Auto dealership operator Pendragon reported profits were up in the third quarter as used car sales continued to form the backbone of sales.
The firm said underlying trading performance remained in line with expectations for the full year.
Operating profit was up by £1.5m in quarter three compared with the prior year, including growth of £0.4m at its wholesale business, Quicks. Aftersales turnover was flat compared to 2011.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Pendragon said its gross profit margin of 60% was in line with the prior quarter, however overall gross profit was marginally down.
Like-for-like sales of used cars were up by 2.8%, with profit on those sales 11.7% ahead of the previous year.
The firm did not give a three month figure for new sales, instead saying that UK new retail sales, excluding Motability, for the nine months to the end of September increased by 12.3%.
"Used performance continues to be a differentiator for the group and we believe this will continue in the final quarter with further recovery in used margin," the trading statement said.
"The new retail car market has performed ahead of the comparator period throughout the year and we expect that to continue in the fourth quarter. Aftersales performance remains resilient."
It added that progress on debt reduction was in line with expectations for the year end.
-
Divorce financial settlement fights surge – why it pays to agree terms earlyLawyers expect more court battles as tax rises and sharp falls in asset values make divorcing financially more difficult.
-
Emotional investing: what is it and how you can avoid itAre you an emotional investor? Your feelings could be damaging your long-term investments, but here's how to stay rational when the markets are turbulent.
