10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014

OR

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

Commission files number 1-13395

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

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

(704) 566-2400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

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

Large Accelerated Filer	x	Accelerated Filer	¨
Non-Accelerated Filer	¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller Reporting Company	¨

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

As of April 17, 2014, there were 40,532,948 shares of Class A Common Stock and 12,029,375 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

		Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		3
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income – First Quarters Ended March  31, 2014 and March 31, 2013		3
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – First Quarters Ended March  31, 2014 and March 31, 2013		4
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013		5
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity – First Quarter Ended March  31, 2014		6
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – First Quarters Ended March  31, 2014 and March 31, 2013		7
	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		8
ITEM 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		20
ITEM 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		34
ITEM 4.	Controls and Procedures		35
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1A.	Risk Factors		36
ITEM 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		37
ITEM 6.	Exhibits		38
SIGNATURES			40
EXHIBIT INDEX			41
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32.1
EX-32.2
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

2

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1: Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

	First Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues:
New vehicles	$	1,146,620		$	1,143,056
Used vehicles		559,816			526,182
Wholesale vehicles		41,598			51,792
Total vehicles		1,748,034			1,721,030
Parts, service and collision repair		318,771			296,642
Finance, insurance and other, net		69,581			65,494
Total revenues		2,136,386			2,083,166
Cost of Sales:
New vehicles		(1,079,947	)		(1,076,586	)
Used vehicles		(519,123	)		(488,152	)
Wholesale vehicles		(41,691	)		(52,995	)
Total vehicles		(1,640,761	)		(1,617,733	)
Parts, service and collision repair		(166,625	)		(152,413	)
Total cost of sales		(1,807,386	)		(1,770,146	)
Gross profit		329,000			313,020
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(263,973	)		(245,824	)
Impairment charges		(3	)		(15	)
Depreciation and amortization		(14,381	)		(12,134	)
Operating income (loss)		50,643			55,047
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan		(4,689	)		(5,213	)
Interest expense, other, net		(13,818	)		(14,359	)
Other income (expense), net		97			95
Total other income (expense)		(18,410	)		(19,477	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes		32,233			35,570
Provision for income taxes - benefit (expense)		(12,249	)		(13,873	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		19,984			21,697
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships		(965	)		(738	)
Income tax benefit (expense)		367			332
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(598	)		(406	)
Net income (loss)	$	19,386		$	21,291
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	0.38		$	0.41
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations		(0.01	)		(0.01	)
Earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.37		$	0.40
Weighted average common shares outstanding		52,418			52,586
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	0.38		$	0.41
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations		(0.02	)		(0.01	)
Earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.36		$	0.40
Weighted average common shares outstanding		52,946			52,931
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.025		$	0.025

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

	First Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss)	$	19,386		$	21,291
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements		1,673			2,881
Provision for income tax benefit (expense) related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)		(636	)		(1,094	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		1,037			1,787
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	20,423		$	23,078

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,139		$	3,016
Receivables, net		303,799			354,138
Inventories		1,269,996			1,282,138
Other current assets		112,782			92,893
Total current assets		1,688,716			1,732,185
Property and Equipment, net		701,141			702,011
Goodwill		477,034			476,315
Other Intangible Assets, net		86,678			87,866
Other Assets		51,880			52,793
Total Assets	$	3,005,449		$	3,051,170
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	$	631,591		$	681,030
Notes payable - floor plan - non-trade		546,069			570,661
Trade accounts payable		108,329			126,025
Accrued interest		12,552			12,653
Other accrued liabilities		178,599			185,951
Current maturities of long-term debt		20,540			18,216
Total current liabilities		1,497,680			1,594,536
Long-Term Debt		764,510			730,157
Other Long-Term Liabilities		77,836			81,286
Deferred Income Taxes		37,945			31,552
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; 61,890,712 shares issued and 40,612,790 shares outstanding at March 31, 2014; 61,584,248 shares issued and 40,683,984 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013		619			616
Class B common stock; $0.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 12,029,375 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013		121			121
Paid-in capital		688,901			685,782
Retained earnings		302,436			284,368
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(7,545	)		(8,582	)
Treasury stock, at cost; 21,277,922 Class A shares held at March 31, 2014 and 20,900,264 Class A shares held at December 31, 2013		(357,054	)		(348,666	)
Total stockholders’ equity		627,478			613,639
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	3,005,449		$	3,051,170

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

	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)
Balance at December 31, 2013		61,584	$	616		(20,900	)	$	(348,666	)		12,029	$	121	$	685,782	$	284,368		$	(8,582	)	$	613,639
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans		307		3		—			—			—		—		876		—			—			879
Purchases of treasury stock		—		—		(378	)		(8,388	)		—		—		—		—			—			(8,388	)
Income tax benefit associated with stock compensation plans		—		—		—			—			—		—		56		—			—			56
Fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax expense of $636		—		—		—			—			—		—		—		—			1,037			1,037
Restricted stock amortization		—		—		—			—			—		—		2,187		—			—			2,187
Net income (loss)		—		—		—			—			—		—		—		19,386			—			19,386
Dividends ($0.025 per share)		—		—		—			—			—		—		—		(1,318	)		—			(1,318	)
Balance at March 31, 2014		61,891	$	619		(21,278	)	$	(357,054	)		12,029	$	121	$	688,901	$	302,436		$	(7,545	)	$	627,478

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	First Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	19,386		$	21,291
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment		14,379			12,133
Provision for bad debt expense		80			19
Other amortization		390			390
Debt issuance cost amortization		663			794
Debt discount amortization, net of premium amortization		24			(26	)
Stock - based compensation expense		2,187			1,127
Deferred income taxes		5,758			6,811
Equity interest in earnings of investee		(49	)		(79	)
Asset impairment charges		3			15
Loss (gain) on disposal of dealerships and property and equipment		(807	)		(12	)
Loss on exit of leased dealerships		421			788
Changes in assets and liabilities that relate to operations:
Receivables		50,259			64,355
Inventories		12,095			35,992
Other assets		(16,304	)		34,885
Notes payable - floor plan - trade		(49,439	)		(42,117	)
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities		(24,782	)		(47,529	)
Total adjustments		(5,122	)		67,546
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		14,264			88,837
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired		(2,573	)		—
Purchases of land, property and equipment		(21,549	)		(59,337	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment		2,572			172
Proceeds from sales of dealerships		3,117			—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(18,433	)		(59,165	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (repayments) borrowings on notes payable - floor plan - non-trade		(24,592	)		(30,548	)
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities		48,509			45,819
Repayments on revolving credit facilities		(48,509	)		(51,995	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		40,422			19,200
Principal payments on long-term debt		(3,768	)		(3,084	)
Purchases of treasury stock		(8,388	)		(9,120	)
Income tax benefit (expense) associated with stock compensation plans		56			204
Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans		879			728
Dividends paid		(1,317	)		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		3,292			(28,796	)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		(877	)		876
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR		3,016			3,371
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	$	2,139		$	4,247
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments (net of tax expense of $636 and $1,094 in the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	$	1,037		$	1,787
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest, including amount capitalized	$	18,111		$	28,057
Income taxes	$	2,688		$	10,685

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all material normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year, because the first quarter normally contributes less operating profit than the second, third and fourth quarters. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic” or the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2013, which were included in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standard update that amended the reporting requirements for discontinued operations. The amendments in this accounting standard update raise the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and require new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. This accounting standard update is effective for interim and annual filings beginning with the quarter ending March 31, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Sonic expects that the adoption of this accounting standard update will impact the presentation of certain items in its consolidated financial position, results of operations and other disclosures.

Principles of Consolidation – All of Sonic’s dealership and non-dealership subsidiaries are wholly owned and consolidated in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements except for one fifty-percent 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.

Lease Exit Accruals – Lease exit accruals relate to facilities Sonic has ceased using in its operations. The accruals represent the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated or actual sublease proceeds, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord. These situations could include the relocation of an existing facility or the sale of a dealership whereby the buyer will not be subleasing the property for either the remaining term of the lease or for an amount of rent equal to Sonic’s obligation under the lease. Please see Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further discussion.

A summary of the activity of these operating lease exit accruals consists of the following:

	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	27,234
Lease exit expense (1)		421
Payments (2)		(2,021	)
Balance, March 31, 2014	$	25,634

(1) Expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in interest expense, other, net, and expense of approximately $0.3 million is recorded in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2) Amount is recorded as an offset to rent expense in selling, general and administrative expenses, with approximately $0.2 million in continuing operations and $1.8 million in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Income Tax Expense – The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 38.0% and 39.0% for the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Sonic expects the effective tax rate for continuing operations in future periods to fall within a range of 38.0% to 40.0%.

8

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions – Sonic acquired one luxury franchise during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.6 million. The balance sheet as of March 31, 2014 includes preliminary allocations of the purchase price of the acquired assets and liabilities based on their estimated fair market values at the date of acquisition and are subject to final adjustment.

Dispositions – Sonic disposed of one luxury franchise during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, which generated net cash from disposition of approximately $1.9 million. The operating results of material disposed dealerships and terminated facilities are included in the income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. As of March 31, 2014, there were no dealerships held for sale.

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

	First Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Income (loss) from operations	$	(588	)	$	(34	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		(45	)		(37	)
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges		(332	)		(667	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	(965	)	$	(738	)
Total revenues	$	—		$	—

3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
New vehicles	$	902,744	$	938,263
Used vehicles		193,999		171,909
Service loaners		111,525		108,136
Parts, accessories and other		61,728		63,830
Net inventories	$	1,269,996	$	1,282,138

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
Land	$	199,826		$	194,639
Building and improvements		571,560			569,619
Office equipment and fixtures		137,451			135,221
Parts and service equipment		72,973			70,950
Company vehicles		8,203			8,002
Construction in progress		32,718			27,716
Total, at cost		1,022,731			1,006,147
Less accumulated depreciation		(313,425	)		(300,035	)
Subtotal		709,306			706,112
Less assets held for sale (1)		(8,165	)		(4,101	)
Property and equipment, net	$	701,141		$	702,011

(1) Consists of land and buildings related to several properties that are not being used in operations. Amounts are included in other current assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, capital expenditures were approximately $21.5 million and $59.3 million, respectively. Capital expenditures were primarily related to real estate acquisitions, construction of new dealerships, building improvements and equipment purchased for use in Sonic’s dealerships.

5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

	Franchise Assets			Net Goodwill
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2013		79,535			476,315	(1)
Additions through current year acquisitions		—			1,252
Reductions from dispositions		(800	)		(533	)
Balance, March 31, 2014	$	78,735		$	477,034	(1)

(1) Net of accumulated impairment losses of $796,725.

At December 31, 2013, Sonic had approximately $8.3 million of definite life intangibles related to favorable lease agreements. After the effect of amortization of the definite life intangibles, the balance recorded at March 31, 2014 was approximately $7.9 million and is included in other intangible assets, net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additions through current year acquisition are preliminary allocations subject to change upon the finalization of purchase accounting.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
2011 Revolving Credit Facility (1)	$	—		$	—
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 (the “7.0% Notes”)		200,000			200,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “5.0% Notes”)		300,000			300,000
Notes payable to a finance company bearing interest from 9.52% to 10.52% (with a weighted average of 10.19%)		6,843			7,629
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, bearing interest from 3.51% to 7.03%		155,763			157,571
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, bearing interest at 1.25 to 3.50 percentage points above one-month LIBOR		119,141			79,893
Net debt discount and premium (2)		(1,804	)		(1,800	)
Other		5,107			5,080
Total debt	$	785,050		$	748,373
Less current maturities		(20,540	)		(18,216	)
Long-term debt	$	764,510		$	730,157

(1) The interest rate on the revolving credit facility was 2.00% above LIBOR at March 31, 2014 and 2.00% above LIBOR at December 31, 2013.

(2) March 31, 2014 includes $1.6 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes, $0.3 million premium associated with notes payable to a finance company and $0.5 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable. December 31, 2013 includes $1.6 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes, $0.4 million premium associated with the notes payable to a finance company and $0.6 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable.

2011 Credit Facilities

Sonic has a syndicated revolving credit agreement (the “2011 Revolving Credit Facility”) and syndicated new and used vehicle floor plan credit facilities (the “2011 Floor Plan Facilities”), collectively the “2011 Credit Facilities,” which are scheduled to mature on August 15, 2016.

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

As of March 31, 2014, the 2011 Revolving Borrowing Base was approximately $147.1 million. Sonic had no outstanding borrowings as of March 31, 2014 and $29.2 million in outstanding letters of credit under the 2011 Revolving Credit Facility, resulting in total borrowing availability of $117.8 million under the 2011 Revolving Credit Facility based on balances as of March 31, 2014.

