Why ACVA Could Be the Most Exciting Consumer Cyclical Stock This July

Why ACVA Could Be the Most Exciting Consumer Cyclical Stock This July

Metrics Summary

💰 Current Price

$14.58
Live Market Price

🎯 Price Targets & Forecasts

1-Month Forecast:

$12.61

📉 -13.5%

1-Year Forecast:

$9.60

📉 -34.1%

Analyst Mean Target:

$22.81

📈 +56.4%

📈 Trend & Momentum

Trend:

📉 ▼ Bearish (Price < SMA 50/200)
RSI (14-day):

21.2 (Oversold) ❄️
MACD:

📉 Bearish Short-Term Trend (-0.11)

📊 Key Technical Levels

Above SMA 50:

❌ $15.90
Above SMA 200:

❌ $16.77
52-Week Range:

📏 $11.88 – $23.46

⚡ Volatility

Volatility (30d Ann.):

24.9% 🌊
Beta (vs. Market):

1.71xx 🎢
(High Sensitivity)
Green Days (30d):

12/30 (40%) 🟡

🏢 Ownership

Institutional Ownership:

104.28% 🏛️
Short % of Float:

8.25% 😰
(High Bearish Bets)

Right now, ACVA’s stock is trading at $14.58. The technical indicators are showing a bearish pattern because the price is holding relative to both the 50-day ($15.90) and 200-day ($16.77) moving averages. This suggests the stock has been gaining momentum recently. However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 21.2 is Oversold—neither overbought nor oversold—while the MACD indicator shows a bearish short-term trend, meaning there could be some minor pullbacks before the next upward move.

Over the past year, ACVA’s stock has traded between $11.88 and $23.46, which tells us two things: First, the stock has pulled back significantly from its highs. Second, the current price is near the lower end of that range, meaning big swings are less likely unless something major happens. Analysts expect modest growth ahead, with a 1-year target of $9.60 (-34.1%) and an average consensus target of $22.81 (+56.4%). Plus, with 104.28% institutional ownership and very low short interest (8.25%), it seems a notable number of investors are betting on a price decline.

Detailed Forecast Table

Here’s the breakdown of the month forecast for ACVA ($2.40 to $19.07 overall range). The table shows projected price bands, potential ROI against the current price, and the resulting model signal per period.

Over the forecast horizon (2025-07 to 2026-07), ACVA’s price is projected by the model to fluctuate between approximately $2.40 and $19.07.

Forecast uncertainty appears steady, with the price range ($15.82 – $15.82 to $2.40 – $17.22) showing little change over the horizon.

Month (Period)Min. PriceAvg. PriceMax. PricePotential ROI vs Current ($14.58)Model Signal
2025-07$15.82$15.82$15.82 8.5%Consider Buy
2025-08$11.12$12.88$14.91 -11.7%Consider Short
2025-09$10.59$12.61$14.50 -13.5%Consider Short
2025-10$9.89$12.64$15.38 -13.3%Consider Short
2025-11$9.57$13.12$17.40 -10.0%Consider Short
2025-12$8.47$14.04$19.07 -3.7%Consider Short
2026-01$7.26$13.60$19.02 -6.7%Consider Short
2026-02$5.95$12.49$18.57 -14.3%Consider Short
2026-03$5.31$11.82$18.25 -18.9%Consider Short
2026-04$4.40$11.13$17.91 -23.7%Consider Short
2026-05$4.33$11.13$18.07 -23.7%Consider Short
2026-06$3.44$10.30$17.69 -29.3%Consider Short
2026-07$2.40$9.60$17.22 -34.1%Consider Short

Remember that these forecasts are generated by models, carry inherent uncertainty, and can change with new data or market shifts. Future prices are not guaranteed.

