AutoNation reported third quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $5.11, up 2% from $5.01 a year earlier, according to its earnings presentation on October 30. The figure came in slightly below the analyst consensus of $5.17. Revenue reached $7.01 billion, above the Wall Street expectation of $6.93 billion, the source says.
The company said its After-Sales segment delivered its ninth consecutive quarter of record year-over-year gross profit. After-Sales gross profit rose 3% to $617 million from $597 million, and revenue increased 5% to $1.29 billion. The gross profit margin fell to 47.8% from 48.7%. Management attributed the decline to a higher mix of wholesale parts sales, not pricing pressure in customer pay or warranty work.
AutoNation Finance portfolio balance grew 45% to $2.9 billion from $2.0 billion a year earlier. The presentation said the segment earned $15 million in operating profit in the quarter, with a 24% return on equity. The company said the portfolio is 91% funded with non-recourse debt.
Customer Financial Services gross profit fell to $349 million from $375 million, as total units declined 4%. Management said AN Finance growth is shifting earnings toward recurring finance income rather than upfront commissions.
New vehicle retail units fell 3% to 63,929 from 66,189. Gross profit per unit declined to $2,176 from $2,281. Management said market share held steady compared with the first half of 2026, and gross profit per unit rose sequentially in August and September. Battery electric vehicle units fell 60% year-over-year, according to the presentation.
Shares rose 6.08% in regular trading to $179.64 and edged up to $180 in after-hours trading, the source reports.