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AutoNation (AN) has an average rating of overweight and mean price target of $243.55, according to analysts polled by FactSet.(covers equity, commodity and economic research from major banks and research firms in North America, Asia and Europe. Research providers may contact us here: https://www..com/contact-us)
CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:We lower our 12-month price target by $15 to $250, based on a 2027 P/E of 10.4x, a premium to historic averages justified by market conditions we consider early cycle. We lower our adjusted EPS estimates to $21.65 from $22.30 for '26 and to $24.00 from $24.20 for '27. Following its Q1 earnings beat, we are reiterating our Strong Buy opinion but lowering our estimates and price target on AN. The company continues to execute, as the quarter represented AN's sixth consecutive earnings beat. We were encouraged to see a significant uptick in the company's share repurchases, as AN bought back $300M of stock in Q1, thereby retiring 4% of total outstanding shares (an increase from its average quarterly buybacks of ~$196M in 2025). AN remains one of our top picks in auto retail, with its EPS-boosting buybacks and accretive bolt-on acquisitions likely to result in stronger growth relative to industry peers. While the fundamental environment remains challenging, we see significant upside over the next few years.
CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:AutoNation (AN) posted Q1 adjusted EPS of $4.69 vs. $4.68, ahead of the $4.61 consensus. Net sales fell 2% to $6.55B ($100M below consensus) and gross margin expanded 30 bps to 18.5% (40 bps ahead of consensus). The decline in revenue primarily reflected pressure in new vehicle unit sales, as same-store unit sales declined 9% for new vehicles and 5% for used vehicles. AN repurchased 1.5M shares for $300M in Q1, representing a 4% quarterly share count reduction. So far in Q2 (through April 29), AN has bought back an additional 0.4M shares for $91M, leaving $685M on its share repurchase authorization. At the end of Q1, AN possessed cash and equivalents of $66M, up slightly from $59M at year-end 2025. Total liquidity stood at $1.6B at quarter-end. Non-vehicle debt of $4.12B was up from $3.98B at year-end 2025. The quarter represented AN's sixth consecutive earnings beat. While its top line came in a bit light, margins exceeded expectations and AN continues to shrink its share counts through aggressive buybacks.
The automotive dealership industry is expected to see a weaker Q1 performance due to weather disruptions and softer vehicle sales, BofA Securities said in a note on Monday.The firm said Q1 earnings per share estimates for Asbury Automotive (ABG), AutoNation (AN), Group 1 Automotive (GPI), Penske Automotive (PAG), Sonic Automotive (SAH), and Lithia Motors (LAD) have been reduced by an average of 13%. This mainly reflects weather disruptions in late January and February, which affected both vehicle sales and parts and service.Same-store new unit sales are now expected to decline by 5.4% on average, also due to tough comparisons from pre-buying ahead of tariffs implemented at the end of March 2025, BofA added.For Q2, same-store new unit sales are projected to decline by 1.8% on average, again reflecting difficult comparisons from April of last year due to pre-buying before tariff-related price increases. Key risks to recovery include lower consumer confidence linked to the Iran War and higher gas prices, which historically affect US auto sales.The firm added that AutoNation remains a top pick heading into earnings, as its store footprint was less affected by weather disruptions. There is also potential upside to EPS from share buybacks, which may offset higher selling, general, and administrative expenses.BofA lowered price targets of Asbury Automotive to $238 from $255, Group 1 Automotive to $390 from $430, Lithia Motors to $320 from $335, and Penske Automotive to $185 from $200.Price: $197.68, Change: $-2.85, Percent Change: -1.42%