U.S. auto retailer AutoNation beats profit estimates on surging car prices

[October 21, 2021]  (Reuters) - AutoNation Inc on Thursday reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit and unveiled an additional $1 billion share buyback program, as the largest U.S. auto retailer benefited from surging car prices on tight inventories.

Vehicles for sale are pictured on the lot at AutoNation Toyota dealership in Cerritos, California December 9, 2015. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Consumer preference for personal transportation since the pandemic outbreak and a global chip shortage that has led to auto production cuts across the globe have been driving car prices higher.

Stimulus checks and personal savings have also contributed to the demand for new and used cars.

AutoNation, which reported another quarter of record income, said new vehicle inventory remained at historically low levels leading to a marginal rise in new vehicle revenue in the third quarter ended Sept. 30.

Used vehicle revenue, on the other hand, jumped 53% to $2.32 billion compared to $1.51 billion a year earlier.

Net income from continuing operations was $361.7 million, or $5.12 per share, for the quarter, compared with $182.6 million, or $2.05 per share, a year earlier. Adjusted net income per share was $5.12.

Revenue rose 18% to $6.4 billion.

Analysts on average had expected the company to report a profit of $4.2 per share, on revenue of $6.3 billion, according to Refinitiv IBES data.

New vehicle gross profit per vehicle retailed jumped 116% to $5,484, while used vehicle gross profit per vehicle retailed was up 5% at $2,104.

Shares of the company were up 1.7% at $117.9 in premarket trading.

(Reporting by Kannaki Deka in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)

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