Sonic Automotive, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter Results

All-Time Record Revenue and Gross Profit - Increases Dividend

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: SAH), one of the nation's largest automotive retailers, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2017.

  • All-time record revenue and gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2017 of $2.7 billion and $384.1 million, respectively
  • All-time record revenue and gross profit in the full year of 2017 of $9.9 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively
  • Record annual retail unit sales in 2017 of 257,217 units
  • Record F&I gross profit per retail unit of $1,473 and $1,411 for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2017, respectively
  • Benefit of $28.4 million related to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
  • 20% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.06 per share

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Results

GAAP Basis

Net income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2017 was $62.1 million, or $1.42 per diluted share.  These results include a benefit of approximately $28.4 million related to the change in the federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% in future periods and other items discussed below.  Comparatively, net income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2016 was $38.0 million, or $0.84 per diluted share.

Net income from continuing operations for the full year of 2017 was $94.2 million, or $2.12 per diluted share.  The full year results for 2017 also include the benefit related to the federal income tax rate change.  Comparatively, net income from continuing operations for the full year of 2016 was $94.5 million, or $2.06 per diluted share.

Adjusted Basis

Adjusted net income from continuing operations and related earnings per diluted share are non-GAAP financial measures.  The schedules included in this press release reconcile these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

Adjusted net income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2017 was $36.6 million, or $0.84 per diluted share.  The adjustments in the 2017 quarterly period relate to the benefit of the change in the federal income tax rate in future periods, a gain related to the disposal of franchises, adjustments to physical damage accruals and charges related to fixed asset and franchise asset impairments and legal matters. Adjusted net income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2016 was $29.8 million, or $0.66 per diluted share.  The adjustments in the 2016 quarterly period relate to gains for a settlement with an original equipment manufacturer ("OEM") and the adjustment of physical damage loss accruals, offset partially by losses related to fixed asset impairments and lease exit charges. 

Adjusted net income from continuing operations for the full year of 2017 was $82.2 million, or $1.85 per diluted share.  The adjustments in the 2017 annual period relate to the benefit of the change in the federal income tax rate in future periods, gains related to the disposal of franchises and charges related to fixed asset and franchise asset impairments, debt refinance costs and legal matters. Adjusted net income from continuing operations for the full year of 2016 was $92.3 million, or $2.01 per diluted share.  The adjustments in the 2016 annual period relate to gains for a settlement with an OEM, partially offset by charges related to physical damage losses, lease exit charges and fixed asset impairments. 

Commentary

Jeff Dyke, the Company's Executive Vice President of Operations, noted, "It was another outstanding fourth quarter as we excelled in the execution of our business model.  We are very excited about the progress our team continues to make in executing our playbooks across all areas of our business.  It is also important to note that our EchoPark business grew by nearly 167%, or over 2,800 units, for the quarter. We sold over 10,600 units for the year with nearly 4,500 units retailed in the fourth quarter as our business model is accelerating volume at a rapid pace.  This represents a 100% increase in volume for EchoPark year-over-year. We expect our EchoPark brand to sell in the range of 25,000 cars in 2018, more than doubling 2017 volume.  In just a few years, the EchoPark brand has become nearly 20% of Sonic's total pre-owned volume, and, given the volume increase we are experiencing with our model, we fully expect EchoPark to eclipse the volume we currently produce in our Sonic franchised dealerships over the next few years."

B. Scott Smith, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, noted, "We are proud to report all-time record revenues and gross profits in both the fourth quarter and full year of 2017.  We value the partnerships we have with our manufacturers and their willingness and ability to continue to offer incentives driving the level of retail activity we've experienced.  This level of retail activity enabled us to sell more vehicles than we ever have.  We are also pleased to be able to return more capital to stockholders by increasing our quarterly dividend 20% to $0.06 per share."

B. Scott Smith continued, "Our plans in 2018 include growth in both our franchised and pre-owned businesses with several luxury open points being added in the Atlanta and Houston markets and multiple EchoPark openings in our Pre-Owned Stores Segment.  In addition to the two EchoPark stores which have opened in the last 60 days in the San Antonio market, we expect to open a third store in San Antonio, two stores in the Charlotte market, and our first EchoPark store in Houston during 2018.  The vast majority of our capital spending in 2018 will support the expansion of our EchoPark brand."

