BIRK vs AN Comparison

Birkenstock is a German footwear brand known for comfort-focused, timeless designs, with 76% of 2022 sales coming from its top five iconic models. Products are made in Europe using sustainable, mostly locally sourced materials. The brand combines orthopedic function with everyday style, appealing to a broad audience. The Americas account for 52% of sales, EMEA 37%, with the remainder coming from Asia-Pacific, which has also the higher future growth expectations.

AutoNation is the second-largest automotive dealer in the United States, with 2025 revenue of $27.6 billion and over 240 dealerships, plus 52 collision centers. The firm also has 26 AutoNation USA used-vehicle stores, a captive lender, four auction sites, and three parts distributors across 20 states primarily in Sunbelt metropolitan areas. New-vehicle sales account for nearly half of revenue; the company also sells used vehicles, parts, and repair services as well as auto financing. The company (formerly Republic Industries) divested its waste management unit (Republic Services) in 1999 and its car rental businesses (ANC Rental) in 2000. Wayne Huizenga founded the company in the 1990s to bring the rollup acquisition strategy to auto retailing, which has proved to be a smart move.