The 2011 Floor Plan Facilities are comprised of a new vehicle revolving floor plan facility (the “2011 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”) and a used vehicle revolving floor plan facility, subject to a borrowing base (the “2011 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”), in a combined amount up to $605.0 million. Sonic may, under certain conditions, request an increase in the 2011 Floor Plan Facilities of up to $175.0 million, which shall be allocated between the 2011 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility and the 2011 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility as Sonic requests, with no more than 15% of the aggregate commitments allocated to the commitments under the 2011 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility. Outstanding obligations under the 2011 Floor Plan Facilities are guaranteed by Sonic and certain of its subsidiaries and are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the assets of Sonic and its subsidiaries. The amounts outstanding under the 2011 Credit Facilities bear interest at variable rates based on specified percentages above LIBOR.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes

On July 2, 2012, Sonic issued $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior subordinated 7.0% Notes which mature on July 15, 2022. The 7.0% Notes were issued at a price of 99.11% of the principal amount thereof, resulting in a yield to maturity of 7.125%. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. Sonic may redeem the 7.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after July 15, 2017 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on July 15, 2017		103.500	%
Beginning on July 15, 2018		102.333	%
Beginning on July 15, 2019		101.167	%
Beginning on July 15, 2020 and thereafter		100.000	%

In addition, on or before July 15, 2015, Sonic may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.0% Notes at 107% of the par value of the 7.0% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest with proceeds from certain equity offerings. The indenture also provides that holders of the 7.0% Notes may require Sonic to repurchase the 7.0% Notes at 101% of the par value of the 7.0% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if Sonic undergoes a Change of Control (as defined in the indenture).

The indenture governing the 7.0% Notes contains certain specified restrictive covenants. Sonic has agreed not to pledge any assets to any third party lender of senior subordinated debt except under certain limited circumstances. Sonic also has agreed to certain other limitations or prohibitions concerning the incurrence of other indebtedness, guarantees, liens, certain types of investments, certain transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, issuance of preferred stock, cash dividends to stockholders, distributions, redemptions and the sale, assignment, lease, conveyance or disposal of certain assets. Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic’s 7.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 7.0% Notes. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of March 31, 2014.

Balances outstanding under Sonic’s 7.0% Notes are guaranteed by all of Sonic’s operating domestic subsidiaries. These guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. The parent company has no independent assets or operations. The non-domestic and non-operating subsidiaries that are not guarantors are considered to be minor.

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

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes

On May 9, 2013, Sonic issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior subordinated 5.0% Notes which mature on May 15, 2023. The 5.0% Notes were issued at 100.0% of the principal amount thereof. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year. Sonic may redeem the 5.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after May 15, 2018 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on May 15, 2018		102.500	%
Beginning on May 15, 2019		101.667	%
Beginning on May 15, 2020		100.833	%
Beginning on May 15, 2021 and thereafter		100.000	%

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

The indenture governing the 5.0% Notes contains certain specified restrictive covenants. Sonic has agreed not to pledge any assets to any third party lender of senior subordinated debt except under certain limited circumstances. Sonic also has agreed to certain other limitations or prohibitions concerning the incurrence of other indebtedness, guarantees, liens, certain types of investments, certain transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, issuance of preferred stock, cash dividends to stockholders, distributions, redemptions and the sale, assignment, lease, conveyance or disposal of certain assets. Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic’s 5.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of March 31, 2014.

Balances outstanding under Sonic’s 5.0% Notes are guaranteed by all of Sonic’s operating domestic subsidiaries. These guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. The parent company has no independent assets or operations. The non-domestic and non-operating subsidiaries that are not guarantors are considered to be minor.

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

Notes Payable to a Finance Company

Three notes payable (due October 2015 and August 2016) were assumed in connection with an acquisition in 2004 (the “Assumed Notes”). Sonic recorded the Assumed Notes at fair value using an interest rate of 5.35%. The interest rate used to calculate the fair value was based on a quoted market price for notes with similar terms as of the date of assumption. As a result of calculating the fair value, a premium of $7.3 million was recorded that will be amortized over the lives of the Assumed Notes. At March 31, 2014, the outstanding principal balance on the Assumed Notes was approximately $6.8 million with a remaining unamortized premium balance of approximately $0.3 million.

Mortgage Notes

Sonic has mortgage financing totaling approximately $274.9 million in aggregate, related to 29 of its dealership properties. These mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest through maturity and are secured by the underlying properties. Maturity dates range between 2014 and 2033. The weighted average interest rate was 3.79% at March 31, 2014.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Covenants

Sonic was in compliance with the covenants under the 2011 Credit Facilities as of March 31, 2014. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2011 Credit Facilities) 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		5.50
March 31, 2014 actual		1.20		1.89		4.08

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

In addition, many of Sonic’s facility leases are governed by a guarantee agreement between the landlord and Sonic that contains financial and operating covenants. The financial covenants are identical to those under the 2011 Credit Facilities with the exception of one financial covenant related to the ratio of EBTDAR to Rent (as defined in the lease agreements) with a required ratio of no less than 1.50 to 1.00. As of March 31, 2014, the ratio was 3.57 to 1.00.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Sonic has interest rate cash flow swap agreements to effectively convert a portion of its LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. The fair value of these swap positions at March 31, 2014 was a net liability of approximately $14.5 million, with $11.1 million included in other accrued liabilities and $6.4 million included in other long-term liabilities, offset partially by an asset of approximately $3.0 million included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these swap positions at December 31, 2013 was a liability of approximately $16.3 million, with $11.6 million included in other accrued liabilities and $8.4 million included in other long-term liabilities, offset partially by an asset of approximately $3.7 million included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Under the terms of these cash flow swaps, Sonic will receive and pay interest based on the following:

Notional Amount			Pay Rate			Receive Rate (1)	Maturing Date
(In millions)
$	2.9			7.100	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.50%	July 10, 2017
$	9.1			4.655	%	one-month LIBOR	December 10, 2017
$	7.7	(2)		6.860	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	August 1, 2017
$	100.0			3.280	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0			3.300	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	6.6	(2)		6.410	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	September 12, 2017
$	50.0			2.767	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.240	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	50.0			2.610	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.070	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0	(3)		2.065	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	100.0	(3)		2.015	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	200.0	(3)		0.788	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2016
$	50.0	(4)		1.320	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2017
$	250.0	(5)		1.887	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2018

(1) The one-month LIBOR rate was 0.152% at March 31, 2014.

(2) Changes in fair value are recorded through earnings.

(3) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 1, 2015.

(4) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 1, 2016.

(5) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 3, 2017.

For the cash flow swaps not designated as hedges (changes in the fair value are recognized through earnings) and amortization of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to terminated cash flow swaps, certain benefits and charges were included in interest expense, other, net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. For the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, these items were a benefit of approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

For the cash flow swaps that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of these swaps have been recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and is disclosed in the supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The incremental interest expense (the difference between interest paid and interest received) related to these cash flow swaps was approximately $2.9 million and $2.9 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in interest expense, other, net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and the interest paid amount disclosed in the supplemental disclosures of cash flow information in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The estimated net expense expected to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into results of operations during the next twelve months is approximately $6.9 million.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7. Per Share Data and Stockholders’ Equity

The calculation of diluted earnings per share considers the potential dilutive effect of options and shares under Sonic’s stock compensation plans. Certain of Sonic’s non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends, and thus, are considered participating securities and are included in the two-class method of computing earnings per share. The following table illustrates the dilutive effect of such items on earnings per share for the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

	First Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
			Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations					Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations						Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount			Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,418	$	19,984				$	(598	)				$	19,386
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(63	)				—						(63	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,418	$	19,921		$	0.38	$	(598	)	$	(0.01	)	$	19,323		$	0.37
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		528
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		52,946	$	19,921		$	0.38	$	(598	)	$	(0.02	)	$	19,323		$	0.36

	First Quarter Ended March 31, 2013
			Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations					Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations						Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount			Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,586	$	21,697				$	(406	)				$	21,291
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(170	)				—						(170	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,586	$	21,527		$	0.41	$	(406	)	$	(0.01	)	$	21,121		$	0.40
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		345
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		52,931	$	21,527		$	0.41	$	(406	)	$	(0.01	)	$	21,121		$	0.40

In addition to the stock options included in the table above, options to purchase approximately 0.6 million shares and 0.9 million shares of Class A common stock were outstanding during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options were not dilutive.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8. Contingencies

Legal and Other Proceedings

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

Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities was approximately $0.3 million and $0.9 million, at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, in reserves that Sonic was holding for pending proceedings. Except as reflected in such 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 Sonic’s operating lease agreements, Sonic’s 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, Sonic has generally agreed to indemnify the lessor in the event of a breach of the lease by the lessee.

In connection with dealership dispositions, certain of Sonic’s dealership subsidiaries have assigned or sublet to the buyer their interests in real property leases associated with such dealerships. 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 sub-lessee does not perform. In the event the sub-lessees do not perform under their obligations Sonic remains liable for the lease payments. Please see Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further discussion.

In accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of Sonic’s franchises, Sonic generally agrees to indemnify the buyer from certain exposure and costs arising subsequent to the date of sale, including environmental exposure and exposure resulting from the breach of representations or warranties made in accordance with the agreement. While Sonic’s exposure with respect to environmental remediation and repairs is difficult to quantify, Sonic’s maximum exposure associated with these general indemnifications was approximately $10.1 million and $14.0 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These indemnifications expire within a period of one to two 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 March 31, 2014. Sonic also guarantees the floor plan commitments of its 50% owned joint venture, the amount of which was approximately $2.8 million at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

9. Fair Value Measurements

In determining fair value, Sonic uses various valuation approaches including market, income and/or cost approaches. “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of Sonic. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect Sonic’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Sonic has the ability to access. Assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include marketable securities that are actively traded.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include cash flow swap instruments and deferred compensation plan balances.

Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Asset and liability measurements utilizing Level 3 inputs include those used in estimating fair value of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities in purchase acquisitions, those used in assessing impairment of property, plant and equipment and other intangibles and those used in the reporting unit valuation in the annual goodwill impairment evaluation.

The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment required by Sonic in determining fair value is greatest for assets and liabilities categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is disclosed is determined based on the lowest level input (Level 3 being the lowest level) that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, Sonic’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Sonic uses inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods when the market may be abnormally high or abnormally low. Accordingly, fair value measurements can be volatile based on various factors that may or may not be within Sonic’s control.

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:

	Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)	$	25,481	$	25,301
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (1)		2,963		3,707
Total assets	$	28,444	$	29,008
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (2)	$	15,579	$	17,995
Cash flow swaps not designated as hedges (3)		1,902		2,046
Deferred compensation plan (4)		15,219		14,842
Total liabilities	$	32,700	$	34,883

(1) Included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2) As of March 31, 2014, approximately $10.4 million and $5.2 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2013, approximately $10.6 million and $7.4 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3) As of March 31, 2014, approximately $0.7 million and $1.2 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2013, approximately $1.0 million was included in both other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

There were no instances in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 which required a fair value measurement of assets ordinarily measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Therefore, the carrying value of assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 have not changed since December 31, 2013.

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 approximate their carrying values due either to length of maturity or existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates.

The fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s fixed rate long-term debt was as follows:

	March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	(In thousands)
7.0% Notes (1)	$	220,000	$	198,448	$	218,000	$	198,414
5.0% Notes (1)	$	294,000	$	300,000	$	285,000	$	300,000
Mortgage Notes (2)	$	163,263	$	155,763	$	165,381	$	157,571
Assumed Notes (2)	$	6,847	$	7,128	$	7,636	$	7,993
Other (2)	$	4,783	$	5,107	$	4,774	$	5,080

(1) As determined by market quotations as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively (Level 1).

(2) As determined by discounted cash flows (Level 3).

10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:

	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
	Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(8,859	)	$	277	$	(8,582	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1)		(805	)		—		(805	)
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2)		1,842			—		1,842
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		1,037			—		1,037
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	(7,822	)	$	277	$	(7,545	)

(1) Net of tax benefit of $493.

(2) Net of tax expense of $1,129.

See the heading “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” in Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” for further discussion of Sonic’s cash flow hedges. 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, 2013.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the Sonic Automotive, Inc. and Subsidiaries Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report, as well as the audited financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Overview

We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States. As of March 31, 2014, we operated 123 franchises in 14 states (representing 25 different brands of cars and light trucks) and 21 collision repair centers. For management and operational reporting purposes, we group certain franchises together that share management and inventory (principally used vehicles) into “stores.” As of March 31, 2014, we operated 102 stores. As a result of the way we manage our business, we have a single operating segment for purposes of reporting financial condition and results of operations. Our dealerships provide comprehensive services including (1) sales of both new and used cars and light trucks; (2) sales of replacement parts, performance of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repairs, paint and collision repair services (collectively, “Fixed Operations”); and (3) arrangement of extended warranties, service contracts, financing, insurance and other aftermarket products (collectively, “F&I”) for our customers.

As we announced during the fourth quarter of 2013, we plan to augment our manufacturer-franchised dealership operations with stand-alone pre-owned specialty retail sales locations. This pre-owned business will operate independently from the existing new and used dealership sales operations and introduce customers to an exciting shopping and buying experience. The first target market is planned for Denver, Colorado, and we expect operations to begin in late 2014.

