AutoZone (NYSE:AZO) Sets New 52-Week Low After Analyst Downgrade

AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO)’s stock price reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Monday after Oppenheimer lowered their price target on the stock from $4,300.00 to $3,500.00. Oppenheimer currently has an outperform rating on the stock. AutoZone traded as low as $2,796.85 and last traded at $2,805.17, with a volume of 599464 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $2,855.31.

Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the company. Mizuho decreased their target price on AutoZone from $3,600.00 to $3,200.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, May 27th. Robert W. Baird decreased their price target on AutoZone from $3,900.00 to $3,600.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, May 27th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on AutoZone from $4,300.00 to $4,000.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, May 27th. Guggenheim lowered their price objective on AutoZone from $4,400.00 to $4,000.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, May 27th. Finally, Truist Financial set a $3,700.00 price target on AutoZone in a research note on Wednesday, May 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have given a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, AutoZone presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $3,887.58.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other AutoZone news, VP Dennis LeRiche sold 1,455 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $3,100.00, for a total value of $4,510,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 441 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,367,100. This trade represents a 76.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 2.60% of the company’s stock.

More AutoZone News

Here are the key news stories impacting AutoZone this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Oppenheimer reiterated a Buy view on AutoZone, while separate analysis suggests the shares could be 21%–26% undervalued. These views may support the stock if earnings show improving operating momentum or guidance. AutoZone Gets a Buy from Oppenheimer AutoZone Stock May Be 21% Undervalued
• Positive Sentiment: AutoZone’s opening of its 8,000th store provides evidence of continued expansion and could reinforce the long-term growth case, although investors will likely focus more immediately on sales, margins, and earnings guidance. AutoZone Could Be Undervalued Following Its 8,000th Store Opening
• Neutral Sentiment: The upcoming earnings release is the dominant short-term event for AZO. Preview coverage is expected to center on comparable-store sales, commercial business growth, profit margins, and management’s outlook for fiscal 2027. AutoZone Earnings Report Preview AutoZone Q4 Earnings Expectations
• Negative Sentiment: Analysts have warned that the Q4 report could be a negative catalyst, and Oppenheimer-related forecast coverage includes a pessimistic scenario. Any earnings miss, weaker same-store sales, margin pressure, or cautious guidance could extend the recent decline. Will AutoZone Stock Rise or Fall After Q4 Earnings? Oppenheimer Issues Pessimistic Forecast

Institutional Trading of AutoZone

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Cherry Tree Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of AutoZone by 47,900.0% during the second quarter. Cherry Tree Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,920 shares of the company’s stock valued at $6,136,000 after buying an additional 1,916 shares during the last quarter. SkyView Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in AutoZone by 11.1% in the 2nd quarter. SkyView Investment Advisors LLC now owns 100 shares of the company’s stock valued at $320,000 after buying an additional 10 shares during the last quarter. Tidal Investments LLC lifted its stake in AutoZone by 29.6% during the 2nd quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 7,922 shares of the company’s stock valued at $25,318,000 after acquiring an additional 1,809 shares in the last quarter. National Pension Service boosted its holdings in AutoZone by 3.6% during the 2nd quarter. National Pension Service now owns 45,649 shares of the company’s stock worth $145,891,000 after acquiring an additional 1,578 shares during the last quarter. Finally, WINTON GROUP Ltd boosted its holdings in AutoZone by 48.6% during the 2nd quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd now owns 110 shares of the company’s stock worth $352,000 after acquiring an additional 36 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 92.74% of the company’s stock.

AutoZone Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of $45.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.29, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 0.34. The company’s 50 day moving average price is $2,994.83 and its 200-day moving average price is $3,216.63.

AutoZone declared that its board has authorized a stock repurchase program on Tuesday, June 16th that permits the company to buyback $1.50 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the company to purchase up to 3% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are usually an indication that the company’s board believes its shares are undervalued.

About AutoZone

AutoZone, Inc is a retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts, accessories, and maintenance products. The company serves do-it-yourself customers, professional service technicians, and commercial repair businesses through its stores, distribution network, and online platform.

Its product offerings include replacement parts such as batteries, brakes, engine components, and ignition products, along with tools, fluids, filters, and other automotive accessories. AutoZone also provides services such as parts lookup, diagnostic assistance, battery testing and charging, and loaner tools for eligible repairs.

Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, AutoZone operates primarily in the United States, with additional locations in Mexico and Brazil.