La vendita allo scoperto per Asbury Automotive Gr dà agli investitori un'idea del grado in cui gli investitori stanno scommettendo sul declino delle azioni di Asbury Automotive Gr. I dati relativi alle vendite allo scoperto vengono aggiornati ogni due settimane.

Asbury Automotive Gr (NYSE:ABG) Azioni, Report sulle vendite allo scoperto

Asbury Automotive Gr

Asbury Automotive Group is a regional collection of automobile dealerships that went public in March 2002. The company operates 155 new-vehicle stores and 37 collision centers. Over 70% of new-vehicle revenue is from luxury and import brands. Asbury also offers third-party financing and insurance products and its own F&I products via Total Care Auto. Asbury operates in 15 states (mostly Texas, the West, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Southeast). Asbury store brands include McDavid and Park Place in Texas, Koons in the Washington, D.C. area, and the Larry H. Miller brand in the Western US. Asbury generated $14.8 billion of revenue in 2023 and is based in the Atlanta area. The firm targets at least $30 billion of revenue sometime between 2025 and 2030.

Asbury Automotive Group Inc

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Analysts' ratings for Asbury Automotive Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABG#NYSE">ABG</a>) over the last quarter vary from bullish to bearish, as provided by 7 analysts.
The table below provides a concise overview of recent ratings by analysts, offering insights into the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and drawing comparisons with the preceding months for a holistic perspective.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets, analyzed by analysts, offer insights with an average target of $248.0, a high estimate of $305.00, and a low estimate of $190.00. This current average has increased by 4.79% from the previous average price target of $236.67. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1730822437_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Analyzing Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Breakdown</h2>
The perception of Asbury Automotive Gr by financial experts is analyzed through recent analyst actions. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Rajat Gupta</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryan Sigdahl</td>
<td>Craig-Hallum</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Murphy</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$305.00</td>
<td>$310.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adam Jonas</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeff Lick</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$216.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rajat Gupta</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adam Jonas</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to Asbury Automotive Gr. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of Asbury Automotive Gr compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Asbury Automotive Gr's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Analyzing these analyst evaluations alongside relevant financial metrics can provide a comprehensive view of Asbury Automotive Gr's market position. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ABG/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Asbury Automotive Gr analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Discovering Asbury Automotive Gr: A Closer Look</h2>
Asbury Automotive Group is a regional collection of automobile dealerships that went public in March 2002. The company operates 155 new-vehicle stores and 37 collision centers. Over 70% of new-vehicle revenue is from luxury and import brands. Asbury also offers third-party financing and insurance products and its own F&amp;I products via Total Care Auto. Asbury operates in 15 states (mostly Texas, the West, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Southeast). Asbury store brands include McDavid and Park Place in Texas, Koons in the Washington, D.C. area, and the Larry H. Miller brand in the Western US. Asbury generated $14.8 billion of revenue in 2023 and is based in the Atlanta area. The firm targets at least $30 billion of revenue sometime between 2025 and 2030.
<h3>Asbury Automotive Gr's Financial Performance</h3>
Market Capitalization: With restricted market capitalization, the company is positioned below industry averages. This reflects a smaller scale relative to peers.
Revenue Growth: Asbury Automotive Gr's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 30 September, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 15.56%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Consumer Discretionary sector.
Net Margin: Asbury Automotive Gr's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 2.98%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Asbury Automotive Gr's ROE is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of 3.77%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 1.23%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 1.52, Asbury Automotive Gr adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
Experts in banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their comprehensive research involves attending company conference calls and meetings, analyzing financial statements, and engaging with insiders to generate what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Analyst Ratings

Navigating 7 Analyst Ratings For Asbury Automotive Gr

JP Morgan analyst Rajat Gupta maintains Asbury Automotive Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABG#NYSE">ABG</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $265 to $260.

News

Price Target

JP Morgan Maintains Neutral on Asbury Automotive Gr, Lowers Price Target to $260

Craig-Hallum analyst Ryan Sigdahl maintains Asbury Automotive Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABG#NYSE">ABG</a>) with a Hold and raises the price target from $240 to $260.

