Captrust Financial Advisors Trims Stock Holdings in AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN)

Captrust Financial Advisors lessened its position in shares of AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN) by 28.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,101 shares of the company’s stock after selling 834 shares during the quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors’ holdings in AutoNation were worth $376,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. WINTON GROUP Ltd purchased a new position in shares of AutoNation during the second quarter worth $15,832,000. Lodge Hill Capital LLC acquired a new stake in AutoNation during the 2nd quarter worth about $15,141,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in AutoNation during the 3rd quarter worth about $131,250,000. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC raised its stake in shares of AutoNation by 4,275.6% during the 2nd quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC now owns 50,107 shares of the company’s stock valued at $7,986,000 after buying an additional 51,307 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its holdings in shares of AutoNation by 2.7% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,605,708 shares of the company’s stock valued at $255,910,000 after buying an additional 41,712 shares during the period. 94.62% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

AutoNation Stock Down 1.2 %

AN stock opened at $172.74 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.96, a P/E/G ratio of 3.68 and a beta of 1.24. AutoNation, Inc. has a 52 week low of $133.13 and a 52 week high of $197.18. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $168.35 and a 200-day simple moving average of $169.41. The company has a quick ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.58.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have commented on AN. Morgan Stanley upgraded AutoNation from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $145.00 to $200.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 25th. Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of AutoNation from $220.00 to $215.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 14th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of AutoNation from $187.00 to $181.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of AutoNation from $190.00 to $180.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 5th. Finally, Stephens started coverage on AutoNation in a research note on Thursday, September 12th. They issued an “overweight” rating and a $210.00 price target for the company. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $199.29.

AutoNation Profile

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.