5.6x, and cyclical P/E over 40x, indicating potential future return challenges [7] Company Highlights StoneX Group Inc. (SNEX) - StoneX operates as a diversified financial services network, providing execution, clearing, payment, and advisory services across various asset classes [12][13] - The company focuses on underserved client segments, leveraging deep institutional knowledge and a robust global infrastructure [13][14] - StoneX's growth strategy combines organic expansion with strategic acquisitions, enhancing capabilities and geographic reach [14][15] Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. (SSD) - Simpson is a leader in engineered structural connectors, with products specified in building codes, creating high switching costs for customers [16][17] - The company benefits from a strong distribution network and technical support, reinforcing its market position [18][19] - Demand for Simpson's products is driven by housing construction and stricter building codes due to extreme weather events [19][20] Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (ABG) - Asbury operates a diverse portfolio of dealerships, focusing on high-margin parts and service operations for revenue stability [21][22] - The company has a proven track record in strategic acquisitions, enhancing its operational footprint and earnings power [23][24] - Asbury's digital retailing platform, Clicklane, integrates online and in-store experiences, providing a competitive advantage [24][25] Chemed Corp. (CHE) - Chemed operates VITAS Healthcare and Roto-Rooter, benefiting from strong demand in hospice care and plumbing services [26][27] - VITAS is positioned to capitalize on the aging U.S. population, while Roto-Rooter offers recession-resistant services [28][29] - The company has a disciplined capital allocation strategy, returning significant capital to shareholders [29] The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) - TD is a major player in North America's banking sector, with a focus on retail and commercial banking [30][31] - The bank's U.S. retail segment has been a primary growth engine, supported by strategic acquisitions [32] - TD's conservative risk culture and strong capital management contribute to its competitive advantage [34] RLI Corp. (RLI) - RLI is a specialty insurance company known for its underwriting discipline and focus on niche markets [35][36] - The company prioritizes profitability over growth, maintaining a strong alignment of interests through employee ownership [37][38] - RLI has a history of returning excess capital to shareholders, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder value [38] The Toro Company (TTC) - Toro is a leader in turf and landscape solutions, known for its quality and innovation [39][40] - The company has a strong distribution network and a disciplined growth strategy, including strategic acquisitions [41][42] - Toro consistently generates strong free cash flow, which is reinvested in product development and shareholder returns [42] Crown Castle International Corp. (CCI) - Crown Castle owns the largest portfolio of shared communications infrastructure in the U.S., primarily macro cell towers [43][44] - The company benefits from long-term lease agreements, providing predictable revenue streams [44][45] - Crown Castle is divesting non-core businesses to focus on its tower portfolio, enhancing shareholder value [46] Corporación América Airports S.A. (CAAP) - CAAP operates 53 airports across six countries, generating revenue from aeronautical and commercial activities [48][49] - The company invests in airport infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience [51] - CAAP is well-positioned to benefit from the recovery in global air travel [52] Colliers International Group Inc. (CIGI) - Colliers is a global leader in commercial real estate services, distinguished by its decentralized structure and entrepreneurial culture [53][54] - The company pursues a balanced growth strategy, focusing on high-margin business lines [56] - Colliers' ownership culture aligns interests with long-term shareholders, enhancing its competitive advantage [54] The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV) - Travelers is a leading provider of property and casualty insurance, organized into three primary segments [57][58] - The company benefits from a vast distribution network and strong relationships with independent agents [58][62] - Travelers leverages its scale and data advantages to maintain profitability and manage risks effectively [62] Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras (PBR-A) - Petrobras is a major integrated energy producer, controlling significant pre-salt oil reserves [63][64] - The company focuses on maximizing value from its most profitable exploration and production activities [65][66] - Petrobras' performance is closely tied to its operational execution in the pre-salt basins [66] Fabrinet (FN) - Fabrinet specializes in advanced optical packaging and precision manufacturing, serving leading OEMs [67][68] - The company's engineering expertise and focus on complex manufacturing create high switching costs [68][69] - Fabrinet benefits from secular tailwinds in the optical communications market, driven by data traffic growth [69][70] UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) - UnitedHealth is a leading healthcare enterprise, combining health benefits with diversified health services [71][72] - The company's scale provides cost advantages and superior negotiating power in the healthcare market [73][74] - UnitedHealth's integrated model enhances efficiency and patient outcomes, positioning it for continued growth [74] Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR) - Charter is a major connectivity provider in the U.S., focusing on high-speed broadband services [76][77] - The company is upgrading its network to meet increasing bandwidth demands and expanding into underserved areas [79] - Charter's convergence of services, including mobile offerings, enhances customer loyalty and reduces churn [78][79] Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (GPI) - Group 1 operates a diversified automotive retail business, focusing on luxury and import brands [80][81] - The company's disciplined acquisition strategy enhances performance and profitability [82] - Group 1's digital retailing platform improves customer experience and operational efficiency [82][83] Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) - Exxon Mobil is a leading integrated energy and chemical manufacturer with a vertically integrated business model [85]

Core Insights - AutoNation has raised over $45 million for cancer-related causes, including $4 million last year, and has delivered more than 36,000 Totes for Hope to cancer patients [6][11] - The company continues its year-round commitment to cancer fundraising through its DRV PNK initiative, which supports various cancer prevention, education, research, treatment, and survivorship programs [6][8] - AutoNation's associates have actively participated in fundraising events, raising significant amounts for local children's hospitals and cancer research [3][5] Fundraising and Contributions - AutoNation associates from 17 locations in Phoenix raised over $80,000 for Phoenix Children's Hospital and participated in the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, raising $540,000 for Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center [3] - In Georgia, associates from 13 stores raised over $75,000 for CURE Childhood Cancer during a community event [5] - The company has generated more than $2 million through DRV PNK to support pediatric cancer initiatives [7] Community Engagement - AutoNation's associates delivered Totes for Hope filled with comfort items to pediatric cancer patients at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and other facilities nationwide [4] - The company donated a new vehicle to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation to support its operations [4][7] - AutoNation's DRV PNK initiative has become the cornerstone of its philanthropic efforts, funding groundbreaking research and patient programs across the country [10] Partnerships and Support - DRV PNK supports a wide range of cancer organizations, including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, and the American Cancer Society [9][10] - Customers at AutoNation locations can contribute to cancer-related causes at checkout, with nearly $2 million raised through customer donations since partnering with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation [8]

Acquisition Details - AutoNation, Inc. has acquired two luxury stores in Chicago, specifically Fletcher Jones Audi and Mercedes-Benz of Chicago, effective September 15, 2025, representing approximately $325 million in annual revenue and 4,500 retail new and used vehicle annual unit sales [1] - This acquisition increases AutoNation's location count in the greater Chicago area to 10, which includes two Audi stores, three Mercedes-Benz stores, one BMW store, three Import stores, and one collision center [1] Strategic Impact - The CEO of AutoNation, Mike Manley, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating it will enhance the luxury brand portfolio, deepen market presence, and create scale that drives customer experience and shareholder value [1] Company Overview - AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and expert maintenance and repair services [1] - The company has raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes through its initiative DRV PNK, demonstrating its commitment to making a positive impact in the community [1]