Craig-Hallum Maintains Hold on Asbury Automotive Gr, Raises Price Target to $260

Asbury Automotive Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABG#NYSE">ABG</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $6.35 per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $6.58 by 3.5 percent. The company reported quarterly sales of $4.24 billion which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $4.30 billion by 1.50 percent. This is a 15.57 percent increase over sales of $3.67 billion the same period last year.

Earnings

Earnings Misses

Asbury Automotive Gr Q3 2024 Adj EPS $6.35 Misses $6.58 Estimate, Sales $4.24B Miss $4.30B Estimate

During the last three months, 5 analysts shared their evaluations of Asbury Automotive Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABG#NYSE">ABG</a>), revealing diverse outlooks from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Insights from analysts' 12-month price targets are revealed, presenting an average target of $243.2, a high estimate of $305.00, and a low estimate of $190.00. Marking an increase of 6.32%, the current average surpasses the previous average price target of $228.75. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1728936019_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study</h2>
The standing of Asbury Automotive Gr among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>John Murphy</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$305.00</td>
<td>$310.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adam Jonas</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeff Lick</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$216.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rajat Gupta</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adam Jonas</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Asbury Automotive Gr. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Asbury Automotive Gr compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance.</li>
</ul>
Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of Asbury Automotive Gr's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ABG/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Asbury Automotive Gr analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Unveiling the Story Behind Asbury Automotive Gr</h2>
Asbury Automotive Group is a regional collection of automobile dealerships that went public in March 2002. The company operates 155 new-vehicle stores and 37 collision centers. Over 70% of new-vehicle revenue is from luxury and import brands. Asbury also offers third-party financing and insurance products and its own F&amp;I products via Total Care Auto. Asbury operates in 15 states (mostly Texas, the West, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Southeast). Asbury store brands include McDavid and Park Place in Texas, Koons in the Washington, D.C. area, and the Larry H. Miller brand in the Western US. Asbury generated $14.8 billion of revenue in 2023 and is based in the Atlanta area. The firm targets at least $30 billion of revenue sometime between 2025 and 2030.
<h3>Asbury Automotive Gr: A Financial Overview</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Reflecting a smaller scale, the company's market capitalization is positioned below industry averages. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Revenue Growth: Asbury Automotive Gr displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 30 June, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 13.46%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Consumer Discretionary sector.
Net Margin: Asbury Automotive Gr's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 0.66% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): Asbury Automotive Gr's ROE is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of 0.84%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns for shareholders.
Return on Assets (ROA): Asbury Automotive Gr's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 0.27% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: Asbury Automotive Gr's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 1.58, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>The Basics of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
In addition to their assessments, some analysts extend their insights by offering predictions for key metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates. This supplementary information provides further guidance for traders. It is crucial to recognize that, despite their specialization, analysts are human and can only provide forecasts based on their beliefs.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

What Analysts Are Saying About Asbury Automotive Gr Stock

B of A Securities analyst John Murphy maintains Asbury Automotive Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABG#NYSE">ABG</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $310 to $305.

B of A Securities Maintains Buy on Asbury Automotive Gr, Lowers Price Target to $305

Company Says the FTC&#39;s Administrative Process Is Unconstitutional, Depriving Its Right to a Jury Trial

Reported Earlier, Asbury Automotive Files Lawsuit Against FTC, Alleges Violation Of Constitutional Jury Trial Rights

The court&#39;s order followed the filing of a lawsuit by Asbury in the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia.
Prior to the entry of the order, CDK had refused to transfer the dealerships&#39; data to Tekion, which competes with CDK in providing Dealership Management System services to automotive dealerships. DMS services are used by automotive dealerships to manage their day-to-day business activities.

