10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

______________________________________

FORM 10-Q

______________________________________

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021

OR

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number: 1-13395

______________________________________

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

______________________________________

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

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

(704) 566-2400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

______________________________________

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

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share	SAH	New York Stock Exchange

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes ☒    No ☐

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

Large accelerated filer	☒	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
		Emerging growth company	☐

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

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

As of October 25, 2021, there were 29,225,197 shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock and 12,029,375 shares of the registrant’s Class B Common Stock outstanding.

UNCERTAINTY OF FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains, and written or oral statements made from time to time by us or by our authorized officers may contain, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements address our future objectives, plans and goals, as well as our intent, beliefs and current expectations regarding future operating performance, results and events, and can generally be identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee” and other similar words or phrases.

These forward-looking statements are based on our current estimates and assumptions and involve various risks and uncertainties. As a result, you are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from our projections include those risks described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this report and elsewhere herein, as well as:

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

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

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

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

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

•the adverse resolution of one or more significant legal proceedings against us or our franchised dealerships or EchoPark stores;

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

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

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

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

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

•our ability to successfully integrate potential future acquisitions;

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

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

•the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken by vehicle manufacturers, governmental authorities, businesses or consumers in response to the pandemic, including in response to a worsening or “next wave” of the pandemic as a result of the Delta variant or otherwise.

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

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION		1
Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)	1
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations	1
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Operations	2
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6
	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	18
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	59
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	60
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION		61
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	61
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	62
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	64
Item 6.	Exhibits	65
SIGNATURES		67

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues:
New vehicles	$	1,146,922	$	1,098,302	$	3,766,133	$	2,957,794
Used vehicles	1,309,492		946,028		3,666,286		2,604,957
Wholesale vehicles	97,087		56,502		256,701		138,221
Total vehicles	2,553,501		2,100,832		7,689,120		5,700,972
Parts, service and collision repair	355,227		320,929		1,036,736		914,667
Finance, insurance and other, net	164,084		126,784		486,000		352,848
Total revenues	3,072,812		2,548,545		9,211,856		6,968,487
Cost of sales:
New vehicles	(1,031,476)		(1,035,624)		(3,462,795)		(2,804,314)
Used vehicles	(1,289,772)		(917,993)		(3,580,944)		(2,517,421)
Wholesale vehicles	(95,832)		(53,958)		(250,072)		(136,260)
Total vehicles	(2,417,080)		(2,007,575)		(7,293,811)		(5,457,995)
Parts, service and collision repair	(183,713)		(164,403)		(534,325)		(475,964)
Total cost of sales	(2,600,793)		(2,171,978)		(7,828,136)		(5,933,959)
Gross profit	472,019		376,567		1,383,720		1,034,528
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(321,373)		(257,174)		(931,349)		(769,688)
Impairment charges	—		(26)		—		(268,859)
Depreciation and amortization	(25,239)		(22,934)		(73,687)		(67,879)
Operating income (loss)	125,407		96,433		378,684		(71,898)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan	(3,340)		(4,999)		(12,781)		(21,821)
Interest expense, other, net	(9,817)		(10,762)		(30,180)		(31,523)
Other income (expense), net	—		1		100		100
Total other income (expense)	(13,157)		(15,760)		(42,861)		(53,244)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	112,250		80,673		335,823		(125,142)
Provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense)	(27,559)		(20,685)		(83,452)		16,995
Income (loss) from continuing operations	84,691		59,988		252,371		(108,147)
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes	(275)		(234)		241		(808)
Provision for income taxes for discontinued operations - benefit (expense)	69		64		(60)		231
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(206)		(170)		181		(577)
Net income (loss)	$	84,485	$	59,818	$	252,552	$	(108,724)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	2.04	$	1.41	$	6.07	$	(2.53)
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations	(0.01)		—		0.01		(0.02)
Earnings (loss) per common share	$	2.03	$	1.41	$	6.08	$	(2.55)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	41,561		42,510		41,561		42,687
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	1.96	$	1.35	$	5.81	$	(2.53)
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations	(0.01)		(0.01)		0.01		(0.02)
Earnings (loss) per common share	$	1.95	$	1.34	$	5.82	$	(2.55)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	43,285		44,577		43,416		42,687

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

1

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss)	$	84,485	$	59,818	$	252,552	$	(108,724)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Change in fair value and amortization of interest rate cap agreements	297		296		1,178		1,076
Amortization of terminated interest rate swap agreements	—		(280)		—		(1,912)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes	297		16		1,178		(836)
Provision for income tax benefit (expense) related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)	(78)		9		(369)		334
Other comprehensive income (loss)	219		25		809		(502)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	84,704	$	59,843	$	253,361	$	(109,226)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	220,082	$	170,313
Receivables, net	278,008		371,666
Inventories	850,469		1,247,254
Other current assets	123,404		93,334
Total current assets	1,471,963		1,882,567
Property and Equipment, net	1,232,236		1,120,526
Goodwill	237,575		213,977
Other Intangible Assets, net	77,500		64,300
Operating Right-of-Use Lease Assets	313,425		330,322
Finance Right-of-Use Lease Assets	84,267		60,121
Other Assets	88,997		74,180
Total Assets	$	3,505,963	$	3,745,993
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	$	28,605	$	585,225
Notes payable - floor plan - non-trade	867,152		739,019
Trade accounts payable	105,181		105,098
Operating short-term lease liabilities	39,684		42,339
Finance short-term lease liabilities	35,684		3,515
Accrued interest	3,431		8,496
Other accrued liabilities	295,282		279,477
Current maturities of long-term debt	53,383		68,244
Total current liabilities	1,428,402		1,831,413
Long-Term Debt	637,774		651,823
Other Long-Term Liabilities	96,420		88,753
Operating Long-Term Lease Liabilities	278,315		296,564
Finance Long-Term Lease Liabilities	59,303		62,290
Deferred Income Taxes	—		345
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity:
Class A Convertible Preferred Stock, none issued	—		—
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 66,493,317 shares issued and 29,225,197 shares outstanding at September 30, 2021; 65,607,628 shares issued and 29,797,727 shares outstanding at December 31, 2020	665		656
Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 12,029,375 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020	121		121
Paid-in capital	786,258		767,599
Retained earnings	960,238		721,770
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,807)		(3,616)
Treasury stock, at cost; 37,268,120 Class A Common Stock shares held at September 30, 2021 and 35,809,901 Class A Common Stock shares held at December 31, 2020	(738,726)		(671,725)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	1,005,749		814,805
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	3,505,963	$	3,745,993

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

	Class A Common Stock			Class A Treasury Stock			Class B Common Stock			Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
Balance at June 30, 2020	65,604	$	656	(34,638)	$	(627,812)	12,029	$	121	$	761,293	$	613,033	$	(2,589)	$	744,702
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans	4	—		—	—		—	—		(1)		—		—		(1)
Purchases of treasury stock	—	—		(784)	(29,285)		—	—		—		—		—		(29,285)
Effect of cash flow hedge instruments, including tax benefit of $9	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		25		25
Restricted stock amortization	—	—		—	—		—	—		3,154		—		—		3,154
Net income (loss)	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		59,818		—		59,818
Class A dividends declared ($0.10)	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(3,108)		—		(3,108)
Class B dividends declared ($0.10)	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(1,203)		—		(1,203)
Balance at September 30, 2020	65,608	$	656	(35,422)	$	(657,097)	12,029	$	121	$	764,446	$	668,540	$	(2,564)	$	774,102

	Class A Common Stock			Class A Treasury Stock			Class B Common Stock			Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
Balance at June 30, 2021	66,449	$	664	(36,768)	$	(713,938)	12,029	$	121	$	781,829	$	880,704	$	(3,026)	$	946,354
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans	44	1		—	—		—	—		749		—		—		750
Purchases of treasury stock	—	—		(500)	(24,788)		—	—		—		—		—		(24,788)
Effect of cash flow hedge instruments, net of tax expense of $78	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		219		219
Restricted stock and stock option amortization	—	—		—	—		—	—		3,680		—		—		3,680
Net income (loss)	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		84,485		—		84,485
Class A dividends declared ($0.12)	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(3,507)		—		(3,507)
Class B dividends declared ($0.12)	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(1,444)		—		(1,444)
Balance at September 30, 2021	66,493	$	665	(37,268)	$	(738,726)	12,029	$	121	$	786,258	$	960,238	$	(2,807)	$	1,005,749

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

	Class A Common Stock			Class A Treasury Stock			Class B Common Stock			Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
Balance at December 31, 2019	64,734	$	647	(33,629)	$	(600,004)	12,029	$	121	$	755,904	$	790,158	$	(2,062)	$	944,764
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans	874	9		—	—		—	—		(9)		—		—		—
Purchases of treasury stock	—	—		(1,793)	(57,093)		—	—		—		—		—		(57,093)
Effect of cash flow hedge instruments, net of tax benefit of $334	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		(502)		(502)
Restricted stock amortization	—	—		—	—		—	—		8,551		—		—		8,551
Net income (loss)	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(108,724)		—		(108,724)
Class A dividends declared ($0.30)	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(9,285)		—		(9,285)
Class B dividends declared ($0.30)	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(3,609)		—		(3,609)
Balance at September 30, 2020	65,608	$	656	(35,422)	$	(657,097)	12,029	$	121	$	764,446	$	668,540	$	(2,564)	$	774,102

	Class A Common Stock			Class A Treasury Stock			Class B Common Stock			Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
Balance at December 31, 2020	65,608	$	656	(35,810)	$	(671,725)	12,029	$	121	$	767,599	$	721,770	$	(3,616)	$	814,805
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans	885	9		—	—		—	—		7,505		—		—		7,514
Purchases of treasury stock	—	—		(1,458)	(67,001)		—	—		—		—		—		(67,001)
Effect of cash flow hedge instruments, net of tax expense of $369	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		809		809
Restricted stock and stock option amortization	—	—		—	—		—	—		11,154		—		—		11,154
Net income (loss)	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		252,552		—		252,552
Class A dividends declared ($0.34)	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(9,977)		—		(9,977)
Class B dividends declared ($0.34)	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(4,107)		—		(4,107)
Balance at September 30, 2021	66,493	$	665	(37,268)	$	(738,726)	12,029	$	121	$	786,258	$	960,238	$	(2,807)	$	1,005,749

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	252,552	$	(108,724)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	69,069		65,474
Debt issuance cost amortization	2,343		2,016
Stock-based compensation expense	11,154		8,551
Deferred income taxes	(8,928)		(62,950)
Asset impairment charges	—		268,859
Other	(1,246)		(515)
Changes in assets and liabilities that relate to operations:
Receivables	93,255		145,280
Inventories	419,842		374,651
Other assets	(2,683)		(21,485)
Notes payable - floor plan – trade	(556,620)		(317,745)
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities	(12,354)		(80,416)
Total adjustments	13,832		381,720
Net cash provided by operating activities	266,384		272,996
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(66,138)		—
Purchases of land, property and equipment	(181,516)		(92,056)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	6,195		21,488
Proceeds from sales of dealerships	3,872		8,806
Net cash used in investing activities	(237,587)		(61,762)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (repayments) borrowings on notes payable - floor plan - non-trade	128,133		(49,245)
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	4,906		460,916
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	(4,906)		(460,916)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	16,500		53,135
Debt issuance costs	(4,775)		(2,115)
Principal payments of long-term debt	(42,975)		(26,328)
Principal payments of long-term lease liabilities	(3,109)		(20,058)
Purchases of treasury stock	(67,001)		(57,093)
Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans	7,514		—
Dividends paid	(13,315)		(12,894)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	20,972		(114,598)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	49,769		96,636
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR	170,313		29,103
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	$	220,082	$	125,739
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest, including amount capitalized	$	46,025	$	56,912
Income taxes	$	85,773	$	51,455

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Sonic Automotive, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“Sonic,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all material normal, recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Pending Acquisition – On September 17, 2021, Sonic entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with RFJMS, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Sonic (“Merger Sub”), RFJ Auto Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“RFJ Auto”), and The Resolute Fund III, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, solely in its capacity as the representative of RFJ Auto’s equityholders, pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into RFJ Auto (the “Acquisition”), with RFJ Auto surviving the merger and becoming a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Sonic. RFJ Auto is an automotive dealership platform based in Dallas, Texas. The Acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and other customary adjustments set forth in the Merger Agreement, the purchase price payable by Sonic pursuant to the Merger Agreement is expected to be approximately $964.9 million comprising (1) approximately $576.1 million for the goodwill and other intangible assets and real estate assets of RFJ Auto and each of its subsidiaries, plus (2) approximately $136.5 million for property and equipment including real estate assets, plus (3) approximately $271.5 million for new and used vehicle inventories, plus (4) approximately $67.0 million for accounts receivable, minus (5) approximately $86.2 million related to liabilities assumed net of other miscellaneous assets. The value, and therefore the resulting purchase price, of RFJ Auto’s parts and accessories inventory, supplies, repair work-in-process and new and used vehicle inventories and other assets acquired or liabilities assumed by Sonic are all subject to change based on natural fluctuations in the business of RFJ Auto prior to the closing of the Acquisition and the foregoing amounts are management’s estimate based on currently available information. The Acquisition will be funded with the proceeds of the Company’s offering of the 2021 Notes (as defined below) (See Note 10, “Subsequent Events”) and borrowings on our floor plan credit facilities.

COVID-19 – The COVID-19 pandemic began negatively impacting the global economy in the first quarter of 2020. The impact on the economy affected both consumer demand and supply of manufactured goods as many countries around the world and states and municipalities in the United States (the “U.S.”) mandated restrictions on citizen movements (i.e., shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders) or on in-person retail trade or manufacturing activities at physical locations. As a result, many businesses curtailed operations and furloughed or terminated employees. In the U.S., the federal government passed several relief measures, including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, in an attempt to provide short-term relief to families and businesses as a result of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This broader economic backdrop resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic had a direct impact on our business and operations beginning in March 2020 and continuing through the date of this report. As a result of the pandemic and related shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders, we transitioned many of our teammates to remote work arrangements. In situations where a teammate’s role did not permit remote work (e.g., service repair technicians), we implemented staggered work hours, social distancing and other safety measures to promote the health and safety of our teammates and guests. As a result of the systems and infrastructure we had in place prior to the pandemic, we were largely able to maintain our back-office operations and financial reporting and internal control processes with minimal disruption or changes in the effectiveness of such operations and processes.

All of our store operations were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to varying degrees. During parts of the first half of 2020, the majority of our stores were not permitted to conduct retail sales of new and used vehicles at our physical locations. Those locations could offer virtual sales transactions with “contactless” delivery to customers but experienced lower consumer demand as a result of the initial onset of the pandemic and state and local governmental restrictions on business and consumer activities. Due to the critical nature of automotive repair, our fixed operations were deemed “essential” by governmental agencies and have largely been able to continue to conduct business so far, while adjusting operations to comply with state and

7

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

local standards for safety and social distancing to promote the health and safety of our teammates and guests. As of September 30, 2021, most of such restrictions had been relaxed; however, our stores remain subject to both external and self-imposed health and safety policies and practices that may affect the way we sell vehicles and interact with our guests in the future. These restrictions may be tightened again if conditions relating to the pandemic worsen as a result of variants.

The automotive supply chain has been disrupted during the pandemic, primarily related to the production of semiconductors that are used in many components of modern automobiles. As a result, automobile manufacturing is operating at lower than expected production levels, reducing the amount of new vehicle and certain parts inventory available to our dealerships. These inventory constraints, coupled with strong consumer demand, have led to a low new vehicle inventory and a high vehicle pricing environment. While we believe that inventory levels should improve in the first half of 2022, there is a risk that new vehicle and certain parts inventory levels remain at a low level or worsen, which could adversely impact our revenues and other financial results.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential accounting impact associated with transitioning away from reference rates that are expected to be discontinued, such as the London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). The amendments in this ASU apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The amendments in ASU 2020-04 could be adopted beginning January 1, 2020 and are effective through December 31, 2022. We do not currently have any contracts that have been modified, amended or renegotiated to accommodate a transition to a new reference rate, but we will continue to evaluate any such modifications or amendments to our contracts to determine the applicability of this standard on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related financial statement disclosures.

Principles of Consolidation – All of our dealership and non-dealership subsidiaries are wholly owned and consolidated in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, except for one 50%-owned dealership that is accounted for under the equity method. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition – Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” applies a five-step model that includes: (1) identifying the contract(s) with the customer; (2) identifying the performance obligation(s) in the contract(s); (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligation(s) in the contract(s); and (5) recognizing revenue as the performance obligation(s) are satisfied. The standard also requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. We do not include the cost of obtaining contracts within the related revenue streams since we elected the practical expedient to expense the costs to obtain a contract when incurred.

Management has evaluated our established business processes, revenue transaction streams and accounting policies, and identified our material revenue streams to be: (1) the sale of new vehicles; (2) the sale of used vehicles to retail customers; (3) the sale of wholesale used vehicles at third-party auctions; (4) the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service, warranty and other insurance contracts; and (5) the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services and the sale of related parts and accessories. Generally, performance conditions are satisfied when the associated vehicle is either delivered or returned to a customer and customer acceptance has occurred, or over time as the maintenance and repair services are performed. We do not have any revenue streams with significant financing components as payments are typically received within a short period of time following completion of the performance obligation(s).

Retrospective finance and insurance revenues (“F&I retro revenues”) are recognized when the product contract has been executed with the end customer and the transaction price is estimated each reporting period based on the expected value method using historical and projected data. F&I retro revenues can vary based on a variety of factors, including number of contracts and history of cancellations and claims. Accordingly, we utilize this historical and projected data to constrain the consideration to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.

We record revenue when vehicles are delivered to customers, when vehicle service work is performed and when parts are delivered. Conditions for completing a sale include having an agreement with the customer, including pricing, and it being probable that the proceeds from the sale will be collected.

8

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 include approximately $27.5 million and $21.7 million, respectively, related to contract assets from F&I retro revenues recognition. Changes in contract assets from December 31, 2020 to September 30, 2021 were primarily due to ordinary business activity, including the receipt of cash for amounts earned and recognized in prior periods. Please refer to Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for further discussion of our revenue recognition policies and processes.

Income Taxes – The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 24.6% and 24.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and 25.6% and 13.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. Income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 includes a $55.8 million benefit, including the effect of non-deductible amounts, related to the $268.0 million goodwill impairment charge related to adjustments in fair value of goodwill for the Franchised Dealerships Segment (as defined below). Sonic’s effective tax rate varies from year to year based on the level of taxable income, the distribution of taxable income between states in which the Company operates and other tax adjustments.

Earnings Per Share – The calculation of diluted earnings per share considers the potential dilutive effect of restricted stock units, restricted stock awards and stock options granted under Sonic’s stock compensation plans (and any non-forfeitable dividends paid on such awards) To the extent that we report a net loss in any period presented, basic and diluted loss per share are the same as there is no dilutive effect of outstanding stock awards in a net loss position.

2. Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

We acquired three businesses to be included in our EchoPark segment and two franchised dealership locations during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 for an aggregate gross purchase price (including inventory acquired and subsequently funded by floor plan notes payable) of approximately $66.1 million. The acquisitions purchase price for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 acquired inventory of $26.4 million, property and equipment of $1.7 million, franchise assets of $13.2 million and goodwill of $24.8 million. We did not acquire any businesses during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

We disposed of one luxury franchised dealership during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 that generated net cash of approximately $3.9 million. We disposed of one mid-line import franchised dealership and terminated one luxury franchised dealership during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 that generated net cash of approximately $8.8 million.

3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(In thousands)
New vehicles	$	135,659	$	648,448
Used vehicles	547,145		413,209
Service loaners	105,404		128,531
Parts, accessories and other	62,261		57,066
Net inventories	$	850,469	$	1,247,254

9

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, net consists of the following:

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(In thousands)
Land	$	393,920	$	375,297
Building and improvements	1,109,311		1,028,016
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	415,999		365,222
Construction in progress	56,548		34,767
Total, at cost	1,975,778		1,803,302
Less accumulated depreciation	(737,250)		(673,082)
Subtotal	1,238,528		1,130,220
Less assets held for sale (1)	(6,292)		(9,694)
Property and equipment, net	$	1,232,236	$	1,120,526

(1)Classified in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Capital expenditures were approximately $60.0 million and $165.1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and approximately $30.3 million and $92.0 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. Capital expenditures in all periods were primarily related to real estate acquisitions, construction of new franchised dealerships and EchoPark stores, building improvements and equipment purchased for use in our franchised dealerships and EchoPark stores. Assets held for sale as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consists of real property not currently used in operations that we expect to dispose of in the next 12 months.

5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of goodwill was approximately $237.6 million and $214.0 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The carrying amount of goodwill for our franchised dealership reporting unit was approximately $158.1 million and $147.3 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The carrying amount of goodwill for our EchoPark reporting unit was approximately $79.5 million and $66.7 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The total carrying amount of goodwill is net of accumulated impairment losses of approximately $1.1 billion as of both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The carrying amount of indefinite lived franchise assets was approximately $77.5 million and $64.3 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Pursuant to the applicable accounting pronouncements, we were required to evaluate the recoverability of our long-lived assets at the end of the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and market value. Based on this evaluation, we determined the carrying value of our franchised dealership reporting unit goodwill was greater than the fair value of the reporting unit. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $268.0 million and a corresponding income tax benefit of $55.8 million to reduce the carrying value to fair value as of March 31, 2020. We did not record any impairment charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

10

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(In thousands)
2021 Revolving Credit Facility (1)	$	—	$	—
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027	250,000		250,000
2019 Mortgage Facility (2)	92,724		100,906
Mortgage notes to finance companies - fixed rate, bearing interest from 2.05% to 7.03%	217,504		212,135
Mortgage notes to finance companies - variable rate, bearing interest at 1.50 to 2.90 percentage points above one-month or three-month LIBOR	141,225		164,889
Subtotal	$	701,453	$	727,930
Debt issuance costs	(10,296)		(7,863)
Total debt	691,157		720,067
Less current maturities	(53,383)		(68,244)
Long-term debt	$	637,774	$	651,823

(1)The interest rate on the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) was 100 and 150 basis points above LIBOR at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

(2)The interest rate on the 2019 Mortgage Facility (as defined below) was 150 basis points above LIBOR at both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

2021 Credit Facilities

On April 14, 2021, we entered into an amended and restated syndicated revolving credit facility (the “2021 Revolving Credit Facility”) and amended and restated syndicated new and used vehicle floor plan credit facilities (the “2021 Floor Plan Facilities” and, together with the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility, the “2021 Credit Facilities”). The amendment and restatement of the 2021 Credit Facilities extended the scheduled maturity dates to April 14, 2025. On October 8, 2021, we entered into an amendment to the 2021 Credit Facilities (the “Credit Facility Amendment”) to, among other things: (1) increase the aggregate commitments under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility to the lesser of $350.0 million (which may be increased at the Company’s option up to $400.0 million upon satisfaction of certain conditions) and the applicable revolving borrowing base, and the 2021 Floor Plan Facilities to $2.6 billion (which, under certain conditions, may be increased at the Company’s option up to $2.85 billion that may be allocated between the 2021 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility and the 2021 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility as the Company requests); and (2) permit the issuance of the 2021 Notes.

As amended, availability under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility is calculated as the lesser of $350.0 million or a borrowing base calculated based on certain eligible assets, less the aggregate face amount of any outstanding letters of credit under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility (the “2021 Revolving Borrowing Base”). The 2021 Revolving Credit Facility may be increased at our option up to $400.0 million upon satisfaction of certain conditions. As of September 30, 2021, the 2021 Revolving Borrowing Base was approximately $236.3 million based on balances as of such date. As of September 30, 2021, we had no outstanding borrowings and approximately $12.3 million in outstanding letters of credit under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility, resulting in $224.0 million remaining borrowing availability under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility.

