Piper Sandler downgraded Driven Brands (NASDAQ:DRVN) from an Overweight to a Neutral rating, with the stock priced at $11.60.The company announced material errors in its financial statements for 2023 and 2024, leading to a 35% stock decline.Driven Brands will restate its financials for the past two years and delay its Q4 2025 results due to issues with lease recording, expense misclassification, and cash account discrepancies.Driven Brands (NASDAQ:DRVN) is a prominent player in the automotive service indust ...

Driven Brands (NASDAQ: DRVN) stock, the holding company that runs such well-known automotive services brands as MAACO, Meineke Car Care, Take 5 Oil Change, and Auto Glass Now, tumbled 35% through 10:40 a.m. ET Wednesday morning after filing notice with the SEC that "there were material errors in our previously issued consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 ... and the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023." Errors range from "the completeness and accuracy of recording l ...

Core Thesis - Driven Brands Holdings Inc. (DRVN) is positioned for significant upside following a strategic portfolio transformation, particularly after divesting its U.S. car wash business, which has allowed the company to focus on high-margin maintenance and repair services [2][4][5] Financial Performance - As of January 12th, DRVN's share price was $15.70, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 114.64 and 11.25 respectively, indicating a potential undervaluation compared to peers [1] - The divestiture has simplified operations and redirected capital towards the rapidly growing Take 5 Oil Change brand, which is gaining market share in the oil change sector [3] Operational Strategy - The company’s mature franchise brands, including Meineke, Maaco, and CARSTAR, provide stable, recurring revenue from non-discretionary maintenance services, supporting growth investments [3] - The balance sheet reset has improved leverage and cash conversion, positioning DRVN for multiple re-ratings and potential asset sales that could further enhance shareholder value [4][5] Growth Potential - Roark Capital, the majority owner with a 61% stake, is motivated to realize value after a long-term hold, aligning interests towards value creation [5] - The accelerating growth of Take 5 and a more resilient portfolio mix suggest that DRVN is trading at a discount to peers, with a price target of approximately $29.50, representing over 100% upside from current levels [5]

Driven Brands Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Driven Brands (NasdaqGS:DRVN) - **Date**: December 03, 2025 - **Speakers**: Danny Rivera (President and CEO), Mike Diamond (Executive VP and CFO) Key Points Industry and Business Transformation - Driven Brands is undergoing a transformation focused on growth and cash generation, particularly after selling its U.S. and international car wash businesses, which did not align with its core growth and cash strategy [4][5][6] - The company aims to concentrate on its franchise businesses, which have a strong margin profile, particularly in the oil change sector [5][11] Financial Strategy and Leverage - Driven Brands is committed to reducing its net leverage to three times by the end of 2026, with the recent sale expected to accelerate this process by approximately 0.3 times [7][8][9] - The company plans to use cash from the sale to pay down debt and improve its balance sheet [7][8] Growth and Cash Framework - The growth strategy is anchored in the success of the Take 5 oil change business, which has expanded from 40 locations in 2016 to approximately 1,350 locations, with plans to reach 2,500 units [11][23] - The company is focused on maintaining a balance between growth and cash generation, with a target of opening over 150 locations annually [14][23] Performance Metrics - Driven Brands reported a 19th consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales growth, with Take 5 achieving a 21st consecutive quarter of growth [16] - Take 5 has seen a 7% increase in Q3, while the franchise segment grew by 1% [20] Market Dynamics - The company operates in a non-discretionary service category, which provides resilience against economic cycles, as car maintenance remains essential [16][21] - Despite some choppiness in Q4, the company remains optimistic about its guidance and overall performance [20][21] New Service Rollouts - Driven Brands has successfully introduced new services, such as differential fluid service, which has been well-received by customers, maintaining high Net Promoter Scores (NPS) [28][29] - The company has increased attachment rates for additional services from mid-30s to low 50s since acquiring Take 5 [29][30] Collision and Glass Segments - The collision industry is facing challenges, including inflation and high total loss rates, but Driven Brands continues to gain market share [49][50][51] - The newly established glass division, Autoglass Now, is expected to grow through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, with a focus on insurance and commercial deals [40][41][42] Long-term Vision - Driven Brands aims to maintain a diversified portfolio, with a focus on franchise growth while balancing company-owned locations [57][58] - The company is committed to a long-term vision of expanding its franchise network while ensuring strong unit economics [59][60] Conclusion - Driven Brands is positioned for continued growth through strategic divestitures, a focus on core businesses, and a commitment to improving its financial metrics. The company remains optimistic about its future prospects and the resilience of its business model in the face of economic challenges [70][71]

