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ABG vs AN
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Asbury Automotive Group (ABG) vs. AutoNation (AN) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both ABG and AN are leading U.S. automotive retailers navigating softer vehicle demand, but their profit mixes and balance sheets point in different directions.
- AN leans on fast-growing recurring streams — record after-sales profit and a scaling captive finance arm — while ABG is mid-way through a technology-driven efficiency overhaul.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: AN (AutoNation) is the favored ticker, reflecting more consistent trend stability, stronger cash conversion, and diversified profit drivers.
- ABG carries higher net leverage and recently missed earnings estimates, whereas AN holds a lower leverage range and delivered a seventh straight quarter of adjusted EPS growth.
- For deeper coverage, explore ABG Major News, ABG Today's Price Move, AN Major News, and AN Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are positioning across these and other tickers, visit Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Asbury Automotive Group (ABG) and AutoNation (AN) sit among the largest publicly traded auto retailers in the United States, yet they pursue distinctly different playbooks. Comparing the two offers a practical lens on how scale, service mix, financing, and balance-sheet discipline shape relative performance in a cyclical sector. This stock comparison is especially relevant for investors weighing a regional luxury-and-import dealer operator against a national Sunbelt-focused powerhouse. Recent quarters have tested both names as new-vehicle margins normalize and affordability pressures linger, making their market positioning and momentum an instructive case study for traders and longer-term investors alike.
ABG Overview and Recent Performance
Asbury Automotive Group is a Fortune 500 retailer operating roughly 155 to 171 new-vehicle dealerships and dozens of collision centers across 14–15 states, with a portfolio weighted toward luxury and import brands — more than 70% of its new-vehicle revenue comes from those segments. The company generated about $18 billion in revenue in 2025. In recent weeks, ABG has captured attention for completing its rollout of the Tekion dealer management system across all stores, a milestone management frames as the foundation for future SG&A (selling, general, and administrative) efficiency. That progress helped shares rally sharply around its latest quarterly report even as adjusted EPS (earnings per share) of $6.16 missed consensus and revenue declined roughly 8% year over year. Sentiment remains mixed: analysts have issued fresh Buy ratings, but the stock has underperformed the broader market year to date, and net leverage near 3.5x remains a key overhang as management targets sub-3.0x by mid-2027.
AN Overview and Recent Performance
AutoNation is the second-largest automotive dealer in the U.S., with 2025 revenue of about $27.6 billion, more than 245 dealerships, 52 collision centers, and a footprint concentrated in Sunbelt metropolitan markets. Its latest quarterly results highlighted a resilient profit mix: after-sales posted a ninth consecutive record gross profit of roughly $617 million, now contributing about half of total gross profit, while its captive lender, AutoNation Finance, scaled to a portfolio near $2.9 billion with a return on equity approaching 24%. The company delivered its seventh straight quarter of year-over-year adjusted EPS growth, aided by aggressive buybacks that cut its share count by about 12% year over year. In recent market activity, AN shares rose following the report, supported by strong free cash flow and a fresh $1 billion repurchase authorization, even as new- and used-vehicle unit volumes softened.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively monitor and trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance statistics, and universe of securities. Because market conditions shift constantly, not every bot is equally well-suited to the current environment. The curated Trending AI Robots section highlights only the strategies that are currently standing out, helping traders and investors filter signal from noise across a crowded field. Whether you are tracking automotive retailers like ABG and AN or scanning broader sectors, exploring the Trending AI Robots page can offer a data-driven starting point for your research.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two names is scale versus focus. AN operates a broader national network and is diversifying into higher-margin, recurring income through after-sales and captive finance, which cushions cyclical vehicle sales. ABG, by comparison, is a more concentrated luxury-and-import franchise betting on a multi-year technology transformation to improve operating leverage. On balance-sheet risk, ABG carries notably higher net leverage, while AN operates within a more conservative 2x–3x EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) range. Growth drivers also differ: AN emphasizes share repurchases and cash conversion, whereas ABG emphasizes portfolio reshaping, acquisitions, and system-driven cost savings. Both face shared sector risks, including normalizing new-vehicle margins, higher inventory, and affordability headwinds, but their positioning and momentum reflect meaningfully different risk-reward profiles.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings stability, cash-flow conversion, and the diversification of profit drivers, Tickeron's AI would likely favor AN over ABG in the current environment. AutoNation's steadier earnings trajectory, disciplined leverage, and growing recurring income from after-sales and finance provide a comparatively more stable foundation than Asbury's still-maturing efficiency story. While ABG offers a compelling catalyst in its Tekion rollout and deleveraging path, that thesis remains more dependent on future execution. Accordingly, the probabilistic tilt favors AN for its relative resilience and momentum, though this assessment reflects current conditions rather than a permanent ranking.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ABG is a Buy and AN is a Buy.
