AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN) Shares Purchased by Greatmark Investment Partners Inc.

Greatmark Investment Partners Inc. grew its holdings in shares of AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN) by 25.5% in the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 146,402 shares of the company’s stock after acquiring an additional 29,715 shares during the period. AutoNation accounts for approximately 3.4% of Greatmark Investment Partners Inc.’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 6th biggest holding. Greatmark Investment Partners Inc. owned approximately 0.37% of AutoNation worth $24,865,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Fortitude Family Office LLC grew its stake in shares of AutoNation by 581.8% in the 4th 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 stake in shares of AutoNation by 150.8% in the 4th quarter. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. now owns 158 shares of the company’s stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 95 shares during the period. Venturi Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of 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 buying an additional 226 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of AutoNation by 77.1% in the 4th quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 494 shares of the company’s stock valued at $84,000 after buying an additional 215 shares during the period. Finally, McIlrath & Eck LLC grew its stake in shares of AutoNation by 16.4% in the 3rd quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC now owns 964 shares of the company’s stock valued at $172,000 after buying an additional 136 shares during the period. 94.62% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

AutoNation Price Performance

AutoNation stock opened at $160.44 on Friday. AutoNation, Inc. has a 52 week low of $150.08 and a 52 week high of $198.50. The company’s 50 day moving average price is $181.84 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $174.13. The company has a quick ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39. The stock has a market cap of $6.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.47, a P/E/G ratio of 3.51 and a beta of 1.32.

AutoNation (NYSE:AN) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 11th. The company reported $4.97 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.26 by $0.71. AutoNation had a net margin of 2.59% and a return on equity of 30.48%. On average, equities analysts predict that AutoNation, Inc. will post 18.15 earnings per share for the current year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have recently commented on AN shares. Guggenheim restated a “buy” rating on shares of AutoNation in a research note on Wednesday, February 12th. Wells Fargo & Company raised 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. StockNews.com raised shares of AutoNation from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, February 13th. Stephens raised their price target on shares of AutoNation from $195.00 to $200.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 12th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of AutoNation from $180.00 to $195.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 19th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, AutoNation presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $204.71.

AutoNation Company 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.