Asbury Automotive Group(US:ABG)2025-04-29 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated $4.1 billion in revenue, with a gross profit of $724 million and a gross profit margin of 17.5% [13] - Adjusted operating margin was 5.8%, and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $6.82 [13] - Adjusted SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 63.9% [13] - Adjusted net income for the first quarter was $134 million, excluding certain non-cash items [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store revenue for new vehicles increased by 6% year over year, with units up 4% [15] - New average gross profit per vehicle was $3,449 [15] - Used vehicle unit volume decreased by 8% year over year, with retail gross profit per unit at $15.87 [16] - Parts and service gross profit increased by 5%, with a gross profit margin of 58.3%, an expansion of 170 basis points [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company estimates that approximately 56% of new vehicle units in Q1 were produced in America, insulating them from tariff impacts [8] - The Stellantis headwind to the company's performance was estimated at $125 per vehicle [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a disciplined growth strategy, including the pending acquisition of the Herb Chambers Automotive Group, valued at $1.34 billion [26] - The company plans to reduce leverage over the next 18 to 24 months following the acquisition [12] - The implementation of the Techeon system is expected to improve productivity and guest experience [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the first quarter was impacted by weather-related disruptions and tariff uncertainties [41][44] - The company remains optimistic about long-term growth, particularly in parts and service due to an aging vehicle fleet [20] - Management emphasized the importance of focusing on gross profit rather than volume in the current market conditions [42] Other Important Information - The company generated $187 million of adjusted operating cash flow for the first quarter [24] - Free cash flow was $166 million for the first quarter [25] - The company ended Q1 with $964 million of liquidity [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about TCA and tariff impacts - Management indicated that tariffs could slow down deferral impacts, affecting future earnings [31] Question: Integration of Techeon and SG&A savings - Management reported that the rollout of Techeon is progressing well and is expected to lead to significant SG&A savings [34] Question: Gross profit performance compared to peers - Management acknowledged weather impacts and emphasized a focus on maximizing returns rather than chasing volume [42] Question: Impact of tariffs on acquisition agreements - Management confirmed that there is no breakup fee for the company in the acquisition agreement, and they do not foresee reasons to back out of the deal [48] Question: Front end gross outlook - Management noted that the company is different post-COVID and emphasized focusing on gross profit rather than volume [56] Question: Parts and service growth outlook - Management maintained a mid-single-digit growth outlook for parts and service, despite weather-related impacts [60] Question: Price versus car count in parts and service - Management indicated that revenue increases were primarily due to dollar increases rather than traffic increases [89] Question: Supply issues with luxury brands - Management expressed concerns about potential supply issues with luxury brands due to tariff-related shipment holds [90]