AutoNation Inc (AN)

[KingDMC]

AutoNation Reports All-Time Record Quarter and All-Time Record Full Year Results

Source: PR Newswire (US)
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN), America's largest automotive retailer, today reported 2014 fourth quarter net income from continuing operations of $117 million, or $1.02 per share, compared to adjusted net income from continuing operations of $102 million, or $0.83 per share, for the same period in the prior year, a 23% improvement on a per-share basis. On a GAAP basis, fourth quarter 2013 net income from continuing operations was $110 million, or $0.89 per share. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures are included in the attached financial tables.

2014 fourth quarter revenue totaled $5.0 billion, an increase of 12%, driven by stronger performance in all business sectors – new vehicles, used vehicles, parts and service, and finance and insurance. In the fourth quarter, AutoNation's retail new vehicle unit sales increased 11% overall and 9% on a same store basis, while retail used vehicle unit sales increased 9% overall and 7% on a same store basis. For full year 2014, AutoNation's retail new vehicle unit sales increased 9% overall and 7% on a same store basis, while retail used vehicle unit sales increased 5% overall and 4% on a same store basis.

Commenting on the quarterly results, Mr. Jackson said, ­­­­"We are very pleased with our strong year-over-year growth across all areas of our business, as well as our 17th consecutive quarter of double-digit year-over-year growth in EPS. This quarter and year we set another record for the highest ever quarterly and annual EPS from continuing operations." Mr. Jackson added, "We are expecting U.S. industry new vehicle unit sales above 17 million in 2015."