B. Scott Smith added, "We are continually evaluating the landscape of human mobility and the risks and opportunities that are on the horizon that may reshape our business.  We believe the dealership model will continue to serve as the primary resource for consumers for quite some time, but as consumers gravitate toward and accept other sources of mobility, we want to position Sonic to participate in those offerings.  This would include partnerships or relationships with ride hailing, fractional ownership, subscription service or manufacturer promoted programs that satisfy a customer demand or need."

2018 Outlook

B. Scott Smith also noted, "We anticipate new vehicle industry volume to be between 16.75 million and 17.0 million units.  We project diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for 2018 to be between $2.21 and $2.45 per share.  This range includes the effect of projected results and expansion of our Pre-Owned Stores Segment, which includes EchoPark.  We are projecting a loss related to our Pre-Owned Stores Segment for 2018 of between $0.08 and $0.12 per diluted share.  Prior to the change in the federal income tax rate, we expected our annual effective income tax rate to range between 38% and 40% each year.  Going forward, and included in our 2018 estimate, we expect our annual effective income tax rate to range between 26% and 28% each year. We will have additional comments on our 2018 outlook in our earnings call later today."

Dividend

Sonic's Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share payable in cash for our stockholders of record on March 15, 2018.  The dividend will be payable on April 13, 2018. 

Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call

Senior management will host a conference call today at 11:00 A.M. (Eastern) to discuss the quarter's results.  To access the live broadcast of the call over the Internet go to: www.sonicautomotive.com, then click on "Our Company," then "Investor Relations," then "Earnings Conference Calls."

Presentation materials for the conference call can be accessed on the Company's website at www.sonicautomotive.com by clicking on the "Investor Relations" tab under "Our Company" and choosing "Webcasts & Presentations."

The conference call will also be available live by dialing in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call at:

Domestic: (877) 450-3867
International: (706) 643-0958
Conference ID: 1288139

A conference call replay will be available one hour following the call for seven days and can be accessed by calling:

Domestic: (855) 859-2056
International: (404) 537-3406
Conference ID: 1288139

About Sonic Automotive

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 500 company based in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the nation's largest automotive retailers.  Sonic can be reached on the web at www.sonicautomotive.com. More information about EchoPark Automotive can be found at www.echopark.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Included herein are forward-looking statements, including statements with respect to our 2018 earnings expectations, our projected annual effective income tax rate, 2018 new vehicle industry volume, projected results for our EchoPark brand, the anticipated expansion of both our franchised and pre-owned businesses in 2018 and our long-term strategy.  There are many factors that affect management's views about future events and trends of the Company's business.  These factors involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or trends to differ materially from management's views, including without limitation, economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, new and used vehicle industry sales volume, the success of our operational strategies, the rate and timing of overall economic recovery or decline, and the risk factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.  The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information, except as required under federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release and the attached financial tables contain certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined under SEC rules, such as adjusted net income from continuing operations and related earnings per diluted share, which exclude certain items disclosed in the attached financial tables.  As required by SEC rules, the Company provides reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.  The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures improve the transparency of the Company's disclosure, provide a meaningful presentation of the Company's results from its core business operations excluding the impact of items not related to the Company's ongoing core business operations, and improve the period-to-period comparability of the Company's results from its core business operations.

 

 

Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Results of Operations (Unaudited)
























This release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures (the "Adjusted" amounts) as defined under SEC rules, such as, but not limited to, adjusted income from continuing operations and related earnings per share data.  The Company has reconciled these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures (the "Reported" amounts) in the release.  The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures improve the transparency of the Company's disclosure by providing period-to-period comparability of the Company's results from operations.



































Results of Operations
























Three Months Ended December 31,


Twelve Months Ended December 31,





2017


2016


2017


2016





(In thousands, except per share and unit data)


Revenues:











   New vehicles


$         1,485,749


$          1,408,327


$          5,295,051


$          5,234,505



   Used vehicles


685,965


651,608


2,622,053


2,533,122



   Wholesale vehicles


40,890


57,906


171,064


211,048



      Total vehicles


2,212,604


2,117,841


8,088,168


7,978,675



   Parts, service and collision repair


355,137


350,726


1,416,010


1,409,819



   Finance, insurance and other, net


100,198


88,346


363,030


343,285



      Total revenues


2,667,939


2,556,913


9,867,208


9,731,779



Gross profit


384,089


371,735


1,457,676


1,429,274



Selling, general and administrative expenses


(277,634)


