AutoZone (NYSE:AZO) Stock

AutoZone

AutoZone operates as a leading retailer of aftermarket automotive parts in the United States. The firm operates more than 6,400 stores domestically, serving both the do-it-yourself and commercial (do-it-for-me) end markets. Through its vast store footprint and distribution network, AutoZone manages a wide array of stock-keeping units applicable to numerous vehicle makes and models, providing its consumers with ample product availability. The firm drives traffic by providing superior and convenient customer service as AutoZone's team of knowledgeable staff assists consumers with diagnosing a vehicle's problem, selecting the necessary part for replacement, and occasionally, installation. The company also operates internationally, with 800 stores in Mexico and more than 100 in Brazil.

AutoZone Inc

WIIM

ADNT

APTV

ORLY

Shares of auto component stocks are trading lower as markets react to President Trump's recent announcement of sweeping tariffs. The White House rebutted reports of a tariff pause and President Trump said the US will impose additional 50% tariffs on China if China does not withdraw its 34% increase. Auto part tariffs could increase costs for producers and suppliers.

A chaotic and volatile session kicked off the new week on Wall Street, with a start that offers <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets">little reason for optimism.</a>
The S&amp;P 500 opened with a gap below 4,900 points, then fiercely rebounded in the first hour of trading before the gains swiftly evaporated. Sentiment further deteriorated after Donald Trump adopted a more aggressive tone toward China.
On Truth Social, Trump stated that China had imposed retaliatory tariffs of 34%, on top of what he described as already record-setting tariffs, despite prior warnings that such measures would be met with significantly higher U.S. tariffs. He added that if China did not reverse the 34% hike by April 8, the United States would respond with additional tariffs of 50%, effective the following day.
He also indicated that all discussions with China regarding their requested meetings would be terminated, while negotiations with other countries that had expressed interest in talks would begin immediately.
The European Union signaled openness to implementing a zero-for-zero tariff agreement on industrial goods with the United States.
By 12:40 p.m. ET, the S&amp;P 500 was down 0.8%, the Nasdaq 100 fell 0.2%, and the Dow dropped 1.4%. Every sector remained in the red, with real estate and materials leading the losses.
In commodities, gold slipped 1.2%, heading for its third consecutive session of declines, while oil prices fell 2.3% to $60 a barrel, now down 16% from last week&#8217;s highs.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), which had been spared from last week&#8217;s global market rout, joined the bloodbath over the weekend, dropping 6.4% on Sunday and holding at $78,000 on Monday.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>Chg %</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>17,363.12</td>
<td>-0.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,026.51</td>
<td>-0.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>1,806.00</td>
<td>-1.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>37,781.52</td>
<td>-1.4%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 12:40 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) eased 0.7% to $502.84.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) fell 1.2% to $378.31.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;eased 0.2% to $421.93.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) fell 0.9% to 179.64.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Consumer Staples&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLC#NYSE">XLC</a>) outperformed, up 0.1%; the&nbsp;Real Estate&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLRE#NYSE">XLRE</a>) lagged, down 2.2%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">S&amp;P 500&#8217;s Major Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) up 9.03% to $32.51</li>
<li>Dollar Tree, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>) up 5.61% to $71.34</li>
<li>Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HPE#NYSE">HPE</a>) up 5.16% to $13.45</li>
<li>Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>) up 4.74% to $61.89</li>
<li>EQT Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EQT#NYSE">EQT</a>) up 4.65% to $48.26</li>
<li>Arista Networks Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ANET#NYSE">ANET</a>) up 4.65% to $67.36</li>
<li>Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCHP#NASDAQ">MCHP</a>) up 4.64% to $37.90</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">S&amp;P 500&#8217;s Major Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLB#NYSE">SLB</a>) down 5.39% to $32.91</li>
<li>Eversource Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ES#NYSE">ES</a>) down 5.12% to $55.35</li>
<li>Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPC#NYSE">GPC</a>) down 5.07% to $110.88</li>
<li>Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LW#NYSE">LW</a>) down 5.03% to $56.03</li>
<li>AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>) down 4.96% to $3,472.18</li>
<li>NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) down 4.80% to $54.50</li>
<li>The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>) down 4.77% to $337.01</li>
</ul>
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44667862/oil-crashes-to-60-per-barrel-as-recession-fears-grow">Oil Crashes To $60 Per Barrel As Global Recession Fears Grow</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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Wall Street Turmoil Deepens As Trump Threatens Massive China Tariffs, Bitcoin Wobbles At $78K: What's Driving Markets Monday?

