Autotrader Group Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 4/6
Autotrader Group has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 10.3%, while the Interactive Media and Services industry saw earnings growing at 10.3% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 12.9% per year. Autotrader Group's return on equity is 72.2%, and it has net margins of 47.1%.
Key information
10.28%
Earnings growth rate
12.48%
EPS growth rate
| Interactive Media and Services Industry Growth | 5.38% |
| Revenue growth rate | 12.93% |
| Return on equity | 72.19% |
| Net Margin | 47.08% |
| Next Earnings Update | 05 Nov 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Jun 26
AUTO: 2026 Execution Risks Will Pressure Pricing Power Despite Supportive EPS Outlook
The analyst price target for Auto Trader Group has been reset lower to reflect a fair value cut from £4.70 to £4.10, with analysts citing a higher discount rate, more cautious assumptions on revenue growth and margins, and a lower future P/E multiple, even as recent research includes both reduced and newly initiated Buy targets across the stock. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Auto Trader Group shows a mix of views, with several bearish analysts flagging valuation and execution risks alongside more positive coverage from large banks such as Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan.
Narrative Update • Jun 12
AUTO: Confident Sector Views And Buybacks Will Drive Future Repricing
Analysts have trimmed the blended price target for Auto Trader Group to reflect an updated fair value estimate of £8.22 per share from £8.90, balancing recent target cuts from JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank with fresh Buy ratings and higher targets from Goldman Sachs and Peel Hunt. These moves highlight continued confidence in classifieds portals despite AI related concerns.
Narrative Update • May 29
AUTO: Future EPS Support And Margins Will Underpin Repriced P/E
Analysts have adjusted the implied fair value on Auto Trader Group to £5.84 from £6.54, reflecting updated assumptions on revenue growth, margins and future P/E, even as recent Street research shows a mix of higher and lower price targets, including revisions to £7.94, £6.30 and £4.45. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Auto Trader Group reflects a split view, with both bullish and bearish analysts adjusting their targets and ratings as they rework assumptions around growth, execution and valuation.Analysis Article • May 26
UK£6.11: That's What Analysts Think Autotrader Group plc (LON:AUTO) Is Worth After Its Latest Results
Shareholders might have noticed that Autotrader Group plc ( LON:AUTO ) filed its yearly result this time last week. The...Narrative Update • May 06
AUTO: Future Margin Resilience Will Support Repriced P/E Despite Recent Downgrades
Analysts have trimmed the Autotrader Group price target by £1.19 per share. This reflects a slightly lower fair value estimate and a higher discount rate, along with modest adjustments to long term P/E assumptions following recent target cuts and a downgrade from several banks.Narrative Update • Apr 21
AUTO: Future Margin Resilience Will Support Repriced P/E And Fair Value Estimate
Narrative Update The analyst price target for Auto Trader Group has been reduced to £5.15, reflecting a series of target cuts from multiple banks as analysts factor in a slightly lower fair value estimate and a modestly adjusted future P/E assumption. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates point to a more cautious stance on Auto Trader Group, with several firms adjusting price targets and ratings to reflect a reassessment of fair value and execution risks.Narrative Update • Apr 07
AUTO: Future Margin Resilience Will Support Repriced P/E Multiple
Autotrader Group's updated analyst price target moves lower, with fair value now at £6.98 from £8.60. Analysts factor in a higher discount rate, slightly softer revenue growth expectations, modestly lower profit margins and a reduced future P/E of 21.63x from 25.22x, in line with recent target cuts from Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan, Berenberg and Morgan Stanley.Narrative Update • Mar 24
AUTO: Recent Rating Shifts Will Set Up A Future Repricing Opportunity
Auto Trader Group's analyst price target has been marked down, reflected in a fair value move from about £10.05 to £8.90, as analysts point to lower price targets across several firms and slightly adjusted assumptions for discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Auto Trader Group has leaned cautious on price targets, but there are still some clear positives that stand out for you as an investor.Narrative Update • Mar 10
AUTO: 2026 Pricing Power And Execution Risks Will Temper Market Optimism
The analyst price target for Auto Trader Group has been cut by £1.65 per share to reflect lower fair value assumptions, slightly higher discount rates and modestly softer expectations for revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E multiples that are broadly in line with recent target reductions from several research houses. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates on Auto Trader Group point to a more cautious tone, with several bearish analysts trimming price targets and, in some cases, lowering ratings.Narrative Update • Feb 24
AUTO: 2026 Pricing Power And Execution Risks Will Shape Market Expectations
The analyst price target for Auto Trader Group has been cut by £0.96, with recent Street research pointing to lower fair value estimates and P/E assumptions, alongside questions around pricing and leading brokers trimming their targets into the £630 to £665 range and shifting stances toward more neutral ratings. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research points to a more cautious tone around Auto Trader Group, with several bearish analysts reducing price targets and questioning how much upside is left at current P/E assumptions.Narrative Update • Feb 09
AUTO: Street Downgrades Will Set Up A Repricing Opportunity
The updated analyst price target for Auto Trader Group shows a modest reset, with fair value edging from £10.40 to about £10.05 as analysts factor in slightly lower revenue growth assumptions, a higher discount rate, and recent Street target cuts, while forecast profit margins and future P/E expectations remain broadly supportive. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Auto Trader Group has shifted toward a more cautious stance overall, with several firms trimming price targets and, in some cases, downgrading their recommendations.Analysis Article • Jan 27
Autotrader Group plc's (LON:AUTO) Share Price Not Quite Adding Up
It's not a stretch to say that Autotrader Group plc's ( LON:AUTO ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 15.7x right...Narrative Update • Jan 26
AUTO: 2026 Pricing Power And Capital Returns Will Shape Market Expectations
Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Auto Trader Group from £6.35 to £5.95, reflecting a lower blended price target across recent research as firms reset assumptions on revenue growth, margins and future P/E multiples. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Auto Trader Group shows a clear tilt toward more cautious assumptions on pricing power, growth prospects and valuation multiples, even where ratings have been maintained or slightly improved.Narrative Update • Jan 10
