Lookers - Piercing the gloom

Lookers issued a Q3 trading statement that reaffirmed management expectations for 2017. It also indicated the initiation of a share buyback programme, as in the absence of any immediate M&A opportunities the recent fall in the share price has made the returns compelling from such an allocation of capital. Clearly, new car sales in the UK are persistently lower year-on-year, with confidence declines among consumers and businesses taking their toll. However, the strength of higher-margin used car demand and aftermarket sales continue to deliver a positive mix. Overall, the rating appears undemanding and the yield attractive.