Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH) Bolsa

Sonic Automotive

Sonic Automotive is one of the largest auto dealership groups in the United States. The company has 108 franchised stores in 18 states, primarily in metropolitan areas in California, Texas, and the Southeast, plus 18 EchoPark used-vehicle stores, 16 collision centers, and 15 powersports locations. The franchise stores derive revenue from new and used vehicles plus parts and collision repair, finance, insurance, and wholesale auctions. Luxury and import dealerships make up about 86% of franchise new-vehicle revenue, while Honda, BMW, Mercedes, and Toyota constitute about 59% of new-vehicle revenue. BMW is the largest brand at about 25%. 2024's revenue was $14.2 billion, with Texas and California comprising 51% of the total. EchoPark's portion was $2.1 billion.

Sonic Automotive Inc

SAUDI AMERICAN HLDGS CORP by Saudi American Holdings Corp.

Saudi American Holdings Corp

Capitan Investment Ltd

SAHA-UNION PUBLIC CO by Saha-Union Public Co Ltd.

SAHAMITR PRESSURE CNTAINR by SAHAMITR PRESSURE CONTAINER PUBLIC CO LTD

In the preceding three months, 7 analysts have released ratings for Sonic Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>), presenting a wide array of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
In the table below, you'll find a summary of their recent ratings, revealing the shifting sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the previous months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets assessed by analysts reveal further insights, featuring an average target of $81.14, a high estimate of $100.00, and a low estimate of $64.00. This current average has decreased by 3.4% from the previous average price target of $84.00. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1745528443_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Interpreting Analyst Ratings: A Closer Look</h2>
An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive Sonic Automotive. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
&#x7C; Analyst &#x7C; Analyst Firm &#x7C; Action Taken &#x7C; Rating &#x7C;Current Price Target&#x7C; Prior Price Target &#x7C; 
&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;---------------&#x7C;---------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C; 
&#x7C;Chris Pierce &#x7C;Needham &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $74.00&#x7C;$93.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Michael Ward &#x7C;Citigroup &#x7C;Announces &#x7C;Neutral &#x7C; $64.00&#x7C;- &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Rajat Gupta &#x7C;JP Morgan &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $65.00&#x7C;$80.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Chris Pierce &#x7C;Needham &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $93.00&#x7C;$100.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Rajat Gupta &#x7C;JP Morgan &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $80.00&#x7C;$74.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Jeff Lick &#x7C;Stephens &amp; Co. &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $92.00&#x7C;$83.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Chris Pierce &#x7C;Needham &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $100.00&#x7C;$74.00 &#x7C;
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Sonic Automotive. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of Sonic Automotive compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Gaining insights, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Sonic Automotive's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into Sonic Automotive's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SAH/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Sonic Automotive analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Get to Know Sonic Automotive Better</h2>
Sonic Automotive is one of the largest auto dealership groups in the United States. The company has 108 franchised stores in 18 states, primarily in metropolitan areas in California, Texas, and the Southeast, plus 18 EchoPark used-vehicle stores, 16 collision centers, and 15 powersports locations. The franchise stores derive revenue from new and used vehicles plus parts and collision repair, finance, insurance, and wholesale auctions. Luxury and import dealerships make up about 86% of franchise new-vehicle revenue, while Honda, BMW, Mercedes, and Toyota constitute about 59% of new-vehicle revenue. BMW is the largest brand at about 25%. 2024's revenue was $14.2 billion, with Texas and California comprising 51% of the total. EchoPark's portion was $2.1 billion.
<h3>Sonic Automotive: A Financial Overview</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization reflects a smaller scale relative to peers. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Sonic Automotive's financials over 3M reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 8.68% as of 31 December, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Consumer Discretionary sector.
Net Margin: Sonic Automotive's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 1.5% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): Sonic Automotive's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 5.64%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health.
Return on Assets (ROA): Sonic Automotive's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 1.01%. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 3.89.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Analyst Ratings

Breaking Down Sonic Automotive: 7 Analysts Share Their Views

Needham analyst Chris Pierce maintains Sonic Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $93 to $74.

