CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: SAH), today announced it has been recognized as one of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America by Newsweek. This recognition is a powerful validation of Sonic's unwavering commitment to its purpose, its people, and the millions of guests it serves every year. 

The award acknowledges Sonic as one of only 700 companies selected from over 100,000 reviewed across 23 industries, based on surveys of 25,000 customers, employees, and investors.  Notably, Sonic Automotive is the only automotive retailer among the 24 companies named in the "Automotive and Components" category. Among the honored brands in the category is Harley-Davidson, a testament to Sonic Powersports owning and operating 13 Harley-Davidson locations, including Black Hills Harley-Davidson, the nation's largest Harley-Davidson dealership serving the Sturgis, South Dakota area.

For 60 years, Sonic Automotive has been guided by a singular purpose, to deliver an experience for our guests and our teammates that fulfills dreams, enriches lives, and delivers happiness. This purpose transcends every division of the company, from its new vehicle Franchised Dealerships to EchoPark Automotive and Sonic Powersports, serving guests whether they are pursuing life on two wheels, four wheels, or no wheels, or simply seeking exceptional service. Across every experience, one standard remains constant, namely exceptional, human-centered service that earns trust.

Founded in 1966 by Bruton Smith and grown into a Fortune 300 leader under the leadership of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David B. Smith, Sonic Automotive today encompasses:

• 11,000+ teammates
• 173 automotive and powersports franchises, including EchoPark
• 145 locations across 90 cities in 21 states 

That commitment has resulted in nearly:

• 7 million vehicles sold 
• 40 million service experiences delivered 
• 1 million+ 5-star reviews earned 

Together, these milestones are proof of the trust earned one experience at a time.

"This recognition from Newsweek is incredibly meaningful because it reflects something we've believed for six decades—trust is earned through people and purpose, not through just words," shared David B. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sonic Automotive. "My father, Bruton Smith, built this company on the idea that if you take care of people the right way, everything else follows. Today, that belief is alive in every one of our 11,000 teammates. That's why we've earned this trust, and why we will continue to earn it every day."

While Sonic Automotive may not always be the name on the front of every store, it is the foundation behind every experience delivered. Its reputation has not been built through brand awareness alone, but through millions of moments in which expectations were exceeded, and trust was earned.  As Sonic Automotive continues to evolve the future of automotive and powersports retail, one thing remains unchanged, the experience will always come first.

"We've never set out to be known as a holding company," said Jeff Dyke, President of Sonic Automotive. "We've set out to be known for how we make people feel. Whether a guest walks into one of our franchise automotive dealerships, EchoPark stores, or one of our Sonic Powersports locations, the expectation is the same: exceptional, transparent, and human. That consistency is what builds trust at scale, and it's how our teammates show up every single day."

Sonic Automotive will use this award as a proof point at each of its locations. You can discover more about Sonic Automotive at SonicAuto.com or ir.sonicautomotive.com.

About Sonic Automotive

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 500 company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is on a quest to become the most valuable diversified automotive retail and service brand in America. Our Company culture thrives on creating, innovating, and providing industry-leading guest experiences, driven by strategic investments in technology, teammates, and ideas that ultimately fulfill ownership dreams, enrich lives, and deliver happiness to our guests and teammates. As one of the largest automotive and powersports retailers in America, we are committed to delivering on this goal while pursuing expansive growth and taking innovative measures to be the leader in these categories. Our new platforms, programs, and people are set to drive the next generation of automotive and powersports experiences. More information about Sonic Automotive can be found at www.sonicautomotive.com and ir.sonicautomotive.com.

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Sonic Automotive Press Inquiries
Sonic Automotive Media Relations
media.relations@sonicautomotive.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sonic-automotive-recognized-as-one-of-americas-most-trustworthy-companies-by-newsweek-marking-a-60-year-legacy-built-on-purpose-people-and-exceptional-experiences-302778303.html

SOURCE Sonic Automotive

Sonic's EchoPark Segment Achieved All-Time Record Quarterly Pre-Tax Income and Adjusted EBITDA^*

During the First Quarter, Sonic Repurchased Approximately 2.1 Million Shares of its Class A Common Stock, Representing a 6% Reduction In Outstanding Shares from December 31, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic Automotive,” “Sonic,” the “Company,” “we” “us” or “our”) (NYSE:SAH), one of the nation’s largest automotive retailers, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

