10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

or

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

For the transition period from to

Commission file number:  1-13395

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	56-2010790
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)
4401 Colwick Road
Charlotte, North Carolina	28211
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

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

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

Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value	New York Stock Exchange

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

None

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, 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 files).    ☒  Yes    ☐  No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    ☐  

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

Large accelerated filer  ☒	Accelerated filer  ☐
Non-accelerated filer  ☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company  ☐ Emerging growth company  ☐

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

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

The aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $592.7 million based upon the closing sales price of the registrant’s Class A common stock on June 30, 2017 of $19.45 per share.

As of February 27, 2018, there were 30,384,481shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 12,029,375 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

Documents incorporated by reference. Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held April 25, 2018 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

UNCERTAINTY OF FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION

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

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

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

• our ability to generate sufficient cash flows or obtain additional financing to fund our pre-owned expansion, our One Sonic-One Experience initiative, capital expenditures, our share repurchase program, dividends on our common stock, acquisitions and general operating activities;

• our business and growth strategies, including, but not limited to, our stand-alone pre-owned store initiative and our One Sonic-One Experience initiative;

• 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;

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

• 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, except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		PAGE
PART I
Item 1.	Business	1
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	9
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	23
Item 2.	Properties	23
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	23
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	23
PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	24
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	26
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	27
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	81
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	82
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	82
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	82
Item 9B.	Other Information	83
PART III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	84
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	84
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	84
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	84
Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	84
PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	85
Item 16.	Form 10-K Summary	90
SIGNATURES		91
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		F-1

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

PART I

Item 1.  Business.

Sonic Automotive, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in 1997. We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States (as measured by total revenue). As of December 31, 2017, we operated 114 new vehicle franchises in 13 states (representing 23 different brands of cars and light trucks), 18 collision repair centers and nine pre-owned vehicle stores. As a result of the way we manage our business, we had two operating segments as of December 31, 2017: (1) the Franchised Dealerships Segment and (2) the Pre-Owned Stores Segment. For management and operational reporting purposes, we group certain franchises together that share management and inventory (principally used vehicles) into “stores.” As of December 31, 2017, we operated 103 stores in the Franchised Dealerships Segment and nine stores in the Pre-Owned Stores Segment.

The Franchised Dealerships Segment provides comprehensive services, including (1) sales of both new and used cars and light trucks; (2) sales of replacement parts and performance of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repairs, and paint and collision repair services (collectively, “Fixed Operations”); and (3) arrangement of extended warranties, service contracts, financing, insurance and other aftermarket products (collectively, “F&I”) for our customers. The Pre-Owned Stores Segment provides the same services (excluding new vehicle sales and manufacturer warranty repairs) in stand-alone pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations and includes our EchoPark stores. Our pre-owned stores business operates independently from our franchised dealerships business. Sales operations in our first EchoPark market in Denver, Colorado began in the fourth quarter of 2014. As of December 31, 2017, we had six EchoPark stores in operation in Colorado and one in Texas, as well as two pre-owned stores in Florida and Texas operating under other names. By the end of 2018, we expect to open additional EchoPark stores in North Carolina and Texas. We believe that the expansion of our pre-owned stores business will provide long-term benefits to our Company, our stockholders and our guests. However, in the short term, this strategic initiative may negatively impact our overall operating results as we allocate management and capital resources to this business.

References to “Sonic,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” used throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K refer to Sonic Automotive, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

The following charts depict the multiple sources of continuing operations revenue and gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“2017”):

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As of December 31, 2017, we operated in the following states:

Market	Number of Franchised Stores		Number of Pre-Owned Stores		Percent of 2017 Total Revenue
California		25		-		29.8	%
Texas		21		2		25.9	%
Tennessee		12		-		7.2	%
Colorado		4		6		6.4	%
Florida		10		1		6.3	%
Alabama		10		-		5.2	%
North Carolina		4		-		3.3	%
Ohio		5		-		2.9	%
Georgia		3		-		2.7	%
Virginia		2		-		2.7	%
Maryland		2		-		2.7	%
Nevada		3		-		2.0	%
South Carolina		2		-		1.5	%
Disposed franchises and holding companies		-		-		1.4	%
Total		103		9		100.0	%

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

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

Operating Segments

As of December 31, 2017, we had two operating segments: (1) the Franchised Dealerships Segment and (2) the Pre-Owned Stores Segment. The Franchised Dealerships Segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles and buy and sell used vehicles, sell replacement parts, perform vehicle repair and maintenance services, and arrange finance and insurance products. The Pre-Owned Stores Segment is comprised of stand-alone pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations that provide customers an opportunity to search, buy, service, finance and sell pre-owned vehicles.

For 2017, Pre-Owned Stores Segment revenue represented approximately 2.6% of total revenue. See Note 14, “Segment Information,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional financial information regarding our two operating segments.

Unless otherwise noted, the following discussion of our business is presented on a consolidated basis.

Business Strategy

Execute our Stand-Alone Pre-Owned Store Initiative. We have augmented our manufacturer-franchised dealership operations with our stand-alone pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations, which includes our EchoPark stores. Our pre-owned stores business operates independently from our franchised dealerships business. Sales operations for our stand-alone pre-owned store initiative began in Denver, Colorado in the fourth quarter of 2014. As of December 31, 2017, we had six EchoPark stores in operation in Colorado and one in Texas, as well as two pre-owned stores in Florida and Texas operating under other names. We expect to open additional EchoPark stores in North Carolina and Texas during 2018.

Execute our Customer Experience Initiative. Our One Sonic-One Experience (“OSOE”) initiative includes several new processes and proprietary technologies from inventory management, electronic desking and pricing tools to a fully developed “customer-centric” Customer Relationship Management tool. We believe that the development of these processes and technologies 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

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process and move at their pace so that once the vehicle has been selected our team can utilize these processes and technologies to allow our guests to complete a new or pre-owned vehicle sales transaction in less than an hour. During the latter half of 2014 and throughout 2015, we rolled out the OSOE initiative at our dealerships in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2016, we introduced the technology component of the initiative to 14 additional stores in our Alabama, California and Tennessee markets. In the first half of 2017, we launched OSOE at our BMW dealership in Greenville, South Carolina and our Audi and Honda dealerships in Pensacola, Florida. We do not currently plan to expand the OSOE rollout to additional existing stores until the model has matured and proven it can provide the required financial returns.

