AutoNation NNN Investor Hub | Cap Rate Trends, Credit Rating Trends, Lease Terms & Due Diligence

AutoNation

Last Year Cap

6.2%

This Year Cap

6.5%

Cap Change

0.2%

Last Year Rating

BBB-

This Year Rating

BBB-

Rating Change

No change

AutoNation – NNN Cap Rate Trend

Cap Rate Trends

wdt_ID wdt_created_by wdt_created_at wdt_last_edited_by wdt_last_edited_at Tenant Year Cap Rate
5779 admin2 2026 04:17 AM admin2 2026 04:17 AM 7 Brew 2,020 6.5
5780 admin2 2026 04:17 AM admin2 2026 04:17 AM 7 Brew 2,021 6.3
5781 admin2 2026 04:17 AM admin2 2026 04:17 AM 7 Brew 2,022 6.0
5782 admin2 2026 04:17 AM admin2 2026 04:17 AM 7 Brew 2,023 6.3
5783 admin2 2026 04:17 AM admin2 2026 04:17 AM 7 Brew 2,024 6.6
5784 admin2 2026 04:17 AM admin2 2026 04:17 AM 7 Brew 2,025 6.6
Tenant Year Cap Rate

Credit (what net-lease buyers care about)

Credit Snapshot

AutoNation

Cap Rates NNN
Last Year 6.2%
This Year 6.5%
Change 0.2%
S&P Rating CREDIT
Last Year BBB-
This Year BBB-
Change No change

AutoNation Net Lease: Secure, Essential Investment

AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States and a recognized net lease tenant within the automotive dealership sector. This guide reviews cap rates, lease terms, tenant credit, and key due diligence considerations for buyers and sellers evaluating AutoNation investment properties.

For 1031 exchange buyers, AutoNation properties offer exposure to a well-established automotive retail platform supported by vehicle sales, financing, parts, maintenance, and repair services. Lease structure, real estate quality, and tenant credit profile can materially impact pricing, financing, and long-term resale value.

Investors often target AutoNation assets for:

• Stable Income Potential
• Established National Automotive Brand
• Investment-Grade Credit Profile
• Attractive 1031 Exchange Compatibility

AutoNation properties require careful evaluation of rent escalations, remaining lease term, renewal options, dealership real estate fundamentals, and long-term site value.

AutoNation Properties for 1031 Exchange Buyers

AutoNation properties often trade differently than traditional retail and restaurant net lease assets due to their large site requirements, dealership-specific improvements, and operational importance. Buyers should carefully evaluate lease structure, remaining term, renewal options, landlord responsibilities, and real estate adaptability to understand long-term risk and return.

AutoNation – Credit Trend (S&P vs Moody’s)

Tenant_Rating_Trend

wdt_ID wdt_created_by wdt_created_at wdt_last_edited_by wdt_last_edited_at TenantKey Tenant Year Moody SP Moody_Grade SP_Grade Moody_GradeRank SP_GradeRank
1 admin2 2025 03:43 PM admin2 2025 03:43 PM 7eleveninc 7-Eleven, Inc. 2022 Baa2 A Lower Medium Grade Upper Medium Grade 5 6
2 admin2 2025 03:43 PM admin2 2025 03:43 PM 7eleveninc 7-Eleven, Inc. 2023 Baa2 A Lower Medium Grade Upper Medium Grade 5 6
3 admin2 2025 03:43 PM admin2 2025 03:43 PM 7eleveninc 7-Eleven, Inc. 2024 Baa2 A Lower Medium Grade Upper Medium Grade 5 6
4 admin2 2025 03:43 PM admin2 2025 03:43 PM 7eleveninc 7-Eleven, Inc. 2025 Baa2 A Lower Medium Grade Upper Medium Grade 5 6
5 admin2 2025 03:43 PM admin2 2025 03:43 PM 99centsonlystoresllc 99 Cents Only Stores, LLC 2022 Caa2 CCC+ Substantial Risk Substantial Risk 2 2
TenantKey Tenant Year Moody SP Moody_Grade SP_Grade Moody_GradeRank SP_GradeRank

AutoNation Stock Price (NYSE: AN)

AutoNation Investment Market Statistics

AVERAGE SALE PRICE

$25,000,000

BUILDING SIZE

30,000 – 100,000 SF

AVERAGE NOI

$1,500,000

LAND

5 – 25 Acres

$/SF RANGE

$150 – $350

LEASE TERM SHOWN

20 years

AutoNation Investor Snapshot (Quick Facts)

Origins & Growth (Past)