Company Profile

Sector: Consumer Cyclical
Industry: Auto & Truck Dealerships
Market Cap: 2.55 B
Employees: 2,900

Company Description

Understanding the core business provides context for the following analysis. ACV Auctions Inc. provides a wholesale auction marketplace to facilitate business-to-business used vehicle sales between a selling and buying dealership. The company’s marketplace platform includes digital marketplace that connects buyers and sellers by providing auctions, which facilitates real-time transactions of wholesale vehicles; Run List for pre-filtering and pre-screening of vehicles up to 24 hours prior to an auction taking place; ACV transportation service to enable the buyers to see real-time transportation quotes; ACV capital, a short-term inventory financing services for buyers to purchase vehicles; and Go Green customer assurance services for claims against defects in the vehicle. It also provides remarketing centers, which offers value-added services, such as vehicle reconditioning and storage to facilitate auction business with commercial partners, such as fleet, rental car, and financial sector consignors. In addition, the company offers data services, including True360 report, which provides cosmetic and structural vehicle assessments integrated into vehicle history reports for dealer to make wholesale and retail transaction decisions on and off the marketplace; ACV market report provides transaction data and condition reports for comparable used vehicles, including pricing data from third-party sources and allows dealers to determine pricing and valuation strategies for used vehicles; and ACV MAX inventory management software that enables dealers to manage their inventory and set pricing while turning vehicles. Further, it provides data and technology through inspection, such as condition reports, virtual lift solutions, Apex device, and vehicle intelligence platform; and marketplace enablement, comprising MyACV application, private marketplaces, operations automation, live appraisals, and programmatic buying service. ACV Auctions Inc. was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Buffalo, New York.

Valuation Metrics

ACVA demonstrates, with its Trailing P/E at N/A and Forward P/E at -108.77x, presents unusual P/E dynamics that require careful interpretation. Meanwhile, its Price/Sales ratio of 3.78x and Price/Book of 5.48x show that the company trades at multiples that warrant attention. These metrics provide insight into market positioning.

From an enterprise value perspective, The enterprise value to revenue ratio of 3.38x indicates reasonable revenue-based valuation, and its the EV/EBITDA multiple of -41.73x suggests reasonable earnings-based valuation. These valuation metrics provide a comprehensive view of the company’s current market positioning.

Forward P/E-108.77x
Price/Sales (TTM)$3.78
Price/Book (MRQ)$5.48
EV/Revenue (TTM)3.38x
EV/EBITDA (TTM)-41.73x

Total Valuation

While ACV Auctions Inc. has a market cap of 2.55 B, its enterprise value of 2.42 B is lower, reflecting a strong net cash position of approximately 130.00M. This financial strength provides a cushion and flexibility for future investments.

The valuation ratios tell an interesting story: at 3.38x revenue and -41.73x EBITDA, ACV Auctions Inc. trades at a valuation that reflects its market position. This reflects the company’s strong market position and brand assets. But it also means the stock may have little room for error. The upcoming 2025-08-11 earnings report will be crucial in showing whether ACV Auctions Inc.’s businesses can grow into this valuation. Essentially, you’re paying for quality – but quality doesn’t come cheap.

Market Cap2.55 B
Enterprise Value2.42 B
EV/Revenue (TTM)3.38x
EV/EBITDA (TTM)-41.73x
Next Earnings Date2025-08-11

Profitability Growth

An analysis of the key metrics in ACVA’s margin performance suggests the company faces significant margin pressure. The company is successful in controlling its production costs, as shown by the gross margin of 27.59%, and it also profits well from its core operations, reflected in the -7.08% operating margin. A -8.10% EBITDA margin indicates ACVA is capable of generating strong cash flow from its operations before accounting for financing and tax strategies. All things considered, ACVA can hold onto around $-10.980 in net profit for every $1 of its revenue over the last twelve months. While the business’s revenue is increasing at an aggressive rate (25.40%), investors should monitor if this pace can be sustained without eroding profit margins.

ACVA’s -54.61 M in EBITDA and 186.03 M in gross profit indicate its raw earning power, while the -74.05 M in net income reveals how effectively it converts that power into bottom-line results. This financial profile suggests the company is focused on aggressive growth and market capture, even at the expense of short-term profitability. Despite healthy gross margins, there is a significant difference between the company’s gross and net margins (27.59% vs. -10.98%). This is likely due to high operating expenses, interest costs, or taxes, which are key areas for investors to watch. In the future, maintaining steady or improving margins will be critical. ACVA needs to defend its pricing power and control operating costs, as this will help sustain profitability, especially if revenue growth moderates.

