It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors.

Many investors also have a go-to methodology that helps guide their buy and sell decisions. One way to find winning stocks based on your preferred way of investing is to use the Zacks Style Scores, which are indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing types: value, growth, and momentum.

Different than growth or momentum investors, value-focused investors are all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under what their true value is before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.

AutoNation, Inc. is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States. Apart from retailing new and used vehicles, the company offers vehicle maintenance and repair services, vehicle parts, extended service contracts, vehicle protection products, and other aftermarket products. In addition, it arranges financing for vehicle purchases through third-party sources.

AN is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock, with a Value Style Score of A and VGM Score of A. Shares are currently trading at a forward P/E of 10.6X for the current fiscal year compared to the Automotive - Retail and Whole Sales industry's P/E 11.2X. Additionally, AN has a PEG Ratio of 1 and a Price/Cash Flow ratio of 8.2X. Value investors should also note AN's Price/Sales ratio of 0.3X.

Value investors don't just pay attention to a company's valuation ratios; positive earnings play a crucial role, too. Four analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2025. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.23 to $18.9. AN has an average earnings surprise of 1.6%.

With strong valuation and earnings metrics, a good Zacks Rank, and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, investors should strongly think about adding AN to their portfolios.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

AutoNation, Inc. (AN) : Free Stock Analysis Report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research