sah-20221231

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

___________________________________________________________________

FORM 10-K

___________________________________________________________________

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 1-13395

___________________________________________________________________

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

___________________________________________________________________


Delaware						56-2010790
(State or other jurisdiction of						(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)						Identification No.)

4401 Colwick Road
Charlotte, North Carolina						28211
(Address of principal executive offices)						(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (704) 566-2400

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

SAH

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

___________________________________________________________________

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

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 ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No

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

Large accelerated filer

☒

Accelerated filer

☐

Non-accelerated filer

☐

Smaller reporting company

☐

Emerging growth company

☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

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

The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $0.9 billion based upon the closing sales price of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock on June 30, 2022 of $36.63 per share. The registrant has no non-voting common equity.

As of February 9, 2023, there were 24,013,107 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 12,029,375 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the registrant’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the extent described herein.

UNCERTAINTY OF FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains, and written or oral statements made from time to time by us or by our authorized officers may contain, “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.

These forward-looking statements are based on our current estimates and assumptions and involve various risks and uncertainties. As a result, you are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from our projections include those risks described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and elsewhere herein, as well as:

•the number of new and used vehicles sold in the United States as compared to our expectations and the expectations of the market;

•our ability to generate sufficient cash flows or to obtain additional financing to fund our EchoPark expansion, capital expenditures, our share repurchase program, dividends on our common stock, acquisitions and general operating activities;

•our business and growth strategies, including, but not limited to, our EchoPark store operations;

•the reputation and financial condition of vehicle manufacturers whose brands we represent, the financial incentives vehicle manufacturers offer and their ability to design, manufacture, deliver and market their vehicles successfully;

•our relationships with vehicle manufacturers, which may affect our ability to obtain desirable new vehicle models in inventory or to complete additional acquisitions or dispositions;

•the adverse resolution of one or more significant legal proceedings against us or our subsidiaries;

•changes in laws and regulations governing the operation of automobile franchises, accounting standards, taxation requirements and environmental laws, including any change in laws or regulations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;

•changes in vehicle and parts import quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions, including supply shortages that could be caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, global political and economic factors, or other supply chain disruptions;

•the inability of vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers to obtain, produce and deliver vehicles or parts and accessories to meet demand at our franchised dealerships for sale and use in our parts, service and collision repair operations;

•general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, including fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, vehicle valuations, employment levels, the level of consumer spending and consumer credit availability;

•high levels of competition in the retail automotive industry, which not only create pricing pressures on the products and services we offer, but also on businesses we may seek to acquire;

•our ability to successfully integrate recent or future acquisitions;

•the significant control that our principal stockholders exercise over us and our business matters;

•the rate and timing of overall economic expansion or contraction; and

•the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, any variants of the virus and any other similar pandemic or public health situation

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or when made, and we undertake no obligation to revise or update these statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		Page
PART I
Item 1.	Business	1
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	10
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	25
Item 2.	Properties	26
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	26
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	26

PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	27
Item 6.	[Reserved]	28
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	29
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	72
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	74
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	74
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	74
Item 9B.	Other Information	74
Item 9C.	Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections	74

PART III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	75
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	75
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	75
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	75
Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	75

PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	76
Item 16.	Form 10-K Summary	80

SIGNATURES		81
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		F-4

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

PART I

Item 1. Business.

Sonic Automotive, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in 1997. References to “Sonic,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” used throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K refer to Sonic Automotive, Inc. and its subsidiaries. We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States (the “U.S.”) (as measured by reported total revenue). As a result of the way we manage our business, we had three reportable segments as of December 31, 2022: (1) the Franchised Dealerships Segment; (2) the EchoPark Segment; and (3) the Powersports Segment. For management and operational reporting purposes, we group certain businesses together that share management and inventory (principally used vehicles) into “stores.” As of December 31, 2022, we operated 111 stores in the Franchised Dealerships Segment, 52 stores in the EchoPark Segment, and eight stores in the Powersports Segment. The Franchised Dealerships Segment consists of 142 new vehicle franchises (representing 28 different brands of cars and light trucks) and 17 collision repair centers in 18 states.

Reportable Segments

The Franchised Dealerships Segment provides comprehensive sales and services, including: (1) sales of both new and used cars and light trucks; (2) sales of replacement parts and performance of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repairs, and paint and collision repair services (collectively, “Fixed Operations”); and (3) arrangement of third-party financing, extended warranties, service contracts, insurance and other aftermarket products (collectively, “finance and insurance” or “F&I”) for our guests. The EchoPark Segment sells used cars and light trucks and arranges third-party F&I product sales for our guests in pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations, and does not offer customer-facing Fixed Operations services. The Powersports Segment offers guests: (1) sales of both new and used powersports vehicles (such as motorcycles, personal watercraft and all-terrain vehicles); (2) Fixed Operations activities; and (3) F&I services. All three segments generally operate independently of one another, with the exception of certain shared back-office functions and corporate overhead costs.

The majority of our revenue is related to our Franchised Dealerships Segment. In 2022, EchoPark Segment revenue represented approximately 17.6% of total revenue (compared to 18.9% in 2021). In 2022, Powersports Segment revenue represented approximately 0.4% of total revenue (compared to 0.0% in 2021) as a result of two business acquisitions during the year. See Note 14, “Segment Information,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional financial information regarding our three reportable segments.

Acquisition of RFJ Auto

On December 6, 2021, Sonic completed the acquisition of RFJ Auto Partners, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “RFJ Auto”). In connection with the acquisition of RFJ Auto (the “RFJ Acquisition”), Sonic acquired, 33 automotive retail locations in seven states and a portfolio of 16 automotive brands. Beginning on December 6, 2021, the results of our Franchised Dealerships Segment include 22 stores acquired in the RFJ Acquisition and our EchoPark Segment include 11 Northwest Motorsport pre-owned vehicle stores acquired in the RFJ Acquisition.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic began negatively impacting the global economy in the first quarter of 2020 and continued to affect the global economy and supply chain throughout 2022. The pandemic has affected both consumer demand and the global supply of automobiles and automobile parts, increasing demand for vehicles at times, while also negatively impacting automobile manufacturers' ability to produce enough inventory to meet demand.

The global automotive supply chain has been significantly disrupted since the onset of the pandemic, primarily related to the production of semiconductors that are used in many components of new vehicles, in addition to workforce-related production delays and stoppages. As a result, automobile manufacturing has operated at lower than usual production levels since the first quarter of 2020, reducing the amount of new vehicle inventory and certain parts inventory available to our dealerships. These inventory constraints, coupled with strong consumer demand, have led to low new and used vehicle inventory and a high new and used vehicle pricing environment, which has driven retail new vehicle unit sales volumes lower across the industry since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. New vehicle and certain parts production levels began to improve in late 2022; however, there is a risk that higher production levels and new vehicle inventory on hand may not result in incremental retail new vehicle sales volume, which could result in vehicle price discounts that could adversely impact our revenues and other financial results.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Our Business

The following charts depict the multiple sources of continuing operations revenue and gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2022:

As of December 31, 2022, we operated in the following states:


Market	Number of Stores in Franchised Dealerships Segment	Number of Stores in EchoPark Segment	Number of Stores in Powersports Segment	Percent of 2022 Total Revenue
Texas	29	7	8	26.3	%
California	18	2	—	21.9	%
Colorado	7	3	—	8.0	%
Idaho	3	1	—	6.8	%
Tennessee	9	4	—	6.8	%
Florida	9	2	—	5.7	%
Alabama	4	3	—	4.9	%
North Carolina	9	2	—	3.8	%
Georgia	1	—	—	3.8	%
Maryland	4	4	—	2.1	%
Virginia	4	2	—	1.7	%
South Carolina	2	2	—	1.5	%
Nevada	2	1	—	1.5	%
Indiana	3	—	—	1.3	%
Missouri	3	1	—	0.9	%
New Mexico	2	—	—	0.9	%
New York	1	2	—	0.7	%
Arizona	—	1	—	0.4	%
Louisiana	—	2	—	0.2	%
Washington	1	9	—	0.2	%
Kentucky	—	1	—	0.1	%
Utah	—	1	—	—	%
Montana	—	1	—	—	%
Oklahoma	—	1	—	—	%
Disposed stores and holding companies	—	—	—	0.5	%
Total	111	52	8	100.0	%

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

In the future, we may acquire dealerships or open new stores that we believe will strengthen our brand portfolio and divest dealerships or close stores that we believe will not yield acceptable returns over the long term. The retail automotive industry remains highly fragmented, and we believe that further consolidation may occur. We believe that attractive acquisition opportunities continue to exist for dealership groups with the capital and experience to identify, acquire and integrate new dealership acquisitions. Our ability to complete acquisitions and open new stores in the future will depend on many factors, including the availability of financing and the existence of any contractual provisions that may restrict our acquisition activity.

See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources” for a discussion of our plans for the use of capital generated from operations.

Business Strategy

Maintain Diverse Revenue Streams. We have multiple diverse revenue streams among our three operating segments. In addition to new automobile sales, our revenue sources include used automobile sales (including through our EchoPark Segment), which we believe are generally less sensitive to economic cycles and other factors that may affect new automobile sales. Our Powersports Segment further diversifies our vehicle sales offerings to include motorcycles, personal watercraft and all-terrain vehicles. Our Fixed Operations sales carry a higher gross margin than new and used vehicle sales and generally are not as sensitive to economic conditions as new or used vehicle sales. We also offer guests assistance in obtaining third-party financing and a range of automobile-related warranty, insurance and other aftermarket products.

Execute Our EchoPark Expansion Plan. We have developed a diversified business model by augmenting our manufacturer-franchised dealership operations with our EchoPark pre-owned vehicle specialty retail business. Our EchoPark business generally operates independently from our franchised dealerships business (except for certain shared back-office functions and corporate overhead costs) and offers consumers a modern omnichannel guest experience and a wide selection of quality pre-owned vehicle inventory at low prices. Sales operations for EchoPark began in the fourth quarter of 2014, and, as of December 31, 2022, we operated 52 stores in the EchoPark Segment in 21 states. Under our current EchoPark growth strategy, we plan to continue to enhance our nationwide EchoPark distribution network, which is expected to reach 90% of the U.S. population by 2025.

Expand Our Omnichannel Capabilities. Automotive consumers have become increasingly more comfortable using technology to research their vehicle buying alternatives, communicate with store personnel, and complete a portion or all of a vehicle purchase online. The internet presents a marketing, advertising and sales channel that we will continue to utilize to drive value for our stores and enhance the guest experience. Our existing platforms give us the ability to leverage new technology to integrate systems, customize our dealership websites and use our data to improve the effectiveness of our advertising and interaction with our guests. These platforms also allow us to market all of our products and services to a national audience and, at the same time, support the local market penetration of our individual stores.

Focus on the Guest Experience. We focus on providing a high-quality guest experience and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. Our personalized sales process is designed to appeal to our guests by providing high-quality vehicles and service through a positive, “guest-centric” experience. Several manufacturers offer specific financial incentives on a per vehicle basis if certain Customer Satisfaction Index (“CSI”) levels (which vary by manufacturer) are achieved by a dealership. In addition, all manufacturers consider CSI scores in approving acquisitions or awarding new dealership open points. To keep dealership and executive management focused on customer satisfaction, we include CSI results as a component of our incentive-based compensation programs for certain groups of associates and executive management.

Train, Develop and Retain Our Teammates. We believe our teammates are the cornerstone of our business and crucial to our financial success. Our goal is to develop our teammates and foster an environment where our teammates can contribute and grow with the Company. Teammate satisfaction is very important to us, and we believe a high level of teammate satisfaction reduces turnover and enhances our guests’ experience at our stores by pairing our guests with well-trained support personnel. We believe that our comprehensive training of our teammates provides us with an advantage over other competitors in retaining talent and providing a high-quality guest experience.

Optimize Our Capital Structure. As we generate cash through operations, we may opportunistically repurchase our Class A Common Stock or our outstanding debt in open-market or structured transactions to maintain our targeted capital structure.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Maximize Asset Returns Through Process Execution. We have developed standardized operating processes that are documented in operating playbooks for our stores. Through the continued implementation of our operating playbooks, we believe organic growth opportunities exist by offering a more favorable buying experience to our guests and creating efficiencies in our business processes. We believe the development, refinement and implementation of these operating processes will enhance the guest experience, make us more competitive in the markets we serve and drive profit growth across each of our revenue streams.

Optimize Our Brand Portfolio. Our long-term growth and acquisition strategy is primarily focused on acquiring desirable businesses in markets that meet certain strategic criteria for population growth and vehicle registration rates, among other considerations. A majority of our franchised dealerships are either luxury or mid-line import brands. For 2022, approximately 82.7% of our total new vehicle revenue was generated by luxury and mid-line import dealerships, which typically have higher operating margins, more stable Fixed Operations departments, lower associate turnover and lower inventory levels than other brand categories. We actively evaluate acquisition opportunities and other strategic transactions that we believe will strengthen or diversify our brand portfolio.

The following table depicts the breakdown of our Franchised Dealerships Segment new vehicle revenues by brand:


	Percentage of New Vehicle Revenues
	Year Ended December 31,
Brand	2022		2021		2020
Luxury:
BMW	25.7	%	26.3	%	24.4	%
Mercedes	12.5	%	12.4	%	12.9	%
Audi	5.8	%	6.4	%	6.5	%
Lexus	4.5	%	5.0	%	4.9	%
Porsche	3.9	%	3.8	%	3.6	%
Land Rover	3.1	%	3.8	%	4.9	%
Cadillac	2.3	%	2.3	%	2.3	%
MINI	1.0	%	1.1	%	1.1	%
Other luxury (1)	1.7	%	2.5	%	2.6	%
Total Luxury	60.5	%	63.6	%	63.2	%
Mid-line Import:
Toyota	8.8	%	8.2	%	9.0	%
Honda	8.5	%	13.0	%	13.5	%
Volkswagen	1.9	%	1.6	%	1.0	%
Hyundai	1.5	%	0.9	%	1.0	%
Other mid-line imports (2)	1.5	%	0.8	%	0.5	%
Total Mid-line Import	22.2	%	24.5	%	25.0	%
Domestic:
General Motors (3)	7.3	%	4.6	%	5.8	%
Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM	5.5	%	1.1	%	—	%
Ford	4.5	%	6.2	%	6.0	%
Total Domestic	17.3	%	11.9	%	11.8	%
Total	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%

(1)Includes Acura, Alfa Romeo, Infiniti, Jaguar, Maserati and Volvo.

(2)Includes Mazda, Nissan and Subaru.

(3)Includes Buick, Chevrolet and GMC.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Increase Sales of Higher-Margin Products and Services. We continue to pursue opportunities to increase our sales of higher-margin products and services by expanding the following:

Finance, Insurance and Other Aftermarket Products. Each sale of a new or used vehicle gives us an opportunity to provide our guests with third-party financing and insurance options and earn financing fees and insurance and other aftermarket product commissions. We also offer our guests the opportunity to purchase extended warranties, service contracts and other aftermarket products from third-party providers whereby we earn a commission for arranging the contract sale. We currently offer a wide range of non-recourse financing, leasing, other aftermarket products, extended warranties, service contracts and insurance products to our guests. We emphasize menu-selling techniques and other best practices to increase our sales of F&I products at all of our stores.