First Quarter 2026 Financial Summary

• First quarter record total revenues of $3.7 billion, up 1% year-over-year; first quarter record total gross profit of $598.8 million, up 6% year-over-year
• Reported net income in the first quarter was $60.8 million, down 14% year-over-year ($1.79 earnings per share, down 12% year-over-year)
  • Reported net income for the first quarter of 2026 includes a $5.1 million pre-tax disposition-related net gain and a $3.6 million pre-tax gain related to the exit of leased dealerships, partially offset by a $0.4 million pre-tax impairment charge related to capital improvement projects (collectively, these items are partially offset by a $2.4 million income tax expense on the above net benefit)
  • Reported net income for the first quarter of 2025 includes the effect of a $30.0 million pre-tax gain from cyber insurance proceeds, offset partially by a $1.4 million non-cash pre-tax impairment charge, a $1.0 million pre-tax disposition related net loss, and a $0.9 million pre-tax charge related to storm damage (collectively, these items are partially offset by a $7.4 million tax expense on the above net benefit)
• Excluding the above items, adjusted net income^* for the first quarter of 2026 was $54.9 million, up 7% year-over-year ($1.62 adjusted earnings per diluted share^*, up 9% year-over-year)
• Total reported selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses as a percentage of gross profit of 71.3% (71.9% on a Franchised Dealerships Segment basis, 62.9% on an EchoPark Segment basis, and 97.7% on a Powersports Segment basis)
  • Total adjusted SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit^* of 72.8% (72.9% on a Franchised Dealerships Segment basis, 68.2% on an EchoPark Segment basis, and 97.7% on a Powersports Segment basis)
• EchoPark Segment revenues of $580.5 million, up 4% year-over-year; all-time record quarterly EchoPark Segment total gross profit of $67.9 million, up 6% year-over-year; EchoPark Segment retail used vehicle unit sales volume of 19,326, up 3% year-over-year
• All-time record quarterly reported EchoPark Segment income of $16.2 million, as compared to $10.3 million in the prior year period, a 57% increase year-over-year
  • All-time record quarterly adjusted EchoPark Segment income^* of $12.6 million, as compared to $10.1 million in the prior year period, a 25% increase year-over-year
• All-time record quarterly EchoPark Segment adjusted EBITDA^* of $18.6 million, as compared to $15.8 million adjusted EBITDA^* in the prior year period, up 18% year-over-year
• Previously announced acquisition of Space Coast Harley-Davidson, Treasure Coast Harley-Davidson, Falcons Fury Harley-Davidson, Raging Bull Harley-Davidson, and San Diego Harley-Davidson in April 2026 is expected to add approximately $100 million in annualized revenue to Sonic's Powersports Segment
• During the first quarter, Sonic disposed of four Franchised Dealerships, which generated $113.5 million in revenues in 2025 and $58.7 million in gross proceeds from disposition
• During the first quarter, Sonic repurchased approximately 2.1 million shares of its Class A common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $135.7 million, representing a 6% reduction in outstanding shares from December 31, 2025
  • In April 2026, Sonic's Board of Directors approved $500 million in additional share repurchase authorization, increasing the total remaining share repurchase authorization to $528 million
• Sonic’s Board of Directors approved an 8% increase to the quarterly cash dividend, to $0.41 per share, payable on July 15, 2026 to all stockholders of record on June 15, 2026

* Represents a non-GAAP financial measure — please refer to the discussion and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures below.

Commentary

David Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sonic Automotive, stated, “I am grateful for our team's efforts in the first quarter, which delivered several first quarter and all-time quarterly records across our operating segments. Our Franchised Dealerships built on fourth quarter momentum to deliver record consolidated first quarter revenue, and our EchoPark team capitalized on a strong tax refund season to deliver an all-time record adjusted EBITDA^* of $18.6 million while continuing to provide a world-class guest experience. We are also excited to expand our Powersports segment in the great riding states of California, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. The acquisition of five new Harley-Davidson dealerships establishes Sonic Powersports as one of the fastest growing powersports retailers in the country and reinforces our commitment to diversifying our revenue base and enhancing shareholder returns.”

Jeff Dyke, President of Sonic Automotive, commented, “Despite tough year-over-year comparisons, our team outperformed on several key operating metrics. In our Franchised Dealerships segment, our focus on technician hiring and retention resulted in first quarter record fixed operations gross profit, up 10% year-over-year. Continued improvements in our finance and insurance operations led to first quarter records in both total gross profit and gross profit per unit. At EchoPark, our team once again proved that executing on our playbook will drive industry leading returns. With all-time records in quarterly segment total gross profit, pre-tax income, and adjusted EBITDA^*, we remain confident in the long-term potential of the EchoPark brand and our plan to resume disciplined expansion of our EchoPark footprint in late 2026, supported by a strategic brand marketing investment beginning in mid-2026.”

Heath Byrd, Chief Financial Officer of Sonic Automotive, added, “As of March 31, 2026, we had approximately $381 million in cash and floor plan deposits on hand, with total liquidity of approximately $770 million. As we move through 2026, we will continue to seek opportunities to strategically deploy capital as markets evolve."

First Quarter 2026 Segment Highlights

The financial measures discussed below are results for the first quarter of 2026 with comparisons made to the first quarter of 2025, unless otherwise noted.

