Lithia Motors (LAD) Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
LAD - Lithia Motors, Inc.
$269.13
-30.40 (-10.15%)
▼
5d:
-4.39%
30d:
-13.83%
90d:
-19.43%
HOLD
MODERATE Confidence
Analysis Updated: Oct 21, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Oct 21, 2026
0d
Smart Money Distribution
Options positioning is turning defensive after a sharp run-up - a pattern consistent with institutional profit-taking. View Scanner →
Signal fired Oct 21, 2026 at $286.77 · last confirmed Oct 21, 2026
Strength: 4.8/10
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
📊 HOLD: LAD shows mixed signals. Fine to hold existing positions. Not urgent to buy or sell.
📊 HOLD: LAD shows mixed signals. Fine to hold existing positions. Not urgent to buy or sell.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$506.62
Based on 10.1% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$314.57
14.4% Margin of Safety
How this is calculated: We use a Growth Decay Model: starting with analyst consensus growth (adjusted above) and gradually slowing it down to a long-term terminal rate (4%) by Year 5. This provides a more realistic valuation than assuming constant hyper-growth. We then apply a 7.6x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: LAD is currently trading at $269.13, which is considered oversold relative to its 30-day fair value range of $284.29 to $323.70. From a valuation perspective, the stock is trading at a discount (Forward PE: 6.5) compared to its historical average (7.6). Remarkably, the market is currently pricing in an annual earnings decline of 5.3% over the next few years. This pessimistic expectation contrasts with the company's recent 16.9% earnings growth, suggesting potential undervaluation if the company simply maintains stability.
Technical Outlook: Technically, LAD is showing sideways momentum. The price is currently testing key support at $265.72. A bounce from this level would confirm strength, while a break below could signal further downside. Short-term momentum is weak, with the stock down 10.1% recently.
Market Sentiment: The stock scores a mixed 57/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge, with only partial signs of a stabilized entry point. In the options market, Implied Volatility is low (0th percentile), suggesting options premiums are relatively cheap. This makes it an attractive time for long options strategies if you have a directional bias. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $409.07 (+52.0%). The stock is fairly positioned - fine to hold existing positions or accumulate slowly on dips, but not an urgent buy.
Technical Outlook: Technically, LAD is showing sideways momentum. The price is currently testing key support at $265.72. A bounce from this level would confirm strength, while a break below could signal further downside. Short-term momentum is weak, with the stock down 10.1% recently.
Market Sentiment: The stock scores a mixed 57/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge, with only partial signs of a stabilized entry point. In the options market, Implied Volatility is low (0th percentile), suggesting options premiums are relatively cheap. This makes it an attractive time for long options strategies if you have a directional bias. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $409.07 (+52.0%). The stock is fairly positioned - fine to hold existing positions or accumulate slowly on dips, but not an urgent buy.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
OVERSOLD
Historical Trading Range
$284.29 -
$323.70
Company Quality Score
61/100
(BUY)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
79.6%
Protect Your Profits
Holding LAD? Use our AI-powered strategies to protect your downside while keeping your long-term position.
View Profit Protection PlanAll Signals
- BULLISH: Price oversold vs 30-day range
- BULLISH: Options cheap (IV 0th percentile)
- NEUTRAL: Mixed technical signals (57/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- BEARISH: Downward momentum (-10.1%)
- BULLISH: Trading 52.0% below Wall St target ($409.07)
- NEUTRAL: Bottoming setup forming (57/100) — watch for confirmation
Trading Range Analysis
30-Day Trading Range
$284.29 -
$323.70
Current vs Trading Range
OVERSOLD
Expected Move (7 Days)
±$15.34
(5.7%)
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$265.72
Resistance Level
$323.51
Current Trend
Sideways
Technical data as of
Oct 21, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
6.49
Wall Street Target
$409.07
(+52.0%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
2.2%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
16.9%
Profit Margin
1.9%
Valuation Discount vs History
-5.3% cheaper
PE vs Historical
6.5 vs 7.6
CHEAP
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
-5.3%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$254.87
(-5%)
2-Year Target
$241.36
(-10%)
3-Year Target
$228.57
(-15%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 6→8)
$267.56
(-1%)
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 19.9, Growth: 16.1%)
$1287.96
(+379%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 6.5, Growth: 16.1%)
$421.05
(+56%)
Bear:
(PE: 5.5, Growth: 16.1%)
$357.89
(+33%)
📈
Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (10x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (6x PE) as earnings recover.
Trailing PE: 9.92 | Current EPS (TTM): $30.19
Bull Case
$452.41
(+68%)
Analyst growth 37.3%, PE expands to 10.9
Base Case
$411.28
(+53%)
Market implied 37.3%, PE stable at 9.9
Bear Case
$203.68
(-24%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 8.4
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
💡
Upside Surprise Potential
If earnings stabilize (0% growth), PE could expand from 6.5 to 7.6
Stabilization Target:
$315.04
(+17.1%)
PE Expansion Potential:
+17.1%
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: October 22, 2026 3:25 AM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 4:25 AM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 4:25 AM
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Technical Signals Check
Is LAD showing a specific setup today?
Insider Activity (6 Months)
0
Buys
0
Sells
0
Net
NEUTRAL
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Advanced LAD Option Strategies
Professional options setups generated by AI based on today's LAD price and gamma walls.