On Thursday, Goldman Sachs analyst Brooke Roach discussed the impact of the U.S. reciprocal tariffs on retail companies.
On April 2, President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, including a 10% hike on all countries except Mexico and Canada, with higher rates for select nations with trade deficits.
The most significant retail impact is expected from increased tariffs on major sourcing partners like Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Cambodia, said the analyst.
The U.S. is significantly raising tariffs on imports, with China&#8217;s tariff rate increasing to 54% (up from 20%). Other key sourcing countries like Vietnam (46%), Indonesia (32%), Bangladesh (37%), Cambodia (49%), and India (27%) will also see tariff hikes, while EU imports face a 20% tariff.
Canada and Mexico remain exempt under USMCA, though non-USMCA compliant goods will be taxed at 12%. Overall, apparel and footwear tariffs are estimated to rise to an average of 38%, noted the analyst.
Additionally, the de minimis duty-free exemption for packages under $800 from China and Hong Kong will end on May 1, 2025.
These shipments will face a 30% tariff or $25 per item, increasing to $50 per item after June 1, 2025. The Secretary of Commerce will review within 90 days whether to expand this policy to Macau.
The newly announced tariffs will pressure brands and retailers, forcing them to adjust pricing, negotiate with vendors, and optimize costs to protect margins.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44630305/ai-powered-pizza-papa-johns-taps-google-cloud-for-smarter-orders" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI-Powered Pizza? Papa Johns Taps Google Cloud For Smarter Orders</a>
While most companies will be affected, some are less exposed, including brands with lower U.S. sales exposure like Amer Sports Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AS#NYSE">AS</a>), Canada Goose Holdings Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOS#NYSE">GOOS</a>) and PVH Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PVH#NYSE">PVH</a>). Retailers with indirect sourcing, such as department stores and off-price retailers, could benefit from supply chain disruptions.
Companies that do not source their product from international markets or source from exempt regions, such as Savers Value Village Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SVV#NYSE">SVV</a>) with thrift business model and Kontoor Brands Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KTB#NYSE">KTB</a>) reliance on Mexico, though it also sources from Bangladesh, are less exposed.
The analyst notes that brands with momentum and strong consumer engagement are likely to have more substantial relative pricing power in the marketplace overall.
The analyst noted higher exposure to incrementally new tariffs from Vietnam and Cambodia-exposed businesses include sportswear like Lululemon Athletica Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LULU#NASDAQ">LULU</a>), Nike Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) and general apparel like Torrid Holdings Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CURV#NYSE">CURV</a>), Figs Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FIGS#NYSE">FIGS</a>), Victoria&#8217;s Secret &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VSCO#NYSE">VSCO</a>), and Gap Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GAP#NYSE">GAP</a>).
The Home Furnishings industry with companies like RH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RH#NYSE">RH</a>) and Williams-Sonoma Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WSM#NYSE">WSM</a>) faces the greatest risk from tariffs due to its high exposure to China and Vietnam and the discretionary nature of its products.
RH sources 72% of its products from Asia, including 23% from China and 35% from Vietnam, while WSM has 23% China and 14% Vietnam exposure.
Retailers Five Below Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FIVE#NASDAQ">FIVE</a>) and Best Buy Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBY#NYSE">BBY</a>) are also vulnerable, with 60% of their products sourced from China. While Vietnam exposure remains unclear for most industries, home furnishing companies have the highest risk, said the analyst.
On the other hand, Auto Parts companies like Advance Auto Parts Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAP#NYSE">AAP</a>), AutoZone Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>) and O&#8217;Reilly Automotive Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORLY#NASDAQ">ORLY</a>) and Home Improvement retailers like Home Depot Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>) and Lowe&#8217;s Companies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOW#NYSE">LOW</a>) are better positioned, as they can pass increased costs.
Similarly, retailers that sell food like Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), BJ&#8217;s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BJ#NYSE">BJ</a>), and Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) are relatively insulated.
Companies with minimal reliance on China, such as Ulta Beauty Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULTA#NASDAQ">ULTA</a>) and Bath &amp; Body Works Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBWI#NYSE">BBWI</a>), are also well-positioned against these tariffs.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44629352/rocket-lab-unveils-advanced-space-grade-radios-for-deep-space-missions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocket Lab Unveils Advanced Space-Grade Radios For Deep Space Missions</a></li>
</ul>
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Goldman Sachs Warns Tariffs Will Hit Apparel And Home Furnishings Hardest, Highlights Most Exposed Stocks

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on AutoZone (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with AZO, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 8 uncommon options trades for AutoZone.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 50% bullish and 37%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 4 are puts, for a total amount of $212,260, and 4 are calls, for a total amount of $224,700.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $3100.0 and $4250.0 for AutoZone, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for AutoZone's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of AutoZone's whale activity within a strike price range from $3100.0 to $4250.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>AutoZone Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743704086_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$91.0</td>
<td>$89.0</td>
<td>$91.0</td>
<td>$3400.00</td>
<td>$81.9K</td>
<td align="right">28</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$696.0</td>
<td>$676.0</td>
<td>$696.0</td>
<td>$3100.00</td>
<td>$69.6K</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$604.0</td>
<td>$588.0</td>
<td>$588.0</td>
<td>$3310.00</td>
<td>$58.8K</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$584.0</td>
<td>$572.0</td>
<td>$584.0</td>
<td>$3200.00</td>
<td>$58.4K</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$57.5</td>
<td>$43.8</td>
<td>$50.0</td>
<td>$3800.00</td>
<td>$45.0K</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About AutoZone</h3>
AutoZone operates as a leading retailer of aftermarket automotive parts in the United States. The firm operates more than 6,400 stores domestically, serving both the do-it-yourself and commercial (do-it-for-me) end markets. Through its vast store footprint and distribution network, AutoZone manages a wide array of stock-keeping units applicable to numerous vehicle makes and models, providing its consumers with ample product availability. The firm drives traffic by providing superior and convenient customer service as AutoZone's team of knowledgeable staff assists consumers with diagnosing a vehicle's problem, selecting the necessary part for replacement, and occasionally, installation. The company also operates internationally, with 800 stores in Mexico and more than 100 in Brazil.
<h3>AutoZone's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 92,316, the price of AZO is up by 0.98%, reaching $3846.7.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 47 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for AutoZone</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $3863.2.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Roth MKM has decided to maintain their Buy rating on AutoZone, which currently sits at a price target of $3763. 
&#x2A; An analyst from B of A Securities persists with their Neutral rating on AutoZone, maintaining a target price of $3700. 
&#x2A; An analyst from DA Davidson upgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $4192. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from BMO Capital continues to hold a Outperform rating for AutoZone, targeting a price of $3850. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Goldman Sachs has elevated its stance to Neutral, setting a new price target at $3811. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for AutoZone, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