Parts, Service and Collision Repair. Each of our franchised dealerships offers a fully integrated service and parts department. Manufacturers permit warranty repair work to be performed only at franchised dealerships such as ours. As a result, our franchised dealerships are uniquely qualified and positioned to perform work covered by manufacturer warranties on increasingly complex vehicles. We believe we can continue to grow our profitable parts and service business over the long term by increasing service capacity, investing in sophisticated equipment and well-trained technicians, using competitive variable-rate pricing structures, focusing on the guest experience, and efficiently managing our parts inventory. In addition, we believe our emphasis on selling extended service contracts and maintenance contracts associated with retail new and used vehicle sales will drive further service and parts business in our franchised dealerships as we increase the potential to retain current service and parts guests beyond the term of the standard manufacturer warranty period.

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles. Various manufacturers provide franchised dealers the opportunity to sell certified pre-owned (“CPO”) vehicles. This certification process extends the standard manufacturer warranty on the CPO vehicle, which we believe increases our potential to retain the pre-owned purchaser as a future parts and service customer. As CPO vehicles can only be sold by franchised dealerships and CPO warranty repair work can only be performed at franchised dealerships, we believe CPO vehicles add additional sales volume and will increase our Fixed Operations business over the long term.

Relationships with Manufacturers

Each of our Franchised Dealerships Segment and Powersports Segment locations operates under a separate franchise or dealer agreement that governs the relationship between the dealership and the manufacturer. Each franchise or dealer agreement specifies the location of the dealership for the sale of vehicles and for the performance of certain approved services in a specified market area. The designation of such areas generally does not guarantee exclusivity within a specified territory. In addition, most manufacturers allocate vehicles on a “turn and earn” basis that rewards high unit sales volume. A franchise or dealer agreement incentivizes the dealer to meet specified standards regarding showrooms, facilities and equipment for servicing vehicles, inventories, minimum net working capital, personnel training and other aspects of the business. Each franchise or dealer agreement also gives the related manufacturer the right to approve the dealer operator and any material change in management or ownership of the dealership. Each manufacturer may terminate a franchise or dealer agreement under certain circumstances, such as a change in control of the dealership without manufacturer approval, significant damage to the reputation or financial condition of the dealership, the death, removal or withdrawal of the dealer operator, the conviction of the dealership or the dealership’s owner or dealer operator of certain crimes, the failure to adequately operate the dealership or maintain new vehicle inventory or financing arrangements, insolvency or bankruptcy of the dealership or a material breach of other provisions of the applicable franchise or dealer agreement.

Many automobile manufacturers have developed and implemented policies regarding public ownership of dealerships, which include the ability to force the sale of their respective franchises and deny transfer approval requests:

•upon a change in control of the Company or a material change in the composition of our Board of Directors;

•if an automobile manufacturer or distributor acquires more than 5% of the voting power of our securities; or

•if an individual or entity (other than an automobile manufacturer or distributor) acquires more than 20% of the voting power of our securities, and the manufacturer disapproves of such individual’s or entity’s ownership interest.

To the extent that new or amended manufacturer policies restrict the number of dealerships that may be owned by a dealership group or the transferability of our common stock, such policies could have a material adverse effect on us. We believe that we will continue to be able to renew at expiration all of our existing franchise and dealer agreements.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Many states have placed limitations upon manufacturers’ and distributors’ ability to sell new motor vehicles directly to customers in their respective states in an effort to protect dealers from practices they believe constitute unfair competition. In general, these statutes make it unlawful for a manufacturer or distributor to compete with a new motor vehicle dealer in the same brand operating under an agreement or franchise from the manufacturer or distributor in the relevant market area. Certain states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, limit the amount of time that a manufacturer or distributor may temporarily operate a dealership. These statutes have been increasingly challenged by new entrants into the retail automotive industry and, to the extent that these statutes are repealed or weakened, such changes could have a material adverse effect on our business.

In addition, each of the states in which our dealerships currently do business requires manufacturers or distributors to show “good cause” for terminating or failing to renew a dealer’s franchise or dealer agreement. Further, each of these states provides some method for dealers to challenge manufacturer attempts to establish dealerships of the same brand in their relevant market area.

While in any individual period conditions may vary, historically we have acquired a significant percentage of our retail used vehicle inventory directly from consumers through our appraisal process, in addition to third-party vehicle auctions. We also acquire used vehicle inventory from wholesalers, franchised and independent dealers and fleet owners, such as leasing companies and rental car companies. The supply of late-model used vehicles is influenced by a variety of factors, including the total number of vehicles in operation; the volume of new vehicle sales, which in turn generate used car trade-ins; and the number of used vehicles sold or remarketed through retail channels, wholesale transactions and automotive auctions. During 2022, low levels of new and used vehicle inventory resulted in higher demand for used vehicle inventory by dealers, wholesalers and consumers, which drove significant increases in the cost to acquire used vehicle inventory and generally lower levels of salable used vehicle inventory. According to industry sources, there were approximately 283.0 million light vehicles in operation in the U.S. as of December 31, 2022. During calendar year 2022, approximately 13.7 million new cars and 36.0 million used cars were sold at retail, many of which were accompanied by trade-ins that could then be resold as used vehicles. Notwithstanding the challenges to new and used vehicle supply experienced in 2022, we continue to believe that sources of used vehicles will continue to be sufficient to meet our current and future needs based on the large number of vehicles remarketed each year, consumer acceptance of our appraisal process, our experience and success in acquiring vehicles from auctions and other sources, and the large size of the U.S. auction market relative to our needs.

Competition

The retail automotive industry is highly competitive. Depending on the geographic market, we compete both with dealers offering the same brands and product lines as ours and dealers offering other manufacturers’ vehicles. We also compete for vehicle sales with auto brokers, leasing companies and services offered on the internet that provide referrals to other dealerships, broker vehicle sales between customers and other dealerships or sell vehicles directly to customers via online purchase transactions and delivery. We compete with small, local dealerships and with large multi-franchise and pre-owned automotive dealership groups.

We believe that the principal competitive factors in vehicle sales are the location of stores, the ability of stores to offer an attractive selection of the most popular vehicles at competitive market pricing (including the effect of applicable manufacturer rebates, below-market financing from manufacturers or their captive finance subsidiaries, and other special offers), the successful interplay between the digital and physical aspects of car buying, the marketing campaigns conducted by manufacturers and the quality of services and guest experience at our stores. In particular, pricing has become more important as a result of well-informed customers using a variety of sources available on the internet to determine current retail market prices. Other competitive factors include customer preference for makes of automobiles, vehicle brand reputation, and coverage under manufacturer warranties.

In addition to competition for vehicle sales, we also compete with other auto dealers, service and repair centers, auto parts retailers and independent mechanics in providing vehicle parts and service work. We believe that the principal competitive factors in parts and service sales are price, the use of factory-approved replacement parts, factory-trained technicians, the familiarity with a manufacturer’s makes and models and the quality of the guest experience. A number of regional and national chains offer selected parts and services at prices that may be lower than our prices.

In arranging third-party financing for our guests’ vehicle purchases, we compete with a broad range of financial institutions outside of our preferred lender network. In addition, certain financial institutions are now offering financing and other F&I products directly to consumers through the internet. We believe that the principal competitive factors in arranging third-party financing are convenience, interest rates and contract terms.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Our operating results depend, in part, on national and regional automobile-buying trends, local and regional economic factors and other regional competitive pressures. Conditions and competitive pressures affecting the markets in which we operate, such as price-cutting by dealers in these areas, or in any new markets we enter, could adversely affect our results, even though the retail automotive industry as a whole might not be significantly affected.

Governmental Regulations and Environmental Matters

Numerous federal, state and local regulations govern our business of marketing, selling, financing and servicing automobiles. We are also subject to laws and regulations relating to business corporations.

Under the laws of the states in which we currently operate, as well as the laws of other states into which we may expand, we must obtain a license in order to establish, operate or relocate a franchised dealership, EchoPark store or a powersports store or to operate an automotive service and repair center. These laws also regulate our conduct of business, including our sales, operating, advertising, financing and employment practices, including federal and state wage-hour, anti-discrimination and other employment practices laws.

Our financing activities with customers are subject to federal truth-in-lending, consumer privacy, consumer leasing and equal credit opportunity regulations as well as state and local motor vehicle finance laws, installment finance laws, usury laws and other installment sales laws. Some states regulate finance fees that may be paid as a result of vehicle sales.

Federal, state and local environmental regulations, including regulations governing air and water quality, the clean-up of contaminated property and the use, storage, handling, recycling and disposal of gasoline, oil and other materials, also apply to us and our franchised dealership, EchoPark and powersports properties.

As with automobile dealerships generally, and service, parts and collision repair operations in particular, our business involves the use, storage, handling and contracting for recycling or disposal of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes and other environmentally sensitive materials. Our business also involves the past and current operation and/or removal of above ground and underground storage tanks containing such substances, wastes or materials. Accordingly, we are subject to regulation by federal, state and local authorities that establish health and environmental quality standards, provide for liability related to those standards and provide penalties for violations of those standards. We are also subject to laws, ordinances and regulations governing remediation of contamination at facilities we own or operate or to which we send hazardous or toxic substances or wastes and other environmentally sensitive materials for treatment, recycling or disposal.

We do not have any known material environmental liabilities, and we believe that compliance with governmental regulations, including environmental laws and regulations will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. However, soil and groundwater contamination is known to exist at certain properties owned and used by us. Further, environmental laws and regulations are complex and subject to frequent change. In addition, in connection with our past or future acquisitions, it is possible that we will assume or become subject to new or unforeseen environmental costs or liabilities, some of which may be material.

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Information About Our Executive Officers

The following is a description of the names and ages of the executive officers of the Company, indicating all positions and offices with the Company held by each such person and each person’s principal occupation or employment during the past five years. Each executive officer of the Company is elected by our Board of Directors and holds office from the date of election until thereafter removed by the Board.

Name

Age

Position(s) and Office(s) with Sonic

David Bruton Smith

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Jeff Dyke

President and Director

Heath R. Byrd

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

David Bruton Smith was elected as Chairman of the Board in July 2022 and as Chief Executive Officer of Sonic in September 2018. Previously, Mr. Smith served as Sonic’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Strategic Officer from March 2018 to September 2018, as Sonic’s Vice Chairman from March 2013 to March 2018 and as an Executive Vice President of Sonic from October 2008 to March 2013. He has been a director of Sonic since October 2008 and has served in Sonic’s organization since 1998. Prior to being named an Executive Vice President and a director in October 2008, Mr. Smith had served as Sonic’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Development since March 2007. Mr. Smith served as Sonic’s Vice President of Corporate Strategy from October 2005 to March 2007, and also served prior to that time as Dealer Operator and General Manager of several Sonic dealerships. Mr. Smith is also a director, an officer and a co-owner of Sonic Financial Corporation (“SFC”), the largest stockholder of Sonic, and a director and a co-owner of Speedway Motorsports, LLC (“Speedway Motorsports”). He is the brother of B. Scott Smith and Marcus G. Smith, who are also directors of Sonic.

Jeff Dyke was elected to the office of President of Sonic in September 2018 and is responsible for direct oversight for all of Sonic’s retail automotive operations. In addition, Mr. Dyke has been a director of Sonic since July 2019. Mr. Dyke served as Sonic’s Executive Vice President of Operations from October 2008 to September 2018. From March 2007 to October 2008, Mr. Dyke served as Sonic’s Division Chief Operating Officer - Southeast Division, where he oversaw retail automotive operations for the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Mr. Dyke first joined Sonic in October 2005 as Sonic’s Vice President of Retail Strategy, a position that he held until April 2006, when he was promoted to Division Vice President - Eastern Division, a position he held from April 2006 to March 2007. Prior to joining Sonic, Mr. Dyke worked in the retail automotive industry at AutoNation, Inc. from 1996 to 2005, where he held several positions in divisional, regional and dealership management with that company.

Heath R. Byrd has served as Sonic’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since April 2013. Mr. Byrd was previously a Vice President and Sonic’s Chief Information Officer from December 2007 to March 2013 and has served our organization since 2007. Prior to joining Sonic, Mr. Byrd served in a variety of management positions at HR America, Inc., a workforce management firm that provided customized human resource and workforce development through co-sourcing arrangements, including as a director, as President and Chief Operating Officer and as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer. Prior to HR America, Mr. Byrd served as a Manager in the Management Consulting Division of Ernst & Young LLP.

Human Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2022, we employed approximately 10,300 associates, or teammates, with whom we strive to maintain good relationships, which benefit both our Company and our teammates. Approximately 200 of our associates, primarily service technicians in northern California, are represented by a labor union. Although only a small percentage of our associates is represented by a labor union, we may be affected by labor strikes, work slowdowns and walkouts at automobile manufacturers’ manufacturing facilities.

As we manage our workforce, we focus on associate satisfaction, turnover and training. We benchmark our compensation practices and benefits programs against those of comparable companies and in the geographic areas where our operations are located. We believe that our compensation and employee benefits are competitive and allow us to attract and retain skilled and unskilled labor throughout our organization. Our notable health, welfare, retirement and training benefits include:

•Company-subsidized health insurance;

•401(k) plan with Company matching contributions;

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

•Company-wide $15 per hour minimum wage for all hourly employees;

•paid vacation, sick and bereavement leave;

•paid community service and volunteer leave; and

•tuition assistance programs and Company-paid training opportunities.

We strive to maintain an inclusive environment free from discrimination of any kind, including in our hiring practices and daily operations. Our teammates have multiple avenues available through which inappropriate behavior can be reported, including a confidential hotline. Our policies require all reports of inappropriate behavior to be taken seriously and promptly investigated with appropriate action taken to address and prevent such behavior.

Company Information

Our website can be accessed at www.sonicautomotive.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as well as proxy statements and other information we file with, or furnish to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) are available free of charge on our website as well as the website of the SEC, www.sec.gov. We make these documents available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically transmit them to the SEC. Except as otherwise stated in these documents, the information contained on our website or available by hyperlink from our website is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or other documents we transmit to the SEC.

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RISK FACTORS

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects and the prevailing market price and performance of our Class A Common Stock may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the material risks noted below. Our stockholders and prospective investors should consider these risks, uncertainties and other factors prior to making an investment decision.

Risks Related to Our Growth Strategy

Our investment in new business strategies, services and technologies is inherently risky, and could disrupt our ongoing business or have a material adverse effect on our overall business and results of operations.

We have invested and expect to continue to invest in new business strategies, services and technologies, including our EchoPark and powersports businesses. Such endeavors may involve significant risks and uncertainties, including allocating management resources away from current operations, insufficient revenues to offset expenses associated with these new investments, inadequate return of capital on our investments and unidentified issues not discovered in our due diligence of such strategies and offerings. Because these ventures are inherently risky, no assurance can be given that such strategies and offerings will be successful and will not have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition and operating results.

Our ability to make acquisitions, execute our growth strategy for our EchoPark business and grow organically may be restricted by our ability to obtain capital, the terms of the instruments governing our long-term debt and the need to obtain consent from manufacturers.