Core Viewpoint - Driven Brands Holdings Inc. has announced a definitive agreement to divest its international car wash business, IMO, to Franchise Equity Partners for €406 million, which is aimed at simplifying its portfolio and strengthening its balance sheet [1][2][3]. Financial Impact - The divestiture is expected to reduce the company's pro forma leverage by approximately 0.3x, with a target to achieve a net leverage ratio of 3x by the end of 2026 [3]. - Cash proceeds from the transaction will primarily be utilized to pay down debt and for general corporate purposes [4]. - The company has updated its fiscal year 2025 outlook, projecting revenue of approximately $1.85 - $1.87 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of around $445 - $455 million [5]. Operational Changes - The international car wash business will be reported as discontinued operations starting in the fourth quarter of 2025, while Auto Glass Now will be reported as a stand-alone segment [4]. - Same store sales growth is now expected to be slightly below the original range of 1% to 3% due to the reclassification of the car wash business [6]. - The company continues to anticipate net store growth of approximately 175 to 200 locations [7]. Strategic Focus - The divestiture allows Driven Brands to sharpen its focus on its core North American businesses, particularly scaling Take 5 and enhancing cash generation through its franchise brands [2]. - The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals [3].

Core Insights - Driven Brands Holdings Inc. reported a strong third quarter for 2025, with revenue of $535.7 million, reflecting a 6.6% increase year-over-year [3][4] - The Take 5 segment experienced a revenue increase of 14%, with same-store sales growth of 7%, marking the 19th consecutive quarter of growth in same-store sales [1][5] - The company narrowed its fiscal year 2025 outlook, projecting revenue between $2.10 billion and $2.12 billion and adjusted EBITDA between $525 million and $535 million [11] Financial Performance - Net income from continuing operations was $60.9 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $11.5 million, or $(0.07) per diluted share, in the prior year [4][19] - Adjusted net income was $56.2 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, compared to $38.1 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, in the prior year [4][19] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $136.3 million, an increase of $4.3 million from the previous year [4][19] Segment Performance - The Take 5 segment generated system-wide sales of $411.6 million, with a same-store sales increase of 6.8% [6] - Franchise Brands reported system-wide sales of $1.09 billion, with a same-store sales increase of 0.7% [6] - The Car Wash segment achieved system-wide sales of $51.4 million, with a same-store sales increase of 3.9% [6] Capital and Liquidity - The company ended the quarter with a net leverage ratio of 3.8x adjusted EBITDA and total liquidity of $755.7 million, including $162.0 million in cash [8] - Driven Brands divested a seller note for $113.0 million in cash proceeds, which were used to pay off outstanding term loan principal and part of the revolving credit facility [9] - The company completed an offering of $500 million in senior notes, with proceeds primarily used to repay existing senior secured notes [10] Outlook - The company expects same-store sales growth at the low end of its original range of 1% to 3% and anticipates net store growth of approximately 175 to 200 [11][12] - The narrowed fiscal year 2025 outlook reflects continued execution of the company's Growth and Cash strategy, focusing on expansion and cash generation [5][11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Driven Brands reported approximately $6.5 billion in system-wide sales and $2 billion in revenue, primarily from non-discretionary services [4][5] - The company aims for mid-30% EBITDA margins, with some quarter-over-quarter variations noted [41][42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Take 5 Oil Change has grown from 40 units in 2016 to 1,300 locations today, with system-wide sales expected to reach $1.4 billion [9] - Same-store sales growth for Take 5 has been in the mid to high single-digit range, driven by store maturation, new store openings, and increased ticket sizes [12][13][14] - Non-oil change revenue currently accounts for about 20% of sales, with an attach rate in the upper 40% [15][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The collision repair industry is facing a 10% year-over-year decline in estimate counts, attributed to claim avoidance and high total loss rates [48] - The average age of vehicles in the U.S. is at an all-time high of 12.8 years, benefiting maintenance businesses like Meineke [54] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Driven Brands focuses on growth through Take 5, with plans to open over 150 new locations annually, primarily through franchising [25][36] - The company is committed to maintaining its promise of a 10-minute oil change experience while exploring new service offerings that fit operational and financial criteria [26][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reiterated a positive outlook for the second