AutoNation (NYSE: AN) posts Q1 2026 EPS growth as revenue edges lower
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
AutoNation, Inc. reported first quarter 2026 revenue of $6.6 billion, down 2% from a year earlier, while net income rose to $205.4 million. Diluted EPS increased to $5.85 from $4.45, aided by net gains on equity investments of $54 million.
On an adjusted basis, net income was $164.6 million and adjusted diluted EPS was $4.69, essentially flat versus $4.68 a year ago. Parts and service delivered record first‑quarter gross profit, and finance and insurance gross profit per vehicle improved.
AutoNation Finance expanded its auto loan portfolio to $2.4 billion and generated income of $9.4 million. The company repurchased 1.5 million shares for $300 million, a 4% share count reduction, and ended the quarter with $1.6 billion of liquidity and a covenant leverage ratio of 2.57x.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Q1 shows resilient profitability, mix shift to high-margin areas, and heavy buybacks despite modest revenue decline.
AutoNation delivered Q1 2026 revenue of $6.55 billion, down 2.1%, while gross profit slipped only 0.7% to $1.21 billion. EPS rose to $5.85 from $4.45, largely reflecting $54 million of gains on equity investments, as adjusted EPS was flat at $4.69.
Mix continues to tilt toward higher-margin segments. Parts and service revenue grew 4.9% and gross profit increased 4.5%. Finance and insurance gross profit per vehicle rose 5.6% to $2,855, partly offsetting lower new and used unit volumes and lower per‑vehicle gross profit on vehicles.
AutoNation Finance scaled meaningfully, with its portfolio reaching $2.4 billion and income jumping to $9.4 million. Capital deployment remains aggressive: the company repurchased $300 million of stock in Q1, reducing diluted weighted average shares by 11% year over year. Leverage of 2.57x and liquidity of $1.6 billion suggest capacity to keep funding growth and repurchases if conditions remain similar.
8-K Event Classification
2 items: 2.02, 9.01
2 items
Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Revenue: $6.55B
Net income: $205.4M
Diluted EPS: $5.85
+5 more
8 metrics
Revenue
$6.55B
Q1 2026, down 2.1% year over year
Net income
$205.4M
Q1 2026 vs $175.5M in Q1 2025
Diluted EPS
$5.85
Q1 2026, up from $4.45 in Q1 2025
Adjusted diluted EPS
$4.69
Q1 2026 vs $4.68 in Q1 2025
AutoNation Finance portfolio
$2.4B
Auto loan portfolio size as discussed by management
Share repurchases
$300M
Q1 2026, 1.5M shares, ~4% share count reduction
Adjusted free cash flow
$255.6M
Q1 2026, 155% of adjusted net income
Covenant leverage ratio
2.57x
As of March 31, 2026 under credit agreement
Key Terms
Adjusted diluted EPS, AutoNation Finance, Adjusted free cash flow, Covenant leverage ratio, +2 more
6 terms
Adjusted diluted EPS financial
"2026 Adjusted Diluted EPS excludes net gains on equity investments of $54 million."
Adjusted diluted EPS is a company’s profit per share after adding back or removing one-time items (like restructuring costs or gains) and dividing by the number of shares including potential shares from options and convertible securities. Investors use it as a cleaner view of ongoing earnings—like looking at a car’s regular fuel efficiency rather than a trip boosted by downhill coasting—to judge underlying performance and compare companies without temporary distortions.
AutoNation Finance financial
"AutoNation Finance continued to scale, growing its portfolio to $2.4 billion while improving profitability."
Adjusted free cash flow financial
"capital expenditures were $56 million, and adjusted free cash flow was $256 million, or 155% of adjusted net income."
Adjusted free cash flow is the amount of money a company generates from its operations after accounting for essential expenses and investments, like maintaining or upgrading equipment. It shows how much cash is truly available to grow the business, pay debts, or return to shareholders, helping investors see the company's financial health more clearly.
Covenant leverage ratio financial
"The Company’s covenant leverage ratio was 2.57x at quarter end and the Company had $4.1 billion of non-vehicle debt outstanding."