Legal

Asbury Automotive Says It Won Preliminary Injunction Against CDK Global; Reports Entry Of Court Order Directing CDK Global To Provide Data For Four Asbury Dealerships To Tekion Corp

Analysts at Morgan Stanley sparked a shakeup across auto stocks Wednesday as the firm moved to the sidelines on automakers and turned more positive on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-auto-parts-stocks">dealers and parts companies</a>.
What Happened: Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas downgraded Ford Motor Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>), General Motors Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) and Rivian Automotive Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) on Wednesday as he cut his overall U.S. auto industry outlook from Attractive to In Line.
Jonas&#8217; more sour view of the auto industry landscape is being driven by a combination of factors he believes may not be fully understood by the market, including climbing inventories, vehicle affordability challenges, rising credit losses and delinquencies and growth slowdowns in China.
&#8220;In addition, our previous attractive industry view was supported by our expectation of significant strategic changes such as lower capex and potential consolidation (M&amp;A/partnership) to improve capital efficiency. While there has been some modicum of progress, it has failed to meet our expectations,&#8221; the Morgan Stanley analyst said in a new note to clients.
Jonas also noted Morgan Stanley had been optimistic about automakers getting a boost for being AI enablers, but that concerns about the significant capital requirements for AI development now counter thesis.
Finally, investors are looking for an opportunity in the market driven by the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/41008403/consumer-confidence-tumbles-as-concerns-over-labor-market-grow-odds-rise-for-50-b">Federal Reserve&#8217;s rate-cutting cycle</a>, but although rate cuts can provide &#8220;temporary&#8221; relief for automakers, cuts are not likely to drive material outperformance, Jonas said.
The Morgan Stanley analyst highlighted data showing that although U.S. auto stocks have modestly outperformed on average in the six months following a rate cut, they have historically underperformed over the subsequent six-month period.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/41024067/mortgage-demand-soars-as-fed-interest-rate-cut-fuels-housing-market-revival-next-sp">Mortgage Demand Soars As Fed Interest Rate Cut Fuels Housing Market Revival: &#8216;Next Spring Could See A Real Rebound&#8217;</a>
Ford Downgrade: Morgan Stanley downgraded Ford from Overweight to Equal-Weight and lowered the price target from $16 to $12.
Jonas expects Ford to suffer greater market share losses through the end of the decade. The analyst also anticipates pricing headwinds and regulatory compliance risk, which could hurt profitability. Jonas lowered his normalized earnings expectations by 15.1%. 
Morgan Stanley has a bull case price target of $19 on Ford stock and a bear case price target of $6.
GM Downgrade: Morgan Stanley downgraded GM from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">Equal-Weight to Underweight</a> and lowered the price target from&nbsp;$47&nbsp;to&nbsp;$42.
Jonas sees a lot of the same headwinds in front of GM. He specifically pointed to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40981404/us-proposes-ban-on-vehicles-equipped-with-chinese-software-as-team-biden-cracks-down-on-foreign-adve">China concerns</a> as one of the main drivers of the downgrade. GM has significant exposure to the Chinese automakers through its joint ventures, the analyst said.
&#8220;In addition, we believe investors may not appreciate the potentially adverse impact that excess capacity in China has on other highly profitable regions in the global auto market,&#8221; Jonas said.
Morgan Stanley lowered its normalized earnings estimates for GM by 16.4% but left its bull case price target of $62 and bear case price target of $28 unchanged.
Rivian Downgrade: Morgan Stanley downgraded Rivian from Overweight to Equal-Weight and lowered the price target from $16 to $13.
&#8220;The downgrade reflects our incorporation of the capital intensity of AV/ADAS which may be required to fulfill the technological underpinnings that attracted Volkswagen as a JV partner,&#8221; Jonas said. 
The Morgan Stanley analyst increased his annual capex estimates by $200 to $300 million per year beginning in 2026 as he waits for management to announce details around its joint venture cost structure. 
Morgan Stanley&#8217;s new price target of $13 consists of $10 per share in value for the automotive business and $3 per share in value for Rivian&#8217;s software and services business. The firm has a bull case price target of $29 and a bear case target of $6.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40985825/tesla-and-chinese-ev-startups-outpace-toyota-volkswagen-in-critical-software-race-report">Tesla And Chinese EV Startups Outpace Toyota, Volkswagen In Critical Software Race: Report</a>
Why It Matters: On the flip side, Morgan Stanley upgraded franchise dealers as the firm believes we are in the later innings of mean reversion in the franchise dealer model relative to legacy automakers who are just now going through peak earnings and are battling increased headwinds. 
&#8220;We believe that our latent concerns about the franchise dealer business model (secular DTC bear case, mean reversion thesis) have proven largely mitigated and see greater risk in other pockets of our U.S. autos coverage,&#8221; Jonas said.
Franchise dealers have proven to be pretty resilient by managing costs and focusing more on parts and services profits. Given the slower-than-expected <a href="http://benzinga.com/topic/evs">EV</a> adoption pace, these companies stand to benefit from a longer internal combustion engine parts tail and strength in hybrids, the analyst said.
Furthermore, many of the franchise dealers are more geared toward the higher-end consumer, which helps insulate the companies from a broader deterioration in auto credit relative to other areas of Morgan Stanley&#8217;s coverage.
<ul>
<li>Morgan Stanley upgraded Group 1 Automotive Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPI#NYSE">GPI</a>) from Equal Weight to Overweight and raised the price target to $430.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Morgan Stanley upgraded Penske Automotive Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PAG#NYSE">PAG</a>) from Underweight to Overweight and raised the price target from $115 to $180.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Morgan Stanley upgraded AutoNation Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AN#NYSE">AN</a>) from Equal-Weight to Overweight and raised the price target from $145 to $200.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Morgan Stanley upgraded Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABG#NYSE">ABG</a>) from Underweight to Equal-Weight and raised the price target from $190 to $240.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Morgan Stanley upgraded Lithia Motors (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LAD#NYSE">LAD</a>) from Underweight to Equal-Weight and raised the price target from $225 to $310.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Morgan Stanley upgraded Sonic Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>) from Underweight to Equal-Weight and raised the price target from $40 to $58.</li>
</ul>
F, GM, RIVN Price Action: At publication time, Ford shares were down 4.46% at $10.39, GM shares were down 5.51% at $45.42 and Rivian shares were down 6.42% at $11.10, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
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Photo: Shutterstock.