half of the year despite some headwinds, particularly in discretionary spending [69] - The company believes it can thrive in the automotive service market through the 2020s and 2030s, even with the rise of electric vehicles [31] Other Important Information - Driven Brands operates a diversified platform, with only one business segment exposed to electric vehicles, while the rest remain EV-agnostic [29] - The franchise segment generates robust cash flow and EBITDA margins north of 60%, which supports growth in other areas [43][44] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the core consumer in the second half of the year? - Management reiterated their outlook, noting some headwinds but feeling comfortable with their projections [69] Question: How does pricing impact your business? - The company has not had to pass along price increases due to its non-discretionary nature, with growth driven by premiumization rather than price hikes [72] Question: What is the expectation for market consolidation in the industry? - The trend of consolidation among a few players acquiring smaller ones is expected to continue, without significant acceleration [74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Driven Brands reported approximately $6.5 billion in system-wide sales and $2 billion in revenue, primarily from non-discretionary services [4][5] - The company aims for mid-30% EBITDA margins, with some quarter-over-quarter variations noted [42][43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Take 5 Oil Change has grown from 40 units in 2016 to 1,300 locations today, with system-wide sales projected to reach $1.4 billion [9] - Same-store sales growth for Take 5 has been consistent in the mid to high single-digit range, driven by store maturation, advertising, and premiumization of services [12][14] - Non-oil change revenue currently accounts for about 20% of total revenue, with an attach rate in the upper 40% [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The collision repair industry is facing a 10% year-over-year decline in estimate counts, attributed to claim avoidance and high total loss rates [49] - The average age of vehicles in the U.S. is at an all-time high, benefiting vehicle maintenance services like Meineke [55] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Driven Brands focuses on growth through new unit openings, targeting 150+ locations annually, with a preference for a 2:1 ratio of franchise to company-operated stores [25][36] - The company is committed to maintaining its promise of a 10-minute oil change experience while exploring new service offerings that align with operational and financial fit [26][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reiterated a positive outlook for the second half of the year despite some headwinds, particularly in discretionary spending [70] - The company believes it can thrive in the automotive service market through the 2020s and 2030s, even with the rise of electric vehicles [31] Other Important Information - Driven Brands operates a diversified platform, with only a portion of its business exposed to electric vehicles, while the rest remains EV-agnostic [29] - The company has a strong cash flow generation from its franchise segment, which supports growth initiatives in higher-margin businesses like Take 5 [44][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the core consumer in the second half of the year? - Management reiterated their outlook for the second half, noting some headwinds but feeling comfortable with their projections [70] Question: How do you see pricing elasticity affecting your business? - The company noted that it operates in a non-discretionary market, allowing for price adjustments without significant elasticity response [73][74] Question: What are the expectations for market consolidation in the industry? - Management expects the trend of consolidation among a few players to continue, without significant acceleration [75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Driven Brands reported approximately $6.5 billion in system-wide sales and $2 billion in revenue, primarily from non-discretionary services [4][5] - The company aims for mid-30% EBITDA margins, with some quarter-over-quarter variations noted [42][43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Take 5 Oil Change has grown from 40 units in 2016 to 1,300 locations today, with system-wide sales projected to reach $1.4 billion [9] - Same-store sales growth for Take 5 has been consistent in the mid to high single-digit range, driven by store maturation, advertising, and premiumization of services [12][14] - Non-oil change revenue currently accounts for about 20% of total revenue, with an attach rate in the upper 40% [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The collision repair industry is facing a 10% year-over-year decline in estimate counts due to claim avoidance and high total loss rates, but Driven Brands is gaining market share [49][50] - The average age of vehicles in the U.S. is at an all-time high, benefiting vehicle maintenance services like Meineke [55] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Driven Brands plans to open over 150 new locations annually, with a focus on franchise growth, aiming for a two-to-one ratio of franchise to company-operated stores [25][36] - The company is committed to maintaining its promise of a 10-minute oil change experience while exploring new service offerings that fit