Sonic Automotive(US:SAH)2025-07-24 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reported GAAP EPS was a loss of $1.34 per share, while adjusted EPS for the second quarter was $2.19 per share, representing a 49% increase year over year [5] - Consolidated total revenues reached a record of $3.1 billion, up 6% year over year, with consolidated gross profit growing 12% and adjusted EBITDA increasing 22% [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Franchise Dealership segment generated record revenues of $3.1 billion, up 6% year over year, driven by a 5% increase in same store new retail volume and a 10% increase in same store fixed operations revenues [6] - Same store new vehicle gross profit per unit (GPU) was $3,391, down 6% year over year but up 10% sequentially [7] - EchoPark segment reported revenues of $509 million, down 2% year over year, but achieved a record gross profit of $62 million, up 22% year over year [10] - Powersports segment generated record revenues of $48.1 million, up 21% year over year, with gross profit increasing 17% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store fixed operations gross profit increased by 12% year over year, with warranty gross profit up 34% and customer pay gross profit growing 9% year over year [9] - EchoPark segment retail unit sales volume increased by 1% year over year, with total GPU reaching a record of $3,747 per unit, up $669 year over year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on a diversified growth strategy across franchise dealerships, EchoPark, and powersports segments to enhance revenue and shareholder returns [13] - The acquisition of four Jaguar Land Rover dealerships is expected to contribute approximately $500 million in annualized revenues, positioning the company as the largest Jaguar Land Rover retailer in the U.S. [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there are uncertainties due to tariffs, they have not seen a material impact on vehicle pricing to date [14] - The company is optimistic about the second half of the year, with expectations of improved performance in July and beyond [18] - Management expressed confidence in the EchoPark business model and its potential for disciplined long-term growth [10][21] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a 9% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.38 per share, payable on October 15, 2025 [13] - The company ended the quarter with $775 million in available liquidity, including $210 million in cash and floor plan deposits [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What surprised you the most in Q2? - Management noted that the business picked up nicely in the back half of July, which was unexpected given the tariff noise [18] Question: How do you view lease returns impacting your business? - Management indicated that lease returns are at a low point now, and as they increase, it will significantly benefit used vehicle inventory and sales volume [24] Question: Can you elaborate on the changes in your F&I agreements? - Management explained that they renegotiated positions with product providers, leading to cost savings and improved margins [36] Question: How did new vehicle GPU trend throughout the quarter? - New vehicle GPU was stronger at the beginning of the quarter, with figures around $3,600 in April, dropping to approximately $3,300 by June [40][42] Question: What are your expectations for new vehicle SAAR trajectory? - Management suggested that the SAAR could be in the range of 15 million to 16 million, depending on interest rates and market conditions [64]