A covenant leverage ratio is a borrower's pledged rule that compares how much debt a company carries to its ability to generate earnings, essentially a numeric cap set by lenders to keep borrowing in check. It matters to investors because crossing that cap can trigger penalties, higher interest, or lender control actions—similar to a weight limit on a bridge that, if exceeded, forces traffic restrictions and costly repairs.
Floorplan interest expense financial
"Floorplan interest expense | (41.8) | | | (46.5)"
Floorplan interest expense is the cost a dealer or seller pays in interest on short-term loans used to buy inventory, such as vehicles or heavy equipment, before those items are sold. Think of it like a retailer paying interest on a credit line to stock its shelves: the longer inventory sits unsold, the more interest accrues. Investors watch this number because it reduces profit, drains cash flow, and can signal financing stress or slower sales if it grows relative to revenue.
Asset-backed term securitization financial
"AN Finance completed its second asset-backed term securitization, generating $749.2 million in funding."
Asset-backed term securitization is a financing method that bundles similar loans or receivables (like car loans, mortgages, or credit-card debt) into a pool and sells fixed-term securities whose cash flows come from the underlying payments. Like buying a slice of a loan-filled basket, it offers investors steady, scheduled income and diversification but also exposes them to the creditworthiness and payment timing of the underlying assets, affecting yield, liquidity and risk assessment.
Earnings Snapshot
Revenue: $6.55B
Q1 2026
Revenue
$6.55B
-2.1% YoY
Net income
$205.4M
+17% YoY
Diluted EPS
$5.85
+31% YoY
Adjusted diluted EPS
$4.69
flat YoY
Adjusted operating income
$311.7M
-7% YoY
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date Of Report (Date Of Earliest Event Reported) May 1, 2026
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||||
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (954 ) 769-6000
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |||||
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | |||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
| Item 2.02 | Results of Operations and Financial Condition. | ||||
On May 1, 2026, AutoNation, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its results of operations for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
The information furnished pursuant to this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
| Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and Exhibits. | ||||
(d) Exhibits
99.1 Press Release of AutoNation, Inc. dated May 1, 2026, regarding results of operations for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026.
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| AUTONATION, INC. | |||||||||||||||||
| Date: | May 1, 2026 | By: | /s/ C. Coleman Edmunds | ||||||||||||||
| C. Coleman Edmunds | |||||||||||||||||
| Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary | |||||||||||||||||
Exhibit 99.1
 | Investor Contact: Derek Fiebig (954) 769-2227 fiebigd@autonation.com Media Contact: Lisa Rhodes Ryans (954) 769-4120 publicrelations@autonation.com | |||||||||||||
AutoNation Reports First Quarter 2026 Results
•Q1 2026 EPS $5.85 and Adjusted EPS $4.69
•Record Q1 After-Sales gross profit; total store growth of 5%
•Record Q1 CFS gross profit per unit
•Substantial portfolio and profitability growth at AN Finance
•Sequential improvements in new and used vehicle unit profitability
•Share repurchases of $300 million in Q1 (4% share count reduction)
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., (May 1, 2026) — AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN) today reported first quarter 2026 revenue of $6.6 billion, a decrease of 2% compared to the same period a year ago. For the quarter, EPS was $5.85, compared to $4.45 a year ago, and Adjusted EPS was $4.69, compared to $4.68 a year ago. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures are included in the attached financial tables.
“We are pleased to report our strong first quarter results highlighted by record gross profit in After-Sales and record unit profitability in Customer Financial Services. Unit profitability for new and used vehicles increased sequentially. These gains largely offset expected year‑over‑year declines in unit sales,” said Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer of AutoNation. “Adjusted earnings per share increased year-over-year for the fifth consecutive quarter, and strong cash flow conversion supported our continued deployment of capital toward share repurchases. AutoNation Finance continued to scale, growing its portfolio to $2.4 billion while improving profitability, credit performance, and debt funding. Our diversified earnings profile, flexible cost structure, and strong balance sheet and cash flows continue to support resilient performance and disciplined capital deployment to generate shareholder returns in a dynamic operating environment,” Manley concluded.
