Is SAH a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 45.3/100. It is ranked #1,067 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 72/100, Momentum 40/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for SAH?

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 45.3 ranks it #1,067 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is SAH in?

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC operates in the Consumer Discretionary sector (Retail industry) with a market cap of $2.19 billion. It is classified as a mid-cap stock.

Does SAH pay a dividend?

Yes, SAH pays a dividend with a current yield of 1.88%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $18.80 in annual dividend income.

What is SAH's P/E ratio?

SAH has a trailing P/E ratio of 15.16x. The Consumer Discretionary sector average is 24.5x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is SAH?

SAH's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 15.8%. ROE: 13.7% vs sector average 6.2%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is SAH valued compared to peers?

SAH's value factor score is 72/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 15.2x, EV/EBITDA 7.4x. The stock appears attractively valued versus peers.

What is SAH's debt level?

SAH's debt-to-equity ratio is 151%. Sector average: 89%. Elevated leverage increases credit risk.

SAH has a beta of 0.90, meaning it tracks the market. Stability score: 62/100.

Does SAH have high short interest?

SAH's short interest factor score is 8/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

SAH Stock Analysis: Top Mid-Cap Hold (Score 45.3/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
SAH	+0.34%	+4.92%	+12.68%	+10.02%	+14.46%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLY	+0.13%	+4.38%	-1.35%	-5.46%	-39.92%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	+0.41%	+1.31%	+12.35%	+10.38%	-15.06%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	+0.21%	+0.53%	+14.04%	+15.48%	+54.38%	-	-	-

Metric	SAH	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	15.2x	-38%
EV/EBITDA	7.4x	+51%
Price / Book	2.1x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
CASY CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC	57	50	68	67	43.1x	16.9%	24.0%	3.8%	0.3%	123.0x	$27.2B	VS
TGT TARGET CORP	53	50	70	56	16.7x	20.7%	28.4%	3.4%	-0.7%	89.0x	$54.5B	VS
APEI AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION INC	53	49	58	72	79.0x	4.6%	52.8%	2.1%	6.8%	32.0x	$1.1B	VS
LINC LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORP	52	50	48	75	113.9x	5.6%	59.2%	2.3%	37.4%	147.0x	$1.3B	VS
FIVE FIVE BELOW, INC	52	50	56	73	106.3x	5.4%	32.5%	3.1%	26.5%	125.0x	$13.0B	VS
IMKTA INGLES MARKETS INC	51	50	51	62	17.7x	6.2%	23.9%	1.9%	0.4%	57.0x	$1.7B	VS
PRDO PERDOCEO EDUCATION Corp	51	50	70	57	14.1x	16.7%	100.0%	20.4%	27.1%	28.0x	$2.4B	VS
MCRI MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC	51	50	66	47	16.6x	19.7%	24.5%	19.4%	11.5%	33.0x	$1.7B	VS
FCFS FirstCash Holdings, Inc.	49	50	29	66	35.4x	10.8%	50.2%	8.0%	26.6%	98.0x	$8.4B	VS
ESCA ESCALADE INC	48	50	65	51	15.6x	9.0%	26.1%	6.2%	8.4%	11.0x	$249M	VS
SAH SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC	45	50	72	40	15.2x	13.7%	15.8%	1.0%	15.1%	151.0x	$2.2B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
Operating Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
EBITDA Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Net Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	-0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
FCF Margin %	1.8%	-	-	-	-	-	1.6%	0.4%	-0.1%	-0.7%	0.1%
ROE %	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.3%	-0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
ROA %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	-0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
ROIC %	0.2%	10.8%	13.8%	13.0%	9.4%	16.1%	2.0%	15.0%	8.0%	9.3%	11.5%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.2%

