Press Release Details

AutoNation Reports Record First Quarter EPS from Continuing Operations

Apr 26, 2019
- EPS from continuing operations was $1.02, a new record for first quarter results, and total revenue was $5.0 billion
- AutoNation incurred approximately $0.03 per share, or $3 million after-tax, of restructuring-related charges during the first quarter of 2019
- Same-store total variable and new vehicle gross profit per vehicle retailed were up $200 or 6% and $134 or 8%, respectively, compared to the year-ago period
- All-time record same-store Customer Financial Services gross profit per vehicle retailed of $1,904, up $124 or 7% compared to the year-ago period

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN), America's largest automotive retailer, today reported first quarter 2019 net income from continuing operations of $92 million, or $1.02 per share. First quarter 2018 net income from continuing operations totaled $93 million, or $1.01 per share.

Same-store first quarter 2019 revenue totaled $4.9 billion compared to $5.1 billion in the year-ago period, a decrease of 5%. Same-store first quarter 2019 gross profit totaled $836 million, an increase of 1% compared to the year-ago period, driven by growth in used vehicle and Customer Care gross profit. Same-store total variable gross profit per vehicle retailed was $3,559, an increase of 6% compared to the year-ago period, driven by strong growth in new and used vehicle gross profit per vehicle retailed, as well as an all-time record in Customer Financial Services gross profit per vehicle retailed. Same-store new vehicle gross profit per vehicle retailed was $1,914, up $134 or 8% compared to the year-ago period. Same-store used vehicle gross profit per vehicle retailed was $1,385, up $47 or 4% compared to the year-ago period. Same-store Customer Financial Services gross profit per vehicle retailed was $1,904, up $124 or 7% compared to the year-ago period.

Restructuring and Cost Savings Plan
AutoNation previously announced a cost savings plan and a corporate and regional restructuring to improve efficiency and profitability that further positions the Company for long-term success. The Company incurred approximately $0.03 per share, or $3 million after-tax, of restructuring-related charges during the first quarter of 2019.

Commenting on the quarterly results, Carl Liebert, AutoNation's CEO and President said, "In the first quarter, AutoNation made a strategic decision to focus on new vehicle margins and continued growth in penetration rates of Customer Financial Services products. This strategy optimized our same-store total variable gross profit per vehicle retailed, which was up $200 compared to the year-ago period." Mr. Liebert added, "I am extremely proud of our AutoNation Teammates for running the play and delivering a solid quarter. We remain committed to executing our strategy, while delivering a peerless customer experience."

Share Repurchase
During the first quarter of 2019, AutoNation repurchased 1.0 million shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $34 million. As of April 24, 2019, AutoNation has approximately $230 million remaining Board authorization for share repurchase and 89 million shares outstanding.

Segment Results
Segment results(1) for the first quarter 2019 were as follows:

First Quarter 2019 Segment Results

  • Domestic - Domestic segment income(2) was $56 million compared to year-ago segment income of $60 million, a decrease of 7%. 
  • Import - Import segment income(2) was $73 million, in line with the same period a year ago.
  • Premium Luxury - Premium Luxury segment income(2) was $84 million compared to year-ago segment income of $88 million, a decrease of 4%.

The first quarter conference call may be accessed by telephone at (888) 769-8515 (password: AutoNation) at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time today or on AutoNation's investor relations website at investors.autonation.com.

The webcast will also be available on AutoNation's website under "Events & Presentations" following the call. A playback of the conference call will be available after 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 26, 2019 through May 17, 2019, by calling (888) 676-2672 (passcode 8698).

(1)   

AutoNation has three reportable segments: Domestic, Import, and Premium Luxury. The Domestic segment is comprised of stores that sell vehicles manufactured by General Motors, Ford, and FCA US; the Import segment is comprised of stores that sell vehicles manufactured primarily by Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai; and the Premium Luxury segment is comprised of stores that sell vehicles manufactured primarily by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Jaguar Land Rover, and Audi.



(2)    

Segment income represents income for each of our reportable segments and is defined as operating income less floorplan interest expense.

About AutoNation, Inc.
AutoNation, America's largest automotive retailer, is transforming the automotive industry through its bold leadership, innovation, and comprehensive brand extensions. As of March 31, 2019, AutoNation owned and operated over 325 locations from coast to coast. AutoNation has sold over 12 million vehicles, the first automotive retailer to reach this milestone. AutoNation's success is driven by a commitment to delivering a peerless experience through customer-focused sales and service processes. Through its Drive Pink initiative, AutoNation is committed to drive out cancer, create awareness and support critical research. AutoNation continues to be a proud supporter of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and other cancer-related charities.

