BancBoston Robertson Stephens Reiterates Buy Rating on GPI
9 July 1999
BancBoston Robertson Stephens Reiterates Buy Rating on GPISAN FRANCISCO, July 8 -- The following is being issued by BancBoston Robertson Stephens, a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, CRD number 41271: BancBoston Robertson Stephens senior automobile analyst Jordan Hymowitz today reiterated his Buy rating on Group 1 Automotive . The company is the seventh-largest-dealership group in the United States. "We are reiterating our Buy rating and 12-month price target of $28 on Group 1 Automotive," said Hymowitz. "We believe that the company will exceed the high-end of analyst estimates, currently ranging from $0.36 to $0.40, for the following reasons: 1. strong seasonally adjusted-sales-rate at 16.4 million units, beating our 1999 and 2000 estimates of 15.4 million units, and 2. a 28 percent decrease in June year-over-year incentives-per-retailed vehicle, which translates into higher dealership profitability. "Group 1 management indicates that an additional $300 million to $400 million of unannounced revenues from acquisitions are likely to close by the end of this year, which is not reflected in our model," said Hymowitz. "Such an increase in revenues would add $0.10 to our 2000 earnings-per-share estimate." Clients interested in receiving more information should contact their salesperson at 415-781-9700. BancBoston Robertson Stephens is a leading international investment banking firm focused on growth companies. The firm's 55 equity and high yield research analysts cover more than 600 companies. Additional information is available upon request. The information contained herein is not a complete analysis of every material fact respecting any company, industry or security. Although opinions and estimates expressed herein reflect the current judgment of BancBoston Robertson Stephens, the information upon which such opinions and estimates are based is not necessarily updated on a regular basis; when it is, the date of the change in estimate will be noted. In addition, opinions and estimates are subject to change without notice. This Report contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ significantly from the results described in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in "Investment Risks." BancBoston Robertson Stephens from time to time performs corporate finance or other services for some companies described herein and may occasionally possess material, nonpublic information regarding such companies. This information is not used in the preparation of the opinions and estimates herein. While the information contained in this Report and the opinions contained herein are based on sources believed to be reliable, BancBoston Robertson Stephens has not independently verified the facts, assumptions and estimates contained in this Report. Accordingly, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information and opinions contained in this Report. BancBoston Robertson Stephens, its managing directors, its affiliates, and/or its employees may have an interest in the securities of the issue(s) described and may make purchases or sales while this report is in circulation. BancBoston Robertson Stephens International Ltd. is regulated by the Securities and Futures Authority in the United Kingdom. This publication is not meant for private customers. The securities discussed herein are not FDIC insured, are not deposits or other obligations or guarantees of BankBoston N.A., and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of any principal amount invested.