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GPI vs SAH
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Group 1 Automotive (GPI) vs. Sonic Automotive (SAH) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both GPI and SAH are prominent U.S. automotive retailers, but their footprints and growth strategies differ materially.
- GPI operates across the U.S. and U.K. with roughly 260 dealerships, while SAH focuses on franchised dealerships, its EchoPark used-vehicle brand, and Powersports.
- Both companies reported softer third-quarter earnings against consensus, yet GPI showed stronger profitability resilience and a clearer acquisition-driven growth catalyst.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: GPI is the favored ticker in this comparison based on trend consistency and relative positioning.
- For deeper context, explore GPI Major News and GPI Today's Price Move, as well as SAH Major News and SAH Today's Price Move.
- To see how AI trading systems are positioning across the market, browse the curated Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Group 1 Automotive (GPI) and Sonic Automotive (SAH) are two of the largest publicly traded auto dealership groups in the United States, making this a natural stock comparison for investors tracking consumer-cyclical and auto-retail exposure. Both operate franchised dealerships, finance and insurance (F&I) operations, and parts-and-service businesses, yet they diverge in geography, brand mix, and growth bets. Traders evaluating relative performance, valuation, and market positioning in a softening new-vehicle environment may find this side-by-side assessment useful. The comparison weighs recent momentum, margin trends, and catalysts rather than absolute size alone, offering a balanced view of how each company is navigating affordability pressures and evolving dealership economics.
GPI Overview and Recent Performance
Group 1 Automotive (GPI), headquartered in Houston, operates more than 250 franchised dealerships and collision centers across the U.S. and the U.K., spanning roughly 36 automotive brands. Recent market activity has been defined by margin scrutiny. In its latest quarterly report, revenue declined about 6.7% year over year to approximately $5.4 billion, while diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $8.59 and adjusted EPS of $9.36 came in below analyst expectations. Same-store new-vehicle unit sales in the U.S. fell about 4.6%, and used-vehicle volumes slipped roughly 10%, reflecting broader affordability constraints.
Offsetting the volume softness, GPI posted record aftersales results, with customer-pay revenue and repair-order counts reaching new highs. The company also completed the Hennessy acquisition, adding 10 dealerships and roughly $1.7 billion in annualized revenue, and continues to execute a strategic divestiture program aimed at deleveraging. These factors have kept analyst sentiment broadly constructive, with a consensus Buy rating and a price target above the recent share price, even as the stock remains well below its 52-week high.
SAH Overview and Recent Performance
Sonic Automotive (SAH), based in Charlotte, North Carolina, operates about 107 franchised dealerships across 18 states, 18 EchoPark used-vehicle stores, collision centers, and a growing Powersports division. In recent weeks, the stock has faced downward pressure, with a notable 30-day decline despite longer-term gains over a three- and five-year horizon. Its latest quarterly results showcased record revenue of roughly $4.0 billion and record gross profit of approximately $617.5 million, but adjusted EPS of $1.30 missed the consensus estimate of about $1.67.
Strength at EchoPark, where retail unit sales rose about 22% year over year, and record Powersports performance were bright spots, while higher selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses and an EV-heavy used-vehicle mix weighed on margins. SAH offers a more attractive dividend yield than many peers at roughly 2.6%, supported by an 8% dividend increase earlier in the year. Analyst views remain split, with Buy ratings from several firms alongside Sell ratings from others, reflecting genuine disagreement over near-term earnings momentum.
Trending AI Robots
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge most clearly in scale, geography, and growth engines. GPI brings meaningful international diversification through its U.K. operations and is leaning on aftersales growth and disciplined M&A (mergers and acquisitions) to offset soft vehicle volumes. SAH, by contrast, is a more U.S.-centric operator betting on the EchoPark used-vehicle platform and Powersports for incremental growth, while generating a larger share of gross profit from fixed operations.
On momentum, GPI has shown more stable relative performance in recent weeks, whereas SAH has experienced a sharper pullback and wider dispersion in analyst ratings. Risk factors also differ: GPI carries elevated pro forma leverage following its acquisition activity, while SAH faces margin pressure from its EV-heavy inventory mix and elevated expenses. From a valuation standpoint, both trade at relatively low price-to-earnings multiples, but SAH offers a higher dividend yield, making it more appealing to income-focused investors.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward GPI in this comparison. The preference reflects GPI's comparatively more stable recent trend, record aftersales performance, geographic diversification, and a clear acquisition-driven catalyst in the form of the Hennessy integration. While SAH offers attractive income characteristics and a fast-growing EchoPark segment, its more pronounced recent share-price weakness and divided analyst sentiment introduce greater near-term uncertainty. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive, grounded in relative trend consistency and positioning rather than any guarantee of future returns.
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 GPI is a Buy and SAH is a StrongBuy.
Momentum Indicator for GPI turns positive, indicating new upward trend
GPI saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 22, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 100 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 82 of the 100 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 82%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for GPI just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where GPI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 29 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
GPI moved above its 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for GPI crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 9 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
Following a +3.78% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where GPI advanced for three days, in 225 of 316 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 45 of 65 cases where GPI's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 69%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where GPI 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 66%.
GPI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 02, 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 GPI entered a downward trend on October 22, 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 Valuation Rating of 49 (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 (1.055) is normal, around the industry mean (1.554). P/E Ratio (10.751) is within average values for comparable stocks, (12.811). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.273) is also within normal values, averaging (0.695). Dividend Yield (0.008) settles around the average of (0.011) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.144) is also within normal values, averaging (0.919).
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 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. GPI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 73 (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.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 73 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably 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 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. GPI’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 better than average.
SAH in +5.93% Uptrend, rising for three consecutive days on October 16, 2026
Moving higher for three straight days is viewed as a bullish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future growth. 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%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 35 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 71%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 10, 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 71%.
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 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. SAH’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 63 (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 (1.902) is normal, around the industry mean (1.554). P/E Ratio (9.672) is within average values for comparable stocks, (12.811). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.597) is also within normal values, averaging (0.695). Dividend Yield (0.027) settles around the average of (0.011) 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 79 (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 better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 87 (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.
GPI | SAH | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 35 | 80 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 49 Fair valued | 63 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 75 | 79 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 73 | 46 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 57 | 60 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 73 | 87 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 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.
GPI's Valuation (49) in the Specialty Stores industry is in the same range as SAH (63). This means that GPI’s stock grew similarly to SAH’s over the last 12 months.
GPI's Profit vs Risk Rating (75) in the Specialty Stores industry is in the same range as SAH (79). This means that GPI’s stock grew similarly to SAH’s over the last 12 months.
SAH's SMR Rating (46) in the Specialty Stores industry is in the same range as GPI (73). This means that SAH’s stock grew similarly to GPI’s over the last 12 months.
GPI's Price Growth Rating (57) in the Specialty Stores industry is in the same range as SAH (60). This means that GPI’s stock grew similarly to SAH’s over the last 12 months.
GPI's P/E Growth Rating (73) in the Specialty Stores industry is in the same range as SAH (87). This means that GPI’s stock grew similarly to SAH’s over the last 12 months.
| GPI | SAH | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 2 days ago 71% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 82% | 2 days ago 74% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 2 days ago 75% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 68% | 2 days ago 72% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 10 days ago 71% | 27 days ago 72% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 66% | 6 days ago 71% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | N/A |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 2 days ago 62% |
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).
GPI’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while SAH’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- GPI’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.
GPI’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SAH’s TA Score has 2 bullish TA indicator(s).
- GPI’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- SAH’s TA Score: 2 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
GPI (@Automotive Aftermarket) experienced а -0.31% price change this week, while SAH (@Automotive Aftermarket) price change was +2.54% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Automotive Aftermarket industry was -3.16%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -0.25%, and the average quarterly price growth was -14.21%.
Reported Earning Dates
GPI is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
SAH is expected to report earnings on Feb 17, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Automotive Aftermarket (-3.16% 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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GPI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, GPI has been closely correlated with ABG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 78% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if GPI jumps, then ABG could also see price increases.
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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