Operational Summary
First Quarter 2026 compared to the year-ago period:
Selected GAAP Financial Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
($ in millions, except per share data and unit sales) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | YoY | ||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 6,552.1 | $ | 6,690.4 | -2% | |||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit | $ | 1,211.1 | $ | 1,219.9 | -1% | |||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | $ | 314.3 | $ | 336.0 | -6% | |||||||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 205.4 | $ | 175.5 | 17% | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted EPS | $ | 5.85 | $ | 4.45 | 31% | |||||||||||||||
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding | 35.1 | 39.4 | -11% | |||||||||||||||||
| Same-store Revenue | $ | 6,404.7 | $ | 6,650.5 | -4% | |||||||||||||||
| Same-store Gross Profit | $ | 1,182.7 | $ | 1,212.9 | -2% | |||||||||||||||
Same-store New Vehicle Retail Unit Sales | 56,316 | 62,156 | -9% | |||||||||||||||||
Same-store Used Vehicle Retail Unit Sales | 64,182 | 67,370 | -5% | |||||||||||||||||
| Selected Non-GAAP Financial Data* | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | YoY | ||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income | $ | 311.7 | $ | 334.5 | -7% | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Net Income | $ | 164.6 | $ | 184.2 | -11% | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Diluted EPS | $ | 4.69 | $ | 4.68 | —% | |||||||||||||||
*Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures are included in the attached financial tables. 2026 Adjusted Diluted EPS excludes net gains on equity investments of $54 million.
Capital Allocation, Liquidity, and Leverage
For the quarter, cash used in operating activities was $22 million, auto loans receivable, net, increased $254 million, capital expenditures were $56 million, and adjusted free cash flow was $256 million, or 155% of adjusted net income.
During the quarter, AutoNation repurchased 1.5 million shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $300 million, or $201 per share. Year-to-date through April 29, 2026, AutoNation repurchased 1.9 million shares, for an aggregate purchase price of $391 million, or $201 per share, and has more than $685 million of repurchase authorization remaining under its current share repurchase program.
As of March 31, 2026, AutoNation had $1.6 billion of liquidity, including $66 million in cash and $1.6 billion of availability under its revolving credit facility, net of commercial paper borrowings. The Company’s covenant leverage ratio was 2.57x at quarter end and the Company had $4.1 billion of non-vehicle debt outstanding.
In January 2026, AN Finance completed its second asset-backed term securitization, generating $749.2 million in funding for its auto loan portfolio at a weighted-average fixed interest rate of 4.25%. The strong advance rates of this ABS transaction helped improve the debt funded status of the $2.4 billion portfolio to 90 percent.
The first quarter conference call may be accessed by telephone at 800-715-9871 (Conference ID: 90621) at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time today or on AutoNation’s investor relations website at investors.autonation.com. The webcast will also be made available on AutoNation’s investor relations website following the call under “Events & Presentations.” Finally, additional information regarding AutoNation’s results can be found in the Investor Presentation available on the investor relations website.
About AutoNation, Inc.
AutoNation, one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offers innovative products and exceptional services as part of a portfolio of comprehensive solutions for our customers and their automotive needs. With a nationwide network of dealerships strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $50 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve.
Please visit www.autonation.com, investors.autonation.com, and www.x.com/autonation, where AutoNation discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
This news release and the attached financial tables contain certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined under SEC rules, which exclude certain items disclosed in the attached financial tables. As required by SEC rules, the Company provides reconciliations of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures improve the transparency of the Company's disclosure, provide a meaningful presentation of the Company's results excluding the impact of items not related to the Company's ongoing core business operations, and improve the period-to-period comparability of the Company's results from its core business operations. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.
