FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN), today announced that it will release its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, on Friday, July 25, 2025, before the market opens. AutoNation management will discuss these results and other information regarding the Company during a conference call and audio webcast that same day at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.The conference call may be accessed by telephone at 833-470-1428 (Conference ID: 114047) or on AutoN ...

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

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several 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.Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores a ...

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many 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.Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores. What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Styl ...

Company Overview - AutoNation, Inc. is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering new and used vehicles, maintenance and repair services, vehicle parts, extended service contracts, and financing options through third-party sources [12]. Investment Ratings - AutoNation has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of A, indicating a solid position in the market [12]. - The company also has a Value Style Score of A, supported by attractive valuation metrics such as a forward P/E ratio of 9.95, which is appealing to value investors [13]. Earnings Estimates - In the last 60 days, five analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards for fiscal 2025, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.43 to $18.67 per share [13]. - AutoNation has an average earnings surprise of 1.6%, suggesting a positive outlook for its earnings performance [13]. Investment Considerations - With a strong Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, AutoNation is recommended for investors' consideration [13].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record first quarter revenue of $7.6 billion, a 2% increase year-over-year [5][6] - Earnings before taxes reached $337 million, with net income at $244 million, resulting in earnings per share of $3.66, a 14% increase [6][8] - Adjusted earnings before taxes increased 5% to $310 million, and adjusted net income also rose 5% to $226 million, with adjusted earnings per share increasing 6% to $3.39 [6][8] - The company achieved a stable gross margin for the seventh consecutive quarter, with a 70 basis point improvement in adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of gross profit compared to the previous year [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store retail automotive revenue increased by 2%, with related gross profit up 3% [5][6] - Same store retail automotive service and parts revenue rose 4%, with gross profit increasing by 6% [6][10] - New automotive units delivered increased by 68% on a same store basis, while used automotive units declined by 16% on a same store basis due to strategic realignment [8][9] - Average transaction prices for new vehicles increased by 4% to $59,202, while used vehicle transaction prices rose by 12% to $37,624 [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 59% of revenue was generated in North America, 30% in the UK, and 9% in other international markets [7] - In the UK, new vehicle market registrations increased by 6%, with the company outperforming the market with a 9% increase in same store new units delivered [21][22] - The US market saw an 8% increase in new units sold, with leasing on new vehicles rising to 33% [13][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes diversification as a key differentiator, with a premium brand mix and investments in various markets [7][8] - The focus on inventory management and cost control is critical for sustaining profitability and efficiency [38][60] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and cash flow to support growth through acquisitions and shareholder returns [26][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the automotive and commercial truck markets remain fluid, with ongoing tariff negotiations impacting pricing strategies [6][7] - The company is optimistic about its diversified model's ability to adapt to changing market conditions [32] - Management highlighted the importance of technician recruitment and training to support service and parts operations [41][89] Other Important Information - The company generated $283 million in cash flow from operations, with EBITDA at $400 million [27] - Capital expenditures were down $26 million year-over-year, with $82 million paid in dividends during the quarter [27][28] - The company repurchased 255,000 shares for $40 million during the quarter, with a total of 750,000 shares repurchased year-to-date [27][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the UK market and Sytner Select - Management reported a 9% increase in same store new units delivered in the UK, with improved inventory management contributing to better gross profit [36][38] Question: Impact of warranty work on customer pay - Warranty work has increased significantly, impacting customer pay growth, but management noted improvements in gross profit per technician and service absorption [41][45] Question: Price elasticity of demand amid tariff discussions - Management indicated that while price increases are expected, the premium luxury segment may absorb these changes better due to higher residual values [47][49] Question: Sustainability of SG&A costs - Management expressed confidence in maintaining flat SG&A costs as a percentage of gross profit, attributing this to effective cost control measures [59][60] Question: Opportunities in the used vehicle market - Management emphasized a focus on younger used vehicles (0-4 years old) to maintain profitability and avoid brand damage from older inventory [82][84] Question: Capacity for parts and service growth - Management confirmed that there is capacity to grow service operations, with plans to continue increasing technician headcount [88][89] Question: Tariff impact on parts and service inflation - Management acknowledged potential parts inflation due to tariffs but noted that labor costs dominate repair orders, which may mitigate the impact [93][94] Question: Outlook for new GPU trends - Management indicated that new GPU trends are stabilizing, with expectations for continued improvement in gross profit margins [99][100]

FIRST QUARTER 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS COMPANY OVERVIEW A Diversified International Transportation Services Company April 2025 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT DISCLAIMER Statements in this presentation may involve forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements regarding Penske Automotive Group, Inc.'s financial performance, expectations and future plans. Actual results may vary materially because of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These risks and uncertainties include, among ...

