Sonic Automotive, Inc. (SAH)
NYSEConsumer DiscretionaryAuto - DealershipsSnapshot 2026-11-04
$64.05+5.55%
Close 2026-11-04 · 1-day change
NYSEConsumer DiscretionaryAuto - DealershipsSnapshot 2026-11-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · SAH
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within consumer discretionary on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-11-04.
The screen ranks SAH against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 4 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 1 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Consumer Discretionary names rated neutral grew net income 45% of the time over the next year (vs 59% for the rest of the cohort, n=6999).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
A guidance track record builds as the company issues and delivers on guidance.
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
EchoPark remains a significant strategic growth opportunity for Sonic, building on 22% used vehicle unit volume growth in the third quarter, we are excited to announce our new EchoPark brand campaign…
Stated in 3 of 5 supplied quarters. Management reported: “EchoPark remains a significant strategic growth opportunity for Sonic, building on 22% used vehicle unit volume growth in the third quarter, we are excited to announce our new EchoPark brand campaign and Orlando market opening in the coming weeks.” “With all-time records in quarterly segment total gross profit, pre-tax income, and adjusted EBITDA *, we remain confident in the long-term potential of the EchoPark brand and our plan to resume disciplined expansion of our EchoPark footprint in late 2026, supported by a strategic brand marketing investment beginning in mid-2026.””
“EchoPark remains a significant strategic growth opportunity for Sonic — building on 22% used vehicle unit volume growth in the third quarter, we are excited to announce our new EchoPark brand campaig…”
“With all-time records in quarterly segment total gross profit, pre-tax income, and adjusted EBITDA * , we remain confident in the long-term potential of the EchoPark brand and our plan to resume disc…”
“As we anticipated, our EchoPark team was challenged by vehicle gross margin headwinds in the third quarter, and we remain focused on increasing our mix of non-auction sourced inventory to lower cost…”
The acquisition of five new Harley-Davidson dealerships establishes Sonic Powersports as one of the fastest growing powersports retailers in the country and reinforces our commitment to diversifying…
Stated in 2 of 5 supplied quarters. Management reported: “The acquisition of five new Harley-Davidson dealerships establishes Sonic Powersports as one of the fastest growing powersports retailers in the country and reinforces our commitment to diversifying our revenue base and enhancing shareholder returns.”” “We continue to make great progress on our strategic investments in our Powersports Segment, evidenced by that team's record setting quarter.”
We remain focused on disciplined capital allocation, evaluating growth investments and capital returns against expected returns and liquidity needs.”
Stated in 4 of 5 supplied quarters. Management reported: “We remain focused on disciplined capital allocation, evaluating growth investments and capital returns against expected returns and liquidity needs.”” “Dividend Sonic’s Board of Directors approved an 8% increase to the quarterly cash dividend, to $0.41 per share, payable on July 15, 2026 to all stockholders of record on June 15, 2026.”
Heath Byrd, Chief Financial Officer of Sonic Automotive, added, “We are taking action to prioritize improved expense leverage in the near term, while maintaining certain strategic investments that we…
Stated in 2 of 5 supplied quarters. Management reported: “Heath Byrd, Chief Financial Officer of Sonic Automotive, added, “We are taking action to prioritize improved expense leverage in the near term, while maintaining certain strategic investments that we expect to drive future profitability and operational efficiency across our business.” “As we enter the new year, we remain focused on operational excellence, cost control, and continuing to deliver exceptional value to our guests and shareholders.””
Management is focused on EchoPark used-vehicle volume, inventory sourcing, pricing, and F&I performance alongside its expansion plans.
Over the trailing year it converted 0.79x of net income into operating cash flow. Historically, Consumer Discretionary names rated fragile grew net income 40% of the time over the next year (vs 53% for the rest of the cohort, n=3629).
Most sensitive to long-term interest rates.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to the US dollar, the broad stock market, real (inflation-adjusted) rates, Fed net liquidity (low R² over the window).
15 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by capital-allocation actions. Historically, Consumer Discretionary names rated neutral grew net income 53% of the time over the next year (vs 54% for the rest of the cohort, n=6802).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-11-04.
“The acquisition of five new Harley-Davidson dealerships establishes Sonic Powersports as one of the fastest growing powersports retailers in the country and reinforces our commitment to diversifying…”
“We continue to make great progress on our strategic investments in our Powersports Segment, evidenced by that team's record setting quarter.”
“We remain focused on disciplined capital allocation, evaluating growth investments and capital returns against expected returns and liquidity needs.””
“We will continue to apply a disciplined approach to capital allocation, balancing strategic acquisitions, organic investment and share repurchases as opportunities arise and market conditions evolve.””
“As we move through 2026, we will continue to seek opportunities to strategically deploy capital as markets evolve."”
“We are committed to a prudent approach to capital allocation while investing strategically in our growth initiatives, positioning the company to remain flexible and financially resilient in a changin…”
“Heath Byrd, Chief Financial Officer of Sonic Automotive, added, “We are taking action to prioritize improved expense leverage in the near term, while maintaining certain strategic investments that we…”
“As we enter the new year, we remain focused on operational excellence, cost control, and continuing to deliver exceptional value to our guests and shareholders.””