Core Insights - AutoNation has raised over $45 million for cancer-related causes, including $4 million last year, and has delivered more than 36,000 Totes for Hope to cancer patients [6][11] - The company continues its year-round commitment to cancer fundraising through its DRV PNK initiative, which supports various cancer prevention, education, research, treatment, and survivorship programs [6][8] - AutoNation's associates have actively participated in fundraising events, raising significant amounts for local children's hospitals and cancer research [3][5] Fundraising and Contributions - AutoNation associates from 17 locations in Phoenix raised over $80,000 for Phoenix Children's Hospital and participated in the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, raising $540,000 for Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center [3] - In Georgia, associates from 13 stores raised over $75,000 for CURE Childhood Cancer during a community event [5] - The company has generated more than $2 million through DRV PNK to support pediatric cancer initiatives [7] Community Engagement - AutoNation's associates delivered Totes for Hope filled with comfort items to pediatric cancer patients at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and other facilities nationwide [4] - The company donated a new vehicle to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation to support its operations [4][7] - AutoNation's DRV PNK initiative has become the cornerstone of its philanthropic efforts, funding groundbreaking research and patient programs across the country [10] Partnerships and Support - DRV PNK supports a wide range of cancer organizations, including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, and the American Cancer Society [9][10] - Customers at AutoNation locations can contribute to cancer-related causes at checkout, with nearly $2 million raised through customer donations since partnering with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation [8]

Group 1 - AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN) has shown strong performance over the past year, with shares gaining over 20% [1] - Despite uncertainties around new car sales due to auto tariffs, enduring service demand and ongoing capital returns have supported AutoNation's results [1] - The company has over fifteen years of experience making contrarian bets based on macro views and stock-specific turnaround stories to achieve outsized returns with a favorable risk/reward profile [1]

Shares of AutoNation (NYSE: AN ) have been a strong performer over the past year, gaining over 20%. While auto tariffs have created meaningful uncertainty around new car sales, enduring service demand and ongoing capital returns have continued to support AN’s results. Additionally, the impact ofOver fifteen years of experience making contrarian bets based on my macro view and stock-specific turnaround stories to garner outsized returns with a favorable risk/reward profile. If you want me to cover a specific ...

Group 1 - AutoNation, Inc. has announced the grand re-opening of its Porsche Newport Beach retail and service center [1] - The redevelopment was designed to provide an unparalleled luxury automotive experience [1]

Sep 16, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time The Presidio Group Exclusively Advises AutoNation on Acquisition of Mercedes-Benz of Chicago and Fletcher Jones Audi from Fletcher Jones Automotive Group Share CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Presidio Group LLC ("Presidio†), an independent merchant banking firm focused on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and investments in the automotive retail and consumer mobility sectors, exclusively advised AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN) on its acquisition of a Mercedes- ...

Acquisition Details - AutoNation, Inc. has acquired two luxury stores in Chicago, specifically Fletcher Jones Audi and Mercedes-Benz of Chicago, effective September 15, 2025, representing approximately $325 million in annual revenue and 4,500 retail new and used vehicle annual unit sales [1] - This acquisition increases AutoNation's location count in the greater Chicago area to 10, which includes two Audi stores, three Mercedes-Benz stores, one BMW store, three Import stores, and one collision center [1] Strategic Impact - The CEO of AutoNation, Mike Manley, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating it will enhance the luxury brand portfolio, deepen market presence, and create scale that drives customer experience and shareholder value [1] Company Overview - AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and expert maintenance and repair services [1] - The company has raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes through its initiative DRV PNK, demonstrating its commitment to making a positive impact in the community [1]

Core Viewpoint - U.S. franchise auto dealerships are showing solid momentum despite tariff challenges and the expiration of EV credits, with demand remaining better than expected in the near term [1][2]. Demand and Affordability - Retail new-vehicle sales are experiencing mid- to high-single-digit growth in Q3, driven by stable consumer spending and limited price increases from OEMs despite tariffs [4]. - The expiration of certain EV incentives has accelerated demand, increasing the battery-electric vehicle mix to approximately 10% in the current quarter, up from about 7% in the previous quarter [4]. Inventory and Profitability - Inventory levels and days' supply are stable, contributing to a gradual normalization in gross profit per unit (GPU) rather than a sudden reset [5]. - Used vehicle volumes remain strong, and service lanes are experiencing healthy traffic and pricing, indicating the resilience of higher-margin fixed operations [5][7]. Market Outlook - JPMorgan has raised its Q3 estimates for U.S. franchise auto dealers, projecting about 2% above previous estimates and roughly 7% above consensus [6]. - The bank's top picks include Lithia & Driveway and AutoNation, while noting potential impacts from a recent cyber incident affecting some U.K.-exposed operators [6]. Future Risks - Looking beyond Q3, there are increasing risks to demand and GPUs as EV credits phase out and tariffs are fully reflected in vehicle prices, alongside a softening labor market in key regions [8]. - JPMorgan forecasts a U.S. SAAR of approximately 15.5 million in 2026, slightly down from 16.0 million in 2025, with potential upside if trade outcomes with Canada and Mexico improve [8].