The 2021 Floor Plan Facilities are composed of a new vehicle revolving floor plan facility (as amended, the “2021 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”) and a used vehicle revolving floor plan facility (as amended, the “2021 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”), in a combined amount of up to $2.6 billion. We may, under certain conditions, request an increase in the 2021 Floor Plan Facilities to a maximum borrowing limit of up to $2.85 billion, which shall be allocated between the 2021 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility and the 2021 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility as we request, with no more than 40% of the aggregate commitments allocated to the commitments under the 2021 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility.

11

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Our obligations under the 2021 Credit Facilities are guaranteed by us and certain of our subsidiaries and are secured by a pledge of substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ assets. As of the dates presented in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, the amounts outstanding under the 2021 Credit Facilities bear interest at variable rates based on specified percentages above LIBOR. We have agreed under the 2021 Credit Facilities not to pledge any assets to any third parties (other than those explicitly allowed to be pledged by the amended terms of the 2021 Credit Facilities), including other lenders, subject to certain stated exceptions, including floor plan financing arrangements. In addition, the 2021 Credit Facilities contain certain negative 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. Specifically, the 2021 Credit Facilities permit quarterly cash dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock up to $0.12 per share so long as no Event of Default (as defined in the 2021 Credit Facilities) has occurred and is continuing and provided that we remain in compliance with all financial covenants under the 2021 Credit Facilities.

6.125% Notes

On March 10, 2017, we issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior subordinated 6.125% Notes due 2027 (the “6.125% Notes”). The 6.125% Notes were guaranteed by all of our domestic operating subsidiaries. On October 28, 2021, we redeemed the 6.125% Notes. The redemption price of the 6.125% Notes was $263.2 million plus accrued interest. Accordingly, we expect the pre-tax loss on the redemption of the 6.125% Notes to be approximately $13.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2021.

For further discussion of the 6.125% Notes, see Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

2019 Mortgage Facility

On November 22, 2019, we entered into a delayed draw-term loan credit agreement which is scheduled to mature on November 22, 2024 (the “2019 Mortgage Facility”). On October 11, 2021, we entered into an amendment to the 2019 Mortgage Facility to permit the issuance of the 2021 Notes.

Under the 2019 Mortgage Facility, Sonic has a maximum borrowing limit of $112.2 million, which varies based on the appraised value of the collateral underlying the 2019 Mortgage Facility. The amount available for borrowing under the 2019 Mortgage Facility is subject to compliance with a borrowing base. The borrowing base is calculated based on 75% of the appraised value of certain eligible real estate designated by Sonic and owned by certain of our subsidiaries. Based on balances as of September 30, 2021, we had approximately $92.7 million of outstanding borrowings under the 2019 Mortgage Facility, resulting in total remaining borrowing availability of approximately $19.5 million under the 2019 Mortgage Facility.

Amounts outstanding under the 2019 Mortgage Facility bear interest at (1) a specified rate above LIBOR (as defined in the 2019 Mortgage Facility), ranging from 1.50% to 2.75% per annum according to a performance-based pricing grid determined by the Company’s Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2019 Mortgage Facility) as of the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter (the “Performance Grid”); or (2) a specified rate above the Base Rate (as defined in the 2019 Mortgage Facility), ranging from 0.50% to 1.75% per annum according to the Performance Grid.

For further discussion of the 2019 Mortgage Facility, see Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Mortgage Notes to Finance Companies

As of September 30, 2021, the weighted-average interest rate of our other outstanding mortgage notes (excluding the 2019 Mortgage Facility) was 3.47% and the total outstanding mortgage principal balance of these notes (excluding the 2019 Mortgage Facility) was approximately $358.7 million. These mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest through their respective maturities, are secured by the underlying properties and contain certain cross-default provisions. Maturity dates for these mortgage notes range between 2021 and 2033.

2020 Line of Credit Facility

On June 23, 2020, we entered into a line of credit agreement with Ally Bank (the “2020 Line of Credit Facility”) which was scheduled to mature on June 22, 2021. On June 21, 2021, we extended the maturity date of the 2020 Line of Credit Facility to June 19, 2022. On October 1, 2021, Sonic terminated the 2020 Line of Credit Facility.

12

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Covenants

We have agreed under the 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility not to pledge any assets to any third parties (other than those explicitly allowed to be pledged by the amended terms of the 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility), including other lenders, subject to certain stated exceptions, including floor plan financing arrangements. In addition, the 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility contain certain negative covenants, including certain covenants which could restrict or prohibit indebtedness, liens, the payment of dividends and other restricted payments, capital expenditures and material dispositions and acquisitions of assets, as well as other customary covenants and default provisions.

We were in compliance with the financial covenants under the 2021 Credit Facilities, the 2019 Mortgage Facility and the 2020 Line of Credit Facility as of September 30, 2021. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility) of:

	Covenant
	Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio	Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio
Required ratio	1.05	1.20	5.75
September 30, 2021 actual	1.19	2.58	1.28

The 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility contain events of default, including cross defaults to other material indebtedness, change of control events and other events of default customary for syndicated commercial credit facilities. Upon the future occurrence of an event of default, we could be required to immediately repay all outstanding amounts under the 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility.

After giving effect to the applicable restrictions on the payment of dividends under our debt agreements, as of September 30, 2021, we had approximately $368.2 million of net income and retained earnings free of such restrictions. We were in compliance with all restrictive covenants under our debt agreements as of September 30, 2021.

In addition, many of our facility leases are governed by a guarantee agreement between the landlord and us that contains financial and operating covenants. The financial covenants under the guarantee agreement are identical to those under the 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility with the exception of one additional financial covenant related to the ratio of EBTDAR to Rent (as defined in the guarantee agreement) with a required ratio of no less than 1.50 to 1.00. As of September 30, 2021, the ratio was 10.75 to 1.00.

7. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal and Other Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, Sonic is involved, and expects to continue to be involved, in various 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. When we believe that a loss is probable and reasonably estimable, we make an accrual for our estimated probable losses. Such reserves are presently immaterial, both individually and in the aggregate. Other than as reflected in our recognized reserves, Sonic is currently unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss, or a range of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, for pending proceedings.

Guarantees and Indemnification Obligations

In accordance with the terms of our operating lease agreements, our dealership subsidiaries, acting as lessees, generally agree to indemnify the lessor from certain exposure arising as a result of the use of the leased premises, including environmental exposure and repairs to leased property upon termination of the lease. In addition, we have generally agreed to indemnify the lessor in the event of a breach of the lease by the lessee.

13

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In connection with dealership dispositions and facility relocations, certain of our subsidiaries have assigned or sublet to the buyer their interests in real property leases associated with such dealerships or facilities. In general, the subsidiaries retain responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases, including rent payments and repairs to leased property upon termination of the lease, to the extent that the assignee or the sublessee does not perform. In the event an assignee or a sublessee does not perform its obligations, Sonic remains liable for such obligations.

In accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of our dealerships, we generally agree to indemnify the buyer from certain liabilities 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 agreements. While our exposure with respect to environmental remediation and repairs is difficult to quantify, our maximum exposure associated with these general indemnifications was approximately $4.0 million and $25.0 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. These indemnifications typically expire within a period of one to three years following the date of sale. The estimated fair value of these indemnifications was not material and the amount recorded for this contingency was not significant at September 30, 2021.

We also guarantee the floor plan commitments of our 50%-owned joint venture, the amount of which was approximately $4.3 million at both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

8. Fair Value Measurements

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows:

	Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)	$	38,805	$	35,739
Total assets	$	38,805	$	35,739
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan (2)	$	24,068	$	20,685
Total liabilities	$	24,068	$	20,685

(1)Included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(2)Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

There were no instances during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 which required a fair value measurement of assets ordinarily measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets will be evaluated as of the annual valuation assessment date of October 1, 2021 or as events or changes in circumstances require.

As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair values of Sonic’s financial instruments, including receivables, notes receivable from finance contracts, notes payable – floor plan, trade accounts payable, borrowings under the revolving credit facilities and certain mortgage notes, approximated their carrying values due either to length of maturity or existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates.

As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s significant fixed rate long-term debt were as follows:

	September 30, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	(In thousands)
6.125% Notes (1)	$	260,625	$	250,000	$	263,438	$	250,000

(1)As determined by market quotations from similar securities as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively (Level 2).

For further discussion of Sonic’s fair value measurements, see Note 11, “Fair Value Measurements,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

14

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9. Segment Information

As of September 30, 2021, Sonic had two operating segments: (1) retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles and buy and sell used vehicles, sell replacement parts, perform vehicle maintenance, warranty and repair services, and arrange finance and insurance products (the “Franchised Dealerships Segment”); and (2) pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations that provide guests an opportunity to search our nationwide inventory, purchase a vehicle, select finance and insurance products and sell their current vehicle to us (the “EchoPark Segment”). Sonic has determined that its operating segments also represent its reportable segments.

The reportable segments identified above are the business activities of Sonic for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by Sonic’s chief operating decision maker to assess operating performance and allocate resources. Sonic’s chief operating decision maker is a group of three individuals consisting of: (1) the Company’s Chief Executive Officer; (2) the Company’s President; and (3) the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.

Reportable segment financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Segment Revenues:
Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues:
New vehicles	$	1,143,416	$	1,098,302	$	3,761,718	$	2,957,794
Used vehicles	750,263		615,565		2,173,322		1,718,151
Wholesale vehicles	64,052		48,526		183,212		119,474
Parts, service and collision repair	339,930		310,035		994,125		886,534
Finance, insurance and other, net	111,808		91,035		333,394		254,465
Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues	$	2,409,469	$	2,163,463	$	7,445,771	$	5,936,418
EchoPark Segment revenues:
New vehicles	$	3,506	$	—	$	4,415	$	—
Used vehicles	559,229		330,463		1,492,964		886,806
Wholesale vehicles	33,035		7,976		73,489		18,747
Parts, service and collision repair	15,297		10,894		42,611		28,133
Finance, insurance and other, net	52,276		35,749		152,606		98,383
EchoPark Segment revenues	$	663,343	$	385,082	$	1,766,085	$	1,032,069
Total consolidated revenues	$	3,072,812	$	2,548,545	$	9,211,856	$	6,968,487

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Segment Income (Loss) (1):
Franchised Dealerships Segment (2)	$	145,137	$	80,460	$	381,094	$	138,805
EchoPark Segment	(32,887)		239		(45,271)		4,912
Total segment income (loss)	$	112,250	$	80,699	$	335,823	$	143,717
Impairment charges (3)	—		(26)		—		(268,859)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$	112,250	$	80,673	$	335,823	$	(125,142)

(1)Segment income (loss) for each segment is defined as income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and impairment charges.

(2)For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the above amount includes a pre-tax gain on the disposal of a franchised dealership of approximately $3.2 million.

(3)For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the above amount includes a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $268.0 million related to adjustments in fair value of goodwill for the Franchised Dealerships Segment as a result of the economic disruptions due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19 which had adversely affected our

15

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

business, as well as a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $0.9 million related to the abandonment of certain construction projects.

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Impairment Charges:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	—	$	26	$	—	$	268,859
EchoPark Segment	—		—		—		—
Total impairment charges	$	—	$	26	$	—	$	268,859

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Depreciation and Amortization:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	21,266	$	20,170	$	62,258	$	59,654
EchoPark Segment	3,973		2,764		11,429		8,225
Total depreciation and amortization	$	25,239	$	22,934	$	73,687	$	67,879

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Floor Plan Interest Expense:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	1,973	$	4,234	$	9,243	$	19,517
EchoPark Segment	1,367		765		3,538		2,304
Total floor plan interest expense	$	3,340	$	4,999	$	12,781	$	21,821

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Interest Expense, Other, Net:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	9,477	$	10,615	$	29,158	$	30,771
EchoPark Segment	340		147		1,022		752
Total interest expense, other, net	$	9,817	$	10,762	$	30,180	$	31,523

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Capital Expenditures:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	53,774	$	18,237	$	122,022	$	70,875
EchoPark Segment	22,693		12,085		59,494		21,181
Total capital expenditures	$	76,467	$	30,322	$	181,516	$	92,056

16

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Franchised Dealerships Segment assets	$	2,638,803	$	3,096,811
EchoPark Segment assets	647,075		478,869
Corporate and other:
Cash and cash equivalents	220,082		170,313
Other corporate assets	3		—
Total assets	$	3,505,963	$	3,745,993

10. Subsequent Events

On October 8, 2021, we entered into the 2021 Credit Facility Amendment which, among other things: (1) increased the aggregate commitments under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility and the 2021 Floor Plan Facilities and (2) permitted the issuance of the 2021 Notes. On October 1, 2021, Sonic terminated the 2020 Line of Credit Facility. There were no outstanding borrowings under the 2021 Line of Credit Facility as of September 30, 2021 or at the time of termination. For more information, see Note 6, “Long-Term Debt.”

On October 13, 2021, Sonic issued a notice to redeem the entire $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 6.125% Notes, which occurred on October 28, 2021.

On October 27, 2021, Sonic issued $1.15 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes, consisting of $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “4.625% Notes”) and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “4.875% Notes,” and, together with the 2029 Notes, the “2021 Notes”). The 2021 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by all of the Company’s domestic operating subsidiaries. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the 2021 Notes, together with additional borrowings to (1) fund, if consummated, the Acquisition, (2) pay the redemption price for the 6.125% Notes, (3) pay fees and expenses in connection with the Acquisition and the offering of the 2021 Notes and (4) for general corporate purposes, which may include the acquisition and development of dealerships and related real property and the repayment of outstanding indebtedness.

17

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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 our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this report, as well as the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. 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, 2020.

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

Unless otherwise noted, all discussion of increases or decreases are for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. The following discussion of Franchised Dealerships Segment new vehicles, used vehicles, wholesale vehicles, parts, service and collision repair, and finance, insurance and other, net, is on a same store basis, except where otherwise noted. All currently operating franchised dealership stores are included within the same store group as of the first full month following the first anniversary of the store’s opening or acquisition. All currently operating EchoPark stores in a local geographic market are included within the same market group as of the first full month following the first anniversary of the market’s opening.

Overview

We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the U.S. (as measured by reported total revenue). As a result of the way we manage our business, we had two reportable segments as of September 30, 2021: (1) the Franchised Dealerships Segment and (2) the EchoPark Segment. For management and operational reporting purposes, we group certain businesses together that share management and inventory (principally used vehicles) into “stores.” As of September 30, 2021, we operated 87 stores in the Franchised Dealerships Segment and 30 stores in the EchoPark Segment. The Franchised Dealerships Segment consists of 99 new vehicle franchises (representing 22 different brands of cars and light trucks) and 14 collision repair centers in 12 states.

The Franchised Dealerships Segment provides comprehensive services, including (1) sales of both new and used cars and light trucks; (2) sales of replacement parts and performance of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repairs, and paint and collision repair services (collectively, “Fixed Operations”); and (3) arrangement of extended warranties, service contracts, financing, insurance and other aftermarket products (collectively, “finance and insurance” or “F&I”) for our guests. The EchoPark Segment sells used cars and light trucks and arranges F&I product sales for our guests in pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations. Our EchoPark business generally operates independently from our franchised dealerships business (except for certain shared back-office functions and corporate overhead costs). Sales operations for EchoPark began in the fourth quarter of 2014, and, as of September 30, 2021, we operated 30 EchoPark stores in 15 states. During 2020, we announced an accelerated EchoPark growth plan in which we plan to open 25 additional EchoPark stores annually from 2021 to 2025 as we build out an expected 140-plus point nationwide EchoPark distribution network by 2025, which we expect will allow EchoPark to reach 90% of the U.S. population by that time.

Executive Summary

On September 17, 2021, Sonic entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with RFJMS, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Sonic (“Merger Sub”), RFJ Auto Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“RFJ Auto”), and The Resolute Fund III, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, solely in its capacity as the representative of RFJ Auto’s equityholders, pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into RFJ Auto (the “Acquisition”), with RFJ Auto surviving the merger and becoming a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Sonic. RFJ Auto is an automotive dealership platform based in Dallas, Texas. The Acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and other customary adjustments set forth in the Merger Agreement, the purchase price payable by Sonic pursuant to the Merger Agreement is expected to be approximately $964.9 million comprising (1) approximately $576.1 million for the goodwill and other intangible assets and real estate assets of RFJ Auto and each of its subsidiaries, plus (2) approximately $136.5 million for property and equipment including real estate assets, plus (3) approximately $271.5 million for new and used vehicle inventories, plus (4) approximately $67.0 million for accounts receivable, minus (5) approximately $86.2 million related to liabilities assumed net of other miscellaneous assets. The value, and therefore the resulting purchase price, of RFJ Auto’s parts and accessories inventory, supplies, repair work-in-process and new and used vehicle inventories and other assets acquired or liabilities assumed by Sonic are all subject to change based on

18

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

natural fluctuations in the business of RFJ Auto prior to the closing of the Acquisition and the foregoing amounts are management’s estimate based on currently available information. The Acquisition will be funded with the proceeds of the Company’s offering of the 2021 Notes and borrowings on our floor plan credit facilities.

The U.S. retail automotive industry’s total new vehicle (retail and fleet combined) seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales (“SAAR”) decreased 12.4% and increased 13.7%, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, to 13.4 million and 15.8 million vehicles in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to 15.3 million and 13.9 million vehicles in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, according to data from Bloomberg Finance L.P., provided by Stephens Inc. Results in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 benefit from a favorable comparison to the prior year period, where the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruption to our industry and business.For 2021, analysts’ industry expectation for the total new vehicle SAAR ranges from 14.5 million vehicles (flat compared to 2020) to 16.0 million vehicles (an increase of 10.3% compared to 2020). As a result of low levels of new vehicle inventory due to supply chain disruption related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we estimate the 2021 total new vehicle SAAR will be between 14.5 million vehicles (flat compared to 2020) and 15.0 million vehicles (an increase of 3.4% compared to 2020). The ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in consumer confidence, availability of consumer financing, interest rates, additional federal relief spending by the U.S. government, manufacturer inventory production levels, incentive levels from automotive manufacturers or shifts in such levels, availability of new and used vehicle inventory, or timing of consumer demand as a result of natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances could cause the actual 2021 total new vehicle SAAR to vary from our expectation. For example, a material portion of our revenue is generated from our stores in Texas, nearly all of which were affected by the extreme winter weather and related power outages experienced in February 2021. Many factors, including brand and geographic concentrations as well as the industry sales mix between retail and fleet new vehicle unit sales volume, have caused our past results to differ from the industry’s overall trend. Our new vehicle sales strategy focuses on our retail new vehicle sales (as opposed to fleet new vehicle sales) and, as a result, we believe it is appropriate to compare our retail new vehicle unit sales volume to the retail new vehicle SAAR (which excludes fleet new vehicle sales). According to the Power Information Network (“PIN”) from J.D. Power, industry retail new vehicle SAAR was 11.5 million vehicles for the three months ended September 30, 2021, a decrease of 14.2% from 13.4 million vehicles in the prior year period, and 13.8 million vehicles for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of 16.9% from 11.8 million vehicles in the prior year period.

The automotive supply chain has been disrupted during the pandemic, primarily related to the production of semiconductors that are used in many components of modern automobiles. As a result, automobile manufacturing is operating at lower than expected production levels, reducing the amount of new vehicle and certain parts inventory available to our dealerships. These inventory constraints, coupled with strong consumer demand, led to low levels of new vehicle inventory as of September 30, 2021 and lower than expected retail new vehicle unit sales volume in the third quarter ended September 30, 2021.

The ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve. While we currently expect to see continued economic recovery in the remainder of 2021 and into 2022, the ongoing pandemic may cause changes in consumer behaviors, including a potential reduction in consumer spending for vehicles and automotive repairs, especially if the pandemic worsens or the regulatory environment changes in response to the pandemic. This may lead to increased asset recovery and valuation risks, such as impairment of additional indefinite lived intangible assets. In addition, uncertainties in the global economy have negatively impacted our suppliers and other business partners, which may interrupt our vehicle and parts inventory supply chain and require other changes to our operations. We have also seen a tightening in the supply of new and used vehicles due, in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is likely to continue through the rest of 2021 and into 2022. These and other COVID-related factors may adversely impact our revenues, operating income and earnings per share financial measures.

Franchised Dealerships Segment

As a result of the disposition, termination or closure of several franchised dealerships subsequent to January 1, 2020, the change in consolidated reported amounts from period to period may not be indicative of the current or future operational or financial performance of our current group of operating stores.

New vehicle revenue increased 4.2% and 28.0% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, primarily driven by a 9.8% and 7.2% increase in new vehicle sales prices, respectively. New vehicle gross profit increased 83.3% and 97.8% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, as a result of higher average selling prices. New vehicle gross profit per unit increased $2,437 per unit, or 93.2%, to $5,051 per unit in the three months ended September 30, 2021, and increased $1,543 per unit, or 65.7%, to $3,893 per unit in the nine months ended September 30, 2021, due primarily to higher average selling prices due in part to inventory shortages as a result of vehicle manufacturer supply chain disruptions and production delays during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the new vehicle inventory shortages, our new vehicle inventories are at historic lows. Many of the new vehicles are being delivered to

19

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

customers shortly after the vehicles arrive at our stores. As of September 30, 2021, our days’ supply of new vehicle inventory was 10 days compared to a days’ supply of new vehicle inventory as of September 30, 2020 of 46 days. To the extent new vehicle inventory levels remain low, we could experience lower than expected levels of retail new vehicle unit sales volume and higher selling prices in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Retail used vehicle revenue increased 21.8% and 27.2% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, driven by higher average selling prices. Retail used vehicle gross profit increased 31.4% and 35.5% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, due to an increase in retail used vehicle gross profit per unit. Retail used vehicle gross profit per unit increased $444 per unit, or 31.9%, to $1,835 per unit during the three months ended September 30, 2021, and increased $334 per unit, or 24.9%, to $1,675 per unit during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, due primarily to higher average selling prices due in part to shortages of new vehicle inventory. Wholesale vehicle gross profit worsened by approximately $1.9 million and increased by approximately $3.4 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. In the past, we have focused on maintaining used vehicle inventory days’ supply in the 30- to 35-day range, which may fluctuate seasonally, in order to limit our exposure to market pricing volatility. Our reported franchised dealerships used vehicle inventory days’ supply was approximately 27 and 29 days as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Fixed Operations revenue increased 9.9% and 13.5% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and Fixed Operations gross profit increased 9.0% and 15.2% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. Fixed Operations gross margin decreased 40 basis points during the three months ended September 30, 2021 to 50.2%. Fixed Operations gross margin increased 80 basis points during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 to 50.4%, driven primarily by an increase in customer pay revenue contribution and higher customer pay gross margin.

F&I revenue increased 20.8% and 31.3% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, driven primarily by increases in F&I gross profit per retail unit. F&I gross profit per retail unit increased $429 per unit, or 24.9%, to $2,152 per unit in the three months ended September 30, 2021. F&I gross profit per retail unit increased $271 per unit, or 15.9%, to $1,978 per unit in the nine months ended September 30, 2021. We believe that our proprietary software applications, playbook processes and guest-centric selling approach enable us to optimize F&I gross profit and penetration rates (the number of F&I products sold per vehicle) across our F&I product lines. We believe that we will continue to increase revenue in this area as we refine our processes, train our associates and continue to sell a high volume of retail new and used vehicles at our stores.

EchoPark Segment

Reported total revenue increased 72.3% and 71.1% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, driven primarily by continued expansion of our nationwide distribution network and increases in retail used vehicle unit sales volume and average selling prices. Reported total gross profit decreased 11.6% in the three months ended September 30, 2021, due primarily to lower gross profit per unit, which decreased $1,010 per unit, or 240% to a loss of $1,430 per unit, driven primarily by higher cost of inventory as a result of continued increases in wholesale market prices. Reported total gross profit increased 22.5% in the nine months ended September 30, 2021, due primarily to higher retail used vehicle unit sales volume and an increase in F&I gross per unit, which offset lower gross profit per retail unit as a result of continued increases in wholesale market prices. Reported combined retail used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit decreased 47.0% and 22.9% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, to $1,030 and $1,618 per unit, respectively, as a result of higher inventory acquisition costs due to increased demand in the wholesale auction market.