ABG in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026
The 10-day moving average for ABG crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 20 of 24 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 83%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ABG as a result. In 73 of 93 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ABG just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where ABG's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 35 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
ABG moved above its 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +12.94% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ABG advanced for three days, in 218 of 313 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for ABG moved out of overbought territory on November 05, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 32 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 30 of the 32 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 90%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 11 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ABG declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 71%.
ABG broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 27, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for ABG entered a downward trend on October 23, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ABG’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 52 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.927) is normal, around the industry mean (1.554). P/E Ratio (7.528) is within average values for comparable stocks, (12.811). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.449) is also within normal values, averaging (0.695). Dividend Yield (0.004) settles around the average of (0.011) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.207) is also within normal values, averaging (0.919).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ABG’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock worse than average.
AN in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026
AN moved above its 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 45 of 62 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on AN as a result. In 62 of 88 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for AN just turned positive on October 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where AN's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 27 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
The 10-day moving average for AN crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 06, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Following a +5.38% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where AN advanced for three days, in 221 of 339 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for AN moved out of overbought territory on November 06, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 30 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 21 of the 30 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 70%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 8 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where AN declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
AN broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 29, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for AN entered a downward trend on October 23, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. AN’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 60 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.693) is normal, around the industry mean (1.554). P/E Ratio (8.440) is within average values for comparable stocks, (12.811). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.444) is also within normal values, averaging (0.695). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.011) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.255) is also within normal values, averaging (0.919).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 77 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
ABG | AN | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 25 | 26 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 52 Fair valued | 60 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 48 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 60 | 31 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 42 | 48 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 50 | 77 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ABG's Valuation (52) in the Specialty Stores industry is in the same range as AN (60). This means that ABG’s stock grew similarly to AN’s over the last 12 months.
AN's Profit vs Risk Rating (48) in the Specialty Stores industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ABG (100). This means that AN’s stock grew somewhat faster than ABG’s over the last 12 months.
AN's SMR Rating (31) in the Specialty Stores industry is in the same range as ABG (60). This means that AN’s stock grew similarly to ABG’s over the last 12 months.
ABG's Price Growth Rating (42) in the Specialty Stores industry is in the same range as AN (48). This means that ABG’s stock grew similarly to AN’s over the last 12 months.
ABG's P/E Growth Rating (50) in the Specialty Stores industry is in the same range as AN (77). This means that ABG’s stock grew similarly to AN’s over the last 12 months.
| ABG | AN | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 70% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 69% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 78% | 2 days ago 70% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 78% | 2 days ago 63% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 68% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 65% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 16 days ago 70% | 7 days ago 65% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 71% | 17 days ago 61% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 81% | 2 days ago 68% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 58% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ABG’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while AN’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- ABG’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- AN’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ABG’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while AN’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ABG’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- AN’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
ABG (@Automotive Aftermarket) experienced а +4.35% price change this week, while AN (@Automotive Aftermarket) price change was +3.15% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Automotive Aftermarket industry was -3.16%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -0.25%, and the average quarterly price growth was -14.21%.
Reported Earning Dates
ABG is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
AN is expected to report earnings on Feb 16, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Automotive Aftermarket (-3.16% weekly)The Automotive Aftermarket consists of the manufacturing, remanufacturing, distribution, retailing, and installation of vehicle parts and accessories, after the sale of the automobile by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to the consumer. The aftermarket parts many not be manufactured by the OEM. According to a Technavio study, the US automotive parts aftermarket size is estimated to grow by USD 24.33 billion during 2018-2022 (CAGR 3%). Like many other industries, the automotive aftermarket is also being intensely penetrated by the digital boom. The online auto parts sales market is predicted to exceed $13B by 2020 (according to a study by Mirakl).
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ABG and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ABG has been closely correlated with GPI. These tickers have moved in lockstep 76% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ABG jumps, then GPI could also see price increases.
AN and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, AN has been closely correlated with PAG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 79% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if AN jumps, then PAG could also see price increases.
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| LMTL | 39.44 | 1.64 | +4.34% |
| Direxion Daily LMT Bull 2X ETF (LMTL) | |||
| BUFT | 26.42 | -0.01 | -0.04% |
| FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF (BUFT) | |||
| BCEM | 23.95 | -0.14 | -0.56% |
| Baron Emerging Markets Select ETF (BCEM) | |||
| SCIO | 20.17 | -0.12 | -0.59% |
| First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF (SCIO) | |||
| RECS | 44.31 | -0.28 | -0.63% |
| Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF (RECS) | |||