• Franchised Dealerships Segment operating results include:
  • Same store revenues down 4%; same store gross profit flat
  • Same store retail new vehicle unit sales volume down 10%; same store retail new vehicle gross profit per unit down 4%, to $3,002
  • Same store retail used vehicle unit sales volume up 3%; same store retail used vehicle gross profit per unit down 4%, to $1,533
  • Same store parts, service and collision repair (“Fixed Operations”) gross profit up 5%; same store customer pay gross profit up 5%; same store warranty gross profit up 7%; same store Fixed Operations gross profit margin up 40 basis points, to 51.1%
  • Same store finance and insurance (“F&I”) gross profit up 2%; same store F&I gross profit per retail unit of $2,594, up 6%
  • On a trailing quarter cost of sales basis, the Franchised Dealerships Segment had 58 days’ supply of new vehicle inventory (including in-transit) and 32 days’ supply of used vehicle inventory
• EchoPark Segment operating results include:
  • Revenues of $580.5 million, up 4%; gross profit of $67.9 million, up 6%
  • Retail used vehicle unit sales volume of 19,326, up 3%
  • All-time record quarterly reported segment income of $16.2 million, all-time record quarterly adjusted segment income^* of $12.6 million, and all-time record quarterly adjusted EBITDA^* of $18.6 million
  • On a trailing quarter cost of sales basis, the EchoPark Segment had 40 days’ supply of used vehicle inventory
• Powersports Segment operating results include:
  • First quarter record revenues of $40.9 million, up 19%; first quarter record gross profit of $10.1 million, up 19%
  • Segment loss of $2.0 million, a 43% improvement from a segment loss of $3.5 million in the prior year period, and adjusted EBITDA loss* of $0.1 million, an 86% improvement from an adjusted EBITDA loss^* of $0.7 million in the prior year period (note that the first quarter has seasonally lower demand ahead of peak powersports industry demand in the second and third quarters)

* Represents a non-GAAP financial measure — please refer to the discussion and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures below.

Dividend

Sonic’s Board of Directors approved an 8% increase to the quarterly cash dividend, to $0.41 per share, payable on July 15, 2026 to all stockholders of record on June 15, 2026.

First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call

Senior management will hold a conference call today at 11:00 A.M. (Eastern). Investor presentation and earnings press release materials will be accessible beginning prior to the conference call on the Company’s website at ir.sonicautomotive.com.

To access the live webcast of the conference call, please go to ir.sonicautomotive.com and select the webcast link at the top of the page. For telephone access to this conference call, please dial (877) 407-8289 (domestic) or +1 (201) 689-8341 (international) and ask to be connected to the Sonic Automotive First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. Dial-in access remains available throughout the live call; however, to ensure you are connected for the full call we suggest dialing in at least 10 minutes before the start of the call. A webcast replay will be available following the call for 14 days at ir.sonicautomotive.com.

About Sonic Automotive

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 500 company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is on a quest to become the most valuable diversified automotive retail and service brand in America. Our Company culture thrives on creating, innovating, and providing industry-leading guest experiences, driven by strategic investments in technology, teammates, and ideas that ultimately fulfill ownership dreams, enrich lives, and deliver happiness to our guests and teammates. As one of the largest automotive and powersports retailers in America, we are committed to delivering on this goal while pursuing expansive growth and taking progressive measures to be the leader in these categories. Our new platforms, programs, and people are set to drive the next generation of automotive and powersports experiences. More information about Sonic Automotive can be found at www.sonicautomotive.com and ir.sonicautomotive.com.

About EchoPark Automotive

EchoPark Automotive is one of the most comprehensive retailers of nearly new pre-owned vehicles in America today. Our unique business model offers a best-in-class shopping experience and utilizes one of the most innovative technology-enabled sales strategies in our industry. Our approach provides a personalized and proven guest-centric buying process that consistently delivers award-winning guest experiences and superior value to car buyers nationwide, with savings of up to $3,000 versus the competition. Consumers have responded by putting EchoPark among the top national pre-owned vehicle retailers in products, sales, and service, while receiving the 2023 Consumer Satisfaction Award from DealerRater. EchoPark’s mission is in the name: Every Car, Happy Owner. This drives the experience for guests and differentiates EchoPark from the competition. More information about EchoPark Automotive can be found at www.echopark.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Included herein are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements address our future objectives, plans and goals, as well as our intent, beliefs and current expectations regarding future operating performance, results and events, and can generally be identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee” and other similar words or phrases. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, and you are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. 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, the effects of tariffs on vehicle and parts pricing and supply, the effects of tariffs on consumer demand, economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, supply chain disruptions and manufacturing delays, labor shortages, the impacts of inflation and changes in interest rates, new and used vehicle industry sales volume, future levels of consumer demand for new and used vehicles, anticipated future growth in each of our operating segments, the success of our operational strategies and investment in new technologies, the rate and timing of overall economic expansion or contraction, the integration of acquisitions, cybersecurity incidents and other disruptions to our information systems, and the risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and other reports and information filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). 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 SEC. Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this and other documents may not add up precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.

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, adjusted earnings per diluted share, adjusted SG&A expenses, adjusted SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit, adjusted segment income (loss), and adjusted EBITDA (loss). As required by SEC rules, the Company has provided reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the schedules included in this press release. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures improve the transparency of the Company’s disclosures and provide a meaningful presentation of the Company’s results.