operational and financial criteria [26][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reiterated a positive outlook for the second half of the year despite some headwinds, particularly in discretionary spending [70] - The company believes it can thrive in the automotive service market through the 2020s and 2030s, even with the rise of electric vehicles [31] Other Important Information - Driven Brands' franchise segment generates robust cash flow with EBITDA margins exceeding 60%, which supports growth in other areas like Take 5 [44][58] - The company is leveraging its position in the fragmented auto glass market, focusing on insurance and commercial opportunities for growth [63][66] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the core consumer in the second half of the year? - Management reiterated their outlook for the second half, noting some headwinds but feeling comfortable with their projections [70] Question: How do you see pricing elasticity affecting your business? - The company noted that they operate in a non-discretionary market, allowing them to pass along prices if necessary, but they have not had to do so significantly [73][74] Question: What are your expectations for market consolidation in the industry? - Management expects the trend of consolidation among a few players to continue, without significant acceleration or deceleration [75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, Driven Brands reported revenue of $564 million, a 2% increase year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA of $130.7 million and diluted adjusted EPS of $0.30 [10][11] - For the full fiscal year 2024, revenue reached $2.3 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $553 million, reflecting a 2% and 7% increase respectively compared to the previous year [11][57] - The company achieved a net leverage ratio of 4.4x in Q4, improving from 4.5x in Q3, and paid down approximately $248 million of debt throughout the year [19][54] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Take 5 Oil Change segment experienced 9.2% same-store sales growth in Q4, marking the 18th consecutive quarter of positive growth, with a total of 174 net new stores opened in fiscal year 2024 [21][43] - The Paint, Collision & Glass segment generated revenue of $97.3 million and adjusted EBITDA of $33 million in Q4, with same-store sales increasing by 1% despite a 7% decline in industry-wide collision repair estimates [39] - The Platform Services segment reported revenue of $40.2 million and adjusted EBITDA of $16.3 million in Q4 [40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide sales for Driven Brands grew by 5.5% in Q4 to $1.6 billion, with total revenue for the quarter increasing by 1.9% year-over-year [49] - The company noted that lower-income households are most affected by ongoing inflationary pressures, which may impact consumer spending in 2025 [12][60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on three key priorities for 2025: delivering the 2025 outlook, utilizing cash flow to reduce debt, and active portfolio management [9][27] - A definitive agreement has been made to sell the U.S. car wash business, with the transaction expected to close in Q2 2025 [13][41] - The company will adopt a simplified segment structure starting Q1 2025, with Take 5 Oil Change becoming a stand-alone segment to better reflect its growth potential [14][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the dynamic macroeconomic environment, despite anticipated pressures on consumer spending [12][60] - The company expects a more normalized level of same-store sales growth in 2025, while still maintaining a strong growth outlook for Take 5 Oil Change [37][86] - Management highlighted the importance of investing in frontline employees and maintaining high levels of customer loyalty [36][38] Other Important Information - The company has sold approximately $208 million of assets in fiscal year 2024, with over 75% of the divestiture process completed [18][54] - The company plans to provide quarterly unaudited pro forma results for FY 2024 in the new segment structure by mid-March 2025 [68] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide color on the 2025 outlook and expected growth? - Management indicated that the U.S. car wash business contributed approximately $50 million of adjusted EBITDA, and the growth in 2025 will primarily come from Take 5 Oil Change, which has a strong unit pipeline and customer engagement [73][74] Question: What is the expected breakdown of unit growth between segments? - The majority of the expected net unit growth of 175 to 200 units will come from the Take 5 pipeline, with a historical trend of 2/3 being franchise stores and 1/3 company-owned [105][108] Question: What drove the increase in corporate costs in Q4? - The increase was attributed to performance-based compensation and share-based compensation related to IPO grants, reflecting strong company performance [102][103] Question: What is the plan for the Auto Glass Now segment? - Management confirmed that the TPA deal signed in Q4 2024 will start generating revenue in Q1 2025, with a focus on growing regional and national insurance partnerships [117][118] Question: Is there an appetite for M&A following the car wash sale? - Management stated that while they have historically been acquisitive, the focus will be on organic growth, but they remain open to accretive opportunities in the automotive aftermarket space [128]