In the fourth quarter of 2013, we also announced our customer experience initiative known as “One-Sonic One-Experience.” This initiative includes several new processes and proprietary technologies from inventory management and pricing tools to a fully developed “customer-centric” Customer Relationship Management (“CRM”) tool. The development of these processes and tools will allow us to better serve our customers across our entire platform of stores. Our goal is to allow our guests to control the buying process and move at their pace so that once the vehicle has been selected our team can go to work using these processes and technologies to get our guests on the road in their new vehicle in less than an hour.

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

The following is a detail of our new vehicle revenues by brand for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

	Percentage of New Vehicle Revenue
	First Quarter Ended March 31,
Brand	2014			2013
Luxury:
BMW		20.5	%		20.1	%
Mercedes		9.5	%		8.3	%
Lexus		5.1	%		4.5	%
Audi		4.8	%		3.9	%
Cadillac		4.5	%		4.6	%
Land Rover		2.7	%		2.5	%
Porsche		2.2	%		1.9	%
Mini		2.1	%		2.4	%
Acura		1.0	%		0.7	%
Infiniti		0.8	%		0.8	%
Jaguar		0.8	%		0.6	%
Volvo		0.7	%		0.9	%
Total Luxury		54.7	%		51.2	%
Mid-line Import:
Honda		14.5	%		15.1	%
Toyota		10.0	%		10.1	%
Volkswagen		1.9	%		2.8	%
Hyundai		1.8	%		2.0	%
Other (1)		1.5	%		1.4	%
Nissan		1.1	%		1.1	%
Total Mid-line Import		30.8	%		32.5	%
Domestic:
Ford		8.7	%		8.9	%
General Motors (2)		5.8	%		7.4	%
Total Domestic		14.5	%		16.3	%
Total		100.0	%		100.0	%

(1) Includes Kia, Scion and Subaru.

(2) Includes Buick, Chevrolet and GMC.

Results of Operations

Unless otherwise noted, all discussion of increases or decreases for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 are compared to the first quarter ended March 31, 2013, as applicable. The following discussion of new vehicles, used vehicles, wholesale vehicles, parts, service and collision repair (“Fixed Operations”) and finance, insurance and other (“F&I”) are on a same store basis, except where otherwise noted. All continuing operations stores are included within the same store group in the first full month following the first anniversary of the store’s opening or acquisition.

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

New Vehicles

The automobile retail industry uses the Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (“SAAR”) to measure the annual amount of expected new vehicle unit sales activity within the United States market. The SAAR averages below reflect a blended average of all brands marketed or sold in the United States market. The SAAR includes brands we do not sell and markets in which we do not operate, therefore, our new vehicle sales may not trend directly with the SAAR.

	First Quarter Ended March 31,
(in millions of vehicles)	2014		2013		% Change
SAAR		15.6		15.3		2.0	%

Source: Bloomberg Financial Markets, via Stephens Inc.

New vehicle revenues include the sale of new vehicles to retail customers, as well as the sale of fleet vehicles. New vehicle revenues can be influenced by manufacturer incentives for consumers, which vary from cash-back incentives to low interest rate financing. New vehicle revenues are also dependent on manufacturers providing adequate vehicle allocations to our dealerships to meet customer demands and the availability of consumer credit.

Our reported new vehicle results (including fleet) are as follows:

	First Quarter Ended March 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2014			2013			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except units and per unit data)
Reported:
Revenue	$	1,146,620		$	1,143,056		$	3,564			0.3	%
Gross profit	$	66,673		$	66,470		$	203			0.3	%
Unit sales		31,131			32,083			(952	)		(3.0	%)
Revenue per unit	$	36,832		$	35,628		$	1,204			3.4	%
Gross profit per unit	$	2,142		$	2,072		$	70			3.4	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.8	%		5.8	%		0			bps

Our same store new vehicle results (including fleet) are as follows:

	First Quarter Ended March 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2014			2013			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except units and per unit data)
Same Store:
Revenue	$	1,129,303		$	1,143,056		$	(13,753	)		(1.2	%)
Gross profit	$	65,372		$	66,341		$	(969	)		(1.5	%)
Unit sales		30,818			32,083			(1,265	)		(3.9	%)
Revenue per unit	$	36,644		$	35,628		$	1,016			2.9	%
Gross profit per unit	$	2,121		$	2,068		$	53			2.6	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.8	%		5.8	%		0			bps

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

During the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, we continued to test our new car pricing model with True Price^® and saw our market share volume grow sequentially, resulting in growth in share and gross per unit for the first time since the introduction of True Price^®. As we move toward our One-Sonic One-Experience launch (our new customer experience initiative), we believe we will become more aggressive in pricing as well as gain market share as customers benefit from the entire complement of our new shopping experience.

The decrease in new vehicle revenue during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, was primarily driven by a new unit sales volume decrease of 3.9%, partially offset by a new vehicle price per unit increase of 2.9%. Excluding fleet sales, our retail new revenue remained flat and retail new unit sales volume decreased 2.9% during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, driven primarily by our General Motors (excluding Cadillac), Toyota and Honda dealerships with decreases of 28.5%, 3.2% and 2.1%, respectively. Total new vehicle gross profit dollars decreased $1.0 million, or 1.5%, during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. Our gross profit per new unit increase of $53 per unit was driven primarily by our luxury dealerships, notably our Audi, Mercedes and Land Rover dealerships.

Our luxury dealerships (which include Cadillac) experienced a new vehicle revenue increase of 3.8% primarily due to a new unit sales volume increase of 2.6% in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. Luxury dealership new vehicle gross profit increased 3.7% during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to new unit sales volume increases at our Audi and Mercedes dealerships and a 1.1% increase in gross profit per new unit, driven primarily by our Audi, Mercedes and Land Rover dealerships.

Our mid-line import dealerships experienced a new vehicle revenue decrease of 4.4% in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to a 4.5% decrease in new unit volume during the same period. The new vehicle revenue decrease was driven primarily by lower unit sales at our Honda and Volkswagen dealerships, which experienced a 2.1% and a 27.7% decrease in new vehicle unit sales in the quarter ended March 31, 2014. Mid-line import gross profit decreased 7.3% during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014.

Including fleet sales, our domestic dealerships experienced a new vehicle revenue decrease of 10.8% in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, driven by a new unit sales volume decrease of 15.7%. Domestic fleet unit sales volume decreased 26.2% in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, driving a fleet revenue decrease of 18.2% in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014.

Excluding fleet sales, our domestic dealerships experienced a new retail vehicle revenue decrease of 7.2% in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, driven by a new retail unit sales volume decrease of 10.9%, partially offset by an increase in new retail unit price of 4.1%. Our domestic dealerships experienced a decrease in new retail vehicle gross profit of 11.1% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. Our General Motors dealerships (excluding Cadillac) experienced a decrease of 16.2% in new retail unit sales volume during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, contributing to a decrease of 8.6% in new retail vehicle gross profit during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. New retail unit sales volume and gross profit per unit at our Ford dealerships decreased 6.4% and 7.4%, respectively, during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, driving a new vehicle gross profit decrease at our Ford dealerships of 13.4% during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

Used Vehicles

Used vehicle revenues are directly affected by a number of factors including the 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 auction and the availability of consumer credit.

Our reported used vehicle results are as follows:

	First Quarter Ended March 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2014			2013			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except units and per unit data)
Reported:
Revenue	$	559,816		$	526,182		$	33,634		6.4	%
Gross profit	$	40,693		$	38,030		$	2,663		7.0	%
Unit sales		27,657			26,469			1,188		4.5	%
Revenue per unit	$	20,241		$	19,879		$	362		1.8	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,471		$	1,437		$	34		2.4	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue		7.3	%		7.2	%		10		bps

Our same store used vehicle results are as follows:

	First Quarter Ended March 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2014			2013			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except units and per unit data)
Same Store:
Revenue	$	546,937		$	526,182		$	20,755		3.9	%
Gross profit	$	39,870		$	37,262		$	2,608		7.0	%
Unit sales		27,126			26,469			657		2.5	%
Revenue per unit	$	20,163		$	19,879		$	284		1.4	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,470		$	1,408		$	62		4.4	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue		7.3	%		7.1	%		20		bps

In the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, we sold an all-time quarterly record 27,657 pre-owned vehicles at our continuing operations stores. This record unit volume contributed to a 7.0% increase in used vehicle gross profit for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. As we move toward our One-Sonic One-Experience launch and continue to test our used car pricing model with True Price^®, we believe we will continue to experience gains in our used vehicle unit volume and gross profit levels.

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

Wholesale Vehicles

Wholesale vehicle revenues are highly correlated with new and used vehicle retail sales and the associated trade-in volume and are also significantly affected by our corporate inventory management policies, which are designed to optimize our total used vehicle inventory.

Our reported wholesale vehicle results are as follows:

	First Quarter Ended March 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2014			2013			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except units and per unit data)
Reported:
Revenue	$	41,598		$	51,792		$	(10,194	)		(19.7	%)
Gross profit (loss)	$	(93	)	$	(1,203	)	$	1,110			92.3	%
Unit sales		7,380			8,393			(1,013	)		(12.1	%)
Revenue per unit	$	5,637		$	6,171		$	(534	)		(8.7	%)
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(13	)	$	(143	)	$	130			90.9	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(0.2	%)		(2.3	%)		210			bps

Our same store wholesale vehicle results are as follows:

	First Quarter Ended March 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2014			2013			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except units and per unit data)
Same Store:
Revenue	$	40,627		$	51,792		$	(11,165	)		(21.6	%)
Gross profit (loss)	$	28		$	(1,203	)	$	1,231			102.3	%
Unit sales		7,270			8,393			(1,123	)		(13.4	%)
Revenue per unit	$	5,588		$	6,171		$	(583	)		(9.4	%)
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	4		$	(143	)	$	147			102.8	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		0.1	%		(2.3	%)		240			bps

Wholesale vehicle revenue and unit sales fluctuations are typically a result of new and used retail vehicle unit 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. Wholesale vehicle revenue and unit sales volume decreased in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 as a result of our focus on acquiring the right used inventory at our dealerships, pricing the vehicles effectively and turning our used inventory quickly.

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

Parts, Service and Collision Repair (“Fixed Operations”)

Parts and service revenue consists of customer requested parts and service orders (“customer pay”), warranty repairs, wholesale parts and collision repairs. Parts and service revenue is driven by the mix of warranty repairs versus customer pay repairs, available service capacity, vehicle quality, customer loyalty and manufacturer warranty programs.

Our reported Fixed Operations results are as follows:

	First Quarter Ended March 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2014			2013			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Reported:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	141,121		$	133,803		$	7,318			5.5	%
Warranty		46,591			44,813			1,778			4.0	%
Wholesale parts		47,944			40,538			7,406			18.3	%
Internal, sublet and other		83,115			77,488			5,627			7.3	%
Total	$	318,771		$	296,642		$	22,129			7.5	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	77,999		$	74,116		$	3,883			5.2	%
Warranty		25,238			23,895			1,343			5.6	%
Wholesale parts		8,161			7,619			542			7.1	%
Internal, sublet and other		40,748			38,599			2,149			5.6	%
Total	$	152,146		$	144,229		$	7,917			5.5	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay		55.3	%		55.4	%		(10	)		bps
Warranty		54.2	%		53.3	%		90			bps
Wholesale parts		17.0	%		18.8	%		(180	)		bps
Internal, sublet and other		49.0	%		49.8	%		(80	)		bps
Total		47.7	%		48.6	%		(90	)		bps

Our same store Fixed Operations results are as follows:

	First Quarter Ended March 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2014			2013			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Same Store:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	136,121		$	133,803		$	2,318			1.7	%
Warranty		45,237			44,813			424			0.9	%
Wholesale parts		46,607			40,538			6,069			15.0	%
Internal, sublet and other		81,538			77,489			4,049			5.2	%
Total	$	309,503		$	296,643		$	12,860			4.3	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	75,365		$	74,116		$	1,249			1.7	%
Warranty		24,523			24,195			328			1.4	%
Wholesale parts		7,820			7,619			201			2.6	%
Internal, sublet and other		39,724			38,423			1,301			3.4	%
Total	$	147,432		$	144,353		$	3,079			2.1	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay		55.4	%		55.4	%		0			bps
Warranty		54.2	%		54.0	%		20			bps
Wholesale parts		16.8	%		18.8	%		(200	)		bps
Internal, sublet and other		48.7	%		49.6	%		(90	)		bps
Total		47.6	%		48.7	%		(110	)		bps

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

For the quarter ended March 31, 2014, an increase in Fixed Operations revenue contributed approximately $6.1 million in additional gross profit, partially offset by a $3.0 million decrease in gross profit due to a 110 basis point decline in the gross margin rate due primarily to a shift in revenue mix away from higher margin customer pay to lower margin sublet and wholesale parts sales. Our wholesale parts revenue increased 15.0% during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, driven primarily by an increase in bulk wholesale parts sales at some of our large luxury stores in California. Overall Fixed Operations customer pay revenue increased 1.7% during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, in spite of lost days at our Texas, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic stores due to winter storms during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. Our warranty revenue increased 0.9% during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, driven primarily by increases at our Lexus and Audi stores.

