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Research Alert: CFRA Maintains Hold Opinion On Shares Of Sonic Automotive Inc.

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-- CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:

We increase our 12-month price target by $15 to $85, based on a 2027 P/E of 10.8x, a premium to the stock's 10-year average forward P/E of 9.4x. We increase our adjusted EPS estimates to $7.05 from $7.00 for 2026 and to $7.85 from $7.60 for 2027. Following a much better-than-expected Q1 earnings release, we are raising our estimates and price target, but maintaing our Hold view on the shares. SAH posted Q1 adjusted EPS of $1.62 vs. $1.48 (+9%), well ahead of the $1.40 consensus. Revenue rose 1% to $3.69B ($40M below consensus) but gross margin expanded 70 bps to 16.2% (50 bps ahead of consensus). The quarter benefited from record adjusted EBITDA in the EchoPark segment (used vehicle sales). In our view, this was a solid release, highlighted by much better-than-expected margin performance and a notable increase in share repurchase activity, as SAH reduced its outstanding share count by a staggering 6% during Q1 (more than it bought back in all of 2025). We remain at Hold on valuation and a balanced risk/reward.

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