Stifel Comments on AutoNation (AN) Following Strong Q4 Results, Retail Sales

Stifel is out with initial commentary on AutoNation (NYSE: AN) following Q4 results reported earlier.

Analyst James Albertine noted that AutoNation's Q4 EPS of $1.02 topped the firm's outlook for $0.92, which was largely driven by better controls on new vehicle margins versus what the firm was modeling, stronger P&S and F&I sales results, and a lower tax rate.

Albertine noted, In addition, today AN reported a +20% y/y increase in total new vehicle unit sales during January (+18% comp growth) underpinned by +22% y/y domestic, +16% y/y import, and +28% y/y premium/luxury unit growth across segments. We note January 2015 had one additional selling day y/y.

Stifel has AutoNation with a Hold rating and no price target.

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on AutoNation Inc. click here. For more ratings news on AutoNation Inc. click here.

AutoNation Inc. closed at $59.34 yesterday.

You May Also Be Interested In

• Fiserv (FI) PT Raised to $175 at TD Cowen
• Fiserv (FI) PT Raised to $200 at Evercore ISI
• Spotify (SPOT) PT Raised to $340 at Evercore ISI following strong Q1 results