In the third quarter, Braun Stacey Associates Inc. raised its position in AutoZone, Inc. by 7.8%, acquiring an additional 613 shares to hold a total of 8,425 shares. This stake represents approximately 1.2% of Braun Stacey’s portfolio and ranks AutoZone as its 18th largest holding. At quarter end, the institutional investor’s AutoZone position was valued at about $36.1 million, accounting for 0.05% of the company’s outstanding shares. This uptick underscores confidence in AutoZone’s long-term revenue growth driven by resilient aftermarket demand.

AutoZone reported third-quarter earnings per share of $31.04, trailing analyst projections by $1.65, while generating revenue of $4.63 billion, slightly below consensus forecasts. Year-over-year revenue increased 8.2%, but net margin compressed to 12.8% and return on equity swung to negative 65.4%, reflecting elevated inventory and supply-chain costs. Same-store sales growth of 6.5% was driven by professional service centers, though DIY traffic softened. Management reiterated full-year EPS guidance near $153.00, pointing to continued margin pressure in the near term.

During the past quarter, Director Brian Hannasch added 147 shares at an average price of $3,393.09, while CFO Jamere Jackson purchased 55 shares at $3,413.50, increasing their respective holdings by 18.0% and 12.7%. Insider acquisitions totaled 347 shares valued at approximately $1.18 million. Additionally, the Board approved a new share repurchase plan on October 8th, authorizing open-market buybacks to return capital and signal management’s view that the stock remains undervalued relative to its intrinsic earnings power.

Equity research firms have recently adjusted target prices for AutoZone, with Mizuho lowering its objective to $3,850 and TD Cowen trimming its forecast to $4,400 while maintaining outperform and buy ratings, respectively. Conversely, Rothschild & Co Redburn raised its target to $4,700, and Roth Capital affirmed a buy rating with a $4,650 objective. Among 32 tracked analysts, two assign Strong Buy, twenty-five issue Buy and five recommend Hold, producing an average target price of $4,342.84. Consensus estimates anticipate full-year EPS of $152.94, reflecting steady demand for automotive replacement parts and potential margin improvement as logistics normalize.