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Auto Trader Group PLC (GB:AUTO)
LSE:AUTO
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Auto Trader (AUTO) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:AUTO

Auto Trader

(LSE:AUTO)

Rating:73Outperform
Price Target:
905.00p
â–²(9.91% Upside)
Auto Trader's strong financial performance and positive earnings call are significant strengths, indicating robust growth and market position. However, technical indicators suggest potential short-term weakness, and valuation metrics indicate the stock may be overvalued. Challenges highlighted in the earnings call also temper the overall outlook.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
Group operating profit was in line with consensus, driven by a strong operating margin in the core Auto Trader business.
Profit Margins
The overall Group EBIT margin is expected to increase as Autorama losses are anticipated to reduce.
Negative Factors
Market Performance
Auto Trader's share price has underperformed compared to its classified peers, and there is little catalyst to revive shares, given the deteriorating market health.
Revenue Growth
For FY26, retailer revenue growth is expected to be below consensus, with a predicted growth of 5-7% versus a consensus of 8%.
Strategic Direction
There are concerns about the lack of strategic direction and financial standing of Deal Builder, affecting growth potential.

Auto Trader (AUTO) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Auto Trader Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAuto Trader Group plc operates in the digital automotive marketplace in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The company provides vehicle advertisement on its websites for private sellers, as well as insurance and loan financing products to consumers; and display advertising on its websites for manufacturers and their advertising agencies. It offers its products to retailers, home traders, and logistics firms. Auto Trader Group plc was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Manchester, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyAuto Trader generates revenue primarily through listing fees charged to car dealerships and private sellers for advertising their vehicles on its platform. The company operates a subscription model for dealerships, offering various packages that provide different levels of visibility and additional services such as vehicle valuation tools and market insights. In addition to listing fees, Auto Trader earns money through data services and partnerships, supplying market analytics and insights to automotive businesses. The company also engages in partnerships with financial service providers, enhancing its revenue through referral fees for financing options offered to buyers. Overall, Auto Trader's diversified revenue streams, combined with its strong market position, contribute significantly to its earnings.

Auto Trader Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 29, 2025
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: -8.51%|
Next Earnings Date:Nov 06, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presents a balanced view with notable achievements in revenue and profit growth, strong market position, and successful product launches. However, challenges such as the digital services tax, declining used car prices, and losses in the Autorama segment offset some of the positive aspects.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Revenue and Profit Growth
Group revenue grew 5%, operating profit increased 8%, and basic EPS grew 12% in the fiscal year ending March 2025.
Strong Market Position
Auto Trader maintained a strong market position with record levels of buyer and retailer engagement, a 5% increase in cross-platform visits, and maintaining a lead of over 10x against the nearest marketplace competitor.
Successful Product Launches
Successful implementation of the Co-Driver AI product suite and increased engagement with Deal Builder, which saw customer numbers grow by over 80%.
Cash Returns to Shareholders
£275.7 million returned to shareholders through share buybacks and dividends, with total dividends up 10% from the previous year.
Employee Satisfaction
91% of employees are proud to work at Auto Trader, and the company has a Glassdoor rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Negative Updates
Impact of Digital Services Tax
Auto Trader operating profit margin contracted slightly due to the digital services tax, contributing to a 13% increase in costs.
Challenges in Vehicle Pricing
Used car prices fell during the fiscal year, leading to a faster speed of sale and a 1% decline in the stock-based commercial model.
Autorama Losses
Autorama reported an operating loss of £4.3 million, although this was a reduction compared to the previous year.
Decline in Manufacturer Revenue
Revenue from Manufacturer and Agency customers decreased by 8% year-on-year due to changes in platform revenue exchange for VIN-level build data.
Company Guidance
During the call, Auto Trader provided comprehensive guidance for the fiscal year ending March 2025, showcasing several key metrics. Group revenue increased by 5%, operating profit rose by 8%, and basic earnings per share (EPS) grew by 12%. The core Auto Trader business saw a 7% rise in revenue, with retailer revenue also growing by 7%. The average revenue per retailer (ARPR) increased by 5% or £133 year-on-year, primarily driven by a successful product and pricing event in April 2024. The number of retailer forecourts grew by 2% to 14,013, and the average number of cross-platform visits increased by 5% to 81.6 million per month. Consumer engagement reached record levels, with Auto Trader leading its nearest marketplace competitor by over 10 times in consumer minutes spent. The company also highlighted strong progress with its Co-Driver AI product suite, which has been monetized and seen immediate engagement. Auto Trader's strategic focus on digital retailing has led to an 80% increase in Deal Builder customer numbers and a tripling of consumer-generated deals to nearly 50,000. The guidance emphasized the continued strength of the car market and Auto Trader's robust market position, supported by a diversified product pipeline, including advertising products, AT Connect, data products, digital retailing, and Co-Driver AI.

