AutoNation (AN) vs Lithia Motors (LAD)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Lithia Motors (LAD) has outperformed AutoNation (AN) over the past year, losing 5.5% versus a loss of 27.4%. Over five years, AN leads with a +33.8% price change compared with -14.8% for LAD. Lithia Motors is the larger company by market cap ($6.32 billion vs $5.16 billion), about 1.2 times the size.
On valuation, AutoNation trades at a lower forward P/E (6.5x vs 6.7x for Lithia Motors). Lithia Motors pays a dividend yielding 0.82%, while AutoNation does not currently pay one. AutoNation converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 2.3% versus 2.2%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AN | LAD |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $156.21 | $287.37 |
| Market cap | $5.16B | $6.32B |
| 1-day change | -1.22% | -1.76% |
| YTD return | -24.35% | -13.53% |
| 1-year return | -27.40% | -5.53% |
| 5-year return | +33.84% | -14.78% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 7.32 | 9.69 |
| Forward P/E | 6.49 | 6.74 |
| EPS (TTM) | $21.33 | $29.66 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.82% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $2.37 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $27.63B | $37.63B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +3.24% | +4.00% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $649.10M | $819.60M |
| Gross margin | 17.91% | 15.23% |
| Operating margin | 4.49% | 4.24% |
| Net margin | 2.35% | 2.18% |
| 52-week high | $235.81 | $439.49 |
| 52-week low | $152.86 | $239.78 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -33.76% | -34.61% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +47.51% | +50.86% |
| Average volume | 497.46K | 300.39K |
| Shares outstanding | 33.06M | 21.98M |
| Employees | 24,800 | 30,000 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Cyclical |
| Industry | Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations | Auto & Truck Dealerships |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- LAD has outperformed AN by 21.9 percentage points over the past year.
- Lithia Motors trades at a higher earnings multiple (9.7x vs 7.3x trailing P/E).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: AutoNation in Consumer Discretionary and Lithia Motors in Consumer Cyclical.
About AutoNation
AN stock →AutoNation, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Domestic, Import, Premium Luxury, and AutoNation Finance.
Consumer Discretionary · Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations · 24,800 employees
About Lithia Motors
LAD stock →Lithia Motors, Inc. operates as an automotive retailer in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Consumer Cyclical · Auto & Truck Dealerships · 30,000 employees
AN vs LAD FAQ
Which is bigger, AutoNation or Lithia Motors?
Lithia Motors (LAD) is larger, with a market capitalization of $6.32B compared with $5.16B for AutoNation (AN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AN or LAD?
LAD returned -5.53% over the past 12 months, compared with -27.40% for AN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AN or LAD?
AN has the lower trailing P/E at 7.3, versus 9.7 for LAD. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, AutoNation or Lithia Motors?
Lithia Motors pays a dividend yielding 0.82%, while AutoNation does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are AutoNation and Lithia Motors in the same industry?
No. AutoNation is in the Consumer Discretionary sector, while Lithia Motors is in Consumer Cyclical.