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

Invest in Dealership Properties. Historically, we have operated our dealerships primarily on property financed through long-term operating leases. As these leases mature, or as we have an opportunity to purchase the underlying real estate prior to renewal, we take actions to own more of our dealership properties when the effect is financially or operationally favorable to us. We remain opportunistic in purchasing existing properties or relocating dealership operations to owned real estate where the returns are favorable. We believe owning our properties will, over the long term, strengthen our balance sheet and reduce our overall cost of operating and financing our facilities.

Improve Capital Structure. As we generate cash through operations, we may continue to opportunistically repurchase our Class A common stock in open-market or structured transactions.

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

Maintain Diverse Revenue Streams. We have multiple revenue streams. In addition to new vehicle sales, our revenue sources include used vehicle sales, which we believe are less sensitive to economic cycles and seasonal influences that exist with new vehicle sales. Our Fixed Operations sales carry a higher gross margin than new and used vehicle sales and, in the past, have not been as economically sensitive as new vehicle sales. We also offer customers assistance in obtaining financing and a range of automobile related warranty, aftermarket and insurance products.

Manage Portfolio. Our long-term growth and acquisition strategy is focused on large metropolitan markets, predominantly in the Southeast, Texas and California. We seek to add like-branded dealerships to our portfolio that exist in regions in which we already operate; however, we may look outside of our existing geographic footprint when considering the location of new EchoPark stores. A majority of our franchised dealerships are either luxury or mid-line import brands. For 2017, approximately 88.8% of our total new vehicle revenue was generated by luxury and mid-line import dealerships, which usually have higher operating margins, more stable Fixed Operations departments, lower associate turnover and lower inventory levels.

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The following table depicts the breakdown of our new vehicle revenues from continuing operations by brand:

	Percentage of New Vehicle Revenues
	Year Ended December 31,
Brand	2017			2016			2015
Luxury:
BMW		19.6	%		20.2	%		21.7	%
Mercedes		10.7	%		10.6	%		9.7	%
Audi		6.0	%		5.3	%		4.8	%
Lexus		5.8	%		5.9	%		5.6	%
Land Rover		3.2	%		3.3	%		4.0	%
Cadillac		2.7	%		3.3	%		3.2	%
Porsche		2.4	%		2.3	%		2.5	%
MINI		1.3	%		1.6	%		1.9	%
Other luxury (1)		2.9	%		3.0	%		3.1	%
Total Luxury		54.6	%		55.5	%		56.5	%
Mid-line Import:
Honda		17.3	%		16.8	%		15.5	%
Toyota		11.9	%		11.4	%		11.1	%
Volkswagen		1.8	%		1.5	%		1.7	%
Hyundai		1.5	%		1.2	%		1.4	%
Other imports (2)		1.7	%		1.7	%		1.6	%
Total Mid-line Import		34.2	%		32.6	%		31.3	%
Domestic:
Ford		6.8	%		6.8	%		6.8	%
General Motors (3)		4.4	%		5.1	%		5.4	%
Total Domestic		11.2	%		11.9	%		12.2	%
Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

(1) Includes Acura, Infiniti, Jaguar, Smart and Volvo.

(2) Includes Kia, Nissan, Scion and Subaru.

(3) Includes Buick, Chevrolet and GMC.

Expand our eCommerce Capabilities. Automotive customers have become increasingly more comfortable using technology to research their vehicle buying alternatives and communicate with dealership personnel. The internet presents a marketing, advertising and automotive sales channel that we will continue to utilize to drive value for our dealerships and enhance the customer experience. Our technology platforms give us the ability to leverage technology to efficiently integrate systems, customize our dealership websites and use our data to improve the effectiveness of our advertising and interaction with our customers. These platforms also allow us to market all of our products and services to a national audience and, at the same time, support the local market penetration of our individual dealerships.

Train, Develop and Retain Associates. We believe our associates are the cornerstone of our business and crucial to our financial success. Our goal is to develop our associates and foster an environment where our associates can contribute and grow with the Company. Associate satisfaction is very important to us, and we believe a high level of associate satisfaction reduces associate turnover and enhances our customers’ experience at our dealerships by pairing our customers with well-trained associates. We believe that our comprehensive training of all employees provides us with a competitive advantage over other dealership groups.

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

Finance, Insurance and Other Aftermarket Products. Each sale of a new or used vehicle gives us an opportunity to provide our customers with financing and insurance options and earn financing fees and insurance commissions. We also offer our customers the opportunity to purchase extended warranties, service contracts and other aftermarket products. We currently offer a wide range of non-recourse financing, leasing, other aftermarket products, extended warranties, service contracts and insurance products to our

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customers. We emphasize menu-selling techniques and other best practices to increase our sales of F&I products at our franchised dealerships and pre-owned stores.

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

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

Relationships with Manufacturers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Competition

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

We believe that the principal competitive factors in vehicle sales are the customer experience provided, the location of dealerships, the marketing campaigns conducted by manufacturers, the ability of dealerships to offer an attractive selection of the most popular vehicles, the quality of services and pricing (including manufacturer rebates and other special offers). In particular, pricing has become more important as a result of well-informed customers using sources available on the internet to determine current market retail prices. Other competitive factors include customer preference for makes of automobiles and coverage under manufacturer warranties.

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

In arranging or providing financing for our customers’ vehicle purchases, we compete with a broad range of financial institutions. In addition, financial institutions are now offering F&I products through the internet. We believe the principal competitive factors in providing financing are convenience, interest rates and contract terms.

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

Governmental Regulations and Environmental Matters

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

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

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

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

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

We do not have any known material environmental liabilities, and we believe that compliance with environmental laws and regulations will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition

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and cash flows. However, soil and groundwater contamination is known to exist at certain properties owned and used by us. Further, environmental laws and regulations are complex and subject to frequent change. In addition, in connection with our past or future acquisitions, it is possible that we will assume or become subject to new or unforeseen environmental costs or liabilities, some of which may be material.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Our executive officers as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are as follows:

Name	Age		Position(s) with Sonic
O. Bruton Smith		90	Executive Chairman and Director
B. Scott Smith		50	Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
David Bruton Smith		43	Vice Chairman and Director
Heath R. Byrd		51	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Jeff Dyke		50	Executive Vice President of Operations

O. Bruton Smith is the Founder of Sonic and has served as Sonic’s Executive Chairman since July 2015.  Prior to his appointment as Executive Chairman, Mr. Smith had served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since its organization in January 1997.  Mr. Smith has also served as a director of Sonic since its organization in January 1997.  Mr. Smith is also a director of many of Sonic’s subsidiaries.  Mr. Smith has worked in the retail automobile industry since 1966.  Mr. Smith is also the Executive Chairman and a director of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (“SMI”), which is controlled by Mr. Smith and his family.  SMI is a public company whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”).  Among other things, SMI owns and operates the following speedways: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway.  He is also a director of most of SMI’s operating subsidiaries.