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This Is What Whales Are Betting On AutoZone

The calendar may have flipped to April, but trade drama is still driving the markets. President Trump&#8217;s April 2 &#8220;Liberation Day&#8221; announcement is only the latest White House effort to make imports more expensive.
One of the largest yet was the 25% import tax on cars and car parts announced in March. This has already changed how Americans shop, as car buyers raced to the lots last month to purchase new vehicles under the wire. Economists estimate that the price of a new car could jump by as much as $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the make and model. That&#8217;s likely to make people hang on to older cars for longer, or buy new ones as soon as possible.
However, with every shakeup comes an opportunity, and some companies may benefit from changing trends in the automobile industry. In this article, we'll review five car-adjacent stocks that could see tailwinds from auto tariffs.
Here are five car-adjacent stocks that could benefit from all this car trade drama.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AutoZone Inc.</h2>
AutoZone Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>) found its way onto one of our lists last year when Trump first began musing about tariffs and tailwinds for DIY auto parts stores, which have only increased with this new round of import taxes. AutoZone does source significant merchandise from Canada and Mexico, another pair of Trump trade targets. Still, company executives previously mentioned they expect to pass tariff costs back onto consumers with minimal pushback. 
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe1NlTVRXnqNYDgnB05k-Fg2zH3MAmFpZlH0xqEC2y2vS68QL3CxW_10hBgTKi80CJ6oCtFNOkV4VZtwPJT1NN4mHcXJj_CFcNhuiLSW581nzb2Koj8cTiF1dS4kRdBo_yGKeIUjw?key=8QceRFt1Oe2Y-2b2sqQGBGox" alt="" /></figure>
AutoZone is one of the ‘big three' auto parts brands in the United States, along with O&#8217;Reilly Automotive and Advance Auto Parts. In our view, AutoZone has the most promise, thanks to its strong margins, reasonable valuations and catalysts from changing consumer trends. The stock trades at 22.5 times forward earnings (compared to 28.9 for ORLY) and received two recent analyst upgrades, including one from Goldman Sachs's Kate McShane, a long-time AZO bear. The company's stock chart also looks promising, with a strong uptrend above the 50-day and 200-day moving averages and an 86.96 Momentum rating on Benzinga Edge's rankings. 
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CarMax Inc.</h2>
If new car prices rise, more consumers will turn to the used car market, where price hikes are expected to be less impactful. In this scenario, it would benefit to be the largest seller of used cars and trucks on the market &#8211; a title still held by CarMax Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KMX#NYSE">KMX</a>) despite stiff competition from online startup Carvana.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdgPYDonDoAaLcYx0jUvqOW8qNo6hltEKVnlcDlZuRvPNAtIQSmxwLwv2QN8GoP6OTm4oFgw1VnxlDsGg1UiJN1Eb-YR844tbKZKMeInBsoc1qm5fs7ntqCAdrDbWLaE74cJjFmow?key=8QceRFt1Oe2Y-2b2sqQGBGox" alt="" /></figure>
CarMax has the largest fleet of pre-owned vehicles available, and more than 80% of its revenue comes from the sale of used cars and trucks. While selling used vehicles is typically a low-margin business, CarMax has narrowed the gap with Carvana and posted a higher profit margin (1.77% vs. 1.54%) in Q4 2024. CarMax also has a robust financing department that should benefit later this year if the Federal Reserve continues cutting rates and loosening financial conditions. The company trades at 20.2 times forward earnings and just 0.47 times sales (compared to 3.32 P/S for Carvana) and recently triggered a technical buying signal with a bullish MACD crossover. Technical traders should keep an eye on the 200-day moving average for signs of resistance; a breakthrough above this level could trigger more upward momentum.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ferrari N.V.</h2>
A premier Italian automaker might not be a typical choice to benefit from forceful US auto tariffs, but Ferrari N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RACE#NYSE">RACE</a>) is far from your typical car manufacturer. The typical Ferrari owner is not someone who buys a car for practical reasons, like commuting or hauling cargo. A Ferrari buyer is purchasing a collectible, a rare and expensive vehicle driven for pleasure (and to show off to other rich people). And collectors with the means to purchase a Ferrari aren't going to let tariffs deter them.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe1c7aR6ZDtplLHJt74ycUuLxeO26dxptva56d_BPw8o4NIWotJXmPP8YfUIPpHM_f48aH72rn3uI7t541rrChfM3oGvUZG1hkcXGMx7lU2fK6wP4HzU1hiOULRtZ-wcZrpFVuvFg?key=8QceRFt1Oe2Y-2b2sqQGBGox" alt="" /></figure>
Ferrari has some of the strongest margins in car manufacturing- the company reported an impressive 22.8% profit margin in the most recent Q4 earnings call. It also projects 14.5% EPS growth over the next 12 months. It received a solid 69.79 Growth and 79.7 Quality scores on Benzinga Edge rankings. RACE was upgraded from Equal-Weight to Overweight by analysts at Barclays on March 28. The three most recent price targets from UBS, JP Morgan and Evercore indicate a potential upside of nearly 17% from present levels.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Valvoline Inc.</h2>
Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VVV#NYSE">VVV</a>) primarily sells oil and lubricants for cars and trucks through retail stores or its own chain of quick-service franchises, such as Jiffy Lube or Valvoline Instant Oil Change. Valvoline's fast service and products enable outsized profits, and its margins are some of the best in the auto repair industry.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXc6PxAZQ6dDg2sRQQS4M1Gcwl9fi341gyTENTltPUrsW1_g1CksW3EjOsdgS9HHe7KWXPPg0o4rvX38IgQN6gVhjPJl7HCftkZ549zHX2grW7nzVv-zKeTwR-H4krb60x5H3c-8_g?key=8QceRFt1Oe2Y-2b2sqQGBGox" alt="" /></figure>
Traders will notice a potential double bottom pattern forming on the VVV stock chart, as the price has now twice dropped back to the $35 level that served as resistance in January. The stock also has a 16.82 P/E ratio and expects to grow EPS figures by 18% over the next 12 months. And if consumers are going to hold onto their cars longer, they'll need to take better care of them, which means no longer ignoring that pesky every-3,000-mile oil change.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.</h2>
Selling tires isn't exactly a high margin business either, but Goodyear (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GT#NASDAQ">GT</a>) makes our list thanks to expectations of future cost reductions, recent analyst upgrades, and a high domestic production rate. And once again, if consumers hold onto their vehicles longer, replacing wear-and-tear parts like tires will become more imperative.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfW0CeZYd6ptazygMBxPK_DtD9c72YPhopDWSaLFT-WXjUTHfp9AKswb3PyyLn6fwqcJRGKKBa8ApBppUEyYtHU7QfFghgNIhyUuExZpfiQtHwj6KnJ5w5P4PS3a3zfLxJ-xRs8sQ?key=8QceRFt1Oe2Y-2b2sqQGBGox" alt="" /></figure>
Goodyear received an upgrade from Deutsche Bank on the final day of March, plus a price target boost from $10 to $13, indicating a potential upside of 45%. Deutsche cited the company's chemicals division divestiture and sale of its off-road tires business as tangible cost-cutting measures. The stock trades at just 4.7 times forward earnings and 0.14 times sales. Benzinga Edge also gives GT an 89.90 Value score, as the stock price appears to be consolidating around the $9 mark. Look for shares to break out of their long-term range for the next leg up.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Our Government Trade Tracker Caught Pelosi's 169% AI Winner</h2>
We spotted Nancy Pelosi loading up on Tempus AI before it gained 169% in just over a month. Now, you can discover how to track all 535 Congress members&#8217; stock trades. Click <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge/?el=ResearchDaily&amp;he={{email}}&amp;adt_ei={{email}}&amp;utm_adType=SponsorAd&amp;utm_ad=RD0403&amp;utm_campaign=wallstreetadvantage">here</a> to see what they're buying.
Photo: Shutterstock

