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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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Underperform 40 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:40Underperform
Price Target:
C$21.00
▼(-1.96% Downside)
AutoCanada's overall stock score is primarily impacted by its weak financial performance, characterized by declining revenue, negative profitability, and high leverage. Technical analysis suggests a bearish trend with limited momentum, while valuation metrics highlight the company's unprofitability. Despite some positive developments in cost management and the Collision business, significant challenges remain.
Positive Factors
Cost Management
Effective cost management through headcount optimization and expense control enhances operational efficiency, supporting long-term profitability.
Collision Business Growth
Growth in the Collision business indicates strong demand and successful strategic initiatives, contributing positively to revenue diversification.
Debt Reduction Strategy
The strategy to sell U.S. dealerships and reduce debt aligns with financial stability goals, improving leverage ratios and financial health.
Negative Factors
Declining Revenue
A decline in revenue reflects challenges in vehicle sales and market demand, impacting overall financial performance and growth prospects.
High Leverage
Significant leverage limits financial flexibility and increases risk, potentially affecting the company's ability to invest in growth opportunities.
Negative Cash Flow
Negative cash flow growth indicates difficulties in converting earnings into cash, challenging the company's ability to fund operations and investments.

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

AutoCanada Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAutoCanada Inc. (ACQ) is one of Canada's largest multi-location automotive dealership groups, operating a diverse portfolio of dealerships across various provinces. The company specializes in the retailing of new and used vehicles, offering a wide range of automotive brands and models. Additionally, AutoCanada provides essential after-sales services, including vehicle maintenance, repairs, and financing solutions, ensuring a comprehensive automotive experience for its customers.
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, with declining revenues, negative net profit margins, high leverage, and cash flow difficulties, indicating potential financial instability.
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
30
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 Revenue4.48B5.35B6.44B6.04B4.65B3.33B
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 Price21.42
Price Trends
50DMA
24.18
Negative
100DMA
27.83
Negative
200DMA
23.55
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.67
Negative
RSI
44.36
Neutral
STOCH
78.20
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 21.42 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 20.74, below the 50-day MA of 24.18, and below the 200-day MA of 23.55, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.67 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 44.36 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 78.20 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
$20.10B14.018.31%3.82%0.66%-0.61%
77
Outperform
$4.49B21.394.01%1.38%-5.33%-57.58%
71
Outperform
$245.31M10.436.05%6.12%-3.53%-17.19%
61
Neutral
$18.38B12.79-2.54%3.03%1.52%-15.83%
58
Neutral
$4.80B432.971.90%0.28%4.24%-60.60%
51
Neutral
$703.13M-2.64%1.89%-7.25%-143.07%
40
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
21.42
3.01
16.35%
TSE:MG
Magna International
71.43
11.94
20.07%
TSE:XTC
Exco Technologies
6.85
-0.30
-4.22%
TSE:LNR
Linamar
80.89
22.23
37.89%
TSE:MRE
Martinrea International
10.61
1.62
18.05%
TSE:BYD
Boyd Group Services
221.25
9.37
4.42%

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.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
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.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
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.

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: Dec 11, 2025