AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN) Receives Average Recommendation of "Moderate Buy" from Analysts

AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN - Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of "Moderate Buy" from the seven ratings firms that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and five have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $199.29.

A number of analysts have issued reports on AN shares. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on AutoNation from $187.00 to $181.00 and set an "equal weight" rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 15th. Morgan Stanley raised shares of AutoNation from an "equal weight" rating to an "overweight" rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $145.00 to $200.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 25th. Guggenheim reduced their price target on shares of AutoNation from $190.00 to $189.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 21st. Bank of America dropped their price objective on shares of AutoNation from $220.00 to $215.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 14th. Finally, Stephens began coverage on shares of AutoNation in a research note on Thursday, September 12th. They issued an "overweight" rating and a $210.00 target price for the company.

Institutional Trading of AutoNation

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Diversified Trust Co bought a new stake in shares of AutoNation in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $838,000. Raymond James & Associates grew its position in AutoNation by 10.7% in the second quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 58,084 shares of the company's stock valued at $9,257,000 after acquiring an additional 5,611 shares during the period. Versor Investments LP acquired a new position in AutoNation during the second quarter worth $673,000. Point72 DIFC Ltd bought a new position in shares of AutoNation during the second quarter valued at $602,000. Finally, WINTON GROUP Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of AutoNation in the 2nd quarter valued at $15,832,000. Institutional investors own 94.62% of the company's stock.

AutoNation Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:AN traded up $0.36 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $177.90. The company's stock had a trading volume of 464,800 shares, compared to its average volume of 443,318. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 0.20 and a current ratio of 0.80. The stock's 50 day simple moving average is $168.25 and its 200 day simple moving average is $169.20. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.26, a PEG ratio of 3.82 and a beta of 1.24. AutoNation has a fifty-two week low of $133.01 and a fifty-two week high of $197.18.

AutoNation Company Profile

AutoNation, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Domestic, Import, and Premium Luxury. It offers a range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicles; and parts and services, such as automotive repair and maintenance, and wholesale parts and collision services.