Should I buy Auto Trader Group stock in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been tracking the performance of Auto Trader Group for over three years. Every month, over a million users in the UK trust us to decipher market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, paid by Auto Trader Group.

What is Auto Trader Group?

How much is Auto Trader Group stock?

The price of Auto Trader Group stock is rising this week. The current price stands at 816.80 GBp, with a 24-hour gain of +0.74% and a weekly increase of +2.07%. Auto Trader Group holds a market capitalization of £7.17 billion and an average daily trading volume of 3.29 million shares over the last three months. The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 25.53, offers a dividend yield of 1.29%, and maintains a five-year beta of 0.65, indicating relatively low volatility. This stable trend suggests attractive potential for cautious investors seeking growth in the UK digital automotive sector.

Our full analysis of the Auto Trader Group stock

Having carefully reviewed Auto Trader Group’s latest financial results and tracked the stock’s journey over the past three years, we have consolidated multiple layers of analysis—financial metrics, advanced technical indicators, market context, and competitor benchmarking—within our proprietary research algorithms. This approach provides a holistic, data-driven picture for investors seeking clarity in the evolving UK tech landscape. So, why might Auto Trader Group stock once again become a strategic entry point into the digital automotive sector in 2025?

Recent performance and market context

Auto Trader Group has demonstrated notably resilient momentum, with the current share price at 816.80 GBp as of July 2025—marking a 0.74% gain over the past day and 2.07% across the last week. The stock’s one-year performance remains modestly positive, and its six-month progression (+2.95%) reflects both operational stability and continued sector leadership against a backdrop of macroeconomic challenges. The company’s recent roll-out of AI-powered user features has enhanced digital engagement, while robust double-digit growth across all retailer segments points to deepening market penetration. Notably, the UK automotive market has outperformed expectations amid improving consumer confidence and steady economic policy—a context supportive of further digital marketplace expansion.

Technical analysis

Technical foundations for Auto Trader Group strongly reinforce the stock’s attractiveness at current levels. The 14-day RSI stands at 47.6, indicating neutral momentum and leaving ample room for an upside move before overbought signals emerge. The MACD at -2.7 recently issued a buy signal, while the price remains well-supported by the 20-day (810.1 GBp), 100-day (799.2 GBp), and 200-day (811.9 GBp) moving averages—all converging around recent trading ranges. The critical support at 789.8 GBp has held firm, suggesting robust appetite among buyers. Key resistance lies at 920.0 GBp, last tested during this year’s high—providing a clear technical target as bullish reversal structures take shape. In short, a constructive technical outlook underpins the case for near- and medium-term appreciation.

Fundamental analysis

Fundamentally, Auto Trader Group has delivered a record set of financials in 2025. Annual revenue exceeds £600 million—up 5% from the prior year—driven by digital service innovation and pricing power. Operational leverage remains a core strength, with EBITDA reaching £388.9 million and operating margin expanding to a remarkable 63%. The company’s net profit per share rose by 12%, while its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 25.53 is fully justified by rapid digitisation and sector leadership. With a market cap of £7.17 billion and a moderate dividend yield of 1.29%, the valuation appears attractive relative to global digital platform peers. Strategic technological investments (notably in AI and “digital retailing”) fortify Auto Trader’s dominant market share, and its scalable model allows for further margin accretion as volumes grow. Proprietary data assets and strong brand recognition provide deep competitive moats—a critical advantage in evolving online marketplaces.

Volume and liquidity

Auto Trader Group’s shares enjoy steady, high liquidity, with average daily volumes around 3.29 million shares—underscoring strong institutional engagement and robust market confidence. The sizable free float provides ample room for dynamic price valuations, supporting efficient entry and exit even around anticipated volatility. This trading environment enhances the stock’s suitability for a wide range of investor strategies, from active traders to long-term holders positioning around macro or company-specific catalysts.

Catalysts and positive outlook

• Ongoing AI Innovation: The introduction of artificial intelligence features for personalised user experiences and smart search is driving higher conversion rates and stickiness on the platform.
• Retailer Revenue Growth: Double-digit expansion in key retail segments affirms Auto Trader’s pivotal role in UK automotive e-commerce, with category leadership unlikely to be challenged soon.
• Strength in UK Car Market: Despite global supply chain headwinds, the underlying UK automotive sector remains resilient, supported by improving consumer sentiment, stable interest rates, and pent-up demand.
• Digital Transition Tailwinds: With car buyers and sellers rapidly shifting to online channels, Auto Trader’s end-to-end digital platform is best positioned to capture a growing share of transactions.
• Potential for M&A and Value-Added Services: Management’s track record of disciplined acquisitions and new product rollouts (such as finance and insurance integrations) provides optionality for margin-enhancing growth.
• ESG Strength and Regulatory Favourability: The company’s ESG initiatives and transparent governance structures align well with investor trends, while regulatory conditions in the UK digital marketplace remain supportive.
• Upcoming Dividend: The 1.29% dividend yield, with the next payment set for October 2025, further enhances the total return profile and signals confidence from the board.

Investment strategies

For investors considering entry, Auto Trader Group’s current price region appears tactically favourable. For short-term traders, the stock is positioned near major technical support yet retains medium-term positive signals from key moving averages and technical momentum indicators. The anticipated momentum toward the resistance at 920 GBp offers a clear, attractive target for swing trades.

