AutoNation (AN, Financial) is the largest automotive retailer in the U.S. The company owns and operates 371 new vehicle franchises through 261 stores, located predominantly in major metropolitan markets. The stock was down 18% in 2016 because investors were disappointed by the company’s earnings and were fearful that the auto cycle had reached its peak. The soft earnings were caused by brand-building investments, disruptions from a Takata airbag recall and poor performance in Texas. We are confident that these are short-term setbacks and that AutoNation will be able to rebound. In our view, the brand and franchise remain strong, and the company’s CEO, Mike Jackson, is a proven operator and superb capital allocator. Since Jackson became CEO in 1999, he has opportunistically used share repurchases to reduce the share base by 75%, contributing to a total return to shareholders of 346% (versus 144% for the S&P 500). We believe that paying 11x depressed earnings for an industry leader with such a strong track record is a compelling investment.
From Bill Nygren (Trades, Portfolio)'s Oakmark Fund fourth quarter 2016 commentary.