Group 1 Automotive (GPI) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 24, 2025 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Pete DeLongchamps - Senior Vice President, Manufacturer Relations, Financial Services & Public AffairsDaryl Kenningham - CEO, President & DirectorDaniel McHenry - Senior VP & CFORajat Gupta - Executive Director, AutosDaniela Haigian - Vice President - Equity ResearchDavid Whiston - Equity Strategist - U.S. AutosBret Jordan - Managing DirectorThomas Wendler - AssociateRon Jewsikow - Director Conference Call Partici ...

Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Auto Retail and Wholesale industry shows robust prospects despite a challenging tariff environment, driven by a diversified product mix and multiple income streams [1] Industry Overview - The automotive sector's performance is heavily reliant on retail and wholesale networks, involving operations through dealerships and retail chains, including the sale of new and used vehicles, light trucks, auto parts, and providing repair and maintenance services [2] - The industry's success is closely tied to economic conditions, with higher disposable income leading to increased investment in big-ticket items, while tighter budgets result in reduced discretionary spending [2] - The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reshaped the industry, increasing the focus on e-commerce [2] Factors Influencing Industry Prospects - Auto retailers benefit from a diversified product mix and multiple income streams, which reduce risk and position them for long-term growth, generating income from new and used vehicle retail, finance, insurance, and automotive repair [3] - Strategic acquisitions are being utilized by auto dealers to expand into new markets, thereby increasing market share and enhancing offerings [4] - Investment in digital platforms aligns with consumer preferences for online transactions, enabling dealers to reach a broader audience and drive higher profitability [4] Tariff Impact - A 25% tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts, imposed by the U.S. government, is expected to increase manufacturing costs and disrupt supply chains, potentially raising car prices by $5,000 to $15,000 [5] - Rising vehicle prices may lead consumers to consider used vehicles, increasing demand and prices for used cars, which could negatively impact new and used vehicle retailers' top-line growth [5] Industry Ranking and Performance - The Zacks Auto Retail & Wholesale industry ranks 46, placing it in the top 19% of around 250 Zacks industries, indicating bright near-term prospects [6][7] - The industry has outperformed the S&P 500 and the Auto, Tires, and Truck sector over the past year, returning 8.8% compared to the S&P 500's growth of 5.2% and the sector's decline of 9.8% [10] Current Valuation - The industry is currently trading at an EV/EBITDA ratio of 8.18X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 15.58X and the sector's 14.97X [13] - Over the past five years, the industry has traded between 4.78X and 10.79X, with a median of 7.13X [14] Company Highlights - **Lithia Motors, Inc. (LAD)**: A leading automotive retailer with strategic acquisitions increasing market share and enhancing its portfolio. The company achieved a cost-saving plan of $200 million and expects an additional $50-$70 million in interest cost savings in 2025 [19][20] - **AutoNation, Inc. (AN)**: One of the largest automotive retailers, improving its finance division and after-sales gross profit margin by nearly 250 basis points since 2019. The company anticipates mid-single-digit growth in its after-sales business [23][24][25] - **Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (GPI)**: A leading automotive retailer focusing on acquisitions and restructuring to improve operational efficiency. The company expects year-over-year growth of 9.91% in sales and 4.51% in EPS for 2025 [29][30]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of utilizing Zacks Premium for investors to enhance their stock market strategies and confidence in investing [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum methodologies, helping investors identify stocks likely to outperform the market in the next 30 days [3][4] - Each stock receives a rating from A to F based on its characteristics, with A being the highest score indicating a better chance of outperforming [4] Value Score - The Value Score identifies attractive and discounted stocks using ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow, appealing to value investors [4] Growth Score - The Growth Score focuses on a company's financial strength and future outlook, analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks with sustainable growth [5] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score helps investors capitalize on price trends by analyzing short-term price changes and earnings estimate revisions [6] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for investors who utilize multiple investing strategies [7] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that leverages earnings estimate revisions to assist investors in building successful portfolios [8] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically produced an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [9] Stock Example: Lithia Motors - Lithia Motors, Inc. is a leading automotive retailer in the U.S., offering 52 vehicle brands across 459 locations in the U.S., U.K., and Canada [13] - Currently rated 3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of B, it has a Value Style Score of B, supported by a forward P/E ratio of 8.56, making it attractive to value investors [14] - Recent earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have been revised higher, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.06 to $34.51 per share, alongside an average earnings surprise of 2% [14]