• Founded in 1996 through the merger of Republic Industries automotive assets
• Expanded rapidly through acquisitions of dealership groups nationwide
• Built one of the largest automotive retail networks in the U.S.
• Established presence in major metropolitan markets
• Expanded service, parts, and financing operations
• Became a leading publicly traded automotive retailer

Where AutoNation Stands Today

• One of the largest automotive retailers in the U.S.
• Nationwide dealership network across major markets
• High annual vehicle sales volume
• Primarily corporate-operated dealership locations
• Expanding digital vehicle purchasing capabilities
• Focus on operational efficiency and profitability

Where AutoNation Stands Today

• Digital Growth
• Operational Efficiency
• Online Expansion
• Customer Engagement
• Portfolio Optimization
• Core Services
• Industry Demand Trends

Why investors buy AutoNation NNN Properties or AutoNation ground Lease Properties?

Pros (what buyers like)

  • Investment-Grade Credit
    Publicly traded company with investment-grade credit ratings
  • Essential Transportation
    Vehicle sales and service support ongoing transportation needs
  • National Brand Recognition
    One of the largest automotive retailers in the United States
  • Recurring Service Revenue
    Service, maintenance, and parts operations create repeat customer visits
  • Prime Commercial Locations
    Often located on major highways, auto corridors, and high-traffic intersections
  • Attractive Lease Structures
    Long-term NNN or ground leases appeal to passive and 1031 exchange buyers

Cons (what can bite you)

  • Lease Structure Variability
    Some assets may be NN or modified NNN with landlord responsibilities
  • Economic Sensitivity
    Vehicle sales can be affected by economic and interest rate cycles
  • Large Site Requirements
    Dealership properties can be difficult to re-tenant if vacated
  • Limited Rent Growth
    Some leases contain flat rent or modest escalations
  • Industry Competition
    Competition from other dealerships and online vehicle retailers
  • Automotive-Specific Use
    Specialized improvements may limit alternative tenant demand and backfill options

Find out more

AutoNation Background & History

AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, best known for its nationwide network of vehicle dealerships offering new and used vehicle sales, financing, maintenance, and repair services. What began as a collection of dealership acquisitions evolved into a leading publicly traded automotive retail company serving customers across major U.S. markets.

Over time, the company expanded its footprint through strategic acquisitions and operational growth, building a diversified automotive platform that includes vehicle sales, service centers, parts operations, and financing solutions. Today, customers rely on AutoNation locations for vehicle purchases, maintenance, repairs, and related automotive services.

As consumer preferences have shifted toward digital convenience, the company has adapted through online vehicle shopping tools, digital retailing initiatives, and operational efficiencies that support both in-store and online transactions.

Why AutoNation Matters to NNN Investors

AutoNation operates one of the largest automotive dealership networks in the United States, serving millions of customers through vehicle sales and recurring service operations. The business model is centered on transportation-related demand, repeat service visits, and strategically located dealership properties positioned along major commercial corridors.

Many AutoNation dealerships occupy highly visible real estate with significant frontage, strong traffic counts, and convenient access. In addition, the company continues to invest in technology, customer experience initiatives, and operational improvements that support long-term business performance.

This focus on vehicle sales, maintenance, and repair services helps explain why AutoNation remains relevant despite changes in automotive retailing. Management continues to adapt to evolving consumer purchasing habits while expanding digital capabilities and enhancing operational efficiency.

What Buyers and Sellers Should Evaluate

For investors evaluating AutoNation NNN properties, an AutoNation net lease, or an AutoNation ground lease, the investment thesis is typically centered on real estate quality, tenant credit strength, and dealership performance. As a result, buyers often place greater emphasis on lease structure, property fundamentals, and long-term site utility than on brand recognition alone.

Common searches include AutoNation real estate, AutoNation cap rate, AutoNation lease term, AutoNation tenant credit, and dealership performance. Ultimately, AutoNation net lease value is driven by site-specific factors, lease economics, local market conditions, and how the property fits within the company’s broader dealership network.

As vehicle ownership remains essential across the United States, the strongest AutoNation locations tend to be those with strong visibility, convenient access, favorable demographics, and established market presence. Buyers and sellers should evaluate each property individually, including traffic counts, ingress and egress, surrounding population growth, nearby competition, and lease language that defines landlord responsibilities.

In addition, investors should consider long-term cash-flow durability, facility adaptability, local economic conditions, and how the asset may perform across different hold periods and exit strategies.

our team of experts are here for you

Our team helps investors evaluate NNN properties with practical, market-based guidance. In addition, we support buyers and sellers with lease review, pricing analysis, and due diligence strategy.

Whether you are comparing AutoNation ground lease properties or fee simple AutoNation assets, we can help you review the details that affect risk and long-term value. As a result, clients can make more confident decisions based on lease structure, location quality, and investment goals.

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