News

Price Target

Needham Maintains Buy on Sonic Automotive, Lowers Price Target to $74

Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>) reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-quarter results on Thursday.</a>
The company reported quarterly adjusted earnings per share of $1.48, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/b44974562/sonic-automotive-reports-first-quarter-2025-financial-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">beating the analyst consensus estimate of $1.45</a>. Quarterly sales of $3.65 billion (up 8% year-over-year) outpaced the street view of $3.51 billion.
Sonic Automotive reported total gross profit of $566.4 million, up 6%&nbsp;year-over-year.
&#8220;Despite uncertainty around the impact of tariffs on pricing, vehicle and parts inventory levels, gross margin and consumer demand, our entire team remains focused on executing our strategy and continuing to grow our business, in order to create long-term value for our stakeholders,&#8221; said David Smith, chairman and CEO.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44984872/gillette-parent-procter-gamble-slides-on-q3-sales-decline-lowered-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gillette And Tide Maker Procter &amp; Gamble Feels The Heat From Commodity And Forex Costs, Cuts Profit Outlook</a>
Same-store revenues in the franchised dealership segment rose 8%, while gross profit increased 3%.
New vehicle sales volume grew 10%, but gross profit per unit dropped 17% to $3,089. Used vehicle sales volume fell 2%, with gross profit per unit down 3% to $1,555.
EchoPark reported revenues of $559.7 million, flat year-over-year, with a record quarterly gross profit of $63.9 million, up 21%. On a same market basis, revenues increased 3% and gross profit rose 19%. Retail used vehicle sales reached 18,798 units, marking a 5% increase.
The Powersports segment posted record first-quarter revenues of $34.4 million, up 24%, while gross profit rose 9% to $8.5 million.
As of March 31, the firm had approximately $430 million in cash and floor plan deposits on hand, with total liquidity of approximately $947 million.
Dividend: The company approved a quarterly cash dividend of 35 cents per share, payable on July 15, to all stockholders of record on June 13.
SAH Price Action: Sonic Automotive shares are trading higher by 3.25% to $61.06 at publication on Thursday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44977669/pepsico-ceo-warns-of-tariffs-led-increase-in-supply-chain-costs-cuts-annual-profit-outlook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PepsiCo CEO Warns Of Tariffs Led ‘Increase In Supply Chain Costs,&#8217; Cuts Annual Profit Outlook</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/K-FK">K-FK</a> via Shutterstock

Earnings

Equities

Guidance

Markets

Movers

General

What's Going On With Sonic Automotive Stock Today?

Sonic Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.48 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.45 by 2.07 percent. This is a 8.82 percent increase over earnings of $1.36 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $3.65 billion which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $3.51 billion by 3.90 percent. This is a 7.89 percent increase over sales of $3.38 billion the same period last year.

Earnings Beats

Sonic Automotive Q1 Adj. EPS $1.48 Beats $1.45 Estimate, Sales $3.65B Beat $3.51B Estimate

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Earnings Scheduled For April 24, 2025

Sonic Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>) is set to give its latest quarterly earnings report on Thursday, 2025-04-24. Here's what investors need to know before the announcement.
Analysts estimate that Sonic Automotive will report an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.35. 
Investors in Sonic Automotive are eagerly awaiting the company's announcement, hoping for news of surpassing estimates and positive guidance for the next quarter.
It's worth noting for new investors that stock prices can be heavily influenced by future projections rather than just past performance.
<h3>Earnings History Snapshot</h3>
Last quarter the company beat EPS by $0.03, which was followed by a 2.48% increase in the share price the next day.
Here's a look at Sonic Automotive's past performance and the resulting price change:

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Quarter</th>
<th>Q4 2024</th>
<th>Q3 2024</th>
<th>Q2 2024</th>
<th>Q1 2024</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EPS Estimate</td>
<td>1.48</td>
<td>1.43</td>
<td>1.53</td>
<td>1.30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPS Actual</td>
<td>1.51</td>
<td>1.26</td>
<td>1.47</td>
<td>1.36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Price Change %</td>
<td>2.0%</td>
<td>-1.0%</td>
<td>-0.0%</td>
<td>10.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1745434879_0.png" alt="eps graph" />
<h3>Sonic Automotive Share Price Analysis</h3>
Shares of Sonic Automotive were trading at $59.75 as of April 22. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 6.14%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are likely bullish going into this earnings release. 
<h3>Analyst Insights on Sonic Automotive</h3>
For investors, staying informed about market sentiments and expectations in the industry is paramount. This analysis provides an exploration of the latest insights on Sonic Automotive.
Analysts have given Sonic Automotive a total of 6 ratings, with the consensus rating being Outperform. The average one-year price target is $82.33, indicating a potential 37.79% upside.
<h3>Understanding Analyst Ratings Among Peers</h3>
The analysis below examines the analyst ratings and average 1-year price targets of and Advance Auto Parts, three significant industry players, providing valuable insights into their relative performance expectations and market positioning.
<ul>
<li>Analysts currently favor an Neutral trajectory for Advance Auto Parts, with an average 1-year price target of $42.14, suggesting a potential 29.47% downside.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Peers Comparative Analysis Summary</h3>
The peer analysis summary outlines pivotal metrics for and Advance Auto Parts, demonstrating their respective standings within the industry and offering valuable insights into their market positions and comparative performance.

