Lithia revenue reached a record $9.9 billion in the third quarter of 2026, up 3% from $9.7 billion a year earlier. The automotive retailer also reported higher net income and earnings per share for the quarter ended September 30.

Key Insights

  • Lithia revenue increased 3% to a record $9.9 billion, while nine-month revenue rose 2% to $29.0 billion.
  • Diluted earnings per share jumped 54% to $13.22, but adjusted net income declined 5% to $229.3 million.
  • The board raised the quarterly dividend 7% to $0.75 per share after the company repurchased $85 million of stock.

Lithia Revenue Sets Record as EPS Rises

Lithia & Driveway’s October 21 earnings release showed net income of $292.9 million, up 34% from $218.6 million. Adjusted diluted EPS increased 9% to $10.34 even as adjusted net income fell, reflecting the impact of a lower share count.

Bar chart comparing Lithia diluted and adjusted diluted earnings per share in Q3 2025 and Q3 2026

The chart separates GAAP diluted EPS from the adjusted measure, which excludes an unrealized investment gain and other non-core items. Investors assessing that distinction can also review Fusion Market News guides to the price-to-earnings ratio and free cash flow.

Lithia Revenue Growth Meets Stronger Auto Margins

Used-retail gross profit per unit increased $197, or 11%, while same-store aftersales gross profit rose 2.4%. Aftersales gross margin widened 100 basis points to 59.5%, and financing operations income increased 69% to $32.3 million.

The company ended the quarter with about $1.4 billion in cash, securities and revolving-credit availability. Chief Executive Bryan DeBoer said stronger used-vehicle profitability, aftersales margins and financing operations supported results, while Tesla’s latest earnings offer a related view of vehicle-sector demand and margins.

Sharron Kendi is a seasoned crypto market analyst and writer with over three years of experience decoding blockchain trends, price movements, and market dynamics. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (Finance) from Kenyatta University, blending a solid academic foundation with a sharp eye for technical analysis and a deep understanding of on-chain data. Her work delivers clear, data-driven insights that empower investors to navigate the fast-evolving digital asset space with confidence.