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On Wednesday, Jefferies reiterated a Buy rating on Lithia Motors (NYSE:LAD) stock, maintaining a price target of $400.00. The firm’s analyst highlighted Lithia Motors’ fourth-quarter sales, which surpassed estimates, coming in at $9.222 billion compared to the expected $9.158 billion and the consensus of $9.077 billion. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) also exceeded forecasts, with the company reporting $7.79 against the estimated $7.13 and consensus of $7.17. According to InvestingPro data, Lithia has demonstrated strong growth with trailing twelve-month revenue reaching $34.69 billion and maintaining profitability with an EPS of $29.31.
Lithia Motors experienced a mixed performance in various segments of its business during the quarter. The company reported a 6.3% increase in same-store new vehicle retail sales, while its parts and service segment saw a 3.4% rise. However, used vehicle retail sales witnessed a decline of 5.8%. Additionally, the adjusted selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses to gross profit ratio worsened by 110 basis points year-over-year, reaching 66.3%, which was still more favorable than the estimated 67.4%.
The announcement of the financial results precedes the company’s conference call, which is scheduled for 10:00 AM ET. The call is expected to provide further details regarding Lithia Motors’ performance and future prospects.
Lithia Motors, a leading automotive retailer, has demonstrated resilience in a dynamic market. The company’s ability to outperform sales and earnings expectations reflects its strong position in the industry. The analyst’s reiterated Buy rating and steady price target suggest confidence in Lithia Motors’ strategy and growth potential moving forward.
In other recent news, Lithia Motors has been making notable strides. The company’s fourth-quarter results surpassed expectations, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reaching $7.79, exceeding both BofA’s estimate of $7.20 and the Bloomberg consensus of $7.19. This success was partly due to insurance proceeds, slightly offset by foreign exchange effects. BofA Securities maintains a Buy rating on Lithia Motors, reflecting their view of the company’s continued positive trajectory.
In addition to strong earnings, Lithia Motors reported a 20% year-over-year increase in revenue to $9.22 billion for the quarter. Notably, the company’s new vehicle retail sales and aftersales business showed strength, with same-store unit sales increasing 7.4% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. Meanwhile, Lithia’s financing arm, Driveway Finance Corporation, originated $501 million in loans during the quarter, contributing to a growth in its portfolio to $3.9 billion in average managed receivables.
In other recent developments, the company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.53 per share and acquired Stohlman Subaru (OTC:FUJHY) in Sterling, Virginia, which is expected to add $80 million in annual revenue. These recent developments highlight Lithia Motors’ ongoing commitment to growth and shareholder value.
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