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Consensus</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
<th>Gross Profit</th>
<th>Return on Equity</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Sonic Automotive</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>8.68%</td>
<td>$573.90M</td>
<td>5.64%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Advance Auto Parts</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>-0.91%</td>
<td>$347.12M</td>
<td>-17.40%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Key Takeaway:
Sonic Automotive outperforms its peers in revenue growth, with a growth rate of 8.68% compared to a decline of -0.91%. It also leads in gross profit at $573.90M. However, it lags behind in return on equity at 5.64% compared to -17.40%. Overall, Sonic Automotive ranks above its peers in revenue growth and gross profit, but falls behind in return on equity.
<h3>About Sonic Automotive</h3>
Sonic Automotive is one of the largest auto dealership groups in the United States. The company has 108 franchised stores in 18 states, primarily in metropolitan areas in California, Texas, and the Southeast, plus 18 EchoPark used-vehicle stores, 16 collision centers, and 15 powersports locations. The franchise stores derive revenue from new and used vehicles plus parts and collision repair, finance, insurance, and wholesale auctions. Luxury and import dealerships make up about 86% of franchise new-vehicle revenue, while Honda, BMW, Mercedes, and Toyota constitute about 59% of new-vehicle revenue. BMW is the largest brand at about 25%. 2024's revenue was $14.2 billion, with Texas and California comprising 51% of the total. EchoPark's portion was $2.1 billion.
<h3>Sonic Automotive's Financial Performance</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization reflects a smaller scale relative to peers. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Revenue Growth: Sonic Automotive's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 31 December, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 8.68%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the company achieved a growth rate higher than the average among peers in Consumer Discretionary sector.
Net Margin: Sonic Automotive's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 1.5% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): Sonic Automotive's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 5.64% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 1.01%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 3.89.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SAH/earnings">To track all earnings releases for Sonic Automotive visit their earnings calendar on our site.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Earnings Outlook For Sonic Automotive

Citigroup analyst Michael Ward initiates coverage on Sonic Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>) with a Neutral rating and announces Price Target of $64.

Initiation

Citigroup Initiates Coverage On Sonic Automotive with Neutral Rating, Announces Price Target of $64

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Select Sector SPDR-Consumer Discretionary

Shares of companies within the broader consumer discretionary sector are trading lower amid overall market weakness and investor concerns over deteriorating trade relationships.

Sonic Automotive shares are trading lower after JP Morgan cut its price target on the stock from $80 to $65.

JP Morgan analyst Rajat Gupta maintains Sonic Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $80 to $65.

JP Morgan Maintains Overweight on Sonic Automotive, Lowers Price Target to $65

<a href="https://www.autonews.com/retail/an-amazon-eyes-used-car-sales-0319/">https://www.autonews.com/retail/an-amazon-eyes-used-car-sales-0319/</a>
While Amazon continues to refine its <a href="https://www.autonews.com/retail/hyundai-will-sell-cars-amazon-2024/">new car-shopping platform</a> with customers and dealers in certain U.S. markets, the online retail giant is already eying its next endeavor: used cars.

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'Amazon Eyes Used-Car Sales' - Automotive News

