Sonic Automotive Future Growth
Future criteria checks 3/6
Sonic Automotive is forecast to grow earnings and revenue by 20.8% and 6% per annum respectively. EPS is expected to grow by 22.8% per annum. Return on equity is forecast to be 19.2% in 3 years.
Key information
20.8%
Earnings growth rate
22.83%
EPS growth rate
| Specialty Retail earnings growth | 9.9% |
| Revenue growth rate | 6.0% |
| Future return on equity | 19.18% |
| Analyst coverage | Good |
| Last updated | 22 May 2026 |
Recent future growth updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • May 04
SAH: Share Repurchases And Modest Margins Will Restrain Future Returns
Analysts have maintained their $67.00 price target for Sonic Automotive, noting minor adjustments to long-term revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions, rather than any major change in the outlook. What's in the News Sonic Automotive declared a quarterly dividend of US$0.41 per share, with an ex-date and record date on June 15, 2026, and payment scheduled for July 15, 2026 (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Apr 19
SAH: Share Repurchases And Modest Outlook Will Shape Future Returns
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Sonic Automotive from $72.00 to $67.00, reflecting updated assumptions for slightly lower revenue growth, profit margins, and a reduced future P/E multiple. What's in the News Sonic Automotive repurchased 600,000 shares between October 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, for a total of US$38.3 million, representing 1.76% of the company (Key Developments).
Narrative Update • Apr 05
SAH: Ongoing Share Repurchases Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Sonic Automotive by about $1 to reflect a slightly lower fair value estimate of $75.91. The change balances modest adjustments to revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions.Narrative Update • Mar 22
SAH: Ongoing Share Repurchases Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts held their price target for Sonic Automotive steady at $76.73. They pointed to largely unchanged assumptions around fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E as the basis for keeping their view intact.Narrative Update • Mar 07
SAH: Ongoing Share Repurchases Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have slightly lowered their price target for Sonic Automotive to about $76.73 from $77.20, reflecting updated assumptions for more moderate revenue growth and profit margins while keeping the long term P/E outlook broadly similar. What's in the News Sonic Automotive reported repurchasing 600,000 shares between October 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, using about US$38.3 million in cash (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Feb 20
SAH: Ongoing Share Repurchases Will Continue To Support Upside Potential
The analyst price target for Sonic Automotive has been trimmed slightly to $77.20 from $77.60, as analysts now factor in a higher revenue growth assumption of 6.97% and a P/E of 13.33x, alongside a lower profit margin outlook of 1.50% and a discount rate of 12.33%. What's in the News From October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, Sonic Automotive repurchased 600,000 shares for $38.3 million, equal to 1.76% of its shares under its ongoing buyback program (Key Developments).Seeking Alpha • Feb 16
Sonic Automotive Deserves To Move Higher
Summary Sonic Automotive remains a 'buy,' despite a 13.6% share price decline and mixed profitability, driven by compelling valuation versus cash flows. SAH's Q3 revenue rose to $3.97 billion, fueled by front-loaded demand and higher per-unit pricing, but net income contracted due to margin pressures. Management continues to pursue growth via acquisitions and EchoPark expansion, expecting margin improvement in the upcoming quarter, despite industry headwinds. Inventory levels remain stable, providing pricing flexibility as U.S. new vehicle sales are projected to decline from 16.3 million to 15.8 million this year. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Feb 09
Cautious Investors Not Rewarding Sonic Automotive, Inc.'s (NYSE:SAH) Performance Completely
Sonic Automotive, Inc.'s ( NYSE:SAH ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 16.4x might make it look like a buy right...Narrative Update • Feb 05
SAH: Steady Assumptions Will Continue To Support Upside Potential
Analysts kept their fair value estimate for Sonic Automotive steady at US$77.60. This reflects unchanged assumptions around revenue growth, profit margins, discount rate and future P/E that together support a consistent price target view.Analysis Article • Jan 25
At US$61.23, Is Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:SAH) Worth Looking At Closely?