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,” “estimates,” “intends,” “goals,” “targets,” “projects,” “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, and investments, including AutoNation Finance, statements regarding our expectations for shareholder returns, potential tariff-related impacts, and the future performance of our business and the automotive retail industry, including during 2026, and 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 tariffs, unemployment, interest, and/or inflation rates, consumer demand, and fuel prices; our ability to implement successfully our strategic acquisitions, initiatives, partnerships, and investments; our ability to maintain or improve gross profit margins; our ability to maintain or gain market share; legal, reputational, and financial risks resulting from cyber incidents and the potential impact on our operating results; the receipt of any insurance or other recoveries in connection with any cyber incidents; our ability to successfully implement and maintain expense controls; our ability to maintain and enhance our retail brands and reputation and to attract consumers to our own digital channels; our ability to acquire and integrate successfully new acquisitions; restrictions imposed by vehicle manufacturers and our ability to obtain manufacturer approval for franchise acquisitions; the success and financial viability and the incentive and marketing programs of vehicle manufacturers and distributors with which we hold franchises; natural disasters and other adverse weather events; the resolution of legal and administrative proceedings; changes in automotive laws and regulation affecting our business, including fuel economy requirements; 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, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||
| New vehicle | $ | 3,011.0 | $ | 3,248.1 | |||||||
| Used vehicle | 1,963.8 | 1,922.4 | |||||||||
| Parts and service | 1,220.9 | 1,164.0 | |||||||||
| Finance and insurance, net | 352.0 | 352.5 | |||||||||
| Other | 4.4 | 3.4 | |||||||||
| Total revenue | 6,552.1 | 6,690.4 | |||||||||
| Cost of sales: | |||||||||||
| New vehicle | 2,866.5 | 3,073.2 | |||||||||
| Used vehicle | 1,842.4 | 1,797.9 | |||||||||
| Parts and service | 627.5 | 596.3 | |||||||||
| Other | 4.6 | 3.1 | |||||||||
| Total cost of sales | 5,341.0 | 5,470.5 | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 1,211.1 | 1,219.9 | |||||||||
AutoNation Finance income | 9.4 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 842.2 | 821.9 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 63.0 | 61.8 | |||||||||
Other expense, net(1) | 1.0 | 0.3 | |||||||||
| Operating income | 314.3 | 336.0 | |||||||||
| Non-operating income (expense) items: | |||||||||||
| Floorplan interest expense | (41.8) | (46.5) | |||||||||
| Other interest expense | (48.0) | (42.3) | |||||||||
Other income (loss), net(2) | 51.2 | (13.2) | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 275.7 | 234.0 | |||||||||
| Income tax provision | 70.3 | 58.5 | |||||||||
| Net income | $ | 205.4 | $ | 175.5 | |||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 5.85 | $ | 4.45 | |||||||
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding | 35.1 | 39.4 | |||||||||
| Common shares outstanding, net of treasury stock, at period end | 33.9 | 37.9 | |||||||||
(1)Includes asset impairments and net gains on business/property divestitures.
(2)Includes net gains and losses on minority equity investments, as well as net losses related to changes in the cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance for deferred compensation plan participants.
AUTONATION, INC.
UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
($ in millions, except per vehicle data)
| Operating Highlights | Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Variance | % Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicle | $ | 3,011.0 | $ | 3,248.1 | $ | (237.1) | (7.3) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Retail used vehicle | 1,819.6 | 1,792.1 | 27.5 | 1.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wholesale | 144.2 | 130.3 | 13.9 | 10.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicle | 1,963.8 | 1,922.4 | 41.4 | 2.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance, net | 352.0 | 352.5 | (0.5) | (0.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total variable operations | 5,326.8 | 5,523.0 | (196.2) | (3.6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Parts and service | 1,220.9 | 1,164.0 | 56.9 | 4.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 4.4 | 3.4 | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 6,552.1 | $ | 6,690.4 | $ | (138.3) | (2.1) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicle | $ | 144.5 | $ | 174.9 | $ | (30.4) | (17.4) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Retail used vehicle | 104.9 | 113.0 | (8.1) | (7.2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wholesale | 16.5 | 11.5 | 5.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicle | 121.4 | 124.5 | (3.1) | (2.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | 352.0 | 352.5 | (0.5) | (0.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total variable operations | 617.9 | 651.9 | (34.0) | (5.2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Parts and service | 593.4 | 567.7 | 25.7 | 4.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | (0.2) | 0.3 | (0.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total gross profit | 1,211.1 | 1,219.9 | (8.8) | (0.7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