We intend to finance future real estate and dealership acquisitions with cash generated from operations, through issuances of our stock or debt securities and through borrowings under credit arrangements. We may not be able to obtain additional financing by issuing stock or debt securities due to the market price of our Class A Common Stock, overall market conditions or certain covenants under the instruments that govern our long-term debt that restrict our ability to issue additional indebtedness, or the need for manufacturer consent to the issuance of equity securities. In recent months, financial markets have experienced increases in interest rates, which may make it more difficult for us to obtain financing on attractive terms. Using cash to complete acquisitions could substantially limit our operating and financial flexibility.

The amount of capital presently available to us is limited to the liquidity available under our existing debt agreements and cash flows generated through operating activities. Pursuant to the 2021 Credit Facilities (as defined below), we are restricted from making dealership acquisitions without lender consent in any fiscal year if the aggregate cost of all such acquisitions is in excess of certain amounts. Our ability to obtain additional sources of financing may be limited by the fact that substantially all of the assets of our dealerships are pledged to secure the indebtedness under the 2021 Credit Facilities and the Silo Floor Plan Facilities (as defined below). These pledges may impede our ability to borrow from other sources. Our pace and scale of growing our EchoPark business may be limited in the event other sources of capital are unavailable.

In addition, we are dependent to a significant extent on our ability to finance our new and certain of our used vehicle inventory under the 2021 Floor Plan Facilities (as defined below) or the Silo Floor Plan Facilities (collectively, “Floor Plan Financing”). Floor Plan Financing arrangements allow us to borrow money to buy a particular new vehicle from the manufacturer or a used vehicle on trade-in or at auction and pay off the loan when we sell that particular vehicle. We must obtain Floor Plan Financing or obtain consents to assume existing floor plan notes payable in connection with our acquisition of dealerships. In the event that we are unable to obtain such financing, our ability to complete dealership acquisitions could be limited.

We are required to obtain the approval of the applicable manufacturer before we can acquire an additional franchise of that manufacturer. Certain manufacturers also limit the number of its dealerships that we may own in total, the number of dealerships we may own in a particular geographic area, or our national market share of that manufacturer’s sales of new vehicles. In addition, under an applicable franchise or dealer agreement or under state law, a manufacturer may have a right of first refusal to acquire a dealership that we seek to acquire. We cannot assure you that manufacturers will approve future acquisitions or do so on a timely basis, which could impair the execution of our acquisition strategy.

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RISK FACTORS

We may not adequately anticipate all of the demands that growth through strategic acquisitions or brand development will impose or be able to determine the actual financial condition of dealerships we acquire until after we complete the acquisition and take control of the dealerships. Failure to effectively integrate acquired businesses with our existing operations could adversely affect our future operating results.

Our future operating results depend on our ability to integrate the operations of acquired businesses with our existing operations. Our growth strategy has focused on the pursuit of strategic acquisitions or brand development that either expand or complement our business. We face risks growing through acquisitions or expansion. These risks include, but are not limited to: incurring significantly higher capital expenditures and operating expenses; failing to assimilate the operations and personnel of acquired dealerships; entering new markets with which we are unfamiliar; incurring potential undiscovered liabilities and operational difficulties at acquired dealerships; disrupting our ongoing business; diverting our management resources; failing to maintain uniform standards, controls and policies; impairing relationships with employees, manufacturers and customers as a result of changes in management; the challenge of retaining or attracting appropriate dealership management personnel; incurring increased expenses for accounting and computer systems, as well as integration difficulties; failing to obtain a manufacturer’s consent to the acquisition of one or more of its franchises or to renew the franchise or dealer agreement on terms acceptable to us; and incorrectly valuing entities to be acquired or assessing markets entered.

The operating and financial condition of acquired businesses cannot be determined accurately until we assume control. Although we conduct what we believe to be a prudent level of due diligence regarding the operating and financial condition of the businesses we purchase, in light of the circumstances of each transaction, an unavoidable level of risk remains regarding the actual operating condition of these businesses. Similarly, many of the dealerships we acquire, including some of our largest acquisitions, do not have financial statements audited or prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”). We may not have an accurate understanding of the historical financial condition and performance of our acquired entities. Until we actually assume control of business assets and their operations, we may not be able to ascertain the actual value or understand the potential liabilities of the acquired entities and their operations.

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RISK FACTORS

Risks Related to the Retail Automotive Industry

Our business is dependent on global supply chains that could be adversely affected by natural and man-made disasters, including the effects of pandemics like the COVID-19 pandemic.

The automotive manufacturing supply chain spans the globe. As such, supply chain disruptions resulting from widespread public health crises, armed conflict, natural disasters, adverse weather and other events may affect the flow of new vehicle or parts inventory to us or our manufacturing partners. Beginning in 2020, the worldwide spread of COVID-19 led to widespread reductions in travel and economic activity, including automobile manufacturing and supply chain disruptions and production delays. These supply chain disruptions and production delays continued in 2022 and significantly impacted the supply of new vehicles, parts and accessories that we sell. In addition, these disruption and delays led to low new and used vehicle inventory levels through much of 2022, which led to increases in the sales prices and costs to acquire new and used vehicles. We expect that low levels of inventory due to supply chain disruptions and production delays will begin to improve as early as the first half of 2023. The extent to which these supply chain disruptions and production delays continue to impact our business depends on the effectiveness of actions taken globally, which are highly uncertain and unpredictable. Any resulting operational or financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, but may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We also cannot reasonably predict the timing or magnitude of impacts to our business due to any economic recession or depression that may develop or related economic challenges, including higher inflation or increases in interest rates.

Our facilities and operations are subject to extensive governmental laws and regulations. If we are found to be in violation of, or subject to liabilities under, any of these laws or regulations or if new laws or regulations are enacted that adversely affect our operations, then our business, operating results, financial condition, cash flows and prospects could suffer.

The retail automotive industry, including our facilities and operations, is subject to a wide range of federal, state and local laws and regulations, such as those relating to motor vehicle sales, retail installment sales, leasing, sales of finance, insurance and vehicle protection products, licensing, consumer protection, consumer privacy, employment practices, escheatment, anti-money laundering, environmental, vehicle emissions and fuel economy, and health and safety. With respect to motor vehicle sales, retail installment sales, leasing, and sales of finance, insurance and vehicle protection products at our dealerships and stores, we are subject to various laws and regulations, the violation of which could subject us to consumer class action or other lawsuits or governmental investigations and adverse publicity, in addition to administrative, civil or criminal sanctions. With respect to employment practices, we are subject to various laws and regulations, including complex federal, state and local wage and hour and anti-discrimination laws. We are also subject to lawsuits and governmental investigations alleging violations of these laws and regulations, including purported class action lawsuits, which could result in significant liability, fines and penalties. The violation of other laws and regulations to which we are subject also can result in administrative, civil or criminal sanctions against us, which may include a cease and desist order against the subject operations or even revocation or suspension of our license to operate the subject business, as well as significant liability, fines and penalties. We devote significant resources to comply with applicable federal, state and local regulation of health, safety, environmental, zoning and land use regulations, and we may need to spend additional time, effort and money to keep our operations and existing or acquired facilities in compliance. In addition, we may be subject to broad liabilities arising out of contamination at our currently and formerly owned or operated facilities, at locations to which hazardous substances were transported from such facilities, and at such locations related to entities formerly affiliated with us. Although for some such liabilities we believe we are entitled to indemnification from other entities, we cannot assure that such entities will view their obligations as we do or will be able to satisfy them. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, cash flows and prospects.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which was signed into law on July 21, 2010, established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”), a new independent federal agency funded by the U.S. Federal Reserve with broad regulatory powers and limited oversight from the U.S. Congress. Although automotive dealers are generally excluded, the Dodd-Frank Act has led to additional, indirect regulation of automotive dealers, in particular, their sale and marketing of finance and insurance products, through its regulation of automotive finance companies and other financial institutions. The CFPB has recommended that financial institutions under its jurisdiction take steps to ensure compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which may include imposing controls on discretionary markup of wholesale rates offered by financial institutions (“dealer markup”), monitoring and addressing the effects of dealer markup policies and eliminating dealer discretion to markup buy rates and fairly compensating dealers using a different mechanism that does not result in disparate impact to certain groups of consumers.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

RISK FACTORS

Increasing competition among automotive retailers and the use of the internet reduces our profit margins on vehicle sales and related businesses.

Automotive retailing is a highly competitive business. Our competitors include publicly and privately owned dealerships, some of which are larger and have greater financial and marketing resources than we do. Many of our competitors sell the same or similar makes and models of new and used vehicles that we offer in our markets at competitive prices. We do not have any cost advantage in purchasing new vehicles from manufacturers due to economies of scale or otherwise. We typically rely on advertising, merchandising, sales expertise, customer service reputation and dealership location to sell new vehicles. In addition, our F&I business and other related businesses, which have higher margins than sales of new and used vehicles, are subject to competition from various financial institutions and other third parties. Our revenues and profitability could be materially adversely affected if certain state dealer franchise laws are relaxed to permit manufacturers to enter the retail market directly.

Moreover, consumers are using the internet to compare pricing for vehicles and related F&I services, which may further reduce margins for new and used vehicles and profits for related F&I services. If internet-based new vehicle sales are allowed to be conducted without the involvement of franchised dealers, our business could be materially adversely affected. In addition, other dealership groups have aligned themselves with services offered on the internet or are investing heavily in the development of their own internet sales capabilities, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Challenges to the business model of our franchised dealerships from manufacturers and the effect of companies entering into the automotive space may affect our ability to grow or maintain the business over the long term.

Large and well-capitalized technology-focused companies have continued to enter into the automotive space in recent years. Companies including, but not limited to, Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., Apple Inc., Lucid Group, Inc., Lyft, Inc., Rivian Automotive, Inc., Tesla, Inc. and Uber Technologies, Inc. may challenge the existing automotive manufacturing, retail sales, maintenance and repair, and transportation models. For example, Tesla, Inc. has been challenging state dealer franchise laws in many states with mixed results, but it has achieved success with new vehicle sales business model and its vehicles have been accepted by many consumers, even in states where dealer franchise laws appear to preclude such vehicle sales. In addition, other manufacturers whose new vehicles we sell have recently announced their intentions to implement an “agency” model of direct manufacturer to consumer sales in certain European markets. Although the long-term impact of the participation of vehicle manufacturers in direct sales is undetermined, these other large companies may continue to change consumers’ view on how automobiles should be manufactured, equipped, retailed, maintained and utilized in the future. Because these companies have the ability to connect with each individual consumer easily through their existing or future technology platforms, we may ultimately be at a competitive disadvantage in marketing, selling, financing and servicing vehicles. In addition, certain automobile manufacturers have expressed interest in or begun selling directly to customers. The franchised dealer’s participation in that potential future transaction type is unclear and our operations and financial results may be negatively impacted if the role of franchised dealers diminishes.

Our dealers depend upon new vehicle sales and, therefore, their success depends in large part upon consumer demand for and manufacturer supply of particular vehicles.

The success of our dealerships depends in large part on the overall success of the vehicle lines they carry. New vehicle sales generate the majority of our total revenue and lead to sales of higher-margin products and services such as finance, insurance, vehicle protection products and other aftermarket products, and parts and service operations. Our new vehicle sales operations are comprised primarily of luxury and mid-line import brands, which exposes us to manufacturer concentration risks. Although our parts and service operations and used vehicle and powersports businesses may serve to offset some of this risk, changes in automobile manufacturers’ vehicle models and consumer demand for particular vehicles may have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our business is highly dependent on consumer demand and preferences. Events such as manufacturer recalls and negative publicity or legal proceedings related to these events may have a negative impact on the products we sell. If such events are significant, the profitability of our dealerships related to those manufacturers could be adversely affected and we could experience a material adverse effect on our overall results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

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RISK FACTORS

Further, manufacturers typically allocate their vehicles among dealerships based on the sales history of each dealership. Supplies of popular new vehicles may be limited by the applicable manufacturer’s production capabilities. Popular new vehicles that are in limited supply typically produce the highest profit margins. We depend on manufacturers to provide us with a desirable mix of popular new vehicles. In addition, supply chain disruptions and production delays for new vehicles experienced since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have directly impacted new vehicle inventories and sales volume. Further disruptions and delays could impact new vehicle inventory levels and shift or delay demand for particular vehicles. Our operating results may be materially adversely affected if we do not obtain a sufficient supply of these vehicles on a timely basis.

Our business is dependent upon access to quality sources of used vehicle inventory. Our business sales and results of operations could be materially adversely affected by obstacles that prevent the efficient acquisition and liquidation of used vehicle inventory.

A reduction in the availability of, or access to, sources of desirable, high-quality used vehicle inventory could have a material adverse effect on our business, sales and results of operations at all of our locations. In 2022, we experienced record low used vehicle inventory levels, which led to an increase in the cost to acquire high-quality used vehicle inventory. To the extent that used vehicle inventory levels remain low and the costs to acquire high-quality inventory remain high, we may experience decreased sales volume and margins on sales of our used vehicle inventory, which may have a material negative impact on our business, results of operations and profitability, particularly in the EchoPark Segment.

We obtain a significant percentage of our used vehicle inventory through our proprietary appraisal system as this sourcing outlet is generally more profitable and more convenient for our guests and potential guests. A significant portion of our used vehicle inventory is sourced through trade-ins for purchases of new vehicles, which remain limited in supply. Accordingly, if we fail to make appraisal offers in line with broader market trade-in offer trends, or fail to recognize those trends, it could adversely affect our ability to acquire used vehicle inventory and increase the risk of loss of business to our competitors. Loss of sale, involving trades and insufficient levels of inventory, could also force us to purchase a greater percentage of used vehicle inventory from third-party auctions, which is generally less profitable due to high bidding costs and additional costs associated with transporting the acquired used vehicles to our store locations. Our inability to source high-quality used vehicle inventory from third-party auctions could reduce the demand for our used vehicle inventory offerings. See “Increasing competition among automotive retailers and the use of the internet reduces our profit margins on vehicle sales and related businesses” above in this “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for further discussion.

Used vehicle inventory is subject to depreciation risk. Accordingly, if we develop excess inventory, the inability to liquidate such inventory at prices that allow us to meet desirable profit margins or to recover our costs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

A decline of available financing or rising financing costs in the consumer automotive lending market may adversely affect our vehicle unit sales volume.

A significant portion of vehicle buyers finance their purchases of automobiles. Sub-prime lenders have historically provided financing for consumers who, for a variety of reasons including poor credit histories and lack of down payment, do not have access to more traditional finance sources. In the fourth quarter of 2022, higher consumer retail automotive lending rates negatively impacted finance and insurance product penetration rates and new and used retail unit volumes industry-wide. In the event that interest rates rise further, lenders tighten their credit standards, or there is a decline in the availability of credit in the consumer lending market, the costs of financing could influence consumer buying decisions and the ability of consumers to purchase vehicles could be limited, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues and profitability.

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RISK FACTORS

Our business may be adversely affected by import product restrictions and foreign trade risks that may impair our ability to sell foreign vehicles profitably.