Reported retail used vehicle revenue increased 69.2% and 68.4% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. F&I revenue increased 46.2% and 55.1% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, driven primarily by a 40.5% and 46.9% increase in retail used vehicle unit sales volume during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and increases in retail used vehicle average selling prices.

Wholesale vehicle gross profit improved by approximately $3.3 million and $6.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, due in part to higher average wholesale prices as a result of increased demand for used vehicles at auction. We generally focus on maintaining used vehicle inventory days’ supply in the 30- to 40-day range, which may fluctuate seasonally, in order to limit our exposure to market pricing volatility. Our used vehicle inventory days’ supply at our EchoPark stores was approximately 41 and 34 days as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The elevated level of used vehicle inventory days’ supply as of September 30, 2021 was due primarily to the opening of several new EchoPark stores, which require additional inventory on hand but are not yet generating retail used vehicle sales at the rate of a more mature store.

20

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

All currently operating EchoPark stores in a local geographic market are included within the same market group as of the first full month following the first anniversary of the market’s opening. EchoPark same market total revenues increased 23.8% and 30.7% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, driven primarily by increases in retail used vehicle average selling prices. EchoPark same market total gross profit decreased 13.6% during the three months ended September 30, 2021, due primarily to lower retail used vehicle unit sales volume and a 26.2% decrease in total gross profit per unit, to $1,149 per unit. EchoPark same market total gross profit increased 12.3% during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, due primarily to higher retail used vehicle unit sales volume, offset partially by a 6.9% decrease in total gross profit per unit, to $1,657 per unit.

Results of Operations – Consolidated

The following tables list other items of interest that affected reported amounts in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations:

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2021						Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
(Amounts are before the effect of income taxes, except tax items)	Franchised Dealerships Segment		EchoPark Segment		Total		Franchised Dealerships Segment		EchoPark Segment		Total		Operations Statement Line Impacted
	(In thousands)
Gain (loss) on franchise disposals	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	3,150	$	—	$	3,150	SG&A expenses

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021						Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
(Amounts are before the effect of income taxes, except tax items)	Franchised Dealerships Segment		EchoPark Segment		Total		Franchised Dealerships Segment		EchoPark Segment		Total		Operations Statement Line Impacted
	(In thousands)
Gain (loss) on franchise disposals	$	465	$	—	$	465	$	3,150	$	—	$	3,150	SG&A expenses
Impairment charges	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	(268,859)	$	—	$	(268,859)	Impairment charges
Non-recurring tax benefit	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	53,643	$	—	$	53,643	Income taxes

21

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

The following table depicts the breakdown of our Franchised Dealerships Segment new vehicle revenues by brand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
Brand	2021		2020		2021		2020
Luxury:
BMW	26.9	%	24.2	%	25.8	%	23.8	%
Mercedes	12.3	%	12.8	%	12.4	%	13.1	%
Audi	6.2	%	6.6	%	7.0	%	6.3	%
Lexus	5.7	%	5.1	%	5.1	%	4.7	%
Porsche	3.8	%	3.6	%	3.7	%	3.4	%
Land Rover	3.5	%	3.7	%	4.0	%	4.6	%
Cadillac	2.1	%	2.0	%	2.5	%	2.1	%
Volvo	1.9	%	1.3	%	1.7	%	1.3	%
MINI	1.3	%	1.3	%	1.2	%	1.1	%
Other luxury (1)	1.1	%	1.2	%	1.2	%	1.4	%
Total Luxury	64.8	%	61.8	%	64.6	%	61.8	%
Mid-line Import:
Honda	14.2	%	14.3	%	14.1	%	14.5	%
Toyota	8.6	%	9.5	%	8.4	%	9.0	%
Volkswagen	1.8	%	1.0	%	1.5	%	1.0	%
Hyundai	0.8	%	1.0	%	1.0	%	1.0	%
Other Import (2)	1.1	%	0.6	%	0.6	%	0.6	%
Total Mid-line Import	26.5	%	26.4	%	25.6	%	26.1	%
Domestic:
General Motors (3)	4.5	%	5.8	%	4.9	%	6.2	%
Ford	4.2	%	6.0	%	4.9	%	5.9	%
Total Domestic	8.7	%	11.8	%	9.8	%	12.1	%
Total	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%

(1)Includes Acura, Infiniti and Jaguar

(2)Includes Nissan and Subaru

(3)Includes Buick, Chevrolet and GMC

Results of Operations

Results of Operations – Consolidated

New Vehicles – Consolidated

The retail automotive industry uses the total new vehicle SAAR to measure the annual amount of expected new vehicle unit sales activity (both retail and fleet sales) within the U.S. The total and retail new vehicle SAAR below reflect all brands marketed or sold in the U.S. The total and retail new vehicle SAAR include brands we do not sell and markets in which we do not operate; therefore, our new vehicle sales may not trend directly in line with the total and retail new vehicle SAAR. We believe that the retail new vehicle SAAR is a more meaningful metric for comparing our new vehicle unit sales volume to the industry due to our minimal fleet vehicle business.

Beginning in the middle of March 2020, COVID-19 began to adversely impact the retail automotive industry and consequentially also our business operations by severely impacting the demand portion of our business. State and local governmental authorities in all of the markets in which we currently operate began to put in place various levels of shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders in the middle of March 2020, which in many cases significantly restricted our business operations and suppressed consumer activity, in particular related to our vehicle sales activities. While the majority of these restrictions have been relaxed and consumer demand has rebounded significantly, the timing and rate of improvement in demand has not been uniform across the markets in which we operate. Further, disruptions in the automotive supply chain have caused lower

22

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

than expected levels of vehicle production, which, combined with consumer demand for new vehicles, drove lower than typical levels of new vehicle inventory during the second and third quarters of 2021. Low levels of new vehicle inventory have resulted in higher average selling prices for new vehicles and may have had a negative impact on the retail new vehicle SAAR for the three months ended September 30, 2021.

Retail new vehicle SAAR, fleet new vehicle SAAR and total new vehicle SAAR were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Better / (Worse)		Nine Months Ended September 30,		Better / (Worse)
	2021	2020	% Change		2021	2020	% Change
	(In millions of vehicles)
Retail new vehicle SAAR (1)	11.5	13.4	(14.2)	%	13.8	11.8	16.9	%
Fleet new vehicle SAAR	1.9	1.9	—	%	2.0	2.1	(4.8)	%
Total new vehicle SAAR (2)	13.4	15.3	(12.4)	%	15.8	13.9	13.7	%

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

(2)Source: Bloomberg Finance L.P., provided by Stephens Inc.

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

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported new vehicle:
Revenue	$	1,146,922		$	1,098,302		$	48,620	4.4	%
Gross profit	$	115,446		$	62,678		$	52,768	84.2	%
Unit sales	22,846			24,100			(1,254)		(5.2)	%
Revenue per unit	$	50,202		$	45,573		$	4,629	10.2	%
Gross profit per unit	$	5,053		$	2,601		$	2,452	94.3	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	10.1		%	5.7		%	440		bps

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported new vehicle:
Revenue	$	3,766,133		$	2,957,794		$	808,339	27.3	%
Gross profit	$	303,338		$	153,480		$	149,858	97.6	%
Unit sales	77,706			65,715			11,991		18.2	%
Revenue per unit	$	48,466		$	45,009		$	3,457	7.7	%
Gross profit per unit	$	3,904		$	2,336		$	1,568	67.1	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	8.1		%	5.2		%	290		bps

For further analysis of new vehicle results, see the tables and discussion under the heading “New Vehicles – Franchised Dealerships Segment” in the Franchised Dealerships Segment section below.

Used Vehicles – Consolidated

Used vehicle revenues are directly affected by a number of factors, including the pricing and level of manufacturer incentives on new vehicles, the number and quality of trade-ins and lease turn-ins, the availability and pricing of used vehicles acquired at wholesale auction and the availability of consumer credit. As with new vehicles, COVID-19 began to adversely impact the retail automotive industry and consequentially also our business operations beginning in the middle of March 2020, by severely impacting the demand portion of our business. State and local governmental authorities in all of the markets in which we currently operate began to put in place various levels of shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders in the middle of March 2020, which in many cases significantly restricted our business operations and suppressed consumer activity, in particular related to our vehicle sales activities. While the majority of these restrictions have been relaxed and consumer

23

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

demand has rebounded significantly, the timing and rate of improvement in demand has not been uniform across the markets in which we operate.

As a result of low levels of new vehicle inventory and a recovery in demand for used vehicles (both by retail consumers and dealers at wholesale auction), used vehicle prices reached an all-time high during the third quarter of 2021. Depending on the mix of inventory sourcing (trade-in versus wholesale auction), the days’ supply of used vehicle inventory, and the pricing strategy employed by the dealership, retail used vehicle gross profit per unit and retail used vehicle gross profit as a percentage of revenue may vary significantly from historical levels given the current used vehicle environment.

Our consolidated reported retail used vehicle results were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported used vehicle:
Revenue	$	1,309,492		$	946,028		$	363,464	38.4	%
Gross profit	$	19,720		$	28,035		$	(8,315)	(29.7)	%
Unit sales	47,529			41,490			6,039		14.6	%
Revenue per unit	$	27,551		$	22,801		$	4,750	20.8	%
Gross profit per unit	$	415		$	676		$	(261)	(38.6)	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	1.5		%	3.0		%	(150)		bps

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported used vehicle:
Revenue	$	3,666,286		$	2,604,957		$	1,061,329	40.7	%
Gross profit	$	85,342		$	87,536		$	(2,194)	(2.5)	%
Unit sales	144,246			118,694			25,552		21.5	%
Revenue per unit	$	25,417		$	21,947		$	3,470	15.8	%
Gross profit per unit	$	592		$	737		$	(145)	(19.7)	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	2.3		%	3.4		%	(110)		bps

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

Wholesale Vehicles – Consolidated

Wholesale vehicle revenues are affected by retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume and the associated trade-in volume, as well as short-term, temporary and seasonal fluctuations in wholesale auction pricing. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, wholesale vehicle prices and supply at auction have experienced periods of volatility, impacting our wholesale vehicle revenues and related gross profit (loss), as well as retail used vehicle revenues and related gross profit. During 2021, wholesale vehicle gross profit increased significantly as a result of increased demand for used vehicles due in part to low levels of new vehicle inventory. We believe that the current wholesale vehicle price environment is not sustainable in the long-term and expect that wholesale vehicle pricing and related gross profit (loss) will return toward long-term normalized levels. Wholesale vehicle revenues are also significantly affected by our corporate inventory management strategy and policies, which are designed to optimize our total used vehicle inventory and minimize inventory carrying risks.

24

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

Our consolidated reported wholesale vehicle results were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	97,087		$	56,502		$	40,585	71.8	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	1,255		$	2,544		$	(1,289)	(50.7)	%
Unit sales	9,611			8,634			977		11.3	%
Revenue per unit	$	10,102		$	6,544		$	3,558	54.4	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	131		$	295		$	(164)	(55.6)	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	1.3		%	4.5		%	(320)		bps

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	256,701		$	138,221		$	118,480	85.7	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	6,629		$	1,961		$	4,668	238.0	%
Unit sales	28,935			23,590			5,345		22.7	%
Revenue per unit	$	8,872		$	5,859		$	3,013	51.4	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	229		$	83		$	146	175.9	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	2.6		%	1.4		%	120		bps

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

Fixed Operations – Consolidated

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

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

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant effect on our consolidated Fixed Operations revenues, as travel restrictions, government-imposed stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders and fewer workers undertaking a daily commute combined to substantially decrease the number of miles driven in the U.S., which has decreased the demand for maintenance and warranty and collision repair services since March 2020. As government-imposed restrictions have been relaxed, we have begun to see a recovery in Fixed Operations revenues to varying degrees depending on the market and type of work being performed.

25

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

Our consolidated reported Fixed Operations results were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Reported Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	156,503		$	129,779		$	26,724	20.6	%
Warranty	52,886			58,294			(5,408)		(9.3)	%
Wholesale parts	41,686			32,515			9,171		28.2	%
Internal, sublet and other	104,152			100,341			3,811		3.8	%
Total revenue	$	355,227		$	320,929		$	34,298	10.7	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	89,313		$	73,652		$	15,661	21.3	%
Warranty	30,799			33,548			(2,749)		(8.2)	%
Wholesale parts	7,541			5,654			1,887		33.4	%
Internal, sublet and other	43,861			43,672			189		0.4	%
Total gross profit	$	171,514		$	156,526		$	14,988	9.6	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay	57.1		%	56.8		%	30		bps
Warranty	58.2		%	57.5		%	70		bps
Wholesale parts	18.1		%	17.4		%	70		bps
Internal, sublet and other	42.1		%	43.5		%	(140)		bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue	48.3		%	48.8		%	(50)		bps

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Reported Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	442,140		$	375,436		$	66,704	17.8	%
Warranty	164,189			168,380			(4,191)		(2.5)	%
Wholesale parts	115,976			97,573			18,403		18.9	%
Internal, sublet and other	314,431			273,278			41,153		15.1	%
Total revenue	$	1,036,736		$	914,667		$	122,069	13.3	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	252,683		$	210,712		$	41,971	19.9	%
Warranty	95,674			95,014			660		0.7	%
Wholesale parts	20,543			16,827			3,716		22.1	%
Internal, sublet and other	133,511			116,150			17,361		14.9	%
Total gross profit	$	502,411		$	438,703		$	63,708	14.5	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay	57.1		%	56.1		%	100		bps
Warranty	58.3		%	56.4		%	190		bps
Wholesale parts	17.7		%	17.2		%	50		bps
Internal, sublet and other	42.5		%	42.5		%	—		bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue	48.5		%	48.0		%	50		bps

26

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

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

F&I – Consolidated

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

Our consolidated reported F&I results were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported F&I:
Revenue	$	164,084	$	126,784	$	37,300	29.4	%
Unit sales	69,864		65,424		4,440		6.8	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	2,349	$	1,938	$	411	21.2	%

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported F&I:
Revenue	$	486,000	$	352,848	$	133,152	37.7	%
Unit sales	220,655		183,508		37,147		20.2	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	2,203	$	1,923	$	280	14.6	%

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

Results of Operations – Franchised Dealerships Segment

As a result of the disposition, termination or closure of several franchised dealerships subsequent to January 1, 2020, the change in reported amounts from period to period may not be indicative of the current or future operational or financial performance of our current group of operating stores. Please refer to the same store tables and discussion on the following pages for more meaningful comparison and discussion of financial results on a comparable store basis.

New Vehicles – Franchised Dealerships Segment

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

27

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

The following tables provide a reconciliation of Franchised Dealerships Segment reported basis and same store basis for total new vehicles (combined retail and fleet data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total new vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	1,137,465	$	1,091,592	$	45,873	4.2	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	5,951		6,710		(759)		(11.3)	%
Total as reported	$	1,143,416	$	1,098,302	$	45,114	4.1	%
Total new vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	114,308	$	62,360	$	51,948	83.3	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	896		318		578		181.8	%
Total as reported	$	115,204	$	62,678	$	52,526	83.8	%
Total new vehicle unit sales:
Same store	22,631		23,852		(1,221)		(5.1)	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	160		248		(88)		(35.5)	%
Total as reported	22,791		24,100		(1,309)		(5.4)	%
NM = Not Meaningful

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total new vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	3,755,766	$	2,935,140	$	820,626	28.0	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	5,952		22,654		(16,702)		(73.7)	%
Total as reported	$	3,761,718	$	2,957,794	$	803,924	27.2	%
Total new vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	301,616	$	152,487	$	149,129	97.8	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	1,378		993		385		38.8	%
Total as reported	$	302,994	$	153,480	$	149,514	97.4	%
Total new vehicle unit sales:
Same store	77,477		64,893		12,584		19.4	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	160		822		(662)		(80.5)	%
Total as reported	77,637		65,715		11,922		18.1	%
NM = Not Meaningful

28

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

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

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported new vehicle:
Revenue	$	1,143,416		$	1,098,302		$	45,114	4.1	%
Gross profit	$	115,204		$	62,678		$	52,526	83.8	%
Unit sales	22,791			24,100			(1,309)		(5.4)	%
Revenue per unit	$	50,170		$	45,573		$	4,597	10.1	%
Gross profit per unit	$	5,055		$	2,601		$	2,454	94.3	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	10.1		%	5.7		%	440		bps

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported new vehicle:
Revenue	$	3,761,718		$	2,957,794		$	803,924	27.2	%
Gross profit	$	302,994		$	153,480		$	149,514	97.4	%
Unit sales	77,637			65,715			11,922		18.1	%
Revenue per unit	$	48,453		$	45,009		$	3,444	7.7	%
Gross profit per unit	$	3,903		$	2,336		$	1,567	67.1	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	8.1		%	5.2		%	290		bps

Our Franchised Dealerships Segment same store new vehicle results (combined retail and fleet data) were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store new vehicle:
Revenue	$	1,137,465		$	1,091,592		$	45,873	4.2	%
Gross profit	$	114,308		$	62,360		$	51,948	83.3	%
Unit sales	22,631			23,852			(1,221)		(5.1)	%
Revenue per unit	$	50,261		$	45,765		$	4,496	9.8	%
Gross profit per unit	$	5,051		$	2,614		$	2,437	93.2	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	10.0		%	5.7		%	430		bps

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store new vehicle:
Revenue	$	3,755,766		$	2,935,140		$	820,626	28.0	%
Gross profit	$	301,616		$	152,487		$	149,129	97.8	%
Unit sales	77,477			64,893			12,584		19.4	%
Revenue per unit	$	48,476		$	45,230		$	3,246	7.2	%
Gross profit per unit	$	3,893		$	2,350		$	1,543	65.7	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	8.0		%	5.2		%	280		bps

29

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

Same Store Franchised Dealerships Segment New Vehicles – Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

New vehicle revenue increased 4.2% due primarily to higher average selling prices, which was driven by a favorable comparison due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prior year quarter results. New vehicle gross profit increased approximately $51.9 million, or 83.3%, as a result of higher new vehicle gross profit per unit. New vehicle gross profit per unit increased $2,437 per unit, or 93.2%, to $5,051 per unit, due primarily to inventory shortages as a result of vehicle manufacturer supply chain and production delays as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have generally increased the average selling prices of such vehicles.

Same Store Franchised Dealerships Segment New Vehicles – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

New vehicle revenue increased 28.0% due primarily to higher average selling prices and a 19.4% increase in new vehicle unit sales volume, which was driven by a favorable comparison due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prior year-to-date period results. New vehicle gross profit increased approximately $149.1 million, or 97.8%, as a result of increased new vehicle unit sales volume and higher new vehicle gross profit per unit. New vehicle gross profit per unit increased $1,543 per unit, or 65.7%, to $3,893 per unit, due primarily to inventory shortages as a result of vehicle manufacturer supply chain and production delays as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have generally increased the average selling prices of such vehicles.

Used Vehicles – Franchised Dealerships Segment

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

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total used vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	745,754	$	612,363	$	133,391	21.8	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	4,509		3,202		1,307		40.8	%
Total as reported	$	750,263	$	615,565	$	134,698	21.9	%
Total used vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	47,860	$	36,411	$	11,449	31.4	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	2,244		(2,026)		4,270		210.8	%
Total as reported	$	50,104	$	34,385	$	15,719	45.7	%
Total used vehicle unit sales:
Same store	26,084		26,168		(84)		(0.3)	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	190		195		(5)		(2.6)	%
Total as reported	26,274		26,363		(89)		(0.3)	%

NM = Not Meaningful

30

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total used vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	2,168,814	$	1,704,494	$	464,320	27.2	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	4,508		13,657		(9,149)		(67.0)	%
Total as reported	$	2,173,322	$	1,718,151	$	455,171	26.5	%
Total used vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	137,158	$	101,259	$	35,899	35.5	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	163		(4,145)		4,308		103.9	%
Total as reported	$	137,321	$	97,114	$	40,207	41.4	%
Total used vehicle unit sales:
Same store	81,870		75,504		6,366		8.4	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	190		870		(680)		(78.2)	%
Total as reported	82,060		76,374		5,686		7.4	%
NM = Not Meaningful

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

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported used vehicle:
Revenue	$	750,263		$	615,565		$	134,698	21.9	%
Gross profit	$	50,104		$	34,385		$	15,719	45.7	%
Unit sales	26,274			26,363			(89)		(0.3)	%
Revenue per unit	$	28,555		$	23,350		$	5,205	22.3	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,907		$	1,304		$	603	46.2	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	6.7		%	5.6		%	110		bps

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported used vehicle:
Revenue	$	2,173,322		$	1,718,151		$	455,171	26.5	%
Gross profit	$	137,321		$	97,114		$	40,207	41.4	%
Unit sales	82,060			76,374			5,686		7.4	%
Revenue per unit	$	26,485		$	22,497		$	3,988	17.7	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,673		$	1,272		$	401	31.5	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	6.3		%	5.7		%	60		bps

31

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

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

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store used vehicle:
Revenue	$	745,754		$	612,363		$	133,391	21.8	%
Gross profit	$	47,860		$	36,411		$	11,449	31.4	%
Unit sales	26,084			26,168			(84)		(0.3)	%
Revenue per unit	$	28,590		$	23,401		$	5,189	22.2	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,835		$	1,391		$	444	31.9	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	6.4		%	5.9		%	50		bps

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store used vehicle:
Revenue	$	2,168,814		$	1,704,494		$	464,320	27.2	%
Gross profit	$	137,158		$	101,259		$	35,899	35.5	%
Unit sales	81,870			75,504			6,366		8.4	%
Revenue per unit	$	26,491		$	22,575		$	3,916	17.3	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,675		$	1,341		$	334	24.9	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue	6.3		%	5.9		%	40		bps

Same Store Franchised Dealerships Segment Used Vehicles – Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Retail used vehicle revenue increased approximately $133.4 million, or 21.8%, and retail used vehicle revenue per unit increased approximately 22.2% due to higher industry used vehicle prices as a result of increased consumer demand from the impact of new vehicle inventory shortages during the third quarter of 2021. Retail used vehicle gross profit increased approximately $11.4 million, or 31.4%, driven primarily by a $444 per unit increase in retail used vehicle gross profit per unit due to increased consumer demand for used vehicle inventory during the third quarter of 2021.

Same Store Franchised Dealerships Segment Used Vehicles – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Retail used vehicle revenue increased approximately $464.3 million, or 27.2%, and retail used vehicle revenue per unit increased approximately 17.3% due to higher industry used vehicle prices as a result of increased consumer demand from the impact of new vehicle inventory shortages during the first nine months of 2021. Retail used vehicle gross profit increased approximately $35.9 million, or 35.5%, driven primarily by a $334 per unit increase in retail used vehicle gross profit per unit due to increased consumer demand for used vehicle inventory during the first nine months of 2021.

