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    Thomas Wendler

    Senior Research Analyst at Stephens Inc.

    Thomas Wendler is a Senior Research Analyst at Stephens Inc., specializing in the auto ecosystem with a focus on companies in the consumer services and auto parts industries. He covers firms such as Valvoline Inc, Monro Inc, and Group 1 Automotive, and has a performance track record that includes a 33.33% success rate and a 1.51% average return on stock ratings, with his analyst ranking placing him 3,215 out of 4,781 peers. Wendler began his finance career after receiving a B.B.A. in Finance and a Certificate in Investment Management from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, initially joining Stephens as a research associate on the Southern Regional Bank team in January 2020, following four years of service in the United States Marine Corps. He holds professional credentials in investment research and is actively involved in equity research at Stephens Inc.

    Thomas Wendler's questions to VALVOLINE (VVV) leadership

    Thomas Wendler's questions to VALVOLINE (VVV) leadership • Q3 2025

    Question

    Thomas Wendler of Stephens Inc. asked how the company plans to utilize the $115 million remaining from its Term Loan B after accounting for the Breeze acquisition. He also inquired about the current premium mix for oil changes.

    Answer

    CFO J. Kevin Willis stated the current plan for the remaining funds is to pay down the company's drawn revolver, which increases financial optionality. CEO Lori Flees reported that the premium oil mix is around 80%, which includes both blended synthetic and full synthetic products. She noted the mix is driven by customers shifting from conventional oil and upgrading to full synthetic when they purchase newer vehicles.

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    Thomas Wendler's questions to MONRO (MNRO) leadership

    Thomas Wendler's questions to MONRO (MNRO) leadership • Q1 2026

    Question

    Thomas Wendler of Stephens Inc. inquired about the drivers behind the year-over-year SG&A improvement, the specific impact from recent store closures, and the outlook for SG&A as a percentage of revenue. He also asked about same-store sales expectations for the back half of the fiscal year.

    Answer

    EVP & CFO Brian D'Ambrosia attributed the improvement to strong cost control across store and corporate expenses, noting the store closure benefit was limited to one month in the quarter. He guided for flattish G&A for the remaining quarters. President & CEO Peter Fitzsimmons added that the company is focused on the positive trend of six consecutive months of positive comps and expects steady year-over-year increases.

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    Thomas Wendler's questions to MONRO (MNRO) leadership • Q4 2025

    Question

    Thomas Wendler of Stephens Inc. inquired about Monro's gross margins, specifically the impact of self-funded promotions like the DriveCard, and the forward-looking pressure from wage inflation. He also asked for details on the new customer acquisition strategy, including the profile of 'higher value' customers and the marketing tactics being used to attract them.

    Answer

    Brian D'Ambrosia, EVP of Finance, CFO & Treasurer, explained that the margin pressure from promotions stemmed from various tire offers and would likely continue into fiscal 2026, with a particularly tough comparison in Q1. President & CEO Peter Fitzsimmons added that the company is focusing its marketing efforts on attracting repeat customers who purchase a range of services, as they are significantly more profitable over time.

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    Thomas Wendler's questions to GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE (GPI) leadership

    Thomas Wendler's questions to GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE (GPI) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Thomas Wendler asked about U.K. market dynamics, questioning whether the sales decline for luxury brands like Mercedes, Audi, and BMW in the broader market indicated a pullback from luxury buyers compared to midline brands.

    Answer

    CEO Daryl Kenningham suggested that Audi's performance was more related to its product cycle rather than a market trend. He noted that Group 1 was pleased with its own Mercedes and BMW business performance in the U.K. during the quarter and did not see enough evidence to make a general statement about a shift away from luxury.

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    Thomas Wendler's questions to PENSKE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP (PAG) leadership

    Thomas Wendler's questions to PENSKE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP (PAG) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Thomas Wendler asked about the potential for pre-buying to impact 2025 commercial truck demand ahead of 2027 emissions changes and sought clarity on the outlook for SG&A expenses.

    Answer

    Rich Shearing of North American Operations stated a 2025 pre-buy is unlikely due to regulatory uncertainty and the prolonged freight recession. Regarding SG&A, CFO Shelley Hulgrave and Chair Roger Penske credited cost controls and a focus on high-margin fixed operations for recent improvements. They guided for SG&A as a percentage of gross profit to remain in the low 70s, likely around 70-71% for 2025.

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