A significant portion of our new vehicle business involves the sale of vehicles, parts or vehicles composed of parts that are manufactured outside the U.S. As a result, our operations are subject to risks of importing merchandise, including fluctuations in the relative values of currencies, import duties or tariffs, exchange controls, trade restrictions, work stoppages, supply chain disruptions or production delays, inflation, increases in interest rates, and general political and socioeconomic conditions in other countries. In addition, armed conflict and increased international political or economic instability may cause disruptions to foreign and domestic supply chains and manufacturing operations—including as a result of economic sanctions imposed by the U.S.—or result in price increases that adversely impact automotive manufacturers or our new vehicle business. The U.S. or the countries from which our products are imported may, from time to time, impose new quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions, or adjust presently prevailing quotas, duties or tariffs, which may affect our operations and our ability to purchase imported vehicles and/or parts at reasonable prices, which may negatively affect affordability to consumers of certain new vehicles and reduce demand for certain vehicle makes and models.

Changes in customer demand toward fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles, and resulting shifts by manufacturers to meet demand, could disrupt our ongoing business or have a material adverse effect on our overall business and results of operations.

Variability in customer behavior, including volatile fuel prices and initiatives to increase the use of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, has affected and may continue to affect customer purchases of new and used vehicles. Manufacturers have also announced increased production focus on the manufacture of fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (“PHEVs”) and battery electric vehicles (“BEVs”). The rate at which our customers will demand such vehicles, as well as the ability of manufacturers to accurately predict and meet such demand, is dependent on various factors. The inability of manufacturers to produce such vehicles to meet customer demand, or our inability to maintain adequate vehicle inventories to meet demand or tailor our selling plans to meet fluctuations in demand for these vehicles, could disrupt our ongoing business or have a material adverse effect on our overall business and results of operations.

Certain PHEVs and BEVs may require less frequent or less costly maintenance and repairs than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles due to their mechanical design and features. In addition, advances in technology by manufacturers and their suppliers and their continued research and development investments have contributed to a general increase in the overall reliability, longevity and efficiency of automobiles. The long-term effects of increased market share for PHEVs and BEVs are uncertain and may include reduced maintenance and repairs revenues, changes in manufacturer warranties and complimentary maintenance programs from which we realize parts, service and collision repair revenues, and changes in the level of sales or profitability of certain warranty and maintenance products we offer our customers. To the extent that the market share for PHEVs, BEVs and other non-internal combustion engine vehicles increases rapidly or such vehicles comprise a significant percentage of new or used vehicles being sold or operated nationwide, we may experience a disruption in our parts, service and collision repair revenues or revenues from certain warranty and maintenance products that we sell, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our overall business and results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Relationships with Vehicle Manufacturers

Our operations may be adversely affected if one or more of our manufacturer franchise or dealer agreements is terminated or not renewed.

Each of our franchised dealerships operates under a separate franchise or dealer agreement with the applicable automobile manufacturer. Without a franchise or dealer agreement, we cannot obtain new vehicles from a manufacturer or advertise as an authorized factory service center. As a result, we are significantly dependent on our relationships with the manufacturers.

Moreover, manufacturers exercise a great degree of control over the operations of our dealerships through the franchise and dealer agreements. The franchise and dealer agreements govern, among other things, our ability to purchase vehicles from the manufacturer and to sell vehicles to customers. Our franchise and dealer agreements do not grant us the exclusive right to sell a manufacturer’s product within a given geographic area. Our revenues or profitability could be materially adversely affected if any of our manufacturers award franchises to others in the same markets where we operate or if existing franchised dealers increase their market share in our markets. Each of our franchise or dealer agreements provides for termination or non-renewal for a variety of causes, including certain changes in the financial condition of the dealerships and any unapproved change of ownership or management. Manufacturers may also have a right of first refusal if we seek to sell dealerships.

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RISK FACTORS

We cannot guarantee that any of our existing franchise and dealer agreements will be renewed or that the terms and conditions of such renewals will be favorable to us. Actions taken by manufacturers to exploit their superior bargaining position in negotiating the terms of franchise and dealer agreements or renewals of these agreements or otherwise could also have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

In recent years, certain manufacturers whose new vehicles we sell have announced plans to develop an “agency” model of selling new vehicles in certain European markets, which is intended to facilitate sales directly by the manufacturer to the customer, using the existing franchised dealership as a logistics and delivery partner. Under currently proposed agency models, our franchised dealerships would receive a fee or similar compensation for facilitating the sale by the manufacturer of a new vehicle, but the purchased new vehicle would not be held in inventory. The timing and extent of implementation and relative success of agency sales models in European markets is uncertain and difficult to predict. Further, it is difficult to predict whether such a model may be adopted by manufacturers or permitted by state laws in the U.S. Adoption of this sales model by manufacturers in the geographic markets in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our failure to meet a manufacturer’s customer satisfaction, financial and sales performance or facility requirements may adversely affect our profitability and our ability to acquire new dealerships.

A manufacturer may condition its allotment of vehicles, our participation in bonus programs or our acquisition of additional franchises upon our compliance with its brand and facility standards. These standards may require investments in technology and facilities that we otherwise would not make. This may put us in a competitive disadvantage with other competing dealerships and may ultimately result in our decision to sell a franchise when we believe it may be difficult to recover the cost of the required investment to reach the manufacturer’s brand and facility standards.

In addition, many manufacturers attempt to measure customers’ satisfaction with their sales and warranty service experiences through manufacturer-determined CSI scores. The components of CSI vary by manufacturer and are modified periodically. Franchise and dealer agreements may also impose financial and sales performance standards. Under our agreements with certain manufacturers, a dealership’s CSI scores, and financial and sales performance standards may be considered as factors in evaluating applications for additional dealership acquisitions. From time to time, some of our dealerships have had difficulty meeting various manufacturers’ CSI requirements or performance standards. We cannot assure you that our dealerships will be able to comply with these requirements or performance standards in the future. A manufacturer may refuse to consent to our acquisition of one of its franchises if it determines our dealerships do not comply with its CSI requirements or performance standards, which could impair the execution of our acquisition strategy. In addition, we receive incentive payments from the manufacturers based, in part, on CSI scores, which could be materially adversely affected if our CSI scores decline.

If state dealer laws are repealed or weakened, our dealerships will be more susceptible to termination, non-renewal or renegotiation of their franchise and dealer agreements.

State dealer laws generally provide that a manufacturer may not terminate or refuse to renew a franchise or dealer agreement unless it has first provided the dealer with written notice setting forth good cause and stating the grounds for termination or non-renewal. Some state dealer laws allow dealers to file protests or petitions or to attempt to comply with the manufacturer’s criteria within the notice period to avoid the termination or non-renewal. Manufacturers’ lobbying efforts may lead to the repeal or revision of state dealer laws. If dealer laws are repealed or weakened in the states in which we operate, manufacturers may be able to terminate our franchises without providing advance notice, an opportunity to cure or a showing of good cause. Without the protection of state dealer laws, it may also be more difficult for our dealerships to renew their franchise or dealer agreements upon expiration.

The ability of a manufacturer to grant additional franchises is based on several factors which are not within our control. If manufacturers grant new franchises in areas near or within our existing markets, this could significantly impact our revenues and/or profitability. In addition, current state dealer laws generally restrict the ability of automobile manufacturers to enter the retail market and sell directly to consumers. However, if manufacturers obtain the ability to directly retail vehicles and do so in our markets, such competition could have a material adverse effect on us.

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RISK FACTORS

Our sales volume and profit margin on each sale may be materially adversely affected if manufacturers reduce or discontinue their incentive programs.

Our dealerships depend on the manufacturers for certain sales incentives or employee pricing promotions, vehicle warranties, customer rebates, new and used vehicle financing or leasing incentives, dealer incentives on new vehicles, manufacturer floor plan interest and advertising assistance, and sponsorship of CPO vehicle sales by authorized new vehicle dealers that are intended to promote and support dealership new vehicle sales. Manufacturers routinely modify their incentive programs in response to changing market conditions. A reduction or discontinuation of a manufacturer’s incentive programs may materially adversely impact vehicle demand and affect our results of operations.

Our sales volume may be materially adversely affected if manufacturer captives change their customer financing programs or are unable to provide floor plan financing.

One of the primary finance sources used by consumers in connection with the purchase or lease of a new or used vehicle is the manufacturer captive finance companies. These captive finance companies rely, to a certain extent, on the public debt markets to provide the capital necessary to support their financing programs. In addition, the captive finance companies will occasionally change their loan or lease underwriting criteria to alter the risk profile of their loan or lease portfolio or as a result of changes in interest rates or projected vehicle residual values. A limitation or reduction of available consumer financing for these or other reasons could affect consumers’ ability to purchase or lease a vehicle and, thus, could have a material adverse effect on our sales volume. Any deterioration of our relationship with the particular manufacturer-affiliated finance source could adversely affect our relationship with the affiliated manufacturer, and vice versa.

Our parts and service sales volume and margins are dependent on manufacturer warranty programs.

Franchised automotive retailers perform factory authorized service work and sell original replacement parts on vehicles covered by warranties issued by the automotive manufacturer. Dealerships which perform work covered by a manufacturer warranty are reimbursed at rates established by the manufacturer. For 2022, approximately 14.7% of our Fixed Operations revenues was for work covered by manufacturer warranties and complimentary maintenance programs. To the extent a manufacturer reduces the labor rates or markup of replacement parts for such warranty repair work, our Fixed Operations revenues and margins could be adversely affected.

Adverse conditions affecting one or more key manufacturers or lenders may negatively impact our results of operations.

Our results of operations depend on the products, services, and financing and incentive programs offered by major automobile manufacturers and could be negatively impacted by any significant changes to these manufacturers’ financial condition, marketing strategy, vehicle design, production capabilities, management, labor relations or increased labor costs, or negative publicity or reputation impacts concerning a particular manufacturer or vehicle model.

Events such as labor strikes or other disruptions in production, including those caused by natural disasters, that may adversely affect a manufacturer may also adversely affect us. In particular, labor strikes at a manufacturer that continue for a substantial period of time could have a material adverse effect on our business. Similarly, the delivery of vehicles from manufacturers at a time later than scheduled due to supply chain disruptions or other delays, which may occur during critical periods of new product introductions, could limit sales of those vehicles during those periods. We experienced such delays in 2022 and currently expect such delays to improve in 2023. Adverse conditions affecting these and other important aspects of manufacturers’ operations and public relations may adversely affect our ability to sell their automobiles and, as a result, significantly and detrimentally affect our business and results of operations.

Moreover, our business could be materially adversely impacted by the bankruptcy of a major vehicle manufacturer or related lender. We may be unable to collect some or all of our significant receivables that are due from such manufacturer or lender, and we may be subject to preference claims relating to payments made by such manufacturer or lender prior to bankruptcy. Consumer demand for such manufacturer’s products could be substantially reduced and such manufacturer may be relieved of its indemnification obligations with respect to product liability claims. In addition, a manufacturer in bankruptcy could attempt to terminate all or certain of our franchises, in which case, we may not receive adequate compensation for our franchises and a manufacturer that acts as a lender could attempt to terminate our floor plan financing and demand repayment of any amounts outstanding. We may be unable to arrange financing for our guests for their vehicle purchases and leases through such lender, in which case, we would be required to seek financing with alternate financing sources, which may be difficult to obtain on similar terms, if at all. Additionally, any such bankruptcy may result in us being required to incur impairment charges with respect to the inventory, fixed assets and intangible assets related to certain dealerships, which could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition and our ability to remain in compliance with the financial ratios contained in our debt agreements.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

RISK FACTORS

Manufacturer stock ownership restrictions may impair our ability to maintain or renew franchise or dealer agreements or to issue additional equity.

Some of our franchise and dealer agreements prohibit transfers of any ownership interests of a dealership and, in some cases, its parent, without prior approval of the applicable manufacturer. Our existing franchise and dealer agreements could be terminated if a person or entity acquires a substantial ownership interest in us or acquires voting power above certain levels without the applicable manufacturer’s approval. While the holders of our Class B Common Stock currently maintain voting control of Sonic, their future investment decisions as well as those of holders of our Class A Common Stock are generally outside of our control and could result in the termination or non-renewal of existing franchise or dealer agreements or impair our ability to negotiate new franchise or dealer agreements for dealerships we acquire in the future. In addition, if we cannot obtain any requisite approvals on a timely basis, we may not be able to issue additional equity or otherwise raise capital on terms acceptable to us. These restrictions may also prevent or deter a prospective acquirer from acquiring control of us.

Risks Related to Our Sources of Financing and Liquidity

Our significant indebtedness could materially adversely affect our financial health, limit our ability to finance future acquisitions, expansion plans and capital expenditures and prevent us from fulfilling our financial obligations.

As of December 31, 2022, our total outstanding indebtedness was approximately $3.0 billion, which includes floor plan notes payable, long-term debt and short-term debt.

We have up to $350.0 million of maximum borrowing availability under an amended and restated syndicated revolving credit facility (the “2021 Revolving Credit Facility”) and up to $2.6 billion of maximum borrowing availability for combined syndicated new and used vehicle inventory floor plan financing (the “2021 Floor Plan Facilities” and, together with the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility, the “2021 Credit Facilities”). As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately $292.9 million available for additional borrowings under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility based on the borrowing base calculation, which is affected by numerous factors, including eligible asset balances. We are able to borrow under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility only if, at the time of the borrowing, we have met all representations and warranties and are in compliance with all financial and other covenants contained therein. We have capacity to finance new and used vehicle inventory purchases under floor plan agreements with various manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and other lending institutions (the “Silo Floor Plan Facilities”) as well as the 2021 Floor Plan Facilities. We have up to $500.0 million of maximum borrowing commitment under our delayed draw-term loan credit agreement entered into in November 2019 (the “2019 Mortgage Facility”), which varies in borrowing limit based on the appraised value of the collateral underlying the 2019 Mortgage Facility. As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately $173.0 million of total remaining commitment, pending appraised collateral value, under the 2019 Mortgage Facility based on the borrowing base calculation. In addition, our 4.625% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “4.625% Notes”), our 4.875% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “4.875% Notes”) and our other debt instruments allow us to incur additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness, as long as we comply with the terms thereunder.

The majority of our dealership properties are subject to long-term operating lease arrangements that commonly have initial terms of 10 to 20 years with renewal options generally ranging from five to 10 years. Many of these operating leases require compliance with financial and operating covenants similar to those under the 2021 Credit Facilities and require monthly payments of rent that may fluctuate based on interest rates and local consumer price indices. The total future minimum lease payments related to these operating leases and certain equipment leases are significant and are disclosed in Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Our failure to comply with certain covenants in these agreements could materially adversely affect our ability to access our borrowing capacity, subject us to acceleration of our outstanding debt, result in a cross default on other indebtedness and have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue our business.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

RISK FACTORS

We may not have sufficient funds to meet our obligation to repay all or a substantial portion of the outstanding principal amount of our indebtedness when it becomes due.

The instruments that govern our long-term indebtedness contain certain provisions that may cause all or a substantial portion of the outstanding principal amount of our indebtedness to become immediately due and payable. The 2021 Credit Facilities, the 2019 Mortgage Facility, the indentures governing the 4.625% Notes and the 4.875% Notes, and many of our operating leases contain numerous financial and operating covenants. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the applicable agreement. In addition, a default under one agreement could result in a cross default and acceleration of our repayment obligations under the other agreements or prevent us from borrowing under such other agreements. If a default or cross default were to occur, we may not be able to pay our debts or to borrow sufficient funds to refinance them. Even if new financing were available, it may not be on terms acceptable to us. If a default were to occur, we may be unable to adequately finance our operations because of acceleration and cross-default provisions and the value of our common stock would be materially adversely affected. As a result of this risk, we could be forced to take actions that we otherwise would not take, or not take actions that we otherwise might take, in order to comply with the covenants in these agreements.