32

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

Wholesale Vehicles – Franchised Dealerships Segment

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

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total wholesale vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	63,886	$	48,290	$	15,596	32.3	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	166		236		(70)		(29.7)	%
Total as reported	$	64,052	$	48,526	$	15,526	32.0	%
Total wholesale vehicle gross profit (loss):
Same store	$	770	$	2,686	$	(1,916)	(71.3)	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	(2,756)		(130)		(2,626)		NM
Total as reported	$	(1,986)	$	2,556	$	(4,542)	(177.7)	%
Total wholesale vehicle unit sales:
Same store	6,095		6,630		(535)		(8.1)	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	24		49		(25)		(51.0)	%
Total as reported	6,119		6,679		(560)		(8.4)	%
NM = Not Meaningful

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total wholesale vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	183,047	$	118,629	$	64,418	54.3	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	165		845		(680)		(80.5)	%
Total as reported	$	183,212	$	119,474	$	63,738	53.3	%
Total wholesale vehicle gross profit (loss):
Same store	$	5,705	$	2,348	$	3,357	143.0	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	(5,519)		(232)		(5,287)		NM
Total as reported	$	186	$	2,116	$	(1,930)	(91.2)	%
Total wholesale vehicle unit sales:
Same store	19,680		18,241		1,439		7.9	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	24		175		(151)		(86.3)	%
Total as reported	19,704		18,416		1,288		7.0	%
NM = Not Meaningful

33

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

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

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	64,052		$	48,526		$	15,526	32.0	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	(1,986)		$	2,556		$	(4,542)	(177.7)	%
Unit sales	6,119			6,679			(560)		(8.4)	%
Revenue per unit	$	10,468		$	7,265		$	3,203	44.1	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(325)		$	383		$	(708)	(184.9)	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	(3.1)		%	5.3		%	(840)		bps

    

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	183,212		$	119,474		$	63,738	53.3	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	186		$	2,116		$	(1,930)	(91.2)	%
Unit sales	19,704			18,416			1,288		7.0	%
Revenue per unit	$	9,298		$	6,488		$	2,810	43.3	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	9		$	115		$	(106)	(92.2)	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	0.1		%	1.8		%	(170)		bps

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

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	63,886		$	48,290		$	15,596	32.3	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	770		$	2,686		$	(1,916)	(71.3)	%
Unit sales	6,095			6,630			(535)		(8.1)	%
Revenue per unit	$	10,482		$	7,284		$	3,198	43.9	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	126		$	405		$	(279)	(68.9)	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	1.2		%	5.6		%	(440)		bps

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	183,047		$	118,629		$	64,418	54.3	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	5,705		$	2,348		$	3,357	143.0	%
Unit sales	19,680			18,241			1,439		7.9	%
Revenue per unit	$	9,301		$	6,503		$	2,798	43.0	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	290		$	129		$	161	124.8	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	3.1		%	2.0		%	110		bps

34

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

We generally focus on maintaining used vehicle inventory days’ supply in the 30- to 35-day range, which may fluctuate seasonally, in order to limit our exposure to market pricing volatility. On a trailing quarter vehicle cost of sales basis, our reported franchised dealerships used vehicle inventory days’ supply was approximately 27 and 29 days as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Wholesale vehicle revenue and wholesale vehicle unit sales volume fluctuations are typically a result of retail new and used vehicle unit sales volumes that generate additional trade-in vehicle volume that we are not always able to sell as retail used vehicles and choose to sell at auction. Whenever possible, we prefer to sell a used vehicle through retail channels rather than wholesaling the vehicle at auction due to the opportunity to sell F&I products and to avoid auction and transportation fees.

Same Store Franchised Dealerships Segment Wholesale Vehicles – Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Wholesale vehicle revenue increased 32.3%, driven primarily by a 43.9% increase in wholesale vehicle revenue per unit during the third quarter of 2021. Wholesale vehicle gross profit decreased approximately $1.9 million, driven primarily by a $279 per unit, or 68.9%, decrease in wholesale vehicle gross profit per unit as well as an 8.1% decrease in wholesale vehicle unit sales volume as a result of decreased wholesale vehicle supply in the wholesale auction market due to the impact of new vehicle inventory shortages during the third quarter of 2021.

Same Store Franchised Dealerships Segment Wholesale Vehicles – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Wholesale vehicle revenue increased 54.3%, driven primarily by a 43.0% increase in wholesale vehicle revenue per unit during the first nine months of 2021. Wholesale vehicle gross profit increased approximately $3.4 million, driven primarily by a $161 per unit, or 124.8%, increase in wholesale vehicle gross profit per unit as well as a 7.9% increase in wholesale vehicle unit sales volume as a result of increased wholesale vehicle demand in the wholesale auction market due to the impact of new vehicle inventory shortages during the first nine months of 2021.

Fixed Operations – Franchised Dealerships Segment

The following tables provide a reconciliation of Franchised Dealerships Segment reported basis and same store basis for Fixed Operations:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Total Fixed Operations revenue:
Same store	$	338,141	$	307,614	$	30,527	9.9	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	1,789		2,421		(632)		(26.1)	%
Total as reported	$	339,930	$	310,035	$	29,895	9.6	%
Total Fixed Operations gross profit:
Same store	$	169,700	$	155,682	$	14,018	9.0	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	1,365		1,029		336		32.7	%
Total as reported	$	171,065	$	156,711	$	14,354	9.2	%

NM = Not Meaningful

35

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Total Fixed Operations revenue:
Same store	$	992,291	$	874,636	$	117,655	13.5	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	1,834		11,898		(10,064)		(84.6)	%
Total as reported	$	994,125	$	886,534	$	107,591	12.1	%
Total Fixed Operations gross profit:
Same store	$	499,714	$	433,629	$	66,085	15.2	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	2,194		5,643		(3,449)		(61.1)	%
Total as reported	$	501,908	$	439,272	$	62,636	14.3	%

Our Franchised Dealerships Segment reported Fixed Operations results were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Reported Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	155,765		$	129,556		$	26,209	20.2	%
Warranty	52,636			58,294			(5,658)		(9.7)	%
Wholesale parts	41,660			32,515			9,145		28.1	%
Internal, sublet and other	89,869			89,670			199		0.2	%
Total revenue	$	339,930		$	310,035		$	29,895	9.6	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	88,994		$	73,652		$	15,342	20.8	%
Warranty	30,648			33,548			(2,900)		(8.6)	%
Wholesale parts	7,533			5,654			1,879		33.2	%
Internal, sublet and other	43,890			43,857			33		0.1	%
Total gross profit	$	171,065		$	156,711		$	14,354	9.2	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay	57.1		%	56.8		%	30		bps
Warranty	58.2		%	57.5		%	70		bps
Wholesale parts	18.1		%	17.4		%	70		bps
Internal, sublet and other	48.8		%	48.9		%	(10)		bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue	50.3		%	50.5		%	(20)		bps

36

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Reported Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	440,650		$	374,798		$	65,852	17.6	%
Warranty	163,760			168,380			(4,620)		(2.7)	%
Wholesale parts	115,949			97,573			18,376		18.8	%
Internal, sublet and other	273,766			245,783			27,983		11.4	%
Total revenue	$	994,125		$	886,534		$	107,591	12.1	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	252,237		$	210,706		$	41,531	19.7	%
Warranty	95,411			95,014			397		0.4	%
Wholesale parts	20,534			16,827			3,707		22.0	%
Internal, sublet and other	133,726			116,725			17,001		14.6	%
Total gross profit	$	501,908		$	439,272		$	62,636	14.3	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay	57.2		%	56.2		%	100		bps
Warranty	58.3		%	56.4		%	190		bps
Wholesale parts	17.7		%	17.2		%	50		bps
Internal, sublet and other	48.8		%	47.5		%	130		bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue	50.5		%	49.5		%	100		bps

Our Franchised Dealerships Segment same store Fixed Operations results were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Same store Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	154,905		$	128,221		$	26,684	20.8	%
Warranty	52,212			58,031			(5,819)		(10.0)	%
Wholesale parts	41,577			32,441			9,136		28.2	%
Internal, sublet and other	89,447			88,921			526		0.6	%
Total revenue	$	338,141		$	307,614		$	30,527	9.9	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	88,549		$	72,989		$	15,560	21.3	%
Warranty	30,448			33,430			(2,982)		(8.9)	%
Wholesale parts	7,519			5,641			1,878		33.3	%
Internal, sublet and other	43,184			43,622			(438)		(1.0)	%
Total gross profit	$	169,700		$	155,682		$	14,018	9.0	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay	57.2		%	56.9		%	30		bps
Warranty	58.3		%	57.6		%	70		bps
Wholesale parts	18.1		%	17.4		%	70		bps
Internal, sublet and other	48.3		%	49.1		%	(80)		bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue	50.2		%	50.6		%	(40)		bps

37

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Same store Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	439,784		$	367,869		$	71,915	19.5	%
Warranty	163,332			167,319			(3,987)		(2.4)	%
Wholesale parts	115,866			97,040			18,826		19.4	%
Internal, sublet and other	273,309			242,408			30,901		12.7	%
Total revenue	$	992,291		$	874,636		$	117,655	13.5	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	251,790		$	207,392		$	44,398	21.4	%
Warranty	95,153			94,378			775		0.8	%
Wholesale parts	20,520			16,765			3,755		22.4	%
Internal, sublet and other	132,251			115,094			17,157		14.9	%
Total gross profit	$	499,714		$	433,629		$	66,085	15.2	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay	57.3		%	56.4		%	90		bps
Warranty	58.3		%	56.4		%	190		bps
Wholesale parts	17.7		%	17.3		%	40		bps
Internal, sublet and other	48.4		%	47.5		%	90		bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue	50.4		%	49.6		%	80		bps

Same Store Franchised Dealerships Segment Fixed Operations – Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Fixed Operations revenue increased approximately $30.5 million, or 9.9%, and Fixed Operations gross profit increased approximately $14.0 million, or 9.0%. Customer pay gross profit increased approximately $15.6 million, or 21.3%, warranty gross profit decreased approximately $3.0 million, or 8.9%, wholesale parts gross profit increased approximately $1.9 million, or 33.3%, and internal, sublet and other gross profit decreased approximately $0.4 million, or 1.0%. While our Fixed Operations business was not specifically restricted by state and local shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders, consumer behavior was disrupted by such orders beginning in March 2020 and we experienced lower levels of Fixed Operations activity in the third quarter of 2020. We expect consumer activity to continue to improve as we proceed through the remainder of 2021, and anticipate a continuing recovery in Fixed Operations activity (in particular, related to customer pay repairs) above pre-pandemic levels in 2022.

Same Store Franchised Dealerships Segment Fixed Operations – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Fixed Operations revenue increased approximately $117.7 million, or 13.5%, and Fixed Operations gross profit increased approximately $66.1 million, or 15.2%. Customer pay gross profit increased approximately $44.4 million, or 21.4%, warranty gross profit increased approximately $0.8 million, or 0.8%, wholesale parts gross profit increased approximately $3.8 million, or 22.4%, and internal, sublet and other gross profit increased approximately $17.2 million, or 14.9%. While our Fixed Operations business was not specifically restricted by state and local shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders, consumer behavior was disrupted by such orders beginning in March 2020 and we experienced lower levels of Fixed Operations activity in the second and third quarters of 2020. We expect consumer activity to continue to improve as we proceed through the remainder of 2021, and anticipate a continuing recovery in Fixed Operations activity (in particular, related to customer pay repairs) above pre-pandemic levels in 2022.

F&I – Franchised Dealerships Segment

Finance, insurance and other, net revenues include commissions for arranging vehicle financing and insurance, sales of third-party extended warranties and service contracts for vehicles, and sales of other aftermarket products. In connection with

38

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

vehicle financing, extended warranties and service contracts, other aftermarket products and insurance contracts, we receive commissions from the providers for originating contracts. F&I revenues are recognized net of estimated chargebacks and other costs associated with originating contracts (as a result, F&I revenues and F&I gross profit are the same amount). F&I revenues are affected by the level of new and used vehicle unit sales volume, the age and average selling price of vehicles sold, the level of manufacturer financing specials or leasing incentives and our F&I penetration rate. The F&I penetration rate represents the number of finance contracts, extended warranties and service contracts, other aftermarket products or insurance contracts that we are able to originate per vehicle sold, expressed as a percentage.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of Franchised Dealerships Segment reported basis and same store basis for F&I:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Total F&I revenue:
Same store	$	103,746	$	85,911	$	17,835	20.8	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	8,062		5,124		2,938		57.3	%
Total as reported	$	111,808	$	91,035	$	20,773	22.8	%
Total F&I gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet):
Same store	$	2,152	$	1,723	$	429	24.9	%
Reported	$	2,303	$	1,810	$	493	27.2	%
Total combined new and used retail unit sales:
Same store	48,204		49,854		(1,650)		(3.3)	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	350		443		(93)		(21.0)	%
Total as reported	48,554		50,297		(1,743)		(3.5)	%

NM = Not Meaningful

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Total F&I revenue:
Same store	$	312,649	$	238,125	$	74,524	31.3	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	20,745		16,340		4,405		27.0	%
Total as reported	$	333,394	$	254,465	$	78,929	31.0	%
Total F&I gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet):
Same store	$	1,978	$	1,707	$	271	15.9	%
Reported	$	2,105	$	1,802	$	303	16.8	%
Total combined new and used retail unit sales:
Same store	158,050		139,496		18,554		13.3	%
Acquisitions, open points, dispositions and holding company	350		1,692		(1,342)		(79.3)	%
Total as reported	158,400		141,188		17,212		12.2	%

NM = Not Meaningful

39

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

Our Franchised Dealerships Segment reported F&I results were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported F&I:
Revenue	$	111,808	$	91,035	$	20,773	22.8	%
Unit sales	48,554		50,297		(1,743)		(3.5)	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	2,303	$	1,810	$	493	27.2	%

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported F&I:
Revenue	$	333,394	$	254,465	$	78,929	31.0	%
Unit sales	158,400		141,188		17,212		12.2	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	2,105	$	1,802	$	303	16.8	%

Our Franchised Dealerships Segment same store F&I results were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store F&I:
Revenue	$	103,746	$	85,911	$	17,835	20.8	%
Unit sales	48,204		49,854		(1,650)		(3.3)	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	2,152	$	1,723	$	429	24.9	%

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store F&I:
Revenue	$	312,649	$	238,125	$	74,524	31.3	%
Unit sales	158,050		139,496		18,554		13.3	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	1,978	$	1,707	$	271	15.9	%

Same Store Franchised Dealerships Segment F&I – Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

F&I revenues increased approximately $17.8 million, or 20.8%, due to an increase in F&I gross profit per retail unit. F&I gross profit per retail unit increased $429 per unit, or 24.9%, to $2,152 per unit, primarily due to an increase in gross profit per contract and an increase in the other aftermarket contract penetration rate.

Finance contract revenue increased 22.7%, primarily due to a 28.0% increase in gross profit per finance contract, offset partially by a 4.2% decrease in finance contract volume as a result of lower retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume, as well as a 70-basis point decrease in the finance contract penetration rate. Service contract revenue increased 13.6%, primarily due to a 9.5% increase in service contract volume, as well as a 3.8% increase in gross profit per service contract, and a 490-basis point increase in the service contract penetration rate. Other aftermarket contract revenue increased 18.2%, primarily due to an 8.9% increase in other aftermarket contract volume, as well as an 8.5% increase in gross profit per other aftermarket contract and an 1,800-basis point increase in the other aftermarket contract penetration rate.

Same Store Franchised Dealerships Segment F&I – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

F&I revenues increased approximately $74.5 million, or 31.3%, due to a 15.9% increase in gross profit per retail unit, as well as a 13.3% increase in retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume and an increase in F&I gross profit per retail unit. F&I

40

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

gross profit per retail unit increased $271 per unit, or 15.9%, to $1,978 per unit, primarily due to an increase in gross profit per contract and an increase in the other aftermarket contract penetration rate.

Finance contract revenue increased 35.9%, primarily due to a 21.2% increase in gross profit per finance contract, as well as a 12.2% increase in finance contract volume as a result of higher retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume, offset partially by an 80-basis point decrease in the finance contract penetration rate. Service contract revenue increased 25.0%, primarily due to a 19.3% increase in service contract volume, as well as a 4.7% increase in gross profit per service contract and a 200-basis point increase in the service contract penetration rate. Other aftermarket contract revenue increased 32.5%, primarily due to a 23.4% increase in other aftermarket contract volume, as well as a 7.4% increase in gross profit per other aftermarket contract and a 1,260-basis point increase in the other aftermarket contract penetration rate.

Results of Operations – EchoPark Segment

All currently operating EchoPark stores in a local geographic market are included within the same market group as of the first full month following the first anniversary of the market’s opening.

Used Vehicles and F&I – EchoPark Segment

Based on the way we manage the EchoPark Segment, our operating strategy focuses on maximizing total used vehicle-related gross profit (based on a combination of retail used vehicle unit sales volume, front-end retail used vehicle gross profit (loss) per unit and F&I gross profit per unit) rather than realizing traditional levels of front-end retail used vehicle gross profit (loss) per unit. As such, we believe the best per unit measure of gross profit performance at our EchoPark stores is a combined total gross profit per unit, which includes both front-end retail used vehicle gross profit (loss) and F&I gross profit per unit sold.

See the discussion under the heading “Results of Operations – Franchised Dealerships Segment” for additional discussion of the macro drivers of used vehicle revenues and F&I revenues.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of EchoPark Segment reported basis, same market basis and new market basis for retail used vehicles:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total used vehicle revenue:
Same market	$	400,050	$	330,520	$	69,530	21.0	%
New markets	159,179		(57)		159,236		NM
Total as reported	$	559,229	$	330,463	$	228,766	69.2	%
Total used vehicle gross profit (loss):
Same market	$	(20,015)	$	(12,115)	$	(7,900)	(65.2)	%
New markets	(10,369)		5,765		(16,134)		(279.9)	%
Total as reported	$	(30,384)	$	(6,350)	$	(24,034)	(378.5)	%
Total used vehicle unit sales:
Same market	14,828		15,127		(299)		(2.0)	%
New markets	6,427		—		6,427		100.0	%
Total as reported	21,255		15,127		6,128		40.5	%
NM = Not Meaningful

41

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total used vehicle revenue:
Same market	$	1,139,032	$	886,873	$	252,159	28.4	%
New markets	353,932		(67)		353,999		NM
Total as reported	$	1,492,964	$	886,806	$	606,158	68.4	%
Total used vehicle gross profit (loss):
Same market	$	(38,344)	$	(22,818)	$	(15,526)	(68.0)	%
New markets	(13,635)		13,240		(26,875)		(203.0)	%
Total as reported	$	(51,979)	$	(9,578)	$	(42,401)	(442.7)	%
Total used vehicle unit sales:
Same market	46,864		42,320		4,544		10.7	%
New markets	15,322		—		15,322		100.0	%
Total as reported	62,186		42,320		19,866		46.9	%
NM = Not Meaningful

The following tables provide a reconciliation of EchoPark Segment reported basis, same market basis and new market basis for F&I:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Total F&I revenue:
Same market	$	37,045	$	35,669	$	1,376	3.9	%
New markets	15,231		80		15,151		NM
Total as reported	$	52,276	$	35,749	$	16,527	46.2	%

NM = Not Meaningful

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Total F&I revenue:
Same market	$	116,003	$	98,099	$	17,904	18.3	%
New markets	36,603		284		36,319		NM
Total as reported	$	152,606	$	98,383	$	54,223	55.1	%
NM = Not Meaningful

42

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

Our EchoPark Segment reported retail used vehicle and F&I results were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported used vehicle and F&I:
Used vehicle revenue	$	559,229	$	330,463	$	228,766	69.2	%
Used vehicle gross profit (loss)	$	(30,384)	$	(6,350)	$	(24,034)	(378.5)	%
Used vehicle unit sales	21,255		15,127		6,128		40.5	%
Used vehicle revenue per unit	$	26,310	$	21,846	$	4,464	20.4	%
F&I revenue	$	52,276	$	35,749	$	16,527	46.2	%
Combined used vehicle gross profit and F&I revenue	$	21,892	$	29,399	$	(7,507)	(25.5)	%
Total used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit	$	1,030	$	1,943	$	(913)	(47.0)	%

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported used vehicle and F&I:
Used vehicle revenue	$	1,492,964	$	886,806	$	606,158	68.4	%
Used vehicle gross profit (loss)	$	(51,979)	$	(9,578)	$	(42,401)	(442.7)	%
Used vehicle unit sales	62,186		42,320		19,866		46.9	%
Used vehicle revenue per unit	$	24,008	$	20,955	$	3,053	14.6	%
F&I revenue	$	152,606	$	98,383	$	54,223	55.1	%
Combined used vehicle gross profit and F&I revenue	$	100,627	$	88,805	$	11,822	13.3	%
Total used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit	$	1,618	$	2,098	$	(480)	(22.9)	%

Our EchoPark Segment same market retail used vehicle and F&I results were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same market used vehicle and F&I:
Used vehicle revenue	$	400,050	$	330,520	$	69,530	21.0	%
Used vehicle gross profit (loss)	$	(20,015)	$	(12,115)	$	(7,900)	(65.2)	%
Used vehicle unit sales	14,828		15,127		(299)		(2.0)	%
Used vehicle revenue per unit	$	26,979	$	21,850	$	5,129	23.5	%
F&I revenue	$	37,045	$	35,669	$	1,376	3.9	%
Combined used vehicle gross profit and F&I revenue	$	17,030	$	23,554	$	(6,524)	(27.7)	%
Total used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit	$	1,149	$	1,557	$	(408)	(26.2)	%

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same market used vehicle and F&I:
Used vehicle revenue	$	1,139,032	$	886,873	$	252,159	28.4	%
Used vehicle gross profit (loss)	$	(38,344)	$	(22,818)	$	(15,526)	(68.0)	%
Used vehicle unit sales	46,864		42,320		4,544		10.7	%
Used vehicle revenue per unit	$	24,305	$	20,956	$	3,349	16.0	%
F&I revenue	$	116,003	$	98,099	$	17,904	18.3	%
Combined used vehicle gross profit and F&I revenue	$	77,659	$	75,281	$	2,378	3.2	%
Total used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit	$	1,657	$	1,779	$	(122)	(6.9)	%

43

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

Same Market EchoPark Segment Used Vehicles and F&I – Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Retail used vehicle revenue increased approximately $69.5 million, or 21.0%, driven by a $5,129 per unit, or 23.5%, increase in retail used vehicle revenue per unit, offset partially by a 2.0% decrease in retail used vehicle unit sales. Combined retail used vehicle gross profit and F&I revenue decreased approximately $6.5 million, or 27.7%, driven primarily by an approximately $7.9 million, or 65.2%, increase in retail used vehicle gross loss, offset partially by an approximately $1.4 million, or 3.9%, increase in F&I revenue. Total retail used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit decreased approximately $408 per unit, or 26.2%, due to the increased cost of inventory at wholesale auction as a result of high levels of short-term demand in wholesale markets due to new vehicle inventory shortages as a result of vehicle manufacturer supply chain and production delays as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finance contract gross profit increased approximately $1.2 million, or 11.5%, due to a 10.4% increase in F&I gross profit per unit, as well as a 1.0% increase in total finance contracts. Service contract gross profit decreased approximately $0.1 million, or 1.7%, due to a 1.6% decrease in gross profit per service contract, as well as a 0.1% decrease in total service contracts. Other aftermarket product contract gross profit increased approximately $0.4 million, or 7.2%, due to a 3.8% increase in total other aftermarket product contracts, as well as a 3.3% increase in gross profit per aftermarket contract.

Same Market EchoPark Segment Used Vehicles and F&I – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Retail used vehicle revenue increased approximately $252.2 million, or 28.4%, driven by a $3,349 per unit, or 16.0%, increase in retail used vehicle revenue per unit, as well as a 10.7% increase in retail used vehicle unit sales. Combined retail used vehicle gross profit and F&I revenue increased approximately $2.4 million, or 3.2%, driven primarily by an approximately $17.9 million, or 18.3%, increase in F&I revenue, offset partially by an approximately $15.5 million, or 68.0%, increase in retail used vehicle gross loss. Total retail used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit decreased approximately $122 per unit, or 6.9%, due to the increased cost of inventory at wholesale auction as a result of high levels of short-term demand in wholesale markets due to new vehicle inventory shortages as a result of vehicle manufacturer supply chain and production delays as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finance contract gross profit increased approximately $5.2 million, or 19.0%, due to an 11.6% increase in total finance contracts, as well as a 6.6% increase in F&I gross profit per unit. Service contract gross profit increased approximately $4.4 million, or 18.4%, due to a 17.9% increase in total service contracts, as well as a 0.5% increase in gross profit per service contract. Other aftermarket product contract gross profit increased approximately $2.8 million, or 18.5%, due to a 17.1% increase in total other aftermarket product contracts, as well as a 1.3% increase in gross profit per aftermarket contract.