Profit Margin (TTM)-10.98%
Operating Margin (TTM)-7.08%
Gross Margin (TTM)27.59%
EBITDA Margin (TTM)-8.10%
Revenue (TTM)674.16 M
Revenue Growth (YoY)25.40%
Gross Profit (TTM)186.03 M
EBITDA (TTM)-54.61 M
Net Income (TTM)-74.05 M

Analyst Insights

Here’s the consensus from Wall Street analysts on ACVA. The average recommendation is ‘Buy’. 13 analyst(s) contributed to this consensus view. Targets average $22.81 (within a range of $16.00 – $28.00). Based on the mean target ($22.81), this implies a potential upside of ~56.4% from the current price ($14.58). This reflects overall analyst sentiment on the stock’s outlook.

Recommendation: Buy
Mean Target Price: $22.81
High Target Price: $28.00
Low Target Price: $16.00
Number of Analyst Opinions: 13

Financial Health

ACVAs financial data clearly shows that strengths and weaknesses can appear together. The ROE and ROA of -16.49% and -4.13%, respectively, reflects that the company is not very efficient with its capital, and such numbers are usually found in established, stable firms. The 0.47x Debt/Equity ratio (with 206.70 M in debt and 341.81 M in cash) points to the fact that ACVA has taken on a manageable debt load to fuel its operations and growth. Even with its debt, the company’s ability to bring in 89.05 M in operating cash flow (TTM) proves that its core business can steadily produce cash, which is a significant strength.

The Current Ratio of 1.50x and Quick Ratio of 1.46x show a solid liquidity position, able to cover its short-term liabilities. Furthermore, ACVA’s 38.22 M in levered free cash flow suggests it can still generate significant cash for shareholders even after meeting its financial obligations.

Return on Equity (ROE TTM)-16.49%
Return on Assets (ROA TTM)-4.13%
Debt/Equity (MRQ)0.47x
Total Cash (MRQ)341.81 M
Total Debt (MRQ)206.70 M
Current Ratio (MRQ)1.50x
Quick Ratio (MRQ)1.46x
Operating Cash Flow (TTM)89.05 M
Levered Free Cash Flow (TTM)38.22 M

Historical Performance

In the recent trading period from July 11, 2025 to July 25, 2025, ACVA’s stock price achieved a total return of -9.44%. The price fluctuated between a high of $16.46 and a low of $14.51. Average daily trading volume was approximately 1,529,793 shares.

Recent Trading Data

DateOpenHighLowCloseVolume
2025-07-25$14.71$14.91$14.51$14.581,519,100
2025-07-24$15.06$15.22$14.63$14.631,198,300
2025-07-23$15.09$15.31$14.87$15.241,260,900
2025-07-22$14.93$15.30$14.72$15.081,689,000
2025-07-21$15.16$15.27$14.92$14.951,975,800
2025-07-20$15.46$15.48$14.93$15.101,433,300
2025-07-19$15.46$15.48$14.93$15.101,433,300
2025-07-18$15.46$15.48$14.93$15.101,433,300
2025-07-17$15.26$15.48$15.03$15.362,257,700
2025-07-16$15.99$16.23$15.21$15.323,159,500
2025-07-15$16.38$16.43$15.86$15.861,017,300
2025-07-14$16.05$16.46$16.02$16.331,754,800
2025-07-13$16.37$16.44$16.02$16.10938,200
2025-07-12$16.37$16.44$16.02$16.10938,200
2025-07-11$16.37$16.44$16.02$16.10938,200

Technical Analysis Summary

CURRENT PRICE: $14.58 | TREND: BEARISH BUT LOOKS OVERSOLD

The stock has faced downward pressure, losing -11.74% in the last 15 days. We need to analyze the technicals to see if this is a buying opportunity or a warning of further declines. Let’s break down the key levels.

Trend Strength – Still Bearish

ACVA is in a bearish trend, trading below its key moving averages, which signals caution.

What This Means for Traders?

The 20-day SMA ($15.64) is now acting as overhead resistance. As long as the price stays below this level, the bearish trend is likely to continue. A rejection from this average could lead to a test of recent lows.

Momentum Check – Potential Bounce Ahead?

The RSI at 21.2 is showing oversold conditions, hinting at a potential bounce. At the same time, the MACD histogram is negative, suggesting that the upward momentum is beginning to fade.

