Friday, October 30, 2009

Penske Transparency on Comparables?

Penske Automotive Group (PAG) reported results and disappointed investors. Margins are not in line with other publicly traded dealers. Some investors have a few more questions. We all know about the cash for clunkers program. What Penske is not doing is indicating what percentage of their revenues resulted from cash for clunkers. The numbers exist given the government mandated paperwork. This would provide true comparables as the cash for clunkers program will most likely not be repeated.

Also lets take a look at their floor financing and where it comes from. Given the instability of several traditional providers of floor financing what contingency plans is Penske making to ensure this strategically important financing continues under acceptable terms.