B. Scott Smith is the Co-Founder of Sonic.  He is also Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of Sonic.  Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in July 2015, Mr. Smith had served as President and Chief Strategic Officer of Sonic since March 2007.  Prior to that, Mr. Smith served as Sonic’s Vice Chairman and Chief Strategic Officer from October 2002 to March 2007 and President and Chief Operating Officer from April 1997 to October 2002.  Mr. Smith has been a director of Sonic since its organization in January 1997.  Mr. Smith also serves as a director and executive officer of many of Sonic’s subsidiaries.  Mr. Smith, who is the son of Mr. O. Bruton Smith and the brother of Mr. David Bruton Smith, has been an executive officer of Town & Country Ford since 1993, and was a minority owner of both Town & Country Ford and Fort Mill Ford before Sonic’s acquisition of those dealerships in 1997.  Mr. Smith became the General Manager of Town & Country Ford in November 1992 where he remained until his appointment as President and Chief Operating Officer of Sonic in April 1997.  Mr. Smith has over 28 years of experience in the automobile dealership industry.

David Bruton Smith was appointed to the office of Vice Chairman in March 2013.  He has served as Executive Vice President and a director of Sonic since October 2008 and has served in Sonic’s organization since 1998.  Prior to being named a director and Executive Vice President in 2008, Mr. Smith had served as Sonic’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Development since March 2007.  Mr. Smith served as Sonic’s Vice President of Corporate Strategy from October 2005 to March 2007, and also served prior to that time as Dealer Operator and General Manager of several Sonic dealerships.  He is the son of Mr. O. Bruton Smith and the brother of Mr. B. Scott Smith.

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

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

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Employees

As of December 31, 2017, we employed approximately 9,750 associates. We believe that our relationships with our associates are good. Approximately 265 of our associates, primarily service technicians in our northern California markets, are represented by a labor union. Although only a small percentage of our associates is represented by a labor union, we may be affected by labor strikes, work slowdowns and walkouts at automobile manufacturers’ manufacturing facilities.

Company Information

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

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RISK FACTORS

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

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

Risks Related to Our Sources of Financing and Liquidity

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

As of December 31, 2017, our total outstanding indebtedness was approximately $2.5 billion, which includes floor plan notes payable, long-term debt and short-term debt.

We have up to $250.0 million of maximum borrowing availability under a syndicated revolving credit facility (the “2016 Revolving Credit Facility”) and up to $1.0 billion of maximum borrowing availability for combined syndicated new and used vehicle inventory floor plan financing (the “2016 Floor Plan Facilities”). We refer to the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility and the 2016 Floor Plan Facilities collectively as the “2016 Credit Facilities.” As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately $155.3 million available for additional borrowings under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility based on the borrowing base calculation, which is affected by numerous factors, including eligible asset balances. We are able to borrow under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility only if, at the time of the borrowing, we have met all representations and warranties and are in compliance with all financial and other covenants contained therein. We also have capacity to finance new and used vehicle inventory purchases under floor plan agreements with various manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and other lending institutions (the “Silo Floor Plan Facilities”) as well as the 2016 Floor Plan Facilities. In addition, the indentures relating to our 5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “5.0% Notes”), our 6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 (the “6.125% Notes”) and our other debt instruments allow us to incur additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness, as long as we comply with the terms thereunder.

In addition, the majority of our dealership properties are leased under long-term operating lease arrangements that commonly have initial terms of 15 to 20 years with renewal options generally ranging from five to 10 years. These operating leases require compliance with financial and operating covenants similar to those under the 2016 Credit Facilities, and monthly payments of rent that may fluctuate based on interest rates and local consumer price indices. The total future minimum lease payments related to these operating leases and certain equipment leases are significant and are disclosed in Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

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

An acceleration of our obligation to repay all or a substantial portion of our outstanding indebtedness or lease obligations would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

The 2016 Credit Facilities, the indentures governing the 5.0% Notes and the 6.125% Notes and many of our operating leases contain numerous financial and operating covenants. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the applicable agreement or indenture. In addition, a default under one agreement or indenture could result in a cross default and acceleration of our repayment obligations under the other agreements or indentures, including the indentures governing the 5.0% Notes and the 6.125% Notes. If a default or cross default were to occur, we may not be able to pay our debts or borrow sufficient funds to refinance them. Even if new financing were available, it may not be on terms acceptable to us. If a default were to occur, we may be unable to adequately finance our operations and the value of our common stock would be materially adversely affected because of acceleration and cross-default provisions. As a result of this risk, we could be forced to take actions that we otherwise would not take, or not take actions that we otherwise might take, in order to comply with the covenants in these agreements and indentures.

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RISK FACTORS

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

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

If our cash flow is not sufficient to service our debt as it becomes due, we may be required to refinance the debt, sell assets or sell shares of our common stock on terms that we do not find attractive. Further, our failure to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants relating to the 2016 Credit Facilities and the indentures pertaining to our outstanding notes could result in a default under these agreements and indentures that would prevent us from borrowing under the 2016 Credit Facilities, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If a default and acceleration of repayment were to occur, we may be unable to adequately finance our operations and the value of our Class A common stock could be materially adversely affected.

We have financed the purchase of certain dealership properties with mortgage notes that require balloon payments at the end of the notes’ terms.

Many of our mortgage notes’ principal and interest payments are based on an amortization period longer than the actual terms (maturity dates) of the notes. We will be required to repay or refinance the remaining principal balances for certain of our mortgages with balloon payments at the notes’ maturity dates, which range from 2018 to 2033. The amounts to be repaid or refinanced at the maturity dates could be significant. We may not have sufficient liquidity to make such payments at the notes’ maturity dates. In the event we do not have sufficient liquidity to completely repay the remaining principal balances at maturity, we may not be able to refinance the notes at interest rates that are acceptable to us or, depending on market conditions, refinance the notes at all. Our inability to repay or refinance these notes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We depend on the performance of subleases to offset costs related to certain of our lease agreements.

