AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN - Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in the month of January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,760,000 shares, a decline of 8.8% from the January 15th total of 1,930,000 shares. Currently, 6.8% of the company's shares are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 470,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 3.7 days.
A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AN. Fortitude Family Office LLC increased its stake in shares of AutoNation by 581.8% in the fourth quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 150 shares of the company's stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 128 shares during the period. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. grew its holdings in AutoNation by 150.8% during the 4th quarter. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. now owns 158 shares of the company's stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC increased its position in AutoNation by 403.6% in the 3rd quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 282 shares of the company's stock valued at $50,000 after acquiring an additional 226 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of AutoNation by 25.5% during the fourth quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 315 shares of the company's stock valued at $54,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of AutoNation by 77.1% during the fourth quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 494 shares of the company's stock worth $84,000 after purchasing an additional 215 shares during the period. 94.62% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
Shares of NYSE AN traded up $0.75 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $192.74. The company had a trading volume of 412,001 shares, compared to its average volume of 387,925. The firm has a market cap of $7.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.12, a PEG ratio of 3.71 and a beta of 1.25. The business's 50-day simple moving average is $180.03 and its 200 day simple moving average is $173.51. AutoNation has a one year low of $136.35 and a one year high of $198.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 0.20 and a current ratio of 0.80.
AutoNation (NYSE:AN - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 11th. The company reported $4.97 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $4.26 by $0.71. AutoNation had a net margin of 2.74% and a return on equity of 32.01%. On average, research analysts predict that AutoNation will post 16.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
AN has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Stephens raised their price objective on shares of AutoNation from $195.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an "equal weight" rating in a report on Wednesday, February 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on AutoNation from $190.00 to $180.00 and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 5th. Guggenheim restated a "buy" rating on shares of AutoNation in a report on Wednesday, February 12th. StockNews.com upgraded AutoNation from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Thursday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on AutoNation from $170.00 to $194.00 and gave the company an "equal weight" rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 12th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $199.71.
Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on AN
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.
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