Opinion

RACE

5 Car Stocks That Could Benefit From Trump's 'Liberation Day'

Goldman Sachs analyst Kate McShane on Tuesday highlighted concerns over market volatility, declining consumer activity, and ongoing economic uncertainty within the auto parts retail sector, which are influencing th<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets" rel="noreferrer noopener">e overall outlook on a few major players in the niche industry.</a>
As a result, the analyst adjusted ratings for Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPC#NYSE">GPC</a>) and AutoZone (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>).
Here are the key takeaways from the analyst:
Genuine Parts: McShane downgraded the stock from Neutral to Sell, lowering <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GPC/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">the price forecast from $133 to $114.</a>
The analyst writes that Genuine Parts is less well-positioned in the current market environment compared to peers like O&#8217;Reilly Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORLY#NASDAQ">ORLY</a>) and AutoZone, mainly due to recent underperformance at its NAPA business, slowing trends in its European Automotive segment, and potential risks from its Industrial division in the face of an uncertain macro environment.
While Genuine Parts&#8217; guidance for FY25 suggests a stronger second half of the year, the analyst views this recovery as dependent on steady improvements in end-market demand, which may face downside risks, particularly if current trends continue to underperform management&#8217;s expectations.
The analyst observes that comparable trends at Genuine Parts&#8217; European Automotive business have weakened over the past year, with the potential for continued softness in the near term, raising concerns about the company&#8217;s performance in that segment going forward.
The analyst has revised the FY25 EPS estimate to $7.82, down from $7.94, reflecting a more cautious outlook for the second half of the year in terms of both sales and margins.
Additionally, the FY26 and FY27 EPS estimates have been lowered to $8.60 (from $9.09) and $9.55 (from $10.06), indicating ongoing concerns about future performance.
GPC shares are trading lower by 0.81% to $118.18 at last check Tuesday.
Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44588362/why-is-nano-cap-gri-bio-stock-skyrocketing-on-tuesday" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Why Is Nano Cap GRI Bio Stock Skyrocketing On Tuesday?</a>
AutoZone: McShane upgraded AutoZone from Sell to Neutral, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AZO/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">raising the price forecast from $3,044 to $3,811.</a>
The analyst has upgraded the stock, citing the company&#8217;s defensively positioned business, which appears increasingly attractive in the current macroeconomic environment.
Per McShane, key factors include improvements in AutoZone&#8217;s &#8220;do it for me,&#8221; or DIFM business, a recovery in DIY trends, and the auto parts industry&#8217;s strong pricing power, which should help offset any potential tariff impacts.
Since being added to the Americas Sell list on October 14, 2024, AutoZone&#8217;s shares have risen 19.6%, outperforming the S&amp;P 500, which declined by 4.8%.
The analyst acknowledges that trends in AutoZone&#8217;s domestic business have improved, contrary to their previous view, with the company gaining market share and seeing resilient demand, particularly from its DIY customer base.
Meanwhile, the analyst also notes that AutoZone&#8217;s current valuation, based on its NTM EV/EBITDA, is above historical levels, indicating that investors are placing greater value on the company&#8217;s defensive positioning amid current market uncertainty.
The analyst has increased the FY25 EPS estimate to $148.36, up from $146.65, driven by slightly stronger domestic same-store sales growth and revised tax rate assumptions.
AZO shares are trading lower by 0.03% to $3,811.74 at last check Tuesday.
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</ul>
Image via Shutterstock.

