Values First Advisors Inc. significantly increased its holdings in O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: ORLY) by an impressive 1,406.1% during the second quarter of 2023. This increase, detailed in the firm’s recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), brings its total shares in the specialty retailer to 13,570, following the acquisition of an additional 12,669 shares. As of the latest filing, Values First Advisors’ holdings in O’Reilly Automotive are valued at approximately $1.22 million.
Other institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in O’Reilly Automotive. Notably, HWG Holdings LP entered a new position in the first quarter, valued at around $26,000. Similarly, Bank of Jackson Hole Trust acquired shares valued at approximately $25,000, while HighMark Wealth Management LLC increased its stake by 185.7%, now owning 20 shares valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares. Additionally, Elequin Capital LP and Saudi Central Bank made new investments of approximately $30,000 and $33,000, respectively. Collectively, institutional investors and hedge funds control 85% of O’Reilly Automotive’s stock.
O’Reilly Automotive’s Stock Performance and Analyst Ratings
On the trading front, O’Reilly Automotive’s stock price experienced a slight decline of 0.9%, opening at $101.17 on Friday. The company boasts a market capitalization of $85.84 billion, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.17 and a beta of 0.60. The stock has fluctuated over the past year, with a low of $76.22 and a high of $108.71. Current moving averages stand at $103.86 for the past 50 days and $96.30 for the last 200 days.
Recent evaluations from analysts suggest a positive outlook for O’Reilly Automotive. DA Davidson raised its price target for the stock from $107.00 to $115.00, maintaining a “buy” rating in a note dated July 25, 2023. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on September 18, 2023, assigning an “outperform” rating with a price target of $121.00. Argus, starting coverage on August 13, set a price objective of $120.00 with a buy rating. Guggenheim also increased its price objective from $98.00 to $110.00, while TD Cowen raised its target from $112.00 to $125.00, both giving the stock a “buy” rating. Overall, O’Reilly Automotive has received one “Strong Buy” rating, seventeen “Buy” ratings, and two “Hold” ratings, leading to a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” with an average target price of $109.12.
Insider Transactions and Company Background
In related news, insider trading activity has been notable. On July 29, 2023, Senior Vice President Mark Joseph Merz sold 5,050 shares at an average price of $99.07, totaling approximately $500,303.50. Following this sale, Merz held 2,876 shares, reflecting a 63.71% decrease in his holdings. Furthermore, Director Maria Sastre sold 595 shares on August 13, 2023, at an average price of $102.31, which amounted to $60,874.45. After this transaction, Sastre’s ownership decreased by 3.60%, leaving her with 15,935 shares valued at around $1,630,309.85. In total, insiders sold 125,635 shares valued at approximately $12.74 million in the last quarter, with corporate insiders owning just 1.01% of the stock.
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., along with its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer and supplier of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment, and accessories across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. The company offers a range of products, including both new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, and a variety of accessories. This broad product offering positions O’Reilly Automotive as a key player in the automotive retail sector.
