July 2026 SAAR
U.S. auto sales softened in July 2026 as affordability pressures continued to weigh on demand, while uneven inventory levels across manufacturers shaped days’ supply trends and competitive dynamics.
Isabelle L. Freireich
Financial Analyst
Isabelle Freireich is a Financial Analyst with Mercer Capital. Her practice includes engagements related to corporate planning and reorganizations, financial reporting, fairness opinions, litigation support, employee stock ownership plans, and estate and gift tax planning and compliance matters.
Education
Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee (B.A., Economics, 2024)
Authored Content
What Should We Tell Shareholders When Results Are Strong, But the Dividend Is Not Increasing?
You Asked. We Answer.
Strong business results do not always support a higher dividend when cash is needed for investment, debt reduction, working capital, or financial reserves. Directors can build shareholder confidence by clearly explaining how retained cash supports strategy and aligns with a consistent dividend policy.
Mid-Year 2026 Review of the Auto Dealer Industry by Metrics
Mid-year 2026 auto dealer metrics point to improved inventory availability, continued affordability pressure, stronger fleet activity, and supportive vehicle miles traveled. These trends reinforce the importance of disciplined inventory management, margin protection, and investment in fixed operations.
June 2026 SAAR
U.S. new-vehicle sales strengthened in June 2026 as improving inventories, resilient replacement demand, and stronger fleet sales offset persistent affordability challenges. Inventory conditions continue to normalize, while elevated financing costs and pricing pressures are expected to keep market growth modest through the remainder of the year.
Are We Reinvesting for Growth — or Just Saying We Are?
You Asked. We Answer.
Retaining earnings should be viewed as a capital allocation decision rather than an objective in itself. Directors and shareholders benefit when retained capital is tied to clear strategic initiatives, measurable returns, and transparent communication about expected outcomes.
May 2026 SAAR
May 2026 delivered the first year-over-year SAAR increase of the year, supported by resilient demand and seasonal sales growth. Despite improving momentum, affordability pressures, uneven inventory distribution, and elevated vehicle costs continue to shape market performance and outlook.
Issue No. 16 | Updated Metrics for Year-End 2025
Feature Articles: Q4 2025 Earnings Calls and Understanding Seasonality in the Auto Industry
April 2026 SAAR
April 2026 auto sales reflect a moderating market shaped by affordability pressures, uneven demand, and shifting inventory dynamics. Performance continues to depend on pricing strategy, incentives, and alignment with consumer budgets.
Don’t Let Strong Performance Mask Strategic Drift
Strong performance in family businesses can conceal misalignment and delay critical strategic decisions. Regularly reassessing capital allocation and shareholder priorities ensures long-term alignment and resilience.
March 2026 SAAR
March 2026 auto sales showed seasonal improvement, but affordability pressures and distorted year-over-year comparisons continue to shape market dynamics. Inventory imbalances and pricing trends highlight a bifurcated market heading into the spring selling season.
February 2026 SAAR
In February 2026, the U.S. auto industry regained its footing after experiencing a 7.4% decline in the SAAR in January. From January to February, the SAAR increased by 6.3%, reflecting a notable increase from 14.8 million light total units sold in January to 15.8 million units sold in February. However, on a year-over-year basis, the SAAR fell 1.5% from February 2025, the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year decreases.
January 2026 SAAR
January 2026 SAAR declined to 14.9 million units, reflecting seasonal weakness, weather disruption, and lingering effects from Q4 tariff and EV credit dynamics. While transaction prices and consumer spending remain firm, brand-level inventory divergence and affordability pressures are shaping margin outlooks for dealers.
Understanding Seasonality in the Auto Industry
Auto retail has always been cyclical. While headlines often focus on the why (e.g. interest rates, inventory levels, or near-term economic uncertainty), seasonality remains one of the most consistent forces shaping monthly auto sales performance. Over the past decade, even amid supply chain disruptions and changing consumer behavior, the industry’s calendar-driven rhythm has remained remarkably durable.
Issue No. 14 | Updated Metrics for Year-End 2024
Feature Articles: Q4 2024 Earnings Calls and Hybrid Vehicles and the Goldilocks Principle