Moreover, many of our mortgage notes’ principal and interest payments are based on an amortization period longer than the actual terms (maturity dates) of the notes. We will be required to repay or refinance the remaining principal balances for certain of our mortgages with balloon payments at the notes’ maturity dates, which range from 2023 to 2033. The amounts to be repaid or refinanced at the maturity dates could be significant. We may not have sufficient liquidity to make such payments at the notes’ maturity dates.

In addition, upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the indentures governing the 4.625% Notes and the 4.875% Notes), holders of such notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or any part of such holders’ notes at an applicable premium. The events that constitute a change of control under the indentures governing the 4.625% Notes and the 4.875% Notes may also constitute a default under the 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility. The agreements or instruments governing any future debt that we may incur may contain similar provisions regarding repurchases in the event of a change of control triggering event.

There can be no assurance that we would have sufficient resources available to satisfy all of our obligations under these debt instruments should all or substantial portions of the principal become immediately due and payable. In the event we do not have sufficient liquidity to repay the principal balances, we may not be able to refinance the debt at interest rates that are acceptable to us or, depending on market conditions, at all. Our inability to repay or refinance these notes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our ability to make interest and principal payments when due to holders of our debt securities depends upon our future performance and our receipt of sufficient funds from our subsidiaries.

Our ability to meet our debt obligations and other expenses will depend on our future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, domestic and foreign economic conditions, the regulatory environment and other factors, many of which we are unable to control. Substantially all of our consolidated assets are held by our subsidiaries and substantially all of our consolidated cash flow and net income are generated by our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our cash flow and ability to service debt depend to a substantial degree on the results of operations of our subsidiaries and upon the ability of our subsidiaries to provide us with cash. We may receive cash from our subsidiaries in the form of dividends, loans or distributions, which we may use to service our debt obligations or for working capital. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to distribute cash to us or to make funds available to service debt.

Our use of hedging transactions could limit our financial gains or result in financial losses.

To reduce our exposure to fluctuations in cash flow due to interest rate fluctuations, we have entered into, and in the future expect to enter into, certain derivative instruments (or hedging agreements). No hedging activity can completely insulate us from the risks associated with changes in interest rates. As of December 31, 2022, we had interest rate cap agreements related to a portion of our Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”)-based variable rate debt to limit our exposure to rising interest rates. See the heading “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” under Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. We intend to hedge as much of our interest rate risk as management determines is in our best interests given the cost of such hedging transactions.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

RISK FACTORS

Our hedging transactions expose us to certain risks and financial losses, including, among other things: counterparty credit risk; available interest rate hedging may not correspond directly with the interest rate risk for which we seek protection; the duration or the amount of the hedge may not match the duration or the amount of the related liability; the value of derivatives used for hedging may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with accounting rules to reflect changes in fair value, downward adjustments or “mark-to-market losses,” which would affect our recorded stockholders’ equity amounts; and all of our hedging instruments contain terms and conditions with which we are required to meet. A failure on our part to effectively hedge against interest rate changes may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Reforms to and uncertainty regarding LIBOR may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”) announced in July 2017 that it will no longer persuade or require banks to submit rates for the calculation of the London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) after 2021 (the “FCA Announcement”). In March 2020, the ICE Benchmark Administration (the “IBA”), LIBOR’s administrator, stated it would cease publication of certain LIBOR rates after December 31, 2021. U.S. Dollar LIBOR rates that did not cease on December 31, 2021 will continue to be published through June 30, 2023. The FCA Announcement and the IBA statements create uncertainties surrounding the discontinuation or availability of LIBOR and other financial benchmarks beyond June 2023, and future changes in the rules or methodologies used to calculate benchmarks. As of December 31, 2022, approximately $116.0 million of our outstanding LIBOR-based variable-rate mortgage notes payable extend beyond June 2023. In addition, certain of our dealership operating lease agreements contain LIBOR-based rent adjustments if LIBOR rises above specified minimum floors. While we have already amended several of our previously LIBOR-based agreements to move to a Term SOFR-based interest rate, the discontinuation of LIBOR or other benchmarks may have an unpredictable impact on the contractual mechanics of financial contracts (including, but not limited to, interest rates to be paid to or by us), require renegotiation of outstanding financial assets and liabilities, cause significant disruption to financial markets, increase the risk of litigation and/or increase expenses related to the transition to alternative reference rates or benchmarks, among other adverse consequences. Additionally, any transition from current benchmarks may alter the Company’s risk profiles and models, valuation tools, cost of financing and effectiveness of hedging strategies. Reforms to and uncertainty regarding transitions from current benchmarks may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to the Ownership of Our Common Stock

Concentration of voting power and anti-takeover provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our Amended and Restated Bylaws, Delaware law and our franchise and dealer agreements may reduce the likelihood of a potential change of control from a third party. At the same time, such voting power concentration also could increase the likelihood of a change of control notwithstanding other factors.

Our common stock is divided into two classes with different voting rights. This dual class stock ownership allows the present holders of the Class B Common Stock to exercise voting control of the Company. Holders of Class A Common Stock have one vote per share on all matters. Holders of Class B Common Stock have 10 votes per share on all matters, except that they have only one vote per share on any transaction proposed or approved by our Board of Directors or a Class B common stockholder or otherwise benefiting the Class B common stockholders constituting a: “going private” transaction; disposition of all or substantially all of our assets; transfer resulting in a change in the nature of our business; or merger or consolidation in which current holders of our common stock would own less than 50% of the common stock following such transaction.

The holders of Class B Common Stock (which include SFC and the OBS Family, LLC, entities which David Bruton Smith, Sonic’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and his family members, including B. Scott Smith and Marcus Smith, both directors of Sonic, control) currently hold less than a majority of our outstanding common stock, but a majority of our voting power. As a result, the holders of Class B Common Stock may be able to control fundamental corporate matters and transactions, subject to the above limitations. The concentration of voting power may also discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of us from a third party even if the action was favored by holders of Class A Common Stock. In addition, a sale or transfer of shares by one or more of the holders of Class B Common Stock could result in a change of control or put downward pressure on the market price of our Class A Common Stock. The perception among the public that these sales or transfers will occur could also contribute to a decline in the market price of our Class A Common Stock.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

RISK FACTORS

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws make it more difficult for our stockholders to take corporate actions at stockholders’ meetings. In addition, stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units granted under the Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan or the Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Formula Restricted Stock and Deferral Plan for Non-Employee Directors and other obligations become immediately exercisable or automatically vest upon a change in control. Delaware law also makes it difficult for stockholders who have recently acquired a large interest in a company to consummate a business combination transaction with the company against its directors’ wishes. Finally, our franchise and dealer agreements allow the manufacturers the right to terminate the agreements upon a change of control of the Company and impose restrictions upon the transferability of any significant percentage of our stock to any one person or entity that may be unqualified, as defined by the manufacturer, to own one of its dealerships. The inability of a person or entity to qualify with one or more of our manufacturers may prevent or seriously impede a potential takeover bid. In addition, there may be provisions of our lending arrangements that create an event of default upon a change in control. These agreements, corporate governance documents and laws may have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control or preventing stockholders from realizing a premium on the sale of their shares if we were acquired.

Potential conflicts of interest between us and our officers or directors could adversely affect our future performance.

Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, David Bruton Smith, also serves as a director of Speedway Motorsports. Accordingly, we compete with Speedway Motorsports for the management time of Mr. Smith. Further, Mr. Smith, members of his family and certain trusts, the beneficiaries of which are members of the Smith family, directly and indirectly control a substantial majority of our voting stock.

We will likely in the future enter into transactions with Mr. Smith, entities controlled by Mr. Smith and his family or our other affiliates. We believe that all of our existing arrangements with affiliates are as favorable to us as if the arrangements were negotiated between unaffiliated parties, although the majority of these transactions have neither been verified by third parties in that regard nor are likely to be so verified in the future. Potential conflicts of interest could arise in the future between us and our officers or directors in the enforcement, amendment or termination of arrangements existing between them.

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws designate the state and federal courts of Delaware as the exclusive forums for certain claims against the Company, which could increase the costs of bringing a claim or limit the ability of a stockholder to bring a claim in a judicial forum viewed by a stockholder as favorable.

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for claims for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of Sonic (other than derivative actions brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder); (2) any action asserting a claim of a breach of, or based on, a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer or other employee of Sonic to Sonic or Sonic’s stockholders; (3) any action asserting a claim against Sonic or any current or former director, officer, or other employee or stockholder of Sonic arising pursuant to any provision of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or our Amended and Restated Bylaws; or (4) any action asserting a claim against Sonic governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of Delaware. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws also provide that, unless the Board otherwise consents in writing, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the Exchange Act or any ancillary claims related thereto which are subject to the ancillary jurisdiction of the federal courts.

The exclusive forum provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws may increase the costs to bring a claim, discourage claims or limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that he, she or it finds favorable for disputes with the Company or the Company’s directors, officers or other employees. Such provisions may also discourage lawsuits against the Company or the Company’s directors, officers and other employees. The Delaware courts or the United States District Court for the District of Delaware may also reach different judgments or results than would other courts, including courts where a stockholder considering an action may be located or would otherwise choose to bring the action, and such judgments may be more or less favorable to us than to our stockholders.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

RISK FACTORS

While the Delaware Supreme Court ruled in March 2020 that federal forum selection provisions requiring claims under the Securities Act be brought in federal court are “facially valid” under Delaware law, there is uncertainty as to whether courts in other jurisdictions will enforce provisions such as those contemplated in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws, including whether a court would enforce the provision requiring claims arising under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act to be brought in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. If the exclusive forum provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws are found to be unenforceable in a particular action, we or a stockholder may incur additional costs associated with resolving such an action or the validity of the exclusive forum clause on appeal.

General Risk Factors

Our business will be harmed if overall consumer demand suffers from a severe or sustained downturn.

Our business is heavily dependent on consumer demand and preferences. Retail new vehicle sales are cyclical and historically have experienced periodic downturns characterized by oversupply and weak demand. Recently, we have experienced an imbalance between consumer demand for new vehicles and available supply of new vehicle inventory due to supply chain disruptions and manufacturing delays, and it is uncertain when new vehicle inventories will stabilize and at what level. Retail vehicle sales cycles are often correlated with changes in overall economic conditions, consumer confidence, the level of discretionary personal income and credit availability. Deterioration in any of these conditions from current levels may have a material adverse effect on our retail business, particularly sales of new and used automobiles. In addition, our business may be adversely affected by isolated unfavorable conditions or events in our local markets. Due to the provisions and terms contained in our franchise or dealer agreements or operating lease agreements, we may not be able to relocate a dealership operation to a more favorable location without incurring significant costs or penalties, if permitted at all. In addition, severe or sustained changes in gasoline prices or overall shifts in consumer sentiment toward alternative fuel vehicles may lead to a shift in consumer buying patterns. Availability of preferred models may not exist in sufficient quantities to satisfy consumer demand and allow our stores to meet sales expectations.

The outcome of legal and administrative proceedings we are or may become involved in could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects.

We are involved, and expect to continue to be involved, in various legal and administrative proceedings arising out of the conduct of our business, including regulatory investigations and private civil actions brought by plaintiffs purporting to represent a potential class or for which a class has been certified. Although we vigorously defend ourselves in all legal and administrative proceedings, the outcomes of pending and future proceedings arising out of the conduct of our business, including litigation with customers, employment-related lawsuits, contractual disputes, class actions, purported class actions and actions brought by governmental authorities, cannot be predicted with certainty. An unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects.

Climate change legislation or regulations restricting emission of greenhouse gases could result in increased operating costs and reduced demand for the vehicles we sell.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has adopted rules under existing provisions of the federal Clean Air Act that require: (1) a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases from motor vehicles; (2) certain construction and operating permit reviews for greenhouse gas emissions from certain large stationary sources; and (3) monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from specified sources on an annual basis. The adoption of any laws or regulations requiring significant increases in fuel economy requirements or new federal or state restrictions on emissions of greenhouse gases from our operations or on vehicles and automotive fuels in the U.S. could adversely affect demand for those vehicles and require us to incur costs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases associated with our operations.

Employee attrition, the loss of key personnel and limited management and personnel resources could adversely affect our operations and growth.

Our success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our management team, particularly our Chief Executive Officer, President, other senior management, and sales and service personnel. Additionally, franchise or dealer agreements may require the prior approval of the applicable manufacturer before any change is made in dealership general managers. We do not have employment agreements with most members of our senior management team, our dealership general managers and other key dealership personnel. Consequently, the loss of the services of one or more of these key employees could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

RISK FACTORS

The U.S. labor market experienced substantial tightening in 2021 and 2022, leading to increased labor costs and, at times, shortages of qualified employees in the industry and in the regions in which we operate, particularly for general managers and sales and service personnel. The market for qualified employees remains highly competitive, may impact our ability to identify and attract new employees and retain existing employees, and may subject us to increased labor costs during periods, such as was experienced in 2021 and 2022, of high inflation and tight labor supply. The loss of the services of key employees or the inability to attract additional qualified managers could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, the lack of qualified management or employees employed by potential acquisition candidates may limit our ability to consummate future acquisitions.

Natural disasters, adverse weather and other events can disrupt our business.

Our dealerships are concentrated in certain states, including California, Colorado, Florida and Texas, in which actual or threatened natural disasters and severe weather events (such as earthquakes, wildfires, landslides, hail storms, floods and hurricanes) may disrupt our store operations, which may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition to business interruption, the automotive retailing business is subject to substantial risk of property loss due to the significant concentration of property values at store locations. Although we have substantial insurance, subject to certain deductibles, limitations and exclusions, we may be exposed to uninsured or under insured losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer.

We have invested in internal and external business applications to execute our strategy of employing technology to benefit our business. In the ordinary course of business, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners, and personally identifiable information of our customers and employees. Moreover, significant technology-related business functions of ours are outsourced. The frequency and severity of cyber-security incidents has increased in recent years and adversely impacted organizations of varying sizes. Although we have attempted to mitigate the cyber-security risk of both our internal and outsourced functions by implementing various cyber-security controls and other security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breaches due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions.

These cyber-security risks include vulnerability to cyber-attack of our internal or externally hosted business applications; interruption of service or access to systems may affect our ability to deliver vehicles or complete transactions with customers; unauthorized access or theft of customer or employee personal confidential information, including financial information, or strategically sensitive data; disruption of communications (both internally and externally) that may affect the quality of information used to make informed business decisions; and damage to our reputation as a result of a breach in security that could affect the financial security of our customers. Any cyber-security breach or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, regulatory penalties or damage to our reputation, and cause a loss of confidence in our services, which could materially adversely affect our competitive position, results of operations and financial condition.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

RISK FACTORS

We may be subject to substantial withdrawal liability assessments in the future related to a multiemployer pension plan to which certain of our dealerships make contributions pursuant to collective bargaining agreements.