Sonic Automotive, Inc. ( NYSE:SAH ), might not be a large cap stock, but it received a lot of attention from a...Narrative Update • Jan 22
SAH: Modest Model Tweaks Will Still Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have slightly reduced their fair value estimate for Sonic Automotive to US$77.60 from US$78.10. This reflects modest tweaks to revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions in their models.Narrative Update • Jan 07
SAH: Long Running Buyback Completion Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have held their price target on Sonic Automotive steady at US$78.10, citing unchanged assumptions around fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E as the basis for maintaining their view. What's in the News Between July 1, 2025 and September 30, 2025, Sonic Automotive reported no share repurchases under its existing buyback program, with 0 shares repurchased for US$0 million in that period (Key Developments).Analysis Article • Jan 01
An Intrinsic Calculation For Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:SAH) Suggests It's 31% Undervalued
Key Insights Sonic Automotive's estimated fair value is US$89.60 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Sonic...Narrative Update • Dec 24
SAH: Completed Buyback And Stable Fundamentals Will Drive Future Upside Potential
Analysts left their price target for Sonic Automotive unchanged at $78.10 per share, citing stable assumptions around revenue growth, profit margins, and future valuation multiples that continue to support their existing outlook. What's in the News Completed a long running share repurchase program, cumulatively buying back 37,196,257 shares, or 84.3 percent of the authorized amount, for a total of approximately $1.1 billion under the buyback initiated on July 27, 2004 (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Dec 10
SAH: Share Repurchase Progress Will Drive Strong Upside Potential Ahead
Narrative Update Analysts have maintained their price target on Sonic Automotive at approximately 78 dollars per share. This reflects steady expectations, as modest revenue growth and stable profit margin assumptions remain intact.Analysis Article • Dec 01
Investors Met With Slowing Returns on Capital At Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH)
If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for...Narrative Update • Nov 26
SAH: Share Repurchase Completion Will Support Robust Future Performance
Narrative Update on Sonic Automotive: Analyst Price Target Revision Analysts have maintained their fair value estimate for Sonic Automotive at $78.10. They cite unchanged expectations for key financial metrics such as revenue growth and profit margins.Narrative Update • Nov 12
SAH: Share Repurchase Completion Expected To Support Stronger Future Performance
Analysts have revised their fair value estimate for Sonic Automotive downward from $82.33 to $78.10. They cite slight decreases in projected revenue growth and profit margin, as well as a modest increase in the discount rate.Analysis Article • Sep 26
A Look At The Intrinsic Value Of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:SAH)
Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Sonic Automotive fair value estimate is US$70.27 Current share...Analysis Article • Sep 10
Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH) Is Increasing Its Dividend To $0.38
Sonic Automotive, Inc.'s ( NYSE:SAH ) dividend will be increasing from last year's payment of the same period to $0.38...Narrative Update • Sep 05
US Auto Trends Will Fuel Expansion In Fixed Operations
With no analyst reasoning provided, the top metrics for Sonic Automotive—including the consensus price target of $82.33 and a nearly flat future P/E of 12.72x—remained essentially unchanged, indicating stable fair value expectations. What's in the News Board approved a 9% increase to the quarterly cash dividend, raising it to $0.38 per share.Analysis Article • Aug 18
Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH) Has Announced That It Will Be Increasing Its Dividend To $0.38
Sonic Automotive, Inc.'s ( NYSE:SAH ) dividend will be increasing from last year's payment of the same period to $0.38...Analysis Article • Jul 27
Sonic Automotive's (NYSE:SAH) Upcoming Dividend Will Be Larger Than Last Year's
Sonic Automotive, Inc.'s ( NYSE:SAH ) dividend will be increasing from last year's payment of the same period to $0.38...Analysis Article • Jul 15
Returns On Capital At Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH) Have Stalled
If we want to find a potential multi-bagger, often there are underlying trends that can provide clues. Amongst other...Analysis Article • Jun 29
Sonic Automotive, Inc.'s (NYSE:SAH) Shares Lagging The Market But So Is The Business
With a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 11.2x Sonic Automotive, Inc. ( NYSE:SAH ) may be sending bullish signals...Analysis Article • Jun 14
A Look At The Intrinsic Value Of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:SAH)
Key Insights The projected fair value for Sonic Automotive is US$85.06 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Sonic...Analysis Article • May 30
Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH) Has No Shortage Of Debt
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously...Analysis Article • Apr 29
Why Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:SAH) Could Be Worth Watching
While Sonic Automotive, Inc. ( NYSE:SAH ) might not have the largest market cap around , it saw a double-digit share...Analysis Article • Mar 29
Lacklustre Performance Is Driving Sonic Automotive, Inc.'s (NYSE:SAH) Low P/E
When close to half the companies in the United States have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") above 18x, you may...Analysis Article • Mar 13
Are Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:SAH) Investors Paying Above The Intrinsic Value?
