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ABG vs SAH
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Asbury Automotive Group (ABG) vs. Sonic Automotive (SAH) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both ABG and SAH are major U.S. automotive retailers, but they differ sharply in business mix and capital-return strategy.
- ABG skews toward luxury and import brands and has leaned on buybacks, while SAH adds EchoPark used-vehicle and Powersports segments and pays a growing dividend.
- Both stocks missed recent adjusted earnings-per-share (EPS) estimates, yet ABG rallied on its completed Tekion rollout, while SAH faced more mixed analyst sentiment.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: ABG is the favored ticker in this comparison, based on relative momentum, catalysts, and valuation positioning.
- For deeper context, explore ABG Major News and ABG Today's Price Move, as well as SAH Major News and SAH Today's Price Move.
- To see which automated strategies are currently favored by the market, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Asbury Automotive Group (ABG) and Sonic Automotive (SAH) are two of the largest franchised dealership groups in the United States, operating in the same consumer-cyclical sector yet pursuing meaningfully different strategies. This stock comparison is relevant for investors and traders who track automotive retail, relative performance, and market positioning amid shifting new- and used-vehicle dynamics. Both companies have reported recent quarterly results that highlight common industry headwinds—such as normalizing vehicle margins—while also revealing distinct growth drivers and capital-allocation priorities. Understanding how these two names diverge on business model, momentum, and valuation can help market participants assess which setup offers a more compelling risk-reward profile in the current environment.
ABG Overview and Recent Performance
Asbury Automotive Group, headquartered near Atlanta, is one of the largest automotive retailers in the U.S., operating roughly 150-plus new-vehicle dealerships alongside collision centers and its Total Care Auto finance and insurance (F&I) business. More than 70% of its new-vehicle revenue comes from luxury and import brands, a mix that historically provides some resilience in cyclical downturns. In recent weeks, ABG shares rose sharply following its latest quarterly report, even though adjusted EPS missed consensus estimates, as investors focused on the company's completion of its Tekion dealer-management-system (DMS) rollout across all stores. Management has also been reshaping the portfolio through dealership divestitures and expanded a share-repurchase authorization, while targeting lower net leverage. These operational and capital-allocation signals have influenced sentiment, though elevated leverage and softer same-store performance remain areas of scrutiny.
SAH Overview and Recent Performance
Sonic Automotive, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, operates franchised dealerships concentrated in California, Texas, and the Southeast, alongside its EchoPark used-vehicle retail network and a growing Powersports segment. Luxury and import dealerships account for roughly 86% of franchise new-vehicle revenue. In recent market activity, SAH reported record quarterly revenue and gross profit, driven in part by a double-digit increase in EchoPark unit sales, yet adjusted EPS came in below analyst expectations. The company also raised its quarterly cash dividend, reflecting a shareholder-return focus that contrasts with ABG's buyback-centric approach. Sentiment around SAH has been mixed, with several firms reiterating Buy ratings while others trimmed price targets or maintained more cautious views, and the stock has traded well below its 52-week high in recent weeks.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page showcases a curated selection of AI trading bots drawn from a much larger library of automated strategies that trade thousands of different tickers. Rather than listing every available bot, this section highlights only the strategies considered best-suited to current market conditions, helping traders filter for relevance. The bots span a wide range of trading styles, timeframes, risk profiles, performance statistics, and sets of tickers they follow—ranging from swing and trend-following approaches to shorter-term setups. Because each bot is optimized differently, no single strategy fits every investor. For those looking to complement their own analysis of names like ABG and SAH, exploring Trending AI Robots offers a practical way to observe which automated approaches are currently in favor.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two auto retailers lies in business mix and capital allocation. ABG is a more concentrated luxury/import dealer with a technology-led efficiency initiative and an aggressive buyback program, but it carries no dividend and operates with higher net leverage. SAH is more diversified across franchised, used-vehicle, and powersports operations and returns capital through a rising dividend, yet it carries a broader set of analyst views, including some Underweight and Sell ratings. On valuation, ABG trades at a lower price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple, while SAH offers income through its yield. In terms of recent momentum, ABG demonstrated a more decisive positive price reaction to its latest results, whereas SAH has faced persistent downward pressure from its recent highs. Both share sector-level risks tied to vehicle affordability, interest rates, and margin normalization.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, relative momentum, catalysts, and valuation, Tickeron's AI would likely favor ABG over SAH in the current environment. ABG's completed Tekion rollout provides a defined operational catalyst, its recent price action has shown stronger relative strength, and its lower valuation multiple and active buyback program contribute to a comparatively firmer setup. SAH retains attractive diversification and a dividend, but its more mixed analyst sentiment and larger earnings shortfall relative to expectations suggest weaker near-term trend confirmation. This assessment reflects probabilistic positioning rather than a definitive forecast, and conditions could shift as new data emerges.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ABG is a Buy and SAH is a Hold.
