UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FORM 10-Q (Mark One) [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Commission file number 1-13395 SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 56-201079 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 5401 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, North Carolina 28212 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (704) 532-3320 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No - As of November 12, 1999, there were 23,820,355 shares of Class A Common Stock and 12,250,000 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding. INDEX TO FORM 10-Q PAGE ---- PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 3 Consolidated Statements of Income - Three-month periods ended September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1999 Consolidated Statements of Income - Nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1999 Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1998 and September 30, 1999 Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - Nine-month period ended September 30, 1999 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1999 Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 15 ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 22 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds 23 ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 24 SIGNATURES 25 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements. SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Dollars and shares in thousands except per share amounts) (Unaudited) THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 1999 ---------- ----------- REVENUES: Vehicle sales $ 443,043 $ 751,181 Parts, service and collision repair 50,803 96,223 Finance and insurance (Note 1) 10,264 22,560 ---------- ----------- Total revenues 504,110 869,964 COST OF SALES (Note 1) 440,136 753,310 ---------- ----------- GROSS PROFIT 63,974 116,654 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 46,793 82,650 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION 1,535 2,992 ---------- ----------- OPERATING INCOME 15,646 31,012 OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE: Interest expense, floor plan 3,992 5,721 Interest expense, other 2,787 4,786 Other income 9 38 ---------- ----------- Total other expense 6,770 10,469 ---------- ----------- INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 8,876 20,543 PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 3,450 7,960 ---------- ----------- NET INCOME $ 5,426 $ 12,583 ========== =========== BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (Note 6) $ 0.24 $ 0.36 ========== =========== WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING 22,730 35,208 ========== =========== DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (Note 6) $ 0.21 $ 0.33 ========== =========== WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING 26,126 38,268 ========== =========== See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements. 3 SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Dollars and shares in thousands except per share amounts) (Unaudited) NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 1999 ----------- ------------ REVENUES: Vehicle sales $ 1,012,153 $ 1,904,602 Parts, service and collision repair 119,114 230,249 Finance and insurance (Note 1) 22,954 52,095 ------------ ------------ Total revenues 1,154,221 2,186,946 COST OF SALES (Note 1) 1,007,825 1,897,956 ------------ ------------ GROSS PROFIT 146,396 288,990 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 107,185 207,293 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION 3,360 7,143 ------------ ------------ OPERATING INCOME 35,851 74,554 OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE: Interest expense, floor plan 10,547 15,118 Interest expense, other 5,548 12,177 Other income 24 362 ------------ ------------ Total other expense 16,071 26,933 ------------ ------------ INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 19,780 47,621 PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 7,550 18,250 ------------ ------------ NET INCOME $ 12,230 $ 29,371 ============ ============ BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (Note 6) $ 0.54 $ 0.98 ============ ============ WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING 22,596 29,948 ============ ============ DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (Note 6) $ 0.50 $ 0.88 ============ ============ WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING 24,280 33,489 ============ ============ See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements. 4 SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 (UNAUDITED) ------------ ------------- (IN THOUSANDS) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 51,834 $ 69,865 Receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $700,000 and $1,465,000 at December 31, 1998 and September 30, 1999, respectively) 39,902 54,831 Inventories (Note 3) 264,971 362,645 Deferred income taxes 1,702 1,762 Due from affiliates (Note 5) 1,471 4,932 Other current assets 4,961 5,894 ------------- ----------- Total current assets 364,841 499,929 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 26,250 42,315 GOODWILL, NET (Notes 1 and 2) 180,081 360,421 OTHER ASSETS 4,931 7,485 ------------- ----------- TOTAL ASSETS $ 576,103 $ 910,150 ============== =========== See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements. 5 SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 (UNAUDITED) ------------ ------------ (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Notes payable - floor plan $ 228,158 $ 276,915 Trade accounts payable 14,994 22,215 Accrued interest 7,058 4,469 Other accrued liabilities 27,763 39,900 Payable to affiliates (Note 5) 628 - Payable for acquisitions 2,385 275 Current maturities of long-term debt 4,700 1,176 ----------- ----------- Total current liabilities 285,686 344,950 LONG-TERM DEBT (Note 4) 131,337 214,235 PAYABLE FOR ACQUISITIONS 275 275 PAYABLE TO THE COMPANY'S CHAIRMAN (Note 5) 5,500 5,500 PAYABLE TO AFFILIATES (Note 5) 3,625 766 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 4,066 6,653 INCOME TAX PAYABLE 3,185 3,906 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 6): Preferred Stock, $.10 par, 3.0 million shares authorized; 300,000 shares designated as Class A Convertible Preferred Stock, liquidation 20,431 27,254 preference $1,000 per share, of which 22,179 shares are issued and outstanding at December 31, 1998 and 28,718 shares are issued and outstanding at September 30, 1999 Class A Common Stock, $.01 par, 100.0 million shares authorized; 11,959,274 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 1998 and 23,749,310 120 237 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 1999 Class B Common Stock, $.01 par (convertible into Class A Common Stock), 30.0 million shares authorized; 12,400,000 shares issued and 124 123 outstanding at December 31, 1998 and 12,250,000 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 1999 Paid-in capital 87,011 242,137 Retained earnings 34,743 64,114 ----------- ---------- Total stockholders' equity 142,429 333,865 ----------- ---------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 576,103 $ 910,150 =========== ========== See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements. 6 SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Dollars and shares in thousands) (Unaudited)
PREFERRED CLASS A CLASS B TOTAL STOCK COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK PAID-IN RETAINED STOCKHOLDERS' SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL EARNINGS EQUITY ------ --------- --------- -------- ---------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------ BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1998 22 $ 20,431 11,959 $120 12,400 $124 $ 87,011 $34,743 $ 142,429 Issuance of Preferred Stock (Note 2) 59 53,152 - - - - - - 53,152 Issuance of Common Stock (Note 2) - - 7,642 76 - - 107,243 - 107,319 Shares awarded under stock compensation plans - - 213 2 - - 1,592 - 1,594 Conversion of Class A Preferred Stock (52) (46,329) 3,785 38 - - 46,291 - - Conversion of Class B Common Stock - - 150 1 (150) (1) - - - Net income - - - - - - - 29,371 29,371 BALANCE AT ------ --------- --------- -------- ----------- -------- ---------- -------- ----------- SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 29 $ 27,254 23,749 $237 12,250 $123 $242,137 $64,114 $ 333,865 ====== ========= ========== ======= =========== ======== ========== ======== ===========
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements. 7 SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 1999 --------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 12,230 $ 29,371 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 3,364 7,143 Amortization of discount on senior notes - 194 Loss on disposal of property and equipment 141 72 Changes in assets and liabilities that relate to operations: Receivables (3,978) (8,747) Inventories 44,026 30,739 Other assets (3,736) (589) Accounts payable and other current liabilities 2,002 4,930 --------- --------- Total adjustments 41,819 33,742 --------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities 54,049 63,113 --------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired (66,883) (164,306) Purchases of property and equipment (2,614) (11,171) Proceeds from sales of property and equipment (Note 5) - 10,594 ---------- --------- Net cash used in investing activities (69,497) (164,883) ---------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net payments of notes payable - floor plan (49,842) (40,714) Proceeds from long-term debt 171,182 159,732 Payments on long-term debt (83,897) (86,014) Public offering of common stock - 85,069 Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans 341 1,594 Advances (to) from affiliated companies (549) 134 ---------- --------- Net cash provided by financing activities 37,235 119,801 ---------- --------- NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 21,787 18,031 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 18,304 51,834 ---------- --------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 40,091 $ 69,865 ========== ========= SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Preferred Stock issued for acquisitions and contingent consideration (Note 2) $ 25,788 $ 53,150 Common Stock issued for acquisitions (Note 2) $ 8,250 $ 22,250 See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements. 