AutoNation Finance income | 9.4 | 0.1 | 9.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 842.2 | 821.9 | (20.3) | (2.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 63.0 | 61.8 | (1.2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense, net | 1.0 | 0.3 | (0.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 314.3 | 336.0 | (21.7) | (6.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating income (expense) items: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Floorplan interest expense | (41.8) | (46.5) | 4.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other interest expense | (48.0) | (42.3) | (5.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (loss), net | 51.2 | (13.2) | 64.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 275.7 | $ | 234.0 | $ | 41.7 | 17.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Retail vehicle unit sales: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New | 57,482 | 62,387 | (4,905) | (7.9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used | 65,818 | 68,000 | (2,182) | (3.2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 123,300 | 130,387 | (7,087) | (5.4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue per vehicle retailed: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New | $ | 52,382 | $ | 52,064 | $ | 318 | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Used | $ | 27,646 | $ | 26,354 | $ | 1,292 | 4.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit per vehicle retailed: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New | $ | 2,514 | $ | 2,803 | $ | (289) | (10.3) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Used | $ | 1,594 | $ | 1,662 | $ | (68) | (4.1) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | $ | 2,855 | $ | 2,703 | $ | 152 | 5.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total variable operations(1) | $ | 4,878 | $ | 4,912 | $ | (34) | (0.7) | |||||||||||||||||||
(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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Percentages | Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||
| 2026 (%) | 2025 (%) | |||||||||||||
| Revenue mix percentages: | ||||||||||||||
| New vehicle | 46.0 | 48.5 | ||||||||||||
| Used vehicle | 30.0 | 28.7 | ||||||||||||
| Parts and service | 18.6 | 17.4 | ||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance, net | 5.4 | 5.3 | ||||||||||||
| Other | — | 0.1 | ||||||||||||
| 100.0 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||
| Gross profit mix percentages: | ||||||||||||||
| New vehicle | 11.9 | 14.3 | ||||||||||||
| Used vehicle | 10.0 | 10.2 | ||||||||||||
| Parts and service | 49.0 | 46.5 | ||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | 29.1 | 28.9 | ||||||||||||
| Other | — | 0.1 | ||||||||||||
| 100.0 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||
| Operating items as a percentage of revenue: | ||||||||||||||
| Gross profit: | ||||||||||||||
| New vehicle | 4.8 | 5.4 | ||||||||||||
| Used vehicle - retail | 5.8 | 6.3 | ||||||||||||
| Parts and service | 48.6 | 48.8 | ||||||||||||
| Total | 18.5 | 18.2 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 12.9 | 12.3 | ||||||||||||
| Operating income | 4.8 | 5.0 | ||||||||||||
| Operating items as a percentage of total gross profit: | ||||||||||||||
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 69.5 | 67.4 | ||||||||||||
| Operating income | 26.0 | 27.5 | ||||||||||||
AUTONATION, INC.
UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
($ in millions)
| Segment Operating Highlights | Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Variance | % Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic | $ | 1,716.6 | $ | 1,717.4 | $ | (0.8) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Import | 2,048.1 | 2,047.3 | 0.8 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premium luxury | 2,441.5 | 2,576.5 | (135.0) | (5.2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Franchised Dealerships | 6,206.2 | 6,341.2 | (135.0) | (2.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other | 345.9 | 349.2 | (3.3) | (0.9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total consolidated revenue | $ | 6,552.1 | $ | 6,690.4 | $ | (138.3) | (2.1) | |||||||||||||||||||
Segment income(1): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic | $ | 78.1 | $ | 69.0 | $ | 9.1 | 13.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Import | 113.8 | 126.2 | (12.4) | (9.8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premium luxury | 154.8 | 178.7 | (23.9) | (13.4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Franchised Dealerships | 346.7 | 373.9 | (27.2) | (7.3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
AutoNation Finance income | 9.4 | 0.1 | 9.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other | (83.6) | (84.5) | 0.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Floorplan interest expense | 41.8 | 46.5 | (4.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 314.3 | $ | 336.0 | $ | (21.7) | (6.5) | |||||||||||||||||||
