Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC Takes $21.24 Million Position in AutoZone, Inc. $AZO

Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC purchased a new stake in AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 6,646 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $21,240,000.

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Turning Point Benefit Group Inc. bought a new position in AutoZone during the 3rd quarter worth $25,000. Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of AutoZone by 100.0% during the 4th quarter. Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC now owns 8 shares of the company’s stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 4 shares during the period. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. bought a new stake in shares of AutoZone during the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. MCF Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of AutoZone by 50.0% during the 4th quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 9 shares of the company’s stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 3 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bard Associates Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of AutoZone during the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.74% of the company’s stock.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, VP Dennis W. Leriche sold 1,455 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $3,100.00, for a total value of $4,510,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president owned 441 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,367,100. This represents a 76.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 2.60% of the company’s stock.

AutoZone Stock Performance

AutoZone stock opened at $2,967.55 on Monday. AutoZone, Inc. has a 52 week low of $2,902.20 and a 52 week high of $4,388.11. The stock has a market capitalization of $48.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.50 and a beta of 0.33. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $3,045.07 and a 200-day moving average of $3,305.33.

AutoZone announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, June 16th that authorizes the company to repurchase $1.50 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the company to buy up to 3% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are usually a sign that the company’s board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

AZO has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on AutoZone from $4,300.00 to $4,000.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, May 27th. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of AutoZone from $3,900.00 to $3,637.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, August 4th. Roth Capital reduced their price objective on shares of AutoZone from $4,526.00 to $4,023.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, May 27th. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of AutoZone from $4,300.00 to $3,700.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, May 27th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on shares of AutoZone from $4,400.00 to $4,000.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, May 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have assigned a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, AutoZone has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $4,029.43.

AutoZone Profile

AutoZone, Inc (NYSE: AZO) is a retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company supplies a wide range of aftermarket components, maintenance items and accessories for passenger cars, light trucks and commercial vehicles. Its product assortment includes engine parts, electrical components, batteries, brakes, filters, fluids and interior and exterior accessories, supported by inventory management and logistics systems to serve retail customers and professional service providers.

AutoZone serves both do‑it‑yourself (DIY) consumers and commercial customers such as independent repair shops and service centers.