FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) – Shares of Auto1 accelerated their recent downward spiral on Wednesday after only a brief period of solid trading at the opening. Having hovered above the 30-euro mark at the end of January—close to their highest level since 2021—the February track record is looking increasingly bleak. By Wednesday, the share price had plummeted nearly 16 percent, with shares costing just 16.35 euros. In just a few weeks, their value has almost halved.
The attempt at bottoming out in recent days has thus abruptly failed. In 2026, the online used car dealer’s shares are the biggest loser in the MDax, down 40 percent. Market sources repeatedly note that the stock has once again become popular among short sellers betting on further declines. Internet stocks like Auto1 have recently come under heavy pressure amid concerns that agent-based AI could disrupt their business models.
Analysts had little to criticize regarding the results Auto1 presented on Wednesday. “The results were strong,” wrote Alexander Zienkowicz of analysis firm MWB, emphasizing that everything regarding growth and profitability remains intact at the company. The outlook for unit sales is slightly above expectations, wrote James Tate of Goldman Sachs. Profitability is at the upper end of the target range, in line with market consensus.
Andrew Ross of Barclays also had no complaints. He concluded that the stock has become attractively valued, reiterating its status as his “preferred overweight recommendation for 2026.”
