A recent deep dive into Sonic Automotive's performance by several financial experts offers a multi-faceted view of the company's prospects. Over the past quarter, six analysts have weighed in on SAH, presenting a range of opinions from optimistic to bearish. The consensus 12-month price target stands at $74.83, a modest reduction from the earlier average of $78.80. This shift underscores the dynamic nature of market expectations and the continuous evaluation of corporate health by financial institutions. Investors can leverage these insights, alongside the company's robust financial indicators, to make informed decisions.
Detailed Analyst Perspectives on Sonic Automotive
In the last three months, Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH) has been under scrutiny by six financial analysts, whose assessments provide a comprehensive overview of the company's market standing. These evaluations, updated as recently as January 21, 2026, highlight the shifting sentiments within the financial community. Notably, the past 30 days saw one analyst maintaining an 'Indifferent' stance, while the broader three-month period recorded two 'Bullish', one 'Indifferent', and one 'Somewhat Bearish' rating. Over the same quarter, analysts have established a 12-month price target with an average of $74.83, ranging from a high of $90.00 to a low of $67.00. This average represents a 5.04% decrease from the previous average target of $78.80, indicating a slight adjustment in future valuation expectations.
Key adjustments from individual analysts include John Babcock of Barclays lowering his rating to 'Equal-Weight' with a target of $69.00 from $71.00. Rajat Gupta from JP Morgan also reduced his rating to 'Underweight', setting a target of $67.00, down from $70.00. Conversely, Michael Ward of Citigroup maintained a 'Buy' rating with an $82.00 price target. Chris Pierce of Needham also lowered his 'Buy' rating slightly, moving the price target from $95.00 to $90.00. These modifications reflect analysts' reactions to recent developments and their ongoing re-evaluations of Sonic Automotive's performance trajectory.
Sonic Automotive, a prominent auto dealership group in the United States, operates 108 franchised stores across 18 states, along with 18 EchoPark used-vehicle stores and other related businesses. The company generates significant revenue from new and used vehicle sales, parts, collision repair, and financial services. Financially, Sonic Automotive demonstrates solid performance metrics: its market capitalization, while below the industry average, is supported by a strong revenue growth rate of 13.81% as of September 30, 2025, surpassing its peers in the Consumer Discretionary sector. The company also boasts an impressive net margin of 1.18%, a return on equity (ROE) of 4.46%, and a return on assets (ROA) of 0.78%, all exceeding industry benchmarks. Furthermore, its debt-to-equity ratio stands at a healthy 3.89, indicating sound financial management.
The insights from these analyst ratings underscore the importance of continuous market surveillance and adapting investment strategies based on expert opinions. While analysts offer valuable guidance, their assessments are inherently subjective and should be considered alongside broader financial data. This comprehensive analysis serves as a vital tool for investors aiming to stay informed about Sonic Automotive's market standing and potential future movements.