44

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

Wholesale Vehicles – EchoPark Segment

See the discussion under the heading “Results of Operations – Franchised Dealerships Segment” for additional discussion of the macro drivers of wholesale vehicle revenues.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of EchoPark Segment reported basis, same market basis and new market basis for wholesale vehicles:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total wholesale vehicle revenue:
Same market	$	24,186	$	7,977	$	16,209	203.2	%
New markets	8,849		(1)		8,850		NM
Total as reported	$	33,035	$	7,976	$	25,059	314.2	%
Total wholesale vehicle gross profit (loss):
Same market	$	2,328	$	(13)	$	2,341	NM
New markets	913		1		912		NM
Total as reported	$	3,241	$	(12)	$	3,253	NM
Total wholesale vehicle unit sales:
Same market	2,226		1,955		271		13.9	%
New markets	1,266		—		1,266		NM
Total as reported	3,492		1,955		1,537		78.6	%
NM = Not Meaningful

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total wholesale vehicle revenue:
Same market	$	55,275	$	18,747	$	36,528	194.8	%
New markets	18,214		—		18,214		NM
Total as reported	$	73,489	$	18,747	$	54,742	292.0	%
Total wholesale vehicle gross profit (loss):
Same market	$	4,768	$	(157)	$	4,925	NM
New markets	1,675		2		1,673		NM
Total as reported	$	6,443	$	(155)	$	6,598	NM
Total wholesale vehicle unit sales:
Same market	6,386		5,174		1,212		23.4	%
New markets	2,845		—		2,845		NM
Total as reported	9,231		5,174		4,057		78.4	%
NM = Not Meaningful

45

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

Our EchoPark Segment reported wholesale vehicle results were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	33,035		$	7,976		$	25,059	314.2	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	3,241		$	(12)		$	3,253	NM
Unit sales	3,492			1,955			1,537		78.6	%
Revenue per unit	$	9,460		$	4,080		$	5,380	131.9	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	928		$	(6)		$	934	NM
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	9.8		%	(0.2)		%	1,000		bps
NM = Not Meaningful

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	73,489		$	18,747		$	54,742	292.0	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	6,443		$	(155)		$	6,598	NM
Unit sales	9,231			5,174			4,057		78.4	%
Revenue per unit	$	7,961		$	3,623		$	4,338	119.7	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	698		$	(30)		$	728	NM
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	8.8		%	(0.8)		%	960		bps
NM = Not Meaningful

Our EchoPark Segment same market wholesale vehicle results were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same market wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	24,186		$	7,977		$	16,209	203.2	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	2,328		$	(13)		$	2,341	NM
Unit sales	2,226			1,955			271		13.9	%
Revenue per unit	$	10,865		$	4,080		$	6,785	166.3	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	1,046		$	(7)		$	1,053	NM
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	9.6		%	(0.2)		%	980		bps
NM = Not Meaningful

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same market wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	55,275		$	18,747		$	36,528	194.8	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	4,768		$	(157)		$	4,925	NM
Unit sales	6,386			5,174			1,212		23.4	%
Revenue per unit	$	8,656		$	3,623		$	5,033	138.9	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	747		$	(30)		$	777	NM
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	8.6		%	(0.8)		%	940		bps
NM = Not Meaningful

46

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

Same Market EchoPark Segment Wholesale Vehicles – Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Same market wholesale vehicle revenue increased 203.2% and same market wholesale vehicle gross profit improved by approximately $2.3 million, due primarily to higher trade-in volume, which drove a 13.9% increase in same market wholesale vehicle unit sales volume and an increase in same market wholesale vehicle gross profit per unit to $1,053 per unit, due to excess demand in the wholesale auction market driving higher average pricing. Given EchoPark’s retail inventory mix, the majority of vehicles acquired from customers on trade-ins cannot be sold as retail at our EchoPark stores and are subsequently sold at auction or transferred to one of our franchised dealerships to be sold as a retail used vehicle. However, a successful acquisition of a customer’s trade-in vehicle often facilitates a retail used vehicle sale transaction that otherwise may not have occurred, driving higher overall gross profit. Our overall EchoPark inventory acquisition and pricing strategy reduces the risk of aged inventory that must be sold at auction (which would typically have a higher wholesale vehicle gross loss per unit) and increases the volume of trade-ins that we obtain from guests.

Same Market EchoPark Segment Wholesale Vehicles – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Same market wholesale vehicle revenue increased 194.8% and same market wholesale vehicle gross profit improved by approximately $4.9 million, due primarily to higher trade-in volume, which drove a 23.4% increase in same market wholesale vehicle unit sales volume and an increase in same market wholesale vehicle gross profit per unit to $777 per unit, due to excess demand in the wholesale auction market driving higher average pricing. Given EchoPark’s retail inventory mix, the majority of vehicles acquired from customers on trade-ins cannot be sold as retail at our EchoPark stores and are subsequently sold at auction or transferred to one of our franchised dealerships to be sold as a retail used vehicle. However, a successful acquisition of a customer’s trade-in vehicle often facilitates a retail used vehicle sale transaction that otherwise may not have occurred, driving higher overall gross profit. Our overall EchoPark inventory acquisition and pricing strategy reduces the risk of aged inventory that must be sold at auction (which would typically have a higher wholesale vehicle gross loss per unit) and increases the volume of trade-ins that we obtain from guests.

Fixed Operations – EchoPark Segment

Parts, service and collision repair revenues consist of internal, sublet and other work related to preparation and reconditioning performed on vehicles in inventory that are later sold to a third party. When that work is performed by one of our stores, the work is classified as internal. In the event the work is performed by a third party on our behalf, it is classified as sublet. Our EchoPark-branded stores do not currently perform warranty or customer pay repairs or maintenance work.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of EchoPark Segment reported basis, same market basis and new market basis for Fixed Operations:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Fixed Operations revenue:
Same market	$	11,866	$	10,858	$	1,008	9.3	%
New markets	3,431		36		3,395		NM
Total as reported	$	15,297	$	10,894	$	4,403	40.4	%
Fixed Operations gross profit (loss):
Same market	$	593	$	(168)	$	761	453.0	%
New markets	(144)		(17)		(127)		(747.1)	%
Total as reported	$	449	$	(185)	$	634	342.7	%

NM = Not Meaningful

47

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Fixed Operations revenue:
Same market	$	33,714	$	28,064	$	5,650	20.1	%
New markets	8,897		69		8,828		NM
Total as reported	$	42,611	$	28,133	$	14,478	51.5	%
Total Fixed Operations gross profit (loss):
Same market	$	947	$	(553)	$	1,500	271.2	%
New markets	(444)		(16)		(428)		NM
Total as reported	$	503	$	(569)	$	1,072	188.4	%
NM = Not Meaningful

Our EchoPark Segment reported Fixed Operations results were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Reported Fixed Operations:
Revenue	$	15,297		$	10,894		$	4,403	40.4	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	449		$	(185)		$	634	342.7	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	2.9		%	(1.7)		%	460		bps

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Reported Fixed Operations:
Revenue	$	42,611		$	28,133		$	14,478	51.5	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	503		$	(569)		$	1,072	188.4	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	1.2		%	(2.0)		%	320		bps

Our EchoPark Segment same market Fixed Operations results were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Same market Fixed Operations:
Revenue	$	11,866		$	10,858		$	1,008	9.3	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	593		$	(168)		$	761	453.0	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	5.0		%	(1.5)		%	650		bps

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Same market Fixed Operations:
Revenue	$	33,714		$	28,064		$	5,650	20.1	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	947		$	(553)		$	1,500	271.2	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue	2.8		%	(2.0)		%	480		bps

48

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

Same Market EchoPark Segment Fixed Operations – Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Same market Fixed Operations revenue increased approximately $1.0 million, or 9.3%, primarily related to vehicle reconditioning work on higher levels of inventory.

Same Market EchoPark Segment Fixed Operations – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Same market Fixed Operations revenue increased approximately $5.7 million, or 20.1%, primarily related to vehicle reconditioning work on higher levels of inventory.

Segment Results Summary

In the following tables of financial data, total segment income of the reportable segments is reconciled to consolidated income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and impairment charges. See above for tables and discussion of results by reportable segment.

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Segment Revenues:
Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues:
New vehicles	$	1,143,416	$	1,098,302	$	45,114	4.1	%
Used vehicles	750,263		615,565		134,698		21.9	%
Wholesale vehicles	64,052		48,526		15,526		32.0	%
Parts, service and collision repair	339,930		310,035		29,895		9.6	%
Finance, insurance and other, net	111,808		91,035		20,773		22.8	%
Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues	$	2,409,469	$	2,163,463	$	246,006	11.4	%
EchoPark Segment revenues:
New vehicles	$	3,506	$	—	$	3,506	100.0	%
Used vehicles	559,229		330,463		228,766		69.2	%
Wholesale vehicles	33,035		7,976		25,059		314.2	%
Parts, service and collision repair	15,297		10,894		4,403		40.4	%
Finance, insurance and other, net	52,276		35,749		16,527		46.2	%
EchoPark Segment revenues	$	663,343	$	385,082	$	278,261	72.3	%
Total consolidated revenues	$	3,072,812	$	2,548,545	$	524,267	20.6	%
Segment Income (Loss) (1):
Franchised Dealerships Segment (2)	$	145,137	$	80,460	$	64,677	80.4	%
EchoPark Segment	(32,887)		239		(33,126)		NM
Total segment income (loss)	$	112,250	$	80,699	$	31,551	39.1	%
Impairment charges	—		(26)		26		100.0	%
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$	112,250	$	80,673	$	31,577	39.1	%
Retail New and Used Vehicle Unit Sales Volume:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	48,554		50,297		(1,743)		(3.5)	%
EchoPark Segment	21,310		15,127		6,183		40.9	%
Total retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume	69,864		65,424		4,440		6.8	%
NM = Not Meaningful

(1)Segment income (loss) for each segment is defined as income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and impairment charges.

49

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

(2)For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the above amount includes a pre-tax gain on the disposal of a franchised dealership of approximately $3.2 million.

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Segment Revenues:
Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues:
New vehicles	$	3,761,718	$	2,957,794	$	803,924	27.2	%
Used vehicles	2,173,322		1,718,151		455,171		26.5	%
Wholesale vehicles	183,212		119,474		63,738		53.3	%
Parts, service and collision repair	994,125		886,534		107,591		12.1	%
Finance, insurance and other, net	333,394		254,465		78,929		31.0	%
Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues	$	7,445,771	$	5,936,418	$	1,509,353	25.4	%
EchoPark Segment revenues:
New vehicles	$	4,415	$	—	$	4,415	100.0	%
Used vehicles	1,492,964		886,806		606,158		68.4	%
Wholesale vehicles	73,489		18,747		54,742		292.0	%
Parts, service and collision repair	42,611		28,133		14,478		51.5	%
Finance, insurance and other, net	152,606		98,383		54,223		55.1	%
EchoPark Segment revenues	$	1,766,085	$	1,032,069	$	734,016	71.1	%
Total consolidated revenues	$	9,211,856	$	6,968,487	$	2,243,369	32.2	%
Segment Income (Loss) (1):
Franchised Dealerships Segment (2)	$	381,094	$	138,805	$	242,289	174.6	%
EchoPark Segment	(45,271)		4,912		(50,183)		NM
Total segment income (loss)	$	335,823	$	143,717	$	192,106	133.7	%
Impairment charges (3)	—		(268,859)		268,859		100.0	%
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$	335,823	$	(125,142)	$	460,965	368.4	%
Retail New and Used Vehicle Unit Sales Volume:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	158,400		141,188		17,212		12.2	%
EchoPark Segment	62,255		42,320		19,935		47.1	%
Total retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume	220,655		183,508		37,147		20.2	%

(1)Segment income (loss) for each segment is defined as income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and impairment charges.

(2)For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the above amount includes a pre-tax gain on the disposal of a franchised dealership of approximately $3.2 million.

(3)For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the above amount includes a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $268.0 million related to adjustments in fair value of goodwill for the Franchised Dealerships Segment as a result of the economic disruptions due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19 which had adversely affected our business, as well as a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $0.9 million related to the abandonment of certain construction projects within the Franchised Dealerships Segment.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses – Consolidated

Consolidated SG&A expenses are comprised of four major groups: compensation expense, advertising expense, rent expense and other expense. Compensation expense primarily relates to store personnel who are paid a commission or a salary plus commission and support personnel who are paid a fixed salary. Commissions paid to store personnel typically vary depending on gross profits realized and sales volume objectives. Due to the salary component for certain store and corporate personnel, gross profits and compensation expense do not change in direct proportion to one another. Advertising expense and other expense vary based on the level of actual or anticipated business activity and the number of dealerships in operation. Rent expense typically varies with the number of store locations owned, investments made for facility improvements and interest rates. Other expense includes various fixed and variable expenses, including gain on disposal of franchises, certain customer-

50

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

related costs such as gasoline and service loaners, and insurance, training, legal and IT expenses, which may not change in proportion to gross profit levels.

The following tables set forth information related to our consolidated reported SG&A expenses:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
SG&A expenses:
Compensation	$	206,205		$	169,097		$	(37,108)	(21.9)	%
Advertising	16,715			9,455			(7,260)		(76.8)	%
Rent	13,781			13,846			65		0.5	%
Other	84,672			64,776			(19,896)		(30.7)	%
Total SG&A expenses	$	321,373		$	257,174		$	(64,199)	(25.0)	%
SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit:
Compensation	43.7		%	44.9		%	120		bps
Advertising	3.5		%	2.5		%	(100)		bps
Rent	2.9		%	3.7		%	80		bps
Other	18.0		%	17.2		%	(80)		bps
Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit	68.1		%	68.3		%	20		bps

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2021			2020			Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
SG&A expenses:
Compensation	$	608,539		$	483,784		$	(124,755)	(25.8)	%
Advertising	44,229			31,677			(12,552)		(39.6)	%
Rent	41,190			40,934			(256)		(0.6)	%
Other	237,391			213,293			(24,098)		(11.3)	%
Total SG&A expenses	$	931,349		$	769,688		$	(161,661)	(21.0)	%
SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit:
Compensation	44.0		%	46.8		%	280		bps
Advertising	3.2		%	3.1		%	(10)		bps
Rent	3.0		%	4.0		%	100		bps
Other	17.1		%	20.5		%	340		bps
Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit	67.3		%	74.4		%	710		bps

Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Overall SG&A expenses increased in dollar amount but decreased as a percentage of gross profit, primarily due to higher compensation levels as a result of higher vehicle unit sales volume and higher overall gross profit levels. Compensation expense increased in dollar amount but decreased as a percentage of gross profit, primarily due to increased sales associate productivity during 2021 as well as higher gross profit levels. Advertising expense increased in both dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit, due primarily to changes we made to optimize our marketing spend during the initial months of the pandemic. Rent expense decreased in both dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit, due primarily to higher levels of gross profit. Other SG&A expenses increased in both dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit, due primarily to higher gross profit levels and reductions in expenses during the third quarter of 2020 as a result of the initial onset of the pandemic.

51

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Overall SG&A expenses increased in dollar amount but decreased as a percentage of gross profit, primarily due to higher compensation levels as a result of higher vehicle unit sales volume and higher overall gross profit levels. Compensation expense increased in dollar amount but decreased as a percentage of gross profit, primarily due to increased sales associate productivity during 2021 as well as higher gross profit levels. Advertising expense increased in both dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit, due primarily to a focused marketing strategy. Rent expense increased in dollar amount but decreased as a percentage of gross profit, due primarily to higher levels of gross profit. Other SG&A expenses increased in dollar amount but decreased as a percentage of gross profit, due primarily to higher gross profit levels and increased spending in relation to higher sales as compared to the prior year period.

Impairment Charges – Consolidated

We did not record any impairment charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Impairment charges were not significant in the three months ended September 30, 2020, related to real estate assets held for sale at former EchoPark locations. Impairment charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were approximately $268.9 million, primarily related to fair value adjustments to goodwill in our Franchised Dealerships Segment.

Depreciation and Amortization – Consolidated

Depreciation expense increased approximately $2.3 million, or 10.1%, during the three months ended September 30, 2021, and approximately $5.8 million, or 8.6%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, due primarily to the opening or acquisition of additional EchoPark stores and construction projects completed and placed in service in our Franchised Dealerships Segment.

Interest Expense, Floor Plan – Consolidated

Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Interest expense, floor plan for new vehicles decreased approximately $2.6 million, or 71.9%. The average new vehicle floor plan interest rate was 0.41%, down from 1.29% in the three months ended September 30, 2020, resulting in a decrease in new vehicle floor plan interest expense of approximately $2.1 million. The average new vehicle floor plan notes payable balance decreased approximately $133.7 million, which decreased new vehicle floor plan interest expense by approximately $0.5 million.

Interest expense, floor plan for used vehicles increased approximately $0.9 million, or 61.3%. The average used vehicle floor plan interest rate was 1.64%, down from 1.87% in the three months ended September 30, 2020, resulting in a decrease in used vehicle floor plan interest expense of approximately $0.3 million. The average used vehicle floor plan notes payable balance increased approximately $258.6 million, which increased used vehicle floor plan interest expense by approximately $1.2 million.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Interest expense, floor plan for new vehicles decreased approximately $10.9 million, or 62.0%. The average new vehicle floor plan interest rate was 0.83%, down from 1.87% in the nine months ended September 30, 2020, resulting in a decrease in new vehicle floor plan interest expense of approximately $8.5 million. The average new vehicle floor plan notes payable balance decreased approximately $173.6 million, which decreased new vehicle floor plan interest expense by approximately $2.4 million.

Interest expense, floor plan for used vehicles increased approximately $1.8 million, or 43.2%. The average used vehicle floor plan interest rate was 1.70%, down from 2.13% in the nine months ended September 30, 2020, resulting in a decrease in used vehicle floor plan interest expense of approximately $1.5 million. The average used vehicle floor plan notes payable balance increased approximately $210.9 million, which increased used vehicle floor plan interest expense by approximately $3.4 million.

52

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

Interest Expense, Other, Net – Consolidated

Interest expense, other, net is summarized in the tables below:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Stated/coupon interest	$	7,341	$	8,347	$	1,006	12.1	%
Discount/premium amortization	—		260		260		100.0	%
Deferred loan cost amortization	685		575		(110)		(19.1)	%
Interest rate hedge expense (benefit)	297		68		(229)		(336.8)	%
Capitalized interest	(354)		16		370		NM
Interest on finance lease liabilities	1,686		1,330		(356)		(26.8)	%
Other interest	162		166		4		2.4	%
Total interest expense, other, net	$	9,817	$	10,762	$	945	8.8	%

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2021		2020		Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Stated/coupon interest	$	22,489	$	26,302	$	3,813	14.5	%
Discount/premium amortization	—		260		260		100.0	%
Deferred loan cost amortization	2,343		1,757		(586)		(33.4)	%
Interest rate hedge expense (benefit)	1,178		(740)		(1,918)		(259.2)	%
Capitalized interest	(1,328)		(528)		800		151.5	%
Interest on finance lease liabilities	5,017		4,009		(1,008)		(25.1)	%
Other interest	481		463		(18)		(3.9)	%
Total interest expense, other, net	$	30,180	$	31,523	$	1,343	4.3	%

Interest expense, other, net increased approximately $0.9 million and decreased approximately $1.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, primarily due to a decrease in outstanding borrowings on our revolving credit facility, lower mortgage debt, increased expense from interest rate hedge instruments, and an increase in interest associated with finance lease liabilities.

Income Taxes

The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 24.6% and 24.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and 25.6% and 13.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. Income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 includes a $55.8 million benefit, including the effect of non-deductible amounts, related to the $268.0 million goodwill impairment charge related to adjustments in fair value of goodwill for the Franchised Dealerships Segment. Sonic’s effective tax rate varies from year to year based on the level of taxable income, the distribution of taxable income between states in which the Company operates and other tax adjustments.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We require cash to fund debt service, lease obligations, working capital requirements, facility improvements and other capital improvements, and dividends on our common stock and to finance acquisitions and otherwise invest in our business. 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. We were in compliance with all restrictive covenants under our debt agreements as of September 30, 2021 and expect to be in compliance for at least the next 12 months. We closely monitor our available liquidity and projected future operating results in order to remain in compliance with the restrictive covenants under the 2021 Credit Facilities, the 2019 Mortgage Facility, the indentures governing the 2021 Notes and our other debt obligations and lease arrangements. However, our liquidity could be negatively affected if we fail to comply with the financial covenants in our existing debt obligations or lease arrangements. After giving effect to the applicable restrictions on the payment of dividends under our debt agreements, as of September 30, 2021, we had approximately $368.2 million of net income and retained earnings free of such restrictions. Cash flows provided by our

53

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

franchised dealerships and EchoPark stores are derived from various sources. The primary sources include individual consumers, automobile manufacturers, automobile manufacturers’ captive finance subsidiaries and other financial institutions. Disruptions in these cash flows could have a material adverse impact on our operations and overall liquidity.

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 our ability to service our obligations depend to a substantial degree on the results of operations of these subsidiaries and their ability to provide us with cash.

We had the following liquidity resources available as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	220,082	$	170,313
Availability under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility (1)	224,016		214,672
Availability under the 2019 Mortgage Facility	19,453		11,272
Availability under the 2020 Line of Credit Facility (2)	54,141		56,973
Floor plan deposit balance	100,000		73,180
Total available liquidity resources	$	617,692	$	526,410

(1)The balance as of December 31, 2020 was under the Company’s prior revolving credit facility, which was replaced by the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility. The availability under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2021 does not include the impact of the 2021 Credit Facility Amendment entered into on October 8, 2021.

(2)Subsequent to September 30, 2021, Sonic terminated the 2020 Line of Credit Facility.

We participate in a program with two of our lender partners wherein we maintain a deposit balance (included in the table above) with the lender that earns interest based on the agreed upon rate, effectively reducing the net floor plan interest expense with the lender. This deposit balance is not designated as a prepayment of notes payable – floor plan, nor is it our intent to use this amount to offset principal amounts owed under notes payable – floor plan in the future, although we have the right and ability to do so. The deposit balances of approximately $100.0 million and $73.2 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, are classified in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

Floor Plan Facilities

We finance our new and certain of our used vehicle inventory through standardized floor plan facilities with manufacturer captive finance companies and a syndicate of manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and commercial banks. These floor plan facilities are due on demand and bear interest at variable rates based on LIBOR or prime plus an additional spread, as applicable. The weighted-average interest rate for our new and used vehicle floor plan facilities was 0.87% and 1.42% in the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 1.10% and 1.91% in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

We receive floor plan assistance in the form of direct payments or credits from certain manufacturers. Floor plan assistance received is capitalized in inventory and recorded as a reduction of cost of sales when the associated inventory is sold. We received approximately $10.3 million and $10.6 million in manufacturer assistance in the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and approximately $35.3 million and $26.8 million in manufacturer assistance in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We recognized in cost of sales approximately $9.8 million and $10.4 million in manufacturer assistance in the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and approximately $32.1 million and $28.0 million in manufacturer assistance in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 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 associated vehicles.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our long-term debt and credit facilities and compliance with debt covenants.

Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures include the purchase of land and buildings, the construction of new franchised dealerships, EchoPark stores and collision repair centers, building improvements and equipment purchased for use in our franchised dealerships and EchoPark stores. We selectively construct new or improve existing dealership facilities to maintain compliance

54

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

with manufacturers’ image requirements. We typically finance these projects through cash flows from operations, new mortgages or our credit facilities.

Capital expenditures in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 were approximately $181.8 million, including approximately $122.3 million related to our Franchised Dealerships Segment and approximately $59.5 million related to our EchoPark Segment. Of this amount, approximately $86.1 million was related to facility construction projects, $48.3 million was related to real estate acquisitions and $47.4 million was for other fixed assets utilized in our store operations.

All of the $181.8 million in gross capital expenditures in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was funded through cash from operations. As of September 30, 2021, commitments for facility construction projects totaled approximately $21.8 million, nearly all of which is expected to be completed in the next 12 months. We expect investments related to capital expenditures to be partly dependent upon our overall liquidity position and the availability of mortgage financing to fund significant capital projects.