Upgrades

Downgrades

Price Target

Movers

Goldman Sachs Shakes Up Auto Parts Stocks: Downgrades Genuine Parts, Upgrades AutoZone Amid Economic Volatility

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Goldman Sachs analyst Kate McShane upgraded the rating for AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>) from Sell to Neutral and raised the price target from $3,044 to $3,811. AutoZone shares closed at $3,812.78 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/azo/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Goldman Sachs analyst Kate McShane upgraded Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULTA#NASDAQ">ULTA</a>) from Neutral to Buy and boosted the price target from $384 to $423. Ulta Beauty shares closed at $366.54 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ulta/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>TD Securities analyst Andrew Charles upgraded First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FWRG#NASDAQ">FWRG</a>) from Hold to Buy and raised the price target from $21 to $22. First Watch Restaurant shares closed at $16.65 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/fwrg/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Loop Capital analyst Alton Stump upgraded Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHAK#NYSE">SHAK</a>) from Hold to Buy and announced a $127 price target. Shake Shack shares closed at $88.17 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFRM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying AZO stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="604" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/01070957/image-9-1024x604.png" alt="" class="wp-image-850912" style="width:560px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/01070957/image-9-1024x604.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/01070957/image-9-300x177.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/01070957/image-9-768x453.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/01070957/image-9.png 1087w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Pre-Market Outlook

FWRG

SHAK

VNOM

This AutoZone Analyst Is No Longer Bearish; Here Are Top 4 Upgrades For Tuesday

Goldman Sachs analyst Kate McShane upgrades AutoZone (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>) from Sell to Neutral and raises the price target from $3044 to $3811.

Goldman Sachs Upgrades AutoZone to Neutral, Raises Price Target to $3811

The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/s-p-500">S&amp;P 500 had</a> a rough start to 2025, sinking 6.53% over the first quarter, but not every sector suffered the same fate. 
While energy stocks lit up the leaderboard with a scorching 9.31% gain, consumer discretionary and technology stocks took a beating, plunging 14.23% and 13.1%, respectively.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Energy's Power Play</h2>
Oil and gas stocks came out swinging, with Hess Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HES#NYSE">HES</a>) leading the charge, soaring 21.34% over the past three months. EQT Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EQT#NYSE">EQT</a>) followed closely, rising 19.61%, while Devon Energy Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVN#NYSE">DVN</a>) and Coterra Energy (CTRA) also <a href="https://www.sectorspdrs.com/sectortracker">posted</a> double-digit gains. 
The biggest energy players, Chevron Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) and Exxon Mobil Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>), delivered solid performances as well, gaining 15.34% and 10.57%, respectively.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/03/44512999/chevron-hits-52-week-high-warren-buffetts-5th-largest-holding-is-on-fire-but-should-you-buy">Chevron Hits 52-Week High – Warren Buffett&#8217;s 5th Largest Holding Is on Fire, But Should You Buy?</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Consumer Discretionary's Divide</h2>
It was a brutal quarter for consumer discretionary, but not all stocks in the sector were drowning. Auto parts retailers proved surprisingly resilient, with O'Reilly Automotive Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORLY#NASDAQ">ORLY</a>) accelerating 17.64% and AutoZone Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>) climbing 16.33%. Yum! Brands Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YUM#NYSE">YUM</a>), the parent company of Taco Bell and KFC, also managed a 15.18% gain, proving that fast food remains a winning bet even in choppy markets.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tech's Tough Quarter—But Some Shined</h2>
Tech stocks had a miserable run, but a few managed to buck the trend. VeriSign Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRSN#NASDAQ">VRSN</a>) surged 23.03%, leading the charge, while Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) and Roper Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROP#NASDAQ">ROP</a>) gained 11.87% and 11.21%, respectively. IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) also posted a solid 9.53% gain, and Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) continued its momentum, adding 8.56%.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Next?</h2>
With the second quarter underway, investors will be watching if Energy can keep its momentum or if beaten-down sectors like Tech and Consumer Discretionary stage a comeback. 
For now, it&#8217;s clear: Energy stocks ruled the first quarter, while Tech and Discretionary stocks got left in the dust.
Read Next: 
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</ul>
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Long Ideas

CTRA

INTC

PLTR

VRSN

Chevron, Exxon, Hess Lead As Tech Giants Stumble In Q1 2025

In the current session, the stock is trading at $3828.11, after a 3.98% increase. Over the past month, AutoZone Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>) stock increased by 11.13%, and in the past year, by 20.81%. With performance like this, long-term shareholders are optimistic but others are more likely to look into the price-to-earnings ratio to see if the stock might be overvalued.

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743112843_0.png" alt="Past Year Chart" />

<h3>Evaluating AutoZone P/E in Comparison to Its Peers</h3>
The P/E ratio measures the current share price to the company's EPS. It is used by long-term investors to analyze the company's current performance against it's past earnings, historical data and aggregate market data for the industry or the indices, such as S&amp;P 500. A higher P/E indicates that investors expect the company to perform better in the future, and the stock is probably overvalued, but not necessarily. It also could indicate that investors are willing to pay a higher share price currently, because they expect the company to perform better in the upcoming quarters. This leads investors to also remain optimistic about rising dividends in the future. 
AutoZone has a lower P/E than the aggregate P/E of 25.36 of the Specialty Retail industry. Ideally, one might believe that the stock might perform worse than its peers, but it's also probable that the stock is undervalued. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743112843_1.png" alt="Guage" />

In conclusion, the price-to-earnings ratio is a useful metric for analyzing a company's market performance, but it has its limitations. While a lower P/E can indicate that a company is undervalued, it can also suggest that shareholders do not expect future growth. Additionally, the P/E ratio should not be used in isolation, as other factors such as industry trends and business cycles can also impact a company's stock price. Therefore, investors should use the P/E ratio in conjunction with other financial metrics and qualitative analysis to make informed investment decisions.

