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AutoCanada Inc. (TSE:ACQ)
TSX:ACQ

AutoCanada (ACQ) AI Stock Analysis

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AutoCanada

(TSX:ACQ)

Rating:63Neutral
Price Target:
C$24.50
▲(13.85%Upside)
The overall stock score is influenced significantly by financial challenges, including high leverage and declining profits. Positive technical momentum and corporate events offer some offsetting strengths, while valuation remains a concern due to recent losses.
Positive Factors
Cost Savings
AutoCanada achieved faster-than-anticipated progress on cost-saving initiatives, contributing to a significant earnings beat.
Earnings
AutoCanada reported better-than-expected earnings results, with adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations significantly surpassing forecasts.
Revenue Growth
Revenue from continuing operations for the quarter reflects growth and exceeded both the company's and consensus forecasts.
Negative Factors
Consumer Sentiment
AutoCanada remains cautious on the outlook for the year, expecting consumer sentiment to weaken due to tariffs.
Demand Slowdown
There is some slowdown in demand for AutoCanada, 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. (ACQ) is a leading multi-location automobile dealership group in Canada, specializing in the sale of new and used vehicles. The company operates a network of franchised automobile dealerships, offering a diverse range of automotive brands across several provinces. In addition to vehicle sales, AutoCanada provides associated services such as automotive repair, maintenance, and the sale of parts and accessories.
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: 14.83%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 06, 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 shows strengths in gross margin management and a slightly improved equity ratio. However, significant revenue and net income declines in 2024, coupled with high leverage, pose risks. Cash flow has weakened but operational cash still supports the company. Overall, financial health is challenged by profitability and leverage concerns.
Income Statement
62
Positive
The company experienced a significant decline in revenue from 2023 to 2024, alongside a negative net income for 2024. Despite this, gross profit margin improved over the years, indicating better cost management. The EBIT and EBITDA margins have shown volatility, reflecting the challenges in maintaining consistent profitability.
Balance Sheet
58
Neutral
The debt-to-equity ratio is high, indicating significant leverage, which could be risky during downturns. However, the equity ratio shows a slight improvement, suggesting a gradual increase in equity base relative to assets. Return on equity is negative for 2024, driven by the net loss.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
Free cash flow has decreased significantly, largely due to the decrease in operating cash flow and higher capital expenditures. The operating cash flow to net income ratio indicates that cash generation relative to net income has weakened, but the company maintains a level of operational cash flow that supports its operations.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
5.35B6.44B6.04B4.65B3.33B
Gross Profit
882.28M479.23M1.04B834.18M547.33M
EBIT
171.32M206.52M254.55M270.07M70.21M
EBITDA
164.34M217.30M273.15M326.40M100.74M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-68.23M50.49M85.44M164.21M-6.62M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
67.34M103.15M108.30M102.48M107.70M
Total Assets
3.01B3.16B2.86B2.26B1.90B
Total Debt
2.01B2.23B2.03B1.45B1.35B
Net Debt
1.94B2.13B1.92B1.34B1.24B
Total Liabilities
2.51B2.59B2.37B1.74B1.54B
Stockholders Equity
468.03M534.85M457.90M493.41M341.87M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-2.45M40.02M95.31M78.37M116.90M
Operating Cash Flow
31.63M119.53M147.97M112.94M137.87M
Investing Cash Flow
67.86M-125.43M-228.02M-215.37M-35.12M
Financing Cash Flow
-93.92M183.60M83.21M97.00M-51.02M

AutoCanada Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price21.52
Price Trends
50DMA
18.97
Positive
100DMA
18.15
Positive
200DMA
17.47
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.70
Positive
RSI
56.92
Neutral
STOCH
24.52
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:ACQ, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 21.52 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 21.99, above the 50-day MA of 18.97, and above the 200-day MA of 17.47, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.70 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 56.92 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 24.52 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for TSE:ACQ.

AutoCanada Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
TSXTC
79
Outperform
$264.36M10.016.86%6.09%-2.84%-8.22%
TSMG
73
Outperform
$14.53B9.339.85%7.18%0.36%15.87%
TSLNR
71
Outperform
$3.80B15.064.66%2.50%2.26%-54.00%
TSACQ
63
Neutral
C$497.73M9.31%-18.16%-275.09%
TSMRE
63
Neutral
$612.15M5.65-3.98%2.40%-9.36%-145.18%
62
Neutral
$6.76B11.072.80%6.34%2.68%-24.87%
TSDOO
58
Neutral
$4.77B19.6626.57%1.32%-22.34%-110.04%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:ACQ
AutoCanada
21.75
2.15
10.97%
TSE:LNR
Linamar
62.75
-1.97
-3.04%
TSE:DOO
BRP
64.40
-21.94
-25.41%
TSE:MRE
Martinrea International
8.26
-2.88
-25.86%
TSE:MG
Magna International
51.10
-3.99
-7.24%
TSE:XTC
Exco Technologies
6.87
-0.43
-5.92%

AutoCanada Corporate Events

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.

Shareholder MeetingsFinancial Disclosures
AutoCanada to Announce Q1 2025 Financial Results and Host Virtual Shareholders Meeting
Neutral
Apr 14, 2025

AutoCanada Inc. announced the release of its Q1 2025 financial results on May 14, 2025, followed by a conference call and webcast for analysts and the public. The company also detailed its virtual Annual and Special Shareholders Meeting scheduled for May 15, 2025. These announcements highlight AutoCanada’s commitment to transparency and engagement with stakeholders, potentially impacting its market positioning and investor relations.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
AutoCanada Adjusts Credit Facility Amid Tariff Concerns
Neutral
Mar 31, 2025

AutoCanada has announced a temporary adjustment to its credit facility, increasing its maximum permitted Total Net Funded Debt to EBITDA ratio from 5.50:1.00 to 6.00:1.00 for the second quarter of 2025, before reducing it to 4.50:1.00 in July. This measure is a precautionary response to the uncertain impact of the current tariff environment on the company’s financial performance, indicating a strategic approach to maintaining financial flexibility amidst potential market challenges.

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.