8 The following Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain estimates and forward-looking statements as indicated herein by the use of such terms as "estimated", "expects", "approximate", "projected" or similar terms. Such statements reflect management's current views, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that actual results or events will not differ materially from those projected, estimated, assumed, or anticipated in any such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those projected or estimated are discussed herein and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (ALL TABLES IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION - The accompanying unaudited financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1999 has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. These unaudited 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. and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Sonic") for the year ended December 31, 1998. REVENUE RECOGNITION - Sonic records revenue when vehicles are delivered to customers, and when vehicle service work is performed. Sonic arranges financing for customers through various financial institutions and receives a commission from the lender equal to the difference between the interest rates charged to customers over the predetermined interest rates set by the financing institution. Sonic also receives commissions from the sale of credit life, accident, health and disability insurance and extended service contracts to customers. Sonic may be assessed a chargeback fee in the event of early cancellation of a loan, insurance contract, or service contract by the customer. Finance and insurance commission revenue is recorded net of estimated chargebacks at the time the related contract is placed with the financial institution. Commissions expense related to finance and insurance commission revenue is charged to cost of sales upon recognition of such revenue, net of estimated chargebacks. Estimated commission expense charged to cost of sales was approximately $1.8 million and $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1999, respectively, and approximately $4.0 million and $8.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1999, respectively. RECLASSIFICATION - Certain balances reported in 1998 have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation. GOODWILL - Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the estimated fair value of the tangible and separately measurable intangible net assets acquired. The cumulative gross goodwill balance at December 31, 1998 was $182.5 million and at September 30, 1999 was $369.5 million. As a percentage of total assets and stockholders' equity, goodwill, net of accumulated amortization, represented 31.3% and 126.4%, respectively, at December 31, 1998, and 39.6% and 108.0%, respectively, at September 30, 1999. Generally accepted accounting principles require that goodwill and all other intangible assets be amortized over the period benefited. We have determined that the period benefited by the goodwill will be no less than 40 years. Accordingly, we are amortizing goodwill over a 40 year period. Earnings reported in periods immediately following an acquisition would be overstated if we attributed a 40 year benefit to an intangible asset that should have had a shorter benefit period. In later years, we would be burdened by a continuing charge against earnings without the associated benefit to income valued by management in arriving at the consideration paid for the businesses acquired. Earnings in later years also could be significantly affected if management then determined that the remaining balance of goodwill was impaired. We periodically compare the carrying value of goodwill with the anticipated undiscounted future cash flows from operations of the business we have acquired in order to evaluate the recoverability of goodwill. We have concluded that the anticipated future cash flows associated with intangible assets recognized in our acquisitions will continue indefinitely, and there is no pervasive evidence that any material portion will dissipate over a period shorter than 40 years. We will incur additional goodwill in future acquisitions. 9 SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (ALL TABLES IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 2. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS PENDING ACQUISITIONS Sonic has signed definitive agreements to acquire 38 dealerships for an estimated $224.6 million in cash, approximately 13,600 shares of Sonic's Class A convertible preferred stock and approximately 5,100,000 shares of Class A common stock. The aggregate purchase price is subject to adjustment based on the actual net book value of the assets acquired. The cash portion of the purchase price will be paid with a combination of borrowings under Sonic's $350 million acquisition line of credit with Ford Motor Credit Company (the "Revolving Facility") and with cash generated from Sonic's existing operations. These acquisitions are expected to be consummated in the fourth quarter of 1999 and first quarter of 2000. ACQUISITIONS COMPLETED SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 (THROUGH NOVEMBER 12, 1999): Subsequent to September 30, 1999, Sonic acquired 9 dealerships for approximately $57.8 million in cash financed with a combination of cash borrowed under the Revolving Facility and cash generated from Sonic's existing operations. The acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. ACQUISITIONS COMPLETED DURING THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999: During the first nine months of 1999, Sonic acquired 30 dealerships for approximately $173.8 million in cash, 6,282 shares of Sonic's Class A convertible preferred stock, Series II, having an estimated fair value at the time of issuance of approximately $6.1 million, 45,783 shares of Sonic's Class A convertible preferred stock, Series III, having an estimated fair value at the time of issuance of approximately $40.3 million, and 1,574,932 shares of Sonic's Class A common stock having an estimated fair value at the time of issuance of approximately $22.3 million. The cash portion of the purchase price was financed with a combination of a portion of the net proceeds from Sonic's recent public offering of Class A common stock, cash borrowed under the Revolving Facility and cash generated from Sonic's existing operations. The acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and the results of operations of such acquisitions have been included in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements from their respective acquisition dates. The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions has been allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair market value at the acquisition date as shown in the table below. The purchase price and corresponding goodwill may ultimately be different than amounts recorded depending on the actual fair value of tangible net assets acquired. Working capital $ 49,010 Property and equipment 14,808 Goodwill 181,509 Non-current liabilites assumed (2,840) ------------ Total purchase price $242,487 ============ In connection with the subsequent acquisition of a Honda dealership in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Sonic sold substantially all of the assets of its existing Honda dealership in Cleveland, Tennessee in March 1999 for approximately $1.7 million, net of repayment of floor plan liabilities. There was no material gain or loss as a result of the sale. The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents a summary of consolidated results of operations as if the above acquisition transactions had occurred as of the beginning of the year in which the acquisitions were completed, and at the beginning of the immediately preceding year, after giving effect to certain adjustments, including amortization of goodwill, interest expense on acquisition debt and related income tax effects. The pro forma financial information does not give effect to adjustments relating to net reductions in floor plan interest expense resulting from re-negotiated floor plan financing agreements or to reductions in salaries and fringe benefits of former owners or officers of acquired dealerships who have not been retained by Sonic or whose salaries have been reduced pursuant to employment agreements with Sonic. The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisitions been completed at the beginning of the period presented. These results are also not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations. 10 SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED (ALL TABLES IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 2. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS - CONTINUED
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 1999 1998 1999 --------- --------- ----------- ----------- Total revenues $ 814,327 $ 893,828 $ 2,368,658 $ 2,575,119 Gross profit $ 102,690 $ 119,085 $ 292,504 $ 333,665 Net Income $ 8,500 $ 13,462 $ 19,152 $ 35,956 Diluted income per share $ 0.22 $ 0.35 $ 0.50 $ 0.90