Share Repurchase Program

Our Board of Directors has authorized us to repurchase shares of our Class A Common Stock. Historically, we have used our share repurchase authorization to offset dilution caused by the exercise of stock options or the vesting of equity compensation awards and to maintain our desired capital structure. We repurchased approximately 0.5 million and 1.5 million shares of our Class A Common Stock for approximately $24.8 million and $67.0 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, in open-market transactions at prevailing market prices and in connection with tax withholding on the vesting of equity compensation awards. During the second quarter of 2021, our Board of Directors increased our share repurchase authorization by $250.0 million. As of September 30, 2021, our total remaining share repurchase authorization was approximately $252.5 million. Under the 2021 Credit Facilities, share repurchases are permitted to the extent that no event of default exists, and we do not exceed the restrictions set forth in our debt agreements. After giving effect to the applicable restrictions on share repurchases and certain other transactions under our debt agreements, as of September 30, 2021, we had approximately $368.2 million of net income and retained earnings free of such restrictions.

Our share repurchase activity is subject to the business judgment of our Board of Directors and management, taking into consideration our historical and projected results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements and covenant compliance, the current economic environment and other factors considered relevant. These factors are considered each quarter and will be scrutinized as our Board of Directors and management determine our share repurchase policy in the future.

Dividends

During the three months ended September 30, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.12 per share on all outstanding shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock as of September 15, 2021, which was paid on October 15, 2021. Subsequent to September 30, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.12 per share on all outstanding shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock as of December 15, 2021 to be paid on January 14, 2022. Under the 2021 Credit Facilities, dividends are permitted to the extent that no event of default exists and we are in compliance with the financial covenants contained therein. The indenture governing the 6.125% Notes also contains restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. After giving effect to the applicable restrictions on share repurchases and certain other transactions under our debt agreements, as of September 30, 2021, we had approximately $368.2 million of net income and retained earnings free of such restrictions. The payment of any future dividend is subject to the business judgment of our Board of Directors, taking into consideration our historical and projected results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, covenant compliance and share repurchases, the 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 future dividend policy. There is no guarantee that additional dividends will be declared and paid at any time in the future. See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for a description of restrictions on the payment of dividends.

55

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was approximately $266.4 million. This provision of cash was comprised primarily of net income less non-cash items, a decrease in inventories and a decrease in notes payable – floor plan – trade, offset partially by a decrease in receivables and an increase in trade accounts payable and other liabilities. In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $273.0 million. This provision of cash was comprised primarily of a decrease in inventories and an increase in receivables, offset partially by an increase in notes payable – floor plan – trade.

Net cash used in investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was approximately $237.6 million. This use of cash was comprised primarily of purchases of land, property and equipment and purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired. Net cash used in investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was approximately $61.8 million. This use of cash was comprised primarily of purchases of land, property and equipment.

Net cash provided by financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was approximately $21.0 million. This provision of cash was comprised primarily of a net borrowing of notes payable – floor plan – non-trade, offset partially by purchases of treasury stock and payments on long-term debt. Net cash used in financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was approximately $114.6 million. This use of cash was comprised primarily of net repayments of notes payable – floor plan – non-trade and purchases of treasury stock, offset partially by proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt.

We arrange our inventory floor plan financing through both manufacturer captive finance companies and a syndicate of manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and commercial banks. Our floor plan financed with manufacturer captives is recorded as trade floor plan liabilities (with the resulting change being reflected as operating cash flows). Our dealerships that obtain floor plan financing from a syndicate of manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and commercial banks record their obligation as non-trade floor plan liabilities (with the resulting change being reflected as financing cash flows). Due to the presentation differences for changes in trade floor plan financing and non-trade floor plan financing in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements 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 flows. Net cash used in combined trade and non-trade floor plan financing was approximately $428.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Net cash used in combined trade and non-trade floor plan financing was approximately $367.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2020. 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 approximately $394.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and net cash provided by operating activities of approximately $223.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

One factor that management uses to measure cash flow generation or use is Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, for each of the Company’s reportable segments. That measure is provided and reconciled to the nearest comparable GAAP financial measure in the tables below:

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2021								Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
	Franchised Dealerships Segment		EchoPark Segment		Discontinued Operations		Total		Franchised Dealerships Segment		EchoPark Segment		Discontinued Operations		Total
	(In thousands)
Net income (loss)							$	84,485							$	59,818
Provision for income taxes							27,490								20,621
Income (loss) before taxes	$	145,138	$	(32,888)	$	(275)	$	111,975	$	80,434	$	239	$	(234)	$	80,439
Non-floor plan interest (1)	8,799		333		—		9,132		9,781		147		—		9,928
Depreciation & amortization (2)	21,943		3,980		—		25,923		21,004		2,763		—		23,767
Stock-based compensation expense	3,681		—		—		3,681		3,153		—		—		3,153
Asset impairment charges	—		—		—		—		26		—		—		26
Long-term compensation charges	—		500		—		500		—		—		—		—
Loss (gain) on franchise and real estate disposals	(12)		(423)		—		(435)		(3,388)				—		(3,388)
Adjusted EBITDA (3)	$	179,549	$	(28,498)	$	(275)	$	150,776	$	111,010	$	3,149	$	(234)	$	113,925

(1)Includes the following line items from the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations, net of any amortization of debt issuance costs or net debt discount/premium included in footnote (2) below: interest expense, other, net; interest expense, non-cash, convertible debt; and interest expense/amortization, non-cash, cash flow swaps.

56

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

(2)Includes the following line items from the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows: depreciation and amortization of property and equipment; debt issuance cost amortization; and net debt discount/premium amortization and other amortization.

(3)Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021								Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
	Franchised Dealerships Segment		EchoPark Segment		Discontinued Operations		Total		Franchised Dealerships Segment		EchoPark Segment		Discontinued Operations		Total
	(In thousands)
Net income (loss)							$	252,552							$	(108,724)
Provision for income taxes							83,512								(17,226)
Income (loss) before taxes	$	381,094	$	(45,271)	$	241	$	336,064	$	(130,054)	$	4,912	$	(808)	$	(125,950)
Non-floor plan interest (1)	26,821		1,015		—		27,836		28,762		746		—		29,508
Depreciation & amortization (2)	64,593		11,436		—		76,029		61,662		8,229		—		69,891
Stock-based compensation expense	11,155		—		—		11,155		8,551		—		—		8,551
Asset impairment charges	—		—		—		—		268,859		—		—		268,859
Long-term compensation charges	—		1,500		—		1,500		—		—		—		—
Loss (gain) on franchise and real estate disposals	(433)		(432)		—		(865)		(2,271)		—		—		(2,271)
Adjusted EBITDA (3)	$	483,230	$	(31,752)	$	241	$	451,719	$	235,509	$	13,887	$	(808)	$	248,588

(1)Includes the following line items from the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations, net of any amortization of debt issuance costs or net debt discount/premium included in footnote (2) below: interest expense, other, net; interest expense, non-cash, convertible debt; and interest expense/amortization, non-cash, cash flow swaps.

(2)Includes the following line items from the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows: depreciation and amortization of property and equipment; debt issuance cost amortization; and net debt discount/premium amortization and other amortization.

(3)Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.

Future Liquidity Outlook

We believe our best sources of liquidity for operations and debt service remain cash flows generated from operations combined with the availability of borrowings under our floor plan facilities (or any replacements thereof), the 2021 Credit Facilities (or any replacements thereof), the 2019 Mortgage Facility (or any replacements thereof), real estate mortgage financing, and selected dealership and other asset sales and our ability to raise funds in the capital markets through offerings of debt or equity securities. 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 our ability to service our obligations depend to a substantial degree on the results of operations of these subsidiaries, their contractual obligations and capital requirements, and their ability to provide us with cash.

Currently, we do not believe that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have materially affected our cost of or access to capital and funding sources, but this could change if the pandemic and its impact on our business worsen. We do not currently anticipate any materially negative changes to our cost of or access to capital over the next 12 months or after.

On October 27, 2021, Sonic issued $1.15 billion aggregate principal amount of 2021 Notes, consisting of $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Notes and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Notes. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the 2021 Notes, together with additional borrowings to (1) fund, if consummated, the Acquisition, (2) pay the redemption price for the 6.125 Notes, (3) pay fees and expenses in connection with the Acquisition and the offering of the 2021 Notes and (4) for general corporate purposes, which may include the acquisition and development of dealerships and related real property and the repayment of outstanding indebtedness.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Guarantees and Indemnification Obligations

In accordance with the terms of our operating lease agreements, our dealership subsidiaries, acting as lessees, generally agree to indemnify the lessor from certain exposure arising as a result of the use of the leased premises, including environmental exposure and repairs to leased property upon termination of the lease. In addition, we have generally agreed to indemnify the lessor in the event of a breach of the lease by the lessee.

57

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

In connection with dealership dispositions and facility relocations, certain of our subsidiaries have assigned or sublet to the buyer their interests in real property leases associated with such dealerships or facilities. In general, the subsidiaries retain responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases, including rent payments and repairs to leased property upon termination of the lease, to the extent that the assignee or the sublessee does not perform. In the event an assignee or a sublessee does not perform its obligations, we remain liable for such obligations.

In accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of our dealerships, we generally agree to indemnify the buyer from certain liabilities 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 agreements. While our exposure with respect to environmental remediation and repairs is difficult to quantify, our maximum exposure associated with these general indemnifications was approximately $4.0 million and $25.0 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. These indemnifications typically expire within a period of one to three years following the date of sale. The estimated fair value of these indemnifications was not material and the amount recorded for this contingency was not significant at September 30, 2021.

We also guarantee the floor plan commitments of our 50%-owned joint venture, the amount of which was approximately $4.3 million at both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

See Note 7, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for further discussion regarding these guarantees and indemnification obligations.

Seasonality

Our operations are subject to seasonal variations. The first quarter historically has contributed less operating profit than the second and third quarters, while the fourth quarter historically has contributed the highest operating profit of any quarter. Weather conditions and the timing of manufacturer incentive programs and model changeovers cause seasonality and may adversely affect vehicle demand and, consequently, our profitability. Comparatively, parts and service demand has historically remained stable throughout the year.

58

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Our variable rate floor plan facilities, the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility, the 2019 Mortgage Facility and our other variable rate notes expose us to risks caused by fluctuations in the applicable interest rates. The total outstanding balance of such variable instruments, after considering the effect of our interest rate caps (see below), was approximately $879.7 million at September 30, 2021. An increase in interest rates of 100 basis points would have caused a change in interest expense of approximately $14.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Of the total change in interest expense, approximately $12.9 million would have resulted from our floor plan facilities.

In addition to our variable rate debt, certain of our dealership lease facilities have monthly lease payments that fluctuate based on LIBOR interest rates. An increase in interest rates of 100 basis points would not have had a significant impact on rent expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 due to the leases containing LIBOR floors which were above the LIBOR rate during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

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 that may influence automobile manufacturers’ ability to provide their products at competitive prices in the U.S. To the extent that we cannot recapture this exchange rate volatility in prices charged to customers or if this volatility negatively impacts consumer demand for our products, this volatility could adversely affect our future operating results.

59

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures – Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of September 30, 2021. Based upon that evaluation, our CEO and our CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2021.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting – There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2021, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the control system are met and may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in future periods is subject to risk that those internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

60

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

For information regarding legal proceedings, see the discussion under the heading “Legal and Other Proceedings” in Note 7, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

61

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those included in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, except as noted below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Certain fuel efficient and electric vehicles generally require less frequent or less costly maintenance and repairs than traditional combustion engine vehicles due to their mechanical features. In addition, advances in technology by manufacturers and their suppliers and their continued research and development investments with respect to fuel efficient and electric vehicles have contributed to an increase in the overall durability and efficiency of vehicles. The effects of increased adoption of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles are uncertain and may include reduced maintenance and repairs revenues, changes in

62

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

manufacturer warranties and complimentary maintenance programs from which we realize parts, service and collision repair revenues, and changes in the level of sales or profitability of certain warranty and maintenance products we offer our customers. To the extent that the adoption of fuel efficient and electric vehicles increases rapidly or such vehicles comprise a significant percentage of new or used vehicles being sold nationwide, we may experience a disruption in our parts, service and repair revenues or revenues from certain warranty and maintenance products that we sell, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our overall business and results of operations.

63

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

The following table sets forth information about the shares of Class A Common Stock we repurchased during the three months ended September 30, 2021.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
	(In thousands, except share data)
July 2021	270	$	44.74	270	$	277,249
August 2021	248,684	$	49.73	248,684	$	264,905
September 2021	251,034	$	49.69	251,034	$	252,472
Total	499,988			499,988

(1)On July 31, 2020 and April 29, 2021, we announced that our Board of Directors had increased the dollar amount authorized for us to repurchase shares of our Class A Common Stock pursuant to our share repurchase program. Our share repurchase program does not have an expiration date and current remaining availability under the program is as follows:

	(In thousands)
July 2020 authorization	$	60,000
April 2021 authorization	250,000
Total active program repurchases prior to September 30, 2021	(57,528)
Current remaining availability as of September 30, 2021	$	252,472

See “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for additional

discussion of restrictions on share repurchases and payment of dividends.

64

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Item 6. Exhibits.

Exhibit No.	Description
2.1+	Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 17, 2021, by and among Sonic Automotive, Inc., RFJMS, Inc., RFJ Auto Partners, Inc. and The Resolute Fund III, L.P., as the equityholder representative (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 22, 2021 (File No. 001-13395)).
3.1	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated August 7, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (File No. 001-13395)).
3.2	Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Class A Convertible Preferred Stock, dated March 20, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 (File No. 001-13395)).
3.3	Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated June 16, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 (File No. 001-13395)).
3.4	Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated April 18, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 (File No. 001-13395)).
3.5	Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated May 3, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed June 8, 2021 (File No. 333-256891)).
3.6	Amended and Restated Bylaws of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated February 10, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 12, 2021 (File No. 001-13395)).
4.1	Indenture, dated as of October 27, 2021, by and among Sonic Automotive, Inc., the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 27, 2021 (File No. 001-13395))
4.2	Form of 4.625% Senior Note due 2029 (included in Exhibit 4.1). (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 27, 2021 (File No. 001-13395))
4.3	Indenture, dated as of October 27, 2021, by and among Sonic Automotive, Inc., the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 27, 2021 (File No. 001-13395))
4.4	Form of 4.875% Senior Note due 2031 (included in Exhibit 4.3). (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 27, 2021 (File No. 001-13395))
10.1	Amendment No. 1 to Fifth Amended, Restated and Consolidated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 8, 2021, among Sonic Automotive, Inc.; the subsidiaries of Sonic Automotive, Inc. named therein; each lender a party thereto; and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, revolving swing line lender, new vehicle swing line lender, used vehicle swing line lender and an l/c issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 13, 2021 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.2	Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 11, 2021, among Sonic Automotive, Inc.; each lender a party thereto; and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 13, 2021 (File No. 001-13395)).
31.1*	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1**	Certification of Principal Financial Officer 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 Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS*	Inline XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104*	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

_______________________________

*Filed herewith.

65

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

**Furnished herewith.

+ Schedules (or similar attachments) have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. Sonic agrees to furnish supplementally copies of any of the omitted schedules (or similar attachments) to the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Securities and Exchange Commission staff upon request.

66

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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.
October 28, 2021	By:	/s/ DAVID BRUTON SMITH
		David Bruton Smith
		Chief Executive Officer
October 28, 2021	By:	/s/ HEATH R. BYRD
		Heath R. Byrd
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

67

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Heath R. Byrd, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Sonic Automotive, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

October 28, 2021
By:	/s/ HEATH R. BYRD
	Heath R. Byrd
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, David Bruton Smith, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Sonic Automotive, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

October 28, 2021
By:	/s/ DAVID BRUTON SMITH
	David Bruton Smith
	Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Heath R. Byrd, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

1.The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ HEATH R. BYRD

Heath R. Byrd

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

October 28, 2021

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, David Bruton Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

1.The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ DAVID BRUTON SMITH

David Bruton Smith

Chief Executive Officer

October 28, 2021

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Jul. 26, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001043509
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2021
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	SAH
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
City Area Code	(704)
Entity Address, Address Line One	4401 Colwick Road
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	28211
Entity Tax Identification Number	56-2010790
Local Phone Number	566-2400
Entity File Number	1-13395
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Address, City or Town	Charlotte,
Entity Address, State or Province	NC
Document Quarterly Report	true
Class A Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,225,197
Class B common stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,029,375

XML

Details	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Document Transition Report	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 3,072,812,000	$ 2,548,545,000	$ 9,211,856,000	$ 6,968,487,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(2,600,793,000)	(2,171,978,000)	(7,828,136,000)	(5,933,959,000)
Gross profit	472,019,000	376,567,000	1,383,720,000	1,034,528,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(321,373,000)	(257,174,000)	(931,349,000)	(769,688,000)
Impairment charges	0	(26,000)	0	(268,859,000)
Depreciation and amortization	(25,239,000)	(22,934,000)	(73,687,000)	(67,879,000)
Operating income (loss)	125,407,000	96,433,000	378,684,000	(71,898,000)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan	(3,340,000)	(4,999,000)	(12,781,000)	(21,821,000)
Interest expense, other, net	(9,817,000)	(10,762,000)	(30,180,000)	(31,523,000)
Other income (expense), net	0	1,000	100,000	100,000
Total other income (expense)	(13,157,000)	(15,760,000)	(42,861,000)	(53,244,000)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	112,250,000	80,673,000	335,823,000	(125,142,000)
Provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense)	(27,559,000)	(20,685,000)	(83,452,000)	16,995,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations	84,691,000	59,988,000	252,371,000	(108,147,000)
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes	(275,000)	(234,000)	241,000	(808,000)
Provision for income taxes for discontinued operations - benefit (expense)	69,000	64,000	(60,000)	231,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(206,000)	(170,000)	181,000	(577,000)
Net income (loss)	$ 84,485,000	$ 59,818,000	$ 252,552,000	$ (108,724,000)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations (usd per share)	$ 2.04	$ 1.41	$ 6.07	$ (2.53)
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations (usd per share)	(0.01)	0	0.01	(0.02)
Earnings (loss) per common share (usd per share)	$ 2.03	$ 1.41	$ 6.08	$ (2.55)
Weighted average common shares outstanding	41,561	42,510	41,561	42,687
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations (usd per share)	$ 1.96	$ 1.35	$ 5.81	$ (2.53)
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations (usd per share)	(0.01)	(0.01)	0.01	(0.02)
Earnings (loss) per common share (usd per share)	$ 1.95	$ 1.34	$ 5.82	$ (2.55)
Weighted average common shares outstanding	43,285	44,577	43,416	42,687
Total vehicles
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 2,553,501,000	$ 2,100,832,000	$ 7,689,120,000	$ 5,700,972,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(2,417,080,000)	(2,007,575,000)	(7,293,811,000)	(5,457,995,000)
New vehicles
Revenues:
Revenues	1,146,922,000	1,098,302,000	3,766,133,000	2,957,794,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(1,031,476,000)	(1,035,624,000)	(3,462,795,000)	(2,804,314,000)
Used vehicles
Revenues:
Revenues	1,309,492,000	946,028,000	3,666,286,000	2,604,957,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(1,289,772,000)	(917,993,000)	(3,580,944,000)	(2,517,421,000)
Wholesale vehicles
Revenues:
Revenues	97,087,000	56,502,000	256,701,000	138,221,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(95,832,000)	(53,958,000)	(250,072,000)	(136,260,000)
Parts, service and collision repair
Revenues:
Revenues	355,227,000	320,929,000	1,036,736,000	914,667,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(183,713,000)	(164,403,000)	(534,325,000)	(475,964,000)
Finance, insurance and other, net
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 164,084,000	$ 126,784,000	$ 486,000,000	$ 352,848,000

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 84,485	$ 59,818	$ 252,552	$ (108,724)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements	297	296	1,178	1,076
Amortization of terminated interest rate swap agreements	0	(280)	0	(1,912)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes	297	16	1,178	(836)
Provision for income tax benefit (expense) related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)	(78)	9	(369)	334
Other comprehensive income (loss)	219	25	809	(502)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 84,704	$ 59,843	$ 253,361	$ (109,226)

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 220,082	$ 170,313
Receivables, net	278,008	371,666
Inventories	850,469	1,247,254
Other current assets	123,404	93,334
Total current assets	1,471,963	1,882,567
Property and Equipment, net	1,232,236	1,120,526
Goodwill	237,575	213,977
Other Intangible Assets, net	77,500	64,300
Right-of-use asset	313,425	330,322
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	84,267	60,121
Other Assets	88,997	74,180
Total Assets	3,505,963	3,745,993
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	28,605	585,225
Notes payable - floor plan - non-trade	867,152	739,019
Trade accounts payable	105,181	105,098
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	39,684	42,339
Finance Lease, Liability, Current	35,684	3,515
Accrued interest	3,431	8,496
Other accrued liabilities	295,282	279,477
Current maturities of long-term debt	53,383	68,244
Total current liabilities	1,428,402	1,831,413
Long-Term Debt	637,774	651,823
Other Long-Term Liabilities	96,420	88,753
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	278,315	296,564
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	59,303	62,290
Deferred Income Taxes	0	345
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
Class A convertible preferred stock, none issued	0	0
Paid-in capital	786,258	767,599
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	960,238	721,770
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,807)	(3,616)
Treasury stock, at cost; 33,476,159 Class A common stock shares held at September 30, 2018 and 32,290,493 Class A common stock shares held at December 31, 2017	(738,726)	(671,725)
Total Stockholders' Equity	1,005,749	814,805
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	3,505,963	3,745,993
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, value	665	656
Class B common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, value	$ 121	$ 121

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Convertible preferred stock issued	0	0
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	66,493,317	65,607,628
Common stock, shares outstanding	29,225,197	29,797,727
Treasury stock, shares	37,268,120	35,809,901
Class B common stock
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	12,029,375

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Class A Common Stock	Class A Common Stock Common Stock	Class A Common Stock Treasury Stock	Class A Common Stock Retained Earnings	Class B Common Stock	Class B Common Stock Common Stock	Class B Common Stock Retained Earnings
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 944,764	$ 755,904	$ 790,158	$ (2,062)		$ 647	$ (600,004)			$ 121
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2019						64,734	33,629			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan	0	(9)				$ 9
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan (shares)						874
Purchase of treasury stock	(57,093)						$ (57,093)
Purchases of treasury stock (shares)							(1,793)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $1,563	(502)			(502)
Restricted stock amortization		8,551
Net income (loss)	(108,724)		(108,724)
Dividends, Common Stock					$ 9,285			$ 9,285	$ 3,609		$ 3,609
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2020	774,102	764,446	668,540	(2,564)		$ 656	$ (657,097)			$ 121
Ending balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 2020						65,608	35,422			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Dividends declared per common share (usd per share)					$ 0.3				$ 0.3
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements	334
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2020	744,702	761,293	613,033	(2,589)		$ 656	$ (627,812)			$ 121
Beginning balance (shares) at Jun. 30, 2020						65,604	34,638			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan	(1)	(1)				$ 0
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan (shares)						4
Purchase of treasury stock	(29,285)						$ (29,285)
Purchases of treasury stock (shares)							(784)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $1,563	25			25
Restricted stock amortization	3,154	3,154
Net income (loss)	59,818		59,818
Dividends, Common Stock					$ 3,108			3,108	$ 1,203		1,203
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2020	774,102	764,446	668,540	(2,564)		$ 656	$ (657,097)			$ 121
Ending balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 2020						65,608	35,422			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Dividends declared per common share (usd per share)					$ 0.1				$ 0.1
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements	9
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	721,770
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020	814,805	767,599	721,770	(3,616)		$ 656	$ (671,725)			$ 121
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2020						65,608	35,810			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan	7,514	7,505				$ 9
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan (shares)						885
Purchase of treasury stock	(67,001)						$ (67,001)
Purchases of treasury stock (shares)							(1,458)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $1,563	809			809
Restricted stock amortization		11,154
Net income (loss)	252,552		252,552
Dividends, Common Stock					$ 9,977			9,977	$ 4,107		4,107
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2021	1,005,749	786,258	960,238	(2,807)		$ 665	$ (738,726)			$ 121
Ending balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 2021						66,493	37,268			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Dividends declared per common share (usd per share)					$ 0.34				$ 0.34
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition		11,154
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements	369
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2021	946,354	781,829	880,704	(3,026)		$ 664	$ (713,938)			$ 121
Beginning balance (shares) at Jun. 30, 2021						66,449	36,768			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan	750	749				$ 1
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan (shares)						44
Purchase of treasury stock	(24,788)						$ (24,788)
Purchases of treasury stock (shares)							(500)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $1,563	219			219
Restricted stock amortization	3,680
Net income (loss)	84,485		84,485
Dividends, Common Stock					$ 3,507			$ 3,507	$ 1,444		$ 1,444
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2021	1,005,749	786,258	$ 960,238	$ (2,807)		$ 665	$ (738,726)			$ 121
Ending balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 2021						66,493	37,268			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Dividends declared per common share (usd per share)					$ 0.12				$ 0.12
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition		$ 3,680
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements	78
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	$ 960,238

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements	$ 78	$ 9	$ 369	$ 334

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)	$ 252,552	$ (108,724)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	69,069	65,474
Debt issuance cost amortization	2,343	2,016
Stock-based compensation expense	11,154	8,551
Deferred income taxes	(8,928)	(62,950)
Asset impairment charges	0	268,859
Other	(1,246)	(515)
Changes in assets and liabilities that relate to operations:
Receivables	93,255	145,280
Inventories	419,842	374,651
Other assets	(2,683)	(21,485)
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	(556,620)	(317,745)
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities	(12,354)	(80,416)
Total adjustments	13,832	381,720
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	266,384	272,996
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(66,138)	0
Purchases of land, property and equipment	(181,516)	(92,056)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	6,195	21,488
Proceeds from sales of dealerships	3,872	8,806
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(237,587)	(61,762)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (repayments) borrowings on notes payable - floor plan - non-trade	(128,133)	(49,245)
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	4,906	460,916
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	(4,906)	(460,916)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	16,500	53,135
Debt issuance costs	4,775	(2,115)
Principal payments and repurchase of long-term debt	(42,975)	(26,328)
Purchases of treasury stock	(67,001)	(57,093)
Finance Lease, Principal Payments	3,109	20,058
Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans	7,514	0
Dividends paid	(13,315)	(12,894)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	20,972	(114,598)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	49,769	96,636
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR	170,313	29,103
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	220,082	125,739
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest, including amount capitalized	46,025	56,912
Income taxes	$ 85,773	$ 51,455

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements	$ 369	$ 334

XML

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

2. Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

We acquired three businesses to be included in our EchoPark segment and two franchised dealership locations during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 for an aggregate gross purchase price (including inventory acquired and subsequently funded by floor plan notes payable) of approximately $66.1 million. The acquisitions purchase price for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 acquired inventory of $26.4 million, property and equipment of $1.7 million, franchise assets of $13.2 million and goodwill of $24.8 million. We did not acquire any businesses during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

We disposed of one luxury franchised dealership during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 that generated net cash of approximately $3.9 million. We disposed of one mid-line import franchised dealership and terminated one luxury franchised dealership during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 that generated net cash of approximately $8.8 million.