Auto Trader Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Auto Trader's strong financial performance is evidenced by consistent revenue growth and robust margins. The low debt-to-equity ratio and solid cash flow generation further reinforce the company's financial health.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Auto Trader has consistently demonstrated strong revenue growth with a 5.3% increase from 2024 to 2025. The company maintains robust gross and net profit margins, indicating effective cost management and profitability. EBIT and EBITDA margins remain healthy, showcasing operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The company's balance sheet is strong, with a low debt-to-equity ratio, indicating minimal leverage and financial stability. Return on equity is impressive, reflecting efficient use of shareholder funds. A high equity ratio indicates a solid asset base backed by equity.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
Auto Trader's cash flow is robust, with consistent free cash flow generation and growth. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is strong, showing good cash conversion from profits. The free cash flow to net income ratio demonstrates efficient capital expenditure management.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue601.10M570.90M500.20M432.70M262.80M
Gross Profit601.10M450.30M347.10M425.50M256.50M
EBITDA397.90M366.90M308.50M307.90M165.10M
Net Income282.60M256.90M233.90M244.70M127.80M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets639.60M658.00M662.70M542.90M534.50M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments15.30M18.70M16.60M51.30M45.70M
Total Debt3.50M34.60M68.70M9.50M35.10M
Total Liabilities70.20M105.70M135.40M70.40M75.80M
Stockholders Equity569.40M552.30M527.30M472.50M458.70M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow300.60M283.70M263.40M275.40M120.30M
Operating Cash Flow304.60M287.50M266.80M278.20M121.70M
Investing Cash Flow1.60M1.80M-129.60M-2.80M-11.40M
Financing Cash Flow-309.60M-283.80M-171.90M-269.80M-102.20M

Auto Trader Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price823.40
Price Trends
50DMA
820.23
Positive
100DMA
817.92
Positive
200DMA
803.34
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-2.28
Positive
RSI
53.49
Neutral
STOCH
40.41
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:AUTO, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 823.4 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 824.35, above the 50-day MA of 820.23, and above the 200-day MA of 803.34, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of -2.28 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 53.49 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 40.41 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for GB:AUTO.

Auto Trader Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
73
Outperform
£1.06B12.9937.18%6.24%-0.18%8.24%
73
Outperform
£7.14B25.8450.39%1.20%5.29%12.50%
73
Outperform
£1.64B43.6012.93%0.81%12.26%38.72%
67
Neutral
£5.93B29.51275.77%0.94%8.63%5.20%
60
Neutral
$42.79B1.96-11.10%4.01%1.89%-41.77%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:AUTO
Auto Trader
823.40
-10.52
-1.26%
GB:MONY
Moneysupermarket.com
199.80
-5.21
-2.54%
GB:RMV
Rightmove
775.80
222.67
40.26%
GB:BCG
Baltic Classifieds Group Plc
338.50
80.42
31.16%

