AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN) posted mixed fourth quarter earnings results on Friday, as profits declined significantly in all three of its car segments.

Written by StockNews.com

The Fort Lauderdale-based auto retailer reported adjusted Q4 EPS of $0.95, which was in-line with the Wall Street consensus view of $0.95. Revenues rose 2.6% from last year to $5.48 billion, missing analysts’ $5.59 billion view, however.

AutoNation noted that:

• its Domestic segment net income fell 18% from last year to $64 million,
• its Import segment income declined 6% to $67 million...[and
• its] Premium Luxury segment income fell 9% to $93 million.
• All three of those units also saw full-year 2016 declines in income, falling 8%, 5%, and 7%, respectively during the 12-month period.

The company commented via press release:

For the full year ended December 31, 2016, AutoNation reported net income from continuing operations of $432 million, or $4.16 per share, compared to net income from continuing operations of $444 million, or $3.90 per share, for the same period in the prior year, an improvement of 7% on a per-share basis. AutoNation’s revenue for full year 2016 totaled $21.6 billion, up 4% compared to $20.9 billion for the same period in the prior year.

...Year-to-date, AN has gained 6.41%, versus a 1.90% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

AN currently has a StockNews.com POWR Rating of A (Strong Buy), and is ranked #5 of 16 stocks in the Auto Dealers & Rentals category.