Retained earnings is the accumulated portion of net income that is not distributed to shareholders. Sonic Automotive's retained earnings for the quarter that ended in Mar. 2026 was $1,529 Mil.
Sonic Automotive's quarterly retained earnings
increased
from Sep. 2025 ($1,447 Mil) to Dec. 2025 ($1,481 Mil) and
increased
from Dec. 2025 ($1,481 Mil) to Mar. 2026 ($1,529 Mil).
Sonic Automotive's annual retained earnings
increased
from Dec. 2023 ($1,239 Mil) to Dec. 2024 ($1,412 Mil) and
increased
from Dec. 2024 ($1,412 Mil) to Dec. 2025 ($1,481 Mil).
Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH) Retained Earnings Explanation
Historically profitable companies sometimes have negative retained earnings. This is because they have cumulatively paid out more to shareholders than they reported in profits.
For example, in 2011, Microsoft had negative retained earnings. This does not mean the company lost more money than it made over the years. It just means it paid out more money than it earned.
If a company has negative retained earnings, investors should check the 10-year financial results. They should not assume that negative retained earnings prove a company has generally lost money in the past.
Of course, many companies with negative retained earnings have indeed lost money in the past.
Retained Earnings: Warren Buffett's Secret.
One of the most important indicators of durable competitive advantage. Net earnings can be paid out as dividends, used to buy back shares or retained for growth.
If the company loses more than it has accumulated, retained earnings is negative.
If a company isn't adding to its retained earnings, it isn't growing its net worth.
Rate of growth of retained earnings is good indicator whether it's benefiting from a competitive advantage.
Microsoft is negative because it chose to buyback stock and pay dividends.
The more earnings retained, the faster it grows and increases growth rate for future earnings.
Sonic Automotive Retained Earnings Historical Data
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The historical data trend for Sonic Automotive's Retained Earnings can be seen below:
* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD. * For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.
Retained Earnings is the accumulated portion of net income that is not distributed to shareholders. Because the net income was not distributed to shareholders, shareholders' equity is increased by the same amount.
Of course, if a company loses, it is called retained losses, or accumulated losses.
Sonic Automotive (SAH) has a Retained Earnings of $1,529 Mil as of Mar. 2026. Retained earnings is the amount of net income not issued to shareholders. View historical data on Sonic Automotive and its competitors.
Is Sonic Automotive's Retained Earnings too high?
Sonic Automotive's current Retained Earnings is $1,529 Mil. Overall, Sonic Automotive has a GF Score™ of 79/100 and is considered Significantly Overvalued, reflecting its overall financial health beyond just this single metric.
How does Sonic Automotive's Retained Earnings compare to CARG and DRVN?
Sonic Automotive's Retained Earnings of $1,529 Mil can be compared against companies in the Vehicles & Parts industry. See the competitive comparison table and distribution chart on this page for a detailed peer-by-peer breakdown.
What is a good Retained Earnings for a Vehicles & Parts company?
A good Retained Earnings depends on the Vehicles & Parts industry context. However, Retained Earnings should not be evaluated in isolation — investors should consider it alongside profitability, growth, and financial strength metrics. Use the industry distribution chart on this page to see where any company falls relative to its peers.
What does a high Retained Earnings mean?
A high Retained Earnings can signal that a stock is expensive relative to its fundamentals. Retained earnings is the amount of net income not issued to shareholders. View historical data on Sonic Automotive and its competitors. Sonic Automotive's current Retained Earnings is $1,529 Mil. However, context matters — high-growth companies often justify higher valuations. Always evaluate alongside other metrics like GF Score™ and GF Value™.
Is Sonic Automotive stock overvalued right now?
Based on GuruFocus' analysis, Sonic Automotive (SAH) is currently considered Significantly Overvalued. The stock's GF Value™ is $64.48, compared to a current price of $94.54 — trading 46.6% above its estimated fair value. The current Retained Earnings is $1,529 Mil. Sonic Automotive's overall GF Score™ is 79/100 with 8 warning signs to review. Investors should evaluate multiple metrics — including profitability, growth, and financial strength — before making a decision.
How is Retained Earnings calculated?
Retained Earnings is calculated from a company's financial statements. For Sonic Automotive (SAH), the current Retained Earnings is $1,529 Mil as of Mar. 2026. GuruFocus calculates this using data sourced from SEC filings and annual reports. See the calculation section and 30-year financial data on this page for the full breakdown.
Is Sonic Automotive (SAH) Overvalued in 2026?
Based on GuruFocus' analysis, Sonic Automotive stock appears to be overvalued.
The current stock price of $94.54 is trading 46.6% above its estimated GF Value™ of $64.48.
GuruFocus considers Sonic Automotive to be Significantly Overvalued.
Key valuation signals for SAH:
Retained Earnings: $1,529 Mil
GF Value™: $64.48 vs. price of $94.54 (46.6% above fair value)
No single metric tells the full story. See the SAH stock analysis page for a complete view including 30-year financials, guru trades, and insider activity.
Sonic Automotive is one of the largest auto dealership groups in the United States. The company has 107 franchised stores in 18 states, primarily in metropolitan areas in California, Texas, and the Southeast, plus 18 EchoPark used-vehicle stores in 10 states, 16 collision centers, and 20 powersports locations. The franchise stores derive revenue from new and used vehicles plus parts and collision repair, finance, insurance, and wholesale auctions. Luxury and import dealerships make up about 86% of franchise new-vehicle revenue, while Honda, BMW, Mercedes, and Toyota constitute about 56% of new-vehicle revenue. BMW is the largest brand at about 23%. 2025 revenue was $15.2 billion, with Texas and California constituting 51% of the total. EchoPark's portion was $2.1 billion.
79GF Score
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Retained Earnings is just one metric. See GF Value™, 30-year financials, guru trades, warning signs, and more.
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