AUTO: 2026 Pricing Debate And Dividend Actions Will Shape Future Expectations
Our analyst price target for Auto Trader Group has edged down from £6.36 to £6.35. This reflects a blend of recent Street moves, with several firms resetting targets to around £6.30 to £6.50 and flagging questions around 2026 pricing, while still seeing room for more balanced risk and reward in the shares.Analysis Article • Jan 09
Here's Why Auto Trader Group (LON:AUTO) Has Caught The Eye Of Investors
For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to...Narrative Update • Dec 26
AUTO: Diverging Broker Views And Dividend Actions Will Shape Future Expectations
Analysts have modestly reduced their price target on Auto Trader Group to about £6.30 per share from roughly £7.70, citing a slightly higher discount rate despite marginal improvements in long term revenue growth and profit margin expectations. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research reflects a cautious reassessment of Auto Trader Group, with bearish analysts highlighting a less compelling risk reward profile at current levels.Narrative Update • Dec 12
AUTO: Cautious Outlook Will Shape Expectations After Key Price Objective Cut
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Auto Trader Group from approximately 770 GBp to around 630 GBp, reflecting more cautious assumptions on revenue growth, profit margins, and valuation multiples, despite some supportive broker commentary. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Auto Trader Group highlights a mixed but increasingly cautious backdrop, with the latest price target moves pointing to heightened scrutiny of the company’s valuation and execution risks.Analysis Article • Nov 24
Why Auto Trader Group plc (LON:AUTO) Could Be Worth Watching
Auto Trader Group plc ( LON:AUTO ), is not the largest company out there, but it received a lot of attention from a...Analysis Article • Nov 09
Auto Trader Group plc (LON:AUTO) Half-Yearly Results Just Came Out: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting For This Year
Auto Trader Group plc ( LON:AUTO ) shareholders are probably feeling a little disappointed, since its shares fell 3.7...Analysis Article • Nov 01
Estimating The Intrinsic Value Of Auto Trader Group plc (LON:AUTO)
Key Insights The projected fair value for Auto Trader Group is UK£8.17 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity...Analysis Article • Oct 11
Should You Be Adding Auto Trader Group (LON:AUTO) To Your Watchlist Today?
The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even...Analysis Article • Aug 12
Auto Trader Group plc (LON:AUTO) Investors Are Less Pessimistic Than Expected
When close to half the companies in the United Kingdom have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") below 16x, you may...Analysis Article • Jul 25
Calculating The Fair Value Of Auto Trader Group plc (LON:AUTO)
Key Insights Auto Trader Group's estimated fair value is UK£7.83 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Auto Trader...
New Narrative • Nov 25
Co-Driver AI And Electric Innovations Empower Revenue Growth Amid Market Challenges
Strategic focus on enhancing Deal Builder and Co-Driver AI suite likely to drive revenue growth and improve net margins through customer engagement and operational efficiency.Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Autotrader Group makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 624 | 294 | 23 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 620 | 294 | 24 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 616 | 294 | 24 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 609 | 288 | 26 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 601 | 283 | 27 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 597 | 281 | 26 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 593 | 280 | 25 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 582 | 268 | 25 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 571 | 257 | 26 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 551 | 246 | 28 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 531 | 236 | 29 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 516 | 235 | 28 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 500 | 234 | 27 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 484 | 236 | 25 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 467 | 238 | 23 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 450 | 241 | 22 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 433 | 245 | 21 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 396 | 220 | 41 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 360 | 196 | 61 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 311 | 162 | 79 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 263 | 128 | 98 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 282 | 142 | 99 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 300 | 156 | 101 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 335 | 180 | 104 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 369 | 205 | 107 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 367 | 207 | 106 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 365 | 208 | 106 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 360 | 203 | 104 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 355 | 198 | 103 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 349 | 188 | 102 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 342 | 179 | 101 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 336 | 175 | 100 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 330 | 171 | 100 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 326 | 167 | 101 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 323 | 163 | 102 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 317 | 159 | 101 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 311 | 155 | 101 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 304 | 149 | 98 | 0 |
| 25 Sep 16 | 297 | 143 | 95 | 0 |
| 25 Jun 16 | 289 | 135 | 99 | 0 |
| 27 Mar 16 | 282 | 127 | 102 | 0 |
| 27 Dec 15 | 275 | 94 | 110 | 0 |
| 27 Sep 15 | 267 | 59 | 105 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: AUTO has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: AUTO's current net profit margins (47.1%) are higher than last year (47%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: AUTO's earnings have grown by 10.3% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: AUTO's earnings growth over the past year (4%) is below its 5-year average (10.3% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: AUTO earnings growth over the past year (4%) did not outperform the Interactive Media and Services industry 5.1%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: AUTO's Return on Equity (72.2%) is considered outstanding.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/07/13 14:41 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/07/10 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Autotrader Group plc is covered by 26 analysts. 15 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Andrew Ross | Barclays |
| William Larwood | Berenberg |
| Annick Maas | Bernstein |