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AutoCanada Inc. (TSE:ACQ)
TSX:ACQ
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AutoCanada (ACQ) AI Stock Analysis

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AutoCanada

(TSX:ACQ)

Rating:63Neutral
Price Target:
C$26.00
▲(2.89%Upside)
AutoCanada's stock score is primarily influenced by strong technical indicators, suggesting current market optimism. However, the company's financial performance and valuation present significant risks. Strategic initiatives and leadership changes provide some positive outlook, but the financial and valuation challenges need to be addressed for long-term stability.
Positive Factors
Cost Savings
AutoCanada is driving onwards with cost-cutting efforts and expects $100 million of annualized cost savings by year-end.
Earnings Performance
AutoCanada reported better-than-expected earnings results, with adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $43 million.
Inventory Management
AutoCanada finished the quarter with a better supply of new and used vehicles, reducing inventory days significantly year-over-year.
Negative Factors
Demand Slowdown
There is some slowdown in demand for ACQ, as indicated by a softening in vehicle volumes.
Leverage Concerns
Leverage is expected to remain elevated until the company sells its US business, which is a factor of concern.

AutoCanada (ACQ) vs. iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC)

AutoCanada Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAutoCanada Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates franchised automobile dealerships. The company offers a range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicles, vehicle leasing, vehicle parts, vehicle maintenance and collision repair services, extended service contracts, and vehicle protection and other after-market products. It also arranges financing and insurance for vehicle purchases by its customers through third-party finance and insurance sources. The company sells its vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT, Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Ford, Infiniti, Nissan, Hyundai, Subaru, Audi, Volkswagen, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, MINI, Volvo, Toyota, Lincoln, Porsche, and Honda brands. As of March 2, 2022, it operated 78 franchised dealerships in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick in Canada, as well as in Illinois, the United States. The company also offers used vehicles online. AutoCanada Inc. was incorporated in 2009 and is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyAutoCanada generates revenue through multiple streams, primarily from the sale of new and used vehicles, which constitutes the largest portion of its income. The company also earns significant revenue from its after-sales services, including automotive repair and maintenance, as well as the sale of parts and accessories. Additionally, AutoCanada benefits from finance and insurance products offered to its customers, which include extended warranties, insurance contracts, and vehicle leasing and financing options. The company's partnerships with major automotive manufacturers for dealership rights and access to a wide range of vehicle inventory are crucial to its operations and revenue generation.

AutoCanada Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 14, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 34.85%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 13, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects a company in transition with positive steps in cost savings and revenue growth, particularly in new vehicles and Collision. However, challenges remain, particularly with leverage issues, the ongoing U.S. business divestiture, and uncertainties in the broader economic environment.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Revenue Growth
Revenue increased by 2.3% year-over-year in Q1, driven by gains in new vehicle sales and the Collision segment.
Cost Savings Achievements
Achieved $48.1 million in annualized run rate cost savings in Q1, totaling $57.1 million since the ACX operating method launch.
Adjusted EBITDA Margin Improvement
Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 130 basis points due to early improvements in operating leverage and cost reduction initiatives.
Operational Efficiency
Normalized operating expenses before depreciation declined by $12.8 million, reflecting restructuring savings.
Floorplan Financing Cost Reduction
Improved floorplan financing costs due to tighter inventory management and favorable rate conditions.
Negative Updates
Leverage Concerns
Leverage remains above the target range, with a temporary increase in net funded debt-to-bank EBITDA ratio to 6.0x until the end of June.
U.S. Business Divestiture and Uncertainties
The U.S. business has been reclassified as discontinued operations, with plans for divestiture. This decision is part of a broader restructuring effort, contributing to uncertainties.
Challenges in Used Vehicles and Parts & Service
Weaker performance was noted in the used vehicles and parts & service segments, offsetting some of the gains in other areas.
Emerging Consumer Weakness
Emerging signs of consumer fatigue and potential impacts from new U.S. tariffs could disrupt supply chains and affect affordability.
Company Guidance
During AutoCanada's Q1 2025 conference call, the guidance provided highlighted several key metrics and strategic initiatives. Revenue grew by 2.3% year-over-year, driven by gains in new vehicle sales and the Collision business, despite weaker performance in used vehicles and parts and service. The company achieved early cost wins, realizing $48.1 million in annualized run rate cost savings in Q1, contributing to a total of $57.1 million since the ACX operating method launch. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 130 basis points due to cost reduction initiatives. Floorplan financing costs improved, benefiting from tighter inventory management. The company is focused on achieving $100 million in cost savings by the end of 2025, with a deliberate strategy to streamline operations, reduce leverage, and divest U.S. assets, which have been reclassified as discontinued operations. As of March 31, 2025, AutoCanada had access to $218.2 million under its revolving credit facility, with amendments providing covenant relief and flexibility for transformation efforts. Despite some encouraging demand trends, there are significant uncertainties, including tariff risks and macroeconomic pressures, leading the company to maintain a cautious near-term outlook.

