AutoNation Q4 Profit Up, Tops Estimate

(RTTNews) - Automotive retailer AutoNation, Inc. (AN) said its fourth-quarter profit from continuing operations rose to $109.7 million or $0.89 per share from $83.2 million or $0.67 per share in the year-ago quarter.

Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations totaled $0.83. On average, 13 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings per share of $0.76 for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude one-time items.

For the quarter, total revenues grew 8 percent to $4.52 billion, driven by stronger performance in all business sectors - new vehicles, used vehicles, parts and service, and finance and insurance. Analysts expected the company to generate revenues of $4.59 billion for the quarter.