AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN) Position Decreased by Principal Financial Group Inc.

Principal Financial Group Inc. decreased its position in AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN - Free Report) by 25.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 60,652 shares of the company's stock after selling 21,235 shares during the quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. owned 0.15% of AutoNation worth $10,852,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in shares of AutoNation by 11.3% in the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 20,408 shares of the company's stock valued at $3,253,000 after buying an additional 2,066 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in shares of AutoNation by 10.3% during the second quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 10,625 shares of the company's stock valued at $1,693,000 after purchasing an additional 990 shares during the last quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of AutoNation by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,436 shares of the company's stock worth $866,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares during the period. Natixis Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of AutoNation by 4.2% during the 2nd quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 15,771 shares of the company's stock worth $2,514,000 after purchasing an additional 639 shares during the period. Finally, Versor Investments LP bought a new stake in shares of AutoNation in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $673,000. 94.62% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

AutoNation Price Performance

Shares of AutoNation stock traded down $3.13 on Monday, hitting $168.72. The company had a trading volume of 414,093 shares, compared to its average volume of 436,374. AutoNation, Inc. has a 52 week low of $133.13 and a 52 week high of $197.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.58, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.20. The company has a market cap of $6.69 billion, a PE ratio of 9.73, a PEG ratio of 3.63 and a beta of 1.24. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $169.35 and a 200-day simple moving average of $169.69.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently commented on the company. Bank of America lowered their price objective on AutoNation from $220.00 to $215.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 14th. Morgan Stanley raised shares of AutoNation from an "equal weight" rating to an "overweight" rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $145.00 to $200.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of AutoNation from $190.00 to $180.00 and set a "neutral" rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 5th. Stephens assumed coverage on shares of AutoNation in a research note on Thursday, September 12th. They issued an "overweight" rating and a $210.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Guggenheim reduced their price objective on AutoNation from $190.00 to $189.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 21st. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $199.29.

AutoNation 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.