Latest news with #SamZales
Cision Canada
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
AutoCanada Selects CarGurus as Preferred Partner Powering its Digital Marketing and Business Intelligence Strategy
EDMONTON, AB, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ - AutoCanada Inc. (TSX: ACQ), a multi-location North American automobile dealership group, today announced that it has selected CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG), the fastest-growing automotive shopping site in Canada 1, as its preferred partner in Canada. Through this long-term relationship, AutoCanada will have access to the power and reach of CarGurus' leading listings marketplace, advanced digital marketing and retail solutions, and market intelligence powered by proprietary data and predictive insights. "Consumer expectations continue to evolve and AutoCanada remains committed to delivering a best-in-class experience that supports shoppers at every stage of their journey," said Paul Antony, Executive Chairman of AutoCanada. "We believe partnering with CarGurus will enable AutoCanada to fuel our growth through enhanced marketing performance, deeper data-driven decision-making, and greater access to high-quality consumer connections." AutoCanada dealers will benefit from CarGurus' solutions that help maximize visibility, connect with ready-to-buy shoppers, and make more data-informed decisions on vehicle pricing, inventory management, and digital advertising. The group's 64 franchised dealerships and three used car dealerships in Canada will also have ongoing access to strategic consultation from CarGurus' in-person dealer engagement team, helping them navigate shifting market dynamics and consumer behavior. "By combining our performance-driven solutions and deep market intelligence with AutoCanada's extensive dealership network, we aim to help their stores connect with more car buyers with greater efficiency and leverage actionable insights," said Sam Zales, President & Chief Operating Officer at CarGurus. "We value the opportunity to deepen our relationship as AutoCanada's strategic partner." About AutoCanada AutoCanada's Canadian Operations segment operates 64 franchised dealerships in Canada, comprised of 23 brands, in eight provinces. AutoCanada currently sells Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Subaru, and Volkswagen branded vehicles. In addition, AutoCanada's Canadian Operations segment currently operates three independent used dealerships and 12 stand-alone collision centres within our group of 29 collision centres. In 2024, our Canadian dealerships sold approximately 85,000 new and used retail vehicles. In addition, our collision centres offer an opportunity for the Company to retain customers at every touchpoint within the automotive ecosystem. AutoCanada's U.S. Operations segment, operating as Leader Automotive Group, operates 17 franchised dealerships comprised of 15 brands, in Illinois, USA. Leader currently sells Audi, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Ram, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen branded vehicles. In 2024, our U.S. dealerships sold approximately 12,900 new and used retail vehicles.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
CARG Q1 Earnings Call: CarGurus Highlights Marketplace Growth and Strategic Product Investments
Online auto marketplace CarGurus (NASDAQ:CARG) met Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales up 4.3% year on year to $225.2 million. The company expects next quarter's revenue to be around $232 million, close to analysts' estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.46 per share was 5.5% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy CARG? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $225.2 million vs analyst estimates of $226.2 million (4.3% year-on-year growth, in line) Adjusted EPS: $0.46 vs analyst estimates of $0.44 (5.5% beat) Revenue Guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $232 million at the midpoint, roughly in line with what analysts were expecting Adjusted EPS guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $0.55 at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $0.45 EBITDA guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $75.5 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $65.68 million Operating Margin: 20.3%, up from 12.2% in the same quarter last year Paying Dealers: 32,372, up 1,197 year on year Market Capitalization: $3.17 billion CarGurus' first quarter results were shaped by ongoing expansion in its core marketplace business, with management emphasizing growth in both dealer count and the adoption of value-added products. CEO Jason Trevisan detailed how enhancements to dealer tools, such as VIN-level targeting and broader use of data-driven insights, led to more granular inventory control and improved lead quality for dealers. International markets also contributed, with the company reporting strong adoption and increased dealer engagement in Canada and the U.K. President Sam Zales pointed to a double-digit uptick in OEM (original equipment manufacturer) advertising revenue, attributed to increased consumer traffic and the platform's positioning among auto shoppers. Management acknowledged that gains in marketplace operations were partially offset by ongoing challenges in the digital wholesale segment, which remains subject to structural and operational headwinds. Looking ahead, CarGurus' guidance for the next quarter is underpinned by expectations of continued marketplace growth and targeted investments in product innovation and marketing. CEO Jason Trevisan stated that the company plans to 'reinvest behind that momentum, particularly in marketing, international product innovation,' rather than maximizing near-term margin expansion, aiming to deepen engagement with both consumers and dealers. Management cautioned that the macro environment—especially ongoing tariff uncertainty—could impact ad spending and dealer sentiment, but emphasized that strong lead quality and dealer data tools position CarGurus well to navigate volatility. The company is also conducting a strategic review of its digital wholesale business, with Trevisan indicating that 'shifts in market conditions may influence the exit rate' for growth in the second half of the year, and that changes to the CarOffer business model are being considered to improve profitability and scalability. Management attributed the quarter's performance to robust marketplace adoption, product enhancements, and international expansion, while also discussing operational challenges in its wholesale business. Marketplace product adoption: New features such as VIN-level targeting and expanded Dealer Data Insights tools enabled dealers to better manage inventory and optimize pricing, leading to higher lead conversion rates and increased engagement across the platform. International growth momentum: The company saw 20% year-over-year revenue growth internationally, driven by increased dealer adoption and strong brand engagement, with CarGurus cited as the most downloaded auto app in Canada for the quarter. OEM advertising strength: Double-digit gains in OEM advertising revenue were supported by annual upfront commitments and increased consumer traffic, reinforcing CarGurus' value proposition to manufacturers. Digital wholesale headwinds: Transaction volume in the digital wholesale (CarOffer) segment declined, with management citing both operational inefficiencies and platform rigidity as factors. A strategic review is underway to identify more sustainable revenue models. Dealer network expansion: CarGurus added nearly 1,200 net new global dealers year-over-year, with a focus on long-term contracts and deeper dealer engagement, reflecting increased reliance on the platform despite macroeconomic uncertainty. Management expects investment in product development and marketing to support marketplace growth, while the wholesale segment undergoes strategic review and faces industry uncertainty. Continued product innovation: CarGurus is prioritizing new AI-driven features and tools aimed at streamlining the dealer workflow and improving the consumer shopping journey, which management believes will help retain and attract both dealers and shoppers. Wholesale business restructuring: The company is reassessing its digital wholesale model (CarOffer) to address operational challenges and adapt to market volatility, with the possibility of significant changes to improve long-term profitability. Macroeconomic and industry risks: Ongoing uncertainty around tariffs and consumer sentiment may influence OEM ad spending and dealer investment, introducing volatility to revenue streams, particularly in the second half of the year. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) the success of ongoing product innovation and its effect on dealer retention and revenue per dealer, (2) signals of stabilization or improvement in the digital wholesale segment as strategic changes are implemented, and (3) the resilience of OEM advertising and dealer demand in the face of macroeconomic and tariff-related uncertainties. Execution in international markets and the ability to maintain margin expansion will also be key areas of focus. CarGurus currently trades at a forward EV/EBITDA ratio of 11.9×. Should you double down or take your chips? See for yourself in our full research report (it's free). Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. 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