In the latest quarter, 6 analysts provided ratings for Sonic Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>), showcasing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
In the table below, you'll find a summary of their recent ratings, revealing the shifting sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the previous months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets, analyzed by analysts, offer insights with an average target of $85.5, a high estimate of $100.00, and a low estimate of $74.00. Witnessing a positive shift, the current average has risen by 6.88% from the previous average price target of $80.00.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742385652_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Interpreting Analyst Ratings: A Closer Look</h2>
A clear picture of Sonic Automotive's perception among financial experts is painted with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Chris Pierce</td>
<td>Needham</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$93.00</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rajat Gupta</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$74.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeff Lick</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$92.00</td>
<td>$83.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Pierce</td>
<td>Needham</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$74.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rajat Gupta</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$74.00</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Pierce</td>
<td>Needham</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$74.00</td>
<td>$74.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Sonic Automotive. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analyzing trends, analysts offer qualitative evaluations, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Sonic Automotive compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Delving into movements, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Sonic Automotive's stock. This analysis reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Considering these analyst evaluations in conjunction with other financial indicators can offer a comprehensive understanding of Sonic Automotive's market position. Stay informed and make well-informed decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SAH/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Sonic Automotive analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About Sonic Automotive</h2>
Sonic Automotive is one of the largest auto dealership groups in the United States. The company has 108 franchised stores in 18 states, primarily in metropolitan areas in California, Texas, and the Southeast, plus 18 EchoPark used-vehicle stores, 16 collision centers, and 15 powersports locations. The franchise stores derive revenue from new and used vehicles plus parts and collision repair, finance, insurance, and wholesale auctions. Luxury and import dealerships make up about 86% of franchise new-vehicle revenue, while Honda, BMW, Mercedes, and Toyota constitute about 59% of new-vehicle revenue. BMW is the largest brand at about 25%. 2024's revenue was $14.2 billion, with Texas and California comprising 51% of the total. EchoPark's portion was $2.1 billion.
<h3>Sonic Automotive: A Financial Overview</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Reflecting a smaller scale, the company's market capitalization is positioned below industry averages. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Revenue Growth: Sonic Automotive displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 31 December, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 8.68%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Consumer Discretionary sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.
Net Margin: Sonic Automotive's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 1.5%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Sonic Automotive's ROE excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 5.64%. This signifies robust financial management and efficient use of shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Sonic Automotive's ROA stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 1.01%, the company demonstrates effective utilization of assets and strong financial performance.
Debt Management: Sonic Automotive's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 3.89, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
If you want to keep track of which analysts are outperforming others, you can view updated analyst ratings along withanalyst success scores in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Demystifying Sonic Automotive: Insights From 6 Analyst Reviews

Needham analyst Chris Pierce maintains Sonic Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $100 to $93.

Needham Maintains Buy on Sonic Automotive, Lowers Price Target to $93

LIND

Shares of companies within the broader consumer discretionary sector are trading lower. The sector may be down on overall market concerns amid tariff uncertainty.

JP Morgan analyst Rajat Gupta maintains Sonic Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $74 to $80.

JP Morgan Maintains Overweight on Sonic Automotive, Raises Price Target to $80

Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Jeff Lick maintains Sonic Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $83 to $92.

Stephens & Co. Maintains Overweight on Sonic Automotive, Raises Price Target to $92

Sonic Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>) underwent analysis by 4 analysts in the last quarter, revealing a spectrum of viewpoints from bullish to bearish.
The following table encapsulates their recent ratings, offering a glimpse into the evolving sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
In the assessment of 12-month price targets, analysts unveil insights for Sonic Automotive, presenting an average target of $80.5, a high estimate of $100.00, and a low estimate of $74.00. This current average reflects an increase of 8.3% from the previous average price target of $74.33. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1739448053_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Decoding Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Look</h2>
In examining recent analyst actions, we gain insights into how financial experts perceive Sonic Automotive. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Chris Pierce</td>
<td>Needham</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$74.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rajat Gupta</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$74.00</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Pierce</td>
<td>Needham</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$74.00</td>
<td>$74.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Glenn Chin</td>
<td>Seaport Global</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$74.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Sonic Automotive. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts assign qualitative assessments to stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey the analysts' expectations for the relative performance of Sonic Automotive compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts predict movements in price targets, offering estimates for Sonic Automotive's future value. Examining the current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into Sonic Automotive's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SAH/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Sonic Automotive analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Delving into Sonic Automotive's Background</h2>
Sonic Automotive is one of the largest auto dealership groups in the United States. The company has 108 franchised stores in 18 states, primarily in metropolitan areas in California, Texas, and the Southeast, plus 25 EchoPark used-vehicle stores, 16 collision centers, and 13 powersports locations. The franchise stores derive revenue from new and used vehicles plus parts and collision repair, finance, insurance, and wholesale auctions. Luxury and import dealerships make up about 86% of franchise new-vehicle revenue, while Honda, BMW, Mercedes, and Toyota constitute about 58% of new-vehicle revenue. BMW is the largest brand at about 25%. 2023's revenue was $14.4 billion, with EchoPark's portion totaling $2.4 billion. Sonic bought RFJ Auto in December 2021, which added $3.2 billion in sales.
<h3>Sonic Automotive's Financial Performance</h3>
Market Capitalization: With restricted market capitalization, the company is positioned below industry averages. This reflects a smaller scale relative to peers.
Negative Revenue Trend: Examining Sonic Automotive's financials over 3 months reveals challenges. As of 30 September, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately -4.17% in revenue growth, reflecting a decrease in top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Consumer Discretionary sector.
Net Margin: Sonic Automotive's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 2.13%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 7.57%, the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Sonic Automotive's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of 1.28%, the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: Sonic Automotive's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 4.03, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
<h2>The Basics of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Beyond The Numbers: 4 Analysts Discuss Sonic Automotive Stock

Needham analyst Chris Pierce maintains Sonic Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $74 to $100.