Finance, Insurance and Other (“F&I”)

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

Our reported F&I results are as follows:

	First Quarter Ended March 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2014		2013		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Reported:
Revenue	$	69,581	$	65,494	$	4,087		6.2	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	1,206	$	1,148	$	58		5.1	%

Our same store F&I results are as follows:

	First Quarter Ended March 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2014		2013		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Same Store:
Revenue	$	68,408	$	65,507	$	2,901		4.4	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	1,203	$	1,148	$	55		4.8	%

F&I revenues increased 4.4% during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, despite relatively flat combined new and used retail unit volume. The increase in F&I revenues and F&I gross profit per unit were due to improved penetration rates as a result of increased visibility into performance drivers provided by our proprietary internal software applications.

Finance contract revenue remained flat in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, compared to the prior year period, primarily due to an increase in contract volume of 3.3% driven by a finance contract penetration rate increase of 250 basis points, offset by a decrease in gross profit per contract of 2.5%. Finance contract revenue may experience compression if manufacturers offer attractive financing rates from their captive finance affiliates because we tend to earn lower commissions under these programs. Service contract revenue increased 10.4% during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. Total service contract volume increased 4.3% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, driven by a service contract penetration rate increase of 150 basis points for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. Aftermarket contract revenue increased 8.3% in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. Aftermarket contract volume increased 8.5% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, driven by an aftermarket contract penetration rate increase of 1,100 basis points for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014.

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

SG&A expenses are comprised of four major groups: compensation expense, advertising expense, rent expense and other expense. Compensation expense primarily relates to dealership personnel who are paid a commission or a modest salary plus commission and support personnel who are paid a fixed salary. Commissions paid to dealership personnel typically vary depending on gross profits realized. Due to the salary component for certain dealership and corporate personnel, gross profits

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

and compensation expense do not change in direct proportion to one another. Advertising expense and other expenses vary based on the level of actual or anticipated business activity and number of dealerships owned. Rent expense typically varies with the number of dealerships owned, investments made for facility improvements and interest rates. Although not completely correlated, we believe the best way to measure SG&A expenses are as a percentage of gross profit.

Following is information related to our reported SG&A expenses:

	First Quarter Ended March 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2014			2013			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Compensation	$	157,154		$	148,580		$	(8,574	)		(5.8	%)
Advertising		14,119			13,431			(688	)		(5.1	%)
Rent		18,535			19,022			487			2.6	%
Other		74,165			64,791			(9,374	)		(14.5	%)
Total	$	263,973		$	245,824		$	(18,149	)		(7.4	%)
SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit
Compensation		47.8	%		47.5	%		(30	)		bps
Advertising		4.3	%		4.3	%		0			bps
Rent		5.6	%		6.1	%		50			bps
Other		22.5	%		20.6	%		(190	)		bps
Total		80.2	%		78.5	%		(170	)		bps

Overall SG&A expense increased in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to increases in revenue, gross profit and unit sales volume driving higher variable compensation costs and the other SG&A expenses discussed below. Overall SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit increased 170 basis points in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014.

Compensation costs as a percentage of gross profit increased 30 basis points in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to increased headcount related to our stand-alone pre-owned initiative.

Total advertising expense in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 increased in dollar amount but remained flat as a percentage of gross profit as a result of our retail advertising strategy to increase traffic and sales activity at our dealerships and higher levels of gross profit.

Rent expense as a percentage of gross profit decreased 50 basis points in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to higher gross profit levels and the purchase of certain properties that were previously leased.

Other SG&A expenses increased in dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to increased customer related costs as a result of the higher level of sales activity, IT spending, increased services by outside contractors and training related to our stand-alone pre-owned and customer experience initiatives.

Included in total SG&A expenses are certain costs related to our recently announced stand-alone pre-owned initiative, which increased SG&A expenses by 50 basis points as a percentage of gross profit in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense increased approximately $2.2 million, or 18.5% during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. The increase is primarily related to completed construction projects that were placed in service subsequent to March 31, 2013 and the purchase of dealership properties that were previously leased.

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

Interest Expense, Floor Plan

Interest expense, floor plan for new vehicles incurred by continuing operations decreased approximately $0.3 million, or 6.9%, in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. The average new vehicle floor plan notes payable balance for continuing operations increased approximately $98.0 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, resulting in an increase in new vehicle floor plan interest expense of approximately $0.5 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. The average new vehicle floor plan interest rate incurred by continuing dealerships was 1.61% in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, compared to 1.89% in the first quarter ended March 31, 2013, which resulted in a decrease in interest expense of approximately $0.8 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, offsetting the increase due to higher average floor plan notes payable balances discussed above.

Interest expense, floor plan for used vehicles incurred by continuing operations decreased approximately $0.2 million, or 39.5%, in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. The average used vehicle floor plan notes payable balance for continuing operations decreased approximately $14.5 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, resulting in a decrease in used vehicle floor plan interest expense of approximately $0.1 million. The average used vehicle floor plan interest rate incurred by continuing dealerships was 1.97% in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, compared to 2.64% in the first quarter ended March 31, 2013, which resulted in a decrease in interest expense of approximately $0.1 million.

Interest Expense, Other, Net

Interest expense, other, net, includes both cash and non-cash interest charges, and is summarized in the schedule below:

	First Quarter Ended March 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2014			2013			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Stated/coupon interest	$	10,249		$	11,262		$	1,013			9.0	%
Discount/premium amortization		34			72			38			52.8	%
Deferred loan cost amortization		798			676			(122	)		(18.0	%)
Cash flow swap interest		2,826			2,703			(123	)		(4.6	%)
Capitalized interest		(258	)		(544	)		(286	)		(52.6	%)
Other interest		169			190			21			11.1	%
Total	$	13,818		$	14,359		$	541			3.8	%

Interest expense, other, net, decreased approximately $0.5 million during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to a $1.0 million decrease in coupon interest related to the net impact of the issuance of the 5.0% Notes and the extinguishment of the 9.0% Notes in May 2013, offset partially by other items presented in the table above.

Income Taxes

The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 38.0% and 39.0% for the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We expect the effective tax rate for continuing operations in future quarterly periods to fall within a range of 38.0% to 40.0%.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

Discontinued Operations

Significant components of results from discontinued operations were as follows:

	First Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Income (loss) from operations	$	(588	)	$	(34	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		(45	)		(37	)
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges		(332	)		(667	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	(965	)	$	(738	)
Total revenues	$	—		$	—

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We require cash to fund debt service, operating lease obligations, working capital requirements, facility improvements and other capital improvements, 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 closely monitor our available liquidity and projected future operating results in order to remain in compliance with restrictive covenants under our 2011 Credit Facilities and 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 or lease arrangements. Cash flows provided by our dealerships are derived from various sources. The primary sources include individual consumers, automobile manufacturers, automobile manufacturers’ captive finance subsidiaries and finance companies. Disruptions in these cash flows can have a material and 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 ability to service our obligations depends to a substantial degree on the cash generated from the operations of these dealership subsidiaries.

We had the following liquidity resources available as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,139	$	3,016
Availability under our revolving credit facility		117,823		125,959
Availability under our used floor plan facilities		60,316		27,127
Floor plan deposit balance		75,000		65,000
Total available liquidity resources	$	255,278	$	221,102

We participate in a program with one of our manufacturer-affiliated finance companies (the floor plan deposit balance in the table above) wherein we maintain a deposit balance with the lender that earns interest based on the lowest interest rate charged on new vehicle floor plan balances held with the lender. This deposit balance is not designated as a pre-payment 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 balance of $75.0 million and $65.0 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, is classified in other current assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in this deposit balance are classified as changes in other assets in the cash flows from operating activities section of the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The interest rebate as a result of this deposit balance is classified as a reduction of interest expense, floor plan, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, the reduction in interest expense, floor plan, was approximately $0.4 million.

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

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 either LIBOR or the prime rate. The weighted average interest rate for our new and used floor plan facilities for continuing operations was 1.63% and 1.95% in the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

We receive floor plan assistance from certain manufacturers. Floor plan assistance received is capitalized in inventory and charged against cost of sales when the associated inventory is sold. We received approximately $8.8 million and $7.4 million in the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We recognized manufacturer floor plan assistance in cost of sales for continuing operations of approximately $9.0 million and $8.1 million in the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Interest payments under each of our floor plan facilities are due monthly and we are not required to make principal repayments prior to the sale of the vehicles.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of our long-term debt and credit facilities and compliance with debt covenants.

Dealership Acquisitions and Dispositions

We acquired one luxury franchise during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.6 million and disposed of one luxury franchise which generated net cash from disposition of approximately $1.9 million.

Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures include the purchase of land and buildings, construction of new dealerships and collision repair centers, building improvements and equipment purchased for use in our dealerships. We selectively construct or improve new dealership facilities to maintain compliance with manufacturers’ image requirements. We typically finance these projects through new mortgages, or, alternatively, through our credit facilities. We also fund these improvements through cash flows from operations.

Capital expenditures in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 were approximately $21.5 million. Of this amount, approximately $9.1 million was related to facility construction projects, $3.3 million for real estate acquisitions and $9.1 million was for fixed assets utilized in our dealership operations. Of the capital expenditures in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, all were funded through cash from operations and use of our credit facilities. In the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 we issued mortgages totaling approximately $40.4 million on real estate purchased in prior periods. As of March 31, 2014, commitments for facilities construction projects totaled approximately $21.2 million. 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.

Stock 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. During the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, we repurchased approximately 0.4 million shares of our Class A common stock for approximately $8.4 million in open-market transactions and in connection with tax withholdings on the vesting of equity compensation awards. During the first quarter ended March 31, 2013, we repurchased approximately 0.4 million shares of our Class A common stock for approximately $9.1 million in open-market transactions and in connection with tax withholdings on the vesting of equity compensation awards. As of March 31, 2014, our total remaining repurchase authorization was approximately $124.1 million. Under our

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

2011 Credit Facilities, share repurchases are permitted to the extent that no event of default exists and we have the pro forma liquidity amount required by the repurchase test (as defined in the 2011 Credit Facilities) and the result of such test has been accepted by the administrative agent.

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

Dividends

During the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.025 per share on all outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock as of March 14, 2014 to be paid on April 15, 2014. Subsequent to March 31, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend on all outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock of $0.025 per share for stockholders of record on June 13, 2014 to be paid on July 15, 2014. Under our 2011 Credit Facilities, dividends are permitted to the extent that no event of default exists and we are in compliance with the financial covenants, including pro forma liquidity requirements, contained therein. The indentures governing our outstanding 5.0% Notes and 7.0% Notes contain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. 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.

Cash Flows

In the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $14.3 million. This provision of cash was comprised primarily of cash inflows related to operating profits and decreases in receivables, offset partially by a decrease in notes payable – floor plan – trade. In the first quarter ended March 31, 2013, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $88.8 million. This provision of cash was comprised primarily of cash inflows related to operating profits, decreases in receivables and decreases in inventories, offset partially by a decrease in notes payable – floor plan – trade and trade accounts payable and other liabilities.

Net cash used in investing activities in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 was approximately $18.4 million. This use of cash was primarily comprised of purchases of land, property and equipment. Net cash used in investing activities in the first quarter ended March 31, 2013 was approximately $59.2 million. This use of cash was primarily comprised of purchases of land, property and equipment, including the purchase of dealership facilities that were previously leased.

Net cash provided by financing activities in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 was approximately $3.3 million. This provision of cash was primarily related to proceeds from issuance of mortgage-related long-term debt, offset partially by principal payments on long-term debt, purchases of treasury stock and repayments of notes payable floor plan – non-trade. Net cash used in financing activities in the first quarter ended March 31, 2013 was approximately $28.8 million. This use of cash was primarily related to a decrease in notes payable – floor plan – non-trade, repayments on revolving credit facilities and purchases of treasury stock, offset partially by proceeds from issuance of mortgage-related long-term debt.

We arrange our inventory floor plan financing through both manufacturer captive finance companies and a syndicate of manufacturer captive 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 captives and commercial banks record their obligation as non-trade floor plan liabilities (with the resulting change being reflected as financing cash flows).

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

Due to the presentation differences for changes in trade floor plan and non-trade floor plan in the 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 flow. Net cash used in combined trade and non-trade floor plan financing was approximately $74.0 million and $72.7 million in the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Accordingly, if all changes in floor plan notes payable were classified as an operating activity, the result would have been net cash used in operating activities of approximately $10.3 million and net cash provided by operating activities of $58.3 million in the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Guarantees and Indemnification Obligations

In connection with the operation and disposition of dealership franchises, we have entered into various guarantees and indemnification obligations. See Note 8, “Contingencies,” to the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. See also “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” 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, 2013.