Auto Trader Corporate Events

Business Operations and Strategy
Auto Trader Launches 2025 SAYE Scheme for Employees
Positive
Jul 22, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc has launched its 2025 Save As You Earn (SAYE) Scheme, allowing eligible employees to subscribe for options over the company’s ordinary shares at an exercise price of 646.08 pence per share. This initiative, which includes the granting of 937 options to Chief Financial Officer Jamie Warner, is part of the company’s efforts to engage employees and align their interests with shareholders, potentially impacting employee retention and motivation.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Other
BlackRock Reduces Stake in Auto Trader Group
Neutral
Jul 14, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc has announced a decrease in holdings by BlackRock, Inc., a major shareholder, following a client instruction related to voting rights. The change results in BlackRock holding 9.95% of voting rights in Auto Trader, down from 10%. This adjustment in holdings could impact the company’s shareholder dynamics and influence in decision-making processes.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Other
Auto Trader Announces Director Share Transactions
Neutral
Jul 9, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc announced the exercise of nil-cost options by its directors under the Performance Share Plan and the Deferred Annual Bonus Plan, with subsequent sales of shares to cover tax and other deductions. This transaction highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to aligning managerial incentives with shareholder interests, potentially impacting its market perception and stakeholder confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Auto Trader Group Announces Share Buyback as Part of Capital Management Strategy
Neutral
Jul 3, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc has announced a share buyback transaction, purchasing 219,734 of its ordinary shares at an average price of 818.5568 pence per share. This move is part of the company’s ongoing buyback program, which aims to manage its capital structure and return value to shareholders, potentially impacting the company’s stock liquidity and market perception.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Auto Trader Executes Share Buyback to Optimize Capital Structure
Neutral
Jul 2, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc announced the repurchase of 368,146 of its ordinary shares at an average price of 809.6608 pence per share, as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, executed through Merrill Lynch International, reflects the company’s strategy to manage its capital structure and return value to shareholders, impacting the total number of voting rights and shares in issue.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
Auto Trader Group Enhances Shareholder Value with Share Buyback
Positive
Jul 1, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc announced the repurchase of 257,267 of its ordinary shares at an average price of 820.7506 pence per share, as part of its ongoing buyback program. This transaction, executed through Merrill Lynch International, impacts the company’s share structure by increasing the number of shares held in treasury to 5,195,887, while the total number of voting rights stands at 872,962,319. This move is likely aimed at enhancing shareholder value and optimizing capital structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Auto Trader Updates Total Voting Rights
Neutral
Jul 1, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc announced that as of June 30, 2025, the total number of ordinary shares in issue was 878,158,206, with 873,213,248 shares carrying voting rights. This update is in compliance with the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, impacting how shareholders calculate their interests in the company.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Auto Trader Executes Share Buyback to Optimize Capital Structure
Positive
Jun 30, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc announced the repurchase of 450,000 of its ordinary shares at an average price of 826.4645 pence per share, as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, executed through Merrill Lynch International, reflects the company’s strategic initiative to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Shareholder MeetingsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Auto Trader Releases Annual Report and Announces AGM
Neutral
Jun 27, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc has released its Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 31 March 2025, and announced its Annual General Meeting scheduled for 18 September 2025. The report highlights Auto Trader’s commitment to improving the car buying and selling experience in the UK, and its strategic focus on digital transformation and environmental responsibility. The publication of the report and the upcoming AGM are significant for stakeholders, as they provide insights into the company’s performance and future direction.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Auto Trader Grants Incentive Awards to Key Executives
Positive
Jun 25, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc has announced the grant of nil cost option awards to key directors under its 2024 Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) and Deferred Bonus Plan (DBP). These awards, which include significant shares for CEO Nathan Coe, COO Catherine Faiers, and CFO Jamie Warner, are designed to align managerial performance with shareholder interests and will vest based on performance conditions over a three-year period. This move underscores Auto Trader’s commitment to incentivizing its leadership while maintaining a focus on long-term business growth and shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Other
BlackRock Increases Stake in Auto Trader Group
Neutral
Jun 23, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc, a UK-based company, announced a change in the voting rights held by BlackRock, Inc., a major shareholder. As of June 20, 2025, BlackRock’s total voting rights in Auto Trader increased to 10%, up from a previous position of 9.97%. This adjustment in holdings could impact Auto Trader’s shareholder dynamics and influence future corporate decisions.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Kayne Anderson Rudnick Adjusts Voting Rights in Auto Trader Group
Neutral
Jun 20, 2025

Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC, based in Los Angeles, has notified Auto Trader Group plc of a change in its voting rights holdings. As of June 18, 2025, Kayne Anderson Rudnick holds 2.999880% of the voting rights in Auto Trader, a slight decrease from their previous position. This adjustment in holdings could influence the company’s shareholder dynamics and potentially impact its strategic decisions.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Auto Trader Announces Board Change Amidst Strategic Expansion
Neutral
Jun 18, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc announced that Geeta Gopalan, a Non-Executive Director, has retired from the Board of Funding Circle plc. This change in leadership could influence Auto Trader’s strategic direction and stakeholder relationships, as the company continues to expand its online automotive marketplace and strengthen its industry position.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
Auto Trader Group Enhances Shareholder Value with Share Buyback
Positive
Jun 12, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc announced the repurchase of 270,000 of its ordinary shares for cancellation at an average price of 818.5461 pence per share. This transaction is part of the company’s ongoing buyback program, which aims to enhance shareholder value and optimize capital structure. Following this transaction, the company has 878,158,206 ordinary shares in issue, with 873,607,316 voting rights available for shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
Auto Trader Executes Share Buyback to Optimize Capital Structure
Neutral
Jun 11, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc announced the repurchase of 300,000 of its own ordinary shares at an average price of 809.7247 pence per share, as part of its ongoing buyback program. This transaction, executed through Merrill Lynch International, reduces the company’s total number of shares in issue and adjusts the voting rights, potentially impacting shareholder calculations under the FCA’s rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
Auto Trader Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Jun 10, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc announced the repurchase of 320,000 of its ordinary shares for cancellation at an average price of 805.2545 pence per share. This transaction, executed through Merrill Lynch International, is part of the company’s ongoing buyback program, which aims to reduce the number of shares in circulation, thereby potentially increasing the value of remaining shares and enhancing shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
Auto Trader Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Jun 9, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc announced a buyback of 350,000 of its ordinary shares for cancellation at an average price of 791.3788 pence per share. This transaction, executed through Merrill Lynch International, is part of the company’s ongoing share buyback program, aimed at optimizing capital structure and enhancing shareholder value. Following this transaction, the company has 879,048,206 ordinary shares in issue, with 4,551,745 shares held in treasury, impacting the total number of voting rights available to shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Auto Trader Announces Share Transfer to Nathan Coe
Neutral
Jun 6, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc announced a transaction involving the transfer of 2,083,252 ordinary shares from First Island Trustees to Nathan Coe, a person discharging managerial responsibilities. This transfer does not affect the total number of shares held by Nathan Coe, which remains at 3,322,270 shares, representing approximately 0.379% of the company’s total issued shares. The transaction was conducted outside of a trading venue and complies with the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £6.88 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
Auto Trader Announces Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Jun 5, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc has announced the repurchase of 420,000 of its ordinary shares for cancellation at an average price of 791.8825 pence per share. This buyback, conducted through Merrill Lynch International, reduces the total number of shares in circulation, potentially enhancing shareholder value and reflecting the company’s confidence in its financial position. The transaction impacts the total number of voting rights, which now stands at 874,846,461, influencing shareholder calculations under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Buy with a £8.95 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
Auto Trader Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Jun 4, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc announced the repurchase of 724,933 of its ordinary shares for cancellation at an average price of 796.2472 pence per share. This transaction, executed through Merrill Lynch International, is part of the company’s ongoing buyback program, which aims to optimize its capital structure and enhance shareholder value. The repurchase reduces the total number of voting rights in the company, potentially impacting shareholder calculations under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
Auto Trader Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Jun 3, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc has announced the repurchase of 715,500 of its ordinary shares at an average price of 803.3670 pence per share, as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, executed through Merrill Lynch International, reduces the total number of shares in circulation, potentially enhancing shareholder value by increasing earnings per share and demonstrating confidence in the company’s financial health.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
Auto Trader Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Jun 2, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc announced the repurchase of 643,969 of its ordinary shares for cancellation at an average price of 792.4116 pence per share, as part of its ongoing buyback program. This transaction, executed through Merrill Lynch International, reduces the total number of shares in issue, potentially enhancing shareholder value and reflecting the company’s confidence in its financial position.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Auto Trader Announces Total Voting Rights Update
Neutral
Jun 2, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc has announced the total number of ordinary shares in issue as of May 30, 2025, which stands at 881,902,608, with 4,556,631 held in treasury. This results in a total of 877,345,977 voting rights available to shareholders, which is crucial for determining shareholder interests under FCA rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Product-Related AnnouncementsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Auto Trader Reports Strong Financial Growth and Launches AI Innovations
Positive
May 29, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc reported a 5% increase in group revenue, surpassing £600 million, and an 8% rise in operating profit for the fiscal year ending March 2025. The company launched new AI-powered features, such as Co-Driver, to improve advertising efficiency and customer experience, and integrated Deal Builder into its core offerings, significantly boosting retailer engagement. Despite challenges like the UK’s Digital Services Tax and constrained vehicle supply, Auto Trader maintained a strong market position, with high demand for used cars and stable pricing. The company also made strides in diversity and sustainability, reducing carbon emissions by 6% year-on-year.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Kayne Anderson Rudnick Adjusts Holdings in Auto Trader Group
Neutral
May 21, 2025

Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC, based in Los Angeles, has adjusted its holdings in Auto Trader Group plc, crossing a notable threshold in voting rights. The adjustment resulted in a total of 3.016490% voting rights, indicating a slight increase from previous holdings, which may influence the company’s shareholder dynamics and decision-making processes.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Auto Trader Appoints New Independent Non-Executive Directors
Neutral
May 16, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc has announced the appointment of Megan Quinn and Adam Jay as Independent Non-Executive Directors, effective from July 1, 2025. This move is part of the company’s long-term succession planning, following a comprehensive search process. Both bring significant expertise in technology, digital innovation, and marketplace business models, which will support Auto Trader’s strategic goals. The appointments coincide with the departure of current board members Jeni Mundy and Sigga Sigurdardottir, who will not seek re-election at the 2025 AGM. The new directors are expected to contribute to Auto Trader’s continued progress in driving change responsibly within the automotive industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
Auto Trader Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
May 13, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc has announced the repurchase of 243,534 of its ordinary shares for cancellation at an average price of 849.7242p per share. This transaction is part of the company’s ongoing buyback program, which aims to enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation, thereby potentially increasing earnings per share and improving market positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
Auto Trader Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
May 12, 2025

Auto Trader Group plc announced a share buyback transaction where it purchased 250,000 of its ordinary shares for cancellation at an average price of 842.3687p per share. This move reduces the total number of shares in circulation, potentially increasing the value of remaining shares and reflecting the company’s confidence in its financial health. The transaction impacts the company’s voting rights, with a new total of 877,571,106 voting rights, which stakeholders can use to assess their shareholding interests under regulatory guidelines.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:AUTO) stock is a Sell with a £7.77 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Auto Trader stock, see the GB:AUTO Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 21, 2025