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Mar 31, 2020

Group 1 Automotive Q1 2020 Earnings Report

Reported a decrease in revenue and earnings due to the impact of COVID-19, which negatively affected all regions starting in early March. The company focused on fulfilling customer needs within government mandates and resizing the business to lower activity levels.

Key Takeaways

Group 1 Automotive reported a decrease in total revenue by 4.2% to $2.7 billion for the first quarter of 2020. Net income was $29.8 million, with diluted earnings per share at $1.61. The results were impacted by 'shelter in place' mandates related to COVID-19, which significantly affected sales and service operations across all regions.

Total revenue decreased by 4.2% to $2.7 billion.

Net income was $29.8 million, or $1.61 per diluted share.

F&I gross profit per retail unit increased by 6.8% to $1,559.

Aggressive cost reduction actions were taken, including employee furloughs and cuts in various cost categories.

Total Revenue
$2.69B
Previous year: $2.81B
-4.2%
EPS
$1.66
Previous year: $2.06
-19.4%
Retail New Vehicles Units Sold
35.36K
Previous year: 38.87K
-9.0%
ASP New Vehicles
$38K
Previous year: $36.4K
+4.3%
ASP Used Vehicles
$21.2K
Previous year: $21.1K
+0.4%
Gross Profit
$417M
Previous year: $432M
-3.5%
Cash and Equivalents
$19.2M
Previous year: $33.6M
-42.9%
Free Cash Flow
$12.5M
Previous year: $86.2M
-85.5%
Total Assets
$5.44B
Previous year: $5.26B
+3.4%

Group 1 Automotive

Group 1 Automotive

Group 1 Automotive Revenue by Segment

Group 1 Automotive Revenue by Geographic Location

Forward Guidance

The Company expects second quarter results to be significantly lower than the prior year due to the potential long-term impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Service is anticipated to recover more quickly than vehicle sales, with both beginning to recover in the late spring and summer months as shelter in place policies continue to be lifted and consumers transition to more normal habits.

Positive Outlook

  • Improvements in weekly sales pace in the U.S.
  • Recall of some furloughed workers, with plans to add back 495 positions by June.
  • Anticipation of service recovering more quickly than vehicle sales.
  • Expectation of recovery in the late spring and summer months as shelter in place policies are lifted.
  • Consumers transitioning to more normal habits.

Challenges Ahead

  • Potential long-term impact of COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Second quarter results expected to be significantly lower than the prior year.
  • Shelter in place orders remain in effect across the U.K.
  • Stores are closed except for providing service to essential workers’ vehicles in the U.K.
  • Service in the U.K. does not generate material gross profit.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income