Lithia Motors Inc
NYSE: LAD · CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS
Updated 2026-06-05
Lithia Motors Inc (LAD) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for LAD.
Valued
Valuation reasonably reflects current fundamentals. Limited margin of safety at these levels.
LAD historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in LAD's own 5Y range.
LAD intrinsic value (DCF)
DCF-based fair value estimate vs current market price.
Intrinsic value calculated using discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on projected free cash flows, discount rate, and terminal growth assumptions. A positive margin of safety indicates the current price is below estimated fair value, providing a cushion against estimation error.
LAD valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
Current: 10.93x
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 0.19x
Is LAD overvalued in 2026?
Lithia Motors Inc (LAD) currently trades at $286.67 per share with a market capitalization of $7,146,888,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock trades at a fair valuation with a Smart Value Score of 55/100. This score blends growth quality, financial health, and price attractiveness into a single institutional-grade read.
The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 10.9x, above its 5-year median of 9.1x. The PEG ratio of 0.70 suggests earnings growth is outpacing the multiple, a classic sign of undervaluation.
Looking at its own history, LAD is currently trading more expensive than 93% of the last 5Y on P/E. This places it in the 93th percentile of its historical range, a zone where forward returns have typically been muted.
Our discounted cash flow model estimates LAD's intrinsic value at $350.78 per share, against the current market price of $286.67. This implies a margin of safety of +8.66%. The stock is priced close to its estimated fair value, offering limited upside without further operational improvement.
Financial quality is a concern. The Piotroski F-Score of 2/9 flags weakening fundamentals that deserve closer scrutiny before the valuation case can be fully trusted.
Bottom line: LAD trades at a fair valuation on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 55/100. The valuation is defensible but offers no obvious bargain. Patience or a better entry price may reward disciplined buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is LAD overvalued?
LAD scores 55/100 on our Smart Value Score (Grade C+), a mixed overall profile. The DCF also shows a positive margin of safety, so price and fundamentals line up reasonably well.
What is LAD's fair value?
Our DCF model estimates LAD's intrinsic value at $350.78 per share, versus the current price of $286.67, a margin of safety of +8.66%. Fair value is the present value of the cash flows we project the business to produce, so a price below it means the market is pricing the stock below that conservative estimate.
What P/E ratio does LAD trade at?
LAD trades at a P/E of 10.9x on trailing twelve-month earnings, against a 5-year median of 9.1x. P/E is what you pay per dollar of profit, and sitting above its own median means the stock is pricier than usual relative to its earnings.
Is LAD a buy based on valuation?
Our Smart Value rating for LAD is Hold, from a Smart Value Score of 55/100 that blends growth, quality, and valuation. The profile is balanced and best suited to investors who already have a thesis. This is research to inform your decision, not personalized financial advice.
How does LAD's valuation compare to its history?
On P/E, LAD sits in the 93rd percentile of its own 5Y range, historically expensive relative to where it has traded. A high percentile means today's multiple is near the top of its historical band.
What is LAD's Smart Value Score?
LAD's Smart Value Score is 55/100. It is a proprietary WallStSmart metric blending growth quality, financial health, and valuation into a single 0-100 read, and scores above 75 are rare, signaling strong multi-factor alignment.