(267,135)


(1,147,773)


(1,110,856)



Impairment charges


(6,079)


(1,824)


(9,394)


(8,063)



Depreciation and amortization


(23,192)


(20,144)


(88,944)


(77,446)



Operating income (loss)


77,184


82,632


211,565


232,909



Other income (expense):










   Interest expense, floor plan


(9,982)


(7,919)


(36,395)


(27,716)



   Interest expense, other, net


(13,324)


(12,546)


(52,524)


(50,106)



   Other income (expense), net


(32)


5


(14,522)


125



      Total other income (expense)


(23,338)


(20,460)


(103,441)


(77,697)



Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes


53,846


62,172


108,124


155,212



Provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense)


8,282


(24,131)


(13,971)


(60,696)



Income (loss) from continuing operations


62,128


38,041


94,153


94,516



Income (loss) from discontinued operations


(176)


(405)


(1,170)


(1,323)



Net income (loss)


$               61,952


$               37,636


$               92,983


$               93,193













Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:










      Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations


$                   1.42


$                   0.84


$                   2.12


$                   2.06



      Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations


-


(0.01)


(0.03)


(0.03)



      Earnings (loss) per common share


$                   1.42


$                   0.83


$                   2.09


$                   2.03



      Weighted average common shares outstanding


43,682


45,341


44,358


45,948













Gross Margin Data (Continuing Operations):










   New vehicles


5.2%


5.2%


5.0%


5.0%



   Used vehicles


5.1%


6.4%


5.9%


6.3%



   Wholesale vehicles


(5.7%)


(3.3%)


(5.1%)


(3.5%)



   Parts, service and collision repair


48.8%


48.4%


48.3%


47.8%



   Finance, insurance and other


100.0%


100.0%


100.0%


100.0%



      Overall gross margin


14.4%


14.5%


14.8%


14.7%













SG&A Expenses (Continuing Operations):










   Compensation


$             172,515


$             167,724


$             692,935


$             674,617



   Advertising


15,116


15,840


61,563


61,674



   Rent


17,713


18,638


73,022


73,903



   Other


72,290


64,933


320,253


300,662



      Total SG&A expenses


$             277,634


$             267,135


$          1,147,773


$          1,110,856



   SG&A expenses as % of gross profit


72.3%


71.9%


78.7%


77.7%













Operating Margin %


2.9%


3.2%


2.1%


2.4%













Unit Data (Continuing Operations):










   New units


36,531


35,562


135,663


136,003



   Used units


31,740


29,621


123,489


119,174



   Wholesale units


7,463


9,086


31,385


35,098


 

 

Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Results of Operations (Unaudited)
















Per Share Data
































Three Months Ended December 31, 2017





Income (Loss)


Income (Loss)









From Continuing


From Discontinued









Operations


Operations


Net Income (Loss)



Weighted




Per




Per




Per



Average




Share




Share




Share



Shares


Amount


Amount


Amount


Amount


Amount


Amount



(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Reported:















Earnings (loss) and shares


43,156


$     62,128




$       (176)




$     61,952



Effect of participating securities:















   Non-vested restricted stock




(57)




-




(57)



Basic earnings (loss) and shares


43,156


$     62,071


$       1.44


$       (176)


$      (0.01)


$     61,895


$       1.43

Effect of dilutive securities:















   Stock compensation plans


526













Diluted earnings (loss) and shares


43,682


$     62,071


$       1.42


$       (176)


$           -


$     61,895


$       1.42
















Adjustments:















Impairment charges




$       6,080




$             -




$       6,080



Storm damage




(1,378)




-




(1,378)



Legal and other




1,496




-




1,496



Gain on disposal




(1,507)




-




(1,507)



Total adjustments before taxes




4,691




-




4,691



Income tax effect of adjustments




(1,841)




-




(1,841)



Non-recurring tax items




(28,409)




-




(28,409)



   Effect of adjustments, net of income taxes




$    (25,559)


$      (0.58)


$             -


$      (0.01)


$    (25,559)


$      (0.59)
















Adjusted:















Earnings (loss) and 















   diluted earnings (loss) per share (1)




$     36,569


$       0.84


$       (176)


$      (0.01)


$     36,393


$       0.83
















(1) Net loss attributable to Pre-Owned Stores operations was $0.04 per fully diluted share in the three months ended December 31, 2017.



































