Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission files number 1-13395
 
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
     
DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  56-2010790
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
6415 Idlewild Road, Suite 109, Charlotte, North Carolina   28212
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
(704) 566-2400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes þ      No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such file).
Yes o      No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one).
Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer þ  Non-Accelerated Filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller Reporting Company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).      Yes o      No þ
As of July 25, 2010, there were 40,650,859 shares of Class A Common Stock and 12,029,375 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.
 
 

 


 

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
         
    Page  
 
       
    3  
 
       
    3  
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
    7  
 
       
    22  
 
       
    35  
 
       
    36  
 
       
    37  
 
       
    37  
 
       
    38  
 
       
    39  
 
       
    40  
 
       
    42  
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2

2


Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1: Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars and shares in thousands except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Second Quarter Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2009     2010     2009     2010  
Revenues:
                               
New vehicles
  $ 772,296     $ 902,452     $ 1,477,819     $ 1,687,050  
Used vehicles
    382,091       470,365       710,381       892,656  
Wholesale vehicles
    33,903       30,111       71,359       61,389  
 
                       
Total vehicles
    1,188,290       1,402,928       2,259,559       2,641,095  
Parts, service and collision repair
    274,032       287,095       544,701       565,682  
Finance, insurance and other
    38,847       45,985       74,000       86,959  
 
                       
Total revenues
    1,501,169       1,736,008       2,878,260       3,293,736  
Cost of Sales:
                               
New vehicles
    (720,073 )     (841,331 )     (1,378,757 )     (1,571,430 )
Used vehicles
    (351,011 )     (433,932 )     (648,535 )     (822,806 )
Wholesale vehicles
    (35,145 )     (31,958 )     (72,666 )     (63,912 )
 
                       
Total vehicles
    (1,106,229 )     (1,307,221 )     (2,099,958 )     (2,458,148 )
Parts, service and collision repair
    (135,241 )     (143,768 )     (271,630 )     (282,245 )
 
                       
Total cost of sales
    (1,241,470 )     (1,450,989 )     (2,371,588 )     (2,740,393 )
Gross profit
    259,699       285,019       506,672       553,343  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    (205,767 )     (228,372 )     (411,231 )     (451,865 )
Impairment charges
    (5,030 )     (1 )     (5,087 )     (45 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (8,183 )     (8,675 )     (15,776 )     (17,000 )
 
                       
Operating income
    40,719       47,971       74,578       84,433  
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest expense, floor plan
    (5,492 )     (5,507 )     (10,660 )     (10,413 )
Interest expense, other, net
    (23,216 )     (15,683 )     (39,950 )     (32,873 )
Interest expense, non-cash, convertible debt
    (3,643 )     (1,730 )     (6,262 )     (3,406 )
Interest expense, non-cash, cash flow swaps
    (1,908 )     (2,235 )     (3,179 )     (3,918 )
Other income (expense), net
    20       (7,235 )     70       (7,171 )
 
                       
Total other expense
    (34,239 )     (32,390 )     (59,981 )     (57,781 )
 
                       
Income from continuing operations before taxes
    6,480       15,581       14,597       26,652  
Income tax provision
    (2,916 )     (6,300 )     (6,569 )     (11,061 )
 
                       
Income from continuing operations
    3,564       9,281       8,028       15,591  
Discontinued operations:
                               
Loss from operations and the sale of discontinued franchises
    (5,067 )     (1,015 )     (9,013 )     (4,547 )
Income tax benefit
    1,529       170       2,689       1,546  
 
                       
Loss from discontinued operations
    (3,538 )     (845 )     (6,324 )     (3,001 )
 
                       
Net income
  $ 26     $ 8,436     $ 1,704     $ 12,590  
 
                       
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Earnings per share from continuing operations
  $ 0.09     $ 0.18     $ 0.20     $ 0.30  
Loss per share from discontinued operations
    (0.09 )     (0.02 )     (0.16 )     (0.06 )
 
                       
Earnings per share
  $     $ 0.16     $ 0.04     $ 0.24  
 
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    40,968       52,249       40,536       52,070  
 
                       
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Earnings per share from continuing operations
  $ 0.08     $ 0.17     $ 0.19     $ 0.29  
Loss per share from discontinued operations
    (0.08 )     (0.01 )     (0.15 )     (0.05 )
 
                       
Earnings per share
  $     $ 0.16     $ 0.04     $ 0.24  
 
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    41,604       65,807       40,974       52,749  
 
                       
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
                 
            (Unaudited)  
    December 31,     June 30,  
    2009     2010  
ASSETS
               
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 30,035     $ 20,122  
Receivables, net
    232,969       193,842  
Inventories
    795,275       868,686  
Assets held for sale
    12,167       5,777  
Other current assets
    14,937       16,171  
 
           
Total Current Assets
    1,085,383       1,104,598  
Property and Equipment, net
    382,085       386,289  
Goodwill
    469,482       469,993  
Other Intangible Assets, net
    80,806       79,978  
Other Assets
    51,099       59,944  
 
           
Total Assets
  $ 2,068,855     $ 2,100,802  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Notes payable — floor plan — trade
  $ 214,871     $ 447,709  
Notes payable — floor plan — non-trade
    548,493       350,906  
Trade accounts payable
    55,345       53,188  
Accrued interest
    16,146       13,924  
Other accrued liabilities
    144,709       134,120  
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale — non-trade
    3,346       1,361  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    23,991       23,458  
 
           
Total Current Liabilities
    1,006,901       1,024,666  
Long-Term Debt
    552,150       550,182  
Other Long-Term Liabilities
    141,052       142,204  
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
Class A convertible preferred stock, none issued
           
Class A common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 54,986,875 shares issued and 40,099,559 shares outstanding at December 31, 2009; 55,621,998 shares issued and 40,647,198 shares outstanding at June 30, 2010
    550       556  
Class B common stock; $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 12,029,375 shares outstanding at December 31, 2009 and June 30, 2010
    121       121  
Paid-in capital
    662,186       665,624  
Accumulated deficit
    (35,180 )     (22,589 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (22,350 )     (22,338 )
Treasury stock, at cost (14,887,316 Class A shares held at December 31, 2009 and 14,974,800 Class A shares held at June 30, 2010)
    (236,575 )     (237,624 )
 
           
Total Stockholders’ Equity
    368,752       383,750  
 
           
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 2,068,855     $ 2,100,802  
 
           
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars and shares in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                                                                 
                                                            Accumulated              
    Class A     Class B                             Other     Total     Compre-  
    Common Stock     Common Stock     Paid-In     Accumulated     Treasury     Comprehensive     Stockholders’     hensive  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Stock     Income (Loss)     Equity     Income  
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2009
    54,987       550       12,029       121       662,186       (35,180 )     (236,575 )     (22,350 )     368,752          
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans
    279       3                   1,173                         1,176        
Purchases of treasury stock
                                        (1,049 )           (1,049 )      
Income tax benefit associated with stock compensation plans
                            595                         595        
Income tax benefit associated with convertible note hedge
                            134                         134        
Fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax expense of $7
                                              12       12       12  
Stock-based compensation expense
                            300                         300        
Restricted stock amortization, net of forfeitures
                            1,239                         1,239        
Net income
                                  12,590                   12,590       12,590  
Other
    356       3                   (3 )     1                   1        
 
                                                           
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2010
    55,622       556       12,029     $ 121     $ 665,624     $ (22,589 )   $ (237,624 )   $ (22,338 )   $ 383,750     $ 12,602  
 
                                                           
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    June 30,  
    2009     2010  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net income
  $ 1,704     $ 12,590  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment
    16,562       17,233  
Provision for bad debt expense
    678       602  
Other amortization
    828       828  
Debt issuance cost amortization
    7,326       1,636  
Debt discount amortization, net of premium amortization
    6,545       2,673  
Stock — based compensation expense
    296       300  
Amortization of restricted stock
    1,202       1,239  
Restricted stock forfeiture
    (110 )      
Deferred income taxes
    (2,422 )     (463 )
Equity interest in earnings of investees
    (328 )     (414 )
Asset impairment charges
    8,495       45  
Loss (gain) on disposal of franchises and property and equipment
    (194 )     (596 )
Loss on exit of leased dealerships
    2,085       2,766  
Loss on retirement of debt
          7,259  
Derivative fair value adjustments
    100        
Changes in assets and liabilities that relate to operations:
               
Receivables
    46,799       38,525  
Inventories
    225,230       (77,900 )
Other assets
    (30,245 )     (13,693 )
Notes payable — floor plan — trade
    (51,013 )     232,838  
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities
    31,815       (20,768 )
 
           
Total adjustments
    263,649       192,110  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    265,353       204,700  
 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (28,046 )     (20,424 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
    1,951       86  
Proceeds from sale of franchises
    20,677       10,728  
Distributions from equity investees
    300        
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (5,118 )     (9,610 )
 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net (repayments) borrowings on notes payable floor plan — non-trade
    (235,223 )     (199,572 )
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities
    431,719       40,000  
Repayments on revolving credit facilities
    (422,550 )     (40,000 )
Proceeds from long-term debt
          209,983  
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (18,534 )     (3,080 )
Settlement of cash flow swaps
    (16,454 )      
Repurchase of debt securities
          (213,190 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (61 )     (1,049 )
Income tax benefit associated with stock compensation plans
          595  
Income tax benefit associated with convertible hedge
    1,157       134  
Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans
          1,176  
Issuance of common stock related to private placement
    2,800        
Dividends paid
    (4,897 )      
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (262,043 )     (205,003 )
 
           
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (1,808 )     (9,913 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    6,971       30,035  
 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 5,163     $ 20,122  
 
           
 
               
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments (net of tax expense of $7,300 and $7 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and 2010, respectively)
  $ 11,910     $ 12  
Issuance of shares related to debt refinance
  $ 3,948     $  
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
               
Interest, net of amount capitalized
  $ 53,477     $ 48,473  
Income taxes
  $ (21,820 )   $ (16,441 )
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
     Basis of Presentation — The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial information for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and 2010 has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. These Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all material adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to fairly state the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic” or the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2009, which were included in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K .
     Recent Developments — On March 12, 2010, Sonic issued $210.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 9.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2018 (the “9.0% Notes”). The notes were issued at 99.299% of par. Net proceeds received from the issuance of the 9.0% Notes were approximately $203.8 million, after deducting applicable discounts and commissions. On April 12, 2010, Sonic used these net proceeds, together with cash on hand, to redeem $200.0 million of the Company’s 8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2013 (the “8.625% Notes”). See Note 6 for further discussion of the 9.0% Notes and 8.625% Notes.
     Reclassifications — The Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009 reflect the reclassification of balances from continuing operations to discontinued operations from the prior year presentation for additional franchises sold and terminated or identified for sale subsequent to June 30, 2009. The Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009 also reflect the reclassification of balances from discontinued operations to continuing operations for franchises identified for sale as of June 30, 2009, but which Sonic has decided to retain and operate as of June 30, 2010.
     Lease Exit Accruals — Lease exit accruals relate to facilities Sonic has ceased using in its operations. The accruals represent the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated sublease proceeds, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord. A summary of the activity of these lease exit accruals consists of the following:
         
    (dollars in  
    thousands)  
Balance, December 31, 2009
  $ 47,825  
Lease exit expense
    2,766  
Payments
    (4,608 )
 
     
Balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 45,983  
 
     
     Of the $2.8 million lease exit expense recorded in the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, approximately $2.7 million was recorded in discontinued operations.
     Income Tax Expense — The overall effective tax rates for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and 2010 are higher than federal statutory rates due to the effect of state income taxes. The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 40.4% and 41.5% for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively. The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 45.0% for both the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009. The effective rate for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010 was lower than the prior year periods due to the shift in the distribution of taxable income between states in which Sonic operates and lower expense effects related to tax positions as a result of “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” in the ASC.
2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
     Dispositions — The operating results of franchises held for sale are included in the loss from discontinued operations in Sonic’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Assets to be disposed of in connection with franchises held for sale but not yet sold have been classified in assets held for sale in Sonic’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets along with

7


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
other assets held for sale. At June 30, 2010, the held for sale balance of property and equipment, net is comprised of real estate held for sale by non-dealership entities. The major components of assets held for sale consist of the following:
                 
    (dollars in thousands)  
    December 31,     June 30,  
    2009     2010  
Inventories
  $ 4,528     $ 1,555  
Property and equipment, net
    4,838       3,966  
Goodwill
    2,801       256  
 
           
Assets held for sale
  $ 12,167     $ 5,777  
 
           
     Liabilities to be disposed in connection with these dispositions are comprised primarily of notes payable — floor plan and are classified as liabilities associated with assets held for sale on Sonic’s balance sheets. Revenues and other activities associated with franchises classified as discontinued operations were as follows:
                                 
    (dollars in thousands)        
    Second Quarter Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2009     2010     2009     2010  
Loss from operations
  $ (2,000 )   $ (1,020 )   $ (3,341 )   $ (3,178 )
Gain (loss) on disposal of franchises
    (388 )     1,082       (469 )     1,353  
Lease exit charges
    (800 )     (1,077 )     (1,795 )     (2,722 )
Property impairment charges
    (1,692 )           (1,822 )      
Goodwill impairment charges
    (187 )           (1,586 )      
 
                       
Pre-tax loss
  $ (5,067 )   $ (1,015 )   $ (9,013 )   $ (4,547 )
 
                       
 
                               
Total Revenues
  $ 68,715     $ 6,399     $ 142,416     $ 17,609  
 
                       
     Lease exit charges recorded for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and 2010 relate to the revision of estimates on previously established lease exit accruals. The lease exit accruals are calculated by either discounting the remaining lease payments, net of estimated sublease proceeds, or estimating the amount necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord. See Note 4 for a discussion of property impairment charges and see Note 5 for a discussion of goodwill impairment charges.
     Sonic allocates interest expense to discontinued operations based on the net assets of the discontinued operations group. Interest allocated to discontinued operations for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009 and 2010 was $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Interest allocated to discontinued operations for the six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and 2010 was $1.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
3. Inventories
     Inventories consist of the following:
                 
    (dollars in thousands)  
    December 31,     June 30,  
    2009     2010  
New vehicles
  $ 557,319     $ 599,013  
Used vehicles
    138,401       166,345  
Parts and accessories
    51,470       50,434  
Other
    52,613       54,449  
 
           
 
  $ 799,803     $ 870,241  
Less inventories classified as assets held for sale
    (4,528 )     (1,555 )
 
           
Inventories
  $ 795,275     $ 868,686  
 
           

8


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4. Property and Equipment
     Property and equipment consists of the following:
                 
    (dollars in thousands)  
    December 31,     June 30,  
    2009     2010  
Land
  $ 61,886     $ 62,205  
Building and improvements
    322,632       313,700  
Office equipment and fixtures
    75,801       75,522  
Parts and service equipment
    54,981       54,946  
Company vehicles
    8,440       8,283  
Construction in progress
    40,000       41,873  
 
           
Total, at cost
    563,740       556,529  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (176,817 )     (166,274 )
 
           
Subtotal
    386,923       390,255  
Less assets held for sale
    (4,838 )     (3,966 )
 
           
Property and equipment, net
  $ 382,085     $ 386,289  
 
           
     In the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009, Sonic recorded fixed asset impairment charges of $3.7 million and $3.9 million, respectively, $2.0 million and $2.1 million of which were recorded in continuing operations, respectively.
5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
                                 
    (dollars in thousands)  
                    Accumulated        
    Franchise Agreements     Gross Goodwill     Impairment     Net Goodwill  
 
                               
Balance, December 31, 2009
  $ 64,835     $ 1,266,207     $ (796,725 )   $ 469,482  
 
                               
Reductions from sales of franchises
          (2,034 )           (2,034 )
Reclassification from assets held for sale, net
          2,545             2,545  
 
                       
 
                               
Balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 64,835     $ 1,266,718     $ (796,725 )   $ 469,993  
 
                       
     In the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009, Sonic recorded goodwill impairment charges of $1.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively, $0.9 million of which was recorded in continuing operations in each period. The impairment charges recorded were based on the determination that recorded values were not recoverable under asset disposal agreements entered into during the six-month period ended June 30, 2009. Sonic recorded franchise asset impairment charges of $2.1 million in continuing operations in each of the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009.
     At December 31, 2009, Sonic had $16.0 million of definite life intangibles recorded relating to favorable lease agreements. After the effect of amortization of the definite life intangibles, the balance recorded at June 30, 2010 was $15.1 million and was included in other intangible assets, net, in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
6. Long-Term Debt
     Long-term debt consists of the following:

9


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                 
    (dollars in thousands)  
    December 31,     June 30,  
    2009     2010  
 
               
2010 Revolving Credit Facilities (1)
  $     $  
Senior Subordinated Notes bearing interest at 9.0%
          210,000  
Senior Subordinated Notes bearing interest at 8.625%
    275,000       62,855  
Convertible Senior Notes bearing interest at 5.0%
    172,500       172,500  
Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes bearing interest at 4.25%
    17,045       16,000  
Notes payable to a finance company bearing interest from 9.52% to 10.52% (with a weighted average of 10.19%)
    17,778       16,714  
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, bearing interest from 5.80% to 7.03%
    78,424       77,270  
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, bearing interest at 1.25 to 3.30 percentage points above one-month LIBOR
    38,251       38,926  
Net debt discount and premium (2)
    (29,199 )     (26,824 )
Other
    6,342       6,199  
 
           
 
  $ 576,141     $ 573,640  
Less current maturities
    (23,991 )     (23,458 )
 
           
Long-term debt
  $ 552,150     $ 550,182  
 
           
 
(1)   Interest rate was 2.25% above LIBOR at June 30, 2010.
 
(2)   December 31, 2009 includes $1.5 million discount associated with the 8.625% Notes, $29.8 million discount associated with the 5.0% Convertible Notes, $0.6 million discount associated with the 4.25% Convertible Notes, $2.5 million premium associated with notes payable to a finance company and $0.2 million premium associated with mortgage notes payable. June 30, 2010 includes $1.3 million discount associated with the 9.0% Notes, $0.4 million discount associated with the 8.625% Notes, $27.3 million discount associated with the 5.0% Convertible Notes, $0.3 million discount associated with the 4.25% Convertible Notes, $2.2 million premium associated with notes payable to a finance company and $0.2 million premium associated with mortgage notes payable.
2006 Credit Facility
     The 2006 Revolving Credit Sub-Facility, the 2006 New Vehicle Floor Plan Sub-Facility and the 2006 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Sub-Facility would have matured on February 17, 2010. The 2006 Credit Facility was refinanced on January 15, 2010. See 2010 Credit Facilities discussion below.
2010 Credit Facilities
     On January 15, 2010, Sonic entered into an amended and restated syndicated revolving credit agreement with five financial institutions and three manufacturer captive finance companies as lenders (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and a syndicated floor plan credit facility with four financial institutions as lenders (the “Floorplan Facility”). The Revolving Credit Facility and Floorplan Facility (collectively the “2010 Credit Facilities”) mature on August 15, 2012.
     The Revolving Credit Facility, which is subject to compliance with a borrowing base, has a borrowing limit of $150.0 million, which may be expanded up to $215.0 million in total credit availability upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The Revolving Credit Facility is available for acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital and general corporate purposes. The amount available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility is reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the aggregate face amount of any outstanding letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility. The borrowing base is calculated based on the value of eligible accounts, eligible inventory, eligible equipment and 5,000,000 shares of common stock of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (“SMI”) pledged as collateral by one of Sonic’s affiliates, Sonic Financial Corporation (“SFC”).
     As of June 30, 2010, the 2010 Revolving Borrowing Base was approximately $135.3 million. At June 30, 2010, Sonic had no outstanding borrowings and $49.9 million in outstanding letters of credit resulting in total borrowing availability of $85.4 million under the 2010 Revolving Credit Facility.

10


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
     Outstanding obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a pledge of substantially all of Sonic’s assets and the assets of substantially all of its domestic subsidiaries, and by the pledge of 5,000,000 shares of common stock of SMI by SFC. The collateral also provides for the pledge of the franchise agreements and stock or equity interests of Sonic’s dealership franchise subsidiaries, except for those dealership franchise subsidiaries where the applicable manufacturer prohibits such a pledge, in which cases the stock or equity interests of the dealership franchise subsidiary is subject to an escrow arrangement with the administrative agent. Substantially all of Sonic’s domestic subsidiaries also guarantee its obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility.
     The Floorplan Facility is comprised of a new vehicle revolving floor plan facility in an amount up to $321.0 million (the “New Vehicle Floorplan Facility”) and a used vehicle revolving floor plan facility in an amount up to $50.0 million, subject to compliance and a borrowing base (the “Used Vehicle Floorplan Facility”). Sonic may, under certain conditions, request an increase in the Floorplan Facility by up to $125.0 million, which shall be allocated between the New Vehicle Floorplan Facility and the Used Vehicle Floorplan Facility as Sonic requests, with no more than 15% of the aggregate commitments allocated to the commitments under the Used Vehicle Floorplan Facility. Outstanding obligations under the Floorplan Facility are guaranteed by Sonic and certain of its subsidiaries and are secured by a pledge of substantially all of Sonic’s assets and the assets of certain of its domestic subsidiaries.
     The amounts outstanding under the 2010 Credit Facilities bear interest at variable rates based on specified percentages above LIBOR according to a performance-based pricing grid determined by Sonic’s Consolidated Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter.
Covenants
     The 2010 Credit Facilities contain certain covenants, including covenants which could restrict or prohibit indebtedness, liens, the payment of dividends, capital expenditures and material dispositions and acquisitions of assets as well as other customary covenants and default provisions. Sonic was in compliance with the covenants under the 2010 Credit Facilities as of June 30, 2010 and expects to be in compliance with the covenants for the foreseeable future. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2010 Credit Facilities) of:
                         
    Covenant
            Consolidated   Consolidated
    Consolidated   Fixed Charge   Total Senior
    Liquidity   Coverage   Secured Debt to
    Ratio   Ratio   EBITDA Ratio
 
                       
Through March 30, 2011
    ≥ 1.00       ≥ 1.10       £ 2.25  
March 31, 2011 through and including March 30, 2012
    ≥ 1.05       ≥ 1.15       £ 2.25  
March 31, 2012 and thereafter
    ≥ 1.10       ≥ 1.20       £ 2.25  
 
                       
June 30, 2010 actual
    1.16       1.55       1.23  
     The 2010 Credit Facilities contain events of default, including cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, change of control events and events of default customary for syndicated commercial credit facilities. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, Sonic could be required to immediately repay all outstanding amounts under the 2010 Credit Facilities.
     In addition, many of Sonic’s facility leases are governed by a guarantee agreement between the landlord and Sonic that contains financial and operating covenants. The financial covenants are identical to those under the 2010 Credit Facilities with the exception of one financial covenant related to the ratio of EBTDAR to Rent with a required ratio of no less than 1.5 to 1.0. At June 30, 2010, the ratio was 1.94 to 1.00.
9.0% Senior Subordinated Notes (“9.0% Notes”)
     On March 12, 2010, Sonic issued $210.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.0% Notes which mature on March 15, 2018. Sonic received approximately $203.8 million in net proceeds from the offering, after deducting applicable discounts and commissions. Sonic used these net proceeds, together with cash on hand, to redeem $200.0 million aggregate

11


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
principal amount of its 8.625% Notes due 2013 on April 12, 2010. The 9.0% Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of Sonic and are guaranteed by Sonic’s domestic operating subsidiaries. Interest is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 each year (beginning on September 15, 2010). Sonic may redeem the 9.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after March 15, 2014 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount.
         
    Redemption
    Price
Beginning on March 15, 2014
    104.50 %
Beginning on March 15, 2015
    102.25 %
Beginning on March 15, 2016 and thereafter
    100.00 %
     In addition, on or before March 15, 2013, Sonic may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 9.0% Notes at par value plus accrued interest with proceeds from certain equity offerings. The Indenture also provides that holders of 9.0% Notes may require Sonic to repurchase the 9.0% Notes at 101% of the par value of the 9.0% Notes, plus accrued interest if Sonic undergoes a “change of control” as defined in the Indenture.
     The indenture governing the 9.0% Notes contains certain specified restrictive and required financial covenants. Sonic has agreed not to pledge any assets to any third party lender of senior subordinated debt except under certain limited circumstances. Sonic also has agreed to certain other limitations or prohibitions concerning the incurrence of other indebtedness, capital stock, guaranties, asset sales, investments, cash dividends to stockholders, distributions and redemptions. Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic’s 9.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 9.0% Notes. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of June 30, 2010.
     Balances outstanding under Sonic’s 9.0% Notes are guaranteed by all of Sonic’s operating domestic subsidiaries. These guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. The parent company has no independent assets or operations. The non-domestic and non-operating subsidiaries that are not guarantors are considered to be minor as defined by the SEC.
     Sonic’s obligations under the 9.0% Notes may be accelerated by the holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the 9.0% Notes then outstanding if certain events of default occur, including: (1) defaults in the payment of principal or interest when due; (2) defaults in the performance, or breach, of Sonic’s covenants under the 9.0% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which Sonic or its subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $35.0 million.
8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes (“8.625% Notes”)
     The 8.625% Notes are unsecured obligations that rank equal in right of payment to all of Sonic’s existing and future senior subordinated indebtedness, mature on August 15, 2013 and are redeemable at Sonic’s option after August 15, 2008. Of the original $275.0 million principal amount of the 8.625% Notes, Sonic had $62.9 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding at June 30, 2010. Subsequent to June 30, 2010, Sonic called for redemption of an additional $20.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.625% Notes.
     On March 12, 2010, Sonic issued a redemption notice to holders of the 8.625% Notes to redeem $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 8.625% Notes. On April 12, 2010, Sonic used the net proceeds obtained from the issuance of the 9.0% Notes, together with cash on hand, to redeem the $200.0 million of aggregate principal amount at the applicable redemption price (102.875% of principal redeemed) plus accrued but unpaid interest. Sonic recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $7.0 million related to the redemption which was recognized in the second quarter ended June 30, 2010. During the second quarter Sonic repurchased approximately $12.1 million of additional principal amount of the 8.625% Notes and recorded an additional loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.3 million related to these repurchases. The total loss on extinguishment of $7.3 million is recorded in other income (expense), net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

12


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
     The indenture governing the 8.625% Notes contains certain specified restrictive and required financial covenants. Sonic has agreed not to pledge any assets to any third party lender of senior subordinated debt except under certain limited circumstances. Sonic also has agreed to certain other limitations or prohibitions concerning the incurrence of other indebtedness, capital stock, guaranties, asset sales, investments, cash dividends to shareholders, distributions and redemptions. Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic’s 8.625% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 8.625% Notes. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of June 30, 2010.
     Balances outstanding under Sonic’s 8.625% Notes are guaranteed by all of Sonic’s operating domestic subsidiaries. These guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. The parent company has no independent assets or operations. The non-domestic and non-operating subsidiaries that are not guarantors are considered to be minor as defined by the SEC.
5.0% Convertible Senior Notes (“5.0% Convertible Notes”)
     Sonic has $172.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.0% Convertible Notes outstanding. The 5.0% Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.0% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2010. The 5.0% Convertible Notes mature on October 1, 2029. Sonic may redeem some or all of the 5.0% Convertible Notes for cash at any time subsequent to October 1, 2014 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes. Holders have the right to require Sonic to purchase the 5.0% Convertible Notes on each of October 1, 2014, October 1, 2019 and October 1, 2024 or in the event of a change in control for cash at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes.
     Holders of the 5.0% Convertible Notes may convert their notes at their option prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding July 1, 2029 only under the following circumstances: (1) during any fiscal quarter commencing after December 31, 2009, if the last reported sale price of the Class A common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the applicable conversion price on each applicable trading day; (2) during the five business day period after any 10 consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price (as defined below) per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each day of that measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of Sonic’s Class A common stock and the applicable conversion rate on each such day; (3) if Sonic calls any or all of the notes for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the third scheduled trading day prior to the redemption date; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On and after July 1, 2029 to (and including) the close of business on the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances. The conversion rate is 74.7245 shares of Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $13.38 per share of Class A common stock. None of the conversion features on the 5.0% Convertible Notes were triggered in the six-month period ended June 30, 2010.
     To recognize the equity component of the convertible borrowing instrument, upon issuance of the 5.0% Convertible Notes in September 2009, Sonic recorded a debt discount of $31.0 million and a corresponding amount (net of taxes of $12.8 million) to equity. The debt discount is being amortized to interest expense through October 2014, the earliest redemption date of the 5.0% Convertible Notes.
4.25% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes (“4.25% Convertible Notes”)
     Sonic has approximately $16.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.25% Notes outstanding. Sonic repurchased approximately $1.0 million of the aggregate principal of the 4.25% Notes during the second quarter of 2010 at amounts close to par.
     The 4.25% Convertible Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 4.25% until November 30, 2010 and 4.75% thereafter. The 4.25% Convertible Notes are unsecured obligations that rank equal in right of payment to all of Sonic’s existing and future senior subordinated indebtedness, mature on November 30, 2015 and are redeemable by Sonic or the holders on or after November 30, 2010. Sonic’s obligations under the 4.25% Convertible Notes are not guaranteed by any of Sonic’s subsidiaries. Holders of the 4.25% Convertible Notes may convert them into cash and shares of Sonic’s Class A common stock at an initial conversion rate of 41.4185 shares per $1,000 of principal amount, subject to distributions on, or other

13


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
changes in Sonic’s Class A common stock, if any, prior to the conversion date.
     The 4.25% Convertible Notes are convertible into cash and shares of Sonic’s Class A common stock if prior to October 31, 2010, during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of 4.25% Convertible Notes was less than 103% of the product of the closing price of Sonic’s Class A common stock and the applicable conversion rate for the 4.25% Convertible Notes; if Sonic calls the 4.25% Convertible Notes for redemption; upon the occurrence of certain corporate transactions; or on or after October 31, 2010. Upon conversion of the 4.25% Convertible Notes, Sonic will be required to deliver cash equal to the lesser of the aggregate principal amount of the 4.25% Convertible Notes being converted and Sonic’s total conversion obligation. If Sonic’s total conversion obligation exceeds the aggregate principal amount of the 4.25% Convertible Notes being converted, Sonic will deliver shares of Class A common stock to the extent of the excess amount, if any. None of the conversion features on the 4.25% Convertible Notes were triggered in the second quarter ended June 30, 2010.
Notes Payable to a Finance Company
     Three notes payable (due October 2015 and August 2016) were assumed in connection with an acquisition in 2005 (the “Assumed Notes”). Sonic recorded the Assumed Notes at fair value using an interest rate of 5.35%. The interest rate used to calculate the fair value was based on a quoted market price for notes with similar terms as of the date of assumption. As a result of calculating the fair value, a premium of $7.3 million was recorded that will be amortized over the lives of the Assumed Notes. As of June 30, 2010, the remaining unamortized premium was $2.1 million.
Mortgage Notes
     Sonic has mortgage financing related to several of its dealership properties. These mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest through maturity and are secured by the underlying properties. Maturity dates range between June 2013 and December 2029. The weighted average interest rate was 5.11% at June 30, 2010.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
     At June 30, 2010 Sonic had interest rate swap agreements (the “Fixed Swaps”) to effectively convert a portion of its LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. The fair value of these swap positions at June 30, 2010 was a liability of $36.3 million included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Under the terms of the Fixed Swaps, Sonic will receive and pay interest based on the following:
                     
Notional Amount   Pay Rate   Receive Rate (1)   Maturing Date
(in millions)                
$
200.0       4.935 %   one-month LIBOR   May 1, 2012
$
100.0       5.265 %   one-month LIBOR   June 1, 2012
$
3.7       7.100 %   one-month LIBOR   July 10, 2017
$
25.0  (2)     5.160 %   one-month LIBOR   September 1, 2012
$
15.0  (2)     4.965 %   one-month LIBOR   September 1, 2012
$
25.0  (2)     4.885 %   one-month LIBOR   October 1, 2012
$
11.6       4.655 %   one-month LIBOR   December 10, 2017
$
8.8       6.860 %   one-month LIBOR   August 1, 2017
$
7.1       4.330 %   one-month LIBOR   July 1, 2013
$
100.0  (3)     3.280 %   one-month LIBOR   July 1, 2015
$
100.0  (3)     3.300 %   one-month LIBOR   July 1, 2015
 
  (1)   One-month LIBOR was 0.348% at June 30, 2010.
 
  (2)   After December 31, 2009 changes in fair value are recorded through earnings.
 
  (3)   The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 2, 2012.
     During the first quarter ended March 31, 2009, Sonic settled two $100.0 million notional fixed swaps with a payment to the counterparty of $16.5 million. This settlement loss was deferred and is being amortized into earnings over the swaps’ initial remaining term.

14


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
     During the second quarter ended June 30, 2010, Sonic entered into two $100.0 million notional forward-starting interest rate swap agreements which become effective in July 2012 and terminate in July 2015. These interest rate swaps have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges and, as a result, changes in the fair value of these swaps will be recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.
     As a result of the refinancing of Sonic’s 2006 Credit Facility and the new terms of the 2010 Credit Facilities, at December 31, 2009 it was determined that it was no longer probable that Sonic would incur interest payments that match the terms of certain Fixed Swaps that previously were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges. Of the Fixed Swaps (including the two $100.0 million notional swaps which were settled in 2009), $565.0 million of the notional amount had previously been documented as hedges against the variability of cash flows related to interest payments on certain debt obligations. At June 30, 2010, Sonic estimates that under the new 2010 Credit Facilities and other facilities with matching terms, it is probable that the expected debt balance with interest payments that match the terms of the Fixed Swaps will be $400.0 million and it is reasonably possible that the expected debt balance with interest payments that match the terms of the Fixed Swaps will be between $400.0 million and $450.0 million. As a result, for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, non-cash charges of approximately $2.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively, related to $65.0 million in notional of the Fixed Swaps and amortization of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to other existing and terminated cash flow swaps were included in interest expense, non-cash, cash flow swaps in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
     For the Fixed Swaps which qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of these swaps have been recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. The incremental interest expense (the difference between interest paid and interest received) related to the Fixed Swaps was $4.3 million and $3.7 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009 and 2010, respectively, and $9.7 million and $8.7 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and 2010, respectively. This expense is included in interest expense, other, net in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The estimated net expense expected to be reclassified out of other comprehensive income (loss) into results of operations during the next twelve months is approximately $4.7 million.
7. Stock-Based Compensation
     Sonic currently has two active stock compensation plans and two inactive stock compensation plans which only have grants outstanding (collectively, the “Stock Plans”). See Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 for a more detailed description of the Stock Plans. A summary of the status of the stock options related to the Stock Plans is presented below:

15


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                         
                                     
                                   
                          Weighted Average        
    Options     Exercise Price     Weighted Average     Remaining     Aggregate  
    Outstanding     Per Share     Exercise Price     Contractual Term     Intrinsic Value  
    (in thousands)                 (in years)     (in thousands)  
 
                                       
Balance — December 31, 2009
    4,014     $ 1.81 - $37.50     $ 15.48       5.9     $ 12,349  
 
                                       
Exercised
    (238 )   $ 1.81 - $11.19       5.31                  
Forfeited
    (65 )   $ 1.81 - $37.50       17.33                  
 
                                 
 
                                       
Balance — June 30, 2010
    3,711     $ 1.81 - $37.50     $ 16.10       5.4     $ 8,379  
 
                                 
 
                                       
Exercisable
    2,790     $ 1.81 - $37.50     $ 20.73       4.3     $ 2,235  
         
    Six Months Ended
(dollars in thousands)   June 30, 2010
 
       
Fair Value of Options Vested
  $ 1,307  
Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised
  $ 1,567  
     Sonic recognized compensation expense related to stock options within selling, general and administrative expenses of $0.2 million and $0.1 million in the second quarter ended June 30, 2009 and 2010, respectively, and $0.3 million in each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2010. Tax benefits recognized related to the compensation expenses were $0.1 million for each of the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and 2010. The total compensation cost related to unvested options not yet recognized at June 30, 2010 was $0.8 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.
     A summary of the status of restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants related to the Stock Plans is presented below:
                 
    Unvested Restricted     Weighted Average  
    Stock and Restricted     Grant Date Fair  
    Stock Units     Value  
    (in thousands)          
 
               
Balance — December 31, 2009
    313     $ 17.45  
Granted
    502       10.34  
Forfeited
    (4 )     10.30  
Vested
    (291 )     17.16  
 
           
 
               
Balance — June 30, 2010
    520     $ 10.89  
 
           
     In the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, 472,305 restricted shares of Class A common stock and restricted stock units were awarded to Sonic’s executive officers and certain other officers and employees under the Stock Plans. Awards made in the six-month period ended June 30, 2010 vest one-third annually over a three year period from the grant date. The shares and units granted in conjunction with 2010 incentive compensation for executive officers are subject to forfeiture, in whole or in part, based upon specified measures of Sonic’s earnings per share and customer satisfaction index performance for the 2010 fiscal year, continuation of employment and compliance with any restrictive covenants contained in any agreement between Sonic and the respective officer. These awards are generally subject to the same restrictions and rights as the awards granted in prior years to certain executive officers. In the second quarter ended June 30, 2010, 30,000 restricted shares of Class A common stock were awarded to Sonic’s Non-Employee Directors. These awards vest in full on the first anniversary of the grant date and are not subject to any performance criteria.

16


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
     Sonic recognized compensation expense related to restricted stock and restricted stock units within selling, general and administrative expenses of $0.4 million and $0.6 million in the second quarter ended June 30, 2009 and 2010, respectively, and $1.1 million and $1.2 million in the six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and 2010, respectively. Sonic recognized $0.1 million and $0.2 million of tax benefit related to the compensation expenses for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009 and 2010, respectively, and $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and 2010, respectively. Total compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units not yet recognized at June 30, 2010 was $4.6 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.5 years.
8. Per Share Data and Stockholders’ Equity
     The calculation of diluted earnings per share considers the potential dilutive effect of Sonic’s contingently convertible debt issuances and stock options to purchase shares of Class A common stock under the Stock Plans. The following table illustrates the dilutive effect of such items on earnings per share for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and 2010:

17


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                                         
    For the Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2009  
            Income     Loss        
            From Continuing     From Discontinued        
            Operations     Operations     Net Income (Loss)  
    Class A & B             Per Common             Per Common             Per Common  
    Shares     Amount     Share Amount     Amount     Share Amount     Amount     Share Amount  
    (dollars in thousands except per share amounts)  
Earnings (Loss) and Shares
    40,968     $ 3,564             $ (3,538 )           $ 26          
Effect of Participating Securities:
                                                       
Unvested Restricted Stock and Stock Units
          (28 )                           (28 )        
 
                                         
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share
    40,968     $ 3,536     $ 0.09     $ (3,538 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (2 )   $  
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
                                                       
Stock Plans
    636                                            
 
                                         
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
    41,604     $ 3,536     $ 0.08     $ (3,538 )   $ (0.08 )   $ (2 )   $  
 
                                         
                                                         
    For the Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2010  
            Income     Loss        
            From Continuing     From Discontinued        
            Operations     Operations     Net Income  
    Class A & B             Per Common             Per Common             Per Common  
    Shares     Amount     Share Amount     Amount     Share Amount     Amount     Share Amount  
    (dollars in thousands except per share amounts)  
Earnings (Loss) and Shares
    52,249     $ 9,281             $ (845 )           $ 8,436          
Effect of Participating Securities:
                                                       
Unvested Restricted Stock and Stock Units
          (91 )                           (91 )        
 
                                         
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share
    52,249     $ 9,190     $ 0.18     $ (845 )   $ (0.02 )   $ 8,345     $ 0.16  
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
                                                       
Contingently Convertible
                                                       
Debt (2009 5.0% Convertibles)
    12,890       2,116               11               2,127          
Stock Plans
    668                                            
 
                                         
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
    65,807     $ 11,306     $ 0.17     $ (834 )   $ (0.01 )   $ 10,472     $ 0.16  
 
                                         
                                                         
    For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009  
            Income     Loss        
            From Continuing     From Discontinued        
            Operations     Operations     Net Income  
                    Per Common             Per Common             Per Common  
    Shares     Amount     Share Amount     Amount     Share Amount     Amount     Share Amount  
    (amounts in thousands except per share amounts)  
Earnings (Loss) and Shares
    40,536     $ 8,028             $ (6,324 )           $ 1,704          
Effect of Participating Securities:
                                                       
Unvested Restricted Stock and Stock Units
          (62 )                           (62 )        
 
                                         
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share
    40,536     $ 7,966     $ 0.20     $ (6,324 )   $ (0.16 )   $ 1,642     $ 0.04  
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
                                                       
Stock Plans
    438                                            
 
                                         
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
    40,974     $ 7,966     $ 0.19     $ (6,324 )   $ (0.15 )   $ 1,642     $ 0.04  
 
                                         
                                                         
    For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010  
            Income     Loss        
            From Continuing     From Discontinued        
            Operations     Operations     Net Income  
                    Per Common             Per Common             Per Common  
    Shares     Amount     Share Amount     Amount     Share Amount     Amount     Share Amount  
    (amounts in thousands except per share amounts)  
Earnings (Loss) and Shares
    52,070     $ 15,591             $ (3,001 )           $ 12,590          
Effect of Participating Securities:
                                                       
Unvested Restricted Stock and Stock Units
          (154 )                           (154 )        
 
                                         
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share
    52,070     $ 15,437     $ 0.30     $ (3,001 )   $ (0.06 )   $ 12,436     $ 0.24  
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
                                                       
Stock Plans
    679                                            
 
                                         
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
    52,749     $ 15,437     $ 0.29     $ (3,001 )   $ (0.05 )   $ 12,436     $ 0.24  
 
                                         
     In addition to the stock options included in the table above, options to purchase 2.8 million shares and 2.3 million shares of Class A common stock were outstanding at June 30, 2009 and 2010, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options were not dilutive. In addition, in the event the effect of potentially dilutive shares associated with any of Sonic’s convertible notes were anti-dilutive, the effect of those shares have also been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.

18


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
9. Contingencies
Legal and Other Proceedings:
     Sonic is a defendant in the matter of Galura, et al. v. Sonic Automotive, Inc., a private civil action filed in the Circuit Court of Hillsborough County, Florida. In this action, originally filed on December 30, 2002, the plaintiffs allege that Sonic and its Florida dealerships sold an antitheft protection product in a deceptive or otherwise illegal manner, and further sought representation on behalf of any customer of any of Sonic’s Florida dealerships who purchased the antitheft protection product since December 30, 1998. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief on behalf of this class of customers. In June 2005, the court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for certification of the requested class of customers, but the court has made no finding to date regarding actual liability in this lawsuit. Sonic subsequently filed a notice of appeal of the court’s class certification ruling with the Florida Court of Appeals. In April 2007, the Florida Court of Appeals affirmed a portion of the trial court’s class certification, and overruled a portion of the trial court’s class certification. The Florida trial court granted Summary Judgment in Sonic’s favor against Plaintiff Enrique Galura, and his claim has been dismissed. Virginia Galura’s claim is still pending. Sonic currently intends to continue its vigorous appeal and defense of this lawsuit and to assert available defenses. However, an adverse resolution of this lawsuit could result in the payment of significant costs and damages, which could have a material adverse effect on Sonic’s future results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
     Several private civil actions have been filed against Sonic Automotive, Inc. and several of its dealership subsidiaries that purport to represent classes of customers as potential plaintiffs and make allegations that certain products sold in the finance and insurance departments were done so in a deceptive or otherwise illegal manner. One of these private civil actions has been filed in South Carolina state court against Sonic Automotive, Inc. and 10 of Sonic’s South Carolina subsidiaries. This group of plaintiffs’ attorneys has filed another private civil class action lawsuit in state court in North Carolina seeking certification of a multi-state class of plaintiffs. The South Carolina state court action and the North Carolina state court action have since been consolidated into a single proceeding in private arbitration. On November 12, 2008, claimants in the consolidated arbitration filed a Motion for Class Certification as a national class action including all of the states in which Sonic operates dealerships. Claimants are seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief on behalf of this class of customers. The parties have briefed and argued the issue of class certification.
     On July 19, 2010, the Arbitrator issued a Partial Final Award on Class Certification, certifying a class which includes all customers who, on or after November 15, 2000, purchased or leased from a Sonic dealership a vehicle with the Etch product as part of the transaction, but not including customers who purchased or leased such vehicles from a Sonic dealership in Florida. The Partial Final Award on Class Certification is not a final decision on the merits of the action. The merits of Claimants’ assertions and potential damages will still have to be proven through the remainder of the arbitration. The Arbitrator has stayed the Arbitration for thirty days to allow either party to petition a court of competent jurisdiction to confirm or vacate the award. Sonic will seek review of the class certification ruling by a court of competent jurisdiction and will continue to press its argument that this action is not suitable for a class-based arbitration.
     Sonic intends to continue its vigorous defense of this arbitration and to assert all available defenses. However, an adverse resolution of this arbitration could result in the payment of significant costs and damages, which could have a material adverse effect on Sonic’s future results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
     Sonic is involved, and expects to continue to be involved, in numerous legal and administrative proceedings arising out of the conduct of its 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 Sonic vigorously defends itself in all legal and administrative proceedings, the outcomes of pending and future proceedings arising out of the conduct of Sonic’s 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 Sonic’s business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Recorded at December 31, 2009 and June 30, 2010 were $9.2 million and $8.4 million, respectively, in reserves that Sonic has provided for pending proceedings.
Guarantees and Indemnification Obligations:
     In connection with franchise dispositions, certain of Sonic’s dealership subsidiaries have assigned or sublet to the buyer its interests in real property leases associated with such dealerships. In general, Sonic’s dealership subsidiaries retain responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases, including rent payments, and repairs to leased

19


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
property upon termination of the lease, to the extent that the assignee or sub-lessee does not perform. In the event the sub-lessees do not perform under their obligations Sonic remains liable for the lease payments. The total amount relating to this risk was approximately $106.0 million as of December 31, 2009. See Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 for further discussion.
     In accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of Sonic’s franchises, Sonic generally agrees to indemnify the buyer from certain exposure and costs arising subsequent to the date of sale, including environmental exposure and exposure resulting from the breach of representations or warranties made in accordance with the agreement. While Sonic’s exposure with respect to environmental remediation and repairs is difficult to quantify, Sonic estimates that the maximum exposure associated with these general indemnifications if the counterparties failed to perform under their contractual obligations was approximately $13.9 million and $14.2 million at December 31, 2009 and June 30, 2010, respectively. These indemnifications generally expire within a period of one to three years following the date of sale. The estimated fair value of these indemnifications was not material.
10.  Fair Value Measurements
     In determining fair value, Sonic uses various valuation approaches including market, income and/or cost approaches. “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” in the ASC establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of Sonic. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect Sonic’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:
Level 1 — Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Sonic has the ability to access. Assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include marketable securities that are actively traded.
Level 2 — Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include fair value and cash flow swap instruments.
Level 3 — Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Asset and liability measurements utilizing Level 3 inputs include those used in estimating fair value of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities in purchase acquisitions, those used in assessing impairment under “Property, Plant and Equipment” in the ASC and those used in the reporting unit valuation in the first step of the annual goodwill impairment evaluation. For instance, certain assets held for sale in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are valued based on estimated proceeds to be received in connection with the disposal of those assets.
     The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment required by Sonic in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is disclosed is determined based on the lowest level input (Level 3 being the lowest level) that is significant to the fair value measurement.
     Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, Sonic’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Sonic uses inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods when the market may be abnormally high or abnormally low. Accordingly, fair value measurements can be volatile based on various factors that may or may not be within Sonic’s control.
     Assets or liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying balance sheet as of June 30, 2010 are as follows:

20


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 
            Fair Value at Reporting Date Using:  
                Significant        
            Quoted Prices in     Other     Significant  
            Active Markets for     Observable     Unobservable  
            Identical Assets     Inputs     Inputs  
(dollars in millions)   Total     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Cash Flow Swaps (1)
  $ 36.3           $ 36.3        
 
                       
Total
  $ 36.3     $     $ 36.3     $  
 
                       
 
  (1)   — Included in Other Long-Term Liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
     As of December 31, 2009 and June 30, 2010, the fair values of Sonic’s financial instruments including receivables, notes receivable from finance contracts, notes payable-floor plan, trade accounts payable, payables for acquisitions, borrowings under the revolving credit facilities and certain mortgage notes approximate their carrying values due either to length of maturity or existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates.
     The fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s fixed rate long-term debt was as follows:
                                 
    (dollars in thousands)
    December 31, 2009   June 30, 2010
    Fair Value   Carrying Value   Fair Value   Carrying Value
 
                               
9.00% Senior Subordinated Notes (1)
  $     $     $ 212,100     $ 208,684  
 
                               
8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes (1)
  $ 266,750     $ 273,455     $ 63,722     $ 62,544  
 
                               
5.0% Convertible Senior Notes (1)
  $ 188,072     $ 142,743     $ 167,325     $ 145,206  
 
                               
4.25% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes (1)
  $ 16,363     $ 16,423     $ 16,000     $ 15,726  
 
                               
Mortgage Notes (2)
  $ 78,333     $ 78,424     $ 77,175     $ 77,270  
 
                               
Notes Payable to a Finance Company (2)
  $ 17,859     $ 20,260     $ 16,783     $ 18,850  
  (1)   As determined by market quotations as of June 30, 2010.
 
  (2)   As determined by discounted cash flows.
11. Subsequent Events
     On July 19, 2010, Sonic issued a notice of redemption to redeem $20.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 8.625% Notes at the applicable redemption price (101.438% of the principal redeemed) plus accrued but unpaid interest, with redemption to occur on August 18, 2010. Sonic will record a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.3 million upon redemption. See Note 6 for further discussion of the 8.625% Notes.

21


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
     The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the Sonic Automotive, Inc. and Subsidiaries Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report, as well as the audited financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Overview
     We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States. As of June 30, 2010, we operated 142 dealership franchises, representing 29 different brands of cars and light trucks, at 119 locations and 26 collision repair centers in 15 states. Our dealerships provide comprehensive services including sales of both new and used cars and light trucks, sales of replacement parts, performance of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repairs, paint and collision repair services, and arrangement of extended service contracts, financing, insurance and other aftermarket products for our customers.
     Although General Motors had attempted to sell its Hummer brand, on April 7, 2010, General Motors announced it plans to discontinue its Hummer brand. As of June 30, 2010, we operated three Hummer franchises at three multi-franchise dealership locations. All three of our Hummer franchises are scheduled to be terminated prior to October 31, 2010 in accordance with the termination agreement reached with General Motors. In the year ended December 31, 2009, we only sold approximately 110 Hummer new vehicle units at retail. As a result, we do not expect the terminations of these franchises to have a material impact on our operations, financial position or cash flows.
     In the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation issued recalls affecting certain of its most popular models in certain model years due to design problems with accelerator pedals and anti-lock brake systems. Toyota Motor Corporation had also instructed its dealerships to stop selling vehicles affected by the accelerator pedal recall until it developed a solution to the design problem and provided the necessary parts and instructions to fix the issue. During the period of time when affected vehicles could not be sold, Toyota Motor Corporation offered its dealers floor plan assistance to help reduce dealers’ cost of carrying vehicles which dealers could not sell due to the recall, which helped to reduce our interest expense, floor plan. As of June 30, 2010, we operated 11 Toyota franchises. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, we experienced a benefit to our fixed operations business as a result of work performed on vehicles affected by the recall which was paid for by the manufacturer and provided free of charge to the customer. We cannot estimate how this recall will affect consumer preferences over the long-term.
     The following is a detail of our new vehicle revenues by brand for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and 2010:

22


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
                                 
    Percentage of New Vehicle Revenue   Percentage of New Vehicle Revenue
    Second Quarter Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
    2009   2010   2009   2010
Brand (1)
                               
 
                               
BMW
    16.7 %     16.2 %     17.4 %     16.1 %
Honda
    15.8 %     15.1 %     15.3 %     14.7 %
Toyota
    11.1 %     11.0 %     11.0 %     11.0 %
Mercedes
    8.4 %     9.6 %     9.5 %     10.1 %
Ford
    10.7 %     8.7 %     10.3 %     8.8 %
General Motors (2)
    7.6 %     7.3 %     7.2 %     7.1 %
Lexus
    5.6 %     5.8 %     5.6 %     6.1 %
Cadillac
    3.7 %     4.9 %     4.2 %     5.1 %
Other (3)
    4.0 %     3.5 %     4.0 %     3.4 %
Audi
    2.8 %     3.0 %     2.6 %     3.0 %
Volkswagen
    2.5 %     2.5 %     2.2 %     2.3 %
Hyundai
    1.9 %     2.2 %     1.9 %     2.1 %
Land Rover
    1.6 %     2.1 %     1.6 %     2.0 %
Porsche
    1.6 %     1.7 %     1.4 %     1.7 %
Infiniti
    1.2 %     1.4 %     1.2 %     1.4 %
Nissan
    0.8 %     1.3 %     0.8 %     1.4 %
Volvo
    1.5 %     1.3 %     1.2 %     1.3 %
Other Luxury (4)
    1.2 %     1.0 %     1.1 %     1.0 %
Acura
    0.7 %     0.9 %     0.8 %     0.9 %
Chrysler (5)
    0.6 %     0.5 %     0.7 %     0.5 %
 
                               
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
 
                               
 
  (1)   In accordance with the provisions of “Presentation of Financial Statements” in the Accounting Standards Codification (the “ASC”), prior years’ income statement data reflect reclassifications to exclude franchises sold, identified for sale, or terminated subsequent to June 30, 2009 which had not been previously included in discontinued operations, or include previously held for sale franchises which subsequently were reclassified to held and used. See Notes 1 and 2 to our accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements which discuss these and other factors that affect the comparability of the information for the periods presented.
 
  (2)   Includes Buick, GMC and Chevrolet.
 
  (3)   Includes KIA, Mini, Scion and Subaru.
 
  (4)   Includes Hummer, Jaguar and Saab.
 
  (5)   Includes Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep.
Results of Operations
     The following discussions are based on reported figures. Same store amounts do not vary significantly from reported totals because there have not been any significant acquisitions in the last 24 months.
New Vehicles
     The automobile retail industry uses the Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (“SAAR”) to measure the amount of new vehicle unit sales activity within the United States market. The SAAR averages below reflect a blended average of all brands marketed or sold in the United States market. The SAAR includes brands we do not sell and locations in which we do not operate.

23


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
                         
    SAAR (in millions of vehicles)
    2009   2010   % Change
Second Quarter Ended June 30,
    9.6       11.3       17.7 %
Six Months Ended June 30,
    9.6       11.2       16.7 %
     Our reported new vehicle (including fleet) results are as follows:
                                 
    Second Quarter Ended June 30,   Better / (Worse)
(in thousands except units and per unit data)   2009   2010   Change   % Change
Reported:
                               
Revenue
  $ 772,296     $ 902,452     $ 130,156       16.9 %
Gross profit
  $ 52,223     $ 61,121     $ 8,898       17.0 %
Unit sales
    24,146       27,126       2,980       12.3 %
Revenue per Unit
  $ 31,984     $ 33,269     $ 1,285       4.0 %
Gross profit per unit
  $ 2,163     $ 2,253     $ 90       4.2 %
Gross profit as a % of revenue
    6.8 %     6.8 %    bps        
                                 
    Six Months Ended June 30,   Better / (Worse)
(in thousands except units and per unit data)   2009   2010   Change   % Change
Reported:
                               
Revenue
  $ 1,477,819     $ 1,687,050     $ 209,231       14.2 %
Gross profit
  $ 99,063     $ 115,620     $ 16,557       16.7 %
Unit sales
    45,995       50,462       4,467       9.7 %
Revenue per Unit
  $ 32,130     $ 33,432     $ 1,302       4.1 %
Gross profit per unit
  $ 2,154     $ 2,291     $ 137       6.4 %
Gross profit as a % of revenue
    6.7 %     6.9 %   20  bps        
     New vehicle revenues for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010 increased from the same periods in the prior year due to higher new unit sales volume coupled with an increase in revenue per unit. Our luxury, import and domestic stores experienced increases of 22.1%, 17.7% and 2.8%, respectively, during the second quarter ended June 30, 2010 and increases of 17.6%, 14.9% and 6.2%, respectively, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010.
     New vehicle unit volume increased at our luxury stores in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010 by 18.4% and 13.7%, respectively, when compared to the same prior year periods. The increase in luxury new vehicle unit sales volume was led by our Cadillac and Mercedes stores, which posted increases of 56.2% and 28.0%, respectively, during the second quarter ended June 30, 2010 and 36.6% and 15.4%, respectively, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010. During the second quarter ended June 30, 2010, our Cadillac stores outperformed the Cadillac national industry new unit sales, while our Mercedes stores performed consistently with the Mercedes national industry new unit increase. When compared to national industry new unit increases for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, our Cadillac stores outperformed the Cadillac national industry new unit increase while our Mercedes stores underperformed their respective brand national industry new unit increases.
     New vehicle unit volume increased at our import stores in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010 by 16.1% and 13.0%, respectively, when compared to the same prior year periods. The increase in import new vehicle unit sales was led by our Toyota and Honda stores, which posted increases of 12.1% and 11.3%, respectively, during the second quarter ended June 30, 2010 and 8.9% and 8.1%, respectively, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010. During the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, our Toyota and Honda stores underperformed the Toyota and Honda national industry unit sales volume.
     New vehicle unit volume (including fleet) decreased at our domestic stores in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010 by 2.9% and 2.1%, respectively, when compared to the same prior year periods, primarily due to fleet unit volume decreases of 22.1% and 20.0%, respectively. Excluding fleet units, domestic new retail unit volume increased 11.1% and 11.2% for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, when compared to the same prior year periods. During the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, our Ford stores (including fleet) experienced decreases of 11.7% and

24


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
9.4%, respectively. Excluding fleet units, our Ford new retail unit volume increased 17.5% and 20.5% for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, when compared to the same prior year periods. Our non-Cadillac GM stores new vehicle unit volume (including fleet) increased 12.8% for each of the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010. During the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, our non-Cadillac GM and Ford stores underperformed their respective national industry unit increases.
     New vehicle unit volume increases were led by our North Carolina, San Francisco – North Bay, South Los Angeles and Florida markets. Collectively, these markets generated 24.9% and 25.5% of our new vehicle unit volume in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively. The increase in our North Carolina market was primarily due to strong performance in our Cadillac business. Increases in our California and Florida markets were a result of improving business conditions and the significant declines in these regions in the same prior year periods.
     For the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, new vehicle revenue per unit increased 4.0% and 4.1%, respectively, over the same period in the prior year. This increase is due primarily to shifts in our sales mix. Our new luxury and import unit volume as a percentage of total new vehicle unit volume increased 430 basis points and 330 basis points in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, compared to the same prior year period. We believe the increase in new luxury and import unit volume is due primarily to improved economic conditions compared to the same prior year period.
     Increases in new vehicle gross profit for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, as compared to the same period in the prior year, were primarily due to a higher mix of luxury and import vehicles which generally generate higher gross profit dollars per vehicle. The increase in import and luxury new vehicle units retailed is primarily due to the improved economic conditions as compared to the same period in the prior year.
Used Vehicles
     Our reported used vehicle results are as follows:
                                 
    Second Quarter Ended June 30,   Better / (Worse)
(in thousands except units and per unit data)   2009   2010   Change   % Change
Reported:
                               
Revenue
  $ 382,091     $ 470,365     $ 88,274       23.1 %
Gross profit
  $ 31,081     $ 36,432     $ 5,351       17.2 %
Unit sales
    20,568       24,624       4,056       19.7 %
Revenue per Unit
  $ 18,577     $ 19,102     $ 525       2.8 %
Gross profit per unit
  $ 1,511     $ 1,480     $ (31 )     (2.1 %)
Gross profit as a % of revenue
    8.1 %     7.7 %   (40 ) bps      
CPO revenue
  $ 196,861     $ 222,464     $ 25,603       13.0 %
CPO unit sales
    7,814       8,431       617       7.9 %
 
    Six Months Ended June 30,   Better / (Worse)
(in thousands except units and per unit data)   2009   2010   Change   % Change
Reported:
                               
Revenue
  $ 710,381     $ 892,656     $ 182,275       25.7 %
Gross profit
  $ 61,846     $ 69,850     $ 8,004       12.9 %
Unit sales
    37,924       46,326       8,402       22.2 %
Revenue per Unit
  $ 18,732     $ 19,269     $ 537       2.9 %
Gross profit per unit
  $ 1,631     $ 1,508     $ (123 )     (7.5 %)
Gross profit as a % of revenue
    8.7 %     7.8 %   (90 )  bps      
CPO revenue
  $ 383,558     $ 428,261     $ 44,703       11.7 %
CPO unit sales
    15,498       16,125       627       4.0 %
     Used vehicle unit volume increased by 19.7% and 22.2% for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase is primarily due to the implementation of our used vehicle playbook which standardizes used vehicle inventory management, pricing and marketing processes. Our used vehicle

25


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
playbook focuses on better management of trade-ins and used vehicle inventory to improve the quantity and quality of used vehicles at each of our stores, thereby increasing the number of used vehicle units that can be sold at retail versus those sold through wholesale channels. Our California and Mid-Atlantic markets experienced significant used vehicle unit volume increases in both the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the same prior year periods, primarily as a result of the implementation of our used vehicle playbook.
     For the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, gross profit per unit for used vehicles declined by 2.1% and 7.5%, respectively, over the same prior year period. The reduction in gross profit per unit was primarily driven by our effort to retail a higher volume of units and improve management of our inventory. We believe the higher used vehicle gross profit dollars generated by our used vehicle department through volume increases along with the benefits to our fixed operations business (reconditioning used vehicles) and effects of incremental F&I activity more than offset the effects of lower gross profit per used vehicle unit.
Wholesale Vehicles
     Our reported wholesale results are as follows:
                                 
    Second Quarter Ended June 30,   Better / (Worse)
(in thousands except units and per unit data)   2009   2010   Change   % Change
Reported:
                               
Revenue
  $ 33,903     $ 30,111     $ (3,792 )     (11.2 %)
Gross profit
  $ (1,242 )   $ (1,847 )   $ (605 )     (48.7 %)
Unit sales
    5,313       5,266       (47 )     (0.9 %)
Revenue per Unit
  $ 6,381     $ 5,718     $ (663 )     (10.4 %)
Gross profit per unit
  $ (234 )   $ (351 )   $ (117 )     (50.0 %)
Gross profit as a % of revenue
    (3.7 %)     (6.1 %)   (240  bps      
 
    Six Months Ended June 30,   Better / (Worse)
(in thousands except units and per unit data)   2009   2010   Change   % Change
Reported:
                               
Revenue
  $ 71,359     $ 61,389     $ (9,970 )     (14.0 %)
Gross profit
  $ (1,307 )   $ (2,523 )   $ (1,216 )     (93.0 %)
Unit sales
    11,826       10,459       (1,367 )     (11.6 %)
Revenue per Unit
  $ 6,034     $ 5,870     $ (164 )     (2.7 %)
Gross profit per unit
  $ (111 )   $ (241 )   $ (130 )     (117.1 %)
Gross profit as a % of revenue
    (1.8 %)     (4.1 %)   (230  bps      
     During the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, wholesale vehicle gross loss per unit increased significantly compared to the same period in the prior year. This is primarily due to the increased focus on retailing used vehicles at a potential higher profit that were previously disposed through our wholesale channels. In addition, our used vehicle retail strategy has necessitated higher unit inventory balances, which combined with our strict inventory control practices results in a greater risk that aged units that cannot generate positive gross profit through the retail channel will end up being liquidated through wholesale channels. See previous heading, “Used Vehicles”.
Parts, Service and Collision Repair (“Fixed Operations”)
     Our reported fixed operations results are as follows:

26


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
                                 
    Second Quarter Ended June 30,     Better / (Worse)  
(in thousands)   2009     2010     Change     % Change  
Reported:
                               
Revenue
                               
Parts
  $ 147,546     $ 150,969     $ 3,423       2.3 %
Service
    114,079       123,082       9,003       7.9 %
Collision Repair
    12,407       13,044       637       5.1 %
 
                       
Total
  $ 274,032     $ 287,095     $ 13,063       4.8 %
 
                       
Gross profit
                               
Parts
  $ 50,838     $ 50,204     $ (634 )     (1.2 %)
Service
    80,948       86,125       5,177       6.4 %
Collision Repair
    7,005       6,997       (8 )     (0.1 %)
 
                       
Total
  $ 138,791     $ 143,326     $ 4,535       3.3 %
 
                       
Gross profit as a % of revenue
                               
Parts
    34.5 %     33.3 %   (120)    bps      
Service
    71.0 %     70.0 %   (100)    bps      
Collision Repair
    56.5 %     53.6 %   (290)    bps      
 
                         
Total
    50.6 %     49.9 %   (70)    bps      
 
    Six Months Ended June 30,     Better / (Worse)  
(in thousands)   2009     2010     Change     % Change  
Reported:
                               
Revenue
                               
Parts
  $ 295,837     $ 298,846     $ 3,009       1.0 %
Service
    223,683       241,327       17,644       7.9 %
Collision Repair
    25,181       25,509       328       1.3 %
 
                       
Total
  $ 544,701     $ 565,682     $ 20,981       3.9 %
 
                       
Gross profit
                               
Parts
  $ 100,427     $ 99,682     $ (745 )     (0.7 %)
Service
    158,435       169,837       11,402       7.2 %
Collision Repair
    14,208       13,918       (290 )     (2.0 %)
 
                       
Total
  $ 273,070     $ 283,437     $ 10,367       3.8 %
 
                       
Gross profit as a % of revenue
                               
Parts
    33.9 %     33.4 %   (50)    bps      
Service
    70.8 %     70.4 %   (40)    bps      
Collision Repair
    56.4 %     54.6 %   (180)    bps      
 
                         
Total
    50.1 %     50.1 %   0    bps      
     Overall fixed operations gross margin rates decreased 70 basis points for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to lower customer pay and internal margin rates compared to the same prior year period, and were flat for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, compared to the same prior year period. Warranty gross margin rates increased 210 basis points and 230 basis points in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, over the comparative prior year period, primarily due to the Toyota recalls that occurred in 2010. The increase in sublet gross margin rates of 150 basis points and 140 basis points for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, was driven by the large number of hail damage claims in the current period.
     Our domestic, import, and luxury brands all experienced increases in overall fixed operations revenue, as compared to the same period in 2009, increasing 10.6%, 9.9%, and 1.7%, respectively, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010, and 7.2%, 8.7%, and 1.5%, respectively, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010. Ford, Toyota, and Cadillac experienced significant increases in overall fixed operations revenue, increasing 14.3%, 15.7%, and 11.2%, respectively, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010, and 5.8%, 12.7%, and 10.3%, respectively, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010 when compared to the same prior year period.

27


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
     Overall fixed operations customer pay revenue increased 2.1% and 2.4% for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, compared to the same period in the prior year. Our Cadillac dealerships had the most significant increase in customer pay revenue in the second quarter, up 12.5%, partially due to the closure of competing Cadillac stores. Lexus dealerships had the most significant increase in customer pay revenue during the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, up 15.4% as compared to the same prior year period. Warranty revenue, which typically accounts for 16% to 18% of our fixed operations revenue, declined 7.7% and 9.3% for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, compared to the same prior year period. Our Lexus dealerships experienced significant decreases in warranty revenue, declining 46.8% and 47.2% in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, compared to the same prior year period due to recalls in the prior year period. Our Toyota stores continued to experience significant increases in warranty revenue, increasing 67.0% and 84.6% in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, due to recalls that occurred in 2010. The mix of customer pay and warranty revenue can be affected by consumer spending habits and changes in manufacturer warranty programs.
Finance, Insurance and Other (“F&I”)
     Our reported F&I results are as follows:
                                 
    Second Quarter Ended June 30,   Better / (Worse)
(in thousands except per unit data)   2009   2010   Change   % Change
Reported:
                               
Revenue
  $ 38,847     $ 45,985     $ 7,138       18.4 %
Gross profit per retail unit (excluding fleet)
  $ 922     $ 929     $ 7       0.8 %
                                 
    Six Months Ended June 30,   Better / (Worse)
(in thousands except per unit data)   2009   2010   Change   % Change
Reported:
                               
Revenue
  $ 74,000     $ 86,959     $ 12,959       17.5 %
Gross profit per retail unit (excluding fleet)
  $ 936     $ 937     $ 1       0.1 %
     F&I revenue increased in the second quarter ended June 30, 2010 primarily due to increases in new retail and used unit volume of 15.2% and 19.7%, respectively, as compared to the same prior year period. Likewise, F&I revenue increased in the six-month period ended June 30, 2010 due to increases in new retail and used unit volume of 12.8% and 22.2%, respectively, as compared to the same prior year period. These increases in unit volume resulted in increases in new and used finance contract gross revenue of 26.9% and 42.9%, respectively, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010. New and used finance contract gross revenue also increased for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010 by 25.3% and 45.6%, respectively. Penetration rates continued to deteriorate for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010. However, this was offset by an increase in F&I revenue per unit of 0.8% and 0.2% for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
     Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses are comprised of four major groups: compensation expense, advertising expense, rent and rent related expense, and other expense. Compensation expense primarily relates to dealership personnel who are paid a commission or a modest salary plus commission (which typically vary depending on gross profits realized) and support personnel who are paid a fixed salary. Due to the salary component for certain dealership and corporate personnel, gross profits and compensation expense are not 100% correlated. Advertising expense and other expenses vary based on the level of actual or anticipated business activity and number of dealerships owned. Rent and rent related expense typically varies with the number of dealerships owned, investments made for facility improvements and interest rates. Although not completely correlated, we believe the best way to measure SG&A expenses is as a percentage of gross profit.
     Our SG&A reported results are as follows:

28


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
                                 
    Second Quarter Ended June 30,     Better / (Worse)  
(in thousands)   2009     2010     Change     % Change  
Reported Expense:
                               
Compensation
  $ 117,740     $ 135,845     $ (18,105 )     (15.4 %)
Advertising
    11,220       12,964       (1,744 )     (15.5 %)
Rent and Rent Related
    32,132       32,717       (585 )     (1.8 %)
Other
    44,675       46,846       (2,171 )     (4.9 %)
 
                       
Total
  $ 205,767     $ 228,372     $ (22,605 )     (11.0 %)
 
                       
SG&A as a % of gross
                               
Compensation
    45.3 %     47.7 %   (240  bps      
Advertising
    4.3 %     4.5 %   (20  bps      
Rent and Rent Related
    17.3 %     16.5 %   80    bps      
Other
    12.3 %     11.4 %   90    bps      
 
                         
Total
    79.2 %     80.1 %   (90  bps      
 
    Six Months Ended June 30,     Better / (Worse)  
(in thousands)   2009     2010     Change     % Change  
Reported Expense:
                               
Compensation
  $ 232,858     $ 266,821     $ (33,963 )     (14.6 %)
Advertising
    22,115       24,294       (2,179 )     (9.9 %)
Rent and Rent Related
    65,111       66,328       (1,217 )     (1.9 %)
Other
    91,147       94,422       (3,275 )     (3.6 %)
 
                       
Total
  $ 411,231     $ 451,865     $ (40,634 )     (9.9 %)
 
                       
SG&A as a % of gross
                               
Compensation
    45.9 %     48.3 %   (240  bps      
Advertising
    4.4 %     4.4 %   0    bps      
Rent and Rent Related
    18.0 %     17.0 %   100    bps      
Other
    12.9 %     12.0 %   90    bps      
 
                         
Total
    81.2 %     81.7 %   (50  bps      
     The increase in overall SG&A expense can largely be attributed to a greater level of business activity (revenues and gross profit) as well as higher compensation costs related to ecommerce and centralized used vehicle buying initiatives.
     Total advertising costs as a percentage of gross profit increased slightly for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010 and were flat for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, compared to the same prior year period.
     Rent and rent related expenses decreased as a percentage of gross profit primarily due to improved gross profit levels for both the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, compared to the same prior year period.
     For the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, other SG&A expenses increased from the prior year period primarily related to a $2.4 million mark-to-market gain on derivative liabilities recognized in the prior year period in addition to a loss of approximately $0.6 million from hail damage in our Mid-Atlantic region in the second quarter ended June 30, 2010. Adjusted for these items, overall SG&A as a percentage of gross profit would have improved slightly compared to the prior year period for both the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010.
Impairment Charges
     Impairment charges were immaterial in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010. In the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009, Sonic recorded total impairment charges of $6.9 million and $8.5 million, respectively, $5.0 million and $5.1 million of which were recorded in continuing operations in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009, respectively.

29


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
Depreciation and Amortization
     Reported depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.5 million, or 6.0%, in the second quarter ended June 30, 2010, and increased $1.2 million, or 7.8%, in the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, as compared to the same period last year. These increases are primarily related to stores that were classified as continuing operations for the current period but were previously held for sale in discontinued operations during the same period of the prior year. While being held for sale in the prior year period, the fixed assets for these stores were not depreciated in accordance with “Property, Plant and Equipment” in the ASC.
Interest Expense, Floor Plan
     Floor plan interest expense for new vehicles decreased approximately $0.3 million, or 6.4% and $0.8 million, or 7.9%, in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, compared to the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009, respectively. The weighted average new vehicle floor plan interest rate incurred by continuing dealerships was relatively flat at 2.7% for both the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010 when compared to the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009. The average floor plan balance for new vehicles decreased by approximately $28.0 million and $75.5 million for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year.
     Floor plan interest expense for used vehicles increased approximately $0.3 million, or 72.3%, and $0.5 million, or 74.0%, in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, compared to the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009. The weighted average used vehicle floor plan interest rate incurred by continuing dealerships increased to 3.4% and 2.6% for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, from 2.2% and 1.8% for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009, which accounts for the majority of the increase in floor plan interest expense.
Interest Expense, Other, Net
     The change in interest expense, other, between the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and 2010 is summarized in the table below:
                 
    Increase / (Decrease) in
Interest Expense, Other
 
    Second Quarter Ended     Six Months Ended  
(dollars in millions)   June 30, 2010     June 30, 2010  
 
               
Debt balances —
               
— Decrease in debt balances
  $ (1.1 )   $ (1.9 )
Other factors —
               
— Increase in capitalized interest
    (0.3 )     (0.1 )
— Decrease in interest expense related to variable to fixed rate swaps
    (0.5 )     (1.0 )
— Lower deferred loan cost amortization
    (6.4 )     (6.0 )
— Lower interest allocation to discontinued operations
    0.4       1.2  
— Other
    0.4       0.7  
 
           
 
  $ (7.5 )   $ (7.1 )
 
           
     For approximately half of the month of March 2010 and half of the month of April 2010, we carried and incurred interest expense for both the 9.0% Notes issued March 12, 2010 and the $200.0 million in aggregate principal of our 8.625% Notes which we redeemed on April 12, 2010 using the net proceeds from the 9.0% Notes issuance and cash on hand. As such, this double carry effect increased our interest expense by approximately $1.5 million, which partially offset the amount shown in the decrease in debt balances caption in the table above for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010. Deferred loan cost amortization decreased for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010 when compared to the prior year as a result of debt restructuring charges incurred in the prior year period.
Interest Expense, Non-Cash, Convertible Debt
     Non-cash convertible debt interest expense is comprised of the amortization of the debt discount and deferred loan costs associated with our various convertible notes. The initial debt discount was determined based on a valuation of the debt component

30


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
of these notes and is being amortized monthly to interest expense over the life of the notes. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 for a discussion of the adoption of “Debt with Conversion and Other Options” in the ASC.
     For the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, non-cash convertible debt interest expense decreased by approximately $1.9 million and $2.9 million, respectively, when compared to the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009. These decreases are primarily a result of decreases in non-cash amortization of debt discount related to our various convertible notes due to the extinguishment or partial redemption of certain convertible note principal amounts.
Interest Expense, Non-Cash, Cash Flow Swaps
     We have entered into interest rate swap agreements (the “Fixed Swaps”) to effectively convert a portion of our LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate, in order to reduce our exposure to market risks from fluctuations in interest rates. As a result of the refinancing of our 2006 Credit Facility and the new terms of the 2010 Credit Facilities, at December 31, 2009 we determined it was no longer probable that we would incur interest payments that match the terms of certain Fixed Swaps that previously were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges. Of the Fixed Swaps (including the two $100.0 million notional swaps which were settled in 2009), $565.0 million of the notional amount had previously been documented as hedges against the variability of cash flows related to interest payments on certain debt obligations. At June 30, 2010, we estimate that under the new 2010 Credit Facilities and other facilities with matching terms, it is probable that the expected debt balance with interest payments that match the terms of the Fixed Swaps will be $400.0 million and it is reasonably possible that the expected debt balance with interest payments that match the terms of the Fixed Swaps will be between $400.0 million and $450.0 million. As a result, non-cash charges were recorded in interest expense, non-cash, cash flow swaps in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income related to $65.0 million in notional of the Fixed Swaps and amortization of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to other terminated cash flow swaps. The non-cash charges for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010 were $2.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively, and for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009 were $1.9 million and $3.2 million, respectively. Changes in the fair value of $65.0 million of notional amount of certain cash flow swaps will be recognized through earnings. See Note 6 “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” in the accompanying notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
     For the Fixed Swaps which qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of these swaps have been recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. The incremental interest expense (the difference between interest paid and interest received) related to the Fixed Swaps was $3.7 million and $8.7 million in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, and $4.3 million and $9.7 million in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and is included in interest expense, other, net in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The estimated net expense expected to be reclassified out of other comprehensive income (loss) into results of operations during the next twelve months is approximately $4.7 million.
Other Income / (Expense)
     Sonic recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $7.3 million in the second quarter ended June 30, 2010 related to the retirement of $212.1 million aggregate principal amount of the 8.625% Notes, discussed in Note 6 “Long-Term Debt”. The loss on extinguishment of debt is reflected in other income (expense), net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010.
Income Taxes
     The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 40.4% and 41.5% for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively. The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 45.0% for both the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009. The effective rate for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010 was lower than the same prior year periods due to the shift in the distribution of taxable income between states in which we operate and lower expense effects related to tax positions as a result of “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” in the ASC. At the end of 2009, income tax valuation allowances totaling $46.0 million were recorded related to certain deferred tax assets based on our judgment that it was more likely than not that we would not be able to realize recorded balances. This judgment was based on our operating loss generated in 2008 as a result of a goodwill impairment charge, results of operations in 2009 and the overall downturn in the economy of the United States and, in particular, the automotive retail industry. As of June 30, 2010, in our judgment, there is still significant uncertainty related to our ability to realize the recorded deferred tax assets. However, in the event circumstances change during the remainder of 2010, a portion or all of the valuation allowances currently recorded, with the exception of those related to state net operating loss carryforwards, may not be necessary. Accordingly, in the event we do reduce the level of

31


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
valuation allowances recorded, our effective tax rate could be materially affected. Absent any activity related to income tax valuation allowances, we expect the effective tax rate for continuing operations in future periods to fall within a range of 39.0% to 43.0%.
Discontinued Operations
     The pre-tax losses from operations and the sale of discontinued franchises were as follows:
                                 
    (dollars in thousands)        
    Second Quarter Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2009     2010     2009     2010  
Loss from operations
  $ (2,000 )   $ (1,020 )   $ (3,341 )   $ (3,178 )
Gain (loss) on disposal of franchises
    (388 )     1,082       (469 )     1,353  
Lease exit charges
    (800 )     (1,077 )     (1,795 )     (2,722 )
Property impairment charges
    (1,692 )           (1,822 )      
Goodwill impairment charges
    (187 )           (1,586 )      
 
                       
Pre-tax loss
  $ (5,067 )   $ (1,015 )   $ (9,013 )   $ (4,547 )
 
                       
 
Total Revenues
  $ 68,715     $ 6,399     $ 142,416     $ 17,609  
 
                       
     Lease exit charges recorded relate to the revision of estimates on previously established lease exit accruals. The lease exit accruals are calculated by either discounting the remaining lease payments, net of estimated sublease proceeds or estimating the amount necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord. Property impairment charges were recorded based on the estimated fair value of the property and equipment to be sold in connection with the disposal of associated franchises and recorded values. Goodwill impairment charges were recorded based on the determination that a portion of the goodwill allocated to franchises held for sale was not recoverable based on estimated proceeds.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
     We require cash to fund debt service and working capital requirements. We rely on cash flows from operations, borrowings under our revolving credit and floor plan borrowing arrangements, real estate mortgage financing, asset sales and offerings of debt and equity securities to meet these requirements. Our liquidity could be negatively affected if we fail to comply with the financial covenants in our existing debt or lease arrangements.
     Because the majority of our consolidated assets are held by our dealership subsidiaries, the majority of our cash flows from operations are generated by these subsidiaries and are dependent, to a substantial degree, on the results of operations of these subsidiaries. For both the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009, the average SAAR of new vehicle sales was 9.6 million units compared to 11.3 million and 11.2 million units for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010. At the current level of SAAR, we believe we will continue to be able to generate positive adjusted cash flows from operations (defined as cash flows from operating activities, net of net borrowings on notes payable floor plan — non-trade, which is included in cash flows from financing activities) in the foreseeable future.
Floor Plan Facilities
     The weighted average interest rate for all of our new vehicle floor plan facilities (both continuing and discontinued operations) was relatively flat at 2.7% for both the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010 when compared to the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009. Interest payments under each of our floor plan facilities are due monthly, and we are generally not required to make principal repayments prior to the sale of the particular vehicles. We were in compliance with all restrictive covenants under our floor plan facilities as of June 30, 2010, and expect to be in compliance with the covenants for the foreseeable future.
     The weighted average interest rate for our used vehicle floor plan facility (both continuing and discontinued operations) was 3.4% and 2.6% for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010, respectively, compared to 2.2% and 1.8% for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009, respectively.

32


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities
     See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt” in the notes to the accompanying unaudited financial statements for a discussion of the replacement of the 2006 Credit Facility with the new 2010 Credit Facilities, the issuance of $210.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 9.0% Notes, the redemption of $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 8.625% Notes, and subsequent repurchases of $12.1 million of principal of our 8.625% Notes and $1.0 million of principal of our 4.25% Notes. Also see Note 6 in the notes to the accompanying unaudited financial statements for discussions of compliance with debt covenants.
Dealership Dispositions
     During the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, we disposed of four dealerships. These dispositions generated cash of $10.7 million.
Capital Expenditures
     Our capital expenditures generally include purchases of land, the construction of new dealerships and collision repair centers, building improvements and equipment purchased for use in our dealerships. Capital expenditures in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010 were approximately $12.5 million and $21.2 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2010, contractual commitments to contractors for facility construction projects totaled approximately $29.9 million.
Stock Repurchase Program
     As of June 30, 2010, pursuant to previous authorizations from our Board of Directors, we had approximately $43.6 million available to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock or redeem securities convertible into Class A common stock. Due to current economic conditions and liquidity concerns, we have curtailed our stock repurchase activities and do not anticipate significant activity during 2010. Under our 2010 Credit Facilities, share repurchases are permitted to the extent that no event of default exists and we are in compliance with the financial covenants contained therein. Stock repurchases executed in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010 relate to tax withholdings related to vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units and the exercise of stock options.
Dividends
     Under our 2010 Credit Facilities, the 8.625% Notes and the 9.0% Notes, dividends are permitted to the extent that no event of default exists and we are in compliance with the financial covenants contained therein. See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt” in the notes to the accompanying unaudited financial statements for a discussion of limitations on our ability to pay dividends. The 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 relevant. These factors are considered each quarter and will be scrutinized as our Board of Directors determines our dividend policy throughout 2010. There is no guarantee that dividends will be paid at any time in the future.
Cash Flows
     For the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $204.7 million. This provision of cash was comprised primarily of cash inflows related to an increase in notes payable — floor plan — trade and a reduction in receivables, partially offset by an increase in inventories. Net cash used in investing activities during the six-month period ended June 30, 2010 was approximately $9.6 million. This use of cash was primarily comprised of purchases of property and equipment, partially offset by proceeds received from sales of franchises. Net cash used in financing activities for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010 was approximately $205.0 million. This use of cash was primarily comprised of net repayments of our notes payable — floor plan — non-trade, as the proceeds from long-term debt provided by the issuance of our 9.0% Notes were offset by the redemption of the 8.625% Notes and other debt repurchases during the second quarter.
     We arrange our inventory floor plan financing through both manufacturer captive finance companies and a syndicate consisting of commercial banks and manufacturer captive finance companies. Generally, our floor plan financed with manufacturer captives is recorded as trade floor plan liabilities (with the resulting change being reflected as an operating cash flow). Our dealerships that

33


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
obtain floor plan financing from a syndicate of captive finance companies and commercial banks record their obligation as non-trade floor plan liabilities (with the resulting change being reflected as a financing cash flow).
     Due to the presentation differences for changes in trade floor plan and non-trade floor plan in the statement of cash flows, decisions made by us to move dealership floor plan financing arrangements from one finance source to another may cause significant variations in operating and financing cash flows without affecting our overall liquidity, working capital, or cash flow. Accordingly, if all changes in floor plan notes payable were classified as an operating activity, the result would have been net cash provided by operating activities of $30.1 million and $5.1 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The shift between trade floor plan and non-trade floor plan during the six-month period ended June 30, 2010 was primarily due to the realignment in floor plan providers under the new 2010 Credit Facilities in combination with increasing inventory levels.
Guarantees and Indemnification Obligations
     In connection with the operation and disposition of dealership franchises, we have entered into various guarantees and indemnification obligations. See Note 9 in the notes to the accompanying unaudited financial statements. See also “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Future Liquidity Outlook
     See Notes 1 and 6 of the notes to the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the issuance of 9.0% Notes and our replacement of the 2006 Credit Facility with the new 2010 Credit Facilities.
     We believe our best source of liquidity for operations and debt service remains cash flows generated from operations combined with our availability of borrowings under our floor plan facilities (or any replacements thereof), our 2010 Credit Facilities, selected dealership and other asset sales and our ability to raise funds in the capital markets. Because the majority of our consolidated assets are held by our dealership subsidiaries, the majority of our cash flows from operations are generated by these subsidiaries. As a result, our cash flows and ability to service debt depends to a substantial degree on the results of operations of these subsidiaries and their ability to provide us with cash.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
     See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 for a description of our off-balance sheet arrangements.
Seasonality
     Our business is subject to seasonal variations in revenues. In our experience, demand for automobiles is generally lower during the first and fourth quarters of each year. We therefore receive a disproportionate amount of revenues generally in the second and third quarters, and expect our revenues and operating results to be generally lower in the first and fourth quarters. Consequently, if conditions surface during the second and third quarters that impair vehicle sales, such as higher fuel costs, depressed economic conditions or similar adverse conditions, our revenues for the year could suffer a disproportionate adverse effect.

34


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Interest Rate Risk
     Our variable rate notes payable—floor plan, 2010 Credit Facilities borrowings and other variable rate notes expose us to risks caused by fluctuations in the underlying interest rates. The total outstanding balance of such instruments was approximately $838.9 million at June 30, 2010 ($442.7 million net of the effect of our cash flow swaps). A change of 100 basis points in the underlying interest rate would have caused a change in interest expense of approximately $2.2 million in the six-month period ended June 30, 2010, substantially all of which would have resulted from notes payable—floor plan.
     In addition to our variable rate debt, as of June 30, 2010, approximately 20% of our dealership lease facilities have monthly lease payments that fluctuate based on LIBOR interest rates. Many of our lease agreements have interest rate floors whereby our lease expense would not fluctuate significantly in periods when LIBOR is relatively low. Consequently, a change of 100 basis points in LIBOR would not cause a significant change in interest expense in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2010.
     We also have the Fixed Swaps to effectively convert a portion of our LIBOR based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. Under the terms of the Fixed Swaps interest rates reset monthly. The fair value of these swap positions at June 30, 2010 was a liability of $36.3 million included in Other Long-Term Liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. See the previous discussion of “Interest Expense, Non-Cash, Cash Flow Swaps” in Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We will receive and pay interest based on the following:
                     
Notional Amount   Pay Rate   Receive Rate (1)   Maturing Date
(in millions)                
$ 200.0       4.935 %  
one-month LIBOR
  May 1, 2012
$ 100.0       5.265 %  
one-month LIBOR
  June 1, 2012
$ 3.7       7.100 %  
one-month LIBOR
  July 10, 2017
$ 25.0   (2)     5.160 %  
one-month LIBOR
  September 1, 2012
$ 15.0   (2)     4.965 %  
one-month LIBOR
  September 1, 2012
$ 25.0   (2)     4.885 %  
one-month LIBOR
  October 1, 2012
$ 11.6       4.655 %  
one-month LIBOR
  December 10, 2017
$ 8.8       6.860 %  
one-month LIBOR
  August 1, 2017
$ 7.1       4.330 %  
one-month LIBOR
  July 1, 2013
$ 100.0   (3)     3.280 %  
one-month LIBOR
  July 1, 2015
$ 100.0   (3)     3.300 %  
one-month LIBOR
  July 1, 2015
 
           
 
    (1 )   One-month LIBOR was 0.348% at June 30, 2010.
 
           
 
    (2 )   After December 31, 2009 changes in fair value are recorded through earnings.
 
           
 
    (3 )   The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 2, 2012.
Foreign Currency Risk
     We purchase certain of our new vehicle and parts inventories from foreign manufacturers. Although we purchase our inventories in U.S. dollars, our business is subject to foreign exchange rate risk, which may influence automobile manufacturers’ ability to provide their products at competitive prices in the United States. To the extent this volatility negatively impacts consumer demand through higher retail prices for our products, it could adversely affect our future operations results.

35


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 4: Controls and Procedures.
     Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. During our last fiscal quarter, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

36


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1: Legal Proceedings.
     We are a defendant in the matter of Galura, et al. v. Sonic Automotive, Inc., a private civil action filed in the Circuit Court of Hillsborough County, Florida. In this action, originally filed on December 30, 2002, the plaintiffs allege that we and our Florida dealerships sold an antitheft protection product in a deceptive or otherwise illegal manner, and further sought representation on behalf of any customer of any of our Florida dealerships who purchased the antitheft protection product since December 30, 1998. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief on behalf of this class of customers. In June 2005, the court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for certification of the requested class of customers, but the court has made no finding to date regarding actual liability in this lawsuit. We subsequently filed a notice of appeal of the court’s class certification ruling with the Florida Court of Appeals. In April 2007, the Florida Court of Appeals affirmed a portion of the trial court’s class certification, and overruled a portion of the trial court’s class certification. The Florida trial court granted Summary Judgment in our favor against Plaintiff Enrique Galura, and his claim has been dismissed. Virginia Galura’s claim is still pending. We currently intend to continue our vigorous appeal and defense of this lawsuit and to assert available defenses. However, an adverse resolution of this lawsuit could result in the payment of significant costs and damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Currently, we are unable to estimate a range of potential loss related to this matter.
     Several private civil actions have been filed against Sonic Automotive, Inc. and several of our dealership subsidiaries that purport to represent classes of customers as potential plaintiffs and make allegations that certain products sold in the finance and insurance departments were done so in a deceptive or otherwise illegal manner. One of these private civil actions has been filed in South Carolina state court against Sonic Automotive, Inc. and 10 of our South Carolina subsidiaries. This group of plaintiffs’ attorneys has filed another private civil class action lawsuit in state court in North Carolina seeking certification of a multi-state class of plaintiffs. The South Carolina state court action and the North Carolina state court action have since been consolidated into a single proceeding in private arbitration. On November 12, 2008, claimants in the consolidated arbitration filed a Motion for Class Certification as a national class action including all of the states in which we operate dealerships. Claimants are seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief on behalf of this class of customers. The parties have briefed and argued the issue of class certification.
     On July 19, 2010, the Arbitrator issued a Partial Final Award on Class Certification, certifying a class which includes all customers who, on or after November 15, 2000, purchased or leased from a Sonic dealership a vehicle with the Etch product as part of the transaction, but not including customers who purchased or leased such vehicles from a Sonic dealership in Florida. The Partial Final Award on Class Certification is not a final decision on the merits of the action. The merits of Claimants’ assertions and potential damages will still have to be proven through the remainder of the arbitration. The Arbitrator has stayed the Arbitration for thirty days to allow either party to petition a court of competent jurisdiction to confirm or vacate the award. Sonic will seek review of the class certification ruling by a court of competent jurisdiction and will continue to press its argument that this action is not suitable for a class-based arbitration.
     We intend to continue our vigorous defense of this arbitration and to assert all available defenses. However, an adverse resolution of this arbitration could result in the payment of significant costs and damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Currently, we are unable to estimate a range of potential loss related to this matter.
     We are involved, and expect to continue to be involved, in numerous 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.

37


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RISK FACTORS
Item 1A: Risk Factors
     In addition to the information below and other information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.
Our significant indebtedness could materially adversely affect our financial health, limit our ability to finance future acquisitions and capital expenditures and prevent us from fulfilling our financial obligations.
     As of June 30, 2010, our total outstanding indebtedness was approximately $1.4 billion, including the following:
    $800.0 million under the secured new and used inventory floor plan facilities that is classified as current, including $1.4 million classified as liabilities associated with assets held for sale;
 
    $208.7 million in 9.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 (the “9.0% Notes”), representing $210.0 million in aggregate principal amount outstanding less unamortized discount of approximately $1.3 million;
 
    $145.2 million in 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 which are redeemable by us and putable by the holders after October 1, 2014 (the “5.0% Convertible Notes”), representing $172.5 million in aggregate principal amount outstanding less unamortized discount of approximately $27.3 million;
 
    $15.7 million in 4.25% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015 (the “4.25% Convertible Notes”), representing $16.0 million in aggregate principal amount outstanding less unamortized discount of approximately $0.3 million, all of which is classified as current;
 
    $62.5 million in 8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the “8.625% Notes”), representing $62.9 million in aggregate principal amount outstanding less unamortized net discount of approximately $0.4 million;
 
    $116.4 million of mortgage notes, representing $116.2 million in aggregate principal amount plus unamortized premium of approximately $0.2 million, due from June 2013 to December 2029, with a weighted average interest rate of 5.1%; and
 
    $25.1 million of other secured debt, representing $22.9 million in aggregate principal amount plus unamortized premium of approximately $2.2 million.
     We refer to the borrowing availability of up to $150.0 million under a syndicated revolving credit facility (the “2010 Revolving Credit Facility”), up to $321.0 million in borrowing availability for new vehicle inventory floor plan financing and up to $50.0 million in borrowing availability for used vehicle inventory floor plan financing (the “2010 Floor Plan Facilities”). We refer to the 2010 Revolving Credit Facility and 2010 Floor Plan Facilities collectively as our “2010 Credit Facilities”. As of June 30, 2010, we had $85.4 million available for additional borrowings under the 2010 Revolving Credit Facility based on the borrowing base calculation, which is affected by numerous factors including eligible asset balances, and the market value of certain additional collateral. We are able to borrow under our 2010 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 also have capacity to finance new and used vehicle inventory purchases under bilateral floor plan agreements with various manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and other lending institutions (“Silo Floor Plan Facilities”) as well as our 2010 Floor Plan Facilities. In addition, the indentures relating to our 8.625% Notes, 9.0% Notes, 5.0% Convertible Notes, 4.25% Convertible Notes and our other debt instruments allow us to incur additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness, as long as we are in compliance with the applicable terms of the respective indentures.
     In addition, the majority of our dealership properties are leased under long-term operating lease arrangements that generally have initial terms of fifteen to twenty years with one or two ten-year renewal options. These operating leases require compliance with financial and operating covenants similar to those under our 2010 Credit Facilities, and 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 the notes to our financial statements under the heading “Commitments and Contingencies” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
     As of June 30, 2010, we had approximately $816.0 million of debt payable in 2010. This amount included $800.0 million outstanding related to our revolving credit and new and used floor plan financing under the 2010 Credit Facilities and new and used floor plan financing under the Silo Floor Plan Facilities, in addition to $16.0 million principal outstanding related to our 4.25% Convertible Notes. See Note 6 in the notes to the accompanying unaudited financial statements for further discussion of the terms under the 2010 Credit Facilities and Silo Floor Plan Facilities.

38


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities
The following table sets forth information about the shares of Class A Common Stock we repurchased during the second quarter ended June 30, 2010:
                                 
    ( in thousands, except price per share amounts)
     
                    Total Number of   Approximate Dollar
                    Shares Purchased   Value of Shares That
      Average   as Part of Publicly   May Yet Be Purchased
    Total Number of   Price Paid   Announced Plans or   Under the Plans or
    Shares Purchased (1)   per Share   Programs (2)   Programs
April 2010
    22     $ 12.12       22     $ 43,575  
May 2010
    0     $       0     $ 43,575  
June 2010
    0     $       0     $ 43,575  
 
Total
    22     $ 12.12       22     $ 43,575  
             
 
           
 
    (1 )   Shares repurchased were a result of the delivery of shares by or withholding of shares from employees, including officers, and directors in satisfaction of withholding tax obligations upon vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units and the exercise price of stock options.
 
           
 
    (2 )   Our publicly announced Class A Common Stock repurchase authorizations occurred as follows:
         
    ( in thousands)  
November 1999
  $ 25,000  
February 2000
    25,000  
December 2000
    25,000  
May 2001
    25,000  
August 2002
    25,000  
February 2003
    20,000  
December 2003
    20,000  
July 2004
    20,000  
July 2007
    30,000  
October 2007
    40,000  
April 2008
    40,000  
 
     
Total
  $ 295,000  
     Under our 2010 Credit Facilities, 8.625% Notes and the 9.0% Notes, share repurchases and dividends are permitted to the extent that no event of default exists and we are in compliance with the financial covenants contained therein. See Note 6 to the accompanying unaudited financial statements and Item 2: “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for additional discussion of dividends and for a description of additional restrictions on the payment of dividends.

39


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 6: Exhibits.
(a) Exhibits:
     
Exhibit No.   Description
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Mr. David P. Cosper pursuant to rule 13a-14(a)
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Mr. O. Bruton Smith pursuant to rule 13a-14(a)
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Mr. David P. Cosper pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
32.2
  Certification of Mr. O. Bruton Smith pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

40


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Forward Looking Statements
     This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains numerous “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, and can generally be identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee” and other similar words or phrases. Specific events addressed by these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
    future acquisitions or dispositions;
 
    industry trends;
 
    future liquidity trends or needs;
 
    general economic trends, including employment rates and consumer confidence levels;
 
    vehicle sales rates and same store sales growth;
 
    future covenant compliance;
 
    our financing plans and our ability to repay or refinance existing debt when due; and
 
    our business and growth strategies.
     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 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and Item 1A of this Form 10-Q and elsewhere in this report, as well as:
    the number of new and used cars sold in the United States generally, and as compared to our expectations and the expectations of the market;
 
    our ability to generate sufficient cash flows or obtain additional financing to refinance existing debt and to fund acquisitions, capital expenditures, our share repurchase program, dividends on our Common Stock and general operating activities;
 
    the reputation and financial condition of vehicle manufacturers whose brands we represent, the terms of any bailout of any such manufacturer by the U.S. government or other government and the success or failure of such a bailout, the financial incentives vehicle manufacturers offer and their ability to design, manufacture, deliver and market their vehicles successfully;
 
    our relationships with manufacturers, which may affect our ability to complete additional acquisitions;
 
    adverse resolutions of one or more significant legal proceedings against us or our dealerships;
 
    changes in laws and regulations governing the operation of automobile franchises, accounting standards, taxation requirements, and environmental laws;
 
    general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, including fluctuations in interest rates, employment levels, the level of consumer spending and consumer credit availability;
 
    the terms of any refinancing of our existing indebtedness;
 
    high competition in the automotive retailing industry, which not only creates pricing pressures on the products and services we offer, but on businesses we seek to acquire;
 
    the timing of and our ability to generate liquidity through asset dispositions, as well as the timing of our ability to successfully integrate recent and potential future acquisitions; and
 
    the rate and timing of overall economic recovery or additional decline.

41


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
             
    SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.    
 
           
Date: July 29, 2010
  By:   /s/ O. BRUTON SMITH    
 
           
 
      O. Bruton Smith    
 
      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer    
 
           
 
           
Date: July 29, 2010
  By:   /s/ DAVID P. COSPER    
 
           
 
      David P. Cosper    
 
      Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer    
 
      (Principal Financial Officer)    

42


Table of Contents

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibit No.   Description
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Mr. David P. Cosper pursuant to rule 13a-14(a)
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Mr. O. Bruton Smith pursuant to rule 13a-14(a)
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Mr. David P. Cosper pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
32.2
  Certification of Mr. O. Bruton Smith pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

43