Key Insights Sonic Automotive's estimated fair value is US$50.60 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Sonic...Seeking Alpha • Feb 25
EV Explosion In The United States May No Longer Push Sonic Automotive's Price
Summary Sonic Automotive's revenue and gross profit declined in 2024, due to higher inventory costs, lower selling prices, and increased competition. New joint ventures and acquisitions in 2025 are expected to boost revenue and free cash flow, with analysts predicting significant EPS growth in 2026 and 2027. Risks include potential declines in federal and state EV tax credits, new tariffs affecting imports, and high-interest rates impacting consumer financing. Despite long-term free cash flow growth potential, the stock is no longer cheap, leading me to close my position in Sonic Automotive. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Feb 22
Returns On Capital At Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH) Have Hit The Brakes
What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term...Analysis Article • Feb 03
Here's Why Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH) Is Weighed Down By Its Debt Load
Howard Marks put it nicely when he said that, rather than worrying about share price volatility, 'The possibility of...Analysis Article • Jan 18
Is It Time To Consider Buying Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:SAH)?
Sonic Automotive, Inc. ( NYSE:SAH ), is not the largest company out there, but it saw a significant share price rise of...Seeking Alpha • Dec 30
Sonic Automotive: An Appealing Prospect In The Current Environment
Summary Despite mixed fundamentals, Sonic Automotive shares remain attractively priced, warranting a 'buy' rating due to their low valuation both absolutely and relative to peers. The Franchised Dealerships segment, accounting for 82% of revenue, showed slight revenue contraction but higher same-store retail new vehicle sales. EchoPark segment faced challenges with unit sales and revenue decline, but management expects market normalization and better pricing post-2025. Improved net income and reduced SG&A costs, impairment charges, and tax rates contributed positively, despite a drop in operating cash flow and EBITDA. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Dec 11
Investors Interested In Sonic Automotive, Inc.'s (NYSE:SAH) Revenues
With a median price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of close to 0.4x in the Specialty Retail industry in the United States...Analysis Article • Nov 10
Returns On Capital At Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH) Have Stalled
What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can multiply in value over the long term? Amongst...Analysis Article • Oct 08
These 4 Measures Indicate That Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH) Is Using Debt In A Risky Way
Legendary fund manager Li Lu (who Charlie Munger backed) once said, 'The biggest investment risk is not the volatility...Analysis Article • Sep 22
When Should You Buy Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:SAH)?
Sonic Automotive, Inc. ( NYSE:SAH ), is not the largest company out there, but it saw a decent share price growth of...Seeking Alpha • Sep 18
Sonic Automotive's Strategic Response To Digital Car-Buying Trends
Summary Sonic Automotive is adapting to digital car-buying trends with its EchoPark platform, enhancing its position in the growing pre-owned vehicle market. Despite a 7.5% revenue decline, Sonic maintains stable gross profit through cost-control measures and focuses on certified pre-owned vehicles. Challenges include adapting to the electric vehicle market, requiring significant investments in infrastructure and training for EV servicing. I am cautiously bullish on Sonic Automotive due to its undervaluation and potential growth from digital initiatives, making it a buy for used car market exposure. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Sep 12
Sonic Automotive: Online Presence Expansion, Inorganic Growth, Very Undervalued