Three Months Ended December 31, 2016





Income (Loss)


Income (Loss)









From Continuing


From Discontinued









Operations


Operations


Net Income (Loss)



Weighted




Per




Per




Per



Average




Share




Share




Share



Shares


Amount


Amount


Amount


Amount


Amount


Amount



(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Reported:















Earnings (loss) and shares


44,764


$     38,041




$       (405)




$     37,636



Effect of participating securities:















   Non-vested restricted stock




(22)




-




(22)



Basic earnings (loss) and shares


44,764


$     38,019


$       0.85


$       (405)


$      (0.01)


$     37,614


$       0.84

Effect of dilutive securities:















   Stock compensation plans


577













Diluted earnings (loss) and shares (2)


45,341


$     38,019


$       0.84


$       (405)


$      (0.01)


$     37,614


$       0.83
















Adjustments:















Impairment charges




$       1,824




$             -




$       1,824



OEM settlement




(14,836)




-




(14,836)



Storm damage




(612)




-




(612)



Legal and other




201




450




651



Total adjustments before taxes




(13,423)




450




(12,973)



Income tax effect of adjustments




5,210




(153)




5,057



Effect of adjustments, net of income taxes




$      (8,213)


$      (0.18)


$         297


$       0.01


$      (7,916)


$      (0.17)
















Adjusted:















Earnings (loss) and 















   diluted earnings (loss) per share (2)




$     29,828


$       0.66


$       (108)


$           -


$     29,720


$       0.66
















(2) Net loss attributable to Pre-Owned Stores operations was $0.03 per fully diluted share in the three months ended December 31, 2016.



































Per Share Data


































Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017






Income (Loss)


Income (Loss)










From Continuing


From Discontinued










Operations


Operations


Net Income (Loss)




Weighted




Per




Per




Per




Average




Share




Share




Share




Shares


Amount


Amount


Amount


Amount


Amount


Amount




(In thousands, except per share amounts)


Reported:
















Earnings (loss) and shares


43,997


$     94,153




$    (1,170)




$     92,983




Effect of participating securities:
















   Non-vested restricted stock




(85)




-




(85)




Basic earnings (loss) and shares


43,997


$     94,068


$       2.14


$    (1,170)


$      (0.03)


$     92,898


$       2.11


Effect of dilutive securities:
















   Stock compensation plans


361














Diluted earnings (loss) and shares


44,358


$     94,068


$       2.12


$    (1,170)


$      (0.03)


$     92,898


$       2.09


















Adjustments:
















Impairment charges




$       9,393




$             -




$       9,393




Storm damage




8,593




-




8,593




Legal and other




2,306




-




2,306




Lease exit adjustments




992




-




992




Gain on disposal




(9,997)




-




(9,997)




Loss on debt extinguishment




15,268




-




15,268




Total adjustments before taxes




26,555




-




26,555




Income tax effect of adjustments




(10,423)




-




(10,423)




Non-recurring tax items




(28,055)




-




(28,055)




   Effect of adjustments, net of income taxes




$    (11,923)


$      (0.27)


$             -


$       0.01


$    (11,923)


$      (0.26)


















Adjusted:
















Earnings (loss) and 
















   diluted earnings (loss) per share (3)




$     82,230


$       1.85


$    (1,170)


$      (0.02)


$     81,060


$       1.83


















(3) Net loss attributable to Pre-Owned Stores operations was $0.25 per fully diluted share in the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.






































Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016






Income (Loss)


Income (Loss)










From Continuing


From Discontinued










Operations


Operations


Net Income (Loss)




Weighted




Per




Per




Per




Average




Share




Share




Share




Shares


Amount


Amount


Amount


Amount


Amount


Amount




(In thousands, except per share amounts)


Reported:
















Earnings (loss) and shares


45,637


$     94,516




$    (1,323)




$     93,193




Effect of participating securities:
















Non-vested restricted stock




(52)




-




(52)




Basic earnings (loss) and shares


45,637


$     94,464


$       2.07


$    (1,323)


$      (0.03)


$     93,141


$       2.04


Effect of dilutive securities:
