Medium-term strategies can harness catalysts such as ongoing AI deployments and sustained retailer growth, providing an opportunity to capture compounding returns as management executes its technology roadmap. Notably, quarterly and interim financial results—traditionally exceeding consensus—could deliver further upside surprises.

Long-term investors benefit from owning a structurally advantaged platform, protected by significant network effects and with multiple avenues for future expansion—from adjacent services to further market consolidation. Auto Trader’s robust balance sheet, diverse revenue streams, and commitment to shareholder returns (including consistent dividends and buybacks) render the risk/reward profile particularly compelling at this juncture.

Is it the right time to buy Auto Trader Group?

Bringing together the strands of resilient recent performance, bullish technical structure, and enviable fundamentals, Auto Trader Group seems to represent an excellent opportunity for GB investors in 2025. The company sits at the crossroads of digital transformation and the robust automotive sector, commanding leading market share with an increasingly defensible moat. With AI-driven innovation, proven management discipline, strong volume dynamics, and clear upcoming catalysts, the stock may be entering a new bullish phase—its valuation justified by high growth and sector leadership.

In summary, the fundamentals justify renewed interest. Auto Trader Group stands out as a flagship UK tech stock, combining stability with outstanding growth potential. For investors seeking to capture upside in a sector poised for ongoing disruption and expansion, this stock deserves to be seriously considered for new allocations or portfolio reinforcements. The convergence of technical, fundamental, and macroeconomic positives makes this moment especially opportune for positioning ahead of what could be a significant new uptrend.

How to buy Auto Trader Group stock in the UK

Buying Auto Trader Group stock online is both straightforward and secure when using a regulated UK broker. Investors typically have two main methods: buying the shares outright (spot/cash purchase) or trading via Contracts for Difference (CFDs), each catering to different investment styles. Spot buying offers direct ownership and long-term potential, while CFDs allow for leveraged short-term speculation. Both options are easily accessible and protected by UK financial regulations. Below, you’ll find a detailed comparison of top brokers to help you decide which approach fits best for you.

Spot buying

A cash purchase of Auto Trader Group stock means you directly buy and own shares through your broker. Most UK brokers charge either a fixed commission per order (often between £5 and £12) or a small percentage of the total amount invested.

Gain scenario

For example, if the Auto Trader Group share price is 816.80 GBp (about £8.17), you could buy approximately 122 shares with a £1,000 stake, including a typical brokerage fee of £5.

If the share price rises by 10%, your shares are now worth £1,100.

Result: +£100 gross gain, i.e. +10% on your investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD trading on Auto Trader Group shares lets you speculate on price movements without owning the shares. While you only need to deposit a margin (a fraction of the full position), brokers charge a spread (the difference between buy and sell prices) and potential overnight financing fees for leveraged positions.

Gain scenario

For example, if you open a CFD position on Auto Trader Group shares with £1,000 and use 5x leverage, your market exposure is £5,000.

If the stock rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.

Result: +£400 gain on an initial £1,000 stake (excluding spreads, fees, and interest).

Final advice

Before you invest, it’s essential to compare broker fees, trading platforms, and account features to find the best fit for your needs—our broker comparison is further down the page. The choice between direct share ownership and CFD trading will depend on your investment goals, risk appetite, and strategy.

Our 7 tips for buying Auto Trader Group stock

The latest news about Auto Trader Group

Auto Trader Group’s share price rose 2.07% over the last week, showing renewed investor confidence. Recent price momentum has outpaced the broader FTSE and reflects sustained demand for UK retail technology and content stocks. This positive performance comes as investors view Auto Trader Group as a resilient leader in the British digital automotive sector, benefitting from its market scale and digital innovation.

Analysts maintain a strong “Buy” consensus with a 30% upside target relative to current prices. Several prominent UK brokerage reports over the past week reiterate an optimistic outlook for the stock, referencing steady growth in digital platform usage and robust financial metrics. This bullish sentiment is rooted in Auto Trader Group’s dominant market presence and ability to consistently outperform analyst expectations.

Auto Trader Group has further strengthened its AI-powered products to enhance the user experience. Company disclosures confirm the successful rollout of new artificial intelligence features on the core UK advertising platform. These enhancements are expected to deliver better matching between car buyers and sellers and to drive further engagement with both individual and commercial users. The technical edge supports strategic differentiation in a competitive landscape.

Latest financials show strong annual results, including higher operating margins and double-digit earnings growth. With 2025 financial year results now public, Auto Trader Group reported over £600 million in revenue, an 8% year-on-year rise in operating profit, and a margin improvement to 63%. Earnings per share jumped by 12%, solidifying its status as a highly profitable business that continues to beat market expectations and offer attractive returns to investors.

Technical indicators signal underlying market strength as key support levels hold and momentum returns. With the 20-day, 100-day, and 200-day moving averages all giving fresh buy signals, and the weekly RSI remaining neutral, the technical posture supports active accumulation. The stock’s ability to defend support at 789.8 GBp and maintain robust trading volumes confirms ongoing professional interest from both institutional and private UK investors.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.