Braun Stacey Associates Inc. raised its holding in AutoZone by 7.8% during the third quarter, adding 613 shares to reach a total of 8,425 shares. This position represents approximately 1.2% of the firm’s overall portfolio, making AutoZone its 18th largest holding. At quarter end, those shares accounted for 0.05% of AutoZone’s outstanding stock and were valued at $36.1 million. The transaction underscores continued institutional confidence, as 92.7% of AutoZone’s shares remain under the control of hedge funds and other professional investors.

For the quarter ended early December, AutoZone reported earnings per share of $31.04, missing consensus estimates by $1.65. Revenue came in at $4.63 billion, just shy of analyst expectations, but still marking an 8.2% increase from the same period a year earlier. The company achieved a net margin of 12.8%, although return on equity swung to negative 65.4% due to share repurchase accounting effects. Management reaffirmed full-year earnings guidance, with analysts forecasting approximately $153 in EPS for the current fiscal year.

Director Brian Hannasch and CFO Jamere Jackson both boosted their personal stakes, acquiring 147 and 55 shares respectively. Hannasch’s purchase increased his holding by 18.0%, while Jackson’s buy added 12.7%. Insider ownership now stands at 2.6% of the company’s stock. Meanwhile, the board authorized a new share repurchase program, signaling leadership’s belief that the stock remains undervalued despite significant buybacks earlier in the year.

Research firms remain broadly positive on AutoZone’s outlook. Mizuho and TD Cowen reiterated outperform and buy ratings, adjusting their targets in response to third-quarter results. Rothschild & Co Redburn lifted its target mid-quarter, while Roth Capital reaffirmed a buy stance. In aggregate, two analysts rate the stock at Strong Buy, twenty-five at Buy and five at Hold, yielding a consensus view of Moderate Buy. The average target across all reports sits above current trading levels, reflecting confidence in continued margin expansion and stable same-store sales growth.