      Stock compensation plans


311














Diluted earnings (loss) and shares


45,948


$     94,464


$       2.06


$    (1,323)


$      (0.03)


$     93,141


$       2.03


















Adjustments:
















Impairment charges




$       7,913




$             -




$       7,913




OEM settlement




(14,836)




-




(14,836)




Storm damage




2,990




-




2,990




Legal and other




100




-




100




Lease exit adjustments




200




927




1,127




Total adjustments before taxes




(3,633)




927




(2,706)




Income tax effect of adjustments




1,394




(341)




1,053




   Effect of adjustments, net of income taxes




$      (2,239)


$      (0.05)


$         586


$       0.01


$      (1,653)


$      (0.04)


















Adjusted:
















Earnings (loss) and 
















   diluted earnings (loss) per share (4)




$     92,277


$       2.01


$       (737)


$      (0.02)


$     91,540


$       1.99


















(4) Net loss attributable to Pre-Owned Stores operations was $0.17 per fully diluted share in the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.



















 

 

Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Results of Operations (Unaudited)
























New Vehicles
























Three Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)





2017


2016


Change


% Change





(In thousands, except units and per unit data)



Reported:










Revenue


$          1,485,749


$          1,408,327


$               77,422


5.5%



Gross profit


$               77,888


$               73,916


$                 3,972


5.4%



Unit sales


36,531


35,562


969


2.7%



Revenue per unit


$               40,671


$               39,602


$                 1,069


2.7%



Gross profit per unit


$                 2,132


$                 2,079


$                      53


2.5%



Gross profit as a % of revenue


5.2%


5.2%


-


bps















Twelve Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)





2017


2016


Change


% Change





(In thousands, except units and per unit data)



Reported:










Revenue


$          5,295,051


$          5,234,505


$               60,546


1.2%



Gross profit


$             264,926


$             260,594


$                 4,332


1.7%



Unit sales


135,663


136,003


(340)


(0.2%)



Revenue per unit


$               39,031


$               38,488


$                    543


1.4%



Gross profit per unit


$                 1,953


$                 1,916


$                      37


1.9%



Gross profit as a % of revenue


5.0%


5.0%


-


bps















Three Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)





2017


2016


Change


% Change





(In thousands, except units and per unit data)



Same Store:










Revenue


$          1,476,819


$          1,390,744


$               86,075


6.2%



Gross profit


$               76,689


$               74,198


$                 2,491


3.4%



Unit sales


36,305


34,920


1,385


4.0%



Revenue per unit


$               40,678


$               39,827


$                    851


2.1%



Gross profit per unit


$                 2,112


$                 2,125


$                    (13)


(0.6%)



Gross profit as a % of revenue


5.2%


5.3%


(10)


bps















Twelve Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)





2017


2016


Change


% Change





(In thousands, except units and per unit data)



Same Store:










Revenue


$          5,204,867


$          5,170,372


$               34,495


0.7%



Gross profit


$             259,220


$             259,668


$                  (448)


(0.2%)



Unit sales


133,047


133,606


(559)


(0.4%)



Revenue per unit


$               39,121


$               38,699


$                    422


1.1%



Gross profit per unit


$                 1,948


$                 1,944


$                        4


0.2%



Gross profit as a % of revenue


5.0%


5.0%


-


bps












   

 

 

Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Results of Operations (Unaudited)










Used Vehicles




















Three Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)



2017


2016


Change


% Change



(In thousands, except units and per unit data)

Reported:








Revenue


$             685,965


$             651,608


$               34,357


5.3%

Gross profit


$               34,891


$               41,464


$               (6,573)


(15.9%)

Unit sales


31,740


29,621


2,119


7.2%

Revenue per unit


$               21,612


$               21,998


$                  (386)


(1.8%)

Gross profit per unit


$                 1,099


$                 1,400


$                  (301)


(21.5%)

Gross profit as a % of revenue


5.1%


6.4%


(130)


bps











Twelve Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)



2017


2016


 Change


% Change



(In thousands, except units and per unit data)

Reported:








Revenue


$          2,622,053


$          2,533,122


$               88,931


3.5%

Gross profit


$             154,903


$             158,585


$               (3,682)


(2.3%)

Unit sales


123,489


119,174


4,315


3.6%

Revenue per unit


$               21,233


$               21,256


$                    (23)


(0.1%)

Gross profit per unit


$                 1,254


$                 1,331


$                    (77)


