Zacks Research Boosts Earnings Estimates for Lithia Motors

Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE:LAD) – Research analysts at Zacks Research raised their Q1 2027 earnings 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 $9.48 for the quarter, up from their prior forecast of $8.95. Zacks Research 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’ Q4 2027 earnings at $14.21 EPS and FY2028 earnings at $47.46 EPS.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on Lithia Motors from $358.00 to $355.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. Citigroup reduced their price target on Lithia Motors from $399.00 to $366.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, March 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered Lithia Motors from an “overweight” rating to a “neutral” rating and set a $335.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Friday, February 20th. Barclays dropped their price objective on Lithia Motors from $390.00 to $380.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. Finally, Bank of America began coverage on Lithia Motors in a report on Wednesday, March 4th. They set a “neutral” rating for the company. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $382.33.

Lithia Motors Stock Down 0.2%

LAD opened at $250.04 on Monday. Lithia Motors has a 12 month low of $239.78 and a 12 month high of $360.55. The company has a market cap of $5.85 billion, a PE ratio of 7.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 1.21. The company has a current ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.46. The company has a 50 day moving average of $292.08 and a 200 day moving average of $311.23.

Lithia Motors (NYSE:LAD) last posted 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). The business had revenue of $9.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.19 billion. Lithia Motors had a net margin of 2.18% and a return on equity of 12.76%. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up .3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $7.79 EPS.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lithia Motors

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. increased its holdings in shares of Lithia Motors by 106.7% in the 4th quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 337 shares of the company’s stock worth $112,000 after buying an additional 174 shares during the last quarter. Advisortrust Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Lithia Motors during the 4th quarter worth $265,000. Corient Private Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Lithia Motors by 87.2% during the 4th quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 2,351 shares of the company’s stock worth $781,000 after acquiring an additional 1,095 shares during the last quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd grew its position in Lithia Motors by 225.5% in the fourth quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 166 shares of the company’s stock worth $55,000 after acquiring an additional 115 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Arwa LLC purchased a new position in Lithia Motors in the fourth quarter worth $467,000.

Lithia Motors Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 6th were given a dividend of $0.55 per share. The ex-dividend date 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%.

More Lithia Motors News

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

About Lithia Motors

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.