Summary Sonic Automotive is investing in online platforms and dealership acquisitions, enhancing customer experience and expanding revenue growth across the U.S. The decline in late-model used vehicles and ongoing inflation could increase the value of SAH's car inventory and boost sales. Stock repurchases and conservative FCF forecasts suggest SAH is undervalued. Risks include high debt, failed acquisitions, and potential manufacturer direct sales, but SAH's strategic moves appear promising for future growth. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
New Narrative • Sep 11
EchoPark's Tactical Moves Forge Path Towards Robust Profitability And Diverse Revenue Streams
EchoPark's operational efficiency exemplifies potential for future growth and profitability, indicating sustained margin and earnings improvement.Analysis Article • Sep 06
Investors Appear Satisfied With Sonic Automotive, Inc.'s (NYSE:SAH) Prospects
With a median price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of close to 0.4x in the Specialty Retail industry in the United States...Earnings and Revenue Growth Forecasts
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | Free Cash Flow | Cash from Op | Avg. No. Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/31/2028 | 17,298 | 286 | 305 | N/A | 4 |
| 12/31/2027 | 16,277 | 244 | 288 | 365 | 10 |
| 12/31/2026 | 15,617 | 230 | 176 | 215 | 10 |
| 3/31/2026 | 15,191 | 109 | 283 | 407 | N/A |
| 12/31/2025 | 15,154 | 119 | 437 | 567 | N/A |
| 9/30/2025 | 15,178 | 130 | 329 | 588 | N/A |
| 6/30/2025 | 14,696 | 158 | 279 | 508 | N/A |
| 3/31/2025 | 14,492 | 245 | 235 | 235 | N/A |
| 12/31/2024 | 14,224 | 216 | 109 | 109 | N/A |
| 9/30/2024 | 13,913 | 196 | -46 | -98 | N/A |
| 6/30/2024 | 14,065 | 190 | -11 | -63 | N/A |
| 3/31/2024 | 14,265 | 173 | 141 | 88 | N/A |
| 12/31/2023 | 14,372 | 178 | -16 | -16 | N/A |
| 9/30/2023 | 14,378 | -51 | -135 | -135 | N/A |
| 6/30/2023 | 14,183 | -32 | 81 | 81 | N/A |
| 3/31/2023 | 14,036 | 39 | 120 | 120 | N/A |
| 12/31/2022 | 14,001 | 89 | 406 | 406 | N/A |
| 9/30/2022 | 13,595 | 376 | 685 | 685 | N/A |
| 6/30/2022 | 13,220 | 373 | 647 | 647 | N/A |
| 3/31/2022 | 13,066 | 393 | 469 | 469 | N/A |
| 12/31/2021 | 12,396 | 349 | 306 | 306 | N/A |
| 9/30/2021 | 12,010 | 310 | 367 | 275 | N/A |
| 6/30/2021 | 11,486 | 285 | 80 | 19 | N/A |
| 3/31/2021 | 10,246 | 202 | 438 | 419 | N/A |
| 12/31/2020 | 9,767 | -51 | 281 | 281 | N/A |
| 9/30/2020 | 9,717 | -62 | 326 | 470 | N/A |
| 6/30/2020 | 9,871 | -93 | 319 | 456 | N/A |
| 3/31/2020 | 10,373 | -97 | 103 | 218 | N/A |
| 12/31/2019 | 10,454 | 145 | N/A | 171 | N/A |
| 9/30/2019 | 10,280 | 120 | N/A | -37 | N/A |
| 6/30/2019 | 10,048 | 106 | N/A | 49 | N/A |
| 3/31/2019 | 9,940 | 97 | N/A | -5 | N/A |
| 12/31/2018 | 9,952 | 52 | N/A | 144 | N/A |
| 9/30/2018 | 10,045 | 92 | N/A | 130 | N/A |
| 6/30/2018 | 10,080 | 97 | N/A | 108 | N/A |
| 3/31/2018 | 9,980 | 92 | N/A | 138 | N/A |
| 12/31/2017 | 9,867 | 94 | N/A | 163 | N/A |
| 9/30/2017 | 9,756 | 70 | N/A | 163 | N/A |
| 6/30/2017 | 9,808 | 69 | N/A | 203 | N/A |
| 3/31/2017 | 9,785 | 80 | N/A | 192 | N/A |
| 12/31/2016 | 9,732 | 94 | N/A | 216 | N/A |
| 9/30/2016 | 9,646 | 88 | N/A | 180 | N/A |
| 6/30/2016 | 9,582 | 96 | N/A | 122 | N/A |
| 3/31/2016 | 9,623 | 88 | N/A | 130 | N/A |
| 12/31/2015 | 9,624 | 88 | N/A | 70 | N/A |
| 9/30/2015 | 9,505 | 83 | N/A | 137 | N/A |
| 6/30/2015 | 9,367 | 81 | N/A | 161 | N/A |
Analyst Future Growth Forecasts
Earnings vs Savings Rate: SAH's forecast earnings growth (20.8% per year) is above the savings rate (3.5%).
Earnings vs Market: SAH's earnings (20.8% per year) are forecast to grow faster than the US market (16.8% per year).
High Growth Earnings: SAH's earnings are expected to grow significantly over the next 3 years.
Revenue vs Market: SAH's revenue (6% per year) is forecast to grow slower than the US market (11.7% per year).
High Growth Revenue: SAH's revenue (6% per year) is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.
Earnings per Share Growth Forecasts
Future Return on Equity
Future ROE: SAH's Return on Equity is forecast to be low in 3 years time (19.2%).
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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/26 18:36 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/22 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Sonic Automotive, Inc. is covered by 18 analysts. 10 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| John Babcock | Barclays |
| Michael Albanese | Benchmark Company |
| Alexander Perry | BofA Global Research |