Intraday Update

A Look Into AutoZone Inc's Price Over Earnings

CPRT

DRVN

Shares of auto-repair stocks are higher after President Trump said he would introduce new tariffs on auto and auto parts imports. Tariffs could increase auto prices and support demand for used cars and repairs.

Wall Street dipped slightly on Thursday, with all major indexes edging into the red as investors digested President Donald Trump&#8216;s latest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44517885/trump-slaps-25-tariffs-on-autos-what-it-means-for-your-next-car-purchase">move on auto tariffs.</a>
Late Wednesday, Trump announced a 25% tariff on all auto imports starting next week, with duties on auto parts set to follow in May.
European automakers took a hit, with Mercedes-Benz Group AG (OTCPK: MBGAF) and Porsche Automobile Holding SE (OTCPK: POAHF) sliding 2.5% and 5%, respectively. 
Michigan-based carmakers didn't fare much better. Shares of Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) fell 2.5%, while General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) plunged 6.5%, with the latter marking the worst performance on the S&amp;P 500.
In contrast, U.S. electric vehicle makers rallied. Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) rose 2.6%, and Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) jumped 5%. The rally followed comments from Goldman Sachs analyst Mark Delenay, who pointed to their fully domestic production as a significant advantage <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44515578/trumps-25-tariff-set-to-hike-imported-car-prices-up-to-15000-higher-goldman-sachs-warns">under the new tariffs.</a>
Meanwhile, gold extended its rally, climbing over 1% and testing record highs as the U.S. dollar softened. Silver gained 2%, while copper pulled back 2% after a strong run that had lifted it to all-time highs.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) held firm at $86,875, signaling a cautious tone across the crypto market.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>Chg %</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>19,840.57</td>
<td>-0.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>42,277.82</td>
<td>-0.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,687.68</td>
<td>-0.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,060.90</td>
<td>-0.7%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 1:00 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) inched 0.4% lower to $566.80.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) fell 0.5% to $422.32.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;dropped 0.5% to $482.05.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) fell 0.6% to $204.29</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Consumer Staples&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLP#NYSE">XLP</a>) outperformed, up 0.8%; the&nbsp;Energy&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) lagged, down 1%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dollar Tree Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>) rallied over 8% after the company announced that it would sell its Family Dollar business for $1.01 billion to Brigade and Macellum Capital.</li>
<li>AutoZone Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>) rallied 3.7% to fresh record highs in reaction to import tariffs on automotive parts.</li>
<li>Shares of car rental firms also rallied amid potentially higher margins. Avis Budget Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAR#NASDAQ">CAR</a>) and Hertz Global Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HTZ#NASDAQ">HTZ</a>) both rocketed by about 20%. </li>
<li>GameStop Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>) plunged 22% after it announced a private offering of convertible debt to buy Bitcoin.</li>
<li>New Fortress Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFE#NASDAQ">NFE</a>) tumbled more than 10% after the company announced plans to divest its natural gas assets and operations in Jamaica. </li>
<li>Lululemon Athletica Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LULU#NASDAQ">LULU</a>) will report its earnings after the close. Shares were up 0.7%. </li>
</ul>
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POAHF

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TSLA

Stocks Slide As Auto Tariffs Boost Tesla, Rivian And Hit GM, Ford: What's Driving Markets Thursday?

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on AutoZone (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with AZO, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 8 uncommon options trades for AutoZone.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 62% bullish and 12%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $191,600, and 6 are calls, for a total amount of $726,430.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $2800.0 to $4100.0 for AutoZone during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for AutoZone's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of AutoZone's whale trades within a strike price range from $2800.0 to $4100.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>AutoZone Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743084132_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$142.8</td>
<td>$128.0</td>
<td>$137.0</td>
<td>$4100.00</td>
<td>$411.0K</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$328.4</td>
<td>$325.0</td>
<td>$325.0</td>
<td>$4000.00</td>
<td>$162.5K</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$1007.2</td>
<td>$994.0</td>
<td>$1000.0</td>
<td>$2800.00</td>
<td>$100.0K</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$850.0</td>
<td>$840.0</td>
<td>$850.0</td>
<td>$3000.00</td>
<td>$85.0K</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$624.0</td>
<td>$610.0</td>
<td>$624.0</td>
<td>$3130.00</td>
<td>$62.4K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About AutoZone</h3>
AutoZone operates as a leading retailer of aftermarket automotive parts in the United States. The firm operates more than 6,400 stores domestically, serving both the do-it-yourself and commercial (do-it-for-me) end markets. Through its vast store footprint and distribution network, AutoZone manages a wide array of stock-keeping units applicable to numerous vehicle makes and models, providing its consumers with ample product availability. The firm drives traffic by providing superior and convenient customer service as AutoZone's team of knowledgeable staff assists consumers with diagnosing a vehicle's problem, selecting the necessary part for replacement, and occasionally, installation. The company also operates internationally, with 800 stores in Mexico and more than 100 in Brazil.
In light of the recent options history for AutoZone, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Current Position of AutoZone</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 15,826, the price of AZO is up by 1.77%, reaching $3746.91.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 54 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on AutoZone</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $3835.8.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from BMO Capital has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on AutoZone, which currently sits at a price target of $3850. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Truist Securities keeps a Buy rating on AutoZone with a target price of $3841. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Roth MKM has decided to maintain their Buy rating on AutoZone, which currently sits at a price target of $3763. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Wedbush downgraded its action to Outperform with a price target of $3700. 
&#x2A; An analyst from UBS has decided to maintain their Buy rating on AutoZone, which currently sits at a price target of $4025. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest AutoZone options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Smart Money Is Betting Big In AZO Options

AMZN

BIRK

BURL

CANG

CHWY

CPRI

CVNA

DECK

REAL

SFIX

SHOO

SHOT

TSCO

URBN

WOOF

Shares of retail, apparel, and e-commerce companies are trading higher amid overall market strength on reports of potentially narrowed or targeted tariffs, which may be easing investor concerns.