Please visit investors.autonation.com, www.autonation.com, www.autonationdrive.com, www.twitter.com/CEOLiebert, and www.twitter.com/AutoNation, where AutoNation discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS  
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "goals," "plans," "believes," "continues," "may," "will," "could," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Statements regarding our strategic initiatives, partnerships, or investments, including our brand extension strategies, and expectations for our restructuring and cost savings plan, future results and the future performance of our franchises (including with respect to sales of used vehicles and parts and accessories) and the automotive retail industry, as well as other statements that describe our objectives, goals, or plans are forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events, and they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance and achievements expressed or implied by these statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: economic conditions, including changes in interest rates, fuel prices, and tariffs; new and used vehicle margins; the success and financial viability and the incentive and marketing programs of vehicle manufacturers and distributors with which we hold franchises; our ability to successfully implement, and customer adoption of, our brand extension strategies; our ability to identify, acquire, and build out suitable locations in a timely manner; our ability to maintain and enhance our retail brands and reputation and to attract consumers to our own digital channels; our ability to integrate successfully acquired and awarded franchises and to attain planned sales volumes within our expected time frames; restrictions imposed by vehicle manufacturers and our ability to obtain manufacturer approval for acquisitions; natural disasters and other adverse weather events; the resolution of legal and administrative proceedings; regulatory factors affecting our business, including fuel economy requirements; the announcement of safety recalls; factors affecting our goodwill and other intangible asset impairment testing; and other factors described in our news releases and filings made under the securities laws, including, among others, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release, and we undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

 

AUTONATION, INC. 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In millions, except per share data)











Three Months Ended March 31,





2019


2018









Revenue:







New vehicle

$

2,496.7

$

2,802.3



Used vehicle


1,339.6


1,330.5



Parts and service


876.7


858.5



Finance and insurance, net


236.5


240.8



Other


32.3


27.8


Total revenue


4,981.8


5,259.9









Cost of sales:







New vehicle


2,374.8


2,672.6



Used vehicle


1,249.1


1,244.7



Parts and service


477.8


473.0



Other


30.9


27.3


Total cost of sales


4,132.6


4,417.6









Gross profit


849.2


842.3









Selling, general, and administrative expenses


623.0


626.8


Depreciation and amortization


44.1


40.0


Other income, net


(8.7)


(10.3)









Operating income


190.8


185.8









Non-operating income (expense) items:







Floorplan interest expense


(39.0)


(28.3)



Other interest expense


(27.8)


(32.3)



Interest income


0.2


0.2



Other income, net


1.9


0.8









Income from continuing operations before income taxes


126.1


126.2









Income tax provision


34.0


32.9









Net income from continuing operations


92.1


93.3









Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes


(0.1)


0.4
















Net income

$

92.0

$

93.7
















Diluted earnings (loss) per share*:







Continuing operations

$

1.02

$

1.01



Discontinued operations

$

-

$

-










Net income

$

1.01

$

1.01
















Weighted average common shares outstanding


90.7


92.7









Common shares outstanding, net of treasury stock, at period end


89.2


91.3
















* Earnings per share amounts are calculated discretely and therefore may not add up to the total due to rounding.


 

 AUTONATION, INC. 

 UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

 ($ in millions, except per vehicle data) 



























Operating Highlights


Three Months Ended March 31,






2019


2018


$ Variance


% Variance


Revenue:












New vehicle

$

2,496.7

$

2,802.3

$

(305.6)


(10.9)




  Retail used vehicle


1,261.8


1,237.1


24.7


2.0




  Wholesale


77.8


93.4


(15.6)


(16.7)




Used vehicle


1,339.6


1,330.5


9.1


0.7




Finance and insurance, net


236.5


240.8


(4.3)


(1.8)



Total variable operations


4,072.8


4,373.6


(300.8)


(6.9)



Parts and service


876.7


858.5


18.2


2.1



Other


32.3


27.8


4.5




Total revenue

$

4,981.8

$

5,259.9

$

(278.1)


(5.3)


























Gross profit:












New vehicle

$

121.9

$

129.7

$

(7.8)


(6.0)




  Retail used vehicle


84.3


82.0


2.3


2.8




  Wholesale


6.2


3.8


2.4






Used vehicle


90.5


85.8


4.7


5.5




Finance and insurance


236.5


240.8


(4.3)


(1.8)



Total variable operations


448.9


456.3


(7.4)


(1.6)



Parts and service


398.9


385.5


13.4


3.5



Other


1.4


0.5


0.9




Total gross profit


849.2


842.3


6.9


0.8














Selling, general, and administrative expenses


623.0


626.8


3.8


0.6














Depreciation and amortization


44.1


40.0


(4.1)




Other income, net


(8.7)


(10.3)


(1.6)




 Operating income 


190.8


185.8


5.0


2.7














Non-operating income (expense) items:












