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AutoNation Inc(AN)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL RECENCY
1-STAR RATING
Consider higher Upturn Star rating
BUY for 3 days
PROFIT SINCE LAST BUY
+0.08% ▲
LAST CLOSE
$184.14
11/10/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
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  • 1Y
  • 1M
  • 1W
  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)
  • Profit
  • Loss
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Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for AN

11/10/2026: AN (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.

AutoNation Inc is a large automotive retailer in the United States that generates revenue through new and used vehicle sales, alongside a high-margin parts and service segment. The company has a leading position in the industry, benefiting from significant economies of scale and a diverse brand portfolio. Its primary growth opportunity lies in expanding its used-vehicle footprint and enhancing its digital retail experience to meet shifting consumer demands. Key risks include the cyclical nature of vehicle demand, sensitivity to interest rates, and the long-term threat of direct-to-consumer manufacturer models. The stock may suit value-oriented investors who are comfortable with cyclical volatility, though the lack of a dividend limits its appeal for income-focused portfolios.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorMixed fitGrowth is largely cyclical and dependent on broader automotive market health.
Momentum investorMixed fitStock performance is often volatile, tracking cyclical demand signals and macroeconomic trends.
Value investorStrong fitThe company often trades at reasonable P/E multiples relative to its cash flow generation.
Dividend investorWeak fitThe company does not pay a regular cash dividend.
Low-risk investorMixed fitThe business is sensitive to economic downturns which can cause significant stock price volatility.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMedium / highThe stock is sensitive to interest rates and consumer automotive spending cycles.
Valuation riskMediumValuation is often tied to cyclical peak earnings which can compress during downturns.
Competition riskMedium / highNew digital-first entrants and direct-to-consumer models threaten traditional dealership margins.
Business qualityMediumHigh capital intensity and reliance on OEM partnerships define the business model.
Dividend incomeLow / noneThe company focuses on share buybacks rather than dividend payouts.
Execution riskMediumSuccessfully integrating acquisitions and maintaining operational efficiency is crucial.

Price Behavior

Downtrend
PRICE PATH

Downtrend

The stock has experienced a sustained decline in price over recent periods.

Moderately Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Moderately Choppy

The stock has experienced noticeable price swings while retaining some directional structure.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit -34.06%
Avg. Invested days 30
Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 2.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 11/10/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
AN receives a 3-star rating, supported by solid analyst coverage. The rating is constrained by weak unit economics, and weak price momentum.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
AN has moderate overall fundamentals (3 stars), with moderate financial health, soft growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, growth and ownership metrics are mixed: negative earnings growth (-6.2%), weak cash generation (FCF margin -0.7%), moderate revenue growth (+3.2%).

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
AN's financial health is supported by moderate cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation (-0.7% of revenue). Profitability is soft (2 stars), which helps explain the 3-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Revenue growth is AN's strongest growth driver at +3.2% FY2025 versus FY2024 (moderate, 3 stars). By comparison, while earnings growth (-6.2%, negative) and free-cash-flow growth (-1331.2%, negative) hold the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 106.2% and approximately 98.6% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 1.51% provides only moderate management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 7.38%
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. 4.91%
Brave Warrior Advisors LLC 4.77%
Vanguard Portfolio Management, LLC 4.41%
Vanguard Capital Management, LLC 4.26%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
AN generates approximately $179 of gross profit, $47 of operating income, and $-7 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Negative free cash flow explains the 1-star rating, with weak cash conversion and soft capital efficiency.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 26.61%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
AN has a high-quality, liquid profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Value-OrientedQuality TiltSmall / Mid Cap RiskShort Squeeze RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Mid-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 5.95B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 8.95
1Y Target Price 214
Price to earnings Ratio 8.95
1Y Target Price 214
Volume (30-day avg) 613.2K shares
Beta 0.82
52 Weeks Range 151.82 - 235.81
Updated Date 11/10/2026
52 Weeks Range 151.82 - 235.81
Updated Date 11/10/2026
Dividends yield (FY) -
Basic EPS (TTM) 20.8

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
New Vehicle SalesSale of new vehicles from various manufacturers.Cyclical revenue stream that peaks when consumer demand and credit availability are high.
Used Vehicle SalesRetail and wholesale of pre-owned vehicles.Provides a volume-based alternative when new car supply is constrained.
Parts and ServiceVehicle maintenance, repairs, and warranty work.High-margin, recurring revenue segment that provides stability during economic downturns.
Finance and InsuranceVehicle financing and insurance products.Highly profitable service component that adds value to each vehicle sale.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

Earnings Date

Report Date 2026-10-30
When Before Market
Estimate 5.2
Actual 5.11

Profitability

Profit Margin 2.63%
Operating Margin (TTM) 4.27%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 5.18%
Return on Equity (TTM) 30.22%

Valuation

Trailing PE 8.95
Forward PE 7.53
Enterprise Value 17.27B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.22
Enterprise Value 17.27B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.22
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.63
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 10.16
Shares Outstanding 31.98M
Shares Floating 31.55M
Shares Outstanding 31.98M
Shares Floating 31.55M
Percent Insiders 1.51
Percent Institutions 106.22

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

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