Acquisitions Drive This Small Cap to New Highs

AutoCanada Inc. (TSX:ACQ) just acquired a group of dealerships in the U.S. Here’s why that’s a big deal.

| More on:

In certain industries, economies of scale are critical.

Nowhere is this truer than in the automotive industry. It’s no longer possible to own one car dealership. You’ve got to own a bunch of them to make the numbers truly sing.

Down in the U.S., we’ve seen the consolidation of dealerships into several publicly traded auto groups — the biggest being AutoNation, Inc. for new cars and CarMax, Inc. for used cars — but up here in Canada, things haven’t moved nearly as quickly.

That’s why the news that AutoCanada Inc. (TSX:ACQ) is buying the Chicago-based Grossinger Auto Group for $110 million is so exciting.

Not only is this the company’s first foray into the U.S., but it provides the company with a platform for expansion outside Canada, where it owns 54 dealerships in eight provinces.

“This is a pivotal move for AutoCanada as this U.S. acquisition broadens our geographical reach and brand diversification through adding a combination of domestic, import and luxury dealerships to our portfolio,” said Steven Landry, president & CEO. “This is exactly the kind of acquisition that will be instrumental to accelerating our growth.”

The 14 dealerships AutoCanada is acquiring are some of the oldest in the U.S. Founded in 1928, it’s grown to represent 12 different car brands, generating $523 million in annual revenue, putting it at the 95th spot on the Automotive News’s Top 150 Dealership Groups.

That’s a 17% bump to AutoCanada’s annual revenue and will add $0.15, a 7% increase, to the company’s 2019 earnings.

An interesting dynamic

Although AutoCanada is intent on continuing its expansion across Canada, the current North American marketplace dictated it pivot into the U.S., where dealerships are selling for less than they have in the past. Meanwhile, up here in Canada, the competition to buy dealerships is significant. There are definitely more buyers than sellers.

AutoCanada’s CEO believes it can make another five or six acquisitions in 2018 given its finances are better than they’ve been in a long time.

One thing that sticks out for me in AutoCanada’s Q4 2017 report is its adjusted free cash flow of $91 million for all of 2017 — 32% better than a year earlier and the highest it’s ever been.

Based on a current market cap of $617 million, long-term debt of $332 million, and $95 million in cash, AutoCanada currently has a free cash flow yield of 10.7%; generally, value investors consider anything above 8% to be a good deal.

Bottom line on AutoCanada stock

Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. analyst Derek Dley is so impressed by the U.S. acquisition that he raised the company’s 2018 and 2019 earnings by $0.06 and $0.15, respectively, to $2.02 and $2.25, while raising its target price by $2 to $27, 15% higher than where it’s currently trading.

Frankly, AutoCanada is one small-cap stock you can’t ignore.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Will Ashworth has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

Muscles Drawn On Black board
Tech Stocks

3 Monster Stocks to Hold for the Next 3 Years

Stocks can generate better returns if you stay invested. These stocks are in a downturn but have the potential to…

Read more »

Lights glow in a cityscape at night.
Dividend Stocks

Is Allied Stock a Buy for Its 9.9% Dividend Yield?

Allied stock is one great dividend stock for monthly income, but if that's all it offers, is the stock still…

Read more »

Asset Management
Investing

The Best Stocks to Invest $50,000 in Right Now

These Canadian stocks have solid long-term growth prospects and are likely to deliver above-average returns.

Read more »

rail train
Dividend Stocks

Is CNR Stock a Buy Now?

CNR stock is down nearly 12% in 2024. Is the stock now oversold?

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

This 3.1% Dividend Stocks Pay Out Cash Every Month

This monthly paying dividend stock is a great option. Sure, the yield isn't the highest, but it's consistent and one…

Read more »

Pumps await a car for fueling at a gas and diesel station.
Energy Stocks

1 Miracle-Working Dividend Stock Down 18% to Buy Immediately

Buying a stock while it's down is a time-tested strategy of long-term investors. This energy stock has the added bonus…

Read more »

ETF chart stocks
Investing

The 3 ETFs I’d Buy With $1,000 and Hold Forever

These three BMO ETFs can be combined to create a globally diversified stock portfolio.

Read more »

money goes up and down in balance
Investing

Canadian Value Stocks Poised for Recovery in the Coming Year

Read on to see how investor perception is not always right. Cineplex and Enbridge are two of the best Canadian…

Read more »