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

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TSE:ACQ

AutoCanada

(TSX:ACQ)

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Underperform 38 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:38Underperform
Price Target:
C$20.50
▲(4.06% Upside)
AutoCanada's overall stock score is heavily impacted by poor financial performance and bearish technical indicators. The company's high leverage, declining revenues, and negative profit margins pose significant risks. Additionally, the stock's valuation metrics are unattractive, with a negative P/E ratio and no dividend yield. Despite some positive aspects from the earnings call, such as cost savings and growth in the Collision business, the overall outlook remains challenging.
Positive Factors
Cost Transformation Achievements
The significant cost savings through headcount optimization and expense management enhance operational efficiency, supporting long-term profitability.
Collision Business Growth
The growth in the Collision business indicates a strong demand and potential for sustained revenue increase, contributing positively to the company's diversification strategy.
Debt Reduction Strategy
Proceeds from U.S. dealership sales aimed at debt reduction will improve financial stability and lower leverage, enhancing long-term financial health.
Negative Factors
Revenue Decline
The decline in revenue across key segments reflects challenges in market demand and operational execution, impacting long-term growth prospects.
High Leverage
High leverage poses financial risks, limiting flexibility and increasing vulnerability to economic downturns, affecting long-term sustainability.
Cash Flow Challenges
Declining free cash flow indicates difficulties in generating cash, which can hinder reinvestment and debt servicing, affecting future growth.

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:Feb 26, 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
AutoCanada is facing challenges across its financial statements, including declining revenues and profitability, high leverage, and cash flow difficulties. These factors indicate potential financial instability and risks that need to be addressed for future growth.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
AutoCanada's revenue has been declining, with a negative growth rate of -5.08% in the TTM. The company is experiencing negative net profit margins, indicating losses, and a declining gross profit margin. However, the EBIT and EBITDA margins show some operational efficiency, though they are relatively low.
Balance Sheet
40
Negative
The company has a high debt-to-equity ratio of 4.18, indicating significant leverage, which poses a risk. The return on equity is negative, reflecting poor profitability. The equity ratio is low, suggesting a reliance on debt financing.
Cash Flow
35
Negative
Free cash flow has significantly declined, with a growth rate of -164.86% in the TTM. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is low, indicating challenges in converting income into cash. The negative free cash flow to net income ratio further highlights cash flow issues.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue4.91B5.35B6.44B6.04B4.65B3.33B
Gross Profit826.68M882.28M479.23M1.04B834.18M547.33M
EBITDA216.49M164.34M217.30M235.04M309.87M79.31M
Net Income-18.01M-68.23M50.49M85.44M164.21M-6.62M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.76B3.01B3.16B2.86B2.26B1.90B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments62.41M67.34M103.15M108.30M102.48M107.70M
Total Debt1.80B2.01B2.23B2.03B1.45B1.35B
Total Liabilities2.26B2.51B2.59B2.37B1.74B1.54B
Stockholders Equity476.45M468.03M534.85M457.90M493.41M341.87M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow2.70M-2.45M40.02M95.31M78.37M116.90M
Operating Cash Flow26.35M31.63M119.53M147.97M112.94M137.87M
Investing Cash Flow82.71M67.86M-125.43M-228.02M-215.37M-35.12M
Financing Cash Flow-220.17M-93.92M183.60M83.21M97.00M-51.02M

AutoCanada Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price19.70
Price Trends
50DMA
28.74
Negative
100DMA
28.46
Negative
200DMA
23.34
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-2.37
Positive
RSI
20.46
Positive
STOCH
24.63
Neutral
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 19.7 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 24.27, below the 50-day MA of 28.74, and below the 200-day MA of 23.34, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -2.37 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 20.46 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 24.63 is Neutral, 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
77
Outperform
$4.49B21.394.01%1.37%-5.33%-57.58%
76
Outperform
$19.45B13.568.31%4.09%0.66%-0.61%
64
Neutral
$245.31M10.436.01%6.55%-3.50%-22.76%
61
Neutral
$18.38B12.79-2.54%3.03%1.52%-15.83%
54
Neutral
C$734.43M-2.64%1.98%-7.25%-143.07%
54
Neutral
$6.57B38.70%0.97%-13.78%-115.58%
38
Underperform
C$579.45M-32.1418.07%-26.93%84.17%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:ACQ
AutoCanada
19.70
1.11
5.97%
TSE:MG
Magna International
66.62
9.70
17.03%
TSE:XTC
Exco Technologies
6.41
-1.59
-19.85%
TSE:LNR
Linamar
79.02
19.91
33.69%
TSE:MRE
Martinrea International
10.22
0.58
5.98%
TSE:DOO
BRP
87.77
21.79
33.02%

AutoCanada Corporate Events

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.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
AutoCanada Appoints Sam Cochrane as Interim CEO Amid Leadership Transition
Neutral
Oct 28, 2025

AutoCanada has appointed Sam Cochrane as Interim Chief Executive Officer following the transition of Paul Antony, who is stepping down as Executive Chair and Director to explore opportunities in automotive technology and data. This leadership change is part of a strategic move to strengthen the company’s growth trajectory, with Cochrane’s deep understanding of the business and Antony’s continued advisory role ensuring a smooth transition. The company is focused on finding a permanent CEO to continue building on the strong foundation established for long-term growth. Additionally, Chris Harris has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board, and Peter Hong will transition out of his role as Chief Strategy Officer & General Counsel later this year.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:ACQ) stock is a Hold with a C$27.00 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 Collision Network with Strategic Acquisition in Edmonton
Positive
Oct 6, 2025

AutoCanada Inc. has expanded its collision network by acquiring Doug’s Place Strathcona, a collision and refinish repair facility in Edmonton, Alberta. This acquisition enhances AutoCanada’s service capacity and strengthens its partnerships with leading OEMs and insurance companies, positioning the company to capture more repair volume and improve service availability in the region.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:ACQ) stock is a Buy with a C$38.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on AutoCanada stock, see the TSE:ACQ Stock Forecast page.

AutoCanada’s Earnings Call Highlights Cost Savings and Growth
Sep 1, 2025

The recent earnings call for AutoCanada Inc. painted a generally positive picture, with significant achievements in cost savings and profitability. Despite facing challenges such as a decline in revenue and volume softness due to transitional activities, the company’s strategic efforts in cost management and earnings growth were highlighted as outweighing these negative aspects.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
AutoCanada Sells North City Honda to Streamline Operations
Positive
Aug 27, 2025

AutoCanada Inc. has completed the sale of North City Honda in Chicago, Illinois, a move that aligns with the reclassification of some U.S. dealerships as discontinued operations. The sale, which generated $18.2 million in cash, will help reduce the company’s revolving credit facility. This strategic decision is expected to streamline AutoCanada’s operations and potentially improve its financial stability by focusing on more profitable segments.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:ACQ) stock is a Buy with a C$38.00 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 Sells Illinois Dealerships to Streamline Operations
Positive
Aug 19, 2025

AutoCanada has completed the sale of its Chevrolet and Hyundai dealerships in Palatine, Illinois, which were classified as discontinued operations at the end of 2024. The sale generated $9.3 million in cash, which will be used to reduce the company’s revolving credit facility. This move is part of AutoCanada’s strategy to streamline its operations and focus on its core Canadian market, potentially improving financial stability and operational efficiency.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:ACQ) stock is a Hold with a C$34.00 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: Nov 15, 2025