Bridgewater Associates LP Increases Stock Holdings in AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN)

Bridgewater Associates LP increased its holdings in shares of AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN - Free Report) by 103.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 63,233 shares of the company's stock after buying an additional 32,110 shares during the quarter. Bridgewater Associates LP owned 0.16% of AutoNation worth $11,314,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Diversified Trust Co purchased a new stake in AutoNation during the 2nd quarter valued at about $838,000. Raymond James & Associates boosted 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 buying an additional 5,611 shares during the last quarter. Point72 DIFC Ltd acquired a new position in AutoNation in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $602,000. Versor Investments LP purchased a new position in AutoNation during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $673,000. Finally, WINTON GROUP Ltd acquired a new stake in AutoNation during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $15,832,000. 94.62% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

AutoNation Price Performance

Shares of AN stock traded down $0.33 on Friday, reaching $178.89. 167,104 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 434,393. AutoNation, Inc. has a 1 year low of $133.01 and a 1 year high of $197.18. 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 business has a 50-day moving average price of $168.02 and a 200 day moving average price of $168.80. The company has a market cap of $7.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.34, a P/E/G ratio of 3.76 and a beta of 1.21.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Guggenheim cut their price objective on shares of AutoNation from $190.00 to $189.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on AutoNation from $190.00 to $180.00 and set a "neutral" rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 5th. Morgan Stanley upgraded AutoNation from an "equal weight" rating to an "overweight" rating and upped their target price for the stock from $145.00 to $200.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 25th. Bank of America reduced their price target on AutoNation from $220.00 to $215.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 14th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of AutoNation from $187.00 to $181.00 and set an "equal weight" rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 15th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $199.29.

About AutoNation

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.