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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN), the $6.8 billion specialty retail giant, conducted its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Wednesday, where a series of proposals were put to vote, including the election of director nominees and executive compensation. According to InvestingPro data, the company has demonstrated strong shareholder returns over the past five years, while management has been actively buying back shares.
The nine director nominees were elected for a term expiring at the next Annual Meeting or until their successors are elected and qualified. The elected directors include Rick L. Burdick, Claire Bennett, David B. Edelson, Robert R. Grusky, Norman K. Jenkins, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Michael Manley, G. Mike Mikan, and Jacqueline A. Travisano. The votes for each ranged from 31,639,979 to 33,044,671, with abstentions and broker non-votes also recorded.
In addition, the stockholders approved the proposal to ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year 2025. This proposal received overwhelming support with 35,073,183 votes in favor.
The resolution on named executive officer compensation was also approved, with 32,388,601 votes for and 721,954 against, indicating shareholder support for the company’s executive pay structure. This comes as AutoNation maintains a P/E ratio of 10.09x, with six analysts recently revising their earnings estimates upward for the upcoming period, according to InvestingPro analysis.
Two stockholder proposals, however, did not pass. The first, regarding political contributions, received 9,994,874 votes in favor and 22,329,886 against. The second proposal related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, garnered 4,953,739 votes for and 27,289,140 against, failing to secure the necessary majority.
This report is based on a press release statement and provides a factual account of the key outcomes from AutoNation’s recent annual meeting. The information reflects the company’s adherence to SEC regulations and the transparency of its corporate governance processes. Investors anticipating AutoNation’s next earnings report on April 25, 2025, can access comprehensive analysis and additional insights through InvestingPro’s detailed research reports, which cover over 1,400 US stocks.
In other recent news, AutoNation Inc. reported impressive fourth-quarter earnings for 2024, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reaching $4.97. This figure exceeded both Jefferies’ estimate of $4.33 and the consensus estimate of $4.26, showcasing a strong performance driven by a 13.3% increase in new vehicle comparable sales. Stephens analysts also noted that the company’s adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $369 million, surpassing their forecast of $326 million. In light of these results, Stephens raised their price target for AutoNation to $200, while Jefferies adjusted theirs to $190, both maintaining neutral ratings on the stock.
S&P Global Ratings assigned a ’BBB-’ rating to AutoNation’s proposed senior notes due in 2035, indicating a stable outlook. The proceeds from these notes are intended to pay down outstanding commercial paper and for general corporate purposes. Meanwhile, Citi initiated coverage on AutoNation with a Sell rating and a price target of $208, citing the company’s ability to generate significant earnings and cash returns to shareholders despite potential tariff impacts.
In leadership news, AutoNation appointed Jeremy Tucker as the new Chief Marketing Officer, bringing extensive experience from roles at Spin Master, Planet Fitness (NYSE:PLNT), and Nissan (OTC:NSANY) Motor Company. Tucker’s arrival is part of AutoNation’s strategy to enhance consumer outreach and maintain its market position. These developments reflect a dynamic period for AutoNation, as it navigates market challenges and opportunities.
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