Recently, Zacks.com users have been paying close attention to AutoZone (AZO). This makes it worthwhile to examine what the stock has in store.
AutoZone (AZO) has received quite a bit of attention from Zacks.com users lately. Therefore, it is wise to be aware of the facts that can impact the stock's prospects.
AZO's price action is bullish, trading above its 30-week EMA and hitting new highs, indicating strong upward momentum. Momentum indicators show both short-term and long-term bullish trends, with the PPO line well above zero and the signal line. Volume analysis reveals institutional buying, especially post-earnings, suggesting smart money confidence in AZO's future performance.
TD Cowen raised the firm's price target on AutoZone to $3,800 from $3,450 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. The firm expects the company's do-it-for-me compares to reaccelerate over the coming quarters driven by a pick-up in mega-hub openings and delivery speed initiatives. More favorable weather and AutoZone exiting five West Coast markets will be a tailwind which should help offset a softer macro environment, while the company's long-term outlook remains favorable, the analyst tells investors in a research note.
AZO's first-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings and revenues miss the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
AutoZone NYSE: AZO faces headwinds in 2024, but its FQ1 2025/CQ3 2024 results prove why it is a high-caliber buy-and-hold stock. The company sustains growth in difficult times, maintains margin, provides robust cash flow, and pays its shareholders to own it.
AutoZone's strong share repurchase program and steady growth support its long-term investment appeal despite recent earnings misses and currency headwinds. AutoZone's balance sheet remains healthy with manageable debt levels, but rising interest expenses and operating costs are concerns. Future growth hinges on international expansion, which could be affected by a strong dollar and potential tariffs.
AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO ) Q1 2025 Earnings Conference Call December 10, 2024 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Brian Campbell - VP, Treasurer, IR and Tax Phil Daniele - CEO Jamere Jackson - CFO Conference Call Participants Bret Jordan - Jefferies Simeon Gutman - Morgan Stanley Mark Jordan - Goldman Sachs Michael Lasser - UBS Chris Horvers - JPMorgan Steven Forbes - Guggenheim Securities Steven Zaccone - Citi Scot Ciccarelli - Truist David Bellinger - Mizuho Securities Greg Melich - Evercore Scott Stember - ROTH MKM Operator Good day, everyone. Welcome to AutoZone's 2025 Q1 Earnings Release Conference Call.
U.S. stocks traded mixed toward the end of trading, with the S&P 500 falling by around 0.1% on Tuesday.
AutoZone remains a favorite long-term holding due to its consistent growth, international expansion, and robust buyback program enhancing shareholder value. Despite a rare double-line earnings miss in fiscal Q1, AutoZone's comparable sales and gross margins are still growing, with international comps surging 13.7%. The company's aggressive share repurchase program has significantly boosted EPS, with $1.7 billion remaining under current authorization, ensuring continued shareholder returns.
The headline numbers for AutoZone (AZO) give insight into how the company performed in the quarter ended November 2024, but it may be worthwhile to compare some of its key metrics to Wall Street estimates and the year-ago actuals.
When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?