Q2 EPS Estimates for Lithia Motors Decreased by Analyst

Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE:LAD) – Equities researchers at Zacks Research lowered their Q2 2027 EPS estimates for Lithia Motors in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, March 26th. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the company will post earnings per share of $9.17 for the quarter, down from their previous estimate of $9.40. Zacks Research currently has a “Strong Sell” rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Lithia Motors’ current full-year earnings is $34.45 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Lithia Motors’ Q3 2027 earnings at $8.92 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $41.77 EPS.

A number of other research analysts have also recently commented on LAD. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut Lithia Motors from an “overweight” rating to a “neutral” rating and set a $335.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Friday, February 20th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of Lithia Motors from $358.00 to $355.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Lithia Motors from $399.00 to $366.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, March 5th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Lithia Motors from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a report on Saturday, February 28th. Finally, Bank of America assumed coverage on shares of Lithia Motors in a research report on Wednesday, March 4th. They set a “neutral” rating on the stock. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Lithia Motors has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $382.33.

Lithia Motors Price Performance

Shares of NYSE LAD opened at $250.04 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $292.08 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $311.65. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.85 billion, a PE ratio of 7.78, a P/E/G ratio of 0.61 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 0.26. Lithia Motors has a fifty-two week low of $239.78 and a fifty-two week high of $360.55.

Lithia Motors (NYSE:LAD) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The company reported $6.74 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $8.09 by ($1.35). Lithia Motors had a net margin of 2.18% and a return on equity of 12.76%. The company had revenue of $9.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.19 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $7.79 earnings per share. The company’s quarterly revenue was up .3% on a year-over-year basis.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in LAD. CoreCap Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Lithia Motors during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Clearstead Advisors LLC boosted its position in Lithia Motors by 111.4% in the fourth quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 93 shares of the company’s stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 49 shares in the last quarter. Eastern Bank bought a new stake in shares of Lithia Motors during the third quarter worth $31,000. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Lithia Motors during the third quarter worth $31,000. Finally, V Square Quantitative Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Lithia Motors during the fourth quarter worth $34,000.

Lithia Motors Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 6th were paid a dividend of $0.55 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, March 6th. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.9%. Lithia Motors’s payout ratio is presently 6.85%.

Lithia Motors News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Lithia Motors this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Some analyst coverage remains constructive — the consensus analyst view cited by an aggregation site still shows an average recommendation of “Moderate Buy,” which could provide support if other brokers stick to buy/hold views. Analyst average recommendation
• Neutral Sentiment: Market commentary and buy/sell screen articles (e.g., Yahoo Finance piece) are discussing whether LAD is a good buy now — such coverage can drive short-term interest but is unlikely to change fundamentals immediately. Is LAD a Good Stock To Buy Now?
• Negative Sentiment: Zacks Research lowered Q2/Q3 and FY2027 EPS estimates and moved its rating to “Strong Sell” (Q2 from $9.40→$9.17, Q3 from $9.53→$8.92, FY to $41.77). That combination of a formal downgrade plus lower near‑term earnings expectations is the main immediate negative catalyst pressuring the stock. Zacks research downgrade
• Negative Sentiment: Recent reported results (Feb 11 quarter) showed an EPS miss versus consensus and very slim year‑over‑year revenue growth; lingering concerns about margin pressure and inventory/used-car dynamics remain relevant for near‑term earnings visibility. Quarterly results and background

Lithia Motors Company Profile

Lithia Motors, Inc is an American automotive retailer headquartered in Medford, Oregon. Founded in 1946 as a small auto body and glass shop, the company has grown through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions to become one of the largest automotive retail networks in North America. Lithia operates dealerships across the United States and Canada, offering a broad portfolio of new and pre-owned vehicles from more than 40 different manufacturers.

The company’s core business activities include vehicle sales, financing, insurance, parts and service.