In many cases, when we sell a dealership, the buyer of the dealership will sublease the dealership property from us, but we are not released from the underlying lease obligation to the primary landlord. We rely on the sublease income from the buyer to offset the expense incurred related to our obligation to pay the primary landlord. We also rely on the buyer to maintain the property in accordance with the terms of the sublease (which in most cases mirror the terms of the lease we have with the primary landlord). Although we assess the financial condition of a buyer at the time we sell the dealership, and seek to obtain guarantees of the buyer’s sublease obligation from the stockholders or affiliates of the buyer, the financial condition of the buyer and/or the sublease guarantors may deteriorate over time. In the event the buyer does not perform under the terms of the sublease agreement (due to the buyer’s financial condition or other factors), we may not be able to recover amounts owed to us under the terms of the sublease agreement or the related guarantees. Our operating results, financial condition and cash flows may be materially adversely affected if sublessees do not perform their obligations under the terms of the sublease agreements.

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

To reduce our exposure to fluctuations in cash flow due to interest rate fluctuations, we have entered into, and in the future expect to enter into, certain derivative instruments (or hedging agreements). No hedging activity can completely insulate us from the risks associated with changes in interest rates. As of December 31, 2017, we had interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements to effectively convert a portion of our LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate or to limit our exposure to rising interest rates. See the heading “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” under Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. We intend to hedge as much of our interest rate risk as management determines is in our best interests given the cost of such hedging transactions.

Our hedging transactions expose us to certain risks and financial losses, including, among other things:

• counterparty credit risk;

• available interest rate hedging may not correspond directly with the interest rate risk for which we seek protection;

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RISK FACTORS

• the duration or the amount of the hedge may not match the duration or the amount of the related liability;

• the value of derivatives used for hedging may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with accounting rules to reflect changes in fair value, downward adjustments or “mark-to-market losses,” which would affect our stockholders’ equity; and

• all of our hedging instruments contain terms and conditions with which we are required to meet. In the event those terms and conditions are not met, we may be required to settle the instruments prior to the instruments’ maturity with cash payments, which could significantly affect our liquidity.

A failure on our part to effectively hedge against interest rate changes may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to satisfy our debt obligations upon the occurrence of a change of control.

Upon the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the 5.0% Notes and the 6.125% Notes, holders of these instruments will have the right to require us to purchase all or any part of such holders’ notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The events that constitute a change of control under these indentures may also constitute a default under the 2016 Credit Facilities. Any future debt instruments that we may incur may contain similar provisions regarding repurchases in the event of a change of control triggering event. There can be no assurance that we would have sufficient resources available to satisfy all of our obligations under these debt instruments in the event of a change of control. In the event we were unable to satisfy these obligations, it could have a material adverse impact on our business and our stockholders.

Risks Related to Our Relationships with Vehicle Manufacturers

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

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

Moreover, manufacturers exercise a great degree of control over the operations of our dealerships through the franchise and dealer agreements. The franchise and dealer agreements govern, among other things, our ability to purchase vehicles from the manufacturer and to sell vehicles to customers. Each of our franchise or dealer agreements provides for termination or non-renewal for a variety of causes, including certain changes in the financial condition of the dealerships and any unapproved change of ownership or management. Manufacturers may also have a right of first refusal if we seek to sell dealerships.

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

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

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

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RISK FACTORS

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

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

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

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

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

Our dealerships depend on the manufacturers for certain sales incentives, warranties and other programs that are intended to promote and support dealership new vehicle sales. Manufacturers routinely modify their incentive programs in response to changing market conditions. Some of the key incentive programs include:

• customer rebates or below market financing on new and used vehicles;

• employee pricing;

• dealer incentives on new vehicles;

• manufacturer floor plan interest and advertising assistance;

• warranties on new and used vehicles; and

• sponsorship of CPO vehicle sales by authorized new vehicle dealers.

Manufacturers frequently offer incentives to potential customers. A reduction or discontinuation of a manufacturer’s incentive programs may materially adversely impact vehicle demand and affect our results of operations.

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

One of the primary finance sources used by consumers in connection with the purchase of a new or used vehicle is the manufacturer captive finance companies. These captive finance companies rely, to a certain extent, on the public debt markets to provide the capital necessary to support their financing programs. In addition, the captive finance companies will occasionally change their loan underwriting criteria to alter the risk profile of their loan portfolio. A limitation or reduction of available consumer financing for these or other reasons could affect consumers’ ability to purchase a vehicle and, thus, could have a material adverse effect on our sales volume.

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RISK FACTORS

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

Franchised automotive retailers perform factory authorized service work and sell original replacement parts on vehicles covered by warranties issued by the automotive manufacturer. Dealerships which perform work covered by a manufacturer warranty are reimbursed at rates established by the manufacturer. For 2017, approximately 20.0% of our parts, service and collision repair revenues was for work covered by manufacturer warranties. To the extent a manufacturer reduces the labor rates or markup of replacement parts for such warranty work, our parts and service sales volume and margins could be adversely affected.

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

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

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

Moreover, our business could be materially adversely impacted by the bankruptcy of a major vehicle manufacturer or related lender. For example:

• a manufacturer in bankruptcy could attempt to terminate all or certain of our franchises, in which case we may not receive adequate compensation for our franchises;

• consumer demand for such manufacturer’s products could be substantially reduced;

• a lender in bankruptcy could attempt to terminate our floor plan financing and demand repayment of any amounts outstanding;

• we may be unable to arrange financing for our customers for their vehicle purchases and leases through such lender, in which case we would be required to seek financing with alternate financing sources, which may be difficult to obtain on similar terms, if at all;

• we may be unable to collect some or all of our significant receivables that are due from such manufacturer or lender, and we may be subject to preference claims relating to payments made by such manufacturer or lender prior to bankruptcy; and

• such manufacturer may be relieved of its indemnification obligations with respect to product liability claims.

Additionally, any such bankruptcy may result in us being required to incur impairment charges with respect to the inventory, fixed assets and intangible assets related to certain dealerships, which could adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition and our ability to remain in compliance with the financial ratios contained in our debt agreements.

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

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

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RISK FACTORS

We depend on manufacturers to supply us with sufficient numbers of popular new models.