Floorplan interest expense


(39.0)


(28.3)


(10.7)






Other interest expense


(27.8)


(32.3)


4.5






Interest income


0.2


0.2


-






Other income, net


1.9


0.8


1.1




Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$

126.1

$

126.2

$

(0.1)


(0.1)














Retail vehicle unit sales:












New 


63,513


74,178


(10,665)


(14.4)




Used


61,171


62,210


(1,039)


(1.7)






124,684


136,388


(11,704)


(8.6)














Revenue per vehicle retailed:












New 

$

39,310

$

37,778

$

1,532


4.1




Used

$

20,627

$

19,886

$

741


3.7














Gross profit per vehicle retailed:












New 

$

1,919

$

1,748

$

171


9.8




Used

$

1,378

$

1,318

$

60


4.6




Finance and insurance

$

1,897

$

1,766

$

131


7.4




Total variable operations(1)

$

3,551

$

3,318

$

233


7.0




























Operating Percentages


 Three Months Ended March 31, 










2019 (%)


2018 (%)


















Revenue mix percentages:












New vehicle


50.1


53.3








Used vehicle


26.9


25.3








Parts and service


17.6


16.3








Finance and insurance, net


4.7


4.6








Other


0.7


0.5










100.0


100.0


















Gross profit mix percentages:












New vehicle


14.4


15.4








Used vehicle


10.7


10.2








Parts and service


47.0


45.8








Finance and insurance


27.8


28.6








Other


0.1


-










100.0


100.0


















Operating items as a percentage of revenue:












Gross profit:












   New vehicle


4.9


4.6








   Used vehicle - retail


6.7


6.6








   Parts and service


45.5


44.9








   Total


17.0


16.0








Selling, general, and administrative expenses


12.5


11.9








Operating income


3.8


3.5


















Operating items as a percentage of total gross profit:












Selling, general, and administrative expenses


73.4


74.4








Operating income


22.5


22.1






























(1)

Total variable operations gross profit per vehicle retailed is calculated by dividing the sum of new vehicle, retail used vehicle, and finance and
insurance gross profit by total retail vehicle unit sales.


 

 AUTONATION, INC. 

 UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

 ($ in millions) 
























Segment Operating Highlights


Three Months Ended March 31,





2019


2018


$ Variance


% Variance
























Revenue:











Domestic

$

1,568.8

$

1,773.7

$

(204.9)


(11.6)



Import


1,496.1


1,652.6


(156.5)


(9.5)



Premium luxury


1,734.1


1,717.8


16.3


0.9



    Total


4,799.0


5,144.1


(345.1)


(6.7)



Corporate and other


182.8


115.8


67.0


57.9



    Total consolidated revenue

$

4,981.8

$

5,259.9

$

(278.1)


(5.3)
























Segment income*:











Domestic

$

56.2

$

60.3

$

(4.1)


(6.8)



Import


72.6


72.8


(0.2)


(0.3)



Premium luxury


84.3


87.7


(3.4)


(3.9)



    Total 


213.1


220.8


(7.7)


(3.5)













Corporate and other


(61.3)


(63.3)


2.0




Add:  Floorplan interest expense


39.0


28.3


10.7




Operating income

$

190.8

$

185.8

$

5.0


2.7













* Segment income represents income for each of our reportable segments and is defined as operating income less floorplan interest expense.













Retail new vehicle unit sales:











Domestic


20,205


24,605


(4,400)


(17.9)



Import


28,756


33,950


(5,194)


(15.3)



Premium luxury


14,552


15,623


(1,071)


(6.9)





63,513


74,178


(10,665)


(14.4)

























Brand Mix - Retail New Vehicle Units Sold













 Three Months Ended March 31, 









2019 (%)


2018 (%)


















Domestic:











   Ford, Lincoln


11.5


12.3







   Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC


11.0


11.5







   Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram


9.3


9.4







     Domestic total


31.8


33.2


















Import:











   Toyota


19.2


19.2







   Honda


14.6


13.4







   Nissan


3.8


5.9







   Other Import


7.7


7.2







     Import total


45.3


45.7


















Premium Luxury:











   Mercedes-Benz


8.6


8.4







   BMW


5.9


4.6







   Lexus


2.4


2.3







   Audi


2.0


2.3







   Jaguar Land Rover


2.5


2.0







   Other Premium Luxury 


1.5


1.5







     Premium Luxury total


22.9


21.1




















100.0


100.0






 

 AUTONATION, INC

 UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA, Continued

 ($ in millions)










































Capital Expenditures / Stock Repurchases


 Three Months Ended March 31,








2019


2018















Capital expenditures (1)

