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Upturn AI SWOT - About
Sonic Automotive Inc (SAH)

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Upturn Advisory Summary
10/24/2025: SAH (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
1 Year Target Price $80.56
1 Year Target Price $80.56
| 3 | Strong Buy |
| 2 | Buy |
| 4 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -35.92% | Avg. Invested days 33 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance | Stock Returns Performance |
Key Highlights
Company Size Mid-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 2.20B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 17.29 | 1Y Target Price 80.56 |
Price to earnings Ratio 17.29 | 1Y Target Price 80.56 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 9 | Beta 0.96 | 52 Weeks Range 51.52 - 89.19 | Updated Date 10/25/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 51.52 - 89.19 | Updated Date 10/25/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 2.18% | Basic EPS (TTM) 3.72 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date 2025-10-22 | When Before Market | Estimate 1.59 | Actual 1.41 |
Profitability
Profit Margin 0.86% | Operating Margin (TTM) 3.09% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 5.47% | Return on Equity (TTM) 12.51% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 17.29 | Forward PE 10.85 | Enterprise Value 6664677667 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.14 |
Enterprise Value 6664677667 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.14 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.45 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 12.81 | Shares Outstanding 22143309 | Shares Floating 14610189 |
Shares Outstanding 22143309 | Shares Floating 14610189 | ||
Percent Insiders 31.93 | Percent Institutions 70.74 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Sonic Automotive Inc

Company Overview
History and Background
Sonic Automotive Inc. was founded in 1997 by O. Bruton Smith and has grown through acquisitions to become one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States. Initially focused on motorsports, it shifted its focus to auto dealerships, expanding its brand portfolio and geographic footprint over time.
Core Business Areas
- Franchised Dealerships: Sells new and used vehicles, provides parts and service, and arranges financing and insurance through franchised dealerships.
- EchoPark Automotive: Operates pre-owned vehicle stores focusing on a customer-centric, no-haggle sales experience.
Leadership and Structure
David B. Smith serves as the Chief Executive Officer. The company operates with a divisional structure, overseeing various regional dealership networks and EchoPark locations.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- New Vehicle Sales: Sale of new franchised vehicles. Market share varies by brand and geographic region, highly fragmented market with thousands of dealerships. Competitors include AutoNation (AN), Penske Automotive Group (PAG), Group 1 Automotive (GPI), and Lithia Motors (LAD).
- Used Vehicle Sales: Sale of used vehicles, including certified pre-owned. Similar competitive landscape to new vehicle sales with the addition of CarMax (KMX) and Carvana (CVNA). Revenue is substantial, but specific market share data is difficult to pinpoint due to the diverse used car market.
- Parts and Service: Provision of automotive parts and service at dealerships. Highly fragmented, competes with independent auto repair shops and other dealership service centers. Revenue contributes a significant portion of gross profit.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The automotive retail industry is cyclical, influenced by economic conditions, consumer confidence, and interest rates. Technological advancements, electric vehicles, and changing consumer preferences are reshaping the industry.
Positioning
Sonic Automotive Inc. is a leading automotive retailer with a diverse brand portfolio and a growing presence in the pre-owned vehicle market through EchoPark. It focuses on customer experience and operational efficiency to gain a competitive edge.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The U.S. automotive retail market is estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Sonic Automotive Inc. aims to capture a larger share of this market through expansion, strategic acquisitions, and improved operational performance.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Diverse brand portfolio
- Large dealership network
- Growing EchoPark pre-owned vehicle business
- Strong service and parts revenue
- Experienced management team
Weaknesses
- High dependence on cyclical automotive market
- Exposure to manufacturer relations
- Inventory management challenges
- High debt levels
- Sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations
Opportunities
- Expansion into new markets
- Growth of the pre-owned vehicle market
- Adoption of digital retail platforms
- Strategic acquisitions
- Increasing demand for electric vehicles
Threats
- Economic downturns
- Increased competition from online retailers
- Changes in manufacturer incentives
- Rising interest rates
- Disruptive technologies (e.g., autonomous vehicles)
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- AN
- PAG
- GPI
- LAD
- KMX
Competitive Landscape
Sonic Automotive Inc. competes with other large automotive retailers, as well as smaller regional dealership groups. It differentiates itself through its brand portfolio, EchoPark concept, and focus on customer experience. Online retailers present a growing competitive threat.
Major Acquisitions
RFJ Auto Partners
- Year: 2021
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 675
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded Sonic's geographic footprint and added several new brands to its portfolio.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Sonic Automotive has historically grown through acquisitions and same-store sales growth. Growth has been impacted by overall industry cycles.
Future Projections: Future growth is expected to be driven by expansion of EchoPark, digital retail initiatives, and strategic acquisitions.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include expanding the EchoPark footprint, investing in digital retail platforms, and optimizing dealership operations.
Summary
Sonic Automotive is a large automotive retailer benefiting from a diversified brand portfolio and the growth of its EchoPark pre-owned vehicle business. It is exposed to the cyclical automotive market and faces competition from online retailers. Strategic acquisitions and digital initiatives are crucial for future growth. Interest rates and economic conditions are key risks to monitor.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company Filings (10-K, 10-Q)
- Earnings Call Transcripts
- Industry Reports (e.g., NADA, Automotive News)
- Market Research Reports
Disclaimers:
The data provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market share data and financial estimates are subject to change and based on available information.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Sonic Automotive Inc
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters Charlotte, NC, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1997-11-12 | CEO & Chairman Mr. David Bruton Smith | ||
Sector Consumer Cyclical | Industry Auto & Truck Dealerships | Full time employees 10800 | Website https://www.sonicautomotive.com |
Full time employees 10800 | Website https://www.sonicautomotive.com | ||
Sonic Automotive, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. It operates in three segments: Franchised Dealerships, EchoPark, and Powersports. The Franchised Dealerships segment engages in the sale of new and used cars and light trucks; sale of replacement parts; provision of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repairs, and paint and collision repair services; and arrangement of third-party financing, extended warranties, service contracts, insurance, and other aftermarket products. Its EchoPark segment sells used cars and light trucks; and arranges third-party finance and insurance product sales for its guests in pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations. The Powersports segment engages in the sale of new and used powersports vehicles, such as motorcycles, personal watercraft, and all-terrain vehicles; and provision of fixed operations services, and third-party finance and insurance services. Sonic Automotive, Inc. was incorporated in 1997 and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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