Dec 31, 2020

Group 1 Automotive Q4 2020 Earnings Report

Announced fourth quarter and full year 2020 financial results, demonstrating strong profits driven by cost control discipline and gross profit growth in new and used vehicles.

Key Takeaways

Group 1 Automotive reported a strong fourth quarter with net income per diluted share increasing by 111.2 percent to $5.43 compared to Q4 2019. Total revenue decreased by 3.9 percent to $3.0 billion, while total gross profit increased by 3.7 percent to $481.7 million. The company highlighted significant improvements in U.S. technician and salesperson productivity, as well as cost structure improvements in the U.K. business.

Net income per diluted share increased 111.2% to $5.43 compared to Q4 2019.

Adjusted net income per diluted share increased 88.0% to $5.66 compared to Q4 2019.

Total revenue decreased 3.9% to $3.0 billion.

Total gross profit increased 3.7% to $481.7 million.

Total Revenue
$2.99B
Previous year: $3.11B
-3.9%
EPS
$5.66
Previous year: $3.01
+88.0%
Gross Profit Used Vehicles
$51.2M
Previous year: $46.3M
+10.6%
Gross Profit New Vehicles
$105M
Previous year: $84.3M
+24.1%
Retail New Vehicles Units Sold
38.52K
Previous year: 43.54K
-11.5%
Gross Profit
$482M
Previous year: $465M
+3.7%
Cash and Equivalents
$87.3M
Previous year: $23.8M
+266.8%
Free Cash Flow
$68.3M
Previous year: $7.8M
+775.6%
Total Assets
$5.09B
Previous year: $5.57B
-8.6%

Group 1 Automotive

Group 1 Automotive

Group 1 Automotive Revenue by Segment

Group 1 Automotive Revenue by Geographic Location

Forward Guidance

Group 1 anticipates market recovery in both the U.S. and U.K., positioning the company to more actively pursue growth via acquisitions and through its core aftersales and used vehicle businesses.

Positive Outlook

  • Expect long-term benefits from cost improvements as the market recovers in 2021.
  • U.S. performance driven by continued cost discipline and a significant focus on margin retention.
  • Continued growth in AcceleRide® platform, with 3,500 vehicles sold through the platform in 4Q20, a 65-percent increase over 4Q19.
  • Restructured U.K. business to generate outstanding profits and establish an efficient cost structure.
  • Focus on cost in Brazil.

Challenges Ahead

  • Stringent lockdown orders in the U.K. continued to impact service operations and dealership sales.
  • COVID-19 lockdowns closed showrooms in the U.K. for 41 of 92 days in Q4.
  • Weak market in Brazil due to the pandemic.
  • New vehicle revenues decreased 5.1 percent (-4.6 percent) on an 11.5 percent decrease in unit sales.
  • Retail used vehicle revenues decreased 2.5 percent (-2.5 percent) on 10.9 percent lower unit sales.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income