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AutoCanada Inc. (TSE:ACQ)
TSX:ACQ

AutoCanada (ACQ) AI Stock Analysis

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TSE:ACQ

AutoCanada

(TSX:ACQ)

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Neutral 45 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:45Neutral
Price Target:
C$28.00
▲(24.22% Upside)
Action:UpgradedDate:02/03/26
The score is held down primarily by weak financial performance (loss-making results, high leverage, and deteriorating/free cash flow). Technicals are constructive but overbought, providing only partial support. Valuation is unfavorable due to negative earnings, while the earnings call was mixed with cost-savings and Collision growth offset by declining revenue/EBITDA and delayed asset-sale closures.
Positive Factors
Collision Business Growth
Sustained 19% YoY growth in Collision indicates durable aftermarket demand and successful OEM certification expansion. Collision services are recurring, higher-margin, and less cyclical than new-vehicle sales, providing a structural revenue and margin diversification tailwind over the next several quarters.
Cost Transformation Progress
Capturing $100M of targeted run-rate savings demonstrates material structural cost base reduction via headcount optimization and process improvements. These permanent savings support margin sustainability, improve cash flow conversion potential, and enhance resilience to volume downturns over the medium term.
Deleveraging via U.S. Dispositions
Planned $130M of disposal proceeds provides a clear path to reduce leverage. Applying proceeds to debt completionally shifts balance-sheet risk, helps move net funded debt/EBITDA from ~3.4x toward the 2–3x target, and improves financial flexibility for capex and working-capital needs over coming quarters.
Negative Factors
Declining Revenue Trend
Persistent top-line contraction reduces scale economics across new, used and after-sales channels. Lower volumes pressure fixed-cost absorption and F&I and parts revenue, making margin recovery harder and extending the time needed to rebuild earnings power absent sustained volume or mix improvements.
Weak Profitability Margins
Near-zero to negative net margins and low operating margins limit retained earnings and reinvestment capacity. Low profitability reduces buffer against cyclical declines, slows deleveraging, and constrains the company's ability to invest in franchise growth or technology, pressuring long-term competitiveness.
Cash Flow Stress and High Leverage
Severely negative FCF growth and minimal cash conversion, combined with a high debt-to-equity ratio, create structural liquidity and solvency risks. Persistent weak cash generation limits ability to service debt, fund capex, or absorb shocks without further asset sales or equity issuance, hindering strategic options.

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 primarily through the sale of new and used vehicles, which constitutes a significant portion of its earnings. The company also earns money through after-sales services, including parts, service, and repair operations, which provide recurring income streams. Another key revenue stream comes from financing and insurance products offered to customers, often in partnership with banks and financial institutions. These partnerships enable AutoCanada to facilitate vehicle financing and enhance customer satisfaction while also generating additional revenue. Furthermore, the company benefits from strategic acquisitions of dealerships, expanding its footprint and diversifying its income sources, contributing to its overall financial growth.

AutoCanada Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 13, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Mar 18, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflected both progress and challenges. The cost transformation and growth in the Collision business were notable achievements. However, the revenue decline, adjusted EBITDA decrease, and delays in U.S. dealership sales closure presented significant challenges.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Cost Transformation Achievements
As of September 30, AutoCanada achieved approximately $100 million of the $115 million 2025 annual run rate savings target through headcount optimization, tighter expense and inventory management, and process improvements.
Collision Business Growth
Collision revenue grew 19% year-over-year, driven by higher demand, new OEM certifications, and increased insurance referral activity.
Progress on U.S. Dealership Sales
AutoCanada received approximately $37 million in proceeds from U.S. dealership sales, with another $12 million expected to close before year-end. Total anticipated proceeds are around $130 million, near the top end of the previously stated range.
Leadership Changes and Strategic Focus
The company announced leadership promotions to strengthen its operational foundation, with a focus on expanding gross profit across a leaner, more durable cost base.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline
Revenue from continuing operations was $1.2 billion compared to $1.4 billion in the prior year, reflecting softer performance across new and used vehicle sales, parts and service, and F&I.
Adjusted EBITDA Decrease
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $58.1 million compared to $63.1 million last year, despite increased margins, indicating lower volumes.
Same-Store Performance Challenges
Same-store performance was down sharply versus the market in Q3, attributed to restructuring activities and softer demand in certain brands.
Delay in U.S. Dealership Sales Closure
The timeline for closing the remaining U.S. dispositions has been pushed out, with some expected to close in Q1 or Q2 of the next year.
Company Guidance
During AutoCanada's third-quarter 2025 conference call, Interim CEO Samuel Cochrane outlined key financial metrics and strategic guidance. The company reported revenue from continuing operations of $1.2 billion, a decline from $1.4 billion in the prior year, primarily due to softer performance in new and used vehicle sales and ongoing store restructuring. Adjusted EBITDA was $58.1 million, down from $63.1 million, although margins improved to 4.8%. AutoCanada achieved $100 million of its $115 million annual cost-saving target, attributed to headcount optimization and tighter expense management. The Collision business was a bright spot, with revenue growing 19% year-over-year. The company is progressing with the sale of U.S. dealerships, expecting total proceeds of $130 million to reduce debt. As of the quarter's end, the net funded debt-to-EBITDA ratio was 3.4x, trending toward a long-term target of 2 to 3x. Looking ahead, AutoCanada is focused on operational excellence, cost reductions, and profitable growth, with plans to expand both dealership and Collision operations.

