AutoZone (NYSE:AZO) Given “Neutral” Rating at Mizuho

Mizuho reiterated their neutral rating on shares of AutoZone (NYSE:AZO) in a report published on Monday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. They currently have a $3,550.00 price objective on the stock, down from their prior price objective of $3,850.00.

Other analysts have also issued reports about the stock. BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on shares of AutoZone from $4,600.00 to $4,400.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Rothschild & Co Redburn lifted their price objective on shares of AutoZone from $4,300.00 to $4,700.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of AutoZone from $4,000.00 to $4,700.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Wednesday, September 24th. Cowen reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of AutoZone in a report on Thursday, September 18th. Finally, Guggenheim cut their price target on AutoZone from $4,600.00 to $4,400.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-four have issued a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, AutoZone has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $4,330.84.

AutoZone Stock Performance

AutoZone stock opened at $3,268.38 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $54.15 billion, a PE ratio of 22.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 0.42. AutoZone has a fifty-two week low of $3,162.00 and a fifty-two week high of $4,388.11. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $3,649.96 and a 200 day moving average price of $3,865.57.

AutoZone (NYSE:AZO) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, December 9th. The company reported $31.04 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $32.69 by ($1.65). AutoZone had a negative return on equity of 65.38% and a net margin of 12.78%.The firm had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.64 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $32.52 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 8.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that AutoZone will post 152.94 earnings per share for the current year.

AutoZone announced that its board has approved a share buyback program on Wednesday, October 8th that permits the company to buyback $0.00 in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the company to reacquire shares of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are usually a sign that the company’s board believes its shares are undervalued.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Earl G. Graves, Jr. sold 250 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $3,295.00, for a total value of $823,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 4,887 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $16,102,665. This represents a 4.87% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director George R. Mrkonic, Jr. sold 97 shares of AutoZone stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $3,341.99, for a total value of $324,173.03. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 3,564 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,910,852.36. This trade represents a 2.65% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders bought 347 shares of company stock worth $1,179,256 and sold 3,180 shares worth $12,465,312. Company insiders own 2.60% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of AZO. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of AutoZone during the third quarter worth about $26,000. Turning Point Benefit Group Inc. acquired a new stake in AutoZone during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Global Trust Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of AutoZone by 600.0% in the 3rd quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC now owns 7 shares of the company’s stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 6 shares during the last quarter. Aspect Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of AutoZone by 700.0% in the 2nd quarter. Aspect Partners LLC now owns 8 shares of the company’s stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 7 shares during the period. Finally, Salomon & Ludwin LLC purchased a new stake in shares of AutoZone in the third quarter valued at approximately $34,000. 92.74% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Key AutoZone News

Here are the key news stories impacting AutoZone this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Brokerage consensus remains constructive — analysts collectively rate AZO a “Moderate Buy,” which supports baseline investor demand and can cushion downside. AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO) Given Consensus Rating of “Moderate Buy” by Brokerages
• Neutral Sentiment: A recent analyst piece lays out a shifting investment story for AutoZone (valuation, margin pressure and slower comps), useful context for longer-term positioning but not a single near-term catalyst. What Recent Developments Mean For The Changing AutoZone AZO Investment Story
• Negative Sentiment: Mizuho downgraded AZO from Outperform to Neutral and trimmed its price target (citing valuation and nearer‑term earnings visibility), a direct sell‑side catalyst that likely pressured the stock. AutoZone downgraded to neutral from outperform at Mizuho
• Negative Sentiment: Company insiders disclosed small director stock sales in early January — Earl G. Graves, Jr. sold 250 shares and George R. Mrkonic, Jr. sold 97 shares. While amounts are modest relative to their holdings, the filings can amplify near‑term negative sentiment. Earl G. Graves Jr SEC filing George R. Mrkonic Jr SEC filing
• Negative Sentiment: Recent quarterly results missed EPS and revenue estimates modestly (reported Dec. 9), which worsens near‑term earnings visibility and likely factored into analyst caution. AZO company financials and earnings summary

AutoZone Company Profile

AutoZone, Inc (NYSE: AZO) is a retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company supplies a wide range of aftermarket components, maintenance items and accessories for passenger cars, light trucks and commercial vehicles. Its product assortment includes engine parts, electrical components, batteries, brakes, filters, fluids and interior and exterior accessories, supported by inventory management and logistics systems to serve retail customers and professional service providers.

AutoZone serves both do‑it‑yourself (DIY) consumers and commercial customers such as independent repair shops and service centers.