Manufacturers typically allocate their vehicles among dealerships based on the sales history of each dealership. Supplies of popular new vehicles may be limited by the applicable manufacturer’s production capabilities. Popular new vehicles that are in limited supply typically produce the highest profit margins. We depend on manufacturers to provide us with a desirable mix of popular new vehicles. Our operating results may be materially adversely affected if we do not obtain a sufficient supply of these vehicles on a timely basis.

A decline in the quality of vehicles we sell, or consumers’ perception of the quality of those vehicles, may adversely affect our business.

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

Risks Related to Our Growth Strategy

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

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

Our ability to make acquisitions, execute our stand-alone pre-owned store initiative and grow organically may be restricted by the terms and limits of the 2016 Credit Facilities and the indentures which govern our outstanding notes.

The amount of capital available to us is limited to the liquidity available under the 2016 Credit Facilities and capital generated through operating activities. Pursuant to the 2016 Credit Facilities, we are restricted from making dealership acquisitions in any fiscal year if the aggregate cost of all such acquisitions is in excess of certain amounts, without the written consent of the Required Lenders (as that term is defined in the 2016 Credit Facilities). Our pace and scale of growing our stand-alone pre-owned store initiative may be limited in the event other sources of capital are unavailable. These restrictions may limit our growth strategy.

We may not be able to capitalize on future real estate and dealership acquisition opportunities because our ability to obtain capital to fund these acquisitions is limited.

We intend to finance future real estate and dealership acquisitions with cash generated from operations, through issuances of our stock or debt securities and through borrowings under credit arrangements. We may not be able to obtain additional financing by issuing stock or debt securities due to the market price of our Class A common stock, overall market conditions or covenants under the 2016 Credit Facilities that restrict our ability to issue additional indebtedness, or the need for manufacturer consent to the issuance of equity securities. Using cash to complete acquisitions could substantially limit our operating or financial flexibility.

In addition, we are dependent to a significant extent on our ability to finance our new and certain of our used vehicle inventory under the 2016 Floor Plan Facilities or the Silo Floor Plan Facilities (collectively, “Floor Plan Financing”). Floor Plan Financing arrangements allow us to borrow money to buy a particular new vehicle from the manufacturer or a used vehicle on trade-in or at auction and pay off the loan when we sell that particular vehicle. We must obtain Floor Plan Financing or obtain consents to assume existing floor plan notes payable in connection with our acquisition of dealerships. In the event that we are unable to obtain such financing, our ability to complete dealership acquisitions could be limited.

Substantially all the assets of our dealerships are pledged to secure the indebtedness under the 2016 Credit Facilities and the Silo Floor Plan Facilities. These pledges may impede our ability to borrow from other sources. Moreover, because certain lending institutions are either owned by or affiliated with an automobile manufacturer, any deterioration of our relationship with the particular manufacturer-affiliated finance subsidiary could adversely affect our relationship with the affiliated manufacturer, and vice versa.

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RISK FACTORS

Manufacturers’ restrictions on acquisitions could limit our future growth.

We are required to obtain the approval of the applicable manufacturer before we can acquire an additional franchise of that manufacturer. In determining whether to approve an acquisition, manufacturers may consider many factors, such as our financial condition and CSI scores.

Certain manufacturers also limit the number of its dealerships that we may own in total, the number of dealerships we may own in a particular geographic area, or our national market share of that manufacturer’s sales of new vehicles. In addition, under an applicable franchise or dealer agreement or under state law, a manufacturer may have a right of first refusal to acquire a dealership that we seek to acquire.

A manufacturer may condition approval of an acquisition on the implementation of material changes in our operations or extraordinary corporate transactions, facilities improvements or other capital expenditures. If we are unable or unwilling to comply with these conditions, we may be required to sell the assets of that manufacturer’s dealerships or terminate our franchise or dealer agreement. We cannot assure you that manufacturers will approve future acquisitions or do so on a timely basis, which could impair the execution of our acquisition strategy.

Failure to effectively integrate acquired dealerships with our existing operations could adversely affect our future operating results.

Our future operating results depend on our ability to integrate the operations of acquired dealerships with our existing operations. In particular, we need to integrate our management information systems, procedures and organizational structures, which can be difficult. Our growth strategy has focused on the pursuit of strategic acquisitions or brand development that either expand or complement our business.

We cannot assure you that we will effectively and profitably integrate the operations of these dealerships without substantial costs, delays or operational or financial problems, due to:

• the difficulties of managing operations located in geographic areas where we have not previously operated;

• the management time and attention required to integrate and manage newly acquired dealerships;

• the difficulties of assimilating and retaining employees;

• the challenges of keeping customers; and

• the challenge of retaining or attracting appropriate dealership management personnel.

These factors could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may not adequately anticipate all of the demands that growth through acquisitions or brand development will impose.

We face risks growing through acquisitions or expansion. These risks include, but are not limited to:

• incurring significantly higher capital expenditures and operating expenses;

• failing to assimilate the operations and personnel of acquired dealerships;

• entering new markets with which we are unfamiliar;

• incurring potential undiscovered liabilities and operational difficulties at acquired dealerships;

• disrupting our ongoing business;

• diverting our management resources;

• failing to maintain uniform standards, controls and policies;

• impairing relationships with employees, manufacturers and customers as a result of changes in management;

• incurring increased expenses for accounting and computer systems, as well as integration difficulties;

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RISK FACTORS

• failing to obtain a manufacturer’s consent to the acquisition of one or more of its franchises or to renew the franchise or dealer agreement on terms acceptable to us; and

• incorrectly valuing entities to be acquired or assessing markets entered.

We may not adequately anticipate all of the demands that growth will impose on our business.

We may not be able to execute our growth strategy without the costs escalating.

We have grown our business primarily through acquisitions in the past. We may not be able to consummate any future acquisitions at acceptable prices and terms or identify suitable candidates. In addition, increased competition for acquisition candidates could result in fewer acquisition opportunities for us and higher acquisition prices. The magnitude, timing, pricing and nature of future acquisitions or growth opportunities will depend upon various factors, including:

• the availability of suitable acquisition candidates;

• competition with other dealer groups or institutional investors for suitable acquisitions;

• the negotiation of acceptable terms with the seller and with the manufacturer;

• our financial capabilities and ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms;

• our stock price; and

• the availability of skilled employees to manage the acquired companies.