Future Liquidity Outlook

We believe our best source of liquidity for operations and debt service remains cash flows generated from operations combined with our availability of borrowings under our floor plan facilities (or any replacements thereof), our 2011 Credit Facilities, real estate mortgage financing, 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 ability to service debt depends to a substantial degree on the results of operations of these subsidiaries and their ability to provide us with cash. We expect to generate sufficient cash flow to fund our debt service, working capital requirements and operating requirements for the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Seasonality

Our operations are subject to seasonal variations. The first quarter normally contributes less operating profit than the second, third and fourth quarters. Weather conditions, 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 remains stable throughout the year.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Our variable rate floor plan facilities, 2011 Revolving Credit Facility borrowings and 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 swaps (see below) was approximately $870.6 million at March 31, 2014. A change of 100 basis points in the underlying interest rate would have caused a change in interest expense of approximately $2.1 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. Of the total change in interest expense, approximately $1.9 million would have resulted from the 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 first quarter ended March 31, 2014 due to the leases containing LIBOR floors which were above the LIBOR rate during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014.

We also have various cash flow swaps to effectively convert a portion of our LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. Under the terms of these cash flow swaps, interest rates reset monthly. The fair value of these swap positions at March 31, 2014 was a net liability of approximately $14.5 million, with $11.1 million included in other accrued liabilities and $6.4 million included in other long-term liabilities, offset partially by an asset of approximately $3.0 million included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Under the terms of these cash flow swaps, Sonic will receive and pay interest based on the following:

Notional Amount			Pay Rate			Receive Rate (1)	Maturing Date
(In millions)
$	2.9			7.100	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.50%	July 10, 2017
$	9.1			4.655	%	one-month LIBOR	December 10, 2017
$	7.7	(2)		6.860	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	August 1, 2017
$	100.0			3.280	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0			3.300	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	6.6	(2)		6.410	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	September 12, 2017
$	50.0			2.767	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.240	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	50.0			2.610	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.070	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0	(3)		2.065	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	100.0	(3)		2.015	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	200.0	(3)		0.788	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2016
$	50.0	(4)		1.320	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2017
$	250.0	(5)		1.887	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2018

(1) The one-month LIBOR rate was 0.152% at March 31, 2014.

(2) Changes in fair value are recorded through earnings.

(3) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 1, 2015.

(4) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 1, 2016.

(5) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 3, 2017.

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 United States. To the extent that we cannot recapture this 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.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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 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 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of March 31, 2014. Based upon that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2014.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting – There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, that has materially affected, or is 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 controls 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.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RISK FACTORS

Item 1A: Risk Factors

In addition to the information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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 first quarter ended March 31, 2014:

	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)		Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
	(In thousands, except per share data)
January 2014		1	$	22.90		1	$	132,516
February 2014		217		21.52		217		127,856
March 2014		160		23.14		160		124,144
Total		378	$	22.19		378	$	124,144

(1) All shares repurchased were part of publicly announced share repurchase programs.

(2) Our active publicly announced Class A common stock repurchase authorization plans and current remaining availability are as follows:

	(amounts in thousands)
July 2012 authorization	$	100,000
February 2013 authorization		100,000
Total active plan repurchases prior to March 31, 2014		(75,856	)
Current remaining availability as of March 31, 2014	$	124,144

See Note 6, “Long-term Debt,” to the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and 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.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 6: Exhibits.

(a) Exhibits:

Exhibit No.	Description
31.1	Certification of Mr. Heath R. Byrd pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
31.2	Certification of Mr. O. Bruton Smith pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
32.1	Certification of Mr. Heath R. Byrd pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2	Certification of Mr. O. Bruton Smith pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS**	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**	XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Forward Looking Statements

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, numerous “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements address our future objectives, plans and goals, as well as our intent, beliefs and current expectations regarding future operating performance, results and events, and can generally be identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “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 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and elsewhere in this report, as well as:

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

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

• 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 complete additional acquisitions;

• adverse resolutions of one or more significant legal proceedings against us or our dealerships;

• changes in laws and regulations governing the operation of automobile franchises, accounting standards, taxation requirements and environmental laws;

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

• high competition in the automotive retailing industry, which not only creates 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; and

• the rate and timing of overall economic recovery or decline.

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.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
Date: April 24, 2014	By:	/s/    O. BRUTON SMITH
		O. Bruton Smith
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Date: April 24, 2014	By:	/s/    HEATH R. BYRD
		Heath R. Byrd
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Description
31.1	Certification of Mr. Heath R. Byrd pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
31.2	Certification of Mr. O. Bruton Smith pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
32.1	Certification of Mr. Heath R. Byrd pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2	Certification of Mr. O. Bruton Smith pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS**	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**	XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

41

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(s) 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(s) 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.

Date: April 24, 2014
By:	/s/ HEATH R. BYRD
	Heath R. Byrd
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, O. 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(s) 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(s) 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.

Date: April 24, 2014
By:	/s/ O. BRUTON SMITH
	O. Bruton Smith
	Chairman and 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 March 31, 2014 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:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; 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

April 24, 2014

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 March 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, O. Bruton Smith, Chairman and 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:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; 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/ O. BRUTON SMITH

O. Bruton Smith

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

April 24, 2014

XML

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Franchise Assets and Goodwill (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Net of accumulated impairment losses	$ 796,725

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value and Carrying Value of Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt agreement	5.00%
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt agreement	7.00%	7.00%
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt agreement	5.00%	5.00%

XML

Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity - Dilutive Effect on Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted Average Shares, Earning (loss) and shares	52,418	52,586
Weighted Average Shares, Stock compensation plans	528	345
Weighted Average Shares, Diluted earnings (loss) and shares	52,946	52,931
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Amount	$ 19,984	$ 21,697
Participating securities income (loss) from continuing operations non-vested restricted stock and stock units	(63)	(170)
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Basic	19,921	21,527
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Diluted, Amount	19,921	21,527
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Basic earnings (loss), Per Share Amount	$ 0.38	$ 0.41
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Diluted earnings (loss), Per Share Amount	$ 0.38	$ 0.41
Dilutive effect on earnings per share	(598)	(406)
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Basic earnings (loss), Amount	(598)	(406)
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Diluted earnings (loss), Amount	(598)	(406)
Income (Loss) From Discontinuing Operations, Basic earnings (loss), Per Share Amount	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Diluted earnings (loss), Per Share Amount	$ (0.02)	$ (0.01)
Net Income (Loss), Amount	19,386	21,291
Participating securities income (loss) from continuing operations non-vested restricted stock and stock units	(63)	(170)
Net Income (Loss), Basic, Amount	19,323	21,121
Net Income (Loss), Diluted, Amount	$ 19,323	$ 21,121
Net Income (Loss), Basic, Per Share Amount	$ 0.37	$ 0.40
Net Income (Loss), Diluted, Per Share Amount	$ 0.36	$ 0.40

XML

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014 Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2013	$ (8,582)		$ (8,859)	$ 277	$ 277
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(805)		(805)
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,842		1,842
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,037	1,787	1,037
Balance at March 31, 2014	$ (7,545)		$ (7,822)	$ 277	$ 277

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Long-Term Debt - Summary of Interest Received and Paid under Term of Cash Flow Swap (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Receive Rate	One-month LIBOR
Variable Interest Rate	0.152%
Cash Flow Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 2.9
Pay Rate	7.10%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR + 1.50%
Variable Interest Rate	1.50%
Maturing Date	Jul. 10, 2017
Cash Flow Swap 1 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	9.1
Pay Rate	4.655%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Dec. 10, 2017
Cash Flow Swap 2 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	7.7
Pay Rate	6.86%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%
Variable Interest Rate	1.25%
Maturing Date	Aug. 01, 2017
Cash Flow Swap 3 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	100.0
Pay Rate	3.28%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2015
Cash Flow Swap 4 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	100.0
Pay Rate	3.30%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2015
Cash Flow Swap 5 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	6.6
Pay Rate	6.41%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%
Variable Interest Rate	1.25%
Maturing Date	Sep. 12, 2017
Cash Flow Swap 6 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	50.0
Pay Rate	2.767%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2014
Cash Flow Swap 7 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	50.0
Pay Rate	3.24%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2015
Cash Flow Swap 8 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	50.0
Pay Rate	2.61%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2014
Cash Flow Swap 9 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	50.0
Pay Rate	3.07%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2015
Cash Flow Swap 10 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	100.0
Pay Rate	2.065%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jun. 30, 2017
Cash Flow Swap 11 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	100.0
Pay Rate	2.015%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jun. 30, 2017
Cash Flow Swap 12 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	200.0
Pay Rate	0.788%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2016
Cash Flow Swap 13 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	50.0
Pay Rate	1.32%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2017
Cash Flow Swap 14 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250.0
Pay Rate	1.887%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jun. 30, 2018

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Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014 Franchise Dealerships
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Purchase price for franchise operations and underlying assets, including real estate, acquired	$ 2,573,000
Number of luxury franchises	1
Number of luxury franchises disposed	1
Cash generated from disposition	$ 1,900,000
Number of dealerships held for sale	0

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in Carrying Amount of Franchise Assets and Goodwill

	Franchise Assets			Net Goodwill
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2013		79,535			476,315	(1)
Additions through current year acquisitions		0			1,252
Reductions from dispositions		(800	)		(533	)
Balance, March 31, 2014	$	78,735		$	477,034	(1)

(1) Net of accumulated impairment losses of $796,725.

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Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Maximum exposure associated with general indemnifications	$ 10.1	$ 14.0
General indemnifications minimum expiration period	1 year
General indemnifications maximum expiration period	2 years
Joint venture ownership percentage	50.00%
Contingent liability reserve balance after reduction	2.8	2.8
Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Amount reserved for pending proceedings	0.3	0.3
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Amount reserved for pending proceedings	$ 0.9	$ 0.9

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Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest on notes	5.00%
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discount associated with notes	$ 1.6	$ 1.6
Interest on notes	7.00%	7.00%
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest on notes	5.00%	5.00%
Notes Payable to Finance Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Premium associated with notes	0.3	0.4
Mortgage Notes Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discount associated with notes	$ 0.5	$ 0.6
Minimum [Member] | Notes Payable to Finance Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest on notes	9.52%
Minimum [Member] | Mortgage Loan at Fix Interest Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest on notes	3.51%
Minimum [Member] | Mortgage Loan at Variable Interest Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest on notes	1.25%
Maximum [Member] | Notes Payable to Finance Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest on notes	10.52%
Maximum [Member] | Mortgage Loan at Fix Interest Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest on notes	7.03%
Maximum [Member] | Mortgage Loan at Variable Interest Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest on notes	3.50%
Weighted Average [Member] | Notes Payable to Finance Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest on notes	10.19%
2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.00%	2.00%

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Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Capital expenditure	$ 21.5	$ 59.3

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Assets or Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash Flow Swaps Designated as Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Amount included in other accrued liabilities	$ 10.4	$ 10.6
Amount included in other long-term liabilities	5.2	7.4
Cash Flow Swaps Not Designated as Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Amount included in other accrued liabilities	0.7	1.0
Amount included in other long-term liabilities	$ 1.2	$ 1.0

XML

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Interest Received and Paid under Term of Cash Flow Swap (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
One-month LIBOR rate	0.152%
Receive Rate	One-month LIBOR
Swap agreement effective date	Jul. 01, 2015
Cash Flow Swap 13 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Swap agreement effective date	Jul. 01, 2016
Cash Flow Swap 14 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Swap agreement effective date	Jul. 03, 2017

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Tax benefit/ expense on change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments	$ 636	$ 1,094

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Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended						3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014 Note	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	May 09, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014 Assumed Notes [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 2011 Credit Facility [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 2011 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Maximum [Member] 2011 Credit Facility [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Maximum [Member] 2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Minimum [Member] 2011 Credit Facility [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 2011 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility [Member] 2011 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 2011 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility [Member] Maximum [Member] 2011 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member]	Jul. 02, 2012 7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]	Jul. 02, 2012 Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Mortgage Notes [Member] Property	Mar. 31, 2014 Required Ratio [Member] Maximum [Member] 2011 Credit Facility [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Required Ratio [Member] Minimum [Member] 2011 Credit Facility [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] Other Assets [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] Other Assets [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date of 2011 revolving credit facility and floor plan facility						Aug. 15, 2016
Increased borrowing capacity							$ 225,000,000			$ 175,000,000		$ 605,000,000
Borrowing base							147,100,000
Letters of credit outstanding amount							0
9.0% convertible notes	785,050,000		748,373,000		6,800,000		29,200,000							200,000,000	200,000,000				300,000,000	300,000,000
Borrowing availability amount							117,800,000
Increase in credit facility borrowing capacity													175,000,000
Allocation of credit facility increase, percentage								15.00%
Principal amount				300,000,000												200,000,000
Interest on notes	5.00%				5.35%									7.00%	7.00%				5.00%	5.00%
Notes maturity date	May 15, 2023													Jul. 15, 2022
Notes issued at a price of principal amount	100.00%																99.11%
Notes issued yield maturity, percentage																		7.125%
Interest payable description	Semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year													Semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year
Notes redeemed percentage of aggregate principal amount														35.00%					35.00%
Notes redemption price percentage of the par value														107.00%					105.00%
Notes redemption price percentage of the par value due to change of control														101.00%					101.00%
Debt instrument maximum allowed dividends per share														$ 0.10					$ 0.10
Restrictive covenants under 2011 credit facilities and 7 % notes with 5% notes														Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic's 7.0% Notes limits Sonic's ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic's Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic's Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 7.0% Notes					Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic's 5.0% Notes limits Sonic's ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic's Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic's Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes
Outstanding principal amount of the 7.0% notes														25.00%					25.00%
Indebtedness with outstanding balance														35,000,000					50,000,000
Debt default description under 5% and 7% notes														Sonic's obligations under the 7.0% Notes may be accelerated by the holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the 7.0% Notes then outstanding if certain events of default occur, including (1) defaults in the payment of principal or interest when due; (2) defaults in the performance, or breach, of Sonic's covenants under the 7.0% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which Sonic or its subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $35.0 million					Sonic's obligations under the 5.0% Notes may be accelerated by the holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the 5.0% Notes then outstanding if certain events of default occur, including (1) defaults in the payment of principal or interest when due; (2) defaults in the performance, or breach, of Sonic's covenants under the 5.0% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which Sonic or its subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $50.0 million
Notes redemption price percentage of the principal amount																			100.00%
Number of notes payable	3
Notes payable due date					October 2015 and August 2016																Between 2014 and 2033
Premium recorded on notes payable					7,300,000
Remaining unamortized premium balance					300,000
Debt weighted average interest rate on note																					3.79%
Mortgage financing aggregate																					274,900,000
Mortgage financing related to dealership properties																					29
EBTDAR to rent ratio									3.57		1.00											1.50	1.00
Fair value of swap positions																								14,500,000		16,300,000	11,100,000	11,600,000			3,000,000	3,700,000
Fair value of swap positions																													6,400,000	8,400,000
Benefits and charges related to cash flow swaps not designated as hedges																								100,000	200,000
Incremental interest expense	2,900,000	2,900,000
Net expense expected to be reclassified	$ 6,900,000

