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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013

OR

Commission files number 1-13395

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(704) 566-2400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such file).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of October 30, 2013, there were 40,660,465 shares of Class A Common Stock and 12,029,375 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.

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INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1: Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollars in thousands)

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars and shares in thousands)

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the third quarter and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. These Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all material normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year, because the first quarter normally contributes less operating profit than the second, third and fourth quarters. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic” or the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2012, which were included in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Reclassifications – The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the third quarter and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 reflect the reclassification of amounts from continuing operations to discontinued operations from the prior year presentation for additional dealerships sold or terminated subsequent to September 30, 2012.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued an accounting standard update that amended the reporting requirements for amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. An entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes to the financial statements, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. The amendments in this accounting standard update are to be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012. See Note 10, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),” for the impact of this accounting standard update on Sonic’s required disclosures.

Change in Accounting Principle – During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, Sonic voluntarily changed the date of its annual goodwill impairment test and other intangible assets impairment test from the last day of the fiscal year to the first day of the fourth quarter. This voluntary change is preferable under the circumstances as it provides Sonic with additional time to prepare and complete the impairment test, including measurement of any indicated impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, as necessary, prior to filing of the Form 10-K. This voluntary change in accounting principle was not made to delay, accelerate or avoid an impairment charge. This change is not applied retrospectively as it is impracticable to do so because retrospective application would require the application of significant estimates and assumptions with the use of hindsight. Accordingly, the change will be applied prospectively.

Lease Exit Accruals – Lease exit accruals relate to facilities Sonic has ceased using in its operations. The accruals represent the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated or actual sublease proceeds, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord. A summary of the activity of these operating lease exit accruals consists of the following:

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Income Tax Expense – The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 36.3% and 37.8% for the third quarter and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and 38.6% and 34.8% for the third quarter and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively. The effective rate for the third quarter ended September 30, 2013 was lower than the prior year period as a result of the favorable resolution of previously outstanding tax matters. The effective rate for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 was higher than the prior year period primarily due to a $3.6 million tax benefit during the second quarter ended June 30, 2012 related to the settlement of a state tax examination. Sonic expects the effective tax rate for continuing operations in future quarterly periods to fall within a range of 38.0% to 40.0%.

2. Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions – The aggregate purchase price for franchise operations and underlying assets, including real estate, acquired during the third quarter ended September 30, 2013 totaled approximately $88.2 million in cash, net of cash acquired. These cash outflows were funded by cash from operations and borrowings under Sonic’s floor plan facilities. The balance sheet as of September 30, 2013 includes preliminary allocations of the purchase price of these acquisitions to the assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair market values at the date of acquisition and are subject to final adjustment, principally related to the finalization of the dealership valuations. As a result of these allocations, Sonic has recorded the following related to 2013 acquisitions:

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents a summary of consolidated results from continuing operations as if all of the 2013 acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of 2012, after giving effect to certain adjustments, including interest expense on acquisition debt and related income tax effects. The pro forma financial information does not give effect to adjustments relating to net changes in floor plan interest expense resulting from renegotiated floor plan financing agreements or to reductions in salaries and fringe benefits of former owners or officers of acquired dealerships who have not been retained by Sonic or whose salaries have been reduced pursuant to employment agreements with Sonic. The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred had the 2013 acquisitions actually been completed at the beginning of the periods presented. The pro forma results are also not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Dispositions – The operating results of disposed dealerships are included in the income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. As of September 30, 2013, there were no dealerships held for sale.

Revenues and other activities associated with dealerships classified as discontinued operations were as follows:

Lease exit charges recorded during the third quarter and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 relate to interest charges and the revision of estimates on previously established lease exit accruals. The lease exit accruals represent the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated or actual sublease proceeds, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord.

3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

4. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

In the third quarter and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013, capital expenditures were approximately $38.4 million and $127.5 million, respectively, and for the third quarter and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, capital expenditures were approximately $20.7 million and $55.2 million, respectively. Capital expenditures were primarily

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

related to real estate acquisitions, construction of new dealerships, building improvements and equipment purchased for use in Sonic’s dealerships. In conjunction with the purchase of dealerships in the third quarter ended September 30, 2013, Sonic acquired approximately $18.8 million in real estate, property and equipment.

5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

At December 31, 2012, Sonic had approximately $9.9 million of definite life intangibles recorded related to favorable lease agreements. After the effect of amortization of the definite life intangibles, the balance recorded at September 30, 2013 was approximately $8.7 million and was included in other intangible assets, net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additions through current year acquisitions are preliminary allocations subject to change upon the finalization of purchase accounting.

6. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

2011 Credit Facilities

Sonic has a syndicated revolving credit agreement (the “2011 Revolving Credit Facility”) and a syndicated floor plan credit facility (the “2011 Floor Plan Facilities”). The 2011 Revolving Credit Facility and 2011 Floor Plan Facilities (collectively the “2011 Credit Facilities”) are scheduled to mature on August 15, 2016. On March 14, 2013, Sonic finalized an amendment to its 2011 Credit Facilities that, among other things, removed the pledge of 5,000,000 shares of common stock of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (“SMI”) that were previously pledged as collateral to the 2011 Credit Facilities.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Availability under the 2011 Revolving Credit Facility is calculated as the lesser of $175.0 million or a borrowing base calculated based on certain eligible assets, less the aggregate face amount of any outstanding letters of credit under the 2011 Revolving Credit Facility (the “2011 Revolving Borrowing Base”). The 2011 Revolving Credit Facility may be increased at Sonic’s option to $225.0 million upon satisfaction of certain conditions.

Based on balances as of September 30, 2013, the 2011 Revolving Borrowing Base was approximately $141.7 million and Sonic had approximately $32.3 million in outstanding letters of credit resulting in total borrowing availability of approximately $109.4 million under the 2011 Revolving Credit Facility.

The 2011 Floor Plan Facilities are comprised of a new vehicle revolving floor plan facility (the “2011 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”) and a used vehicle revolving floor plan facility (the “2011 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”). On July 31, 2013, Sonic finalized an amendment to its 2011 Floor Plan Facilities that, among other things, increased the borrowing availability under the 2011 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility from $500.0 million to $525.0 million. This increase was effective prospectively and did not impact the $80.0 million borrowing limit under the 2011 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility.

Covenants

Sonic was in compliance with the covenants under the 2011 Credit Facilities as of September 30, 2013. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2011 Credit Facilities) of:

The 2011 Credit Facilities contain events of default, including cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, change of control events and events of default customary for syndicated commercial credit facilities. Upon the future occurrence of an event of default, Sonic could be required to immediately repay all outstanding amounts under the 2011 Credit Facilities.

In addition, many of Sonic’s facility leases are governed by a guarantee agreement between the landlord and Sonic that contains financial and operating covenants. The financial covenants are identical to those under the 2011 Credit Facilities with the exception of one financial covenant related to the ratio of EBTDAR to Rent (as defined in the lease agreements) with a required ratio of no less than 1.50 to 1.00. As of September 30, 2013, the ratio was 3.43 to 1.00.

5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes

On May 9, 2013, Sonic issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes which mature on May 15, 2023. The 5.0% Notes were issued at 100.0% of the principal amount thereof. Sonic used a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of the 5.0% Notes to repurchase all of its outstanding 9.0% Notes. Remaining proceeds from the issuance of the 5.0% Notes will be used for general corporate purposes. The 5.0% Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of Sonic that mature on May 15, 2023 and are guaranteed by Sonic’s domestic operating subsidiaries. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year. Sonic may redeem the 5.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after May 15, 2018 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In addition, on or before May 15, 2016, Sonic may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 5.0% Notes at 105% of the par value of the 5.0% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest with proceeds from certain equity offerings. On or before May 15, 2018, Sonic may redeem all or a part of the aggregate principal amount of the 5.0% Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.0% Notes redeemed plus an applicable premium (as defined in the Indenture) and any accrued and unpaid interest as of the redemption date. The indenture also provides that holders of the 5.0% Notes may require Sonic to repurchase the 5.0% Notes at 101% of the par value of the 5.0% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if Sonic undergoes a change of control, as defined in the indenture.

The indenture governing the 5.0% Notes contains certain specified restrictive covenants. Sonic has agreed not to pledge any assets to any third party lender of senior subordinated debt except under certain limited circumstances. Sonic also has agreed to certain other limitations or prohibitions concerning the incurrence of other indebtedness, guarantees, liens, certain types of investments, certain transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, issuance of preferred stock, cash dividends to stockholders, distributions, redemptions and the sale, assignment, lease, conveyance or disposal of certain assets. Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic’s 5.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of September 30, 2013.

Sonic’s obligations under the 5.0% Notes may be accelerated by the holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the 5.0% Notes then outstanding if certain events of default occur, including: (1) defaults in the payment of principal or interest when due; (2) defaults in the performance, or breach, of Sonic’s covenants under the 5.0% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which Sonic or its subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $50.0 million.

