AutoZone Inc. stock holds steady as earnings and new price targets approach
📈 Analysts forecast Q4 fiscal 2026 revenue rising 7.49% year-over-year to approximately $6.71 billion.
💰 Expected quarterly earnings per share are projected to reach $54.14, an 11% increase from the prior year.
📉 Oppenheimer lowered its price target to $3,500 citing concerns over higher oil prices and fuel cost risks.
🏦 Institutional ownership remains high at 92.74%, with Nykredit A/S acquiring an additional stake in Q2.
💸 The company authorized a new $1.5 billion share repurchase program to return capital to shareholders.
📊 Options traders are pricing in approximately 10% volatility around the upcoming September 22 earnings release.
📉 AutoZone shares are trading near their 12-month low of $2,815 despite a consensus target price of $3,913.62.
Bullish Signals
- Analysts forecast Q4 fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 7.49% year-over-year to approximately $6.71 billion.
- Expected quarterly earnings per share are projected to reach $54.14, representing an 11% increase from the prior year.
- The company maintains a strong profit margin of 51.75% and a trailing P/E ratio near 19x.
- Institutional ownership is robust at 92.74%, with recent accumulation by Nykredit A/S adding to shareholder stability.
- AutoZone has authorized a $1.5 billion share repurchase program to support capital returns and EPS growth.
Risk Factors
- Analyst Oppenheimer lowered its price target from $4,300 to $3,500 due to concerns regarding higher oil prices.
- Rising fuel costs pose a specific risk that could pressure driving activity and impact core retail operations.
Full Analysis
AutoZone Inc. stock is trading near $2,860 ahead of its anticipated Q4 fiscal 2026 earnings release scheduled for September 22, 2026. Analysts forecast revenue growth of approximately 7.5% year-over-year to roughly $6.71 billion and expect EPS to jump to $54.14, representing an 11% increase from the prior year's quarter.
The company maintains a strong profitability profile with profit margins around 51.75% and a trailing P/E ratio near 19x. While the consensus analyst rating remains Moderate Buy with a target price of $3,913.62, recent caution has emerged from major firms like Oppenheimer, which lowered its price target citing macroeconomic risks related to higher fuel costs and potential pressure on driving activity.
Institutional ownership stands at 92.74%, with notable recent accumulation by Nykredit A/S. The options market is pricing in significant volatility around the earnings event, expecting a move of approximately 10%. Strategically, AutoZone has authorized a $1.5 billion share repurchase program to support capital returns and EPS growth over time.
