Lithia Motors (LAD) doesn't possess the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely earnings beat in its upcoming report. Get prepared with the key expectations.
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Lithia Motors shifts capital allocation from acquisitions toward dividends and aggressive share repurchases, signaling a transition to a more mature capital strategy. LAD's Q3-2025 results show 5% revenue growth and a 17% increase in adjusted EPS, with buybacks totaling 5.1% of shares at $312 average price. I see LAD as undervalued, with a low PEG ratio (0.51) and a one-year price target of $356.75, justifying a Buy rating (down from Strong Buy).
Rocket Pharmaceuticals is rated Buy with a $17 price target, reflecting a deep disconnect between intrinsic value and current valuation. RCKT's bullish thesis hinges on a high-probability LAD-1 approval in March 2026 and the pivotal Danon's disease trial resuming with an amended, safer protocol. Risk-adjusted DCF values Danon's and LAD-1 programs at ~$700M, far exceeding the current $151M EV, even under conservative or bear-case assumptions.
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Wondering how to pick strong, market-beating stocks for your investment portfolio? Look no further than the Zacks Style Scores.
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Lithia Motors (LAD) reported earnings 30 days ago. What's next for the stock?
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Lithia Motors remains a "Buy" due to strong growth, attractive valuation, and continued expansion via acquisitions despite recent share underperformance. LAD reported robust revenue and profit growth, driven by higher vehicle sales and strategic dealership acquisitions, though gross profit per unit declined as industry conditions normalized. Significant leverage from acquisition-driven growth keeps LAD's EV/EBITDA valuation above peers, raising concerns about debt levels versus market cap.
Lithia Motors is rated neutral due to strong aftersales and used vehicle segments, but new vehicle profitability and consumer affordability remain key concerns. Aftersales revenue and gross profit are robust, providing recurring, macro-resistant earnings, while used vehicle demand benefits from consumer 'trade down' behavior. New and used vehicle gross profit per unit are at multi-year lows, with industry-wide headwinds and uncertainty around when the cycle will improve.
Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE:LAD ) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 22, 2025 10:00 AM EDT Company Participants Jardon Jaramillo - Senior Director of Finance & Investor Relations Bryan DeBoer - CEO, President & Director Tina Miller - Senior VP & CFO Charles Lietz - Senior Vice President of Finance Conference Call Participants Ryan Sigdahl - Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC, Research Division Federico Merendi - BofA Securities, Research Division Michael Ward - Citigroup Inc., Research Division Rajat Gupta - JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division Glenn Chin - Seaport Research Partners Christopher Bottiglieri - BNP Paribas Exane, Research Division Jeffrey Lick - Stephens Inc., Research Division Bret Jordan - Jefferies LLC, Research Division Daniela Haigian - Morgan Stanley, Research Division Michael Albanese - The Benchmark Company, LLC, Research Division Mark Jordan - Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division Colin Langan - Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Research Division Presentation Operator Greetings, and welcome to the Lithia & Driveway's 2025 Third Quarter Earnings Call. [Operator Instructions] It is my now my pleasure to introduce your host, Jardon Jaramillo.