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RUSHA vs SAH
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
Auto - Dealerships
RUSHA vs SAH — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | ||
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Auto - Dealerships | Auto - Dealerships |
| Market Cap | $5.53B | $2.73B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $7.43B | $15.15B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $264M | $119M |
| Gross Margin | 19.4% | 14.6% |
| Operating Margin | 5.3% | 3.6% |
| Forward P/E | 19.2x | 12.4x |
| Total Debt | $1.55B | $4.23B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $213M | $6M |
RUSHA vs SAH — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rush Enterprises, I… (RUSHA) | 100 | 385.4 | +285.4% |
| Sonic Automotive, I… (SAH) | 100 | 305.2 | +205.2% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: RUSHA vs SAH
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
RUSHA carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for long-term compounding and sleep-well-at-night.
- 8.1% 10Y total return vs SAH's 392.8%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.98, Low D/E 69.6%, current ratio 1.40x
- Beta 0.98, yield 1.0%, current ratio 1.40x
SAH is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 10 yrs, beta 1.05, yield 1.8%
- Rev growth 6.5%, EPS growth -44.7%, 3Y rev CAGR 2.7%
- 6.5% revenue growth vs RUSHA's -4.7%
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 6.5% revenue growth vs RUSHA's -4.7% | |
| Value | Lower P/E (12.4x vs 19.2x) | |
| Quality / Margins | 3.5% margin vs SAH's 0.8% | |
| Stability / Safety | Beta 0.98 vs SAH's 1.05, lower leverage | |
| Dividends | 1.8% yield, 10-year raise streak, vs RUSHA's 1.0% | |
| Momentum (1Y) | +50.8% vs SAH's +29.4% | |
| Efficiency (ROA) | 5.7% ROA vs SAH's 2.0%, ROIC 8.2% vs 7.8% |
RUSHA vs SAH — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
RUSHA vs SAH — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
RUSHA leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
SAH is the larger business by revenue, generating $15.2B annually — 2.0x RUSHA's $7.4B. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 3.5% (RUSHA) to 0.8% (SAH). On growth, SAH holds the edge at -0.6% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $7.4B | $15.2B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $555M | $705M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $264M | $119M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $212M | $425M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +19.4% | +14.6% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +5.3% | +3.6% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +3.5% | +0.8% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +2.9% | +2.8% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -11.8% | -0.6% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -11.0% | -18.6% |
Valuation Metrics
SAH leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 21.8x trailing earnings, RUSHA trades at a 7% valuation discount to SAH's 23.5x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, SAH's 9.9x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than RUSHA's 14.8x.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $5.5B | $2.7B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $6.9B | $6.9B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 21.80x | 23.45x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 19.22x | 12.38x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 2.11x | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 14.79x | 9.86x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.74x | 0.18x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 2.59x | 2.61x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 9.65x | 6.53x |
Profitability & Efficiency
RUSHA leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
RUSHA delivers a 12.0% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $12 in annual profit, vs $11 for SAH. RUSHA carries lower financial leverage with a 0.70x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to SAH's 3.96x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), SAH scores 6/9 vs RUSHA's 5/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +12.0% | +11.2% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +5.7% | +2.0% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +8.2% | +7.8% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +13.3% | +16.3% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 6 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.70x | 3.96x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $1.3B | $4.2B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $213M | $6M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $1.6B | $4.2B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 8.49x | 1.89x |
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
RUSHA leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in RUSHA five years ago would be worth $22,522 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $16,642 for SAH. Over the past 12 months, RUSHA leads with a +50.8% total return vs SAH's +29.4%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors RUSHA at 29.0% vs SAH's 27.9% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +32.2% | +30.7% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +50.8% | +29.4% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +114.8% | +109.3% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +125.2% | +66.4% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +812.3% | +392.8% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +29.0% | +27.9% |
Risk & Volatility
RUSHA leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
RUSHA is the less volatile stock with a 0.98 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than SAH's 1.05 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. RUSHA currently trades 92.6% from its 52-week high vs SAH's 89.5% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.98x | 1.05x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $76.99 | $89.62 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $45.67 | $54.11 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +92.6% | +89.5% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 52.0 | 70.5 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 422K | 306K |
Analyst Outlook
SAH leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates RUSHA as "Hold" and SAH as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 15.0% upside for RUSHA (target: $82) vs -16.0% for SAH (target: $67). For income investors, SAH offers the higher dividend yield at 1.75% vs RUSHA's 1.01%.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $82.00 | $67.33 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 17 | 16 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.0% | +1.8% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 3 | 10 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.72 | $1.41 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +3.5% | +3.0% |
RUSHA leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). SAH leads in 2 (Valuation Metrics, Analyst Outlook).
RUSHA vs SAH: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is RUSHA or SAH a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Sonic Automotive, Inc.
(SAH) is the stronger pick with 6. 5% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -4. 7% for Rush Enterprises, Inc. (RUSHA). Rush Enterprises, Inc. (RUSHA) offers the better valuation at 21. 8x trailing P/E (19. 2x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Rush Enterprises, Inc. (RUSHA) a "Hold" — based on 17 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — RUSHA or SAH?
On trailing P/E, Rush Enterprises, Inc.
(RUSHA) is the cheapest at 21. 8x versus Sonic Automotive, Inc. at 23. 5x. On forward P/E, Sonic Automotive, Inc. is actually cheaper at 12. 4x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — RUSHA or SAH?
Over the past 5 years, Rush Enterprises, Inc.
(RUSHA) delivered a total return of +125. 2%, compared to +66. 4% for Sonic Automotive, Inc. (SAH). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: RUSHA returned +812. 3% versus SAH's +392. 8%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — RUSHA or SAH?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Rush Enterprises, Inc.
(RUSHA) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 98β versus Sonic Automotive, Inc. 's 1. 05β — meaning SAH is approximately 8% more volatile than RUSHA relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Rush Enterprises, Inc. (RUSHA) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 70% versus 4% for Sonic Automotive, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — RUSHA or SAH?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Sonic Automotive, Inc.
(SAH) is pulling ahead at 6. 5% versus -4. 7% for Rush Enterprises, Inc. (RUSHA). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Rush Enterprises, Inc. grew EPS -12. 1% year-over-year, compared to -44. 7% for Sonic Automotive, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, SAH leads at 2. 7% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — RUSHA or SAH?
Rush Enterprises, Inc.
(RUSHA) is the more profitable company, earning 3. 5% net margin versus 0. 8% for Sonic Automotive, Inc. — meaning it keeps 3. 5% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: RUSHA leads at 5. 3% versus 3. 6% for SAH. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — RUSHA leads at 18. 7%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is RUSHA or SAH more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Sonic Automotive, Inc.
(SAH) trades at 12. 4x forward P/E versus 19. 2x for Rush Enterprises, Inc. — 6. 8x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for RUSHA: 15. 0% to $82. 00.
08Which pays a better dividend — RUSHA or SAH?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Sonic Automotive, Inc. (SAH) offers the highest yield at 1. 8%, versus 1. 0% for Rush Enterprises, Inc. (RUSHA).
09Is RUSHA or SAH better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Rush Enterprises, Inc.
(RUSHA) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 98), 1. 0% yield, +812. 3% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (RUSHA: +812. 3%, SAH: +392. 8%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between RUSHA and SAH?
Both stocks operate in the Consumer Cyclical sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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