(5.8%)

Gross profit as a % of revenue


5.9%


6.3%


(40)


bps











Three Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)



2017


2016


 Change


% Change



(In thousands, except units and per unit data)

Same Store:








Revenue


$             625,914


$             638,427


$             (12,513)


(2.0%)

Gross profit


$               33,068


$               36,661


$               (3,593)


(9.8%)

Unit sales


28,685


28,849


(164)


(0.6%)

Revenue per unit


$               21,820


$               22,130


$                  (310)


(1.4%)

Gross profit per unit


$                 1,153


$                 1,271


$                  (118)


(9.3%)

Gross profit as a % of revenue


5.3%


5.7%


(40)


bps











Twelve Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)



2017


2016


 Change


% Change



(In thousands, except units and per unit data)

Same Store:








Revenue


$          2,476,967


$          2,488,866


$             (11,899)


(0.5%)

Gross profit


$             143,690


$             148,069


$               (4,379)


(3.0%)

Unit sales


115,916


116,450


(534)


(0.5%)

Revenue per unit.


$               21,369


$               21,373


$                      (4)


(0.0%)

Gross profit per unit


$                 1,240


$                 1,272


$                    (32)


(2.5%)

Gross profit as a % of revenue


5.8%


5.9%


(10)


bps









 

 

Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Results of Operations (Unaudited)











Wholesale Vehicles






















Three Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)




2017


2016


Change


% Change




(In thousands, except units and per unit data)


Reported:










Revenue


$               40,890


$               57,906


$             (17,016)


(29.4%)


Gross profit (loss)


$               (2,334)


$               (1,890)


$                  (444)


(23.5%)


Unit sales


7,463


9,086


(1,623)


(17.9%)


Revenue per unit


$                 5,479


$                 6,373


$                  (894)


(14.0%)


Gross profit (loss) per unit


$                  (313)


$                  (208)


$                  (105)


(50.5%)


Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue


(5.7%)


(3.3%)


(240)


bps














Twelve Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)




2017


2016


Change


% Change




(In thousands, except units and per unit data)


Reported:










Revenue


$             171,064


$             211,048


$             (39,984)


(18.9%)


Gross profit (loss)


$               (8,714)


$               (7,316)


$               (1,398)


(19.1%)


Unit sales


31,385


35,098


(3,713)


(10.6%)


Revenue per unit


$                 5,451


$                 6,013


$                  (562)


(9.3%)


Gross profit (loss) per unit


$                  (278)


$                  (208)


$                    (70)


(33.7%)


Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue


(5.1%)


(3.5%)


(160)


bps














Three Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)




2017


2016


Change


% Change




(In thousands, except units and per unit data)


Same Store:










Revenue


$               40,134


$               56,784


$             (16,650)


(29.3%)


Gross profit (loss)


$               (2,297)


$               (1,644)


$                  (653)


(39.7%)


Unit sales


7,170


8,776


(1,606)


(18.3%)


Revenue per unit


$                 5,597


$                 6,470


$                  (873)


(13.5%)


Gross profit (loss) per unit


$                  (320)


$                  (187)


$                  (133)


(71.1%)


Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue


(5.7%)


(2.9%)


(280)


bps














Twelve Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)




2017


2016


Change


% Change




(In thousands, except units and per unit data)


Same Store:










Revenue


$             165,308


$             207,263


$             (41,955)


(20.2%)


Gross profit (loss)


$               (8,181)


$               (6,694)


$               (1,487)


(22.2%)


Unit sales


29,978


34,108


(4,130)


(12.1%)


Revenue per unit


$                 5,514


$                 6,077


$                  (563)


(9.3%)


Gross profit (loss) per unit


$                  (273)


$                  (196)


$                    (77)


(39.3%)


Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue


(4.9%)


(3.2%)


(170)


bps












 

 

 

Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Results of Operations (Unaudited)



















Parts, Service and Collision Repair ("Fixed Operations") 


















Three Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)



2017


2016


 Change


% Change

Reported:


(In thousands)

Revenue









   Customer pay


$             140,285


$             139,550


$                    735


0.5%

   Warranty


69,771


67,656


2,115


3.1%

   Wholesale parts


41,445


43,337


(1,892)


(4.4%)