Three of our dealership subsidiaries in northern California currently make fixed-dollar contributions to the Automotive Industries Pension Plan (the “AI Pension Plan”) pursuant to collective bargaining agreements between our subsidiaries and the International Association of Machinists (the “IAM”) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”). The AI Pension Plan is a “multiemployer plan” as defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and our three dealership subsidiaries are among approximately 146 employers that are obligated to make contributions to the AI Pension Plan pursuant to collective bargaining agreements with the IAM, the IBT and other unions. In March 2008, the Board of Trustees of the AI Pension Plan notified participants, participating employers and local unions that the AI Pension Plan’s actuary had issued a certification that the AI Pension Plan was in critical status. In conjunction with the AI Pension Plan’s critical status, all participating employers were required to increase employer contributions to the AI Pension Plan for a seven-year period which commenced in 2013. As of April 2019, the AI Pension Plan’s actuary certified that the AI Pension Plan remained in critical status for the plan year commencing January 1, 2019 and is projected to become insolvent in 2031. Under applicable federal law, any employer contributing to a multiemployer pension plan that completely ceases participating in the plan while the plan is underfunded is subject to payment of such employer’s assessed share of the aggregate unfunded vested benefits of the plan. In certain circumstances, an employer can be assessed withdrawal liability for a partial withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan. If any of these adverse events were to occur in the future, it could result in a substantial withdrawal liability assessment that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Tax positions may exist related to our tax filings that could be challenged by governmental agencies and result in higher income tax expenses and affect our overall liquidity if we are unable to successfully defend these tax positions.

We are subject to audits by federal and state governmental income tax agencies on a continual basis. During the course of those audits, the agencies may disagree with or challenge tax positions taken on tax returns filed for Sonic and its subsidiaries. As a result of these audits, the agencies may issue assessments and penalties based on their understanding of the underlying facts and circumstances. In the event we are not able to arrive at an agreeable resolution, we may be forced to litigate these matters. If we are unsuccessful in litigation, our results of operations and financial position may be negatively impacted.

Impairment of our goodwill or other intangible assets could have a material adverse impact on our earnings.

Goodwill is subject to impairment assessments at least annually or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. Pursuant to applicable accounting pronouncements, we evaluate goodwill for impairment annually on October 1, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We describe the process for testing goodwill and other intangible assets more thoroughly under the heading “Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies” in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” A significant amount of our goodwill is related to our franchised dealerships reporting unit, and we have significant other intangible assets associated with acquisitions of franchised dealerships. If we determine that the amount of our goodwill or other intangible assets is impaired at any point in time, we are required to reduce the balances recorded on our balance sheet. If goodwill or other intangible assets are impaired based on a future impairment test, we will be required to record a significant non-cash impairment charge that may also have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the period in which the impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets occurs. As of December 31, 2022, our balance sheet reflected a carrying amount of approximately $231.0 million in goodwill and approximately $396.7 million in other intangible assets, net.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Item 2. Properties.

Our principal executive offices are located at a property owned by us at 4401 Colwick Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28211, and our telephone number at that location is (704) 566-2400.

Our dealerships are generally located along major U.S. or interstate highways. One of the principal factors we consider in evaluating a potential acquisition is its location. We prefer to acquire dealerships or build dealership facilities located along major thoroughfares, which can be easily visited by prospective guests. For information regarding the states in which we operate and the breakdown of our stores among our operating segments, see the discussion under the heading “Our Business” in “Item 1. Business.”

We lease a significant number of the properties utilized by our dealership operations from affiliates of Capital Automotive Real Estate Services, Inc. and other individuals and entities. Under the terms of our franchise and dealer agreements, each of our dealerships must maintain an appropriate appearance and design of its dealership facility and is restricted in its ability to relocate. The properties utilized by our dealership operations that are owned by us or one of our subsidiaries are pledged as security for the 2021 Credit Facilities, the 2019 Mortgage Facility or other mortgage financing arrangements. We believe that our facilities are adequate for our current needs.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

For information regarding legal proceedings, see the discussion under the heading “Legal Proceedings” in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Our Class A Common Stock is currently traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SAH.” Our Class B Common Stock is not traded on a public market and we do not intend to apply to have our Class B Common Stock listed on a national exchange or an automated dealer quotation system.

As of February 9, 2023, there were 24,013,107 shares of our Class A Common Stock and 12,029,375 shares of our Class B Common Stock outstanding. As of February 9, 2023, there were 657 record holders of the Class A Common Stock and two record holders of the Class B Common Stock. The closing stock price for the Class A Common Stock on February 9, 2023 was $58.11.

Our Board of Directors issued four quarterly cash dividends on all outstanding shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock totaling $1.03 per share, $0.46 per share and $0.40 per share during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Subsequent to December 31, 2022, our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend on all outstanding shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock of $0.28 per share for stockholders of record on March 15, 2023 to be paid on April 14, 2023. The declaration and payment of any future dividend is subject to the business judgment of our Board of Directors, taking into consideration our historic and projected results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, covenant compliance, share repurchases, current economic environment and other factors considered by our Board of Directors to be relevant. These factors are considered each quarter and will be scrutinized as our Board of Directors determines our future dividend policy. There is no guarantee that additional dividends will be declared and paid at any time in the future. See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the heading “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for additional discussion of dividends and for a description of restrictions on the payment of dividends.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth information about the shares of Class A Common Stock we repurchased during the three months ended December 31, 2022:



	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
	(In millions, except per share data)
October 2022	—	$	—	—	$	—
November 2022	—	$	—	—	$	—
December 2022	352.9	$	47.23	352.9	$	464.3
Total	352.9			352.9

(1)On July 28, 2022, we announced that our Board of Directors had increased the dollar amount authorized for us to repurchase shares of our Class A Common Stock pursuant to our share repurchase program. Our share repurchase program does not have an expiration date and current remaining availability under the program is as follows:


	(In millions)


July 2022 authorization	$	500.0
Total active program repurchases prior to December 31, 2022	(35.7)
Current remaining availability as of December 31, 2022	$	464.3

Subsequent to December 31, 2022, we repurchased an additional 194,294 shares of Class A Common Stock at an average price of $49.17, resulting in current remaining availability of approximately $454.8 million.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Item 6. [Reserved]

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The financial and statistical data contained in the following discussion for all periods presented reflects our December 31, 2022 classification of dealerships between continuing and discontinued operations in accordance with “Presentation of Financial Statements” in the Accounting Standards Codification (the “ASC”). For comparison and discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 (“2021”) to our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 (“2020”), please refer to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2021.

Unless otherwise noted, we present the discussion in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on a consolidated basis. To the extent that we believe a discussion of the differences among reportable segments will enhance a reader’s understanding of our financial condition, cash flows and other changes in financial condition and results of operations, the differences are discussed separately.

Unless otherwise noted, all discussion of increases or decreases are for the year ended December 31, 2022 (“2022”) compared to 2021. The following discussion of Franchised Dealerships Segment new vehicles, used vehicles, wholesale vehicles, parts, service and collision repair, and finance, insurance and other, net is on a same store basis, except where otherwise noted. All currently operating franchised dealership stores are included within the same store group as of the first full month following the first anniversary of the store’s opening or acquisition. All currently operating EchoPark stores in a local geographic market are included within the same market group as of the first full month following the first anniversary of the market’s opening. The following discussion of Powersports Segment new vehicles, used vehicles, wholesale vehicles, parts, service and collision repair, and finance, insurance and other, net is on a reported basis.

Overview

We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the U.S. (as measured by reported total revenue). As a result of the way we manage our business, we had three reportable segments as of December 31, 2022: (1) the Franchised Dealerships Segment; (2) the EchoPark Segment; and (3) the Powersports Segment. For management and operational reporting purposes, we group certain businesses together that share management and inventory (principally used vehicles) into “stores.” As of December 31, 2022, we operated 111 stores in the Franchised Dealerships Segment, 52 stores in the EchoPark Segment, and eight stores in the Powersports Segment. The Franchised Dealerships Segment consists of 142 new vehicle franchises (representing 28 different brands of cars and light trucks) and 17 collision repair centers in 18 states. The EchoPark Segment operates in 21 states, including 11 Northwest Motorsport pre-owned vehicle stores acquired in the RFJ Acquisition in December 2021 that are included in the EchoPark Segment. Under our current EchoPark growth plan, we plan to continue to increase our physical and digital footprint as we build out a nationwide EchoPark distribution network expected to reach 90% of the U.S. population by 2025.

The Franchised Dealerships Segment provides comprehensive sales and services, including: (1) sales of both new and used cars and light trucks; (2) sales of replacement parts and performance of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repairs, and paint and collision repair services (collectively, “Fixed Operations”); and (3) arrangement of third-party financing, extended warranties, service contracts, insurance and other aftermarket products (collectively, “finance and insurance” or “F&I”) for our guests. The EchoPark Segment sells used cars and light trucks and arranges third-party F&I product sales for our guests in pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations, and does not offer customer-facing Fixed Operations services. The Powersports Segment offers guests: (1) sales of both new and used powersports vehicles (such as motorcycles, personal watercraft and all-terrain vehicles); (2) Fixed Operations activities; and (3) F&I services. All three segments generally operate independently of one another with the exception of certain shared back-office functions and corporate overhead costs.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Executive Summary

Retail Automotive Industry Performance

The U.S. retail automotive industry’s total new vehicle (retail and fleet combined) unit sales volume was approximately 13.7 million vehicles in 2022, a decrease of 9%, compared to approximately 15.0 million vehicles in 2021, according to the Power Information Network (“PIN”) from J.D. Power. We currently estimate the 2023 new vehicle industry volume will be between 14.0 million vehicles (an increase of 2.2% compared to 2022) and 15.0 million vehicles (an increase of 9.5% compared to 2022). The ongoing effects of supply chain disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, availability of new and used vehicle inventory, interest rates, changes in consumer confidence, availability of consumer financing, manufacturer inventory production levels, incentive levels from automotive manufacturers or shifts in such levels, or timing of consumer demand as a result of natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances could cause the actual 2023 new vehicle industry volume to vary from expectations. Many factors, including brand and geographic concentrations as well as the industry sales mix between retail and fleet new vehicle unit sales volume, have caused our past results to differ from the industry’s overall trend. Our new vehicle sales strategy focuses on our retail new vehicle sales (as opposed to fleet new vehicle sales) and, as a result, we believe it is appropriate to compare our retail new vehicle unit sales volume to the retail new vehicle industry volume (which excludes fleet new vehicle sales). According to PIN from J.D. Power, industry retail new vehicle unit sales volume decreased 11%, to approximately 11.7 million vehicles, in 2022, from approximately 13.1 million vehicles in 2021.

Impact of COVID-19 and Supply Chain Disruptions

The global automotive supply chain has been significantly disrupted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily related to the production of semiconductors and other components that are used in many modern automobiles, in addition to workforce-related production delays and stoppages. As a result, automobile manufacturing has operated for multiple years at lower than usual production levels, reducing the amount of new vehicle inventory and certain parts inventory available to our dealerships. These inventory constraints have led to low new and used vehicle inventory and a high new and used vehicle pricing environment, which drove retail new vehicle unit sales volumes lower across the industry since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. New vehicle and certain parts production levels began to improve in late 2022; however, there is a risk that higher production levels and new vehicle inventory on hand may not result in incremental retail new vehicle sales volume, which could cause actual 2023 new vehicle industry volume to vary from our expectations.

Impairment Charges

Impairment charges were approximately $320.4 million and $0.1 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Impairment charges for 2022 include approximately $202.9 million of goodwill impairment charges related to the EchoPark Segment, approximately $116.4 million of franchise asset impairment charges, of which approximately $114.4 million is related to the Franchised Dealerships Segment and approximately $2.0 million is related to the EchoPark Segment, and approximately $1.1 million of charges related to the abandonment of certain construction projects in the Franchised Dealerships Segment. Impairment charges for 2021 include approximately $0.1 million of charges related to operating lease right-of-use asset impairment for a former EchoPark location.

Franchised Dealerships Segment

As a result of the acquisition, disposition, termination or closure of several franchised dealership stores in 2021 and 2022, the change in consolidated reported amounts from period to period may not be indicative of the current or future operational or financial performance of our current group of operating stores. Unless otherwise noted, all discussion of increases or decreases are for 2022 compared to 2021. The following discussion is on a same store basis (which excludes results from disposed stores), except where otherwise noted. All currently operating franchised dealership stores are included within the same store group as of the first full month following the first anniversary of the store’s opening or acquisition.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Retail new vehicle revenue decreased 2% in 2022, primarily driven by a 14% decrease in retail new vehicle unit sales volume, offset partially by a 14% increase in retail new vehicle average selling price. Retail new vehicle gross profit increased 25% in 2022, as a result of higher retail new vehicle gross profit per unit, offset partially by lower retail new vehicle unit sales volume. Retail new vehicle gross profit per unit increased $2,060 per unit, or 45%, to $6,630 per unit, due primarily to higher retail new vehicle average selling prices due in part to inventory shortages as a result of vehicle manufacturer supply chain disruptions and production delays. Many of our new vehicles are being pre-ordered and delivered to customers shortly after the vehicles arrive at our stores. On a trailing quarter cost of sales basis, our reported Franchised Dealerships Segment new vehicle inventory days’ supply was approximately 24 days as of December 31, 2022, compared to 16 days as of December 31, 2021 (11 days excluding the effect of the RFJ Acquisition in December 2021, which contributed less than one month of trailing cost of sales to the days’ supply calculation). The level of new vehicle inventory on hand continues to be below our target level as a result of the ongoing vehicle manufacturer supply chain disruptions and production delays described above, and while we anticipate that manufacturer production and new vehicle inventory levels will begin to improve in 2023, we expect that new vehicle inventory levels will remain lower than historical levels throughout 2023.

Retail used vehicle revenue increased 3% in 2022, driven by a 16% increase in retail used vehicle average selling price, offset partially by an 11% decrease in retail used vehicle unit sales volume. Retail used vehicle gross profit decreased 19% in 2022, due to a decrease in retail used vehicle gross profit per unit of $164 per unit, or 9%, to $1,605 per unit, in addition to lower retail used vehicle unit sales volume. Wholesale vehicle gross profit (loss) worsened by approximately $13.1 million, to gross loss of $5.1 million during 2022, due primarily to a $584 per unit, or 181%, decrease in wholesale vehicle gross profit per unit as a result of changes in pricing and demand for vehicles at wholesale auction. We generally focus on maintaining used vehicle inventory days’ supply in the 25- to 35-day range, which may fluctuate seasonally, in order to limit our exposure to market pricing volatility. On a trailing quarter cost of sales basis, our reported Franchised Dealerships Segment used vehicle inventory days’ supply was approximately 26 days as of December 31, 2022, compared to 42 days as of December 31, 2021 (36 days excluding the effect of the RFJ Acquisition in December 2021, which contributed less than one month of trailing cost of sales to the days’ supply calculation).

Fixed Operations revenue increased 10% and Fixed Operations gross profit increased 9% in 2022. Fixed Operations gross margin decreased 40 basis points, to 49.8%, in 2022, driven primarily by a decrease in warranty and internal, sublet and other revenue contribution and lower customer pay gross margin.

F&I revenue decreased 1% in 2022, driven primarily by a 12% decrease in combined retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume, offset partially by higher F&I gross profit per retail unit. F&I gross profit per retail unit increased $264 per unit, or 12%, to $2,415 per unit, in 2022. We believe that our proprietary software applications, playbook processes and guest-centric selling approach enable us to optimize F&I gross profit and penetration rates (the number of F&I products sold per vehicle) across our F&I product lines.

