Lithia Motors speeds up in Q4
The car dealership network earned $1.42 a share minus items, up 45% from a year earlier, trouncing views for $1.19. Revenue rose 75% to $1.79 bil, beating views of $1.68 bil, on strong sales of new and used cars amid a resurgent U.S. auto market. Lithia Motors (LAD) sees Q1 EPS of $1.18-$1.21, below consensus for $1.26. But for full-year '15, Lithia expects earnings of $5.95-$6.05, topping forecasts for $5.95. Shares rose 4.2% to 93.14, breaking out of a 7-month consolidation.