AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN) Given Consensus Recommendation of "Moderate Buy" by Brokerages

Shares of AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN - Get Free Report) have received an average rating of "Moderate Buy" from the eleven brokerages that are covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, seven have issued a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $236.4444.

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A number of brokerages recently issued reports on AN. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of AutoNation from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Saturday, September 13th. Barclays started coverage on AutoNation in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. They set an "overweight" rating and a $250.00 price objective on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on AutoNation from $221.00 to $220.00 and set an "equal weight" rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Citigroup increased their target price on AutoNation from $265.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Stephens raised their price target on AutoNation from $190.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an "equal weight" rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 29th.

Get Our Latest Report on AN

AutoNation Trading Up 4.5%

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AutoNation stock opened at $207.10 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $208.97 and a 200 day moving average price of $203.53. AutoNation has a 52 week low of $148.33 and a 52 week high of $228.92. The stock has a market cap of $7.55 billion, a PE ratio of 12.18, a P/E/G ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 0.87. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.93.

AutoNation (NYSE:AN - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $5.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.85 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $7.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $6.74 billion. AutoNation had a net margin of 2.38% and a return on equity of 31.84%. The firm's revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $4.02 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that AutoNation will post 18.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

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AutoNation declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock buyback program on Friday, October 31st that authorizes the company to buyback $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to repurchase up to 13.7% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are generally an indication that the company's board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On AutoNation

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. HM Payson & Co. acquired a new position in shares of AutoNation in the 3rd quarter valued at $31,000. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of AutoNation in the 3rd quarter worth $37,000. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in AutoNation by 355.3% in the third quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 173 shares of the company's stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 135 shares during the last quarter. Employees Retirement System of Texas purchased a new stake in AutoNation during the third quarter valued at about $48,000. Finally, SJS Investment Consulting Inc. increased its stake in AutoNation by 2,477.8% during the third quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 232 shares of the company's stock worth $51,000 after acquiring an additional 223 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.62% of the company's stock.

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.

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