(1) Segment income for the Domestic, Import, and Premium Luxury reportable segments is a non-GAAP measure and is defined as operating income less floorplan interest expense. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retail new vehicle unit sales: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic | 15,858 | 16,778 | (920) | (5.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Import | 26,779 | 28,003 | (1,224) | (4.4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premium luxury | 14,845 | 17,606 | (2,761) | (15.7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retail used vehicle unit sales: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic | 17,907 | 18,424 | (517) | (2.8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Import | 23,034 | 23,155 | (121) | (0.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premium luxury | 18,174 | 19,017 | (843) | (4.4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand Mix - Retail New Vehicle Units Sold | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 (%) | 2025 (%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ford, Lincoln | 12.1 | 11.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC | 10.4 | 10.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram | 5.1 | 4.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic total | 27.6 | 26.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Import: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Toyota | 22.7 | 20.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Honda | 12.3 | 12.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hyundai | 3.4 | 3.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subaru | 3.9 | 4.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Import | 4.3 | 4.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Import total | 46.6 | 44.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premium Luxury: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mercedes-Benz | 9.2 | 9.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BMW | 8.6 | 9.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lexus | 3.2 | 3.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Audi | 1.7 | 2.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jaguar Land Rover | 1.9 | 2.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Premium Luxury | 1.2 | 1.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premium Luxury total | 25.8 | 28.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 100.0 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AutoNation Finance | Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Variance | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest margin: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and fee income | $ | 62.7 | $ | 41.9 | $ | 20.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (24.4) | (13.9) | (10.5) | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest margin | 38.3 | 28.0 | 10.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | (19.5) | (18.9) | (0.6) | |||||||||||||||||
Total interest margin after provision for credit losses | 18.8 | 9.1 | 9.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Direct expenses(1) | (9.4) | (9.0) | (0.4) | |||||||||||||||||
AutoNation Finance income | $ | 9.4 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 9.3 | ||||||||||||||
(1) Direct expenses are comprised primarily of compensation expenses and loan administration costs incurred by our auto finance company. | ||||||||||||||||||||
AUTONATION, INC.
UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA, Continued
($ in millions)
Capital Allocation | Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | 56.4 | $ | 75.2 | ||||||||||
| Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | $ | — | $ | 69.6 | ||||||||||
| Cash received from divestitures, net of cash relinquished | $ | 12.7 | $ | — | ||||||||||
| Stock repurchases: | ||||||||||||||
Aggregate purchase price(1) | $ | 300.0 | $ | 224.8 | ||||||||||
| Shares repurchased (in millions) | 1.5 | 1.4 | ||||||||||||
| New Vehicle Floorplan Assistance and Expense | Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Variance | ||||||||||||||||||
| Floorplan assistance earned (included in cost of sales) | $ | 30.4 | $ | 31.1 | $ | (0.7) | ||||||||||||||
| New vehicle floorplan interest expense | (40.0) | (44.0) | 4.0 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net new vehicle inventory carrying expense | $ | (9.6) | $ | (12.9) | $ | 3.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Balance Sheet and Other Highlights | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 65.5 | $ | 58.6 | $ | 70.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Inventory | $ | 3,444.4 | $ | 3,404.9 | $ | 3,231.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Floorplan notes payable | $ | 3,759.0 | $ | 3,828.3 | $ | 3,558.9 | ||||||||||||||
Auto loans receivable, net | $ | 2,371.2 | $ | 2,140.2 | $ | 1,397.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-recourse debt | $ | 2,185.6 | $ | 1,944.6 | $ | 1,080.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-vehicle debt | $ | 4,115.9 | $ | 3,979.5 | $ | 3,962.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Equity | $ | 2,226.9 | $ | 2,341.1 | $ | 2,403.2 | ||||||||||||||
| New days supply (industry standard of selling days) | 46 days | 45 days | 38 days | |||||||||||||||||
| Used days supply (trailing calendar month days) | 35 days | 38 days | 36 days | |||||||||||||||||
Key Credit Agreement Covenant Compliance Calculations (2) | ||||||||
| Leverage ratio | 2.57x | |||||||
| Covenant | less than or equal to | 3.75x | ||||||
| Interest coverage ratio | 4.73x | |||||||
| Covenant | greater than or equal to | 3.00x | ||||||
(1) Excludes excise taxes imposed under Inflation Reduction Act.
