Q3 EPS Estimates for AutoNation Boosted by Zacks Research

AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN) – Equities researchers at Zacks Research increased their Q3 2027 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for AutoNation in a research report issued on Tuesday, June 30th. Zacks Research analyst Team now expects that the company will post earnings per share of $6.21 for the quarter, up from their prior forecast of $6.10. The consensus estimate for AutoNation’s current full-year earnings is $21.24 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for AutoNation’s Q4 2027 earnings at $6.17 EPS, FY2027 earnings at $24.27 EPS and FY2028 earnings at $25.92 EPS.

AutoNation (NYSE:AN) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 1st. The company reported $4.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.71 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $6.55 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.65 billion. AutoNation had a return on equity of 31.45% and a net margin of 2.47%.The company’s revenue for the quarter was down 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $4.68 EPS.

Several other analysts have also issued reports on AN. Weiss Ratings raised shares of AutoNation from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “buy (b-)” rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 6th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of AutoNation from $207.00 to $208.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Monday, May 4th. UBS Group started coverage on shares of AutoNation in a research note on Wednesday, May 27th. They set a “buy” rating and a $234.00 price objective on the stock. Barclays upped their target price on shares of AutoNation from $240.00 to $255.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Wednesday, May 6th. Finally, Bank of America initiated coverage on shares of AutoNation in a research note on Wednesday, March 4th. They issued a “buy” rating for the company. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, AutoNation presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $246.90.

AutoNation Price Performance

NYSE:AN opened at $185.90 on Wednesday. AutoNation has a 1-year low of $176.62 and a 1-year high of $228.92. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.62. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $194.08 and a 200 day simple moving average of $199.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.22 billion, a PE ratio of 10.07, a P/E/G ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 0.74.

Insider Buying and Selling at AutoNation

In related news, CAO Kimberly Dees sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $204.91, for a total value of $512,275.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 1,456 shares in the company, valued at approximately $298,348.96. This represents a 63.20% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 1.40% of the company’s stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On AutoNation

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. bought a new stake in shares of AutoNation during the 4th quarter worth about $41,000. Employees Retirement System of Texas acquired a new position in AutoNation in the 3rd quarter valued at about $48,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its holdings in AutoNation by 37.4% in the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 235 shares of the company’s stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares during the period. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in AutoNation by 49.7% in the 4th quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 259 shares of the company’s stock valued at $54,000 after acquiring an additional 86 shares during the period. Finally, Sound Income Strategies LLC acquired a new stake in AutoNation during the fourth quarter worth approximately $57,000. 94.62% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About AutoNation

AutoNation, Inc is the largest automotive retailer in the United States, operating a network of franchised new vehicle dealerships, pre-owned vehicle superstores and collision-repair centers. The company offers a comprehensive range of automotive products and services, including the sale of new cars and light trucks from leading manufacturers, certified pre-owned vehicles and a wide selection of used models. In addition to retail vehicle sales, AutoNation provides financing, insurance and extended service contracts through its in-house financial services division, as well as genuine and aftermarket parts, factory-recommended maintenance and collision-repair services.

Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, AutoNation was founded in 1996 by entrepreneur H.