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards AutoZone (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in AZO usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 14 extraordinary options activities for AutoZone. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 42% leaning bullish and 50% bearish. Among these notable options, 5 are puts, totaling $155,470, and 9 are calls, amounting to $937,806.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $2500.0 to $3650.0 for AutoZone during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for AutoZone's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across AutoZone's significant trades, within a strike price range of $2500.0 to $3650.0, over the past month.
<h3>AutoZone 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742585506_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$1140.2</td>
<td>$1123.3</td>
<td>$1126.7</td>
<td>$2500.00</td>
<td>$450.6K</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$623.2</td>
<td>$608.4</td>
<td>$611.7</td>
<td>$3050.00</td>
<td>$122.3K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$700.0</td>
<td>$685.2</td>
<td>$690.0</td>
<td>$3000.00</td>
<td>$69.0K</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$687.9</td>
<td>$668.0</td>
<td>$680.0</td>
<td>$3000.00</td>
<td>$68.0K</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$617.1</td>
<td>$601.9</td>
<td>$611.1</td>
<td>$3000.00</td>
<td>$61.1K</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About AutoZone</h3>
AutoZone operates as a leading retailer of aftermarket automotive parts in the United States. The firm operates more than 6,400 stores domestically, serving both the do-it-yourself and commercial (do-it-for-me) end markets. Through its vast store footprint and distribution network, AutoZone manages a wide array of stock-keeping units applicable to numerous vehicle makes and models, providing its consumers with ample product availability. The firm drives traffic by providing superior and convenient customer service as AutoZone's team of knowledgeable staff assists consumers with diagnosing a vehicle's problem, selecting the necessary part for replacement, and occasionally, installation. The company also operates internationally, with 800 stores in Mexico and more than 100 in Brazil.
<h3>AutoZone's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 86,638, with AZO's price up by 0.77%, positioned at $3601.01.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 60 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On AutoZone</h3>
In the last month, 5 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $3758.2.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Evercore ISI Group keeps a Outperform rating on AutoZone with a target price of $3700. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Morgan Stanley has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on AutoZone, which currently sits at a price target of $3750. 
&#x2A; An analyst from DA Davidson persists with their Neutral rating on AutoZone, maintaining a target price of $3500. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Truist Securities continues to hold a Buy rating for AutoZone, targeting a price of $3841. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Raymond James keeps a Strong Buy rating on AutoZone with a target price of $4000. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for AutoZone with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Decoding AutoZone's Options Activity: What's the Big Picture?

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Morgan Stanley analyst Stephen Grambling upgraded the rating for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NCLH#NYSE">NCLH</a>) from Underweight to Equal-Weight but lowered the price target from $27 to $22. Norwegian Cruise shares closed at $20.09 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NCLH/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Morgan Stanley analyst Stephen Grambling upgraded Host Hotels &amp; Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HST#NASDAQ">HST</a>) from Underweight to Equal-Weight but slashed the price target from $16 to $15. Host Hotels shares closed at $15.12 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HST/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Seaport Global analyst Scott Graham upgraded the rating for nVent Electric plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVT#NYSE">NVT</a>) from Neutral to Buy and announced a $74 price target. nVent Electric shares closed at $56.86 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVT/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>DA Davidson analyst Michael Baker upgraded AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>) from Neutral to Buy and raised the price target from $3,500 to $4,192. AutoZone shares closed at $3,573.38 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AZO/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>JP Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee upgraded the rating for Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) from Underweight to Neutral and raised the price target from $35 to $45. Super Micro Computer shares closed at $39.10 on Thursday. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SMCI/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying SMCI stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="617" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21090458/image-196-1024x617.png" alt="" class="wp-image-835903" style="width:514px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21090458/image-196-1024x617.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21090458/image-196-300x181.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21090458/image-196-768x463.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21090458/image-196.png 1107w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/03/44414749/top-2-defensive-stocks-that-may-keep-you-up-at-night-in-march">Top 2 Defensive Stocks That May Keep You Up At Night In March</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

NCLH

This Super Micro Computer Analyst Is No Longer Bearish; Here Are Top 5 Upgrades For Friday

DA Davidson analyst Michael Baker upgrades AutoZone (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>) from Neutral to Buy and raises the price target from $3500 to $4192.