We may not be able to determine the actual financial condition of dealerships we acquire until after we complete the acquisition and take control of the dealerships.

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

Risks Related to the Automotive Retail Industry

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

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

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satisfy them. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may have an adverse effect on our operations, business, operating results, financial condition, cash flows and prospects.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which was signed into law on July 21, 2010, established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”), a new independent federal agency funded by the U.S. Federal Reserve with broad regulatory powers and limited oversight from the U.S. Congress. Although automotive dealers are generally excluded, the Dodd-Frank Act has led to additional, indirect regulation of automotive dealers, in particular, their sale and marketing of finance and insurance products, through its regulation of automotive finance companies and other financial institutions. In March 2013, the CFPB issued supervisory guidance highlighting its concern that the practice of automotive dealers being compensated for arranging customer financing through discretionary markup of wholesale rates offered by financial institutions (“dealer markup”) results in a significant risk of pricing disparity in violation of The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (the “ECOA”). The CFPB recommended that financial institutions under its jurisdiction take steps to ensure compliance with the ECOA, which may include imposing controls on dealer markup, monitoring and addressing the effects of dealer markup policies, and eliminating dealer discretion to markup buy rates and fairly compensating dealers using a different mechanism that does not result in disparate impact to certain groups of consumers. In addition, we believe that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law on March 23, 2010, has increased and will continue to increase our annual employee health care costs that we fund, and has also increased our cost of compliance and compliance risk related to offering health care benefits.

Furthermore, we expect that new laws and regulations, particularly at the federal level, may be enacted, which could also materially adversely impact our business. For example, the labor policy of the prior administration led to increased unionization efforts for U.S. companies, which could lead to higher labor costs for our Company, disrupt our store operations and adversely affect our results of operations.

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

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

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

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

Our F&I business and other related businesses, which have higher margins than sales of new and used vehicles, are subject to strong competition from various financial institutions and other third parties.

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

Our franchise and dealer agreements do not grant us the exclusive right to sell a manufacturer’s product within a given geographic area. Our revenues or profitability could be materially adversely affected if any of our manufacturers award franchises to others in the same markets where we operate or if existing franchised dealers increase their market share in our markets.

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We may face increasingly significant competition as we strive to gain market share through acquisitions or otherwise. Our operating margins may decline over time as we expand into markets where we do not have a leading position.

The effect of companies entering into the automotive space may affect our ability to grow or maintain the business over the long-term.

Large and well-capitalized technology companies have continued to enter into the automotive space in recent years.  Companies such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Lyft, Tesla and Uber may challenge the existing automotive manufacturing, transportation and retail models.  Tesla has been challenging state dealer franchise laws in many states with mixed results, but its business model has been accepted by many consumers.  Although Tesla’s participation in the competitive landscape has had minimal impact on the overall retail automotive space thus far, these other large technology-based companies may continue to change consumers’ view on how automobiles should be manufactured, equipped, used and retailed in the future.  Because these companies have the ability to connect with each individual consumer easily through their technology platforms, we may ultimately be at a competitive disadvantage in marketing, financing, selling and servicing vehicles.  In addition, certain manufacturers have expressed interest in selling directly to customers.  The dealer’s participation in that potential future transaction type is unclear and may negatively impact our operations and financial results.

Our dealers depend upon new vehicle sales and, therefore, their success depends in large part upon customer demand for the particular vehicles they carry.

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

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

Our business is heavily dependent on consumer demand and preferences. Retail vehicle sales are cyclical and historically have experienced periodic downturns characterized by oversupply and weak demand. These cycles are often dependent on economic conditions, consumer confidence, the level of discretionary personal income and credit availability. Deterioration in any of these conditions may have a material adverse effect on our retail business, particularly sales of new and used automobiles.

In addition, severe or sustained changes in gasoline prices may lead to a shift in consumer buying patterns. Availability of preferred models may not exist in sufficient quantities to satisfy consumer demand and allow our stores to meet sales expectations.  

A decline of available financing in the lending market may adversely affect our vehicle sales volume.

A significant portion of vehicle buyers finance their purchases of automobiles. Sub-prime lenders have historically provided financing for consumers who, for a variety of reasons including poor credit histories and lack of down payment, do not have access to more traditional finance sources. In the event lenders tighten their credit standards or there is a decline in the availability of credit in the lending market, the ability of these consumers to purchase vehicles could be limited, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues and profitability.

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

A significant portion of our new vehicle business involves the sale of vehicles, parts or vehicles composed of parts that are manufactured outside the United States. As a result, our operations are subject to risks of importing merchandise, including fluctuations in the relative values of currencies, import duties or tariffs, exchange controls, trade restrictions, work stoppages and general political and socio-economic conditions in other countries. The United States or the countries from which our products are imported may, from time to time, impose new quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions, or adjust presently prevailing quotas, duties or tariffs, which may affect our operations and our ability to purchase imported vehicles and/or parts at reasonable prices.

Natural disasters and adverse weather events can disrupt our business.

Our dealerships are concentrated in states and regions in the United States, including California, Colorado, Florida and Texas, in which actual or threatened natural disasters and severe weather events (such as hail storms, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires and landslides) may disrupt our store operations, which may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and

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cash flows. In addition to business interruption, the automotive retailing business is subject to substantial risk of property loss due to the significant concentration of property values at store locations. Although we have substantial insurance, subject to certain deductibles, limitations and exclusions, we may be exposed to uninsured or underinsured losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In addition, the automotive manufacturing supply chain spans the globe. As such, supply chain disruptions resulting from natural disasters and adverse weather events may affect the flow of inventory or parts to us or our manufacturing partners. Such disruptions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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

We have invested in internal and external business applications to execute our strategy of employing technology to benefit our business. In the ordinary course of business, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners, and personally identifiable information of our customers and employees. Although we have attempted to mitigate the cyber-security risk of both our internal and outsourced functions by implementing various cyber-security controls, we remain subject to cyber-security risks.

These cyber-security risks include:

• vulnerability to cyber-attack of our internal or externally hosted business applications;

• interruption of service or access to systems may affect our ability to deliver vehicles or complete transactions with customers;

• unauthorized access or theft of customer or employee personal confidential information, including financial information, or strategically sensitive data;

• disruption of communications (both internally and externally) that may affect the quality of information used to make informed business decisions; and

• damage to our reputation as a result of a breach in security that could affect the financial security of our customers.

