Will AutoNation (AN) Beat Estimates Again in Its Next Earnings Report?

Core Viewpoint - AutoNation (AN) is positioned well to potentially beat earnings estimates in its upcoming quarterly report, continuing a trend of positive earnings surprises [1][5]. Earnings Performance - For the most recent quarter, AutoNation reported earnings of $4.35 per share, missing the expected $4.68 per share by 7.59%. In the previous quarter, it exceeded expectations by reporting $4.97 per share against a consensus estimate of $4.26 per share, resulting in a surprise of 16.67% [2]. Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Recent estimates for AutoNation have been increasing, with a positive Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) of +0.83%, indicating analysts' growing bullish sentiment on the company's near-term earnings potential [5][8]. - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) suggests a high likelihood of another earnings beat, with historical data showing that stocks with this combination beat estimates nearly 70% of the time [6][8]. Earnings ESP Explanation - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions, which may provide a more accurate prediction of earnings [7].