On Feb. 21, Group 1 Automotive (NYSE:GPI) released earnings for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31.

  • Revenue increased by 5.7% to $1.5 billion, as new vehicle sales and finance and insurance revenue grew by 7.6 % and 9.6%, respectively.
  • The company expanded its import and luxury offerings last year, acquiring 14 such franchises with total aggregate annual revenues of $728.1 million.
  • Group 1 Automotive estimates EPS for fiscal 2007 to be $4.00 to $4.25.

(Figures in millions, except per-share data)

Income Statement Highlights

Q4 2006

Q4 2005

Change

Sales

$1,507.1

$1,425.4

5.7%

Net Profit

$14.8

$16.2

(8.5%)

EPS

$0.61

$0.66

(7.6%)

Diluted Shares

24.1

24.5

(1.6%)



Get back to basics with a look at the income statement.

Margin Checkup

Q4 2006

Q4 2005

Change*

Gross Margin

15.6%

15.8%

(0.2)

Operating Margin

2.6%

2.6%

0.0

Net Margin

1.0%

1.1%

(0.2)

*Expressed in percentage points

Margins are the earnings engine. See how they work.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Assets

Q4 2006

Q4 2005

Change

Cash + ST Invest.

$39.3

$37.7

4.3%

Accounts Rec.*

$265.8

$269.3

(1.3%)

Inventory

$830.6

$756.8

9.7%



Liabilities

Q4 2006

Q4 2005

Change

Accounts Payable

$117.5

$124.9

(5.9%)

Long-Term Debt

$428.6

$158.1

171.2%

*Includes contracts in transit and vehicle receivables

Learn the ways of the balance sheet.

Cash Flow Highlights

The cash flow statement must be sitting on a lot somewhere. The company will find it in time for the 10-Q.

Find out why Fools always follow the money.

Related companies:

  • AutoNation (NYSE:AN)
  • United Auto Group (NYSE:UAG)
  • Asbury Automotive Group (NYSE:ABG)
  • America's Car-Mart (NASDAQ:CRMT)
  • CarMax (NYSE:KMX)

Related Foolishness:

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