Sonic Automotive(SAH)2025-04-24 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP EPS was $2.04 per share, and adjusted EPS was $1.48 per share, a 9% increase year over year [5] - First quarter consolidated total revenues were a record $3.1 billion, up 8% year over year, while consolidated gross profit grew 6% and adjusted EBITDA increased 7% [6][11] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Franchised dealership segment revenues reached $3.1 billion, up 9% year over year, driven by an 11% increase in new retail volume and a 6% increase in fixed operations revenues [6] - EchoPark segment income was a record $10.3 million, with adjusted EBITDA at $15.8 million, up 116% year over year [8] - EchoPark revenues were $560 million, flat year over year, but gross profit increased 21% to $64 million [9] - Power Sports segment generated record revenues of $34.4 million, with a gross profit of $8.5 million, and an adjusted EBITDA loss of $700,000 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store new vehicle gross profit per unit (GPU) was $3,089, down sequentially from the fourth quarter [7] - Same store used vehicle volume decreased 2% year over year, while same store used GPU increased sequentially to $15.55 per unit [7] - Parts and service gross profit increased by 7% in the first quarter [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining strong relationships with teammates, manufacturers, and customers as key to future success [5] - A data-driven centralized inventory management strategy for EchoPark is seen as a key differentiator to minimize market volatility disruptions [10] - The company plans to adapt to ongoing changes in the automotive retail environment while making strategic decisions to maximize long-term returns [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating tariff impacts and believes that the automotive industry can handle price adjustments without significant concerns [17][20] - The company is focused on executing its operational playbooks and processes, expecting solid results in the upcoming quarters [18][19] - Management acknowledged the need to balance warranty and customer pay work in service operations to improve revenue mix [50][51] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $947 million in available liquidity, including $430 million in cash and floor plan deposits [11] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per share was approved, payable on July 15, 2025 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Commentary on tariffs and their impact - Management indicated that manufacturers are uncertain about the tariff impacts, but they expect things to stabilize in the next 90 days [17] - The company is not concerned about significant price increases and believes they can navigate through the situation [19] Question: Update on fixed operations hiring - Management reported hiring 345 additional technicians, which has positively impacted fixed operations [23][24] - There is ongoing focus on increasing technician headcount to meet service demand [26] Question: Used vehicle GPU trajectory - Management stated that GPU margins should hold steady if market conditions remain stable, with EchoPark's margins improving due to increased street purchases [38][39] Question: Warranty work versus customer pay - Warranty work grew by 40% in the first quarter, while customer pay grew by only 2-3%, indicating a need to adjust the revenue mix [47][50] Question: EchoPark's full-year guidance - Management explained that guidance was conservative due to potential tariff impacts, but they are prepared to adjust as conditions evolve [77][78] Question: SG&A expenses - Management noted that first-quarter SG&A expenses were influenced by one-time compensation costs, but overall expenses are in line with expectations [82][84]