ABG in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026
ABG moved above its 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 39 of 52 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ABG as a result. In 68 of 93 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ABG just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where ABG's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 29 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
Following a +12.94% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ABG advanced for three days, in 218 of 313 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for ABG moved out of overbought territory on November 03, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 32 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 31 of the 32 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 90%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 6 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ABG declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
ABG broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 27, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for ABG entered a downward trend on October 23, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ABG’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 51 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.905) is normal, around the industry mean (1.513). P/E Ratio (7.347) is within average values for comparable stocks, (12.280). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.449) is also within normal values, averaging (0.695). Dividend Yield (0.005) settles around the average of (0.010) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.207) is also within normal values, averaging (0.919).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 98 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ABG’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock worse than average.
SAH's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for SAH turned positive on October 05, 2026. Looking at past instances where SAH's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 33 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where SAH's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 13 of 21 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 38 of 49 cases where SAH's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
Following a +5.93% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SAH advanced for three days, in 227 of 317 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 03, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on SAH as a result. In 65 of 88 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 74%.
The 50-day moving average for SAH moved below the 200-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SAH declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
The Aroon Indicator for SAH entered a downward trend on October 09, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 61 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SAH’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 62 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.871) is normal, around the industry mean (1.513). P/E Ratio (9.511) is within average values for comparable stocks, (12.280). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.597) is also within normal values, averaging (0.695). Dividend Yield (0.027) settles around the average of (0.010) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.159) is also within normal values, averaging (0.919).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 83 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. SAH’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock worse than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 86 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
ABG | SAH | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 23 | 16 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 51 Fair valued | 62 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 98 | 83 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 60 | 46 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 46 | 61 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 56 | 86 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ABG's Valuation (51) in the Specialty Stores industry is in the same range as SAH (62). This means that ABG’s stock grew similarly to SAH’s over the last 12 months.
SAH's Profit vs Risk Rating (83) in the Specialty Stores industry is in the same range as ABG (98). This means that SAH’s stock grew similarly to ABG’s over the last 12 months.
SAH's SMR Rating (46) in the Specialty Stores industry is in the same range as ABG (60). This means that SAH’s stock grew similarly to ABG’s over the last 12 months.
ABG's Price Growth Rating (46) in the Specialty Stores industry is in the same range as SAH (61). This means that ABG’s stock grew similarly to SAH’s over the last 12 months.
ABG's P/E Growth Rating (56) in the Specialty Stores industry is in the same range as SAH (86). This means that ABG’s stock grew similarly to SAH’s over the last 12 months.
| ABG | SAH | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 3 days ago 62% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 78% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 74% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 79% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 70% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 69% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 70% | 20 days ago 72% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 24 days ago 70% | 10 days ago 72% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | N/A |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 59% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ABG’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while SAH’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- ABG’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- SAH’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ABG’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SAH’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ABG’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- SAH’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
ABG (@Automotive Aftermarket) experienced а +1.43% price change this week, while SAH (@Automotive Aftermarket) price change was -4.71% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Automotive Aftermarket industry was +6.59%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.38%, and the average quarterly price growth was -16.73%.
Reported Earning Dates
ABG is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
SAH is expected to report earnings on Feb 17, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Automotive Aftermarket (+6.59% weekly)The Automotive Aftermarket consists of the manufacturing, remanufacturing, distribution, retailing, and installation of vehicle parts and accessories, after the sale of the automobile by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to the consumer. The aftermarket parts many not be manufactured by the OEM. According to a Technavio study, the US automotive parts aftermarket size is estimated to grow by USD 24.33 billion during 2018-2022 (CAGR 3%). Like many other industries, the automotive aftermarket is also being intensely penetrated by the digital boom. The online auto parts sales market is predicted to exceed $13B by 2020 (according to a study by Mirakl).
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SAH and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SAH has been closely correlated with AN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 73% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if SAH jumps, then AN could also see price increases.
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