3. INVENTORIES Inventories consist of the following: DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 1999 ------------ ------------- New vehicles $ 190,139 $ 242,679 Used vehicles 47,033 78,915 Parts and accessories 16,012 30,637 Other 11,787 10,414 ------------ ------------- Total $ 264,971 $ 362,645 ============= ============ 4. LONG-TERM DEBT MORTGAGES: In January 1999, in connection with the sale of real estate at two of its dealership subsidiaries to MMR Holdings, LLC (See Note 5), a limited liability company owned by Bruton Smith, Sonic's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Sonic Financial Corporation ("SFC"), Sonic repaid all amounts outstanding under mortgages encumbering such property. REVOLVING FACILITY: Effective November 1, 1999, the total amount available under Sonic's Revolving Facility was increased from $150 million to $350 million. Prior to November 1, 1999, amounts outstanding under the Revolving Facility bore interest at a fluctuating per annum rate equal to 2.75% above the 1 month commercial finance paper rate as reported by the Federal Reserve Board (8.01% at September 30, 1999). Subsequent to November 1, 1999, amounts outstanding bear interest at 2.50% above LIBOR. The Revolving Facility will mature in October 2002, unless Sonic requests that such term be extended, at the option of Ford Motor Credit, for a number of additional one year terms to be negotiated by the parties. On May 5, 1999, in connection with the public offering by Sonic of 6,067,230 shares of Class A common stock, all amounts previously outstanding under the Revolving Facility were repaid. Amounts outstanding under the Revolving Facility as of September 30, 1999 total approximately $88.3 million and were used to finance acquisitions completed in the third quarter of 1999. Future amounts to be drawn under the Revolving Facility are to be used for the acquisition of additional dealerships and to provide general working capital needs of Sonic not to exceed $35 million. 5. RELATED PARTIES THE SMITH SUBORDINATED LOAN: In December 1997, Mr. Smith was required by Ford Motor Credit Company ("Ford Motor Credit") to lend $5.5 million (the "Subordinated Smith Loan") to Sonic to increase Sonic's capitalization. Ford Motor Credit required the Subordinated Smith Loan as a condition to increasing the Revolving Facility borrowing limit because the net offering proceeds from Sonic's November 1997 initial public offering were significantly less than expected by Sonic and Ford Motor Credit. The Subordinated Smith Loan bears interest at Bank of America's announced prime rate plus 0.5% and matures on November 30, 2000. All amounts owed by Sonic to Mr. Smith under the Subordinated Smith Loan are to be paid after all amounts owed by Sonic under the Revolving Facility, Sonic's floor plan financing facility with Ford Motor Credit and Sonic's senior subordinated notes are paid. 11 SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED (ALL TABLES IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 5. RELATED PARTIES - CONTINUED REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT: When Sonic acquired Town & Country Ford, Lone Star Ford, Fort Mill Ford, Town & Country Toyota and Frontier Oldsmobile-Cadillac in 1997, Sonic signed a Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 30, 1997 (the "Registration Rights Agreements") with SFC, Bruton Smith, Scott Smith and William S. Egan (collectively, the "Class B Registration Rights Holders"). SFC, which is controlled by Bruton Smith, currently owns 8,881,250 shares of Class B common stock; Bruton Smith, 2,071,250 shares; Scott Smith, 956,250 shares; and Egan Group, LLC, an assignee of Mr. Egan (the "Egan Group"), 341,250 shares, all of which are covered by the Registration Rights Agreement. The Egan Group also owns 125,000 shares of Class A common stock to which the Registration Rights Agreement applies. If, among other things provided in Sonic's charter, offers and sales of shares of Class B common stock are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, then such shares will automatically convert into a like number of shares of Class A common stock. The Class B Registration Rights Holders have certain limited piggyback registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement. These rights permit them to have their shares of Sonic's common stock included in any Sonic registration statement registering Class A common stock, except for registrations on Form S-4, relating to exchange offers and certain other transactions, and Form S-8, relating to employee stock compensation plans. The Registration Rights Agreement expires on November 17, 2007. SFC is controlled by Bruton Smith. THE BOWERS VOLVO NOTE: In connection with Volvo's approval of Sonic's acquisition of a Volvo franchise from Nelson Bowers in 1997, Volvo, among other things, conditioned its approval upon Nelson Bowers acquiring and maintaining a 20% interest in Sonic's Chattanooga Volvo subsidiary operating the Volvo franchise. Mr. Bowers financed all of the purchase price for this 20% interest by issuing a promissory note (the "Bowers Volvo Note") in favor of Sonic Automotive of Nevada, Inc., the wholly-owned subsidiary of Sonic that controls a majority interest in Chattanooga Volvo. The Bowers Volvo Note is secured by Mr. Bowers' interest in Chattanooga Volvo. The Bowers Volvo Note is for a principal amount of $900,000 and bears interest at the lowest applicable federal rate as published by the U.S. Treasury Department in effect on November 17, 1997. Accrued interest is payable annually. The operating agreement of Chattanooga Volvo provides that profits and distributions are to be allocated first to Mr. Bowers to the extent of interest to be paid on the Bowers Volvo Note and next to the other members of Chattanooga Volvo according to their percentages of ownership. No other profits or any losses of Chattanooga Volvo will be allocated to Mr. Bowers under this arrangement. Volvo has removed its requirement that Mr. Bowers maintain his interest in Chattanooga Volvo. Sonic and Mr. Bowers are in the process of redeeming his interest in Chattanooga Volvo and satisfying the Bowers Volvo Note. This transaction is not expected to have a material impact on Sonic's future results of operations or cash flows. As of November 1998 Mr. Bowers was no longer an affiliate of Sonic. DEALERSHIP LEASES: In January 1999, Sonic sold to MMR Holdings, L.L.C., a limited liability company then owned by Bruton Smith and SFC, the real estate at two of its dealership subsidiaries for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $10.6 million and entered into an agreement with MMR Holdings, L.L.C. to lease back the real estate over a term of ten years. Sonic realized a gain on the sale of approximately $3.8 million which was deferred and is currently being amortized against the rent expense over the term of the lease. On August 13, 1999, CAR MMR L.L.C., an affiliate of Capital Automotive REIT, which is not affiliated with Sonic, acquired all of the ownership interests of MMR Holdings, L.L.C., and two of its affiliates, MMR Viking Investment Associates, L.P. and MMR Tennessee, L.L.C (collectively, the "MMR Group). As of that date, Sonic leased 48 properties for 38 of its dealerships from the MMR Group under "triple net leases" which required Sonic to pay all costs of operating the properties, as well as all taxes, utilities, insurance, repairs, maintenance and other property related expenses. Sonic has entered into new leases with CAR MMR L.L.C. with terms similar to those under Sonic's former leases with the MMR Group. These leases generally provide Sonic with options to renew the lease for two additional five year terms after the expiration of the initial lease term. Sonic has agreed to renew approximately 75% of its lease rental stream for an additional five year period after the expiration of the initial lease terms. In connection with the acquisition, Sonic, MMR Holdings and Mar Mar Realty Trust, an affiliate of the MMR Group, terminated the strategic alliance agreement whereby Mar Mar Realty Trust had provided Sonic with real estate financing, acquisition referral and related services. In connection with the above transaction, CAR MMR L.L.C. has agreed to provide Sonic with up to $75 million in real estate sale-leaseback financing through December 31, 1999. 12 SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED (ALL TABLES IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 5. RELATED PARTIES - CONTINUED OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS: o Sonic had amounts receivable from affiliates of $1.5 million and $4.9 million at December 31, 1998 and September 30, 1999, respectively. Of the $4.9 million balance at September 30, 1999, approximately $3.5 million represents amounts owed by Mar Mar Realty Trust. The remaining balances at December 31, 1998 and September 30, 1999 primarily represent advances made by Sonic to SFC and Mar Mar Realty Trust. The amounts receivable from affiliates are non-interest bearing and are classified as current based on the expected repayment dates. o As part of the purchase price in connection with Sonic's acquisition of the Bowers Automotive Group in November 1997, Sonic issued its promissory note in the principal amount of $4.0 million in favor of Nelson Bowers (the "Bowers Acquisition Note"). The Bowers Acquisition Note is payable in 28 equal quarterly installments and bears interest at the prime rate less 0.5%. The balance outstanding under this note at September 30, 1999 was $3.0 million, the current portion of which was $572,000. As noted above, Mr. Bowers was no longer affiliated with Sonic after November 1998. As a result, the outstanding balance at September 30, 1999 has been classified as long term debt, the current portion of which has been classified in current maturities of long-term debt. o Town and Country Toyota has an amount payable to Bruton Smith in the amount of $0.7 million at December 31, 1998 and September 30, 1999. This loan bears interest at 8.75% per annum and is classified as non-current based on the expected repayment date. 6. CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND PER SHARE DATA PUBLIC OFFERING OF COMMON STOCK - Sonic completed a public offering of 8,500,000 shares of its Class A common stock on May 5, 1999 at a price of $14.9375 per share. Of the 8,500,000 shares sold in the offering, 6,067,230 shares were sold by Sonic and 2,432,770 shares were sold by certain stockholders of Sonic. Of the $86.1 million in net proceeds to Sonic from the public offering, approximately $75.5 million was used to repay the outstanding balance under the Revolving Facility. The remaining net proceeds were used to finance acquisitions which closed in the second quarter of 1999. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM - On November 1, 1999, Sonic's Board of Directors authorized Sonic to expend up to $25 million to repurchase shares of its Class A common stock or redeem securities convertible into Class A common stock. Shares will be repurchased from time to time in the open market subject to market conditions. INCREASE TO AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK - At the annual meeting of stockholders held on June 8, 1999, Sonic's stockholders approved an amendment to Sonic's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of shares of Class A common stock authorized to be issued thereunder from 50 million to 100 million, and to increase the number of shares of Class B common stock authorized to be issued thereunder from 15 million to 30 million. PER SHARE DATA - The calculation of diluted net income per share considers the potential dilutive effect of options and shares under Sonic's stock compensation plans, Class A common stock purchase warrants, and Class A convertible preferred stock. The following table illustrates the dilutive effect of such items on EPS.
For the nine months ended For the nine months ended September 30, 1998 September 30, 1999 ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Per-Share Per-Share Income Shares Amount Income Shares Amount ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------- ----------- (DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS (DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) BASIC EPS $12,230 22,596 $ 0.54 $29,371 29,948 $ 0.98 ============ =========== EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES Stock compensation plans - 531 - 1,102 Warrants - 26 - 92 Convertible Preferred Stock - 1,127 - 2,347 ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------- DILUTED EPS $12,230 24,280 $ 0.50 $29,371 33,489 $ 0.88 ============ ============ ============ ============= ============= ===========
13 SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED (ALL TABLES IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 6. CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND PER SHARE DATA - CONTINUED
For the three months ended For the three months ended September 30, 1998 September 30, 1999 ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Per-Share Per-Share Income Shares Amount Income Shares Amount ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------- ----------- (DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS (DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) BASIC EPS $ 5,426 22,730 $ 0.24 $12,583 35,208 $ 0.36 ============ =========== EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES Stock compensation plans - 718 - 736 Warrants - 36 - 76 Convertible Preferred Stock - 2,642 - 2,248 ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------- DILUTED EPS $ 5,426 26,126 $ 0.21 $12,583 38,268 $ 0.33 ============ ============ ============ ============= ============= ===========
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Sonic is involved in various legal proceedings. Management believes based on advice of counsel that the outcome of such proceedings will not have a materially adverse effect on Sonic's financial position or future results of operations and cash flows. 14 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 Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table summarizes, for the periods presented, the percentages of total revenues represented by certain items reflected in Sonic's statements of income.
Percentage of Total Revenues for Percentage of Total Revenues for Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 1998 1999 1998 1999 ------- ------- -------- --------- Revenues: New vehicle sales.................................... 60.4% 58.4% 59.8% 58.3% Used vehicle sales................................... 27.5% 27.9% 27.9% 28.8% Parts, service, and collision repair................. 10.1% 11.1% 10.3% 10.5% Finance and insurance................................ 2.0% 2.6% 2.0% 2.4% ------ ------ ------ ------ Total revenues....................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of sales........................................ 87.3% 86.6% 87.3% 86.8% ----- ----- ----- ----- Gross profit......................................... 12.7% 13.4% 12.7% 13.2% Selling, general, and administrative................. 9.6% 9.8% 9.6% 9.8% ------ ------ ------ ------ Operating income..................................... 3.1% 3.6% 3.1% 3.4% Interest expense..................................... 1.3% 1.2% 1.4% 1.2% ------ ------ ------ ------ Income before income taxes........................... 1.8% 2.4% 1.7% 2.2% ====== ====== ====== ======
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 REVENUES. Revenues grew in each of our primary revenue areas for the first nine months of 1999 as compared with the first nine months of 1998, causing total revenues to increase 89.5% to $2.2 billion. New vehicle sales revenue increased 84.8% to $1.3 billion in the first nine months of 1999, compared with $690.5 million in the first nine months of 1998. The increase was due primarily to an increase in new vehicle unit sales of 79.4% to 52,509, as compared with 29,262 in the first nine months of 1998 resulting from 21,821 additional units contributed by acquisitions. The remainder of the increase was due to a 3.0% increase in the average selling price of new vehicles as well as an increase in new vehicle revenues from stores owned for longer than one year of 14.5% in the first nine months of 1999 over the first nine months of 1998. Used vehicle revenues from retail sales increased 94.7% to $458.8 million in the first nine months of 1999 from $235.6 million in the first nine months of 1998. The increase was primarily due to an increase in used vehicle unit sales of 88.2% to 32,392, as compared with 17,211 in the first nine months of 1998, resulting from additional unit sales contributed by acquisitions. The remainder of the increase was due to a 3.5% increase in the average selling price of used vehicles as well as an increase in used vehicle revenues from stores owned for longer than one year of 16.6% in the first nine months of 1999 over the first nine months of 1998. Parts, service and collision repair revenue increased 93.3% to $230.2 million in the first nine months of 1999 compared to $119.1 million in the first nine months of 1998, principally due to our acquisitions. Finance and insurance revenue increased $29.1 million, or 127%, principally due to vehicle sales and related financing contributed by our acquisitions, as well as a 24% improvement in finance and insurance revenues per vehicle resulting from newly implemented programs designed to improve training and development of finance and insurance sales people. GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit increased 97.4% to $289.0 million in the first nine months of 1999 from $146.4 million in the first nine months of 1998 principally due to increases in revenues contributed by dealerships acquired. Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 13.2% from 12.7% due primarily to an increase in revenues of higher margin used vehicles and finance and insurance products. Used vehicle revenues as a percentage of total revenues increased from 27.9% in the first nine months of 1998 to 28.8% in the first nine months of 1999. Finance and insurance revenues as a percentage of total revenues increased from 2.0% in the first nine months of 1998 to 2.4% in the first nine months of 1999. 15 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased 93.4% to $207.3 million in the first nine months of 1999 from $107.2 million in the first nine months of 1998 resulting principally from acquisitions. Such expenses as a percentage of revenues increased to 9.5% from 9.3% resulting from two primary factors. First, because compensation programs, which represent over 50% of a dealership's selling, general and administrative expenses, are primarily based on gross profits, the improvement in gross profit margins resulted in an increase in compensation expense as a percentage of total revenues from 5.7% in the first nine months of 1998 to 5.9% in the first nine months of 1999. Second, an adjustment in monthly lease rates at certain dealerships to fair market rates during the period resulted in an increase in rent expense as a percentage of total revenues from 0.7% in the first nine months of 1998 to 0.8% in the first nine months of 1999. As a percentage of gross profits, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 71.7% from 73.2%, resulting primarily from benefits of scale which has allowed us to recognize cost savings, especially in the areas of advertising costs and insurance premiums. DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE. Depreciation and amortization expense increased 113% to $7.1 million in the first nine months of 1999 from $3.4 million in the first nine months of 1998, resulting principally from additional goodwill amortization expense associated with our acquisitions. INTEREST EXPENSE, FLOOR PLAN. Interest expense, floor plan increased 43.3% to $15.1 million in the first nine months of 1999 from $10.5 million in the first nine months of 1998, due primarily to floor plan interest expense incurred by dealerships acquired. As a percentage of total revenues, floor plan interest decreased from 0.9% in the first nine months of 1998 to 0.7% in the first nine months of 1999 due to a decrease in the average interest rate under our floor plan financing arrangement, as well as improvement in inventory turnover rates. INTEREST EXPENSE, OTHER. Interest expense, other increased to $12.2 million in the first nine months of 1999 from $5.5 million in the first nine months of 1998 due primarily to interest incurred on our senior subordinated notes issued on July 31, 1998. NET INCOME. As a result of the factors noted above, our net income increased by $17.1 million in the first nine months of 1999 compared to the first nine months of 1998. THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 REVENUES. Revenues grew in each of our primary revenue areas for the third quarter of 1999 as compared with the third quarter of 1998, causing total revenues to increase 72.6% to $870.0 million. New vehicle sales revenue increased 67.0% to $508.1 million in the third quarter of 1999, compared with $304.3 million in the third quarter of 1998. The increase was due primarily to an increase in new vehicle unit sales of 64.1% to 20,778, as compared with 12,661 in the third quarter of 1998 resulting from 8,068 additional units contributed by acquisitions. The remainder of the increase was due to a 1.7% increase in the average selling price of new vehicles as well as an increase in new vehicle revenues from stores owned for longer than one year of 11.7% in the third quarter of 1999 over the third quarter of 1998. Used vehicle revenues from retail sales increased 72% to $173.6 million in the third quarter of 1999 from $100.9 million in the third quarter of 1998. The increase was primarily due to an increase in used vehicle unit sales of 61.5% to 12,098, as compared with 7,492 in the third quarter of 1998, resulting from additional unit sales contributed by acquisitions. The remainder of the increase was due to an increase in used vehicle revenues from stores owned for longer than one year of 16.8% in the third quarter of 1999 over the third quarter of 1998. Parts, service and collision repair revenue increased 89.4% to $96.2 million in the third quarter of 1999 compared to $50.8 million in the third quarter of 1998, principally due to our acquisitions. Finance and insurance revenue increased $12.3 million, or 119.8%, principally due to vehicle sales and related financing contributed by our acquisitions, as well as a 34.7% improvement in finance and insurance revenues per vehicle resulting from newly implemented programs designed to improve training and development of finance and insurance sales people. GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit increased 82.3% to $116.7 million in the third quarter of 1999 from $64.0 million in the third quarter of 1998 principally due to increases in revenues contributed by dealerships acquired. Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 13.4% from 12.7% due primarily to an increase in revenues of higher margin used vehicles and finance and insurance products. Used vehicle revenues as a percentage of total revenues increased from 27.5% in the third quarter of 1998 to 27.9% in the third quarter of 1999. Finance and insurance revenues as a percentage of total revenues increased from 2.0% in the third quarter of 1998 to 2.6% in the third quarter of 1999. 16 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased 76.6% to $82.6 million in the third quarter of 1999 from $46.8 million in the third quarter of 1998 resulting principally from the expenses of dealerships acquired. Such expenses as a percentage of revenues increased to 9.5% from 9.3% resulting from two primary factors. First, because compensation programs, which represent over 50% of a dealership's selling, general and administrative expenses, are primarily based on gross profits, the improvement in gross profit margins resulted in an increase in compensation expense as a percentage of total revenues from 5.6% in the third quarter of 1998 to 5.8% in the third quarter of 1999. Second, an adjustment in monthly lease rates at certain dealerships to fair market rates resulted in an increase in rent expense as a percentage of total revenues from 0.7% in the third quarter of 1998 to 0.8% in the third quarter of 1999. As a percentage of gross profits, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 70.9% from 73.1%, resulting primarily from benefits of scale which has allowed us to recognize cost savings, especially in the areas of advertising costs and insurance premiums. DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE. Depreciation and amortization expense increased 94.9% to $3.0 million in the third quarter of 1999 from $1.5 million in the third quarter of 1998, resulting principally from additional goodwill amortization expense associated with our acquisitions. INTEREST EXPENSE, FLOOR PLAN. Interest expense, floor plan increased 43.3% to $5.7 million in the third quarter of 1999 from $4.0 million in the third quarter of 1998, due primarily to floor plan interest expense incurred by dealerships acquired. As a percentage of total revenues, floor plan interest decreased from 0.8% in the third quarter of 1998 to 0.7% in the third quarter of 1999 due to decreased interest rates under our floor plan financing arrangement, as well as improvement in inventory turnover rates. INTEREST EXPENSE, OTHER. Interest expense, other increased to $4.8 million in the third quarter of 1999 from $2.8 million in the third quarter of 1998 due primarily to interest incurred on our senior subordinated notes. NET INCOME. As a result of the factors noted above, our net income increased by $7.2 million in the third quarter of 1999 compared to the third quarter of 1998. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES: Our principal needs for capital resources are to finance acquisitions and fund debt service and working capital requirements. Historically, we have relied on internally generated cash flows from operations, borrowings under our various credit facilities, and borrowings and capital contributions from our stockholders to finance our operations and expansion. On May 5, 1999, we completed a public offering of Class A common stock which provided approximately $86.1 million of additional capital resources for the consummation of acquisitions and repayment of borrowings under our $350 million acquisition line of credit with Ford Motor Credit Company (the "Revolving Facility"). During the first nine months of 1999, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $63.1 million. During the first nine months of 1998, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $54.0 million. The increase was attributable principally to higher net income as well as improved turnover rates in inventory and receivables. Cash used for investing activities in the first nine months of 1999 was approximately $164.9 million, including $164.3 million paid for acquisitions, net of cash received, and $11.2 million in capital expenditures. Cash used for investing activities in the first nine months of 1999 was offset by proceeds received from the sale of real estate at Town and Country Toyota and Fort Mill Ford of approximately $10.6 million. Cash used for investing activities in the first nine months of 1998 was approximately $69.5 million, including $66.9 million paid for acquisitions, net of cash received, and $2.6 million in capital expenditures. Our principal capital expenditures typically include building improvements and equipment for use in our dealerships. Of the capital expenditures in the first nine months of 1999, approximately $3.0 million related to the construction of new dealerships and a body shop, which were subsequently sold to MMR Holdings, LLC, a limited liability company owned by Bruton Smith and Sonic Financial Corporation ("SFC"). There was no gain or loss on the sale. As noted below, MMR Holdings was subsequently acquired by CAR MMR L.L.C., an affiliate of Capital Automotive REIT which is not affiliated with Sonic. On August 13, 1999, CAR MMR L.L.C. acquired all of the ownership interests of MMR Holdings, L.L.C., and two of its affiliates, MMR Viking Investment Associates, L.P. and MMR Tennessee, L.L.C (collectively, the "MMR Group). As of that date, Sonic leased 48 properties for 38 of its dealerships from the MMR Group under "triple net leases" which required Sonic to pay all costs of operating the properties, as well as all taxes, utilities, insurance, repairs, maintenance and other property related expenses. Sonic has entered into new leases with CAR MMR L.L.C. with terms similar to those under Sonic's former leases with the MMR Group. These leases generally provide Sonic with options to renew the lease for two additional five year terms after the expiration of the initial lease term. Sonic has agreed to renew approximately 75% of its lease rental stream for an additional five year period after the expiration of the initial lease terms. In connection with the acquisition, Sonic, MMR Holdings and Mar Mar Realty Trust, an affiliate of the MMR Group, terminated the strategic alliance agreement whereby Mar Mar Realty Trust had provided Sonic with real estate sale-leaseback financing, acquisition referral and related services. 17 In connection with the above transaction, CAR MMR L.L.C. has agreed to provide Sonic with up to $75 million in real estate sale-leaseback financing through December 31, 1999. During the first nine months of 1999, we acquired 30 dealerships for approximately $173.8 million in cash, 6,282 shares of Sonic's Class A convertible preferred stock, Series II, having an estimated fair value at the time of issuance of approximately $6.1 million, 45,783 shares of Sonic's Class A convertible preferred stock, Series III, having an estimated fair value at the time of issuance of approximately $40.3 million, and 1,574,932 shares of Sonic's Class A common stock having an estimated fair value at the time of issuance of approximately $22.3 million. The cash portion of the purchase price was financed with a combination of a portion of the proceeds from our recent public offering of Class A common stock, cash borrowed under our Revolving Facility and cash generated from our existing operations. The acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and the results of operations of such acquisitions have been included in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements from their respective acquisition dates. Subsequent to September 30, 1999, we acquired 9 dealerships for approximately $57.8 million in cash financed with a combination of cash borrowed under the Revolving Facility and cash generated from Sonic's existing operations. The acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. We have signed definitive agreements to acquire 38 dealerships for an estimated $224.6 million in cash, approximately 13,600 shares of Class A convertible preferred stock and approximately 5,100,000 shares of Class A common stock. The aggregate purchase price is subject to adjustment based on the actual net book value of the assets acquired. The cash portion of the purchase price will be paid with a combination of borrowings under Sonic's $350 million Revolving Facility and with cash generated from Sonic's existing operations. These acquisitions are expected to be consummated in the fourth quarter of 1999 and first quarter of 2000. Cash provided by financing activities of approximately $119.8 million in the first nine months of 1999 primarily reflects net proceeds received from our public offering of common stock completed on May 5, 1999 as well as additional borrowings for acquisitions on the Revolving Facility, offset by net payments made on our floorplan borrowings. On November 1, 1999, the total borrowing limit under the Revolving Facility was increased from $150 million to $350 million. Prior to that date, amounts outstanding under the Revolving Facility bore interest at a fluctuating per annum rate equal to 2.75% above the 1 month commercial finance paper rate as reported by the Federal Reserve Board (8.01% at September 30, 1999). Subsequent to November 1, 1999, amounts outstanding under the Revolving Facility bear interest at 2.50% above LIBOR. The Revolving Facility will mature in October 2002, unless we request that such term be extended, at the option of Ford Motor Credit Company ("Ford Motor Credit"), for a number of additional one year terms to be negotiated by us and Ford Motor Credit. On May 5, 1999, in connection with the public offering by Sonic of 6,067,230 shares of Class A common stock, all amounts outstanding under the Revolving Facility were repaid. Amounts outstanding under the Revolving Facility as of September 30, 1999 total approximately $88.3 million and were used to finance acquisitions completed in the third quarter of 1999. Future amounts to be drawn under the Revolving Facility are to be used for the acquisition of additional dealerships and to provide general working capital needs not to exceed $35 million. We agreed under the Revolving Facility not to pledge any of our assets to any third party (with the exception of currently encumbered real estate and assets of our dealership subsidiaries that are subject to previous pledges or liens). In addition, the Revolving Facility contains certain negative covenants, including covenants restricting or prohibiting the payment of dividends, capital expenditures and material dispositions of assets as well as other customary covenants. Additional negative covenants include specified ratios of o current assets to current liabilities, o earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and rent less capital expenditures to fixed charges, o EBITDA to interest expense and o EBITDA to total debt In addition, the loss of voting control over Sonic by Bruton Smith, Scott Smith and their spouses or immediate family members or the failure by Sonic, with certain exceptions, to own all the outstanding equity, membership or partnership interests in its dealership subsidiaries will constitute an event of default under the Revolving Facility. Sonic is in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of September 30, 1999. 18 We currently have an aggregate principal balance of $125 million in our senior subordinated notes which mature on August 1, 2008 and bear interest at a stated rate of 11.0%. The notes are unsecured and are redeemable at our option after August 1, 2003. Interest payments are due semi-annually on August 1 and February 1 and commenced February 1, 1999. The notes are subordinated to all of our present and future senior indebtedness, including the Revolving Facility. Redemption prices during 12 month periods beginning August 1 are 105.500% in 2003, 103.667% in 2004, 101.833% in 2005 and 100% thereafter. The indenture governing the senior subordinated notes contains certain specified restrictive and required financial covenants. We have agreed not to pledge our assets to any third party except under certain limited circumstances (for example, floor plan indebtedness). We have also 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. Sonic is in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of September 30, 1999. We currently have a standardized floor plan credit facility with Ford Motor Credit for all our dealership subsidiaries (the "Floor Plan Facility"). As of September 30, 1999, there was an aggregate of approximately $276.9 million outstanding under the Floor Plan Facility. The Floor Plan Facility at September 30, 1999 had an effective interest rate of prime less 1.1% (7.15% at September 30, 1999), subject to certain incentives and other adjustments. Typically new vehicle floor plan indebtedness exceeds the related inventory balances. The inventory balances are generally reduced by the manufacturer's purchase discounts, which are not reflected in the related floor plan liability. These manufacturer purchase discounts are standard in the industry, typically occur on all new vehicle purchases, and are not used to offset the related floor plan liability. These discounts are aggregated and generally paid to us by the manufacturers on a quarterly basis. We make monthly interest payments on the amount financed under the Floor Plan Facility but are not required to make loan principal repayments prior to the sale of the vehicles. The underlying notes are due when the related vehicles are sold and are collateralized by vehicle inventories and other assets of the relevant dealership subsidiary. The Floor Plan Facility contains a number of covenants, including among others, covenants restricting us with respect to the creation of liens and changes in ownership, officers and key management personnel. On November 1, 1999, we obtained a separate floor plan credit facility from Chrysler Financial Company which provides up to $750 million available for the purchase of inventories at our Chrysler dealerships. Amounts outstanding under this facility will bear interest at 1.25% above LIBOR. As a result of the change in our tax basis of accounting for inventory from the "last-in, first-out" method of inventory accounting (LIFO) to the "first-in, first-out" method of inventory accounting (FIFO) at certain of our dealerships, we incurred additional income tax liabilities. As of September 30, 1999 the aggregate balance of such income tax liabilities was approximately $4.4 million, which is payable in quarterly installments through the year 2002, as follows: Year ending December 31, 1999............................................. $ 512 2000............................................. 1,598 2001............................................. 1,597 2002............................................. 711 ------- Total............................................ $ 4,418 ======= We expect to pay such obligations with cash provided by operations. We believe that funds generated from our recent offering of Class A common stock, together with funds generated through future operations and availability of borrowings under our floor plan financing (or any replacements thereof) and other credit arrangements will be sufficient to fund our debt service and working capital requirements and any seasonal operating requirements, including our currently anticipated internal growth for our existing businesses, for the foreseeable future. We expect to fund any future acquisitions from future cash flow from operations, additional debt financing (including the Revolving Facility) or the issuance of Class A common stock, preferred stock or other convertible instruments. SEASONALITY Our operations are subject to seasonal variations. The first quarter generally contributes less revenue and operating profits than the second, third and fourth quarters. Seasonality is principally caused by weather conditions and the timing of manufacturer incentive programs and model changeovers. 19 YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE GENERAL Due to the limited memory capacity of older computers, many computer systems and software applications in early years were programmed to store dates using six digit formats (e.g. mm/dd/yy) versus eight digit formats (e.g. mm/dd/yyyy). Under the six digit format, most computer systems and software applications are limited to recognizing dates within the 20th century only, causing computers to interpret the year "00" as the year "1900" rather than the year "2000." As we approach the beginning of year 2000, there is widespread concern that the inability of computer systems to recognize dates beyond the year 1999 will result in software errors and system failures that could be disruptive to ordinary business operations. We recognize the need to ensure that our operations will not be disrupted by Year 2000 system failures either within our own computer systems or within the computer systems of our primary lenders and suppliers. Each of our dealerships has appointed a team comprised primarily of department managers that, using guides developed by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), is responsible for assessing and resolving potential Year 2000 problems, and developing contingency plans to mitigate the impact of future problems on operations. STATE OF READINESS INTERNAL DEALERSHIP SYSTEMS: Internal systems supporting the dealership's daily operations are comprised of four primary systems: (i) the Dealer Management System ("DMS") which supports the critical operations of the dealership including all vehicle sales, vehicle inventory, financing and insurance operations, service and parts operations, and accounting functions; (ii) the Dealer Communication System ("DCS") which provides on-line communication with manufacturers necessary for ordering vehicles and parts inventory, submitting warranty claims, submitting dealership financial statements, receiving delivery reports, and receiving technical information used in service department operations; (iii) personal computer systems ("PC systems") used in providing information to and communicating with the parent company; and (iv) "embedded systems" which use an electric processor or computer chip to control, monitor, or assist with the operation of equipment, machinery, and building management (e.g. building access, security and fire alarms, automotive diagnostic equipment). DEALER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: The DMS systems used by our dealerships are obtained from one of four primary vendors, Reynolds & Reynolds, Infiniti Net, ADP, and UCS. Each of these vendors has developed upgrades to correct Year 2000 problems within the DMS systems, and we have completed the process of installing such upgrades to our systems. In addition, we have received written verification from each of these vendors that the DMS systems operating within dealerships currently owned by Sonic are Year 2000 certified. With respect to dealerships being acquired, dealerships using DMS systems which are not Year 2000 certified are being transferred to existing systems which are Year 2000 certified. DEALER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM: The DCS systems used in our dealerships are provided by the respective manufacturers with whom the dealerships communicate. As a result, the manufacturers have assumed responsibility for upgrading DCS systems to Year 2000 compliant systems. To date, approximately 80 percent of our dealerships have received written verification from their respective manufacturer that their DCS system is Year 2000 compliant. In addition, we have requested from each manufacturer that status reports be provided to both the dealership and parent company to inform us of remediation efforts at those dealerships that are not yet Year 2000 compliant, and when such remediation efforts are expected to be completed. PERSONAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS: PC systems and local and wide area networks currently operating in our corporate offices were installed within the past year and were determined to be Year 2000 compliant at the time of installation. While not all PC systems operating in our dealerships are known to be Year 2000 compliant, such systems do not conduct mission critical operations and may not be upgraded or replaced by the end of the year. A disruption in these systems will not significantly affect dealerships' daily operations. EMBEDDED SYSTEMS: Embedded systems refer to systems that use some sort of electronic process or computer chip to track time and date information used in the operation of that system. For example, security systems, or heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) may be programmed to automatically be activated or deactivated at a certain time. If a security system is programmed to lock up a dealership on weekends, then some dealerships may be locked out on Thursday, January 6, 2000 because the computer interprets the date as Saturday, January 6, 1900. The dealerships are conducting an inventory of such systems, and are contacting the manufacturers or suppliers to test such systems and obtain verification of Year 2000 certification. This process has not yet been completed, and some systems may not be Year 2000 certified by the end of the year. However, these systems are not considered critical and a disruption in these systems is not expected to significantly affect dealerships' daily operations. 20 EXTERNAL SYSTEMS: A dealership's operations may be adversely affected if the lenders, suppliers, or other third parties with whom it regularly conducts business are affected by Year 2000 problems within their systems. Other than automobile manufacturers, we are primarily concerned about Year 2000 failures with banks and other financial service providers, companies providing financing and insurance to our customers, and utilities providing electricity and water. We have received verification from our primary banks and lenders that their systems are Year 2000 compliant and that service is not expected to be interrupted by Year 2000 problems. We have contacted other key vendors and suppliers and are awaiting their responses concerning their Year 2000 remediation efforts. COSTS The costs associated with converting our internal systems to Year 2000 compliant systems have not been, and are not expected to be, material to our financial position or results of operations. Costs associated with upgrading and converting the DMS and DCS systems to Year 2000 compliant systems were covered by monthly maintenance contracts with the respective suppliers and were expensed as incurred. Costs associated with upgrading or replacing PC and embedded systems have not been material and were expensed or capitalized in accordance with our capitalization policy. CONTINGENCY PLANS We cannot state with certainty whether Year 2000 system failures either within our own internal systems or within the systems of third-parties with whom we are involved will have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. In order to mitigate the potential impact of any future Year 2000 problems, each of our dealerships is continuing to develop contingency plans which include the following: 1. Use of pre-printed and pre-numbered forms and checks (including repair orders and parts counter tickets) and manual journals and ledger books to assist in bookkeeping and accounting functions; 2. Use of hand held, battery operated finance computers in order to continue providing finance services to our customers; 3. Establishing emergency reserves of supplies in the event that service from third party lenders and suppliers is disrupted due to Year 2000 problems within their systems; and 4. Training of employees to manually perform functions that are currently performed on computers. While we believe that we are taking appropriate steps to ensure we are adequately prepared to deal with Year 2000 problems as they arise, we cannot make assurances that Year 2000 problems will not have a material adverse affect on our results of operations or financial condition. In a most reasonably likely worst case scenario, Year 2000 problems may delay our ability to sell vehicles, provide financing and insurance to our customers, provide parts and repair service to our customers, complete acquisitions, or meet third-party obligations until Year 2000 problems can be resolved in the affected systems. SIGNIFICANT MATERIALITY OF GOODWILL Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the estimated fair value of the tangible and separately measurable intangible net assets acquired. The cumulative gross goodwill balance at December 31, 1998 was $182.5 million and at September 30, 1999 was $369.5 million. As a percentage of total assets and stockholders' equity, goodwill, net of accumulated amortization, represented 31.3% and 126.4%, respectively, at December 31, 1998, and 39.6% and 108.0%, respectively, at September 30, 1999. Generally accepted accounting principles require that goodwill and all other intangible assets be amortized over the period benefited. We have determined that the period benefited by the goodwill will be no less than 40 years. Accordingly, we are amortizing goodwill over a 40 year period. Earnings reported in periods immediately following an acquisition would be overstated if we attributed a 40 year benefit to an intangible asset that should have had a shorter benefit period. In later years, we would be burdened by a continuing charge against earnings without the associated benefit to income valued by management in arriving at the consideration paid for the businesses acquired. Earnings in later years also could be significantly affected if management then determined that the remaining balance of goodwill was impaired. We periodically compare the carrying value of goodwill with the anticipated undiscounted future cash flows from operations of the business we have acquired in order to evaluate the recoverability of goodwill. We have concluded that the anticipated future cash flows associated with intangible assets recognized in our acquisitions will continue indefinitely, and there is no pervasive evidence that any material portion will dissipate over a period shorter than 40 years. We will incur additional goodwill in future acquisitions. 21 ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK INTEREST RATE RISK. Sonic's only financial instruments with market risk exposure are variable rate floor plan notes payable, Revolving Facility borrowings and other variable rate notes. As of September 30, 1999, the total outstanding balance of such instruments was approximately $377.7 million. A change of one percent in the interest rate would have caused a change in interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 of approximately $2.7 million. In addition, a decrease or increase in interest rates would cause a respective increase or decrease in the present value of Sonic's fixed rate senior subordinated notes, which have a carrying value of $120.9 million at September 30, 1999. 22 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS. The following sets forth certain information as to all equity securities sold by Sonic during the periods discussed that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). As to all such transactions, an exemption was claimed under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder ("Regulation D") as transactions not involving a public offering in view of sophistication of the purchasers, their access to material information about Sonic, the disclosures actually made to them by Sonic, the absence of any general solicitation or advertising, the status of the purchasers as "accredited investors" as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D and the filing by Sonic of the appropriate forms in connection therewith. All such private sales of Sonic's equity securities were made to the owners of assets associated with, or the capital stock of, automobile dealerships acquired by Sonic as a part of Sonic's dealership acquisition strategy. Sonic has privately issued its Class A common stock in the following dealership acquisition transactions: On August 3, 1999, Sonic issued an aggregate 1,398,902 shares of its Class A common stock to Joseph L. Herson, Mollye H. Mills, Richard Mills and John Jaffee to acquire via merger with a subsidiary of Sonic the outstanding capital stock of BMW of Fairfax, Inc. with a value of approximately $20.0 million. Sonic has also privately issued its Class A convertible preferred stock (the "Preferred Stock") in dealership acquisition transactions. The Preferred Stock is divided into three series: the Series I Preferred Stock, the Series II Preferred Stock and the Series III Preferred Stock. Each share of Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of Class A common stock at the holder's option at specified conversion rates. After the second anniversary of the date of issuance, any shares of Preferred Stock which have not yet been converted are subject to mandatory conversion to Class A common stock at the option of Sonic. No fractional shares of Class A common stock will be issued upon conversion of any shares of Preferred Stock. Instead, Sonic will pay cash equal to the value of such fractional shares. Generally each share of Preferred Stock is convertible into that number of shares of Class A common stock that has an aggregate Market Price at the time of conversion equal to $1,000 (with certain adjustments for Series II and Series III Preferred Stock). "Market Price" is defined generally as the average closing price per share of the Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for twenty trading days immediately preceding the date of determination. Before the first anniversary of the date of issuance of Preferred Stock, each holder of Preferred Stock is unable to convert without first giving Sonic ten business days' notice and an opportunity to redeem such Preferred Stock at the then applicable redemption price. Sonic has privately issued Preferred Stock in the following dealership acquisition transactions: On July 8, 1999, Sonic issued 11,683 shares of its Series II Preferred Stock to L.R. Motors, Ltd. to acquire the assets of Lute Riley Honda with a value of approximately $11.4 million. On August 9, 1999, Sonic issued 2,925 shares of its Series II Preferred Stock with a value of approximately $2.9 million to Frank McGough as additional consideration for the acquisition of the outstanding capital stock of Capital Chevrolet and Imports, Inc. which closed in April of 1998. 23 ITEM 6. EXHIBITS (a) Exhibits: 3.1* Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sonic (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-33295) of Sonic (the "Form S-1")). 3.2* Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Class A Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Sonic's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998). 3.3* Bylaws of Sonic (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form S-1). 4.1* Form of 11% Senior Subordinated Note due 2008, Series B (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration Nos. 333-64397 and 333-64397-001 through 333-64397-044) of Sonic (the "Form S-4")). 4.2* Indenture dated as of July 1, 1998 between Sonic, as issuer, the subsidiaries of Sonic named therein, as guarantors, and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee, relating to the 11% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form S-4). 4.3* Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 30, 1998 among Sonic, O. Bruton Smith, Bryan Scott Smith, William S. Egan and Sonic Financial Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form S-1). 10.1* Letter Agreement dated as of August 3, 1999 regarding amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April 6, 1999 by and among Sonic, Manhattan Auto, Inc., Joseph Herson, Mollye Mills, John Jaffe and Richard Mills (the "Manhattan Merger Agreement") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Sonic's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-82615)). 10.2* Agreement dated as of August 5, 1999 by and among Sonic, O. Bruton Smith and Sonic Financial Corporation relating to transactions contemplated by the Sonic Agreement dated as of June 30, 1999 by and among Sonic, certain subsidiaries of Sonic listed on Schedule A thereto and CAR MMR L.L.C (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Sonic's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999). 10.3 Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of July 28, 1999 (the "Credit Agreement") by and among Sonic, as borrower, and Ford Motor Credit Company, as lender. 10.4 Third Amended and Restated Promissory Note dated as of July 29, 1999 in the amount of $150 million by Sonic, as borrower, in favor of Ford Motor Credit Company, as lender under the Credit Agreement. 10.5 Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 30, 1999 by and among Sonic, Riverside Chevrolet, Inc. and the stockholders of Riverside Chevrolet, Inc. listed on the signature page thereto. 10.6 Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 30, 1999 by and among Sonic, Jim Glover Dodge, Inc. and the stockholders of Jim Glover Dodge, Inc. listed on the signature page thereto. 10.7 Stock Purchase Agreement dated September 30, 1999 by and among Sonic, Riverside Nissan, Inc. and the stockholders of Riverside Nissan, Inc. listed on the signature page thereto. 10.8 Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization dated as of October 31, 1999 by and among Sonic, FAA Acquisition Corp., FirstAmerica Automotive, Inc. and certain stockholders of FirstAmerica Automotive, Inc. listed on the signature page therein. 27 Financial data schedule for the nine month period ended September 30, 1999 (filed electronically). (b) Reports on Form 8-K. We have not filed any reports on Form 8-K during the quarter for which this report is filed. * Filed Previously 24 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: November 15, 1999 By: /s/ O. Bruton Smith ----------------- ------------------------------------- O. Bruton Smith CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Date: November 15, 1999 By: /s/ Theodore M. Wright ----------------- ------------------------------------ Theodore M. Wright VICE PRESIDENT-FINANCE, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, TREASURER AND SECRETARY (PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER) 25 INDEX TO EXHIBITS TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. FOR THE QUARTER ENDED September 30, 1999 EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS - ------- ----------------------- 3.1* Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sonic (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-33295) of Sonic (the "Form S-1")). 3.2* Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Class A Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Sonic's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998). 3.3* Bylaws of Sonic (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form S-1). 4.1* Form of 11% Senior Subordinated Note due 2008, Series B (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration Nos. 333-64397 and 333-64397-001 through 333-64397-044) of Sonic (the "Form S-4")). 4.2* Indenture dated as of July 1, 1998 between Sonic, as issuer, the subsidiaries of Sonic named therein, as guarantors, and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee, relating to the 11% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form S-4). 4.3* Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 30, 1998 among Sonic, O. Bruton Smith, Bryan Scott Smith, William S. Egan and Sonic Financial Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form S-1). 10.1* Letter Agreement dated as of August 3, 1999 regarding amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April 6, 1999 by and among Sonic, Manhattan Auto, Inc., Joseph Herson, Mollye Mills, John Jaffe and Richard Mills (the "Manhattan Merger Agreement") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Sonic's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-82615)). 10.2* Agreement dated as of August 5, 1999 by and among Sonic, O. Bruton Smith and Sonic Financial Corporation relating to transactions contemplated by the Sonic Agreement dated as of June 30, 1999 by and among Sonic, certain subsidiaries of Sonic listed on Schedule A thereto and CAR MMR L.L.C (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Sonic's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999). 10.3 Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of July 28, 1999 (the "Credit Agreement") by and among Sonic, as borrower, and Ford Motor Credit Company, as lender. 10.4 Third Amended and Restated Promissory Note dated as of July 29, 1999 in the amount of $150 million by Sonic, as borrower, in favor of Ford Motor Credit Company, as lender under the Credit Agreement. 10.5 Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 30, 1999 by and among Sonic, Riverside Chevrolet, Inc. and the stockholders of Riverside Chevrolet, Inc. listed on the signature page thereto. 10.6 Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 30, 1999 by and among Sonic, Jim Glover Dodge, Inc. and the stockholders of Jim Glover Dodge, Inc. listed on the signature page thereto. 10.7 Stock Purchase Agreement dated September 30, 1999 by and among Sonic, Riverside Nissan, Inc. and the stockholders of Riverside Nissan, Inc. listed on the signature page thereto. 10.8 Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization dated as of October 31, 1999 by and among Sonic, FAA Acquisition Corp., FirstAmerica Automotive, Inc. and certain stockholders of FirstAmerica Automotive, Inc. listed on the signature page therein. 27 Financial data schedule for the nine month period ended September 30, 1999 (filed electronically). * Filed Previously 26