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AutoNation offers compelling long-term returns via aggressive buybacks, a persistently low valuation, and steady dealership network growth. AN's single-digit P/E (8.6x) prices in negative perpetual growth, yet robust buybacks and stable operations drive outsized EPS gains. Buybacks are transformative: AN has repurchased 92% of shares since 1999 and could retire 10% of shares annually at current valuation.
AutoNation remains a compelling long-term buy despite near-term economic headwinds and recent underperformance versus the S&P 500. AN faces declining new vehicle sales and margin compression, but resilient parts and service revenues bolster overall profitability. Used vehicle pricing is rising, indicating shifting consumer demand amid economic distress and supporting AN's diversified revenue streams.
AN Q1 earnings miss as lower new-vehicle sales and rising costs offset strength in parts, service and finance operations.
While the top- and bottom-line numbers for AutoNation (AN) give a sense of how the business performed in the quarter ended March 2026, it could be worth looking at how some of its key metrics compare to Wall Street estimates and year-ago values.
AutoNation (AN) came out with quarterly earnings of $4.69 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.71 per share. This compares to earnings of $4.68 per share a year ago.
AutoNation (AN) doesn't possess the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely earnings beat in its upcoming report. Get prepared with the key expectations.
The Zacks Style Scores offers investors a way to easily find top-rated stocks based on their investing style. Here's why you should take advantage.
44 Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN) in the undefined quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 6,297 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $1,378,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently
AutoNation (AN) is evolving from a cyclical vehicle seller to a higher-margin, recurring revenue operator, driven by aftersales and customer financing momentum. Q4'25 saw softer vehicle sales but record gross profits in Aftersales and Customer Financial Services, supporting resilient profitability despite macro headwinds. Free cash flow over $1B enabled significant share repurchases, reducing share count by 10%, and the company maintains low leverage with investment-grade credit ratings.
AutoNation is upgraded to a "Strong Buy," trading at just 9.5x earnings with an 11.5% free cash flow yield. AN's business model is highly resilient, with maintenance and financing generating nearly 80% of gross profits and aftersales gross profit growing 6%. Buybacks remain aggressive, with share count down over 10% year-over-year and $800–$900 million in free cash flow targeted for 2026.