(2) Calculated in accordance with our credit agreement as filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.
AUTONATION, INC.
UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA, Continued
($ in millions, except per share data)
Comparable Basis Reconciliations(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | Income Before Income Taxes | Income Tax Provision(2) | Effective Tax Rate | Net Income | Diluted Earnings Per Share(3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As reported | $ | 314.3 | $ | 336.0 | $ | 275.7 | $ | 234.0 | $ | 70.3 | $ | 58.5 | 25.5 | % | 25.0 | % | $ | 205.4 | $ | 175.5 | $ | 5.85 | $ | 4.45 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Decrease in compensation expense related to market valuation changes in deferred compensation obligations(4) | (2.6) | (1.5) | — | — | — | — | — | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net (gain) loss on equity investments | — | — | (54.0) | 11.5 | (13.2) | 2.8 | (40.8) | 8.7 | $ | (1.16) | $ | 0.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted | $ | 311.7 | $ | 334.5 | $ | 221.7 | $ | 245.5 | $ | 57.1 | $ | 61.3 | 25.8 | % | 25.0 | % | $ | 164.6 | $ | 184.2 | $ | 4.69 | $ | 4.68 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG&A | SG&A as a Percentage of Gross Profit (%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As reported | $ | 842.2 | $ | 821.9 | 69.5 | 67.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Excluding: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Decrease in compensation expense related to market valuation changes in deferred compensation obligations | (2.6) | (1.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted | $ | 844.8 | $ | 823.4 | 69.8 | 67.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of the Press Release. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (2) | Tax expense is determined based on the amount of additional taxes or tax benefits associated with each individual item. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (3) | Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated discretely and therefore may not add up to the total due to rounding. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (4) | Decreases in deferred compensation obligations, which are recorded in SG&A, are substantially offset by corresponding losses related to changes in the cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance (“COLI”) for deferred compensation plan participants as a result of changes in market performance of the underlying investments; therefore, the net impact to net income and earnings per share is de minimis. Losses related to the COLI are recorded in non-operating Other Income (Loss), Net. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Cash Flow | Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 22.2 | $ | (52.5) | ||||||||||
Net proceeds from (payments of) vehicle floorplan - non-trade | 36.3 | (0.9) | ||||||||||||
| Increase in auto loans receivable, net | 253.5 | 365.4 | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted cash provided by operating activities | 312.0 | 312.0 | ||||||||||||
Purchases of property and equipment | (56.4) | (75.2) | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted free cash flow | $ | 255.6 | $ | 236.8 | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 164.6 | $ | 184.2 | ||||||||||
| Adjusted free cash flow conversion % | 155 | 129 | ||||||||||||
AUTONATION, INC.
UNAUDITED SAME STORE DATA
($ in millions, except per vehicle data)
| Operating Highlights | Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Variance | % Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicle | $ | 2,949.8 | $ | 3,238.5 | $ | (288.7) | (8.9) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Retail used vehicle | 1,773.4 | 1,778.4 | (5.0) | (0.3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wholesale | 140.9 | 129.4 | 11.5 | 8.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicle | 1,914.3 | 1,907.8 | 6.5 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance, net | 344.1 | 350.8 | (6.7) | (1.9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total variable operations | 5,208.2 | 5,497.1 | (288.9) | (5.3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Parts and service | 1,192.1 | 1,150.1 | 42.0 | 3.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 4.4 | 3.3 | 1.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 6,404.7 | $ | 6,650.5 | $ | (245.8) | (3.7) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New vehicle | $ | 141.5 | $ | 174.6 | $ | (33.1) | (19.0) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Retail used vehicle | 103.2 | 112.4 | (9.2) | (8.2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wholesale | 16.4 | 11.6 | 4.