AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN) Shares Purchased by Franklin Resources Inc.

Franklin Resources Inc. increased its position in AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN - Free Report) by 48.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 20,148 shares of the company's stock after acquiring an additional 6,558 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. owned approximately 0.05% of AutoNation worth $3,370,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Simcoe Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in AutoNation during the third quarter valued at approximately $42,255,000. Holocene Advisors LP acquired a new stake in shares of AutoNation during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $20,046,000. WINTON GROUP Ltd purchased a new position in shares of AutoNation during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $15,832,000. Verition Fund Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of AutoNation by 739.9% in the 3rd quarter. Verition Fund Management LLC now owns 109,040 shares of the company's stock valued at $19,509,000 after purchasing an additional 96,058 shares during the period. Finally, Lodge Hill Capital LLC purchased a new stake in AutoNation during the second quarter worth $15,141,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.62% of the company's stock.

AutoNation Stock Up 1.5 %

Shares of AN stock traded up $2.64 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $173.84. The company's stock had a trading volume of 148,482 shares, compared to its average volume of 437,416. AutoNation, Inc. has a 1-year low of $133.13 and a 1-year high of $197.18. The stock's 50-day moving average price is $169.13 and its 200 day moving average price is $169.57. The company has a market capitalization of $6.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.03, a P/E/G ratio of 3.63 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.58, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.20.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have issued reports on AN shares. Morgan Stanley raised shares of AutoNation from an "equal weight" rating to an "overweight" rating and increased their price objective for the company from $145.00 to $200.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 25th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on AutoNation from $187.00 to $181.00 and set an "equal weight" rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut 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. Guggenheim decreased their target price on AutoNation from $190.00 to $189.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 21st. Finally, Stephens started coverage on AutoNation in a research note on Thursday, September 12th. They issued an "overweight" rating and a $210.00 price target on the stock. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $199.29.

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.