Moreover, significant technology-related business functions of ours are outsourced, including:

• payroll and human resources management systems, including expense reimbursement management;

• customer relationship management, ecommerce hosting and marketing campaign management;

• dealer management, inventory management and financial reporting systems;

• consumer credit application management, fund transfers/ACH/online banking; and

• IP telephony and WAN/LAN administration (switch & router configuration).

Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breaches due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, regulatory penalties or damage to our reputation, and cause a loss of confidence in our services, which could materially adversely affect our competitive position, results of operations and financial condition.

General Risks Related to Investing in Our Securities

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

Our common stock is divided into two classes with different voting rights. This dual class stock ownership allows the present holders of the Class B common stock to control us. Holders of Class A common stock have one vote per share on all matters. Holders of Class B common stock have 10 votes per share on all matters, except that they have only one vote per share on any transaction

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proposed or approved by the Board of Directors or a Class B common stockholder or otherwise benefiting the Class B common stockholders constituting a:

• “going private” transaction;

• disposition of substantially all of our assets;

• transfer resulting in a change in the nature of our business; or

• merger or consolidation in which current holders of common stock would own less than 50% of the common stock following such transaction.

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

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

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

We are involved, and expect to continue to be involved, in numerous legal and administrative proceedings arising out of the conduct of our business, including regulatory investigations and private civil actions brought by plaintiffs purporting to represent a potential class or for which a class has been certified.

Although we vigorously defend ourselves in all legal and administrative proceedings, the outcomes of pending and future proceedings arising out of the conduct of our business, including litigation with customers, employment-related lawsuits, contractual disputes, class actions, purported class actions and actions brought by governmental authorities, cannot be predicted with certainty. An unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects.

Our business may be adversely affected by claims alleging violations of laws and regulations in our advertising, sales and finance and insurance activities.

Our business is highly regulated. In the past several years, private plaintiffs and state attorneys general have increased their scrutiny of advertising, sales and finance and insurance activities in the sale and leasing of motor vehicles. The conduct of our business is subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding unfair, deceptive and/or fraudulent trade practices (including advertising, marketing, sales, insurance, repair and promotion practices), truth-in-lending, consumer leasing, fair credit practices, equal credit opportunity, privacy, insurance, motor vehicle finance, installment finance, closed-end credit, usury and other installment sales. Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law may be asserted against us or any of our dealers by individuals, either individually or through class actions, or by governmental entities in civil or criminal investigations and proceedings. Such actions may expose us to substantial monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief and criminal and

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civil fines and penalties, including suspension or revocation of our licenses and franchise or dealer agreements to conduct dealership operations.

Our business may be adversely affected by unfavorable conditions in our local markets, even if those conditions are not prominent nationally.

Our performance is subject to local economic, competitive, weather and other conditions prevailing in geographic areas where we operate. We may not be able to expand geographically and any geographic expansion may not adequately insulate us from the adverse effects of local or regional economic conditions. In addition, due to the provisions and terms contained in our franchise or dealer agreements or operating lease agreements, we may not be able to relocate a dealership operation to a more favorable location without incurring significant costs or penalties.

The loss of key personnel and limited management and personnel resources could adversely affect our operations and growth.

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

In addition, as we expand, we may need to hire additional managers. The market for qualified employees in the industry and in the regions in which we operate, particularly for general managers and sales and service personnel, is highly competitive and may subject us to increased labor costs during periods of low unemployment. The loss of the services of key employees or the inability to attract additional qualified managers could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, the lack of qualified management or employees employed by potential acquisition candidates may limit our ability to consummate future acquisitions.

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

Mr. O. Bruton Smith serves as the Executive Chairman of SMI. Accordingly, we compete with SMI for the management time of Mr. Smith.

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

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

Six of our dealership subsidiaries in northern California currently make fixed-dollar contributions to the Automotive Industries Pension Plan (the “AI Pension Plan”) pursuant to collective bargaining agreements between our subsidiaries and the International Association of Machinists (the “IAM”) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”). The AI Pension Plan is a “multiemployer plan” as defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and our six dealership subsidiaries are among approximately 201 employers that are obligated to make contributions to the AI Pension Plan pursuant to collective bargaining agreements with the IAM, the IBT and other unions. In March 2008, the AI Pension Plan’s actuary, in accordance with the requirements of the federal Pension Protection Act of 2006, issued a certification that the AI Pension Plan was in critical status effective with the plan year commencing January 1, 2008. In conjunction with the AI Pension Plan’s critical status, the Board of Trustees of the AI Pension Plan implemented a requirement on all participating employers to increase employer contributions to the AI Pension Plan for a seven-year period commencing in 2013. As of April 2015, the AI Pension Plan’s actuary certified that the AI Pension Plan remained in critical status for the plan year commencing January 1, 2015. According to publicly available information, in September 2016, the AI Pension Plan made a formal application for approval of suspension of benefits with the U.S. Treasury Department, which, if approved by the U.S. Treasury Department, would have implemented a benefit reduction effective July 1, 2017 for participants in the AI Pension Plan. The filing included an Actuarial Certification of Plan Status as of January 1, 2016 that the AI Pension Plan previously filed with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service on March 30, 2016, which reported that the AI Pension Plan was in critical and declining status as of January 1, 2016 and further notified that the AI Pension Plan is making the scheduled progress in meeting the requirements of the plan’s previously-adopted rehabilitation plan. The September 2016 filing with the U.S. Treasury Department also included an Actuarial Certification of Plan Solvency as of July 1, 2016 with the actuarial firm’s projection that the proposed suspensions of benefits are reasonably estimated to enable the AI Pension Plan to avoid

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insolvency assuming the proposed suspensions of benefits continue indefinitely. In May 2017, the U.S. Treasury Department denied the application to suspend benefits but noted that it remains willing to discuss the issues presented in the September 2016 formal application for suspension of benefits. Under applicable federal law, any employer contributing to a multiemployer pension plan that completely ceases participating in the plan while the plan is underfunded is subject to payment of such employer’s assessed share of the aggregate unfunded vested benefits of the plan. In certain circumstances, an employer can be assessed withdrawal liability for a partial withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan. If any of these adverse events were to occur in the future, it could result in a substantial withdrawal liability assessment that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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

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

A change in historical experience and/or assumptions used to estimate reserves could have a material impact on our earnings.

