Lithia Motors Inc(LAD)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL
1-STAR RATING
PASS
LAST CLOSE
$305.82
11/10/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
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Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for LAD

11/10/2026: LAD (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.

Lithia Motors is a prominent automotive retailer that leverages a proven buy-and-build strategy to scale its presence across the United States and abroad. The company’s primary strengths include its diversified brand portfolio, robust high-margin service departments, and the ongoing successful integration of its Driveway digital platform. The main investment story centers on capturing market share through consolidation and omnichannel retail growth. Key risks include exposure to cyclical automotive demand, high capital intensity, and potential disruption from direct-to-consumer models. The stock may suit growth-oriented investors looking for exposure to automotive consolidation, though investors should monitor interest rate sensitivity and the continued success of the company's digital integration efforts.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorStrong fitThe company's proven M&A strategy has historically delivered consistent long-term revenue and earnings growth.
Momentum investorMixed fitMomentum is highly dependent on cyclical auto sales trends and market sentiment toward retail sector growth.
Value investorStrong fit while signal remains positiveLithia often trades at attractive valuation multiples relative to its growth profile and cash flow generation.
Dividend investorMixed fitWhile dividends are paid, the company is primarily focused on capital reinvestment rather than high-yield income.
Low-risk investorWeak fitThe stock is subject to cyclical industry volatility and risks associated with its aggressive debt-financed growth model.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMedium / highThe stock is sensitive to macroeconomic cycles and interest rate changes impacting vehicle affordability.
Valuation riskMediumMarket expectations for continued M&A success can lead to periods of premium pricing.
Competition risk (Automotive Retail)Medium / highIncreased competition from digital-first entrants and potential direct-to-consumer OEM models threatens traditional retail.
Business qualityStrongThe company's scale and operational efficiencies provide a resilient foundation in the fragmented auto retail market.
Dividend incomeLowLithia prioritizes capital deployment for growth, making it less suitable for income-focused portfolios.
Execution riskMediumSuccessful integration of acquired dealerships is critical to maintaining margins and long-term shareholder value.

Price Behavior

Rolling Over
PRICE PATH

Rolling Over

The price momentum is slowing down and beginning to turn downward.

Moderately Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Moderately Choppy

The stock has experienced noticeable price swings while retaining some directional structure.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit -8.59%
Avg. Invested days 43
Today’s Advisory PASS
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 2.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 11/10/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
LAD receives a 3-star rating, supported by solid analyst coverage. The rating is constrained by weak unit economics, and weak price momentum.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
LAD has moderate overall fundamentals (3 stars), with moderate financial health, soft growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, moderate earnings growth (+2.2%) is partially offset by soft cash generation (FCF margin 0.0%), moderate revenue growth (+4.0%), soft profitability (net margin 2.2%).

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
LAD's financial health is supported by solid cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation (0.0% of revenue). Profitability is soft (2 stars), which helps explain the 3-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Revenue growth is LAD's strongest growth driver at +4.0% FY2025 versus FY2024 (moderate, 3 stars). By comparison, while free-cash-flow growth (-92.1%, negative) holds the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 116.5% and approximately 87.0% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 1.22% provides only moderate management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

Pamet Capital Management, LP 11.52%
BlackRock Inc 11.09%
FMR Inc 10.14%
Harris Associates L.P. 8.86%
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. 6.57%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
LAD generates approximately $152 of gross profit, $38 of operating income, and $0 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Weak margins explain the 1-star rating, with weak cash conversion and soft capital efficiency.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 25.49%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
LAD has a liquid profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback, while elevated volatility.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Value-OrientedHigh VolatilitySmall / Mid Cap RiskShort Squeeze RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Mid-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 6.72B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 8.96
1Y Target Price 391.2
Price to earnings Ratio 8.96
1Y Target Price 391.2
Volume (30-day avg) 367.4K shares
Beta 1.28
52 Weeks Range 238.30 - 437.63
Updated Date 11/10/2026
52 Weeks Range 238.30 - 437.63
Updated Date 11/10/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 0.83%
Basic EPS (TTM) 34.67

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
New Vehicle SalesRevenue from sales of new automobiles and light trucks.The foundation of the business, though it typically operates on thinner margins.
Used Vehicle SalesSales of pre-owned vehicles, including certified pre-owned units.Often provides better margins than new vehicle sales and helps mitigate new car supply shortages.
Service, Body, and PartsAutomotive maintenance, repair services, and collision repair.High-margin, recurring revenue stream that is less sensitive to economic cycles than vehicle sales.
Finance and Insurance (F&I)Commissions from financing, extended warranties, and insurance products.A key contributor to total gross profit, leveraging the transaction point of sale.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

Earnings Date

Report Date 2026-10-21
When Before Market
Estimate 9.7
Actual 10.34

Profitability

Profit Margin 2.06%
Operating Margin (TTM) 4.24%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 3.8%
Return on Equity (TTM) 11.83%

Valuation

Trailing PE 8.96
Forward PE 7.52
Enterprise Value 23.22B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.18
Enterprise Value 23.22B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.18
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.61
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 9.87
Shares Outstanding 21.62M
Shares Floating 18.81M
Shares Outstanding 21.62M
Shares Floating 18.81M
Percent Insiders 1.22
Percent Institutions 116.49

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

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