0.1%

Operating Margin %

0.0%

EBITDA Margin %

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

Net Margin %

0.0%

-0.0%

0.0%

FCF Margin %

1.8%

1.6%

0.4%

-0.1%

-0.7%

0.1%

ROE %

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.3%

-0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

ROA %

0.0%

0.1%

-0.0%

0.0%

ROIC %

0.2%

10.8%

13.8%

13.0%

9.4%

16.1%

2.0%

15.0%

8.0%

9.3%

11.5%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$14.8B	$15.2B	$14.2B	$14.4B	$14.0B	$12.4B	$9.8B	$10.5B	$28.1B	$9.9B	$9.7B	$9.6B
	—	$12.8B	$12.0B	$12.1B	$11.7B	$10.5B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$2.3B	$2.4B	$2.2B	$2.2B	$2.3B	$1.9B	$1.4B	$1.5B	$19.6B	$1.5B	$1.4B	$1.4B
Gross Margin	15.8%	15.7%	15.4%	15.6%	16.6%	15.4%	14.6%	14.5%	14.5%	14.8%	14.7%	14.7%
	—	$1.7B	$1.6B	$1.6B	$1.6B	$1.3B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Depreciation	—	$163M	$150M	$142M	$128M	$101M	$90M	$92M	$97M	$92M	$81M	$72M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$2.0B	$1.7B	$1.8B	$2.0B	$1.4B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$358M	$368M	$462M	$424M	$314M	$538M	$34M	$308M	$178M	$212M	$233M	$217M
EBIT	$358M	$368M	$462M	$424M	$314M	$538M	$34M	$308M	$178M	$212M	$233M	$217M
EBITDA	$517M	$531M	$612M	$566M	$442M	$640M	$125M	$394M	$274M	$289M	$314M	$290M
Operating Margin	2.4%	2.4%	3.2%	2.9%	2.2%	4.3%	0.4%	2.9%	1.8%	2.1%	2.4%	2.3%
EBITDA Margin	3.5%	3.5%	4.3%	3.9%	3.2%	5.2%	1.3%	3.8%	1.0%	2.9%	3.2%	3.0%
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$69M	$102M	$102M	$89M	$78M	$72M
	—	$173M	$256M	$242M	$190M	$458M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	-$54M	$40M	$64M	$102M	$109M	$16M	$55M	$23M	$14M	$61M	$57M
	$146M	$119M	$216M	$178M	$89M	$349M	-$51M	$144M	$52M	$93M	$93M	$86M
Net Margin	1.0%	0.8%	1.5%	1.2%	0.6%	2.8%	-0.5%	1.4%	0.5%	0.9%	1.0%	0.9%
	$3.49	$3.49	$6.34	$5.09	$2.29	$8.43	$-1.21	$3.35	$1.21	$2.11	$2.04	$1.71
Diluted EPS	$3.49	$3.42	$6.18	$4.97	$2.23	$8.06	$-1.21	$3.35	$1.21	$2.11	$2.04	$1.71
Weighted Avg Basic	—	34M	34M	35M	39M	41M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	35M	35M	36M	40M	43M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$14.8B

$15.2B

$14.2B

$14.4B

$14.0B

$12.4B

$9.8B

$10.5B

$28.1B

$9.9B

$9.7B

$9.6B

—

$12.8B

$12.0B

$12.1B

$11.7B

$10.5B

—

$2.3B

$2.4B

$2.2B

$2.3B

$1.9B

$1.4B

$1.5B

$19.6B

$1.5B

$1.4B

Gross Margin

15.8%

15.7%

15.4%

15.6%

16.6%

15.4%

14.6%

14.5%

14.8%

14.7%

—

$1.7B

$1.6B

$1.3B

—

Depreciation

—

$163M

$150M

$142M

$128M

$101M

$90M

$92M

$97M

$92M

$81M

$72M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$2.0B

$1.7B

$1.8B

$2.0B

$1.4B

—

$358M

$368M

$462M

$424M

$314M

$538M

$34M

$308M

$178M

$212M

$233M

$217M

EBIT

$358M

$368M

$462M

$424M

$314M

$538M

$34M

$308M

$178M

$212M

$233M

$217M

EBITDA

$517M

$531M

$612M

$566M

$442M

$640M

$125M

$394M

$274M

$289M

$314M

$290M

Operating Margin

2.4%

3.2%

2.9%

2.2%

4.3%

0.4%

2.9%

1.8%

2.1%

2.4%

2.3%

EBITDA Margin

3.5%

4.3%

3.9%

3.2%

5.2%

1.3%

3.8%

1.0%

2.9%

3.2%

3.0%

—

$69M

$102M

$89M

$78M

$72M

—

$173M

$256M

$242M

$190M

$458M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

-$54M

$40M

$64M

$102M

$109M

$16M

$55M

$23M

$14M

$61M

$57M

$146M

$119M

$216M

$178M

$89M

$349M

-$51M

$144M

$52M

$93M

$86M

Net Margin

1.0%

0.8%

1.5%

1.2%

0.6%

2.8%

-0.5%

1.4%

0.5%

0.9%

1.0%

0.9%

$3.49

$6.34

$5.09

$2.29

$8.43

$-1.21

$3.35

$1.21

$2.11

$2.04

$1.71

Diluted EPS

$3.49

$3.42

$6.18

$4.97

$2.23

$8.06

$-1.21

$3.35

$1.21

$2.11

$2.04

$1.71

Weighted Avg Basic

—

34M

35M

39M

41M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

35M

36M

40M

43M

—

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC Do?

