HOUSTON - Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: NYSE:GPI), a Fortune 250 company operating automotive dealerships in the U.S. and U.K., has increased its share repurchase authorization to $500 million and declared a quarterly dividend, as per a recent announcement from the company's board of directors.
The board approved an additional $333 million to the existing share repurchase program, bringing the total authorization to $500 million. So far, in 2024, Group 1 has bought back 461,365 of its shares at an average price of $298.49 each, amounting to $138 million. The repurchases are contingent on market conditions, legal requirements, and other factors and may occur in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The company anticipates using cash from operations to fund further repurchases, with the repurchased shares being held as treasury stock.
Alongside the buyback increase, the board has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.47 per share, payable on December 16, 2024, to shareholders of record as of December 2, 2024. This dividend reflects the company's previously announced 4% increase in its annualized dividend rate, from $1.80 to $1.88 per share.
Group 1 Automotive owns and operates 260 dealerships, 338 franchises, and 39 collision centers across the United States and the United Kingdom (TADAWUL:4280). The company provides a range of automotive services, including the sale of new and used vehicles, vehicle financing, and after-sales services such as maintenance and repair.
This announcement is based on a press release statement from Group 1 Automotive and includes forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary based on various factors, as outlined in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"In other recent news, Group 1 Automotive reported record total revenues of $5.2 billion in the third quarter, with adjusted net income reaching $133.5 million. This robust performance was largely driven by new and used vehicle sales, which contributed $2.6 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively. The company's recent acquisition of Inchcape (OTC:INCPY), which added 54 UK dealerships and $2.7 billion to the revenue, was also a significant factor in the quarter's results.
These developments come in the wake of Group 1 Automotive's third-quarter earnings report, which disclosed GAAP and adjusted earnings per share of $8.69 and $9.90, respectively. Stephens, maintaining its Equal Weight rating on the company, raised the price target to $402 from $394 following the earnings report.
The third quarter also marked the first financial reporting period for Group 1 Automotive since the completion of its Inchcape acquisition. This strategic move has doubled the company's exposure in the United Kingdom.
Analysts at Stephens forecast a 3.2% year-over-year decline in EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2024, but project growth of 4.5% in 2025. Despite challenges in the used vehicle market and pressure on new vehicle margins, analysts note the company's commitment to long-term growth through strategic acquisitions and operational efficiency."
InvestingPro Insights
Group 1 Automotive's recent announcement of an increased share repurchase program and dividend declaration aligns with several key insights from InvestingPro. The company's strong financial performance is reflected in its market position, with a market capitalization of $5.27 billion and a P/E ratio of 10.2, suggesting a potentially undervalued stock relative to earnings.
An InvestingPro Tip highlights that Group 1 Automotive has maintained dividend payments for 15 consecutive years, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns that is further reinforced by the recent 4% increase in its annualized dividend rate. The current dividend yield stands at 0.46%, which, while modest, is part of a consistent payout strategy.
The company's financial strength is evident in its revenue growth, with the latest data showing an 8.05% increase over the last twelve months to $18.87 billion. This growth trajectory supports Group 1's ability to fund its expanded share repurchase program and maintain its dividend policy.
Moreover, Group 1 Automotive's stock performance has been impressive, with a 56.46% total return over the past year and trading near its 52-week high. This strong market performance may have influenced the board's decision to increase the share repurchase authorization, potentially seeing the stock as an attractive investment at current levels.
For investors seeking more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 15 additional tips for Group 1 Automotive, providing a deeper understanding of the company's financial health and market position.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.