AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN) Receives $199.29 Average Price Target from Brokerages

AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN) has received an average rating of “Moderate Buy” from the seven analysts that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $199.29.

AN has been the subject of several recent research reports. Guggenheim cut their price objective on AutoNation from $190.00 to $189.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 21st. Bank of America dropped their target price on AutoNation from $220.00 to $215.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 14th. Morgan Stanley upgraded AutoNation from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating and upped their price target for the stock from $145.00 to $200.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 25th. Stephens started coverage on shares of AutoNation in a research note on Thursday, September 12th. They set an “overweight” rating and a $210.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on shares of AutoNation from $187.00 to $181.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 15th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Retirement Systems of Alabama grew its position in shares of AutoNation by 142.2% in the 3rd quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama now owns 73,429 shares of the company’s stock worth $13,138,000 after acquiring an additional 43,113 shares in the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its holdings in AutoNation by 48.3% in the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 20,148 shares of the company’s stock worth $3,370,000 after purchasing an additional 6,558 shares during the period. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB bought a new stake in AutoNation during the third quarter valued at $242,000. Sanctuary Advisors LLC increased its stake in AutoNation by 2.5% during the third quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC now owns 21,743 shares of the company’s stock valued at $3,750,000 after purchasing an additional 528 shares during the last quarter. Finally, McIlrath & Eck LLC lifted its position in shares of AutoNation by 16.4% in the 3rd quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC now owns 964 shares of the company’s stock worth $172,000 after buying an additional 136 shares during the last quarter. 94.62% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

AutoNation Price Performance

AutoNation stock opened at $172.70 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $168.35 and a 200-day moving average of $169.41. AutoNation has a 52-week low of $133.13 and a 52-week high of $197.18. The company has a quick ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.58. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.96, a PEG ratio of 3.68 and a beta of 1.24.

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.