   Internal, sublet and other


103,636


100,183


3,453


3.4%

      Total


$             355,137


$             350,726


$                 4,411


1.3%

Gross profit









   Customer pay


$               74,748


$               73,958


$                    790


1.1%

   Warranty


38,273


36,973


1,300


3.5%

   Wholesale parts


7,149


7,450


(301)


(4.0%)

   Internal, sublet and other


53,277


51,519


1,758


3.4%

      Total


$             173,447


$             169,900


$                 3,547


2.1%

Gross profit as a % of revenue









   Customer pay


53.3%


53.0%


30


bps

   Warranty


54.9%


54.6%


30


bps

   Wholesale parts


17.2%


17.2%


0


bps

   Internal, sublet and other


51.4%


51.4%


0


bps

      Total


48.8%


48.4%


40


bps












Twelve Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)



2017


2016


 Change


% Change

Reported:


(In thousands)

Revenue









   Customer pay


$             555,463


$             582,557


$             (27,094)


(4.7%)

   Warranty


282,926


240,415


42,511


17.7%

   Wholesale parts


168,459


176,870


(8,411)


(4.8%)

   Internal, sublet and other


409,162


409,977


(815)


(0.2%)

      Total


$          1,416,010


$          1,409,819


$                 6,191


0.4%

Gross profit









   Customer pay


$             296,834


$             314,791


$             (17,957)


(5.7%)

   Warranty


156,082


129,924


26,158


20.1%

   Wholesale parts


28,989


30,754


(1,765)


(5.7%)

   Internal, sublet and other


201,626


198,657


2,969


1.5%

      Total


$             683,531


$             674,126


$                 9,405


1.4%

Gross profit as a % of revenue









   Customer pay


53.4%


54.0%


(60)


bps

   Warranty


55.2%


54.0%


120


bps

   Wholesale parts


17.2%


17.4%


(20)


bps

   Internal, sublet and other


49.3%


48.5%


80


bps

      Total


48.3%


47.8%


50


bps

 

 

Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Results of Operations (Unaudited)



Parts, Service and Collision Repair ("Fixed Operations") 














Three Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)




2017


2016


 Change


% Change


Same Store:


(In thousands)


Revenue










   Customer pay


$             139,804


$             137,954


$                 1,850


1.3%


   Warranty


69,420


66,722


2,698


4.0%


   Wholesale parts


41,372


42,870


(1,498)


(3.5%)


   Internal, sublet and other


101,080


98,393


2,687


2.7%


      Total


$             351,676


$             345,939


$                 5,737


1.7%


Gross profit










   Customer pay


$               74,495


$               73,080


$                 1,415


1.9%


   Warranty


38,141


36,461


1,680


4.6%


   Wholesale parts


7,135


7,369


(234)


(3.2%)


   Internal, sublet and other


52,255


50,637


1,618


3.2%


      Total


$             172,026


$             167,547


$                 4,479


2.7%


Gross profit as a % of revenue










   Customer pay


53.3%


53.0%


30


bps


   Warranty


54.9%


54.6%


30


bps


   Wholesale parts


17.2%


17.2%


0


bps


   Internal, sublet and other


51.7%


51.5%


20


bps


      Total


48.9%


48.4%


50


bps














Twelve Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)




2017


2016


 Change


% Change


Same Store:


(In thousands)


Revenue










   Customer pay


$             548,768


$             575,641


$             (26,873)


(4.7%)


   Warranty


278,882


236,931


41,951


17.7%


   Wholesale parts


166,831


174,962


(8,131)


(4.6%)


   Internal, sublet and other


396,702


403,654


(6,952)


(1.7%)


      Total


$          1,391,183


$          1,391,188


$                      (5)


(0.0%)


Gross profit










   Customer pay


$             293,272


$             310,919


$             (17,647)


(5.7%)


   Warranty


154,025


128,161


25,864


20.2%


   Wholesale parts


28,669


30,443


(1,774)


(5.8%)


   Internal, sublet and other


195,432


194,835


597


0.3%


      Total


$             671,398


$             664,358


$                 7,040


1.1%


Gross profit as a % of revenue










   Customer pay


53.4%


54.0%


(60)


bps


   Warranty


55.2%


54.1%


110


bps


   Wholesale parts


17.2%


17.4%


(20)


bps


   Internal, sublet and other


49.3%


48.3%


100


bps


      Total


48.3%


47.8%


50


bps












 