EchoPark Segment

Unless otherwise noted, all discussion of increases or decreases are for 2022 compared to 2021. The following discussion is on a reported basis, except where otherwise noted as being on a same market basis. All currently operating EchoPark stores in a local geographic market are included within the same market group as of the first full month following the first anniversary of the market’s opening.

Reported total revenues increased 5% in 2022, driven primarily by continued expansion of our nationwide distribution network and a 26% increase in retail used vehicle average selling price. Reported total gross profit increased 18% in 2022, primarily due to higher retail used vehicle gross profit per unit, offset partially by a decrease in retail used vehicle unit sales volume.

Reported retail used vehicle revenue increased approximately $84.2 million, or 4%, due to a 26% increase in retail used vehicle revenue per unit, partially offset by an 18% decrease in retail used vehicle unit sales volume. F&I revenue decreased 14% in 2022, driven primarily by an 18% decrease in retail used vehicle unit sales volume, offset partially by higher retail used vehicle average selling prices. Combined retail used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit increased $884 per unit, or 50%, to $2,657 per unit in 2022. The increase in combined retail used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit was primarily due to strategic actions taken to diversify our inventory sourcing mix and to reduce used vehicle inventory acquisition costs, benefiting retail used vehicle gross profit per unit.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Wholesale vehicle gross profit decreased by approximately $6.0 million in 2022, due to a decrease in wholesale vehicle unit sales volume and declining wholesale auction prices. We generally focus on maintaining EchoPark Segment used vehicle inventory days’ supply in the 30- to 40-day range, which may fluctuate seasonally, in order to limit our exposure to market pricing volatility. On a trailing quarter cost of sales basis, our reported used vehicle inventory days’ supply in our EchoPark Segment was approximately 40 days as of December 31, 2022, as compared to 70 days as of December 31, 2021 (39 days excluding the acquisition of 11 Northwest Motorsport pre-owned vehicle stores in the RFJ Acquisition in December 2021, which contributed less than one month of trailing cost of sales to the days’ supply calculation).

Same market total revenues decreased 17% in 2022, driven primarily by a 33% decrease in retail used vehicle unit sales volume as we strategically adjusted our retail used vehicle unit sales volume to manage overall segment income (loss) levels; offset partially by an increase in retail used vehicle average selling price. Same market total gross profit decreased 21% in 2022, due primarily to lower retail used vehicle unit sales volume, offset partially by a 21% increase in EchoPark Segment same market combined retail used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit, to $2,109 per unit.

Powersports Segment

During the first quarter of 2022, we acquired one powersports store and, during the third quarter of 2022, we acquired seven additional powersports stores. During 2022, reported total revenue was $53.5 million and reported total gross profit was $16.8 million.

Reported retail new vehicle revenue was $31.8 million and reported retail new vehicle gross profit was $6.4 million, based on a retail new vehicle average selling price of approximately $20,000 and a retail new vehicle gross profit per unit of $3,974 per unit. On a trailing quarter cost of sales basis, our reported Powersports Segment new vehicle inventory days’ supply was approximately 119 days as of December 31, 2022. We believe that in a normal production environment, the level of new vehicle inventory days’ supply in our Powersports Segment should be in the 90- to 120-day range, depending on seasonality.

Reported retail used vehicle revenue was $7.1 million and reported retail used vehicle gross profit was $2.0 million, based on a retail used vehicle average selling price of $12,093 and a retail used vehicle gross profit per unit of $3,349 per unit. On a trailing quarter cost of sales basis, our reported Powersports Segment used vehicle inventory days’ supply was approximately 141 days as of December 31, 2022. Going forward, we generally expect to maintain a used vehicle inventory days’ supply in our Powersports Segment in the 75- to 100-day range, depending on seasonality.

Reported Fixed Operations revenue was $11.7 million and reported Fixed Operations gross profit was $5.8 million. Customer pay revenue was $5.5 million and customer pay gross profit was $3.3 million. Warranty revenue was $0.7 million and warranty gross profit was $0.4 million. Wholesale parts revenue was $0.3 million and there was no wholesale parts gross profit. Internal, sublet and other revenue was $5.2 million and internal, sublet and other gross profit was $2.1 million.

Reported F&I revenue was $2.6 million, based on F&I gross profit per retail unit of $1,205.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the percentages of total revenues represented by certain items reflected in our consolidated statements of operations:


	Percentage of Total Revenues
	Year Ended December 31,
	2022		2021		2020
Revenues:
New vehicles	40.9	%	41.3	%	43.8	%
Used vehicles	39.4	%	39.3	%	36.5	%
Wholesale vehicles	3.5	%	3.0	%	2.0	%
Parts, service and collision repair	11.4	%	11.3	%	12.6	%
Finance, insurance and other, net	4.8	%	5.1	%	5.1	%
Total revenues	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Cost of sales	83.5	%	84.6	%	85.4	%
Gross profit	16.5	%	15.4	%	14.6	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	11.1	%	10.3	%	10.5	%
Impairment charges	2.3	%	—	%	2.8	%
Depreciation and amortization	0.9	%	0.8	%	0.9	%
Operating income	2.2	%	4.3	%	0.3	%
Interest expense, floor plan	0.2	%	0.1	%	0.3	%
Interest expense, other, net	0.6	%	0.4	%	0.4	%
Other income (expense), net	0.0	%	0.1	%	0.0	%
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	1.4	%	3.7	%	(0.4)	%
Provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense)	0.7	%	0.9	%	0.2	%
Income (loss) from continuing operations	0.6	%	2.8	%	(0.6)	%

Results of Operations - Consolidated

New Vehicles - Consolidated

New vehicle revenues include the sale of new vehicles, including new powersports vehicles, to retail customers, as well as the sale of fleet vehicles to businesses for use in their operations. New vehicle revenues and gross profit can be influenced by vehicle manufacturer incentives to consumers (which vary from cash-back incentives to low interest rate financing, among other things), the availability of consumer credit and the level and type of manufacturer-to-dealer incentives, as well as manufacturers providing adequate inventory allocations to our dealerships to meet consumer demand. The automobile manufacturing industry is cyclical and historically has experienced periodic downturns characterized by oversupply and weak demand, both within specific brands and in the industry as a whole. As an automotive retailer, we seek to mitigate the effects of this sales cycle by maintaining a diverse brand mix of dealerships. Our brand diversity allows us to offer a broad range of products at a wide range of prices from lower-priced economy vehicles to luxury vehicles and powersports vehicles.

The U.S. retail automotive industry’s new vehicle unit sales volume below reflects all brands marketed or sold in the U.S. This industry sales volume includes brands we do not sell and markets in which we do not operate, therefore changes in our new vehicle unit sales volume may not trend directly in line with changes in the industry new vehicle unit sales volume. We believe that the retail new vehicle industry sales volume is a more meaningful metric for comparing our new vehicle unit sales volume to the industry due to our minimal fleet vehicle business.

U.S. retail new vehicle industry volume, fleet new vehicle industry volume, and total new vehicle industry volume were as follows:

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


	Year Ended December 31,		Better / (Worse)
	2022	2021	% Change
	(In millions of vehicles)
U.S. industry volume - Retail new vehicle (1)	11.7	13.1	(11)	%
U.S. industry volume - Fleet new vehicle	2.0	1.9	5	%
U.S. industry volume - Total new vehicle (1)	13.7	15.0	(9)	%

(1) Source: PIN from J.D. Power

We currently estimate the 2023 new vehicle industry volume will be between 14.0 million vehicles (an increase of 2.2% compared to 2022) and 15.0 million vehicles (an increase of 9.5% compared to 2022). The ongoing effects of supply chain disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, availability of new and used vehicle inventory, interest rates, changes in consumer confidence, availability of consumer financing, manufacturer inventory production levels, incentive levels from automotive manufacturers or shifts in such levels, or timing of consumer demand as a result of natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances could cause the actual 2023 new vehicle industry volume to vary from expectations.

Our consolidated reported new vehicle results (combined retail and fleet data) were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2022			2021			Change		% Change
	(In millions, except unit and per unit data)
Reported new vehicle:
Retail new vehicle revenue	$	5,622.6		$	4,993.4		$	629.2	13	%
Fleet new vehicle revenue	99.4			124.6			(25.2)		(20)	%
Total new vehicle revenue	$	5,722.0		$	5,118.0		$	604.0	12	%

Retail new vehicle gross profit	$	662.8		$	459.8		$	203.0	44	%
Fleet new vehicle gross profit	4.9			1.6			3.3		206	%
Total new vehicle gross profit	$	667.7		$	461.4		$	206.3	45	%

Retail new vehicle unit sales	101,168			99,943			1,225		1	%
Fleet new vehicle unit sales	2,115			3,543			(1,428)		(40)	%
Total new vehicle unit sales	103,283			103,486			(203)		NM

Revenue per new retail unit	$	55,577		$	49,963		$	5,614	11	%
Revenue per new fleet unit	$	47,011		$	35,159		$	11,852	34	%
Total revenue per new unit	$	55,402		$	49,456		$	5,946	12	%

Gross profit per new retail unit	$	6,552		$	4,600		$	1,952	42	%
Gross profit per new fleet unit	$	2,293		$	454		$	1,839	405	%
Total gross profit per new unit	$	6,464		$	4,459		$	2,005	45	%

Retail gross profit as a % of revenue	11.8		%	9.2		%	260		bps
Fleet gross profit as a % of revenue	4.9		%	1.3		%	360		bps
Total new vehicle gross profit as a % of revenue	11.7		%	9.0		%	270		bps

NM = Not Meaningful

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For further analysis of new vehicle results, see the tables and discussion under the headings “New Vehicles - Franchised Dealerships Segment” and “New Vehicles - Powersports Segment” in the Franchised Dealerships Segment and Powersports Segment sections, respectively, below.

Used Vehicles - Consolidated

Used vehicle revenues include the sale of used vehicles, including used powersports vehicles, to retail customers and at wholesale. Used vehicle revenues are directly affected by a number of factors, including consumer demand for used vehicles, the pricing and level of manufacturer incentives on new vehicles, the number and quality of trade-ins and lease turn-ins available to our dealerships, the availability and pricing of used vehicles acquired at wholesale auction, and the availability of consumer credit.

As a result of low levels of new vehicle inventory and a heightened demand for used vehicles (both by retail consumers and dealers at wholesale auction), used vehicle prices reached an all-time high during the first half of 2022, and remained at elevated levels during the second half of 2022. Depending on the mix of inventory sourcing (trade-in versus wholesale auction), the days’ supply of used vehicle inventory, and the pricing strategy employed by the dealership, retail used vehicle gross profit per unit and retail used vehicle gross profit as a percentage of revenue may vary significantly from historical levels given the current used vehicle environment.

Our consolidated reported retail used vehicle results were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2022			2021			Change		% Change
	(In millions, except unit and per unit data)
Reported retail used vehicle:
Revenue	$	5,515.4		$	4,933.6		$	581.8	12	%
Gross profit	$	180.8		$	133.0		$	47.8	36	%
Unit sales	173,209			183,292			(10,083)		(6)	%
Revenue per unit	$	31,842		$	26,609		$	5,233	20	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,044		$	720		$	324	45	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	3.3		%	2.7		%	60		bps

For further analysis of used vehicle results, see the tables and discussion under the headings “Used Vehicles - Franchised Dealerships Segment,” “Used Vehicles and F&I - EchoPark Segment” and “Used Vehicles - Powersports Segment” in the Franchised Dealerships Segment, EchoPark Segment and Powersports Segment sections, respectively, below.

Wholesale Vehicles - Consolidated

Wholesale vehicle revenues are affected by retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume and the associated trade-in volume, as well as short-term, temporary and seasonal fluctuations in wholesale auction pricing. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, wholesale vehicle prices and supply at auction have experienced periods of volatility, impacting our wholesale vehicle revenues and related gross profit (loss), as well as our retail used vehicle revenues and related gross profit. We believe that the current wholesale vehicle price environment is not sustainable in the long term and expect that average wholesale vehicle pricing and related gross profit (loss) may begin to return toward long-term normalized levels in 2023. Wholesale vehicle revenues are also significantly affected by our corporate inventory management strategy and policies, which are designed to optimize our total used vehicle inventory and expected gross profit levels and minimize inventory carrying risks.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Our consolidated reported wholesale vehicle results were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2022			2021			Change		% Change
	(In millions, except unit and per unit data)
Reported wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	484.9		$	367.2		$	117.7	32	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	(3.1)		$	9.8		$	(12.9)	(132)	%
Unit sales	35,323			36,795			(1,472)		(4)	%
Revenue per unit	$	13,727		$	9,980		$	3,747	38	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(87)		$	266		$	(353)	(133)	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	(0.6)		%	2.7		%	(330)		bps

For further analysis of wholesale vehicle results, see the tables and discussion under the headings “Wholesale Vehicles - Franchised Dealerships Segment,” “Wholesale Vehicles - EchoPark Segment” and “Wholesale Vehicles - Powersports Segment” in the Franchised Dealerships Segment, EchoPark Segment and Powersports Segment sections, respectively, below.

Fixed Operations - Consolidated

Parts, service and collision repair revenues consist of repairs and maintenance requested and paid by customers (“customer pay”), warranty repairs (manufacturer-paid), wholesale parts (sales of parts and accessories to third-party automotive repair businesses), and internal, sublet and other. Internal, sublet and other primarily relates to preparation and reconditioning work performed on vehicles in inventory that are later sold to a third party and may vary based on used vehicle inventory and sales volume from period to period. When that work is performed by one of our dealerships or stores, the work is classified as internal. In the event the work is performed by a third party on our behalf, it is classified as sublet. Parts and service revenue is driven by the volume and mix of warranty repairs versus customer pay repairs, available service capacity (a combination of service bay count and technician availability), vehicle quality, manufacturer recalls, customer loyalty, and prepaid or manufacturer-paid maintenance programs.

We believe that, over time, vehicle quality will continue to improve, but vehicle complexity and the associated demand for repairs by qualified technicians at manufacturer-affiliated dealerships may result in market share gains that could offset any revenue lost from improvement in vehicle quality. We also believe that, over the long term, we have the ability to continue to optimize service capacity and customer retention at our dealerships and stores to further increase Fixed Operations revenues. Manufacturers continue to extend new vehicle warranty periods (in particular for BEVs) and have also begun to include regular maintenance items in the warranty or complimentary maintenance program coverage. These factors, over the long term, combined with the extended manufacturer warranties on CPO vehicles, should facilitate growth in our parts and service business. Barriers to long-term growth may include reductions in the rate paid by manufacturers to dealers for warranty repair work performed, as well as the improved quality and design of vehicles that may affect the level and frequency of future customer pay or warranty-related repair revenues.

The COVID-19 pandemic initially had a negative effect on our consolidated Fixed Operations revenues, as travel restrictions, government-imposed stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders, and fewer workers undertaking a daily commute combined to substantially decrease the number of miles driven in the U.S., which decreased the demand for maintenance, repairs and collision services beginning in March 2020. As government-imposed restrictions were relaxed and consumers resumed normal levels of driving, we experienced a recovery in Fixed Operations revenues and are currently operating at or above pre-pandemic levels in the majority of our markets.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Our consolidated reported Fixed Operations results were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2022			2021			Change		% Change
	(In millions)
Reported Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	672.8		$	602.3		$	70.5	12	%
Warranty	228.0			214.8			13.2		6	%
Wholesale parts	199.2			158.8			40.4		25	%
Internal, sublet and other	499.7			364.5			135.2		37	%
Total revenue	$	1,599.7		$	1,340.4		$	259.3	19	%

Gross profit
Customer pay	$	389.7		$	341.9		$	47.8	14	%
Warranty	132.8			125.0			7.8		6	%
Wholesale parts	35.9			28.0			7.9		28	%
Internal, sublet and other	234.1			178.2			55.9		31	%
Total gross profit	$	792.5		$	673.1		$	119.4	18	%

Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay	57.9		%	56.8		%	110		bps
Warranty	58.3		%	58.2		%	10		bps
Wholesale parts	18.0		%	17.8		%	20		bps
Internal, sublet and other	46.8		%	48.9		%	(210)		bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue	49.5		%	50.2		%	(70)		bps

For further analysis of Fixed Operations results, see the tables and discussion under the headings “Fixed Operations - Franchised Dealerships Segment” and “Fixed Operations - Powersports Segment” in the Franchised Dealerships Segment and Powersports Segment sections, respectively, below.

F&I - Consolidated

Finance, insurance and other, net revenues include commissions for arranging third-party vehicle financing and insurance, sales of third-party extended warranties and service contracts for vehicles, and sales of other aftermarket products. In connection with vehicle financing, extended warranties and service contracts, other aftermarket products and insurance contracts, we receive commissions from the third-party providers for originating these contracts. F&I revenues are recognized net of actual and estimated future chargebacks and other costs associated with originating contracts (as a result, reported F&I revenues and F&I gross profit are the same amount, resulting in a 100% gross margin for F&I). F&I revenues are affected by the level of new and retail used vehicle unit sales volume, the age and average selling price of vehicles sold, the level of manufacturer financing specials or leasing incentives, and our F&I penetration rates for each type of F&I product. The F&I penetration rate represents the number of finance contracts, extended warranties and service contracts, other aftermarket products or insurance contracts that we are able to originate per vehicle sold, expressed as a percentage.

Yield spread premium is another term for the commission earned by our dealerships for arranging vehicle financing for consumers. The amount of the commission could be zero, a flat fee or an actual spread between the interest rate charged to the consumer and the interest rate provided by the third-party direct financing source (e.g., a commercial bank, credit union or manufacturer captive finance company). We have established caps on the potential yield spread premium our dealerships can earn with all finance sources. We believe the yield spread premium we earn for arranging vehicle financing represents value to the consumer in numerous ways, including the following:

•lower cost, below-market financing is often available only from the manufacturers’ captives and franchised dealers;

•ease of access to multiple high-quality lending sources;

•lease-financing alternatives are largely available only from manufacturers’ captives or other indirect lenders;

•guests with substandard credit frequently do not have direct access to potential sources of sub-prime financing; and

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

•guests with significant “negative equity” in their current vehicle (i.e., the guest’s current vehicle is worth less than the balance of their vehicle loan or lease obligation) frequently are unable to pay off the loan on their current vehicle and finance the purchase or lease of a replacement new or used vehicle without the assistance of a franchised dealership’s network of lending sources.

Our consolidated reported F&I results were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2022		2021		Change		% Change
	(In millions, except unit and per unit data)
Reported F&I:
Revenue	$	679.1	$	637.2	$	41.9	7	%
Total combined retail new and used vehicle unit sales	274,377		283,235		(8,858)		(3)	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	2,475	$	2,250	$	225	10	%

For further analysis of F&I results, see the tables and discussion under the headings “F&I - Franchised Dealerships Segment,” “Used Vehicles and F&I - EchoPark Segment” and “F&I - Powersports Segment” in the Franchised Dealerships Segment, EchoPark Segment and Powersports Segment sections, respectively, below.

Results of Operations - Franchised Dealerships Segment

As a result of the acquisition, disposition, termination or closure of several franchised dealership stores in 2022 and 2021, the change in reported amounts from period to period may not be indicative of the current or future operational or financial performance of our current group of operating stores. The following discussion of new vehicles, used vehicles, wholesale vehicles, parts, service and collision repair, and finance, insurance and other, net is on a same store basis (which excludes results from disposed stores), except where otherwise noted.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

New Vehicles - Franchised Dealerships Segment

The following table provides a reconciliation of Franchised Dealerships Segment reported basis and same store basis for new vehicles:


	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2022		2021		Change		% Change
	(In millions, except unit data)
Retail new vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	4,794.4	$	4,901.8	$	(107.4)	(2)	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	787.2		82.6		704.6		NM
Total as reported	$	5,581.6	$	4,984.4	$	597.2	12	%

Fleet new vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	85.1	$	62.7	$	22.4	36	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	14.3		61.9		(47.6)		NM
Total as reported	$	99.4	$	124.6	$	(25.2)	(20)	%

Total new vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	4,879.5	$	4,964.5	$	(85.0)	(2)	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	801.5		144.5		657.0		NM
Total as reported	$	5,681.0	$	5,109.0	$	572.0	11	%

Retail new vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	561.3	$	449.2	$	112.1	25	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	94.0		9.5		84.5		NM
Total as reported	$	655.3	$	458.7	$	196.6	43	%

Fleet new vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	3.6	$	1.6	$	2.0	125	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	1.3		—		1.3		NM
Total as reported	$	4.9	$	1.6	$	3.3	206	%

Total new vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	564.9	$	450.8	$	114.1	25	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	95.3		9.5		85.8		NM
Total as reported	$	660.2	$	460.3	$	199.9	43	%

Retail new vehicle unit sales:
Same store	84,663		98,311		(13,648)		(14)	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	14,761		1,504		13,257		NM
Total as reported	99,424		99,815		(391)		—	%

Fleet new vehicle unit sales:
Same store	1,853		1,590		263		17	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	262		1,953		(1,691)		NM
Total as reported	2,115		3,543		(1,428)		(40)	%

Total new vehicle unit sales:
Same store	86,516		99,901		(13,385)		(13)	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	15,023		3,457		11,566		NM
Total as reported	101,539		103,358		(1,819)		(2)	%

NM = Not Meaningful

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Our Franchised Dealerships Segment reported new vehicle results were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2022			2021			Change		% Change
	(In millions, except unit and per unit data)
Reported new vehicle:
Retail new vehicle revenue	$	5,581.6		$	4,984.4		$	597.2	12	%
Fleet new vehicle revenue	99.4			124.6			(25.2)		(20)	%
Total new vehicle revenue	$	5,681.0		$	5,109.0		$	572.0	11	%

Retail new vehicle gross profit	$	655.3		$	458.7		$	196.6	43	%
Fleet new vehicle gross profit	4.9			1.6			3.3		206	%
Total new vehicle gross profit	$	660.2		$	460.3		$	199.9	43	%

Retail new vehicle unit sales	99,424			99,815			(391)		—	%
Fleet new vehicle unit sales	2,115			3,543			(1,428)		(40)	%
Total new vehicle unit sales	101,539			103,358			(1,819)		(2)	%

Revenue per new retail unit	$	56,139		$	49,937		$	6,202	12	%
Revenue per new fleet unit	$	47,002		$	35,159		$	11,843	34	%
Total revenue per new unit	$	55,948		$	49,430		$	6,518	13	%

Gross profit per new retail unit	$	6,591		$	4,595		$	1,996	43	%
Gross profit per new fleet unit	$	2,292		$	454		$	1,838	405	%
Total gross profit per new unit	$	6,502		$	4,453		$	2,049	46	%

Retail gross profit as a % of revenue	11.7		%	9.2		%	250		bps
Fleet gross profit as a % of revenue	4.9		%	1.3		%	360		bps
Total new vehicle gross profit as a % of revenue	11.6		%	9.0		%	260		bps

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Our Franchised Dealerships Segment same store new vehicle results were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2022			2021			Change		% Change
	(In millions, except unit and per unit data)
Same store new vehicle:
Retail new vehicle revenue	$	4,794.4		$	4,901.8		$	(107.4)	(2)	%
Fleet new vehicle revenue	85.1			62.7			22.4		36	%
Total new vehicle revenue	$	4,879.5		$	4,964.5		$	(85.0)	(2)	%

Retail new vehicle gross profit	$	561.3		$	449.2		$	112.1	25	%
Fleet new vehicle gross profit	3.6			1.6			2.0		125	%
Total new vehicle gross profit	$	564.9		$	450.8		$	114.1	25	%

Retail new vehicle unit sales	84,663			98,311			(13,648)		(14)	%
Fleet new vehicle unit sales	1,853			1,590			263		17	%
Total new vehicle unit sales	86,516			99,901			(13,385)		(13)	%

Revenue per new retail unit	$	56,629		$	49,860		$	6,769	14	%
Revenue per new fleet unit	$	45,939		$	39,472		$	6,467	16	%
Total revenue per new unit	$	56,401		$	49,695		$	6,706	13	%

Gross profit per new retail unit	$	6,630		$	4,570		$	2,060	45	%
Gross profit per new fleet unit	$	1,938		$	969		$	969	100	%
Total gross profit per new unit	$	6,529		$	4,512		$	2,017	45	%

Retail gross profit as a % of revenue	11.7		%	9.2		%	250		bps
Fleet gross profit as a % of revenue	4.2		%	2.5		%	170		bps
Total new vehicle gross profit as a % of revenue	11.6		%	9.1		%	250		bps

Retail new vehicle revenue decreased 2%, due primarily to a 14% decrease in retail new vehicle unit sales volume, offset partially by a 14% increase in retail new vehicle average selling price. Retail new vehicle gross profit increased approximately $112.1 million, or 25%, as a result of higher retail new vehicle gross profit per unit, offset partially by lower retail new vehicle unit sales volume. Retail new vehicle gross profit per unit increased $2,060 per unit, or 45%, to $6,630 per unit, due primarily to inventory shortages as a result of vehicle manufacturer supply chain and production delays as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have generally increased the average selling prices of such vehicles.

On a trailing quarter cost of sales basis, our reported Franchised Dealerships Segment new vehicle inventory days’ supply was approximately 24 and 16 days as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively (note that the December 31, 2021 days’ supply was 11 days excluding the effect of the RFJ Acquisition in December 2021, which contributed less than one month of trailing cost of sales to the days’ supply calculation). The level of new vehicle inventory on hand continues to be below our target level as a result of the ongoing vehicle manufacturer supply chain disruptions and production delays described above, and while we anticipate that manufacturer production and new vehicle inventory levels will begin to improve in 2023, we expect that new vehicle inventory levels will remain lower than historical levels throughout 2023.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Used Vehicles - Franchised Dealerships Segment

The following table provides a reconciliation of Franchised Dealerships Segment reported basis and same store basis for retail used vehicles:


	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2022		2021		Change		% Change
	(In millions, except unit data)
Retail used vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	2,955.6	$	2,860.8	$	94.8	3	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	435.9		40.2		395.7		NM
Total as reported	$	3,391.5	$	2,901.0	$	490.5	17	%

Retail used vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	149.1	$	184.2	$	(35.1)	(19)	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	25.3		3.9		21.4		NM
Total as reported	$	174.4	$	188.1	$	(13.7)	(7)	%

Retail used vehicle unit sales:
Same store	92,939		104,084		(11,145)		(11)	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	15,573		1,373		14,200		NM
Total as reported	108,512		105,457		3,055		3	%

NM = Not Meaningful

Our Franchised Dealerships Segment reported retail used vehicle results were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2022			2021			Change		% Change
	(In millions, except unit and per unit data)
Reported retail used vehicle:
Revenue	$	3,391.5		$	2,901.0		$	490.5	17	%
Gross profit	$	174.4		$	188.1		$	(13.7)	(7)	%
Unit sales	108,512			105,457			3,055		3	%
Revenue per unit	$	31,254		$	27,509		$	3,745	14	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,607		$	1,784		$	(177)	(10)	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	5.1		%	6.5		%	(140)		bps

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Our Franchised Dealerships Segment same store retail used vehicle results were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2022			2021			Change		% Change
	(In millions, except unit and per unit data)
Same store retail used vehicle:
Revenue	$	2,955.6		$	2,860.8		$	94.8	3	%
Gross profit	$	149.1		$	184.2		$	(35.1)	(19)	%
Unit sales	92,939			104,084			(11,145)		(11)	%
Revenue per unit	$	31,801		$	27,485		$	4,316	16	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,605		$	1,769		$	(164)	(9)	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	5.0		%	6.4		%	(140)		bps

Retail used vehicle revenue increased approximately $94.8 million, or 3%, driven primarily by a 16% increase in retail used vehicle average selling price, offset partially by an 11% decrease in retail used vehicle unit sales volume. Retail used vehicle gross profit decreased approximately $35.1 million, or 19%, driven primarily by an 11% decrease in retail used vehicle unit sales volume. Retail used vehicle gross profit per unit decreased $164 per unit, or 9%, to $1,605 per unit.

On a trailing quarter cost of sales basis, our reported Franchised Dealerships Segment used vehicle inventory days’ supply was approximately 26 and 42 days as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively (note that the December 31, 2021 days’ supply was 36 days excluding the effect of the RFJ Acquisition in December 2021, which contributed less than one month of trailing cost of sales to the days’ supply calculation).

Wholesale Vehicles - Franchised Dealerships Segment

The following table provides a reconciliation of Franchised Dealerships Segment reported basis and same store basis for wholesale vehicles:


	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2022		2021		Change		% Change
	(In millions, except unit data)
Total wholesale vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	256.9	$	249.2	$	7.7	3	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	57.1		8.0		49.1		NM
Total as reported	$	314.0	$	257.2	$	56.8	22	%

Total wholesale vehicle gross profit (loss):
Same store	$	(5.1)	$	8.0	$	(13.1)	(164)	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	(1.2)		(7.4)		6.2		NM
Total as reported	$	(6.3)	$	0.6	$	(6.9)	NM

Total wholesale vehicle unit sales:
Same store	19,533		24,683		(5,150)		(21)	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	4,519		445		4,074		NM
Total as reported	24,052		25,128		(1,076)		(4)	%

NM = Not Meaningful

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Our Franchised Dealerships Segment reported wholesale vehicle results were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2022			2021			Change		% Change
	(In millions, except unit and per unit data)
Reported wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	314.0		$	257.2		$	56.8	22	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	(6.3)		$	0.6		$	(6.9)	NM
Unit sales	24,052			25,128			(1,076)		(4)	%
Revenue per unit	$	13,052		$	10,236		$	2,816	28	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(260)		$	24		$	(284)	NM
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	(2.0)		%	0.2		%	(220)		bps

NM = Not Meaningful

Our Franchised Dealerships Segment same store wholesale vehicle results were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2022		2021		Change		% Change
	(In millions, except unit and per unit data)
Same store wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	256.9	$	249.2	$	7.7	3	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	(5.1)	$	8.0	$	(13.1)	(164)	%
Unit sales	19,533		24,683		(5,150)		(21)	%
Revenue per unit	$	13,151	$	10,094	$	3,057	30	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit