Sonic Automotive Inc (SAH)

Gross profit margin

		Dec 31, 2023	Sep 30, 2023	Jun 30, 2023	Mar 31, 2023	Dec 31, 2022	Sep 30, 2022	Jun 30, 2022	Mar 31, 2022	Dec 31, 2021	Sep 30, 2021	Jun 30, 2021	Mar 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Sep 30, 2020	Jun 30, 2020	Mar 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019	Sep 30, 2019	Jun 30, 2019	Mar 31, 2019
Gross profit (ttm)	US$ in thousands	2,245,700	2,280,700	2,279,200	2,299,100	2,316,900	2,271,400	2,162,700	2,084,700	1,914,300	1,772,772	1,677,339	1,473,922	1,423,600	1,428,412	1,438,656	1,512,584	1,521,017	1,497,848	1,471,573	1,452,637
Revenue (ttm)	US$ in thousands	14,233,200	14,269,000	14,074,700	13,935,600	13,908,700	13,509,270	13,147,070	13,004,340	12,345,730	11,969,180	11,445,730	10,207,390	9,729,990	9,690,070	9,853,240	10,363,490	10,454,340	10,280,200	10,048,330	9,940,000
Gross profit margin		15.78%	15.98%	16.19%	16.50%	16.66%	16.81%	16.45%	16.03%	15.51%	14.81%	14.65%	14.44%	14.63%	14.74%	14.60%	14.60%	14.55%	14.57%	14.64%	14.61%

December 31, 2023 calculation

Gross profit margin = Gross profit (ttm) ÷ Revenue (ttm)
= $2,245,700K ÷ $14,233,200K
= 15.78%

The gross profit margin of Sonic Automotive, Inc. has exhibited a downward trend over the past four quarters, decreasing from 16.55% in Q4 2022 to 15.63% in Q4 2023. This decline suggests a potential decrease in the company's profitability from its core business operations during this period. However, it is worth noting that despite the decrease, the margins have generally remained within a relatively narrow range between 15.63% and 16.55% over the past year. Further analysis of the company's cost structure and revenue streams may provide more insights into the factors impacting its gross profit margin fluctuations.