AutoNation

AN · NYSE

$161.89+$1.50 (+0.94%)TodayMarket closed · Oct 20, 4:31 PM ET

Prev close $160.39

AN analyst rating

BuyConsensus of 10 analysts over the last 12 months. 70% rate it a buy.

Strong buy0
Buy7
Hold3
Underperform0
Sell0

12-month price target · 16 analysts

Average $251.58 (+55.4% upside)

Low: $212.10
Now: $161.89
High: $315.00

Upgrades and downgrades

The latest rating actions, newest first

AN analyst upgrades, downgrades and rating actions
Firm	Date	Action	Rating	Price target	Hit rate
Evercore ISI Group	Oct 12, 2026	Maintains	Outperform	$300.00 → $250.00	64%
UBS	Oct 7, 2026	Maintains	Buy	$248.00 → $213.00	39%
JP Morgan	Oct 6, 2026	Maintains	Overweight	$210.00 → $185.00	50%
Barclays	Oct 6, 2026	Maintains	Overweight	$260.00 → $230.00	28%
Morgan Stanley	Oct 5, 2026	Downgrade	Overweight → Equal-Weight	$250.00 → $175.00	50%
Citigroup	Sep 21, 2026	Maintains	Buy	$290.00 → $255.00	57%
Argus Research	Aug 11, 2026	Maintains	Buy	$241.00 → $246.00	59%
Stephens & Co.	Aug 10, 2026	Maintains	Equal-Weight	$220.00 → $232.00	54%
Morgan Stanley	Aug 7, 2026	Maintains	Overweight	$240.00 → $250.00	54%
JP Morgan	Aug 4, 2026	Maintains	Overweight	$235.00 → $210.00	50%

The case for and against

Updated Jan 19, 2026

Bull case

AutoNation, the second-largest automotive dealer in the United States, is poised for growth with projected 2024 revenues of approximately $27 billion, supported by a robust network of over 240 dealerships and significant operations in used vehicles, parts, and repair services. The company's sales in the premium luxury segment have shown a positive trajectory, increasing by 4.9% year-over-year, indicating strong consumer demand in this market. Additionally, the growth of Webuyyourcar.com, which now accounts for around 33% of acquired units, reflects AutoNation's effective adaptation to market trends and strengthens its competitive position in the automotive retail landscape.

Bear case

The financial analysis forecasts a concerning 12.9% year-over-year decline in AutoNation's EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2025, indicating potential challenges in maintaining profitability. Additionally, the anticipated decrease in new gross profit per unit (GPU) by $370 year-over-year for fiscal year 2026, projected to average $2,200, further underscores the negative outlook for the company's financial performance. With earnings estimates significantly below consensus and the necessity for an exceptionally low valuation for favorable rating consideration, the company's financial trajectory appears increasingly precarious.

Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Market data is delayed at least 15 minutes and is provided without warranty. Analyst ratings, price targets and company data come from third-party sources. Past performance does not guarantee future results.