 

Sonic Automotive, Inc.
Results of Operations (Unaudited)










Finance, Insurance and Other, Net ("F&I")



















Three Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)



2017


2016


Change


% Change



(In thousands, except per unit data)

Reported:









Revenue


$             100,198


$               88,346


$               11,852


13.4%

Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)


$                 1,473


$                 1,363


$                    110


8.1%





















Twelve Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)



2017


2016


Change


% Change



(In thousands, except per unit data)

Reported:









Revenue


$             363,030


$             343,285


$               19,745


5.8%

Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)


$                 1,411


$                 1,354


$                      57


4.2%












Three Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)



2017


2016


Change


% Change



(In thousands, except per unit data)

Same Store:









Revenue


$               92,015


$               85,224


$                 6,791


8.0%

Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)


$                 1,421


$                 1,344


$                      77


5.7%





















Twelve Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)



2017


2016


Change


% Change



(In thousands, except per unit data)

Same Store:









Revenue


$             343,987


$             334,205


$                 9,782


2.9%

Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)


$                 1,392


$                 1,345


$                      47


3.5%










 

 

 

Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Results of Operations (Unaudited)










Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") Expenses


















Three Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)



2017


2016


 Change


% Change



(In thousands)

Reported:









Compensation


$             172,515


$             167,724


$               (4,791)


(2.9%)

Advertising


15,116


15,840


724


4.6%

Rent


17,713


18,638


925


5.0%

Other


72,290


64,933


(7,357)


(11.3%)

   Total SG&A expenses


$             277,634


$             267,135


$             (10,499)


(3.9%)










Adjustments:









OEM settlement


$                      -


$               14,836





Storm damage


1,378


612





Legal and other


(1,496)


(201)





Gain on disposal


1,507


-





   Total SG&A adjustments


$                 1,389


$               15,247














Adjusted:









   Total adjusted SG&A expenses


$             279,023


$             282,382


$                 3,359


1.2%










Reported:









SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit








   Compensation


44.9%


45.1%


20


bps

   Advertising


3.9%


4.3%


40


bps

   Rent


4.6%


5.0%


40


bps

   Other


18.9%


17.5%


(140)


bps

      Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit


72.3%


71.9%


(40)


bps










Adjustments:









OEM settlement


0.0%


4.0%





Storm damage


0.3%


0.2%





Legal and other


(0.3%)


(0.1%)





Gain on disposal


0.3%


0.0%





   Total effect of adjustments


0.3%


4.1%














Adjusted:









      Total adjusted SG&A as a % of gross profit


72.6%


76.0%


340


bps














































Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") Expenses


















Twelve Months Ended December 31,


Better / (Worse)



2017


2016


 Change


% Change



(In thousands)

Reported:








Compensation


$             692,935


$             674,617


$             (18,318)


(2.7%)

Advertising


61,563


61,674


111


0.2%

Rent


73,022


73,903


881


1.2%

Other


320,253


300,662


(19,591)


(6.5%)

   Total SG&A expenses


$          1,147,773


$          1,110,856


$             (36,917)


(3.3%)









Adjustments:









OEM settlement


$                      -


$               14,836





Storm damage


(8,593)


(2,990)





Legal and other


(2,306)


(100)





Gain on disposal


9,997


-





Lease exit adjustments


(992)


(200)





   Total SG&A adjustments


$               (1,894)


$               11,546














Adjusted:









   Total adjusted SG&A expenses


$          1,145,879


$          1,122,402


$             (23,477)


(2.1%)










Reported:









SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit








   Compensation


47.5%


47.2%


(30)


bps

   Advertising


4.2%


4.3%


10


bps

   Rent


5.0%


5.2%


20


bps

   Other


22.0%


21.0%


(100)


bps

      Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit


78.7%


77.7%


(100)


bps










Adjustments:









OEM settlement


0.0%


1.0%





Storm damage


0.5%


(0.2%)





Legal and other


0.1%


(0.0%)





Gain on disposal


(0.7%)


0.0%





Lease exit adjustments


0.1%


(0.0%)





   Total effect of adjustments


(0.1%)


0.8%














Adjusted:









      Total adjusted SG&A as a % of gross profit


78.6%


78.5%


(10)


bps

 

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sonic-automotive-inc-reports-fourth-quarter-results-300604799.html

SOURCE Sonic Automotive, Inc.