Analyst Color

Upgrades

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General

RIVN

Analyst Ditches Automakers For Auto Dealers, Parts Companies

Asbury Automotive Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABG#NYSE">ABG</a>) underwent analysis by 4 analysts in the last quarter, revealing a spectrum of viewpoints from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $227.75, a high estimate of $265.00, and a low estimate of $190.00. This upward trend is apparent, with the current average reflecting a 12.93% increase from the previous average price target of $201.67.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727272819_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown</h2>
The analysis of recent analyst actions sheds light on the perception of Asbury Automotive Gr by financial experts. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Adam Jonas</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeff Lick</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$216.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rajat Gupta</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adam Jonas</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Asbury Automotive Gr. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analyzing trends, analysts offer qualitative evaluations, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Asbury Automotive Gr compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Asbury Automotive Gr's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into Asbury Automotive Gr's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ABG/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Asbury Automotive Gr analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About Asbury Automotive Gr</h2>
Asbury Automotive Group is a regional collection of automobile dealerships that went public in March 2002. The company operates 155 new-vehicle stores and 37 collision centers. Over 70% of new-vehicle revenue is from luxury and import brands. Asbury also offers third-party financing and insurance products and its own F&amp;I products via Total Care Auto. Asbury operates in 15 states (mostly Texas, the West, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Southeast). Asbury store brands include McDavid and Park Place in Texas, Koons in the Washington, D.C. area, and the Larry H. Miller brand in the Western US. Asbury generated $14.8 billion of revenue in 2023 and is based in the Atlanta area. The firm targets at least $30 billion of revenue sometime between 2025 and 2030.
<h3>Unraveling the Financial Story of Asbury Automotive Gr</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company exhibits a lower market capitalization profile, positioning itself below industry averages. This suggests a smaller scale relative to peers.
Revenue Growth: Asbury Automotive Gr displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 30 June, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 13.46%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Consumer Discretionary sector.
Net Margin: Asbury Automotive Gr's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 0.66%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Asbury Automotive Gr's ROE lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns on equity capital. With an ROE of 0.84%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): Asbury Automotive Gr's ROA stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 0.27%, the company demonstrates effective utilization of assets and strong financial performance.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 1.58.
<h2>The Significance of Analyst Ratings Explained</h2>
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Where Asbury Automotive Gr Stands With Analysts

Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas upgrades Asbury Automotive Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABG#NYSE">ABG</a>) from Underweight to Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $190 to $240.