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used vehicle | 119.6 | 124.0 | (4.4) | (3.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | 344.1 | 350.8 | (6.7) | (1.9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total variable operations | 605.2 | 649.4 | (44.2) | (6.8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Parts and service | 577.6 | 563.1 | 14.5 | 2.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | (0.1) | 0.4 | (0.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total gross profit | $ | 1,182.7 | $ | 1,212.9 | $ | (30.2) | (2.5) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Retail vehicle unit sales: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New | 56,316 | 62,156 | (5,840) | (9.4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Used | 64,182 | 67,370 | (3,188) | (4.7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 120,498 | 129,526 | (9,028) | (7.0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue per vehicle retailed: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New | $ | 52,379 | $ | 52,103 | $ | 276 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Used | $ | 27,631 | $ | 26,398 | $ | 1,233 | 4.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit per vehicle retailed: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New | $ | 2,513 | $ | 2,809 | $ | (296) | (10.5) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Used | $ | 1,608 | $ | 1,668 | $ | (60) | (3.6) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | $ | 2,856 | $ | 2,708 | $ | 148 | 5.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total variable operations(1) | $ | 4,886 | $ | 4,924 | $ | (38) | (0.8) | |||||||||||||||||||
(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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Percentages | Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||
| 2026 (%) | 2025 (%) | |||||||||||||
| Revenue mix percentages: | ||||||||||||||
| New vehicle | 46.1 | 48.7 | ||||||||||||
| Used vehicle | 29.9 | 28.7 | ||||||||||||
| Parts and service | 18.6 | 17.3 | ||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance, net | 5.4 | 5.3 | ||||||||||||
| Other | — | — | ||||||||||||
| 100.0 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||
Gross profit mix percentages: | ||||||||||||||
| New vehicle | 12.0 | 14.4 | ||||||||||||
| Used vehicle | 10.1 | 10.2 | ||||||||||||
| Parts and service | 48.8 | 46.4 | ||||||||||||
| Finance and insurance | 29.1 | 28.9 | ||||||||||||
| Other | — | 0.1 | ||||||||||||
| 100.0 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||
Operating items as a percentage of revenue: | ||||||||||||||
| Gross profit: | ||||||||||||||
| New vehicle | 4.8 | 5.4 | ||||||||||||
| Used vehicle - retail | 5.8 | 6.3 | ||||||||||||
| Parts and service | 48.5 | 49.0 | ||||||||||||
| Total | 18.5 | 18.2 | ||||||||||||
FAQ
How did AutoNation (AN) perform financially in Q1 2026?
AutoNation generated $6.6 billion in Q1 2026 revenue, down 2% year over year, with net income of $205.4 million. Diluted EPS increased to $5.85 from $4.45, while adjusted diluted EPS was $4.69, nearly flat versus 2025.
What happened to AutoNation (AN) adjusted earnings in Q1 2026?
Adjusted net income was $164.6 million in Q1 2026 versus $184.2 million a year earlier. Adjusted diluted EPS was $4.69, almost unchanged from $4.68 in Q1 2025, reflecting slightly lower operating performance but strong share repurchases.
How did AutoNation (AN) vehicle sales and margins trend in Q1 2026?
Retail new vehicle units fell to 57,482 and used units to 65,818, declines of 7.9% and 3.2%. New and used gross profit per vehicle decreased, but finance and insurance gross profit per vehicle rose 5.6% to $2,855, supporting overall profitability.
How is AutoNation Finance contributing to AutoNation (AN) results?
AutoNation Finance produced $9.4 million of income in Q1 2026, up from $0.1 million a year ago. Its auto loan portfolio expanded to about $2.4 billion, supported by a $749.2 million asset-backed securitization at a 4.25% fixed interest rate.
What capital allocation actions did AutoNation (AN) take in Q1 2026?
AutoNation repurchased 1.5 million shares for $300 million, or about $201 per share, reducing share count roughly 4%. Capital expenditures were $56.4 million, and adjusted free cash flow reached $255.6 million, or 155% of adjusted net income.
What is AutoNation (AN) liquidity and leverage position after Q1 2026?
As of March 31, 2026, AutoNation had $1.6 billion of liquidity, including $65.5 million of cash and revolving credit availability. The company reported a covenant leverage ratio of 2.57x and total non-vehicle debt of about $4.1 billion.