AutoNation (AN) Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
AN - AutoNation, Inc.
$167.55
2.56 (1.55%)
▲
5d:
+0.34%
30d:
-18.6%
90d:
-12.15%
HOLD
LOW Confidence
Analysis Updated: Oct 1, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Oct 22, 2026
19d
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
📊 HOLD: AN shows mixed signals. Fine to hold existing positions. Not urgent to buy or sell.
📊 HOLD: AN shows mixed signals. Fine to hold existing positions. Not urgent to buy or sell.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$328.41
Based on 9.4% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$203.91
17.8% Margin of Safety
How this is calculated: We use a Growth Decay Model: starting with analyst consensus growth (adjusted above) and gradually slowing it down to a long-term terminal rate (4%) by Year 5. This provides a more realistic valuation than assuming constant hyper-growth. We then apply a 8.5x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: AN is currently trading at $167.55, which is considered oversold relative to its 30-day fair value range of $168.24 to $206.70. From a valuation perspective, the stock is trading at a discount (Forward PE: 6.7) compared to its historical average (8.5). Remarkably, the market is currently pricing in an annual earnings decline of 7.8% over the next few years. This pessimistic expectation contrasts with the company's recent 138.5% earnings growth, suggesting potential undervaluation if the company simply maintains stability.
Technical Outlook: Technically, AN is showing sideways momentum. Immediate support is located at $152.86, while resistance sits at $175.31.
Market Sentiment: AN scores 68/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge — the chart has corrected and is stabilizing (RSI reset, momentum turning up), historically a favorable entry zone. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $244.17 (+48.0%). The stock is fairly positioned - fine to hold existing positions or accumulate slowly on dips, but not an urgent buy.
Technical Outlook: Technically, AN is showing sideways momentum. Immediate support is located at $152.86, while resistance sits at $175.31.
Market Sentiment: AN scores 68/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge — the chart has corrected and is stabilizing (RSI reset, momentum turning up), historically a favorable entry zone. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $244.17 (+48.0%). The stock is fairly positioned - fine to hold existing positions or accumulate slowly on dips, but not an urgent buy.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
OVERSOLD
Historical Trading Range
$168.24 -
$206.70
Company Quality Score
56/100
(HOLD)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
90.5%
All Signals
- BULLISH: Price oversold vs 30-day range
- BULLISH: Strong technical setup (68/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- BULLISH: Trading 48.0% below Wall St target ($244.17)
- CAUTION: Bottoming setup, but lagging the sector by 32% over 20 days — wait for relative strength
Trading Range Analysis
30-Day Trading Range
$168.24 -
$206.70
Current vs Trading Range
OVERSOLD
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$152.86
Resistance Level
$175.31
Current Trend
Sideways
Technical data as of
Oct 1, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
6.67
Wall Street Target
$244.17
(+48.0%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
-0.6%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
138.5%
Profit Margin
2.8%
Valuation Discount vs History
-7.8% cheaper
PE vs Historical
6.7 vs 8.5
CHEAP
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
-7.8%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$152.12
(-8%)
2-Year Target
$140.26
(-15%)
3-Year Target
$129.32
(-22%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 7→9)
$164.76
(0%)
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 20.4, Growth: 14.8%)
$762.34
(+362%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 6.7, Growth: 14.8%)
$249.32
(+51%)
Bear:
(PE: 5.7, Growth: 14.8%)
$211.92
(+28%)
📈
Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (7x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (7x PE) as earnings recover.
Trailing PE: 7.27 | Current EPS (TTM): $21.66
Bull Case
$197.73
(+20%)
Analyst growth 14.2%, PE expands to 8.0
Base Case
$179.76
(+9%)
Market implied 14.2%, PE stable at 7.3
Bear Case
$107.06
(-35%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 6.2
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
💡
Upside Surprise Potential
If earnings stabilize (0% growth), PE could expand from 6.7 to 8.5
Stabilization Target:
$210.21
(+27.4%)
PE Expansion Potential:
+27.4%
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: October 02, 2026 10:22 AM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 11:22 AM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 11:22 AM
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Technical Signals Check
Is AN showing a specific setup today?
Insider Activity (6 Months)
0
Buys
0
Sells
0
Net
NEUTRAL
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