Trading Strategy:

This oversold reading suggests a potential bounce. Aggressive traders might look for a short-term buy signal, while conservative traders should wait for the RSI to cross back above 30 to confirm a reversal.

Bollinger Bands – Testing Key Levels

The stock is testing support near the lower Bollinger Band at $14.33. A bounce from this level would be bullish, while a break below would be a bearish signal.

Key Levels to Watch:

  • Resistance: $16.83 (Recent High) → A breakout could push ACVA higher.
  • Support: $15.64 (20-day SMA) → If this breaks, expect a test of $14.33.

Volume Trends – Checking for Conviction

Trading volume is near its recent average, providing neutral confirmation of the current price action.

Support & Resistance – The Trading Plan

Trading Plan:

  • ✅  If ACVA holds above $15.64 → Bullish trend continues, next target $16.83.
  • ⚠️  If it breaks below $15.64 → Expect a dip toward $14.33.
  • 🛑  A drop below $14.33 → Could trigger a deeper correction to the 200-day SMA ($16.77).

Final Verdict – Should You Buy, Hold, or Sell?

Short-Term Traders: The trend is positive but monitor for signs of exhaustion. A neutral stance may be best until a clearer signal emerges from the MACD or volume.
Long-Term Investors: The long-term uptrend is valid as long as the price holds above the 200-day SMA ($16.77). A pullback to the 50-day SMA ($15.90) area could present a safer buying opportunity.
New Buyers: Avoid chasing the rally here. Wait for either a confirmed breakout above $16.83 with strong volume, or a pullback to the $15.64 area, which offers a better risk/reward entry.

Bottom Line: The technicals suggest the rally may be running out of steam short-term. While the long-term trend remains bullish, a correction seems plausible before the next major move. Trade carefully and wait for confirmation at key levels.

Short Selling Info

There is currently 14 M worth of short interest in ACVA, and the short ratio (or days to cover) is 8.5x. This means that at the stock’s recent average trading volume, it would take several days for all short positions to be covered. This moderate level indicates a balance between bearish bets and the market’s ability to absorb them without extreme volatility.

With 8.25% of the public float sold short, a moderate percentage of the stock is being shorted, showing some bearish sentiment but not an extreme level. This level has increased recently from 13 M, suggesting a shift in bearish sentiment. With notable short interest, investors should be aware of potential volatility spikes, which could be triggered by news events that force short sellers to cover their positions.

Shares Short14 M
Short Ratio (Days To Cover)8.50x
Short % of Float8.25%
Shares Short (Prior Month)13 M
Short Date2025-07-15

Stock Price Statistics

When looking at the price range over the past year, the stock has seen a high of $23.46 and a low of $11.88. This wide gap tells us the stock has been through significant fluctuations, likely influenced by market sentiment or company-specific news. Currently, the 50-day moving average stands at $15.90, which is below the 200-day moving average of $16.77. This setup may signal a short-term pullback or consolidation phase, especially for technical traders tracking momentum and trend direction.

The stock carries a beta of 1.71x, which means it tends to move more sharply than the broader market—about 71% more volatile. Combined with a moderate 30-day annualized volatility of 24.9%, it’s clear this stock sees frequent price swings. For investors, this means potential for gains, but also higher downside risk. These indicators matter when deciding position sizing or entry timing, especially if you’re managing a portfolio that balances stability with growth exposure.

52 Week High$23.46
52 Week Low$11.88
50 Day MA$15.95
200 Day MA$17.78
Beta1.71x
Volatility (30d Ann.)24.9% 📉

Dividends Shareholder Returns

Dividend Summary & Investor Implications

Based on available data, ACVA does not currently pay a regular dividend. This suggests the company may be prioritizing reinvesting its earnings back into the business for growth.

Payout Ratio0.00%
Trailing Dividend Rate$0.00
Trailing Dividend Yield0.00%

Risk Factors

Potential investors in ACVA should be aware of several risk factors. The following list highlights key considerations based on data and market dynamics, but may not include all possible risks.

  • ⚠️ Overall market fluctuations can impact the stock.
  • ⚠️ Factors specific to the Auto & Truck Dealerships industry or Consumer Cyclical sector can affect performance.
  • ⚠️ Changes in macroeconomic conditions (interest rates, inflation) pose risks.
  • ⚠️ Unforeseen company events or news can impact the price.

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