XML

Inventories

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

Inventories Inventories consist of the following:

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(In thousands)
New vehicles	$	135,659	$	648,448
Used vehicles	547,145		413,209
Service loaners	105,404		128,531
Parts, accessories and other	62,261		57,066
Net inventories	$	850,469	$	1,247,254

XML

Property and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Capital expenditures in all periods were primarily related to real estate acquisitions, construction of new franchised dealerships and EchoPark stores, building improvements and equipment purchased for use in our franchised dealerships and EchoPark stores. Assets held for sale as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consists of real property not currently used in operations that we expect to dispose of in the next 12 months.

XML

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of goodwill was approximately $237.6 million and $214.0 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The carrying amount of goodwill for our franchised dealership reporting unit was approximately $158.1 million and $147.3 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The carrying amount of goodwill for our EchoPark reporting unit was approximately $79.5 million and $66.7 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The total carrying amount of goodwill is net of accumulated impairment losses of approximately $1.1 billion as of both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The carrying amount of indefinite lived franchise assets was approximately $77.5 million and $64.3 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Pursuant to the applicable accounting pronouncements, we were required to evaluate the recoverability of our long-lived assets at the end of the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and market value. Based on this evaluation, we determined the carrying value of our franchised dealership reporting unit goodwill was greater than the fair value of the reporting unit. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $268.0 million and a corresponding income tax benefit of $55.8 million to reduce the carrying value to fair value as of March 31, 2020. We did not record any impairment charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

XML

Long-Term Debt

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

2016 Credit Facilities [Text Block]

2021 Credit Facilities

On April 14, 2021, we entered into an amended and restated syndicated revolving credit facility (the “2021 Revolving Credit Facility”) and amended and restated syndicated new and used vehicle floor plan credit facilities (the “2021 Floor Plan Facilities” and, together with the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility, the “2021 Credit Facilities”). The amendment and restatement of the 2021 Credit Facilities extended the scheduled maturity dates to April 14, 2025. On October 8, 2021, we entered into an amendment to the 2021 Credit Facilities (the “Credit Facility Amendment”) to, among other things: (1) increase the aggregate commitments under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility to the lesser of $350.0 million (which may be increased at the Company’s option up to $400.0 million upon satisfaction of certain conditions) and the applicable revolving borrowing base, and the 2021 Floor Plan Facilities to $2.6 billion (which, under certain conditions, may be increased at the Company’s option up to $2.85 billion that may be allocated between the 2021 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility and the 2021 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility as the Company requests); and (2) permit the issuance of the 2021 Notes.

As amended, availability under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility is calculated as the lesser of $350.0 million or a borrowing base calculated based on certain eligible assets, less the aggregate face amount of any outstanding letters of credit under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility (the “2021 Revolving Borrowing Base”). The 2021 Revolving Credit Facility may be increased at our option up to $400.0 million upon satisfaction of certain conditions. As of September 30, 2021, the 2021 Revolving Borrowing Base was approximately $236.3 million based on balances as of such date. As of September 30, 2021, we had no outstanding borrowings and approximately $12.3 million in outstanding letters of credit under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility, resulting in $224.0 million remaining borrowing availability under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility.

The 2021 Floor Plan Facilities are composed of a new vehicle revolving floor plan facility (as amended, the “2021 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”) and a used vehicle revolving floor plan facility (as amended, the “2021 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”), in a combined amount of up to $2.6 billion. We may, under certain conditions, request an increase in the 2021 Floor Plan Facilities to a maximum borrowing limit of up to $2.85 billion, which shall be allocated between the 2021 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility and the 2021 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility as we request, with no more than 40% of the aggregate commitments allocated to the commitments under the 2021 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility.

Our obligations under the 2021 Credit Facilities are guaranteed by us and certain of our subsidiaries and are secured by a pledge of substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ assets. As of the dates presented in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, the amounts outstanding under the 2021 Credit Facilities bear interest at variable rates based on specified percentages above LIBOR. We have agreed under the 2021 Credit Facilities not to pledge any assets to any third parties (other than those explicitly allowed to be pledged by the amended terms of the 2021 Credit Facilities), including other lenders, subject to certain stated exceptions, including floor plan financing arrangements. In addition, the 2021 Credit Facilities contain certain negative 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. Specifically, the 2021 Credit Facilities permit quarterly cash dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock up to $0.12 per share so long as no Event of Default (as defined in the 2021 Credit Facilities) has occurred and is continuing and provided that we remain in compliance with all financial covenants under the 2021 Credit Facilities.

6.125 Note Text Block [Text Block]

6.125% Notes

On March 10, 2017, we issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior subordinated 6.125% Notes due 2027 (the “6.125% Notes”). The 6.125% Notes were guaranteed by all of our domestic operating subsidiaries. On October 28, 2021, we redeemed the 6.125% Notes. The redemption price of the 6.125% Notes was $263.2 million plus accrued interest. Accordingly, we expect the pre-tax loss on the redemption of the 6.125% Notes to be approximately $13.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2021.

For further discussion of the 6.125% Notes, see Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

2019 Mortgage Facility Text Block [Text Block]

2019 Mortgage Facility

On November 22, 2019, we entered into a delayed draw-term loan credit agreement which is scheduled to mature on November 22, 2024 (the “2019 Mortgage Facility”). On October 11, 2021, we entered into an amendment to the 2019 Mortgage Facility to permit the issuance of the 2021 Notes.

Under the 2019 Mortgage Facility, Sonic has a maximum borrowing limit of $112.2 million, which varies based on the appraised value of the collateral underlying the 2019 Mortgage Facility. The amount available for borrowing under the 2019 Mortgage Facility is subject to compliance with a borrowing base. The borrowing base is calculated based on 75% of the appraised value of certain eligible real estate designated by Sonic and owned by certain of our subsidiaries. Based on balances as of September 30, 2021, we had approximately $92.7 million of outstanding borrowings under the 2019 Mortgage Facility, resulting in total remaining borrowing availability of approximately $19.5 million under the 2019 Mortgage Facility.

Amounts outstanding under the 2019 Mortgage Facility bear interest at (1) a specified rate above LIBOR (as defined in the 2019 Mortgage Facility), ranging from 1.50% to 2.75% per annum according to a performance-based pricing grid determined by the Company’s Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2019 Mortgage Facility) as of the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter (the “Performance Grid”); or (2) a specified rate above the Base Rate (as defined in the 2019 Mortgage Facility), ranging from 0.50% to 1.75% per annum according to the Performance Grid.

For further discussion of the 2019 Mortgage Facility, see Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Mortgage Notes Text Block [Text Block]

Mortgage Notes to Finance Companies

As of September 30, 2021, the weighted-average interest rate of our other outstanding mortgage notes (excluding the 2019 Mortgage Facility) was 3.47% and the total outstanding mortgage principal balance of these notes (excluding the 2019 Mortgage Facility) was approximately $358.7 million. These mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest through their respective maturities, are secured by the underlying properties and contain certain cross-default provisions. Maturity dates for these mortgage notes range between 2021 and 2033.

2020 Line of Credit Text Block [Text Block]

2020 Line of Credit Facility

On June 23, 2020, we entered into a line of credit agreement with Ally Bank (the “2020 Line of Credit Facility”) which was scheduled to mature on June 22, 2021. On June 21, 2021, we extended the maturity date of the 2020 Line of Credit Facility to June 19, 2022. On October 1, 2021, Sonic terminated the 2020 Line of Credit Facility.

XML

Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity	Earnings Per Share – The calculation of diluted earnings per share considers the potential dilutive effect of restricted stock units, restricted stock awards and stock options granted under Sonic’s stock compensation plans (and any non-forfeitable dividends paid on such awards) To the extent that we report a net loss in any period presented, basic and diluted loss per share are the same as there is no dilutive effect of outstanding stock awards in a net loss position.

XML

Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Legal and Other Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, Sonic is involved, and expects to continue to be involved, in various 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. When we believe that a loss is probable and reasonably estimable, we make an accrual for our estimated probable losses. Such reserves are presently immaterial, both individually and in the aggregate. Other than as reflected in our recognized reserves, Sonic is currently unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss, or a range of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, for pending proceedings.

Guarantees and Indemnification Obligations

In accordance with the terms of our operating lease agreements, our dealership subsidiaries, acting as lessees, generally agree to indemnify the lessor from certain exposure arising as a result of the use of the leased premises, including environmental exposure and repairs to leased property upon termination of the lease. In addition, we have generally agreed to indemnify the lessor in the event of a breach of the lease by the lessee.

In connection with dealership dispositions and facility relocations, certain of our subsidiaries have assigned or sublet to the buyer their interests in real property leases associated with such dealerships or facilities. In general, the subsidiaries retain responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases, including rent payments and repairs to leased property upon termination of the lease, to the extent that the assignee or the sublessee does not perform. In the event an assignee or a sublessee does not perform its obligations, Sonic remains liable for such obligations.

In accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of our dealerships, we generally agree to indemnify the buyer from certain liabilities 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 agreements. While our exposure with respect to environmental remediation and repairs is difficult to quantify, our maximum exposure associated with these general indemnifications was approximately $4.0 million and $25.0 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. These indemnifications typically expire within a period of one to three years following the date of sale. The estimated fair value of these indemnifications was not material and the amount recorded for this contingency was not significant at September 30, 2021.

We also guarantee the floor plan commitments of our 50%-owned joint venture, the amount of which was approximately $4.3 million at both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

XML

Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

8. Fair Value Measurements

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows:

	Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)	$	38,805	$	35,739
Total assets	$	38,805	$	35,739
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan (2)	$	24,068	$	20,685
Total liabilities	$	24,068	$	20,685

(1)Included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(2)Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

There were no instances during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 which required a fair value measurement of assets ordinarily measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets will be evaluated as of the annual valuation assessment date of October 1, 2021 or as events or changes in circumstances require.

As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair values of Sonic’s financial instruments, including receivables, notes receivable from finance contracts, notes payable – floor plan, trade accounts payable, borrowings under the revolving credit facilities and certain mortgage notes, approximated their carrying values due either to length of maturity or existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates.

As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s significant fixed rate long-term debt were as follows:

	September 30, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	(In thousands)
6.125% Notes (1)	$	260,625	$	250,000	$	263,438	$	250,000

(1)As determined by market quotations from similar securities as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively (Level 2).

For further discussion of Sonic’s fair value measurements, see Note 11, “Fair Value Measurements,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

XML

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)For further discussion of Sonic’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), see Note 13, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. For further discussion of Sonic’s defined benefit pension plan, see Note 10, “Employee Benefit Plans,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

XML

Segment Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

9. Segment Information

As of September 30, 2021, Sonic had two operating segments: (1) retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles and buy and sell used vehicles, sell replacement parts, perform vehicle maintenance, warranty and repair services, and arrange finance and insurance products (the “Franchised Dealerships Segment”); and (2) pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations that provide guests an opportunity to search our nationwide inventory, purchase a vehicle, select finance and insurance products and sell their current vehicle to us (the “EchoPark Segment”). Sonic has determined that its operating segments also represent its reportable segments.

The reportable segments identified above are the business activities of Sonic for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by Sonic’s chief operating decision maker to assess operating performance and allocate resources. Sonic’s chief operating decision maker is a group of three individuals consisting of: (1) the Company’s Chief Executive Officer; (2) the Company’s President; and (3) the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.

Reportable segment financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Segment Revenues:
Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues:
New vehicles	$	1,143,416	$	1,098,302	$	3,761,718	$	2,957,794
Used vehicles	750,263		615,565		2,173,322		1,718,151
Wholesale vehicles	64,052		48,526		183,212		119,474
Parts, service and collision repair	339,930		310,035		994,125		886,534
Finance, insurance and other, net	111,808		91,035		333,394		254,465
Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues	$	2,409,469	$	2,163,463	$	7,445,771	$	5,936,418
EchoPark Segment revenues:
New vehicles	$	3,506	$	—	$	4,415	$	—
Used vehicles	559,229		330,463		1,492,964		886,806
Wholesale vehicles	33,035		7,976		73,489		18,747
Parts, service and collision repair	15,297		10,894		42,611		28,133
Finance, insurance and other, net	52,276		35,749		152,606		98,383
EchoPark Segment revenues	$	663,343	$	385,082	$	1,766,085	$	1,032,069
Total consolidated revenues	$	3,072,812	$	2,548,545	$	9,211,856	$	6,968,487

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Segment Income (Loss) (1):
Franchised Dealerships Segment (2)	$	145,137	$	80,460	$	381,094	$	138,805
EchoPark Segment	(32,887)		239		(45,271)		4,912
Total segment income (loss)	$	112,250	$	80,699	$	335,823	$	143,717
Impairment charges (3)	—		(26)		—		(268,859)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$	112,250	$	80,673	$	335,823	$	(125,142)

(1)Segment income (loss) for each segment is defined as income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and impairment charges.

(2)For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the above amount includes a pre-tax gain on the disposal of a franchised dealership of approximately $3.2 million.

(3)For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the above amount includes a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $268.0 million related to adjustments in fair value of goodwill for the Franchised Dealerships Segment as a result of the economic disruptions due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19 which had adversely affected our

business, as well as a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $0.9 million related to the abandonment of certain construction projects.

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Impairment Charges:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	—	$	26	$	—	$	268,859
EchoPark Segment	—		—		—		—
Total impairment charges	$	—	$	26	$	—	$	268,859

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Depreciation and Amortization:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	21,266	$	20,170	$	62,258	$	59,654
EchoPark Segment	3,973		2,764		11,429		8,225
Total depreciation and amortization	$	25,239	$	22,934	$	73,687	$	67,879

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Floor Plan Interest Expense:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	1,973	$	4,234	$	9,243	$	19,517
EchoPark Segment	1,367		765		3,538		2,304
Total floor plan interest expense	$	3,340	$	4,999	$	12,781	$	21,821

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Interest Expense, Other, Net:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	9,477	$	10,615	$	29,158	$	30,771
EchoPark Segment	340		147		1,022		752
Total interest expense, other, net	$	9,817	$	10,762	$	30,180	$	31,523

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Capital Expenditures:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	53,774	$	18,237	$	122,022	$	70,875
EchoPark Segment	22,693		12,085		59,494		21,181
Total capital expenditures	$	76,467	$	30,322	$	181,516	$	92,056

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Franchised Dealerships Segment assets	$	2,638,803	$	3,096,811
EchoPark Segment assets	647,075		478,869
Corporate and other:
Cash and cash equivalents	220,082		170,313
Other corporate assets	3		—
Total assets	$	3,505,963	$	3,745,993

XML

Business Combinations

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

2. Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

We acquired three businesses to be included in our EchoPark segment and two franchised dealership locations during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 for an aggregate gross purchase price (including inventory acquired and subsequently funded by floor plan notes payable) of approximately $66.1 million. The acquisitions purchase price for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 acquired inventory of $26.4 million, property and equipment of $1.7 million, franchise assets of $13.2 million and goodwill of $24.8 million. We did not acquire any businesses during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

We disposed of one luxury franchised dealership during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 that generated net cash of approximately $3.9 million. We disposed of one mid-line import franchised dealership and terminated one luxury franchised dealership during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 that generated net cash of approximately $8.8 million.

XML

Subsequent Events

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

10. Subsequent Events

On October 8, 2021, we entered into the 2021 Credit Facility Amendment which, among other things: (1) increased the aggregate commitments under the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility and the 2021 Floor Plan Facilities and (2) permitted the issuance of the 2021 Notes. On October 1, 2021, Sonic terminated the 2020 Line of Credit Facility. There were no outstanding borrowings under the 2021 Line of Credit Facility as of September 30, 2021 or at the time of termination. For more information, see Note 6, “Long-Term Debt.”

On October 13, 2021, Sonic issued a notice to redeem the entire $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 6.125% Notes, which occurred on October 28, 2021.

On October 27, 2021, Sonic issued $1.15 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes, consisting of $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “4.625% Notes”) and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “4.875% Notes,” and, together with the 2029 Notes, the “2021 Notes”). The 2021 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by all of the Company’s domestic operating subsidiaries. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the 2021 Notes, together with additional borrowings to (1) fund, if consummated, the Acquisition, (2) pay the redemption price for the 6.125% Notes, (3) pay fees and expenses in connection with the Acquisition and the offering of the 2021 Notes and (4) for general corporate purposes, which may include the acquisition and development of dealerships and related real property and the repayment of outstanding indebtedness.

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) - USD ($)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Sep. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Sonic Automotive, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“Sonic,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all material normal, recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation – All of our dealership and non-dealership subsidiaries are wholly owned and consolidated in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, except for one 50%-owned dealership that is accounted for under the equity method. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Revenue from Contract with Customers

Revenue Recognition – Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” applies a five-step model that includes: (1) identifying the contract(s) with the customer; (2) identifying the performance obligation(s) in the contract(s); (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligation(s) in the contract(s); and (5) recognizing revenue as the performance obligation(s) are satisfied. The standard also requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. We do not include the cost of obtaining contracts within the related revenue streams since we elected the practical expedient to expense the costs to obtain a contract when incurred.

Management has evaluated our established business processes, revenue transaction streams and accounting policies, and identified our material revenue streams to be: (1) the sale of new vehicles; (2) the sale of used vehicles to retail customers; (3) the sale of wholesale used vehicles at third-party auctions; (4) the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service, warranty and other insurance contracts; and (5) the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services and the sale of related parts and accessories. Generally, performance conditions are satisfied when the associated vehicle is either delivered or returned to a customer and customer acceptance has occurred, or over time as the maintenance and repair services are performed. We do not have any revenue streams with significant financing components as payments are typically received within a short period of time following completion of the performance obligation(s).

Retrospective finance and insurance revenues (“F&I retro revenues”) are recognized when the product contract has been executed with the end customer and the transaction price is estimated each reporting period based on the expected value method using historical and projected data. F&I retro revenues can vary based on a variety of factors, including number of contracts and history of cancellations and claims. Accordingly, we utilize this historical and projected data to constrain the consideration to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.

We record revenue when vehicles are delivered to customers, when vehicle service work is performed and when parts are delivered. Conditions for completing a sale include having an agreement with the customer, including pricing, and it being probable that the proceeds from the sale will be collected.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 include approximately $27.5 million and $21.7 million, respectively, related to contract assets from F&I retro revenues recognition. Changes in contract assets from December 31, 2020 to September 30, 2021 were primarily due to ordinary business activity, including the receipt of cash for amounts earned and recognized in prior periods. Please refer to Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for further discussion of our revenue recognition policies and processes.

Income Tax Expense

Income Taxes – The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 24.6% and 24.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and 25.6% and 13.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. Income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 includes a $55.8 million benefit, including the effect of non-deductible amounts, related to the $268.0 million goodwill impairment charge related to adjustments in fair value of goodwill for the Franchised Dealerships Segment (as defined below). Sonic’s effective tax rate varies from year to year based on the level of taxable income, the distribution of taxable income between states in which the Company operates and other tax adjustments.

Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity

Earnings Per Share – The calculation of diluted earnings per share considers the potential dilutive effect of restricted stock units, restricted stock awards and stock options granted under Sonic’s stock compensation plans (and any non-forfeitable dividends paid on such awards) To the extent that we report a net loss in any period presented, basic and diluted loss per share are the same as there is no dilutive effect of outstanding stock awards in a net loss position.

Pending Acquisition [Text Block]

Pending Acquisition – On September 17, 2021, Sonic entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with RFJMS, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Sonic (“Merger Sub”), RFJ Auto Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“RFJ Auto”), and The Resolute Fund III, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, solely in its capacity as the representative of RFJ Auto’s equityholders, pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into RFJ Auto (the “Acquisition”), with RFJ Auto surviving the merger and becoming a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Sonic. RFJ Auto is an automotive dealership platform based in Dallas, Texas. The Acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and other customary adjustments set forth in the Merger Agreement, the purchase price payable by Sonic pursuant to the Merger Agreement is expected to be approximately $964.9 million comprising (1) approximately $576.1 million for the goodwill and other intangible assets and real estate assets of RFJ Auto and each of its subsidiaries, plus (2) approximately $136.5 million for property and equipment including real estate assets, plus (3) approximately $271.5 million for new and used vehicle inventories, plus (4) approximately $67.0 million for accounts receivable, minus (5) approximately $86.2 million related to liabilities assumed net of other miscellaneous assets. The value, and therefore the resulting purchase price, of RFJ Auto’s parts and accessories inventory, supplies, repair work-in-process and new and used vehicle inventories and other assets acquired or liabilities assumed by Sonic are all subject to change based on natural fluctuations in the business of RFJ Auto prior to the closing of the Acquisition and the foregoing amounts are management’s estimate based on currently available information. The Acquisition will be funded with the proceeds of the Company’s offering of the 2021 Notes (as defined below) (See Note 10, “Subsequent Events”) and borrowings on our floor plan credit facilities.