Morgan Stanley Upgrades Asbury Automotive Gr to Equal-Weight, Raises Price Target to $240

Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Jeff Lick initiates coverage on Asbury Automotive Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABG#NYSE">ABG</a>) with a Equal-Weight rating and announces Price Target of $216.

Initiation

Stephens & Co. Initiates Coverage On Asbury Automotive Gr with Equal-Weight Rating, Announces Price Target of $216

JP Morgan analyst Rajat Gupta maintains Asbury Automotive Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABG#NYSE">ABG</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $230 to $265.

JP Morgan Maintains Neutral on Asbury Automotive Gr, Raises Price Target to $265

Reported Friday, Asbury Automotive Group Refutes FTC Allegations, Pledges Strong Legal Defense Against Accusations Of Unfair Sales Practice

David Hult, President &amp; CEO at Asbury Automotive Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABG#NYSE">ABG</a>), reported an insider sell on August 15, according to a new SEC filing. 
What Happened: A Form 4 filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001144980/000114498024000134//Archives/edgar/data/1144980/000114498024000134/0001144980-24-000134-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Thursday outlined that Hult executed a sale of 8,190 shares of Asbury Automotive Gr with a total value of $1,900,928.
Asbury Automotive Gr's shares are actively trading at $231.99, experiencing a down of 0.0% during Friday's morning session.
<h3>Discovering Asbury Automotive Gr: A Closer Look</h3>
Asbury Automotive Group is a regional collection of automobile dealerships that went public in March 2002. The company operates 155 new-vehicle stores and 37 collision centers. Over 70% of new-vehicle revenue is from luxury and import brands. Asbury also offers third-party financing and insurance products and its own F&amp;I products via Total Care Auto. Asbury operates in 15 states (mostly Texas, the West, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Southeast). Asbury store brands include McDavid and Park Place in Texas, Koons in the Washington, D.C. area, and the Larry H. Miller brand in the Western US. Asbury generated $14.8 billion of revenue in 2023 and is based in the Atlanta area. The firm targets at least $30 billion of revenue sometime between 2025 and 2030.
<h3>Asbury Automotive Gr: Delving into Financials</h3>
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Asbury Automotive Gr's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 13.46% as of 30 June, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Consumer Discretionary sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.
Insights into Profitability:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company issues a cost efficiency warning with a low gross margin of 17.21%, indicating potential difficulties in maintaining profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Asbury Automotive Gr's EPS lags behind the industry average, indicating concerns and potential challenges with a current EPS of 1.4.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 1.58, Asbury Automotive Gr adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
Insights into Valuation Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The P/E ratio of 11.79 is lower than the industry average, implying a discounted valuation for Asbury Automotive Gr's stock.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a P/S ratio of 0.3 below industry standards, the stock shows potential undervaluation, making it an appealing investment option for those focusing on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): Asbury Automotive Gr's EV/EBITDA ratio at 11.86 suggests potential undervaluation, falling below industry averages.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is below the industry average, suggesting that it is relatively smaller compared to peers. This could be due to various factors, including perceived growth potential or operational scale.
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<h3>Illuminating the Importance of Insider Transactions</h3>
It's important to note that insider transactions alone should not dictate investment decisions, but they can provide valuable insights.
Within the legal framework, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities as per Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
The initiation of a new purchase by a company insider serves as a strong indication that they expect the stock to rise.
However, insider sells may not always signal a bearish view and can be influenced by various factors.
<h3>Understanding Crucial Transaction Codes</h3>
When it comes to transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> tend to focus on those in the open market, detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S indicates a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0001144980">Check Out The Full List Of Asbury Automotive Gr's Insider Trades.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Trades

Trading Ideas

Insider Transaction: David Hult Sells $1.90M Worth Of Asbury Automotive Gr Shares

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SFIX

Shares of companies in the retail and consumer discretionary sector are trading higher following stronger-than-expected retail sales data and strong earnings from Walmart.

Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas maintains Asbury Automotive Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABG#NYSE">ABG</a>) with a Underweight and raises the price target from $185 to $190.

Morgan Stanley Maintains Underweight on Asbury Automotive Gr, Raises Price Target to $190

Asbury Automotive Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/abg#NYSE">ABG</a>) came out with quarterly earnings of $6.40 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.31 per share. This compares to earnings of $8.95 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -12.45%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this auto dealership chain would post earnings of $7.78 per share when it actually produced earnings of $7.21, delivering a surprise of -7.33%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has not been able to surpass consensus EPS estimates.
Asbury Automotive, which belongs to the Zacks Automotive - Retail and Whole Sales industry, posted revenues of $4.25 billion for the quarter ended June 2024, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.67%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $3.74 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates just once over the last four quarters.
The sustainability of the stock&#39;s immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management&#39;s commentary on the earnings call.
Asbury Automotive shares have added about 17.1% since the beginning of the year versus the S&amp;P 500&#39;s gain of 14.2%.
<h2>What&#39;s Next for Asbury Automotive?</h2>
While Asbury Automotive has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors&#39; minds is: what&#39;s next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company&#39;s earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Asbury Automotive: mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company&#39;s just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $7.35 on $4.37 billion in revenues for the coming quarter and $29.12 on $17.31 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Automotive - Retail and Whole Sales is currently in the bottom 14% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
Another stock from the same industry, Titan Machinery (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/titn#NASDAQ">TITN</a>), has yet to report results for the quarter ended July 2024.
This agriculture and construction equipment seller is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.62 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -55.1%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
Titan Machinery&#39;s revenues are expected to be $687.3 million, up 7% from the year-ago quarter.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2314992/asbury-automotive-group-abg-q2-earnings-and-revenues-lag-estimates?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-tale_of_the_tape|yseop_template_4-2314992">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Small Cap

Markets

TITN

Asbury Automotive Group Q2 Earnings and Revenues Lag Estimates

Asbury Automotive shares are trading lower after the company reported worse-than-expected Q2 financial results.

Asbury Automotive Says It Repurchased Approximately 193,000 Shares For $43M In Q2, And Approximately 592,000 Shares For $130M Year-to-date Through August 1, 2024

Group 1 Automotive: Still Great, Still On Sale

In a report released today, Ryan Sigdahl from Craig-Hallum maintained a Hold rating on Asbury (ABG – Research Report). The company's shares closed ...

Craig-Hallum Reaffirms Their Hold Rating on Asbury (ABG)

Asbury Automotive Q3 2024 Earnings Preview

Here's the major earnings before the open tomorrow

Asbury Automotive Non-GAAP EPS of $6.35, revenue of $4.2B

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. 2024 Q3 - Results - Earnings Call Presentation

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (ABG) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Transcript

Craig-Hallum raised the firm's price target on Asbury Automotive (ABG) to $260 from $240 and keeps a Hold rating on the shares. The firm notes Asbu...

Asbury Automotive price target raised to $260 from $240 at Craig-Hallum

Asbury Automotive: Attractive Valuation Looking Past Near-Term Noise

JPMorgan analyst Rajat Gupta lowered the firm's price target on Asbury Automotive (ABG) to $260 from $265 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares....

Asbury Automotive price target lowered to $260 from $265 at JPMorgan

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Press Releases

Asbury Automotive Group Schedules Release of Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Asbury Automotive Group Reports Second Quarter Results

Asbury Automotive Group Named in America's Fastest-Growing Companies List by the Financial Times

Kerrigan Advisors Represents Asbury Automotive Group in Sale of Atlanta-based Nalley Chevrolet

Asbury Automotive Denies Unfounded FTC Allegations, Vows a Vigorous Defense

Asbury Automotive Wins Preliminary Injunction Against CDK Global LLC

Asbury Automotive Sues to Block Administrative Proceeding by the Federal Trade Commission

Asbury Automotive Group Schedules Release of Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Asbury Automotive Group Reports Third Quarter Results

Asbury Automotive Group's Wendy Reynolds-Dobbs is Recognized as an Automotive News Champion of Diversity

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