Needham Maintains Buy on Sonic Automotive, Raises Price Target to $100

A hotter-than-expected inflation report initially rattled markets on Wednesday morning, but investors found confidence to buy the dip, helping major indexes recover most losses by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43656846/inflation-rises-more-than-expected-in-january-chills-interest-rate-cut-hopes">midday trading in New York.</a>
The S&amp;P 500 was down 0.2%, while the Nasdaq 100 was flat, both rebounding from sharp declines following the January Consumer Price Index report. Small-cap stocks underperformed, with the Russell 2000 slipping 0.8%.
The headline CPI rose 3% year over year in January, surpassing both December's 2.9% reading and economist forecasts of 2.9%. On a monthly basis, inflation increased 0.5%, outpacing expectations of 0.3% and accelerating from December's 0.4% gain. This marked the fastest monthly inflation rate since August 2023.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, climbed to 3.3% year over year from 3.2% in December. On a monthly basis, core CPI increased 0.4%, exceeding estimates of 0.3% and doubling December's 0.2% rise.
Treasuries and interest rate markets reacted sharply to the inflation data. Traders scaled back expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, now projecting only one reduction by December 2025.
Treasury yields surged, reflecting heightened investor uncertainty. The 10-year Treasury yield jumped 10 basis points to 4.64%. The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) fell 1%.
Despite rising Treasury yields and a stronger dollar, gold edged up 0.2% to $2,910 per ounce. Oil prices dropped 2% after reports that Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, fueling speculation about a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) also rebounded from earlier session losses.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day %chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>21,688.40</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>6,056.85</td>
<td>-0.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>44,411.00</td>
<td>-0.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,257.59</td>
<td>-0.8%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 12:45 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent020325&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)&nbsp;inched 0.2% down to $603.77.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) was 0.4% down to $444.41.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;flattened at $528.09.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) eased 0.8% to $224.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLY#NYSE">XLY</a>) outperformed, up 0.4%; the&nbsp;Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) lagged, down 1.2%.</li>
</ul>
Wednesday&#8217;s Stock Movers
<ul>
<li>Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) jumped more than 4% after the electric vehicle maker tumbled 6.3% on Tuesday, reaching oversold levels and extending its losing streak to five consecutive sessions.</li>
</ul>
Stocks reacting to company earnings reports included: 
<ul>
<li>CVS Health Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>): up 15.7%</li>
<li>Super Micro Computer Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>): up 4.5%</li>
<li>Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EW#NYSE">EW</a>): up 5.6%</li>
<li>América Móvil, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMX#NYSE">AMX</a>): down 1.4%</li>
<li>American International Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIG#NYSE">AIG</a>): up 0.2%</li>
<li>Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ET#NYSE">ET</a>): up 0.3%</li>
<li>Southern Copper Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCCO#NYSE">SCCO</a>): up 2.9%</li>
<li>Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>): up 6.8%</li>
<li>Zillow Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/Z#NASDAQ">Z</a>): down 10.2%</li>
<li>CME Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CME#NASDAQ">CME</a>): up 2.2%</li>
<li>Chimera Investment Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CIM#NYSE">CIM</a>): down 8.9%</li>
<li>Ryder System Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/R#NYSE">R</a>): up 4.0%</li>
<li>Smurfit WestRock Plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SW#NYSE">SW</a>): down 5.8%</li>
<li>Sonic Automotive Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>): down 2.4%</li>
<li>Alkermes Plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALKS#NASDAQ">ALKS</a>): up 4.1%</li>
<li>Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVXL#NASDAQ">AVXL</a>): up 1.0%</li>
<li>Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIIB#NASDAQ">BIIB</a>): down 4.6%</li>
<li>Blackstone Mortgage Trust Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BXMT#NYSE">BXMT</a>): up 2.8%</li>
<li>Camtek Ltd/Israel (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAMT#NASDAQ">CAMT</a>): up 1.5%</li>
<li>Chefs' Warehouse Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHEF#NASDAQ">CHEF</a>): up 13.0%</li>
<li>Diebold Nixdorf Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DBD#NYSE">DBD</a>): down 3.2%</li>
<li>Dominion Energy Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/D#NYSE">D</a>): up 0.6%</li>
<li>Exelon Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXC#NASDAQ">EXC</a>): up 0.4%</li>
</ul>
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43663963/record-high-egg-prices-drive-inflation-higher-in-january">Record-High Egg Prices Drive Inflation Higher In January</a></li>
</ul>
Illustration created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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