DA Davidson Upgrades AutoZone to Buy, Raises Price Target to $4192

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on AutoZone (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with AZO, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 20 uncommon options trades for AutoZone.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 25% bullish and 60%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 10 are puts, for a total amount of $544,350, and 10 are calls, for a total amount of $726,170.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $2450.0 and $4700.0 for AutoZone, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for AutoZone's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of AutoZone's whale activity within a strike price range from $2450.0 to $4700.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>AutoZone Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1741707104_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$568.0</td>
<td>$554.0</td>
<td>$554.0</td>
<td>$3110.00</td>
<td>$166.2K</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$1316.0</td>
<td>$1298.0</td>
<td>$1298.0</td>
<td>$2450.00</td>
<td>$129.8K</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1145.3</td>
<td>$1132.5</td>
<td>$1144.8</td>
<td>$2460.00</td>
<td>$114.4K</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1100.9</td>
<td>$1082.5</td>
<td>$1098.7</td>
<td>$4700.00</td>
<td>$109.8K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1044.3</td>
<td>$1024.4</td>
<td>$1030.2</td>
<td>$4600.00</td>
<td>$103.0K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About AutoZone</h3>
AutoZone operates as a leading retailer of aftermarket automotive parts in the United States. The firm operates more than 6,400 stores domestically, serving both the do-it-yourself and commercial (do-it-for-me) end markets. Through its vast store footprint and distribution network, AutoZone manages a wide array of stock-keeping units applicable to numerous vehicle makes and models, providing its consumers with ample product availability. The firm drives traffic by providing superior and convenient customer service as AutoZone's team of knowledgeable staff assists consumers with diagnosing a vehicle's problem, selecting the necessary part for replacement, and occasionally, installation. The company also operates internationally, with 800 stores in Mexico and more than 100 in Brazil.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding AutoZone, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Where Is AutoZone Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 53,462, with AZO's price down by -3.5%, positioned at $3561.0.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 70 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About AutoZone</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $3726.2.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from DA Davidson persists with their Neutral rating on AutoZone, maintaining a target price of $3500. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Truist Securities keeps a Buy rating on AutoZone with a target price of $3841. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Wells Fargo has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on AutoZone, which currently sits at a price target of $3850. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Wedbush downgraded its rating to Outperform, setting a price target of $3700. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Mizuho has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on AutoZone, which currently sits at a price target of $3740. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest AutoZone options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

AutoZone's Options Frenzy: What You Need to Know

Shares of retail, apparel, and ecommerce stocks are trading lower amid a decline in consumer spending data. Additionally, Kohl's issued expectations for sales to fall in 2025.

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards AutoZone (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in AZO usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 12 extraordinary options activities for AutoZone. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 41% leaning bullish and 8% bearish. Among these notable options, 5 are puts, totaling $332,750, and 7 are calls, amounting to $324,653.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $2800.0 to $4000.0 for AutoZone over the recent three months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for AutoZone's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of AutoZone's whale trades within a strike price range from $2800.0 to $4000.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>AutoZone 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1741288638_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$103.0</td>
<td>$100.0</td>
<td>$100.0</td>
<td>$3600.00</td>
<td>$100.0K</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$474.0</td>
<td>$471.0</td>
<td>$471.0</td>
<td>$4000.00</td>
<td>$94.2K</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$841.7</td>
<td>$827.5</td>
<td>$840.0</td>
<td>$2800.00</td>
<td>$84.0K</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$757.0</td>
<td>$744.2</td>
<td>$750.0</td>
<td>$2900.00</td>
<td>$75.0K</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AZO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$64.0</td>
<td>$55.1</td>
<td>$59.5</td>
<td>$3500.00</td>
<td>$59.5K</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About AutoZone</h3>
AutoZone operates as a leading retailer of aftermarket automotive parts in the United States. The firm operates more than 6,400 stores domestically, serving both the do-it-yourself and commercial (do-it-for-me) end markets. Through its vast store footprint and distribution network, AutoZone manages a wide array of stock-keeping units applicable to numerous vehicle makes and models, providing its consumers with ample product availability. The firm drives traffic by providing superior and convenient customer service as AutoZone's team of knowledgeable staff assists consumers with diagnosing a vehicle's problem, selecting the necessary part for replacement, and in some instances, installation. The company also operates internationally, with 800 stores in Mexico and more than 100 in Brazil.
<h3>Current Position of AutoZone</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 85,033, the price of AZO is up 0.14% at $3561.03. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 75 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About AutoZone</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $3718.2.
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&#x2A; An analyst from B of A Securities persists with their Neutral rating on AutoZone, maintaining a target price of $3700. 
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&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Wedbush downgraded its rating to Outperform, setting a price target of $3700. 
&#x2A; An analyst from DA Davidson persists with their Neutral rating on AutoZone, maintaining a target price of $3500. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Truist Securities persists with their Buy rating on AutoZone, maintaining a target price of $3841. 
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Earnings

Press Releases

AutoZone 4th Quarter Total Company Same Store Sales Increase 1.3%; Domestic Same Store Sales Increase 0.2%; 4th Quarter EPS Increases to $51.58; Annual Sales of $18.5 Billion

Gabelli Funds to Host 48th Annual Automotive Symposium at The Encore at Wynn, Las Vegas, Nevada

AutoZone to Release First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Earnings December 10, 2024

AutoZone to hold Stockholders' Meeting December 18, 2024

AutoZone 1st Quarter Total Company Same Store Sales Increase 1.8%; Domestic Same Store Sales Increase 0.3%; 1st Quarter EPS of $32.52

AutoZone Announces Organizational Changes

AutoZone to Release Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 Earnings March 4, 2025

AutoZone 2nd Quarter Total Company Same Store Sales Increase 2.9%; Domestic Same Store Sales Increase 1.9%; EPS of $28.29

DORM

GNTX

MNRO

MPAA

NNBR

PHIN

PRTS

RUSHA

STRT

Advance Auto Parts

Asbury Automotive Group

AutoNation

ARKO

Autozi Internet Technology (Global) Ltd. - Class A Ordinary Shares

Autozi Internet Tech

Cango Inc. American Depositary Shares, each representing two (2) Class A Ordinary Shares

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