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Equity [Abstract]

Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:

	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
	Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(8,859	)	$	277	$	(8,582	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1)		(805	)		0		(805	)
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2)		1,842			0		1,842
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		1,037			0		1,037
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	(7,822	)	$	277	$	(7,545	)

(1) Net of tax benefit of $493.

(2) Net of tax expense of $1,129.

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Assets or Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:

	Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)	$	25,481	$	25,301
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (1)		2,963		3,707
Total assets	$	28,444	$	29,008
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (2)	$	15,579	$	17,995
Cash flow swaps not designated as hedges (3)		1,902		2,046
Deferred compensation plan (4)		15,219		14,842
Total liabilities	$	32,700	$	34,883

(1) Included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2) As of March 31, 2014, approximately $10.4 million and $5.2 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2013, approximately $10.6 million and $7.4 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3) As of March 31, 2014, approximately $0.7 million and $1.2 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets . As of December 31, 2013, approximately $1.0 million was included in both other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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

The fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s fixed rate long-term debt was as follows:

	March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	(In thousands)
7.0% Notes (1)	$	220,000	$	198,448	$	218,000	$	198,414
5.0% Notes (1)	$	294,000	$	300,000	$	285,000	$	300,000
Mortgage Notes (2)	$	163,263	$	155,763	$	165,381	$	157,571
Assumed Notes (2)	$	6,847	$	7,128	$	7,636	$	7,993
Other (2)	$	4,783	$	5,107	$	4,774	$	5,080

(1) As determined by market quotations as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively (Level 1).

(2) As determined by discounted cash flows (Level 3).

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax benefit	$ 493
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), tax expense	$ 1,129

XML

Long-Term Debt - Redemption Price, Percentage (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Beginning on July 15, 2017 [Member] | 7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	103.50%
Beginning on July 15, 2018 [Member] | 7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	102.333%
Beginning on July 15, 2019 [Member] | 7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	101.167%
Beginning on July 15, 2020 and Thereafter [Member] | 7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	100.00%
Beginning on May 15, 2018 [Member] | 5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	102.50%
Beginning on May 15, 2019 [Member] | 5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	101.667%
Beginning on May 15, 2020 [Member] | 5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	100.833%
Beginning on May 15, 2021 and Thereafter [Member] | 5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	100.00%

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Operating Lease Exit Accruals (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 27,234
Lease exit expense	421
Payments	(2,021)
Ending balance	$ 25,634

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Operating Lease Exit Accruals (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Component of lease exit expense in interest expense, other, net	$ 0.1
Component of lease exit expense in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships	0.3
Component of lease exit payments in selling, general and administrative expenses	0.2
Component of lease exit payments in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships	$ 1.8

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ 19,386	$ 21,291
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment	14,379	12,133
Provision for bad debt expense	80	19
Other amortization	390	390
Debt issuance cost amortization	663	794
Debt discount amortization, net of premium amortization	24	(26)
Stock - based compensation expense	2,187	1,127
Deferred income taxes	5,758	6,811
Equity interest in earnings of investee	(49)	(79)
Asset impairment charges	3	15
Loss (gain) on disposal of dealerships and property and equipment	(807)	(12)
Loss on exit of leased dealerships	421	788
Changes in assets and liabilities that relate to operations:
Receivables	50,259	64,355
Inventories	12,095	35,992
Other assets	(16,304)	34,885
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	(49,439)	(42,117)
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities	(24,782)	(47,529)
Total adjustments	(5,122)	67,546
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	14,264	88,837
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(2,573)
Purchases of land, property and equipment	(21,549)	(59,337)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	2,572	172
Proceeds from sales of dealerships	3,117
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(18,433)	(59,165)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (repayments) borrowings on notes payable - floor plan - non-trade	(24,592)	(30,548)
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	48,509	45,819
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	(48,509)	(51,995)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	40,422	19,200
Principal payments on long-term debt	(3,768)	(3,084)
Purchases of treasury stock	(8,388)	(9,120)
Income tax benefit (expense) associated with stock compensation plans	56	204
Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans	879	728
Dividends paid	(1,317)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	3,292	(28,796)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(877)	876
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR	3,016	3,371
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	2,139	4,247
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments (net of tax expense of $636 and $1,094 in the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	1,037	1,787
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest, including amount capitalized	18,111	28,057
Income taxes	$ 2,688	$ 10,685

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Effective tax rate from continuing operations	38.00%	39.00%
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Expected effective tax rate for continuing operations Range	40.00%
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Expected effective tax rate for continuing operations Range	38.00%

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (Lease Agreements [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Lease Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite life intangibles	$ 7.9	$ 8.3

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Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value and Carrying Value of Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 220,000	$ 218,000
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	198,448	198,414
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	294,000	285,000
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	300,000	300,000
Mortgage Loan at Fix Interest Rate [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	163,263	165,381
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	155,763	157,571
Assumed Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	6,847	7,636
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	7,128	7,993
Other [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	4,783	4,774
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	$ 5,107	$ 5,080

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Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues:
New vehicles	$ 1,146,620	$ 1,143,056
Used vehicles	559,816	526,182
Wholesale vehicles	41,598	51,792
Total vehicles	1,748,034	1,721,030
Parts, service and collision repair	318,771	296,642
Finance, insurance and other, net	69,581	65,494
Total revenues	2,136,386	2,083,166
Cost of Sales:
New vehicles	(1,079,947)	(1,076,586)
Used vehicles	(519,123)	(488,152)
Wholesale vehicles	(41,691)	(52,995)
Total vehicles	(1,640,761)	(1,617,733)
Parts, service and collision repair	(166,625)	(152,413)
Total cost of sales	(1,807,386)	(1,770,146)
Gross profit	329,000	313,020
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(263,973)	(245,824)
Impairment charges	(3)	(15)
Depreciation and amortization	(14,381)	(12,134)
Operating income (loss)	50,643	55,047
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan	(4,689)	(5,213)
Interest expense, other, net	(13,818)	(14,359)
Other income (expense), net	97	95
Total other income (expense)	(18,410)	(19,477)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	32,233	35,570
Provision for income taxes - benefit (expense)	(12,249)	(13,873)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	19,984	21,697
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships	(965)	(738)
Income tax benefit (expense)	367	332
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(598)	(406)
Net income (loss)	$ 19,386	$ 21,291
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ 0.38	$ 0.41
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)
Earnings (loss) per common share	$ 0.37	$ 0.40
Weighted average common shares outstanding	52,418	52,586
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ 0.38	$ 0.41
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations	$ (0.02)	$ (0.01)
Earnings (loss) per common share	$ 0.36	$ 0.40
Weighted average common shares outstanding	52,946	52,931
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.025	$ 0.025

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Long-Term Debt - Financial Covenants Include Required Specified Ratios (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Required Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio	1.05
Required Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	1.20
Required Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio	5.50
Actual Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio	1.20
Actual Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	1.89
Actual Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio	4.08

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Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings / (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class A [Member] Treasury Stock [Member]	Common Class B [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 613,639	$ 685,782	$ 284,368	$ (8,582)	$ 616	$ (348,666)	$ 121
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013					61,584	(20,900)	12,029
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans	879	876			3
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans, shares					307
Purchases of treasury stock	(8,388)					(8,388)
Purchases of treasury stock, shares						(378)
Income tax benefit associated with stock compensation plans	56	56
Fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax expense of $636	1,037			1,037
Restricted stock amortization	2,187	2,187
Net income (loss)	19,386		19,386
Dividends ($0.025 per share)	(1,318)		(1,318)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$ 627,478	$ 688,901	$ 302,436	$ (7,545)	$ 619	$ (357,054)	$ 121
Ending Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2014					61,891	(21,278)	12,029

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Inventories - Components of Inventories (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
New vehicles	$ 902,744	$ 938,263
Used vehicles	193,999	171,909
Service loaners	111,525	108,136
Parts and accessories and other	61,728	63,830
Net inventories	$ 1,269,996	$ 1,282,138

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Business Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Results Associated with Dealerships Classified as Discontinued Operations

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

	First Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Income (loss) from operations	$	(588	)	$	(34	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		(45	)		(37	)
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges		(332	)		(667	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	(965	)	$	(738	)
Total revenues	$	0		$	—

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Property and Equipment - Components of Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	$ 1,022,731	$ 1,006,147
Less accumulated depreciation	(313,425)	(300,035)
Subtotal	709,306	706,112
Less assets held for sale	(8,165)	(4,101)
Property and equipment, net	701,141	702,011
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	199,826	194,639
Building and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	571,560	569,619
Office Equipment and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	137,451	135,221
Parts and Service Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	72,973	70,950
Company Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	8,203	8,002
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	$ 32,718	$ 27,716

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Property and Equipment (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Components of Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
Land	$	199,826		$	194,639
Building and improvements		571,560			569,619
Office equipment and fixtures		137,451			135,221
Parts and service equipment		72,973			70,950
Company vehicles		8,203			8,002
Construction in progress		32,718			27,716
Total, at cost		1,022,731			1,006,147
Less accumulated depreciation		(313,425	)		(300,035	)
Subtotal		709,306			706,112
Less assets held for sale		(8,165	)		(4,101	)
Property and equipment, net	$	701,141		$	702,011

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Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap agreements	$ 636
Dividends per share	$ 0.025
Common Class A [Member]
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap agreements	636
Common Class B [Member]
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap agreements	636
Treasury Stock [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap agreements	636
Retained Earnings / (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]
Dividends per share	$ 0.025
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap agreements	$ 636

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 19,386	$ 21,291
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements	1,673	2,881
Provision for income tax benefit (expense) related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)	(636)	(1,094)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,037	1,787
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 20,423	$ 23,078

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Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies

8. Contingencies

Legal and Other Proceedings

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

Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities was approximately $0.3 million and $0.9 million, at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, in reserves that Sonic was holding for pending proceedings. Except as reflected in such 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 Sonic’s operating lease agreements, Sonic’s 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, Sonic has generally agreed to indemnify the lessor in the event of a breach of the lease by the lessee.

In connection with dealership dispositions, certain of Sonic’s dealership subsidiaries have assigned or sublet to the buyer their interests in real property leases associated with such dealerships. 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 sub-lessee does not perform. In the event the sub-lessees do not perform under their obligations Sonic remains liable for the lease payments. Please see Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further discussion.

In accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of Sonic’s franchises, Sonic generally agrees to indemnify the buyer from certain exposure and costs arising subsequent to the date of sale, including environmental exposure and exposure resulting from the breach of representations or warranties made in accordance with the agreement. While Sonic’s exposure with respect to environmental remediation and repairs is difficult to quantify, Sonic’s maximum exposure associated with these general indemnifications was approximately $10.1 million and $14.0 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These indemnifications expire within a period of one to two 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 March 31, 2014. Sonic also guarantees the floor plan commitments of its 50% owned joint venture, the amount of which was approximately $2.8 million at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

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Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 17, 2014 Common Class A [Member]	Apr. 17, 2014 Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001043509
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		40,532,948	12,029,375

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Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

9. Fair Value Measurements

In determining fair value, Sonic uses various valuation approaches including market, income and/or cost approaches. “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” in the ASC establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of Sonic. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect Sonic’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Sonic has the ability to access. Assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include marketable securities that are actively traded.

Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include cash flow swap instruments and deferred compensation plan balances.

Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Asset and liability measurements utilizing Level 3 inputs include those used in estimating fair value of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities in purchase acquisitions, those used in assessing impairment of property, plant and equipment and other intangibles and those used in the reporting unit valuation in the annual goodwill impairment evaluation.

The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment required by Sonic in determining fair value is greatest for assets and liabilities categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is disclosed is determined based on the lowest level input (Level 3 being the lowest level) that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, Sonic’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Sonic uses inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods when the market may be abnormally high or abnormally low. Accordingly, fair value measurements can be volatile based on various factors that may or may not be within Sonic’s control.

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:

	Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)	$	25,481	$	25,301
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (1)		2,963		3,707
Total assets	$	28,444	$	29,008
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (2)	$	15,579	$	17,995
Cash flow swaps not designated as hedges (3)		1,902		2,046
Deferred compensation plan (4)		15,219		14,842
Total liabilities	$	32,700	$	34,883

(1) Included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2) As of March 31, 2014, approximately $10.4 million and $5.2 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2013, approximately $10.6 million and $7.4 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3) As of March 31, 2014, approximately $0.7 million and $1.2 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets . As of December 31, 2013, approximately $1.0 million was included in both other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

There were no instances in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 which required a fair value measurement of assets ordinarily measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Therefore, the carrying value of assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 have not changed since December 31, 2013.

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 approximate their carrying values due either to length of maturity or existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates.

The fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s fixed rate long-term debt was as follows:

	March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	(In thousands)
7.0% Notes (1)	$	220,000	$	198,448	$	218,000	$	198,414
5.0% Notes (1)	$	294,000	$	300,000	$	285,000	$	300,000
Mortgage Notes (2)	$	163,263	$	155,763	$	165,381	$	157,571
Assumed Notes (2)	$	6,847	$	7,128	$	7,636	$	7,993
Other (2)	$	4,783	$	5,107	$	4,774	$	5,080

(1) As determined by market quotations as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively (Level 1).

(2) As determined by discounted cash flows (Level 3).

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,139	$ 3,016
Receivables, net	303,799	354,138
Inventories	1,269,996	1,282,138
Other current assets	112,782	92,893
Total current assets	1,688,716	1,732,185
Property and Equipment, net	701,141	702,011
Goodwill	477,034	476,315
Other Intangible Assets, net	86,678	87,866
Other Assets	51,880	52,793
Total Assets	3,005,449	3,051,170
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	631,591	681,030
Notes payable - floor plan - non-trade	546,069	570,661
Trade accounts payable	108,329	126,025
Accrued interest	12,552	12,653
Other accrued liabilities	178,599	185,951
Current maturities of long-term debt	20,540	18,216
Total current liabilities	1,497,680	1,594,536
Long-Term Debt	764,510	730,157
Other Long-Term Liabilities	77,836	81,286
Deferred Income Taxes	37,945	31,552
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
Class A convertible preferred stock, none issued
Paid-in capital	688,901	685,782
Retained earnings	302,436	284,368
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,545)	(8,582)
Treasury stock, at cost; 21,277,922 Class A shares held at March 31, 2014 and 20,900,264 Class A shares held at December 31, 2013	(357,054)	(348,666)
Total stockholders' equity	627,478	613,639
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	3,005,449	3,051,170
Common Class A [Member]
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, value	619	616
Total stockholders' equity	619	616
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, value	121	121
Total stockholders' equity	$ 121	$ 121

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Inventories

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
New vehicles	$	902,744	$	938,263
Used vehicles		193,999		171,909
Service loaners		111,525		108,136
Parts, accessories and other		61,728		63,830
Net inventories	$	1,269,996	$	1,282,138

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Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

2. Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions – Sonic acquired one luxury franchise during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.6 million. The balance sheet as of March 31, 2014 includes preliminary allocations of the purchase price of these acquisitions to the assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair market values at the date of acquisition and are subject to final adjustment.

Dispositions – Sonic disposed of one luxury franchise during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, which generated net cash from disposition of approximately $1.9 million. The operating results of material disposed dealerships and terminated facilities are included in the income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. As of March 31, 2014, there were no dealerships held for sale.

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

	First Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Income (loss) from operations	$	(588	)	$	(34	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		(45	)		(37	)
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges		(332	)		(667	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	(965	)	$	(738	)
Total revenues	$	0		$	—

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Inventories (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
New vehicles	$	902,744	$	938,263
Used vehicles		193,999		171,909
Service loaners		111,525		108,136
Parts, accessories and other		61,728		63,830
Net inventories	$	1,269,996	$	1,282,138

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Equity [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:

	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
	Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Pension Plan		Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(8,859	)	$	277	$	(8,582	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1)		(805	)		0		(805	)
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2)		1,842			0		1,842
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		1,037			0		1,037
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	(7,822	)	$	277	$	(7,545	)

(1) Net of tax benefit of $493.

(2) Net of tax expense of $1,129.

See the heading “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” in Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” for further discussion of Sonic’s cash flow hedges. 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, 2013.

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Long-Term Debt

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

6. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
2011 Revolving Credit Facility (1)	$	0		$	—
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 (the “7.0% Notes”)		200,000			200,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “5.0% Notes”)		300,000			300,000
Notes payable to a finance company bearing interest from 9.52% to 10.52% (with a weighted average of 10.19%)		6,843			7,629
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, bearing interest from 3.51% to 7.03%		155,763			157,571
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, bearing interest at 1.25 to 3.50 percentage points above one-month LIBOR		119,141			79,893
Net debt discount and premium (2)		(1,804	)		(1,800	)
Other		5,107			5,080
Total debt	$	785,050		$	748,373
Less current maturities		(20,540	)		(18,216	)
Long-term debt	$	764,510		$	730,157

(1) The interest rate on the revolving credit facility was 2.00% above LIBOR at March 31, 2014 and 2.00% above LIBOR at December 31, 2013.

(2) March 31, 2014 includes $1.6 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes, $0.3 million premium associated with notes payable to a finance company and $0.5 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable. December 31, 2013 includes $ 1.6 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes, $0.4 million premium associated with the notes payable to a finance company and $0.6 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable.

2011 Credit Facilities

Sonic has a syndicated revolving credit agreement (the “2011 Revolving Credit Facility”) and syndicated new and used vehicle floor plan credit facilities (the “2011 Floor Plan Facilities”), collectively the “2011 Credit Facilities,” which are scheduled to mature on August 15, 2016.

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

As of March 31, 2014, the 2011 Revolving Borrowing Base was approximately $147.1 million. Sonic had no outstanding borrowings as of March 31, 2014 and $29.2 million in outstanding letters of credit under the 2011 Revolving Credit Facility, resulting in total borrowing availability of $117.8 million under the 2011 Revolving Credit Facility based on balances as of March 31, 2014.

The 2011 Floor Plan Facilities are comprised of a new vehicle revolving floor plan facility (the “2011 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”) and a used vehicle revolving floor plan facility, subject to a borrowing base (the “2011 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”), in a combined amount up to $605.0 million. Sonic may, under certain conditions, request an increase in the 2011 Floor Plan Facilities of up to $175.0 million, which shall be allocated between the 2011 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility and the 2011 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility as Sonic requests, with no more than 15% of the aggregate commitments allocated to the commitments under the 2011 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility. Outstanding obligations under the 2011 Floor Plan Facilities are guaranteed by Sonic and certain of its subsidiaries and are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the assets of Sonic and its subsidiaries. The amounts outstanding under the 2011 Credit Facilities bear interest at variable rates based on specified percentages above LIBOR.

7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes

On July 2, 2012, Sonic issued $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior subordinated 7.0% Notes which mature on July 15, 2022. The 7.0% Notes were issued at a price of 99.11% of the principal amount thereof, resulting in a yield to maturity of 7.125%. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. Sonic may redeem the 7.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after July 15, 2017 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on July 15, 2017		103.500	%
Beginning on July 15, 2018		102.333	%
Beginning on July 15, 2019		101.167	%
Beginning on July 15, 2020 and thereafter		100.000	%

In addition, on or before July 15, 2015, Sonic may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.0% Notes at 107% of the par value of the 7.0% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest with proceeds from certain equity offerings. The indenture also provides that holders of the 7.0% Notes may require Sonic to repurchase the 7.0% Notes at 101% of the par value of the 7.0% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if Sonic undergoes a Change of Control (as defined in the indenture).

The indenture governing the 7.0% Notes contains certain specified restrictive covenants. Sonic has agreed not to pledge any assets to any third party lender of senior subordinated debt except under certain limited circumstances. Sonic also has agreed to certain other limitations or prohibitions concerning the incurrence of other indebtedness, guarantees, liens, certain types of investments, certain transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, issuance of preferred stock, cash dividends to stockholders, distributions, redemptions and the sale, assignment, lease, conveyance or disposal of certain assets. Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic’s 7.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 7.0% Notes. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of March 31, 2014.

Balances outstanding under Sonic’s 7.0% Notes are guaranteed by all of Sonic’s operating domestic subsidiaries. These guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. The parent company has no independent assets or operations. The non-domestic and non-operating subsidiaries that are not guarantors are considered to be minor.

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

5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes

On May 9, 2013, Sonic issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior subordinated 5.0% Notes which mature on May 15, 2023. The 5.0% Notes were issued at 100.0% of the principal amount thereof. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year. Sonic may redeem the 5.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after May 15, 2018 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on May 15, 2018		102.500	%
Beginning on May 15, 2019		101.667	%
Beginning on May 15, 2020		100.833	%
Beginning on May 15, 2021 and thereafter		100.000	%

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

The indenture governing the 5.0% Notes contains certain specified restrictive covenants. Sonic has agreed not to pledge any assets to any third party lender of senior subordinated debt except under certain limited circumstances. Sonic also has agreed to certain other limitations or prohibitions concerning the incurrence of other indebtedness, guarantees, liens, certain types of investments, certain transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, issuance of preferred stock, cash dividends to stockholders, distributions, redemptions and the sale, assignment, lease, conveyance or disposal of certain assets. Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic’s 5.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of March 31, 2014.

Balances outstanding under Sonic’s 5.0% Notes are guaranteed by all of Sonic’s operating domestic subsidiaries. These guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. The parent company has no independent assets or operations. The non-domestic and non-operating subsidiaries that are not guarantors are considered to be minor.

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

Notes Payable to a Finance Company

Three notes payable (due October 2015 and August 2016) were assumed in connection with an acquisition in 2004 (the “Assumed Notes”). Sonic recorded the Assumed Notes at fair value using an interest rate of 5.35%. The interest rate used to calculate the fair value was based on a quoted market price for notes with similar terms as of the date of assumption. As a result of calculating the fair value, a premium of $7.3 million was recorded that will be amortized over the lives of the Assumed Notes. At March 31, 2014, the outstanding principal balance on the Assumed Notes was approximately $6.8 million with a remaining unamortized premium balance of approximately $0.3 million.

Mortgage Notes

Sonic has mortgage financing totaling approximately $274.9 million in aggregate, related to 29 of its dealership properties. These mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest through maturity and are secured by the underlying properties. Maturity dates range between 2014 and 2033. The weighted average interest rate was 3.79% at March 31, 2014.

Covenants

Sonic was in compliance with the covenants under the 2011 Credit Facilities as of March 31, 2014. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2011 Credit Facilities) 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		5.50
March 31, 2014 actual		1.20		1.89		4.08

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

In addition, many of Sonic’s facility leases are governed by a guarantee agreement between the landlord and Sonic that contains financial and operating covenants. The financial covenants are identical to those under the 2011 Credit Facilities with the exception of one financial covenant related to the ratio of EBTDAR to Rent (as defined in the lease agreements) with a required ratio of no less than 1.50 to 1.00. As of March 31, 2014, the ratio was 3.57 to 1.00.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Sonic has interest rate cash flow swap agreements to effectively convert a portion of its LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. The fair value of these swap positions at March 31, 2014 was a net liability of approximately $14.5 million, with $11.1 million included in other accrued liabilities and $6.4 million included in other long-term liabilities, offset partially by an asset of approximately $3.0 million included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these swap positions at December 31, 2013 was a liability of approximately $16.3 million, with $11.6 million included in other accrued liabilities and $8.4 million included in other long-term liabilities, offset partially by an asset of approximately $3.7 million included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Under the terms of these cash flow swaps, Sonic will receive and pay interest based on the following:

Notional Amount			Pay Rate			Receive Rate (1)	Maturing Date
(In millions)
$	2.9			7.100	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.50%	July 10, 2017
$	9.1			4.655	%	one-month LIBOR	December 10, 2017
$	7.7	(2)		6.860	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	August 1, 2017
$	100.0			3.280	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0			3.300	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	6.6	(2)		6.410	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	September 12, 2017
$	50.0			2.767	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.240	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	50.0			2.610	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.070	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0	(3)		2.065	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	100.0	(3)		2.015	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	200.0	(3)		0.788	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2016
$	50.0	(4)		1.320	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2017
$	250.0	(5)		1.887	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2018

(1) The one-month LIBOR rate was 0.152% at March 31, 2014.

