AutoNation (NYSE:AN) is set to give its latest quarterly earnings report on Thursday, 2022-02-17. Here's what investors need to know before the announcement.
Analysts estimate that AutoNation will report an earnings per share (EPS) of $4.96.
AutoNation bulls will hope to hear the company to announce they've not only beaten that estimate, but also to provide positive guidance, or forecasted growth, for the next quarter.
New investors should note that it is sometimes not an earnings beat or miss that most affects the price of a stock, but the guidance (or forecast).
Past Earnings Performance
Last quarter the company beat EPS by $0.92, which was followed by a 3.56% increase in the share price the next day.
Here's a look at AutoNation's past performance and the resulting price change:
| Quarter | Q3 2021 | Q2 2021 | Q1 2021 | Q4 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPS Estimate | 4.20 | 2.58 | 1.87 | 2.01 |
| EPS Actual | 5.12 | 4.83 | 2.79 | 2.43 |
| Price Change % | 3.56% | 7.36% | 2.42% | -0.53% |
Stock Performance
Shares of AutoNation were trading at $108.88 as of February 14. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 39.75%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are likely bullish going into this earnings release.
To track all upcoming earnings announcements, click here to use Benzinga Earnings Calendar.
