Group 1 Automotive Takeaways from GPI Management Fireside Chat

Research evidence excerpt

Group 1 Automotive Takeaways from GPI Management Fireside Chat

hinese OEM products are comparable to other brands at

similar price points, but F&I and P&S monetization remains underdeveloped given

limited UIO build-out, and management was fairly direct that Chinese OEMs are not a

meaningful contributor today, based on what they are hearing from peers with larger

exposure. As an update on JLR divestitures, GPI has disposed 5 of 10 stores (4 sold, one

site closed, 3 of which are larger loss-making units), and is continuing to evaluate the

remaining 5 stores for highest and best use alongside the OEM; options include selling

to a third party, selling owned property given elevated real estate values in those

catchments, or continuing to assess the franchise longer term. On proceeds, management

has already received ~£50 mn of the ~£100 mn in expected total proceeds, with minimal

EBITDA loss attached. Beyond JLR, management indicated additional rationalization is

anticipated over the next 6 months, including stores that no longer fit within the network;

some of these actions may be more of a cleanup than a cash-generating lever (where GPI

does not own the underlying property and the stores contribute near breakeven

EBITDA).

• US used GPU stable, used units to follow new with 2Q entering light on inventory

in US. Used units continue to follow new vehicle cadence given trade-in dependency,

with GPI noting that they entered 2Q at a lighter than ideal 26-day supply which was

reflective of April activity. Used GPUs are supported by GPI tight 30-day supply

philosophy and rigorous trade-in vs. service department vs. auction GPU analytics.

Management emphasized that discipline on inventory acquisition is critical given the risk

of being underwater into the Aug/Sept timeframe.