7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes

The 7.0% Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of Sonic that mature on July 15, 2022 and are guaranteed by Sonic’s domestic operating subsidiaries. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. Sonic may redeem the 7.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after July 15, 2017 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

In addition, on or before July 15, 2015, Sonic may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.0% Notes at 107% of the par value of the 7.0% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest with proceeds from certain equity offerings. On or before July 15, 2017, Sonic may redeem all or a part of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.0% Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 7.0% Notes redeemed plus an applicable premium (as defined in the Indenture) and any accrued and unpaid interest as of the redemption date. The indenture also provides that holders of the 7.0% Notes may require Sonic to repurchase the 7.0% Notes at 101% of the par value of the 7.0% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if Sonic undergoes a change of control, as defined in the indenture.

The indenture governing the 7.0% Notes contains certain specified restrictive covenants. Sonic has agreed not to pledge any assets to any third party lender of senior subordinated debt except under certain limited circumstances. Sonic also has agreed to certain other limitations or prohibitions concerning the incurrence of other indebtedness, guarantees, liens, certain types of investments, certain transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, issuance of preferred stock, cash

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

dividends to stockholders, distributions, redemptions and the sale, assignment, lease, conveyance or disposal of certain assets. Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic’s 7.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 7.0% Notes. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of September 30, 2013.

Sonic’s obligations under the 7.0% Notes may be accelerated by the holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the 7.0% Notes then outstanding if certain events of default occur, including: (1) defaults in the payment of principal or interest when due; (2) defaults in the performance, or breach, of Sonic’s covenants under the 7.0% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which Sonic or its subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $35.0 million.

9.0% Senior Subordinated Notes

During the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, Sonic repurchased all of its outstanding 9.0% Notes using net proceeds from the issuance of the 5.0% Notes. Sonic paid approximately $237.2 million in cash, including accrued and unpaid interest, to extinguish the 9.0% Notes and recognized a loss of approximately $28.2 million on the repurchase of the 9.0% Notes, recorded in other income (expense), net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition to the loss on debt extinguishment, Sonic incurred a charge of approximately $0.8 million recorded in interest expense, other, net, related to the incremental interest incurred while both the 9.0% Notes and the 5.0% Notes were outstanding.

Mortgage Notes

Sonic has mortgage financing totaling approximately $240.3 million in aggregate, related to 25 of its dealership properties. These mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest through maturity and are secured by the underlying properties. Maturity dates range between August 2014 and September 2033. The weighted average interest rate was 4.09% at September 30, 2013.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Sonic has interest rate cash flow swap agreements (the “Cash Flow Swaps”) to effectively convert a portion of its LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. The fair value of these swap positions at September 30, 2013 was a net liability of approximately $20.3 million, with $11.6 million included in other accrued liabilities and $11.7 million included in other long-term liabilities, offset partially by an asset of approximately $3.0 million included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these swap positions at December 31, 2012 was a liability of approximately $34.3 million, with $12.1 million included in other accrued liabilities and $22.2 million included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Under the terms of these Cash Flow Swaps, Sonic will receive and pay interest based on the following:

During the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, Sonic entered into three forward-starting interest rate cash flow swap agreements with notional amounts of $200.0 million, $50.0 million and $250.0 million. These swap agreements become effective in July 2015, July 2016 and July 2017, respectively, and terminate in July 2016, July 2017 and June 2018, respectively. These interest rate swaps have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges and, as a result, changes in the fair value of these swaps are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

For the Cash Flow Swaps that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of these swaps have been recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and are disclosed in the supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The incremental interest expense (the difference between interest paid and interest received) related to these Cash Flow Swaps was approximately $3.0 million and $8.8 million in the third quarter and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $3.4 million and $10.3 million in the third quarter and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and is included in interest expense, other, net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The estimated expense (net of tax) expected to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into results of operations during the next twelve months is approximately $7.2 million. See Note 10, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),” for further discussion of the impact of the Cash Flow Swaps on accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

7. Per Share Data and Stockholders’ Equity

The calculation of diluted earnings per share considers the potential dilutive effect of options and shares under Sonic’s stock compensation plans and the 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (the “5.0% Convertible Notes”), which were extinguished in August 2012. Sonic’s non-vested restricted stock and certain of its non-vested restricted stock units contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends, and thus, are considered participating securities and are included in the two-class method of computing earnings per share.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table illustrates the dilutive effect of such items on earnings per share for the third quarter and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS