About Autotrader Group plc (AUTO)
Autotrader Group plc is a Internet Content & Information company operating in the Communication Services sector. The company is headquartered in Manchester, United Kingdom. AUTO has been publicly traded since 2015, giving it 11+ years of trading history.
Autotrader Group plc (AUTO) has been publicly traded since 2015, making it a 11-year-old public company. It operates in the Internet Content & Information industry within the Communication Services sector. The company is headquartered in Manchester, United Kingdom and employs approximately 1,249 people. With a market capitalization of £4.1 billion, AUTO is a mid-sized company with growth potential.
AUTO trades on the London Stock Exchange and is classified as a mid-cap-cap stock with a market capitalization of approximately £4.1 billion. The company employs approximately 1,249 people worldwide.
Key Statistics
- Current Price
- £494.80
- Market Cap
- £4.09B
- 52-Week High
- £920.00
- 52-Week Low
- £454.54
- Sector
- Communication Services
- Industry
- Internet Content & Information
AUTO Investment Performance
AUTO has declined 15.6% year-to-date in 2026. Over the past 5 years, a £1,000 investment in AUTO would have grown to £877, representing a -12.3% total return. Since its IPO in 2015, a £1,000 investment would now be worth £1,935.
£1,000 Invested in Autotrader Group plc (AUTO)
How much would £1,000 invested in AUTO be worth today?
What would £1,000 invested in AUTO 1 year ago be worth today?
A £1,000 investment in Autotrader Group plc (AUTO) in 2025 would be worth £649 as of March 2026, representing a -35.1% total return.
What would £1,000 invested in AUTO 3 years ago be worth today?
A £1,000 investment in Autotrader Group plc (AUTO) in 2023 would be worth £843 as of March 2026, representing a -15.7% total return.
What would £1,000 invested in AUTO 5 years ago be worth today?
A £1,000 investment in Autotrader Group plc (AUTO) in 2021 would be worth £877 as of March 2026, representing a -12.3% total return.
What would £1,000 invested in AUTO 10 years ago be worth today?
A £1,000 investment in Autotrader Group plc (AUTO) in 2016 would be worth £1,282 as of March 2026, representing a +28.2% total return.
What would £1,000 invested in AUTO at IPO be worth today?
A £1,000 investment in Autotrader Group plc (AUTO) at IPO would be worth £1,935 as of March 2026, representing a +93.5% total return.
Monthly Returns Heatmap
Over the past 11+ years (132 months), Autotrader Group plc (AUTO) has averaged a monthly return of +0.79% with a median return of +0.53%. The stock had 69 positive months (52%) and 63 negative months (48%). The best month in AUTO's history was May 2020 with a +21.7% return, while the worst was September 2022 at -21.0%. Historically, July tends to be the strongest month (averaging +3.9%), and February the weakest (-2.5%).
AUTO's longest winning streak was 7 consecutive months of gains, while its longest losing streak was 7 consecutive months of losses. The best full year was 2023 with a cumulative return of +37.6%, and the worst was 2022 at -30.8%.
Annual Returns
Over 11 years of trading history, Autotrader Group plc (AUTO) has delivered an average annual return of +3.67% with a median return of +0.24%. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is +1.00%. The stock posted gains in 6 years (55%) and losses in 5 years (45%).
AUTO's best year was 2023 with a +39.94% gain, while the worst was 2022 at -30.32%. The longest streak of consecutive positive years was 4, and the longest losing streak was 2 years. AUTO achieved double-digit gains (10%+) in 4 years. It suffered double-digit losses in 4 years.
| Year | Return | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | -15.62% | £586.36 | £494.80 |
| 2025 | -26.04% | £792.84 | £586.36 |
| 2024 | +9.94% | £721.17 | £792.84 |
| 2023 | +39.94% | £515.36 | £721.17 |
| 2022 | -30.32% | £739.57 | £515.36 |
| 2021 | +24.17% | £595.61 | £739.57 |
| 2020 | +0.24% | £594.18 | £595.61 |
| 2019 | +30.76% | £454.42 | £594.18 |
| 2018 | +28.93% | £352.45 | £454.42 |
| 2017 | -13.73% | £408.54 | £352.45 |
| 2016 | -7.88% | £443.49 | £408.54 |
AUTO Investment Analysis: Valuation, Risk & Dividends
Key factors to consider when evaluating Autotrader Group plc as an investment
Valuation
AUTO currently trades at a trailing P/E ratio of 15.0, which is considered low relative to the broader market. The forward P/E of 12.7 suggests analysts expect earnings to be lower in the coming year. The price-to-book ratio stands at 761.2. The price-to-sales ratio is 6.6.
Dividends
Autotrader Group plc pays a dividend to shareholders with a current yield of 2.20%. This translates to £0.11 per share annually. The payout ratio of 32% indicates sustainable dividend coverage.
Risk & Volatility
AUTO has a beta of 0.71, indicating it is less volatile than the overall market. The stock's 52-week range is £454.54 to £920.00, and it currently trades near its 52-week low.
Analyst Ratings
Based on 16 analyst opinions, AUTO has a consensus "buy" rating. The average price target of £720.94 suggests 45.7% upside from current levels.
Frequently Asked Questions: AUTO
What sector is AUTO in? ▼
AUTO operates in the Communication Services sector, specifically in the Internet Content & Information industry. This sector includes telecom companies, media firms, and interactive entertainment businesses.
How has AUTO performed historically? ▼
Over 11 years of trading history, AUTO has posted gains in 6 years (55% of the time). The best year was 2023 with a +39.9% return. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How can I invest in AUTO? ▼
You can invest in AUTO through any brokerage account that offers access to the London Stock Exchange. Popular options include commission-free brokers like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Robinhood (US), or international brokers like Interactive Brokers. You can buy individual shares or invest through ETFs that hold AUTO.
Does AUTO pay dividends? ▼
Autotrader Group plc pays a dividend to shareholders with a current yield of 2.20%. This translates to £0.11 per share annually. The payout ratio of 32% indicates sustainable dividend coverage.
What does Autotrader Group plc do? ▼
Autotrader Group plc is a Internet Content & Information company operating in the Communication Services sector. The company is headquartered in Manchester, United Kingdom.
What sector is AUTO in? ▼
AUTO operates in the Communication Services sector, specifically in the Internet Content & Information industry.
When did AUTO go public? ▼
Autotrader Group plc went public in 2015, making it a 11-year-old public company as of 2026.
How much would £1,000 invested in AUTO 5 years ago be worth today? ▼
A £1,000 investment in AUTO five years ago would be worth approximately £877 today, representing a -12.3% return.
Does AUTO pay dividends? ▼
Yes, Autotrader Group plc pays a dividend with a current yield of 2.20%, which is £0.11 per share annually.
What is AUTO's market cap? ▼
Autotrader Group plc has a market capitalization of £4.1 billion, classifying it as a mid-cap company.
What is AUTO's P/E ratio? ▼
AUTO has a trailing P/E ratio of 15.0 and a forward P/E of 12.7, which measures how much investors are paying per dollar of earnings.
Is AUTO a buy, hold, or sell? ▼
Based on 16 opinions, AUTO has a consensus "buy" rating. The average price target is £720.94.
Last updated: 3/14/2026