Other Payments to Acquire Businesses

$ 964.9

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Unusual Risks and Uncertainties

COVID-19 – The COVID-19 pandemic began negatively impacting the global economy in the first quarter of 2020. The impact on the economy affected both consumer demand and supply of manufactured goods as many countries around the world and states and municipalities in the United States (the “U.S.”) mandated restrictions on citizen movements (i.e., shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders) or on in-person retail trade or manufacturing activities at physical locations. As a result, many businesses curtailed operations and furloughed or terminated employees. In the U.S., the federal government passed several relief measures, including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, in an attempt to provide short-term relief to families and businesses as a result of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This broader economic backdrop resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic had a direct impact on our business and operations beginning in March 2020 and continuing through the date of this report. As a result of the pandemic and related shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders, we transitioned many of our teammates to remote work arrangements. In situations where a teammate’s role did not permit remote work (e.g., service repair technicians), we implemented staggered work hours, social distancing and other safety measures to promote the health and safety of our teammates and guests. As a result of the systems and infrastructure we had in place prior to the pandemic, we were largely able to maintain our back-office operations and financial reporting and internal control processes with minimal disruption or changes in the effectiveness of such operations and processes.

All of our store operations were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to varying degrees. During parts of the first half of 2020, the majority of our stores were not permitted to conduct retail sales of new and used vehicles at our physical locations. Those locations could offer virtual sales transactions with “contactless” delivery to customers but experienced lower consumer demand as a result of the initial onset of the pandemic and state and local governmental restrictions on business and consumer activities. Due to the critical nature of automotive repair, our fixed operations were deemed “essential” by governmental agencies and have largely been able to continue to conduct business so far, while adjusting operations to comply with state and

local standards for safety and social distancing to promote the health and safety of our teammates and guests. As of September 30, 2021, most of such restrictions had been relaxed; however, our stores remain subject to both external and self-imposed health and safety policies and practices that may affect the way we sell vehicles and interact with our guests in the future. These restrictions may be tightened again if conditions relating to the pandemic worsen as a result of variants.

The automotive supply chain has been disrupted during the pandemic, primarily related to the production of semiconductors that are used in many components of modern automobiles. As a result, automobile manufacturing is operating at lower than expected production levels, reducing the amount of new vehicle and certain parts inventory available to our dealerships. These inventory constraints, coupled with strong consumer demand, have led to a low new vehicle inventory and a high vehicle pricing environment. While we believe that inventory levels should improve in the first half of 2022, there is a risk that new vehicle and certain parts inventory levels remain at a low level or worsen, which could adversely impact our revenues and other financial results.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential accounting impact associated with transitioning away from reference rates that are expected to be discontinued, such as the London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). The amendments in this ASU apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The amendments in ASU 2020-04 could be adopted beginning January 1, 2020 and are effective through December 31, 2022. We do not currently have any contracts that have been modified, amended or renegotiated to accommodate a transition to a new reference rate, but we will continue to evaluate any such modifications or amendments to our contracts to determine the applicability of this standard on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related financial statement disclosures.

XML

Inventories (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(In thousands)
New vehicles	$	135,659	$	648,448
Used vehicles	547,145		413,209
Service loaners	105,404		128,531
Parts, accessories and other	62,261		57,066
Net inventories	$	850,469	$	1,247,254

XML

Property and Equipment (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Components of Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net consists of the following:

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(In thousands)
Land	$	393,920	$	375,297
Building and improvements	1,109,311		1,028,016
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	415,999		365,222
Construction in progress	56,548		34,767
Total, at cost	1,975,778		1,803,302
Less accumulated depreciation	(737,250)		(673,082)
Subtotal	1,238,528		1,130,220
Less assets held for sale (1)	(6,292)		(9,694)
Property and equipment, net	$	1,232,236	$	1,120,526

(1)Classified in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

XML

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(In thousands)
2021 Revolving Credit Facility (1)	$	—	$	—
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027	250,000		250,000
2019 Mortgage Facility (2)	92,724		100,906
Mortgage notes to finance companies - fixed rate, bearing interest from 2.05% to 7.03%	217,504		212,135
Mortgage notes to finance companies - variable rate, bearing interest at 1.50 to 2.90 percentage points above one-month or three-month LIBOR	141,225		164,889
Subtotal	$	701,453	$	727,930
Debt issuance costs	(10,296)		(7,863)
Total debt	691,157		720,067
Less current maturities	(53,383)		(68,244)
Long-term debt	$	637,774	$	651,823

(1)The interest rate on the 2021 Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) was 100 and 150 basis points above LIBOR at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

(2)The interest rate on the 2019 Mortgage Facility (as defined below) was 150 basis points above LIBOR at both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

Financial Covenants Include Required Specified Ratios

Covenants

We have agreed under the 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility not to pledge any assets to any third parties (other than those explicitly allowed to be pledged by the amended terms of the 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility), including other lenders, subject to certain stated exceptions, including floor plan financing arrangements. In addition, the 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility contain certain negative covenants, including certain covenants which could restrict or prohibit indebtedness, liens, the payment of dividends and other restricted payments, capital expenditures and material dispositions and acquisitions of assets, as well as other customary covenants and default provisions.

We were in compliance with the financial covenants under the 2021 Credit Facilities, the 2019 Mortgage Facility and the 2020 Line of Credit Facility as of September 30, 2021. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility) of:

	Covenant
	Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio	Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio
Required ratio	1.05	1.20	5.75
September 30, 2021 actual	1.19	2.58	1.28

The 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility contain events of default, including cross defaults to other material indebtedness, change of control events and other events of default customary for syndicated commercial credit facilities. Upon the future occurrence of an event of default, we could be required to immediately repay all outstanding amounts under the 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility.

After giving effect to the applicable restrictions on the payment of dividends under our debt agreements, as of September 30, 2021, we had approximately $368.2 million of net income and retained earnings free of such restrictions. We were in compliance with all restrictive covenants under our debt agreements as of September 30, 2021.

In addition, many of our facility leases are governed by a guarantee agreement between the landlord and us that contains financial and operating covenants. The financial covenants under the guarantee agreement are identical to those under the 2021 Credit Facilities and the 2019 Mortgage Facility with the exception of one additional financial covenant related to the ratio of EBTDAR to Rent (as defined in the guarantee agreement) with a required ratio of no less than 1.50 to 1.00. As of September 30, 2021, the ratio was 10.75 to 1.00.

XML

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows:

	Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)	$	38,805	$	35,739
Total assets	$	38,805	$	35,739
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan (2)	$	24,068	$	20,685
Total liabilities	$	24,068	$	20,685

(1)Included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(2)Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value and Carrying Value of Significant Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt

As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s significant fixed rate long-term debt were as follows:

	September 30, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	(In thousands)
6.125% Notes (1)	$	260,625	$	250,000	$	263,438	$	250,000

(1)As determined by market quotations from similar securities as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively (Level 2).

XML

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	For further discussion of Sonic’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), see Note 13, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. For further discussion of Sonic’s defined benefit pension plan, see Note 10, “Employee Benefit Plans,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

XML

Leases, Codification Topic 842 (Tables) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Lease, Cost [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Principal Payments	$ 3,109	$ 20,058
Leases [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	84,267		$ 60,121
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	39,684		42,339
Finance Lease, Liability, Current	35,684		3,515
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	278,315		296,564
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	$ 59,303		$ 62,290

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cumulative Effect of Adjustments for Adoption of ASC 606 (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 3,072,812,000	$ 2,548,545,000	$ 9,211,856,000	$ 6,968,487,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(2,600,793,000)	(2,171,978,000)	(7,828,136,000)	(5,933,959,000)
Operating income (loss)	125,407,000	96,433,000	378,684,000	(71,898,000)
Assets:
Receivables, net	278,008,000		278,008,000		$ 371,666,000
Liabilities:
Other accrued liabilities	295,282,000		295,282,000		279,477,000
Deferred income taxes	0		0		345,000
Stockholders' Equity:
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	960,238,000		960,238,000		721,770,000
Parts, service and collision repair
Revenues:
Revenues	355,227,000	320,929,000	1,036,736,000	914,667,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(183,713,000)	(164,403,000)	(534,325,000)	(475,964,000)
Finance, insurance and other, net
Revenues:
Revenues	164,084,000	$ 126,784,000	486,000,000	$ 352,848,000
ASU 2014-09 | Finance, insurance and other, net
Assets:
Contract assets	$ 27,500,000		$ 27,500,000		$ 21,700,000

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	$ 84,267,000	$ 60,121,000
Intangible assets	77,500,000	64,300,000
Right-of-use asset	313,425,000	$ 330,322,000
Other Payments to Acquire Businesses	964.9
Pending acquisition [Domain]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other Payments to Acquire Businesses	86.2
Pending acquisition [Domain]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other Payments to Acquire Businesses	67
Pending acquisition [Domain]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other Payments to Acquire Businesses	271.5
Pending acquisition [Domain]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other Payments to Acquire Businesses	576.1
Pending acquisition [Domain]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other Payments to Acquire Businesses	$ 136.5

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	$ 84,267	$ 60,121
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	$ 313,425	$ 330,322

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, State and Local, Amount	$ 400,000	$ 100,000	$ 500,000	$ 200,000
Discrete charge for non-deductible disposition				$ 100,000
Percentage of dealership that is accounted for under the equity method	50.00%		50.00%
Effective tax rate from continuing operations	24.60%	25.60%	24.90%	13.60%
Tax expense for uncertain tax positions				$ 1,400,000
Discrete benefit related to vested or exercised stock compensation			$ 3,200,000	200,000
Discrete charge related to non-deductible asset impairment charge	$ 400,000
Income benefit	(27,559,000)	$ (20,685,000)	(83,452,000)	16,995,000
Impairment charges	0	26,000	0	268,859,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				268,000,000
Income Tax Benefit Goodwill Impairment				55,800,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, State and Local, Amount	$ 400,000	$ 100,000	$ 500,000	$ 200,000
Dealership
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of dealership that is accounted for under the equity method	50.00%		50.00%
ASU 2014-09 | Finance, insurance and other, net
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Contract assets	$ 27,500,000		$ 27,500,000		$ 21,700,000

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Payments to Acquire Businesses	$ 964.9

XML

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) Business retail_Units	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) Business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of franchises disposed		1	1
Net cash generated from disposition		$ 3,900,000
Proceeds from sales of dealerships		$ 3,872,000	$ 8,806,000
Mid-line import franchise
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net cash generated from disposition			$ 8,800,000
EchoPark Segment [Member]
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Number of acquired franchises | Business		3
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of acquired franchises | Business		3
Stand-alone pre-owned vehicle business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, consideration amount	$ 66,100,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory	26,400,000	$ 26,400,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	1,700,000	1,700,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	$ 13,200,000	$ 13,200,000
Franchised [Member]
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Number of acquired franchises | Business		2
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of acquired franchises | Business		2

XML

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Revenues and Other Activities Associated with Disposed Dealerships Classified as Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Pre-tax income (loss)	$ (275)	$ (234)	$ 241	$ (808)

XML

Inventories - Components of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
New vehicles	$ 135,659	$ 648,448
Used vehicles	547,145	413,209
Service loaners	105,404	128,531
Parts, accessories and other	62,261	57,066
Net inventories	$ 850,469	$ 1,247,254

XML

Property and Equipment - Components of Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Less accumulated depreciation	$ (737,250)	$ (673,082)
Subtotal	1,238,528	1,130,220
Less assets held for sale	(6,292)	(9,694)
Property and equipment, net	1,232,236	1,120,526
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	393,920	375,297
Building and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,109,311	1,028,016
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	415,999	365,222
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	56,548	34,767
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Excluding Capital Leased Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 1,975,778	$ 1,803,302

XML

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Capital expenditures	$ 60,000	$ 30,300	$ 165,100	$ 92,000
Impairment charges	$ 0	$ 26	$ 0	$ 268,859

XML

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 237,575		$ 237,575		$ 213,977
Net of accumulated impairment losses	1,100,000		1,100,000		1,100,000
Income Tax Benefit Goodwill Impairment				$ 55,800
Goodwill - Franchise Segment	158,100		158,100		147,300
Goodwill - Preowned Segment	79,500		79,500		66,700
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	237,575		237,575		213,977
Impairment charges	0	$ 26	0	$ 268,859
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill - Preowned Segment	79,500		79,500		66,700
Net of accumulated impairment losses	1,100,000		1,100,000		1,100,000
Franchise assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Franchise assets	$ 77,500		$ 77,500		$ 64,300

XML

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 13, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 10, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal		$ 701,453	$ 727,930
Debt issuance costs		(10,296)	(7,863)
Total debt		691,157	720,067
Less current maturities		(53,383)	(68,244)
Long-term debt		637,774	651,823
Mortgage notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes to finance companies - fixed rate, bearing interest from 3.51% to 7.03%		217,504	212,135
Mortgage notes to finance companies - variable rate, bearing interest at 1.50 to 2.90 percentage points above one-month or three-month LIBOR		141,225	164,889
Subtotal		$ 358,700
Mortgage notes | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, percentage		3.51%
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, percentage		1.50%
Mortgage notes | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, percentage		7.03%
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, percentage		2.90%
TwoThousandSixteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2016 Revolving Credit Facility		$ 0	$ 0
Interest rate		2.50%	2.25%
5.0% Senior Subordinate Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.00%
6.125% Senior Subordinate Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Subordinated Notes		$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Total debt		$ 250,000	250,000
Stated interest rate	6.125%	6.125%		6.125%
2019 Mortgage Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Subordinated Notes		$ 92,724	$ 100,906

XML

Long-Term Debt - Debt Redemption (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
6.125% Notes | Period One
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption percentage of principal amount	26320000000.00%

XML

Long-Term Debt - 2016 Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
TwoThousandSixteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
2016 Revolving Credit Facility	$ 0	$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility | Two Thousand Twenty Vehicle Floor Plan Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current borrowing capacity	2,600,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 2,850,000,000
Maximum aggregate commitments allocated to commitments under the 2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility	40.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | TwoThousandTwentyRevolvingCreditFacility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current borrowing capacity	$ 350,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity	400,000,000
Borrowing base	236,300,000
2016 Revolving Credit Facility	0
Letters of credit outstanding amount	12,300,000
Borrowing availability amount	$ 224,000,000
Maximum dividend (usd per share)	$ 0.12

XML

Long-Term Debt - Notes Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Oct. 15, 2021	Oct. 13, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 10, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount		$ 1.15
Debt outstanding	$ 701,453,000			$ 727,930,000
Maximum Borrowing 2019 Mortgage Facility	$ 112,200,000
Mortgage notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate on note	3.47%
Debt outstanding	$ 358,700,000
5.0% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.00%
6.125% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.125%		6.125%		6.125%
Principal amount			$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
6.125% Notes | Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption percentage of principal amount	26320000000.00%
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt	$ 13,200,000
2019 Mortgage Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount	$ 19,500,000
Percent of Collateralized Real Estate	75.00%
Minimum | 2019 Mortgage Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread LIBOR	1.50%
Maximum | 2019 Mortgage Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread LIBOR	2.75%

XML

Long-Term Debt - Covenants (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio	119.00%
Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	258.00%
Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio	128.00%
2016 Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Net income and retained earnings free of restrictions	$ 368.2
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio	1075.00%
Required ratio
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio	105.00%
Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	120.00%
Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio	575.00%
Required ratio | 2016 Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio	150.00%

XML

Long-Term Debt (Details) - TwoThousandTwentyRevolvingCreditFacility - Revolving Credit Facility	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
2016 Revolving Credit Facility	$ 0
Borrowing availability amount	$ 224,000,000

XML

Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity - Dilutive Effect on Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Weighted Average Shares
Weighted average common shares outstanding	41,561	42,510	41,561	42,687
Diluted earnings (loss) (shares)	43,285	44,577	43,416	42,687
From Continuing Operations
Earnings (loss)	$ 84,691	$ 59,988	$ 252,371	$ (108,147)
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 2.04	$ 1.41	$ 6.07	$ (2.53)
From Discontinued Operations
Earnings (loss)	$ (206)	$ (170)	$ 181	$ (577)
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ (0.01)	$ 0	$ 0.01	$ (0.02)
Net Income (Loss)
Earnings (loss)	$ 84,485	$ 59,818	$ 252,552	$ (108,724)
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 2.03	$ 1.41	$ 6.08	$ (2.55)
Effect of dilutive securities:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations (usd per share)	1.96	1.35	5.81	(2.53)
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations (usd per share)	(0.01)	(0.01)	0.01	(0.02)
Earnings (loss) per common share (usd per share)	$ 1.95	$ 1.34	$ 5.82	$ (2.55)

XML

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Maximum exposure associated with general indemnifications	$ 4.0	$ 25.0
General indemnifications minimum expiration period	1 year
General indemnifications maximum expiration period	3 years
Percentage of dealership that is accounted for under the equity method	50.00%
Contingent liability reserve balance after reduction	$ 4.3	$ 4.3

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	$ 0
Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	38,805	$ 35,739
Total assets	38,805	35,739
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan	24,068	20,685
Total liabilities	$ 24,068	20,685
Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other accrued liabilities
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges		0
Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other long-term liabilities
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges		$ 0

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value and Carrying Value of Significant Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 13, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 10, 2017
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Carrying Value		$ 691,157	$ 720,067
5.0% Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.00%
6.125% Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value		$ 260,625	263,438
Carrying Value		$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Stated interest rate	6.125%	6.125%		6.125%
4.625 % Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	462.50%
4.875% Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	487.50%

XML

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 946,354	$ 744,702	$ 814,805	$ 944,764
Other comprehensive income (loss)	219	25	809	(502)
Ending balance	1,005,749	774,102	1,005,749	774,102
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(3,026)	(2,589)	(3,616)	(2,062)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	219	25	809	(502)
Ending balance	$ (2,807)	$ (2,564)	$ (2,807)	$ (2,564)

XML

Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) Segment	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments | Segment			2
Impairment charges	$ 0	$ 26,000	$ 0	$ 268,859,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				$ 268,000,000

XML

Segment Information - Summary of Reportable Operating Segment (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	$ 3,072,812,000	$ 2,548,545,000	$ 9,211,856,000	$ 6,968,487,000
Segment income (loss):
Segment income (loss)	125,407,000	96,433,000	378,684,000	(71,898,000)
Interest expense, other, net	(9,817,000)	(10,762,000)	(30,180,000)	(31,523,000)
Other income (expense), net	0	1,000	100,000	100,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	112,250,000	80,673,000	335,823,000	(125,142,000)
Impairment charges	0	(26,000)	0	(268,859,000)
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	25,239,000	22,934,000	73,687,000	67,879,000
FloorPlanInterestExpense	3,340,000	4,999,000	12,781,000	21,821,000
Interest Expense, Other	9,817,000	10,762,000	30,180,000	31,523,000
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	76,467,000	30,322,000	181,516,000	92,056,000
Cash and cash equivalents	220,082,000	125,739,000	220,082,000	125,739,000	$ 170,313,000	$ 29,103,000
Other Assets	3,000	0	3,000	0
Assets	3,505,963,000		3,505,963,000		3,745,993,000
Gain on Franchise Disposal				3,200,000
Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	2,409,469,000	2,163,463,000	7,445,771,000	5,936,418,000
Segment income (loss):
Interest expense, other, net	(9,477,000)	(10,615,000)	(29,158,000)	(30,771,000)
Impairment charges		(26,000)		(268,000,000)
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	21,266,000	20,170,000	62,258,000	59,654,000
FloorPlanInterestExpense	1,973,000	4,234,000	9,243,000	19,517,000
Interest Expense, Other	9,477,000	10,615,000	29,158,000	30,771,000
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	53,774,000	18,237,000	122,022,000	70,875,000
Assets	2,638,803,000		2,638,803,000		3,096,811,000
EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	663,343,000	385,082,000	1,766,085,000	1,032,069,000
Segment income (loss):
Interest expense, other, net	(340,000)	(147,000)	(1,022,000)	(752,000)
Impairment charges	0	0	0	0
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	3,973,000	2,764,000	11,429,000	8,225,000
FloorPlanInterestExpense	1,367,000	765,000	3,538,000	2,304,000
Interest Expense, Other	340,000	147,000	1,022,000	752,000
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	22,693,000	12,085,000	59,494,000	21,181,000
Assets	647,075,000		647,075,000		$ 478,869,000
FranchisedDealershipsMember
Segment income (loss):
Impairment charges				(900,000)
Operating segments
Segment income (loss):
Segment income (loss)	112,250,000	80,699,000	335,823,000	143,717,000
Operating segments | Franchised Dealerships Segment
Segment income (loss):
Segment income (loss)	145,137,000	80,460,000	381,094,000	138,805,000
Operating segments | EchoPark Segment
Segment income (loss):
Segment income (loss)	(32,887,000)	239,000	(45,271,000)	4,912,000
Reconciling items
Segment income (loss):
Interest expense, other, net			0	(268,859,000)
Other income (expense), net	112,250,000	80,673,000	335,823,000	(125,142,000)
Impairment charges	0	26,000
Interest Expense, Other			0	268,859,000
New vehicles
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	1,146,922,000	1,098,302,000	3,766,133,000	2,957,794,000
New vehicles | Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	1,143,416,000	1,098,302,000	3,761,718,000	2,957,794,000
Used vehicles
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	1,309,492,000	946,028,000	3,666,286,000	2,604,957,000
Used vehicles | Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	750,263,000	615,565,000	2,173,322,000	1,718,151,000
Used vehicles | EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	559,229,000	330,463,000	1,492,964,000	886,806,000
Wholesale vehicles
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	97,087,000	56,502,000	256,701,000	138,221,000
Wholesale vehicles | Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	64,052,000	48,526,000	183,212,000	119,474,000
Wholesale vehicles | EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	33,035,000	7,976,000	73,489,000	18,747,000
Parts, service and collision repair
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	355,227,000	320,929,000	1,036,736,000	914,667,000
Parts, service and collision repair | Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	339,930,000	310,035,000	994,125,000	886,534,000
Parts, service and collision repair | EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	15,297,000	10,894,000	42,611,000	28,133,000
Finance, insurance and other, net
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	164,084,000	126,784,000	486,000,000	352,848,000
Finance, insurance and other, net | Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	111,808,000	91,035,000	333,394,000	254,465,000
Finance, insurance and other, net | EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	52,276,000	35,749,000	152,606,000	98,383,000
NewVehiclesMember | EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	$ 3,506,000	$ 0	$ 4,415,000	$ 0

XML

Leases, Codification Topic 842 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	$ 84,267	$ 60,121
Right-of-use asset	$ 313,425	$ 330,322

XML

Business Combinations (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) Business retail_Units	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) Business
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Number of franchises disposed	1	1
Proceeds from sales of dealerships	$ 3,872	$ 8,806
EchoPark Segment [Member]
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of acquired franchises | Business	3
Stand-alone pre-owned vehicle business
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory	$ 26,400
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	13,200
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	1,700
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$ 24,800
Franchised [Member]
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of acquired franchises | Business	2

XML

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Oct. 15, 2021	Oct. 13, 2021	Mar. 10, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Principal amount		$ 1.15
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Principal amount		1.15
6.125% Notes
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Principal amount			$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Stated interest rate	6.125%		6.125%	6.125%
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Principal amount			$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Stated interest rate	6.125%		6.125%	6.125%
6.125% Notes | Period One
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Redemption percentage of principal amount	26320000000.00%
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt	$ 13,200,000
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt	$ 13,200,000
4.625 % Notes
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Principal amount		650
Stated interest rate			462.50%
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Principal amount		650
Stated interest rate			462.50%
4.875% Notes
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Principal amount		500
Stated interest rate			487.50%
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Principal amount		$ 500
Stated interest rate			487.50%