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The latest update is out from Auto Trader ( (GB:AUTO) ).
Autotrader Group plc has continued its capital management strategy by repurchasing a total of 1,652,165 ordinary shares between 20 and 24 April 2026 through Merrill Lynch International for cancellation. The buyback activity, executed at volume-weighted average prices around 500 to 515 pence per share, reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to return capital to shareholders and manage its share base.
Following these transactions, Autotrader now has 822,282,631 ordinary shares in issue, of which 4,371,578 are held in treasury, resulting in 817,911,053 voting rights outstanding. The updated share count will be used by investors to assess disclosure thresholds under U.K. transparency rules, and may marginally enhance earnings per share by reducing the free float over time.
The purchases were carried out under the company’s existing buyback programme and in accordance with the EU Market Abuse Regulation requirements. Detailed information on individual trades has been made available via the London Stock Exchange, underscoring Autotrader’s adherence to regulatory standards and transparency for market participants.
The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Hold with a £605.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.
Spark’s Take on AUTO Stock
According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, AUTO is a Outperform.
Auto Trader’s strong financial performance and strategic share buybacks are significant positives, supporting a stable outlook. However, weak technical indicators and challenges in certain revenue streams slightly temper the overall score.
To see Spark’s full report on AUTO stock, click here.
More about Auto Trader
Autotrader Group plc operates in the automotive marketplace sector, providing an online platform for buying and selling vehicles and related services. The company focuses on connecting consumers, retailers, and manufacturers, primarily in the U.K. market, through digital advertising and transaction solutions for new and used cars.
Average Trading Volume: 5,428,788
Technical Sentiment Signal: Sell
Current Market Cap: £4.13B
See more insights into AUTO stock on TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page.