(2) Changes in fair value are recorded through earnings.

(3) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 1, 2015.

(4) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 1, 2016.

(5) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 3, 2017.

For the cash flow swaps not designated as hedges (changes in the fair value are recognized through earnings) and amortization of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to terminated cash flow swaps, certain benefits and charges were included in interest expense, other, net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. For the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, these items were a benefit of approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

For the cash flow swaps that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of these swaps have been recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and is disclosed in the supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The incremental interest expense (the difference between interest paid and interest received) related to these cash flow swaps was approximately $2.9 million and $2.9 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in interest expense, other, net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and the interest paid amount disclosed in the supplemental disclosures of cash flow information in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The estimated net expense expected to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into results of operations during the next twelve months is approximately $6.9 million.

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Property and Equipment

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment

4. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
Land	$	199,826		$	194,639
Building and improvements		571,560			569,619
Office equipment and fixtures		137,451			135,221
Parts and service equipment		72,973			70,950
Company vehicles		8,203			8,002
Construction in progress		32,718			27,716
Total, at cost		1,022,731			1,006,147
Less accumulated depreciation		(313,425	)		(300,035	)
Subtotal		709,306			706,112
Less assets held for sale		(8,165	)		(4,101	)
Property and equipment, net	$	701,141		$	702,011

In the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, capital expenditures were approximately $21.5 million and $59.3 million, respectively. Capital expenditures were primarily related to real estate acquisitions, construction of new dealerships, building improvements and equipment purchased for use in Sonic’s dealerships.

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

	Franchise Assets			Net Goodwill
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2013		79,535			476,315	(1)
Additions through current year acquisitions		0			1,252
Reductions from dispositions		(800	)		(533	)
Balance, March 31, 2014	$	78,735		$	477,034	(1)

(1) Net of accumulated impairment losses of $796,725.

At December 31, 2013, Sonic had approximately $8.3 million of definite life intangibles related to favorable lease agreements. After the effect of amortization of the definite life intangibles, the balance recorded at March 31, 2014 was approximately $7.9 million and was included in other intangible assets, net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additions through current year acquisitions are preliminary allocations subject to change upon the finalization of purchase accounting.

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Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity

7. Per Share Data and Stockholders’ Equity

The calculation of diluted earnings per share considers the potential dilutive effect of options and shares under Sonic’s stock compensation plans. Certain of Sonic’s non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends, and thus, are considered participating securities and are included in the two-class method of computing earnings per share. The following table illustrates the dilutive effect of such items on earnings per share for the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

	First Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
			Income (Loss)					Income (Loss)
			From Continuing					From Discontinued
			Operations					Operations						Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount			Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,418	$	19,984				$	(598	)				$	19,386
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(63	)				0						(63	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,418	$	19,921		$	0.38	$	(598	)	$	(0.01	)	$	19,323		$	0.37
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		528
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		52,946	$	19,921		$	0.38	$	(598	)	$	(0.02	)	$	19,323		$	0.36
	First Quarter Ended March 31, 2013
			Income (Loss)					Income (Loss)
			From Continuing					From Discontinued
			Operations					Operations						Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount			Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,586	$	21,697				$	(406	)				$	21,291
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(170	)				—						(170	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,586	$	21,527		$	0.41	$	(406	)	$	(0.01	)	$	21,121		$	0.40
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		345
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		52,931	$	21,527		$	0.41	$	(406	)	$	(0.01	)	$	21,121		$	0.40

In addition to the stock options included in the table above, options to purchase approximately 0.6 million shares and 0.9 million shares of Class A common stock were outstanding during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options were not dilutive.

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Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Results Associated with Dealerships Classified as Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Income (loss) from operations	$ (588)	$ (34)
Gain (loss) on disposal	(45)	(37)
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges	(332)	(667)
Pre-tax income (loss)	(965)	(738)
Total revenues

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Fair Value Measurements - Assets or Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value (Detail) (Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	$ 25,481	$ 25,301
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges	2,963	3,707
Total assets	28,444	29,008
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges	15,579	17,995
Cash flow swaps not designated as hedges	1,902	2,046
Deferred compensation plan	15,219	14,842
Total liabilities	$ 32,700	$ 34,883

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Operating Lease Exit Accruals

A summary of the activity of these operating lease exit accruals consists of the following:

	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	27,234
Lease exit expense (1)		421
Payments (2)		(2,021	)
Balance, March 31, 2014	$	25,634

(1) Expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in interest expense, other, net, and expense of approximately $0.3 million is recorded in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2) Amount is recorded as an offset to rent expense in selling, general and administrative expenses, with approximately $0.2 million in continuing operations and $1.8 million in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

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Long-Term Debt (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
2011 Revolving Credit Facility (1)	$	0		$	—
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 (the “7.0% Notes”)		200,000			200,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “5.0% Notes”)		300,000			300,000
Notes payable to a finance company bearing interest from 9.52% to 10.52% (with a weighted average of 10.19%)		6,843			7,629
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, bearing interest from 3.51% to 7.03%		155,763			157,571
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, bearing interest at 1.25 to 3.50 percentage points above one-month LIBOR		119,141			79,893
Net debt discount and premium (2)		(1,804	)		(1,800	)
Other		5,107			5,080
Total debt	$	785,050		$	748,373
Less current maturities		(20,540	)		(18,216	)
Long-term debt	$	764,510		$	730,157

(1) The interest rate on the revolving credit facility was 2.00% above LIBOR at March 31, 2014 and 2.00% above LIBOR at December 31, 2013.

(2) March 31, 2014 includes $1.6 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes, $0.3 million premium associated with notes payable to a finance company and $0.5 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable. December 31, 2013 includes $ 1.6 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes, $0.4 million premium associated with the notes payable to a finance company and $0.6 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable.

Financial Covenants Include Required Specified Ratios

Sonic was in compliance with the covenants under the 2011 Credit Facilities as of March 31, 2014. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2011 Credit Facilities) 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		5.50
March 31, 2014 actual		1.20		1.89		4.08

Summary of Interest Received and Paid under Term of Cash Flow Swap

Under the terms of these cash flow swaps, Sonic will receive and pay interest based on the following:

Notional Amount			Pay Rate			Receive Rate (1)	Maturing Date
(In millions)
$	2.9			7.100	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.50%	July 10, 2017
$	9.1			4.655	%	one-month LIBOR	December 10, 2017
$	7.7	(2)		6.860	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	August 1, 2017
$	100.0			3.280	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0			3.300	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	6.6	(2)		6.410	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	September 12, 2017
$	50.0			2.767	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.240	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	50.0			2.610	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.070	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0	(3)		2.065	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	100.0	(3)		2.015	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	200.0	(3)		0.788	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2016
$	50.0	(4)		1.320	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2017
$	250.0	(5)		1.887	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2018

(1) The one-month LIBOR rate was 0.152% at March 31, 2014.

(2) Changes in fair value are recorded through earnings.

(3) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 1, 2015.

(4) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 1, 2016.

(5) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 3, 2017.

7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member]

Redemption Price, Percentage

Sonic may redeem the 7.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after July 15, 2017 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on July 15, 2017		103.500	%
Beginning on July 15, 2018		102.333	%
Beginning on July 15, 2019		101.167	%
Beginning on July 15, 2020 and thereafter		100.000	%

5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]

Redemption Price, Percentage

Sonic may redeem the 5.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after May 15, 2018 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on May 15, 2018		102.500	%
Beginning on May 15, 2019		101.667	%
Beginning on May 15, 2020		100.833	%
Beginning on May 15, 2021 and thereafter		100.000	%

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Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (Common Class A [Member]) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Common Class A [Member]
Capital Structure and Per Share Data [Line Items]
Antidilutive stock options excluded in computation of diluted earnings per share	0.6	0.9

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Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 785,050	$ 748,373
Less current maturities	(20,540)	(18,216)
Long-Term Debt	764,510	730,157
2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	29,200
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	200,000	200,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	300,000	300,000
Notes Payable to Finance Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	6,843	7,629
Mortgage Loan at Fix Interest Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	155,763	157,571
Mortgage Loan at Variable Interest Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	119,141	79,893
Net Debt Discount and Premium [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	(1,804)	(1,800)
Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 5,107	$ 5,080

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Convertible preferred stock issued	0	0
Common Class A [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	61,890,712	61,584,248
Common stock, shares outstanding	40,612,790	40,683,984
Treasury stock, shares	21,277,922	20,900,264
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	12,029,375	12,029,375
Common stock, shares outstanding	12,029,375	12,029,375

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all material normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year, because the first quarter normally contributes less operating profit than the second, third and fourth quarters. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic” or the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2013, which were included in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standard update that amended the reporting requirements for discontinued operations. The amendments in this accounting standard update raise the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and require new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. This accounting standard update is effective for interim and annual filings beginning with the quarter ending March 31, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Sonic expects that the adoption of this accounting standard update will impact the presentation of certain items in its consolidated financial position, results of operations and other disclosures.

Principles of Consolidation – All of Sonic’s dealership and non-dealership subsidiaries are wholly owned and consolidated in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements except for one fifty-percent 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.

Lease Exit Accruals – Lease exit accruals relate to facilities Sonic has ceased using in its operations. The accruals represent the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated or actual sublease proceeds, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord. These situations could include the relocation of an existing facility or the sale of a dealership whereby the buyer will not be subleasing the property for either the remaining term of the lease or for an amount of rent equal to Sonic’s obligation under the lease. Please see Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further discussion.

A summary of the activity of these operating lease exit accruals consists of the following:

	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	27,234
Lease exit expense (1)		421
Payments (2)		(2,021	)
Balance, March 31, 2014	$	25,634

(1) Expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in interest expense, other, net, and expense of approximately $0.3 million is recorded in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2) Amount is recorded as an offset to rent expense in selling, general and administrative expenses, with approximately $0.2 million in continuing operations and $1.8 million in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Income Tax Expense – The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 38.0% and 39.0% for the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Sonic expects the effective tax rate for continuing operations in future periods to fall within a range of 38.0% to 40.0%.

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Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Dilutive Effect on Earnings Per Share

The following table illustrates the dilutive effect of such items on earnings per share for the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

	First Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
			Income (Loss)					Income (Loss)
			From Continuing					From Discontinued
			Operations					Operations						Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount			Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,418	$	19,984				$	(598	)				$	19,386
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(63	)				0						(63	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,418	$	19,921		$	0.38	$	(598	)	$	(0.01	)	$	19,323		$	0.37
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		528
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		52,946	$	19,921		$	0.38	$	(598	)	$	(0.02	)	$	19,323		$	0.36
	First Quarter Ended March 31, 2013
			Income (Loss)					Income (Loss)
			From Continuing					From Discontinued
			Operations					Operations						Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount			Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,586	$	21,697				$	(406	)				$	21,291
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(170	)				—						(170	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,586	$	21,527		$	0.41	$	(406	)	$	(0.01	)	$	21,121		$	0.40
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		345
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		52,931	$	21,527		$	0.41	$	(406	)	$	(0.01	)	$	21,121		$	0.40

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Franchise Assets and Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Goodwill, Beginning balance	$ 476,315
Net Goodwill, Additions through current year acquisitions	1,252
Net Goodwill, Reductions from dispositions	(533)
Net Goodwill, Ending balance	477,034
Franchise Assets [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Franchise Assets, Beginning balance	79,535
Franchise Assets, Additions through current year acquisitions
Franchise Agreements, Reductions from dispositions	(800)
Franchise Assets, Ending balance	$ 78,735

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all material normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year, because the first quarter normally contributes less operating profit than the second, third and fourth quarters. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic” or the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2013, which were included in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standard update that amended the reporting requirements for discontinued operations. The amendments in this accounting standard update raise the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and require new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. This accounting standard update is effective for interim and annual filings beginning with the quarter ending March 31, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Sonic expects that the adoption of this accounting standard update will impact the presentation of certain items in its consolidated financial position, results of operations and other disclosures.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation - All of Sonic’s dealership and non-dealership subsidiaries are wholly owned and consolidated in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements except for one fifty-percent 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.

Lease Exit Accruals

Lease Exit Accruals – Lease exit accruals relate to facilities Sonic has ceased using in its operations. The accruals represent the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated or actual sublease proceeds, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord. These situations could include the relocation of an existing facility or the sale of a dealership whereby the buyer will not be subleasing the property for either the remaining term of the lease or for an amount of rent equal to Sonic’s obligation under the lease. Please see Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further discussion.

A summary of the activity of these operating lease exit accruals consists of the following:

	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	27,234
Lease exit expense (1)		421
Payments (2)		(2,021	)
Balance, March 31, 2014	$	25,634

(1) Expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in interest expense, other, net, and expense of approximately $0.3 million is recorded in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2) Amount is recorded as an offet to rent expense in selling, general and administrative expenses, with approximately $0.2 million in continuing operations and $1.8 million in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Income Tax Expense

Income Tax Expense – The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 38.0% and 39.0% for the first quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Sonic expects the effective tax rate for continuing operations in future periods to fall within a range of 38.0% to 40.0%.