AutoCanada Financial Statement Overview

Summary
AutoCanada is facing challenges with declining revenue and profitability. The company shows high leverage with significant debt, and there are liquidity concerns due to negative free cash flow. However, the balance sheet offers some asset backing, providing limited stability.
Income Statement
46
Neutral
The company shows declining revenue and profitability, with TTM revenue decreasing significantly from previous years. The net income has turned negative in the latest TTM period, indicating a significant profitability issue. Gross profit margin has decreased, suggesting cost pressures or pricing challenges. These trends point to potential difficulties in sustaining revenue growth and profitability in a competitive auto dealership market.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The balance sheet indicates high leverage, with significant debt levels compared to equity, but the equity has remained relatively stable. The debt-to-equity ratio is high, reflecting potential financial risk if revenue declines further. However, the equity ratio suggests a reasonable level of asset backing, providing some stability against liabilities.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
Cash flow from operations has decreased, and free cash flow is negative in the TTM, highlighting liquidity challenges. The operating cash flow to net income ratio indicates that cash generation is weak relative to accounting earnings. There is a need for improved cash management to enhance liquidity and support ongoing operations.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue5.35B6.44B6.04B4.65B3.33B
Gross Profit882.28M479.23M1.04B834.18M547.33M
EBITDA164.34M217.30M273.15M326.40M100.74M
Net Income-68.23M50.49M85.44M164.21M-6.62M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.01B3.16B2.86B2.26B1.90B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments67.34M103.15M108.30M102.48M107.70M
Total Debt2.01B2.23B2.03B1.45B1.35B
Total Liabilities2.51B2.59B2.37B1.74B1.54B
Stockholders Equity468.03M534.85M457.90M493.41M341.87M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-2.45M40.02M95.31M78.37M116.90M
Operating Cash Flow31.63M119.53M147.97M112.94M137.87M
Investing Cash Flow67.86M-125.43M-228.02M-215.37M-35.12M
Financing Cash Flow-93.92M183.60M83.21M97.00M-51.02M

AutoCanada Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price25.27
Price Trends
50DMA
21.51
Positive
100DMA
18.85
Positive
200DMA
18.17
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.00
Negative
RSI
72.21
Negative
STOCH
86.94
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:ACQ, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 25.27 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 22.73, above the 50-day MA of 21.51, and above the 200-day MA of 18.17, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.00 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 72.21 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 86.94 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for TSE:ACQ.

AutoCanada Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (56)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
TSACQ
63
Neutral
C$597.51M9.31%-18.16%-275.09%
56
Neutral
HK$25.30B3.94-2.03%6.16%-0.31%-67.70%
MGMGA
$11.85B10.499.85%4.62%
$187.30M9.796.86%6.36%
$2.92B16.044.66%1.72%
$453.57M5.32-3.98%2.36%
$3.58B18.6226.57%1.28%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:ACQ
AutoCanada
25.27
6.05
31.48%
MGA
Magna International
42.08
-1.05
-2.43%
EXCOF
Exco Technologies
4.82
-0.60
-11.07%
LIMAF
Linamar
48.95
-1.05
-2.10%
MRETF
Martinrea International
6.21
-2.17
-25.89%
DOOO
BRP
48.36
-21.33
-30.61%

AutoCanada Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
AutoCanada to Divest 13 U.S. Dealerships in Strategic Shift
Neutral
Jul 16, 2025

AutoCanada Inc. has announced definitive agreements to divest 13 of its U.S. dealerships for approximately $82.7 million, as part of its strategy to discontinue its U.S. Operations segment. The divestiture, expected to close in the second half of 2025, marks a significant shift in AutoCanada’s operational focus, potentially impacting its market positioning by concentrating efforts on its Canadian operations. The company remains engaged in selling its remaining four U.S. dealerships, signaling a complete exit from the U.S. market.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:ACQ) stock is a Buy with a C$21.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on AutoCanada stock, see the TSE:ACQ Stock Forecast page.

Financial Disclosures
AutoCanada to Announce Q2 2025 Financial Results
Neutral
Jul 16, 2025

AutoCanada Inc. announced it will release its Q2 2025 financial results on August 13, 2025, followed by a conference call and webcast for analysts and the public. This announcement allows stakeholders to gain insights into the company’s performance and strategic direction, potentially impacting its market position and investor relations.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:ACQ) stock is a Buy with a C$21.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on AutoCanada stock, see the TSE:ACQ Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
AutoCanada Announces Leadership Transition Amidst Strategic Growth
Positive
Jul 11, 2025

AutoCanada Inc. announced the transition of Paul Antony from Executive Chair to non-executive Chair of the Board, following the appointment of a new CEO. Under Antony’s leadership since 2018, the company has stabilized its operations, reduced debt, and integrated advanced data analytics, positioning itself as a credible consolidator in the Canadian auto retail market. The transition marks a strategic move as the company is now poised for scalable growth, with a strong foundation and operational overhaul in place.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:ACQ) stock is a Hold with a C$19.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on AutoCanada stock, see the TSE:ACQ Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
AutoCanada Announces Successful Election of Directors
Positive
May 15, 2025

AutoCanada Inc. announced the successful election of its board of directors at the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders, with all resolutions passed. The meeting saw participation from shareholders representing 57.12% of the company’s issued and outstanding common shares. This election solidifies the company’s governance structure, potentially impacting its strategic direction and stakeholder confidence positively.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:ACQ) stock is a Buy with a C$21.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on AutoCanada stock, see the TSE:ACQ Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
AutoCanada Sees Revenue Growth Amid Cost Transformation Efforts
Positive
May 14, 2025

AutoCanada reported a revenue increase of 2.3% to $1,240.1 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, driven by strong new vehicle sales and collision repair, despite declines in used vehicle sales and parts and service. The company is actively working on cost transformation efforts to mitigate economic uncertainties, achieving significant savings and aiming for $100 million in annual run rate cost savings by the end of 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:ACQ) stock is a Buy with a C$21.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on AutoCanada stock, see the TSE:ACQ Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jul 11, 2025