AutoCanada Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Weak fundamentals: declining revenue (-8.69% TTM), negative net margin (-0.37%), high leverage (debt-to-equity 3.79) with negative ROE (-3.78%), and very poor free cash flow trend (FCF growth -963.34%) with low cash conversion (operating cash flow to net income 0.02).
Income Statement
45
Neutral
AutoCanada's income statement shows declining revenue with a negative growth rate of -8.69% in the TTM period. The gross profit margin is stable at 16.84%, but the net profit margin is negative at -0.37%, indicating a loss. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are low at 3.20% and 4.41%, respectively, reflecting challenges in operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
40
Negative
The balance sheet reveals a high debt-to-equity ratio of 3.79, indicating significant leverage. Return on equity is negative at -3.78%, suggesting the company is not generating sufficient returns on shareholder investments. The equity ratio is relatively low, highlighting potential financial instability.
Cash Flow
30
Negative
Cash flow analysis shows negative free cash flow growth of -963.34% in the TTM period, with a low operating cash flow to net income ratio of 0.02. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.10, indicating challenges in converting earnings into cash flow.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue4.48B5.35B6.44B6.04B4.65B3.33B
Gross Profit749.10M882.28M479.23M1.04B834.18M547.33M
EBITDA195.92M164.34M217.30M235.04M309.87M79.31M
Net Income-7.90M-68.23M50.49M85.44M164.21M-6.62M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.72B3.01B3.16B2.86B2.26B1.90B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments91.89M67.34M103.15M108.30M102.48M107.70M
Total Debt1.82B2.01B2.23B2.03B1.45B1.35B
Total Liabilities2.22B2.51B2.59B2.37B1.74B1.54B
Stockholders Equity484.25M468.03M534.85M457.90M493.41M341.87M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-23.29M-2.45M40.02M95.31M78.37M116.90M
Operating Cash Flow-1.17M31.63M119.53M147.97M112.94M137.87M
Investing Cash Flow96.96M67.86M-125.43M-228.02M-215.37M-35.12M
Financing Cash Flow-86.08M-93.92M183.60M83.21M97.00M-51.02M

AutoCanada Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price22.54
Price Trends
50DMA
26.32
Negative
100DMA
24.88
Negative
200DMA
26.17
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.45
Positive
RSI
32.59
Neutral
STOCH
4.05
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:ACQ, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 22.54 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 27.53, below the 50-day MA of 26.32, and below the 200-day MA of 26.17, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.45 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 32.59 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 4.05 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for TSE:ACQ.

AutoCanada Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
73
Outperform
C$5.66B6.594.01%1.32%-5.33%-57.58%
71
Outperform
C$293.66M13.486.05%6.21%-3.53%-17.19%
66
Neutral
$23.46B17.796.90%3.69%0.66%-0.61%
61
Neutral
$18.38B12.79-2.54%3.03%1.52%-15.83%
58
Neutral
C$6.39B116.161.90%0.28%4.24%-60.60%
51
Neutral
C$759.70M5.39-2.64%1.93%-7.25%-143.07%
45
Neutral
C$521.81M11.2018.07%-26.93%84.17%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:ACQ
AutoCanada
22.54
6.35
39.22%
TSE:MG
Magna International
83.26
31.96
62.31%
TSE:XTC
Exco Technologies
7.75
1.96
33.87%
TSE:LNR
Linamar
95.20
44.45
87.58%
TSE:MRE
Martinrea International
10.55
2.77
35.59%
TSE:BYD
Boyd Group Services
229.58
-10.99
-4.57%

AutoCanada Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
AutoCanada Sells Chicago Toyota Dealership as Part of U.S. Exit Strategy
Positive
Jan 27, 2026

AutoCanada has completed the sale of Toyota of Lincoln Park in Chicago, one of the U.S. dealerships it has designated as discontinued operations, as part of its strategic exit from its U.S. Operations segment. The store generated approximately $64.7 million in sales and $1.0 million in net income in the 12 months ended September 30, 2025, and the company received about $11.2 million in cash for goodwill and fixed assets, excluding inventory and working capital, with the proceeds used to pay down its revolving credit facility, advancing its plan to deleverage and strengthen its balance sheet.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:ACQ) stock is a Hold with a C$26.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on AutoCanada stock, see the TSE:ACQ Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
AutoCanada Expands Edmonton Collision Network with Acquisition of Modern Autobody
Positive
Jan 20, 2026

AutoCanada has acquired Modern Autobody, a long-established Edmonton collision and refinish repair facility, in a move that expands its collision repair footprint and strengthens its luxury and electric vehicle certification coverage in the region. The strategically located shop, which holds an extensive suite of OEM certifications from brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Tesla, Porsche and Rivian, is expected to generate operational synergies with nearby AutoCanada collision centres and dealerships, while the absence of existing direct repair programs offers an immediate opportunity to build insurer partnerships, increase repair volumes and capture additional revenue through the company’s existing insurance relationships.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:ACQ) stock is a Hold with a C$24.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on AutoCanada stock, see the TSE:ACQ Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
AutoCanada Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments
Positive
Dec 16, 2025

AutoCanada has appointed Fade Bouras as Chief Operating Officer and John North to its Board of Directors, marking significant leadership changes aimed at enhancing operational performance and strategic growth. Bouras, with over 22 years of experience in automotive retail, will focus on improving dealership operations and implementing a robust used vehicle strategy, while North brings extensive expertise in automotive retail and public company governance, expected to contribute to AutoCanada’s long-term value creation.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:ACQ) stock is a Sell 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 Reports Third Quarter Results Amidst Ongoing Transformation
Neutral
Nov 13, 2025

AutoCanada reported a decrease in revenue from continuing operations for the third quarter, with a decline of $211 million compared to the previous year. Despite the drop in top-line performance, the company achieved a significant increase in net income from total operations, rising to $16.8 million. The company’s transformation plan aims to improve operational efficiency and drive profitable growth, with a focus on expanding collision operations and enhancing dealership performance under the new ACX framework.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:ACQ) stock is a Hold with a C$24.00 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: Feb 03, 2026