Sonic Automotive, Inc. operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. It operates in two segments, Franchised Dealerships and EchoPark. The Franchised Dealerships segment is involved in the sale of new and used cars and light trucks, and replacement parts; provision of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repair, and paint and collision repair services; and arrangement of extended warranties, service contracts, financing, insurance, and other aftermarket products for its guests. The EchoPark segment sells used cars and light trucks; and arranges finance and insurance product sales for its guests in pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 140 new vehicle franchises representing 28 brands of cars and light trucks; 17 collision repair centers in 17 states; and 46 EchoPark stores in 16 states, including 11 Northwest Motorsport pre-owned vehicle stores. Sonic Automotive, Inc. was incorporated in 1997 and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) is classified as a mid-cap stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, specifically within the Retail industry. The company is led by CEO David B. Smith and employs approximately 10,300 people, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. With a market capitalization of $2.2B, SAH is one of the notable companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 45.3/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.SAH ranks #1,067 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC ranks #80 of 442 stocks, placing it in the top quartile of its Consumer Discretionary peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

SAH Stock Price and 52-Week Range

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) currently trades at $68.06. The stock gained $0.23 (0.3%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for SAH is $89.62, which means the stock is currently trading -24.1% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $52.00, putting the stock 30.9% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 143K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is SAH Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) carries a value factor score of 72/100 in the Blank Capital model, suggesting the stock trades at a meaningful discount to its fundamental earning power. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 15.16x, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 24.47x — a discount of 38%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 2.07x, versus the sector average of 1.99x. The price-to-sales ratio is 0.15x, compared to 0.27x for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. On an enterprise value basis, SAH trades at 7.40x EV/EBITDA, versus 4.91x for the sector.

Based on these multiples, SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC appears attractively valued relative to both its sector peers and the broader market. Value-oriented investors may find the current entry point compelling, particularly if the company's fundamental quality metrics also score well.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 13.7%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 6.2%, which is within a healthy range. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 2.5% versus the sector average of 2.5%.

On a margin basis, SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC reports gross margins of 15.8%, compared to 36.9% for the sector. The operating margin is 2.4% (sector: 3.8%). Net profit margin stands at 1.0%, versus 2.1% for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. Revenue growth is running at 15.1% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.3% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

SAH Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC has a debt-to-equity ratio of 151.0%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 89.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 1.09x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage. Total debt on the balance sheet is $1.62B. Cash and equivalents stand at $89M.

SAH has a beta of 0.90, meaning it is roughly in line with the broader market in terms of price volatility. The stability factor score for SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC is 62/100, reflecting average volatility within the normal range for its sector.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC reported revenue of $14.77B and earnings per share (EPS) of $3.49. Net income for the quarter was $146M. Gross margin was 15.8%. Operating income came in at $358M.

In FY 2025, SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC reported revenue of $15.15B and earnings per share (EPS) of $3.49. Net income for the quarter was $119M. Gross margin was 15.7%. Revenue grew 6.5% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $368M.

In Q3 2025, SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC reported revenue of $3.97B and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.37. Net income for the quarter was $47M. Gross margin was 15.5%. Revenue grew 13.8% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $123M.

In Q2 2025, SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC reported revenue of $3.66B and earnings per share (EPS) of $-1.34. Net income for the quarter was $-46M. Gross margin was 16.5%. Revenue grew 5.9% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $-23M.

Over the past 8 quarters, SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $3.45B to $14.77B. Investors analyzing SAH stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

SAH Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) currently pays a dividend yield of 1.9%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in SAH stock would generate approximately $$188.00 in annual dividend income.

SAH Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) has a momentum factor score of 40/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 27/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 8/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

SAH vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) ranks #80 out of 442 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places SAH in the top quartile of all Consumer Discretionary stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC (MCRI) with a score of 50.5/100, CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC (CASY) with a score of 57.3/100, INGLES MARKETS INC (IMKTA) with a score of 51.0/100, FIVE BELOW, INC (FIVE) with a score of 51.6/100, and TARGET CORP (TGT) with a score of 52.6/100.

Comparing SAH against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full SAH vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

SAH Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy SAH? — Investment Thesis Summary

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. The value score of 72/100 suggests attractive pricing relative to fundamentals. Low volatility (stability score 62/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 45.3/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on SAH stock.

Related Resources for SAH Investors

Explore more research and tools: SAH vs S&P 500 comparison, top Consumer Discretionary stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare SAH head-to-head with peers: SAH vs MCRI, SAH vs CASY, SAH vs IMKTA.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC Do?

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

SAH Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is SAH Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

SAH Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

SAH Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

SAH Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

SAH vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

SAH Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy SAH? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for SAH Investors

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Coca-Cola unveils ad campaign with 13 restaurant chains to boost drink sales as diner traffic falls

Why Is Sonic Automotive (SAH) Down 5.5% Since Last Earnings Report?

Used car prices rise to highest point since summer 2023

Assessing Sonic Automotive (SAH) Valuation After Recent Share Price Softness

Sonic Automotive Schedules Release of First Quarter and 2026 Financial Results