$

40.4

$

79.4





Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

$

4.3

$

1.9





Proceeds from exercises of stock options

$

0.3

$

13.3





Stock repurchases:










 

Aggregate purchase price

$

33.5

$

26.6






 

Shares repurchased (in millions)


1.0


0.5


























Floorplan Assistance and Expense


 Three Months Ended March 31,






2019


2018


 Variance













Floorplan assistance earned (included in cost of sales)

$

25.2

$

28.5

$

(3.3)



New vehicle floorplan interest expense


(36.4)


(26.2)


(10.2)














Net new vehicle inventory carrying benefit (cost)

$

(11.2)

$

2.3

$

(13.5)
























Balance Sheet and Other Highlights






















March 31, 2019


December 31, 2018


March 31, 2018













Cash and cash equivalents

$

48.7

$

48.6

$

57.5



Inventory

$

3,771.4

$

3,650.5

$

3,529.3



Total floorplan notes payable

$

4,031.1

$

3,997.7

$

3,739.2



Non-vehicle debt

$

2,439.4

$

2,600.5

$

2,643.5



Equity

$

2,785.8

$

2,716.0

$

2,471.9



 

New days supply (industry standard of selling days)


 77 days


 60 days


 69 days



 

Used days supply (trailing calendar month days)


 30 days


 42 days


 31 days


































Key Credit Agreement Covenant Compliance Calculations(2)



















Leverage ratio




 2.88x





Covenant

less than or equal to


 3.75x















Capitalization ratio




59.8%





Covenant

less than or equal to


70.0%

























(1)

Includes accrued construction in progress and excludes property associated with leases entered into during the
period.





(2)

Calculated in accordance with our credit agreement as filed with the SEC.




 

 AUTONATION, INC. 

 UNAUDITED SAME STORE DATA 

 ($ in millions, except per vehicle data) 



























Operating Highlights


Three Months Ended March 31,






2019


2018


$ Variance


% Variance


Revenue:












New vehicle

$

2,462.7

$

2,744.6

$

(281.9)


(10.3)




  Retail used vehicle


1,241.2


1,208.1


33.1


2.7




  Wholesale


75.9


91.4


(15.5)


(17.0)




Used vehicle


1,317.1


1,299.5


17.6


1.4




Finance and insurance, net


234.4


236.7


(2.3)


(1.0)



Total variable operations


4,014.2


4,280.8


(266.6)


(6.2)



Parts and service


859.1


839.0


20.1


2.4



Other


30.5


27.8


2.7




Total revenue

$

4,903.8

$

5,147.6

$

(243.8)


(4.7)


























Gross profit:












New vehicle

$

120.4

$

129.0

$

(8.6)


(6.7)




  Retail used vehicle


83.4


81.0


2.4


3.0




  Wholesale


5.4


3.9


1.5






Used vehicle


88.8


84.9


3.9


4.6




Finance and insurance


234.4


236.7


(2.3)


(1.0)



Total variable operations


443.6


450.6


(7.0)


(1.6)



Parts and service


391.1


376.6


14.5


3.9



Other


1.4


0.5


0.9




Total gross profit

$

836.1

$

827.7

$

8.4


1.0














Retail vehicle unit sales:












New 


62,897


72,465


(9,568)


(13.2)




Used


60,230


60,530


(300)


(0.5)






123,127


132,995


(9,868)


(7.4)














Revenue per vehicle retailed:












New 

$

39,154

$

37,875

$

1,279


3.4




Used

$

20,608

$

19,959

$

649


3.3














Gross profit per vehicle retailed:












New 

$

1,914

$

1,780

$

134


7.5




Used

$

1,385

$

1,338

$

47


3.5




Finance and insurance

$

1,904

$

1,780

$

124


7.0




Total variable operations(1)

$

3,559

$

3,359

$

200


6.0




























Operating Percentages


 Three Months Ended March 31, 










2019 (%)


2018 (%)


















Revenue mix percentages:












New vehicle


50.2


53.3








Used vehicle


26.9


25.2








Parts and service


17.5


16.3








Finance and insurance, net


4.8


4.6








Other


0.6


0.6










100.0


100.0


















Gross profit mix percentages:












New vehicle


14.4


15.6








Used vehicle


10.6


10.3








Parts and service


46.8


45.5








Finance and insurance


28.0


28.6








Other


0.2


-










100.0


100.0


















Operating items as a percentage of revenue:












Gross profit:












   New vehicle


4.9


4.7








   Used vehicle - retail


6.7


6.7








   Parts and service


45.5


44.9








   Total


17.1


16.1


















(1)


Total variable operations gross profit per vehicle retailed is calculated by dividing the sum of new vehicle, retail used vehicle, and finance and insurance
gross profit by total retail vehicle unit sales.


 

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SOURCE AutoNation, Inc.