Autotrader performs well over past four months

Motoring classified advertising business Autotrader said it performed well over the last four months, with Average Revenue per Retailer Forecourt (ARPR) stronger than anticipated.

Consumer services revenue was also stronger than anticipated, the group said, The number of retailer forecourts advertising on its marketplace remains broadly flat.

Autotrader said it is managing costs well and that it has led to further margin increases.

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Based on the group’s performance for the first ten months of the year, the board said it currently anticipates full year underlying operating profit to be in the range of £169m to £171m, marginally ahead of current market expectations. The board continues to be positive about the trading environment in which the group operates.

In November revenue was up 8 per cent to £138.2m for the six months ended 27 September 2015.

Trevor Mather, chief executive of Auto Trader Group plc, said: “Auto Trader has delivered a strong first half performance, as retailers, consumers and manufacturers alike are increasingly recognising the value of our marketplace.

“We continue to grow our audience of car buyers and develop products to add value to our retailers, helping them remain competitive and make informed decisions based on real-time market data, allowing them to buy and sell the right stock at the right price.

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“We believe there is substantial opportunity to grow the business based on the increasing importance of the internet for automotive advertising, and the growing use of data to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the industry.”