Core Viewpoint - U.S. franchise auto dealerships are showing resilience in fundamentals despite potential macroeconomic headwinds, with demand performing better than expected in the near term [1][2]. Demand and Affordability - Retail new-vehicle sales are experiencing mid- to high-single-digit growth in Q3, driven by stable consumer spending and limited price increases from OEMs despite tariffs [4]. - The expiration of certain EV incentives has accelerated demand, increasing the battery-electric vehicle mix to approximately 10% in the current quarter, up from about 7% in the previous quarter [4]. Inventory and Profitability - Inventory levels and days' supply are stable, contributing to a gradual normalization in gross profit per unit (GPU) rather than a sudden reset [5]. - Used vehicle volumes remain strong, and service lanes are experiencing healthy traffic and pricing, indicating robust higher-margin fixed operations [5]. Market Outlook - JPMorgan has raised its Q3 estimates, projecting them to be about 2% above previous estimates and roughly 7% above consensus [6]. - The bank's top picks in the sector are Lithia & Driveway and AutoNation, although a recent cyber incident may impact certain U.K.-exposed operators [6]. Used Vehicle Market - Industry checks indicate mid- to high-single-digit year-over-year gains in used retail sales through July and August, with tight late-model supply expected to ease in the coming quarters [7]. - Wholesale prices have cooled after an initial spike due to tariffs, and retail/wholesale spreads suggest a favorable GPU environment, although sourcing remains competitive [7]. Future Risks - Beyond Q3, there are increasing risks to demand and GPUs as EV credits expire and tariffs are fully reflected in vehicle prices amid a softening labor market [8]. - JPMorgan projects a U.S. SAAR of approximately 15.5 million in 2026, slightly down from 16.0 million in 2025, with potential upside if trade outcomes with Canada and Mexico improve [8].

AutoNation (NYSE:AN) disclosed on Tuesday that Edward Lampert lowered his stake in the retailer to 4.6% from a prior stake of 6.0%. Through his hedge fund, ESL Investments, Lampert has been a major shareholder in AutoNation (NYSE:AN) for many ...

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market is expected to face ongoing volatility due to uncertainties surrounding trade policies, economic challenges, and changing investor sentiment [1] - A 90-day extension on higher tariffs against China provides temporary relief, but the lack of clarity on tariffs suggests that volatility will persist [1] Investment Strategy - Investors are encouraged to consider broker recommendations as a practical approach to identify promising stocks amid market uncertainty [2] - Broker-backed stocks such as American Axle & Manufacturing (AXL), Brookdale Senior Living (BKD), Adient (ADNT), Asbury Automotive (ABG), and AutoNation (AN) are highlighted as attractive options for potential returns [2][8] Stock Screening Methodology - A screening process has been developed to identify stocks based on improving broker recommendations and upward revisions in earnings estimates over the past four weeks [3] - The screening criteria include net upgrades in ratings, percentage change in earnings estimates, and price-to-sales ratio, focusing on companies with strong top-line performance [4][5] Featured Stocks - **American Axle & Manufacturing (AXL)**: The company is making significant progress in the electric drive sector and has secured multiple contracts, indicating strong growth potential. AXL has exceeded earnings estimates by an average of 584.1% over the past four quarters [6][7] - **Brookdale Senior Living (BKD)**: An increase in occupancy rates is expected to drive higher resident fee revenues, contributing to growth in adjusted EBITDA. BKD's earnings estimate for 2025 has been revised upward by 7.8% from 2024 [9] - **Adient (ADNT)**: The company has a diverse customer base and is focused on product launches to secure new business. ADNT has beaten earnings estimates in three of the past four quarters, with an average beat of 30.3% [10][11] - **Asbury Automotive (ABG)**: The company's diversified product mix and e-commerce platform are driving growth. ABG has beaten earnings estimates in two of the past four quarters, with an average beat of 5.9% [12][13] - **AutoNation (AN)**: As one of the largest automotive retailers, AutoNation is expanding its store network and embracing digital transformation. AN has surpassed earnings estimates in three of the past four quarters, with an average beat of 7.5% [14][15]