As described in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies,” management relies on estimates in various areas of accounting and financial reporting. For example, our estimates for finance, insurance and service contracts and insurance reserves are based on historical experience and assumptions. Differences between actual results and our historical experiences and/or our assumptions could have a material impact on our earnings in the period of the change and in periods subsequent to the change.

Our internal control over financial reporting may not be effective.

If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement or difficulty in implementing required new or improved controls, our business and results of operations could be harmed, the results of operations we report could be subject to adjustments, we could incur remediation costs, we could fail to be able to provide reasonable assurance as to our financial results or the effectiveness of our internal controls, or fail to meet our reporting obligations under SEC regulations and the terms of our debt agreements on a timely basis and there could be a material adverse effect on the price of our Class A common stock.

Impairment of our goodwill could have a material adverse impact on our earnings.

Pursuant to applicable accounting pronouncements, we evaluate goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We describe the process for testing goodwill more thoroughly in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies.” If we determine that the amount of our goodwill is impaired at any point in time, we are required to reduce goodwill on our balance sheet. If goodwill is impaired based on a future impairment test, we will be required to record a significant non-cash impairment charge that may also have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the period in which the impairment of goodwill occurs. As of December 31, 2017, our balance sheet reflected a carrying amount of approximately $525.8 million in goodwill.

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Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2.  Properties.

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

Our dealerships are generally located along major U.S. or interstate highways. One of the principal factors we consider in evaluating a potential acquisition is its location. We prefer to acquire dealerships or build dealership facilities located along major thoroughfares, which can be easily visited by prospective customers.

We lease the majority of the properties utilized by our dealership operations from affiliates of Capital Automotive REIT and other individuals and entities. Under the terms of our franchise and dealer agreements, each of our dealerships must maintain an appropriate appearance and design of its dealership facility and is restricted in its ability to relocate. The properties utilized by our dealership operations that are owned by us or one of our subsidiaries are pledged as security for the 2016 Credit Facilities or mortgage financing arrangements. We believe that our facilities are adequate for our current needs.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

We are involved, and expect to continue to be involved, in numerous legal and administrative proceedings arising out of the conduct of our business, including regulatory investigations and private civil actions brought by plaintiffs purporting to represent a potential class or for which a class has been certified. Although we vigorously defend ourselves in all legal and administrative proceedings, the outcomes of pending and future proceedings arising out of the conduct of our business, including litigation with customers, employment-related lawsuits, contractual disputes, class actions, purported class actions and actions brought by governmental authorities, cannot be predicted with certainty. Similarly, except as reflected in reserves we have provided for in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, we are 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. An unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2017 was approximately $3.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively, in reserves that we were holding for pending proceedings.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

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PART II

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

Our Class A common stock is currently traded on the NYSE under the symbol “SAH.” Our Class B common stock is not traded on a public market.

As of February 27, 2018, there were 30,384,481 shares of our Class A common stock and 12,029,375 shares of our Class B common stock outstanding. As of February 27, 2018, there were 1,149 record holders of the Class A common stock and four record holders of the Class B common stock. The closing stock price for the Class A common stock on February 27, 2018 was $20.05.

Our Board of Directors approved four quarterly cash dividends on all outstanding shares of common stock totaling $0.20 per share, $0.20 per share and $0.11 per share during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Subsequent to December 31, 2017, our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend on all outstanding shares of common stock of $0.06 per share for stockholders of record on March 15, 2018 to be paid on April 13, 2018. The declaration and payment of any future dividend is subject to the business judgment of our Board of Directors, taking into consideration our historic and projected results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, covenant compliance, share repurchases, current economic environment and other factors considered by our Board of Directors to be relevant. These factors are considered each quarter and will be scrutinized as our Board of Directors determines our future dividend policy. There is no guarantee that additional dividends will be declared and paid at any time in the future. See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional discussion of dividends and for a description of restrictions on the payment of dividends.

The following table sets forth the high and low closing sales prices for our Class A common stock for each calendar quarter during the periods indicated as reported by the NYSE Composite Tape and the dividends declared during such periods:

	Market Price				Cash Dividend
	High		Low		Declared
2017
Fourth Quarter	$	21.90	$	18.45	$	0.05
Third Quarter	$	20.40	$	16.40	$	0.05
Second Quarter	$	20.70	$	17.65	$	0.05
First Quarter	$	25.95	$	19.90	$	0.05
2016
Fourth Quarter	$	24.00	$	16.90	$	0.05
Third Quarter	$	19.19	$	16.68	$	0.05
Second Quarter	$	19.04	$	16.15	$	0.05
First Quarter	$	22.35	$	15.91	$	0.05

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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth information about the shares of Class A common stock we repurchased during the three months ended December 31, 2017:

	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)		Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
	(In thousands, except per share data)
October 2017		-	$	-		-	$	107,686
November 2017		-	$	-		-	$	107,686
December 2017		-	$	-		-	$	107,686
Total		-				-
(1)   On January 20, 2016 and February 13, 2017, we announced that our Board of Directors had increased the dollar amount authorized for us to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock pursuant to our previously announced share repurchase program. Our share repurchase program does not have an expiration date and current remaining availability under the program is as follows:
							(In thousands)
January 2016 authorization							$	100,000
February 2017 authorization								100,000
Total active program repurchases prior to December 31, 2017								(92,314	)
Current remaining availability as of December 31, 2017							$	107,686

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

This selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We have accounted for all of our dealership acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting and, as a result, we do not include in our consolidated financial statements the results of operations of these dealerships prior to the date we acquired them. Our selected consolidated financial data reflects the results of operations and financial positions of each of our dealerships acquired prior to December 31, 2017. As a result of the effects of our acquisitions and other potential factors in the future, the historical consolidated financial information described in the selected consolidated financial data is not necessarily indicative of the results of our operations and financial position in the future or the results of our operations and financial position that would have resulted had such acquisitions occurred at the beginning of the periods presented in the selected consolidated financial data.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015		2014		2013
	(In millions, except per share data)
Income Statement Data (1):
Total revenues	$	9,867.2	$	9,731.8	$	9,624.3	$	9,197.1	$	8,843.2
Impairment charges	$	9.4	$	8.1	$	18.0	$	6.6	$	9.9
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$	108.1	$	155.2	$	145.2	$	161.7	$	129.0
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	94.2	$	94.5	$	88.1	$	98.6	$	84.7
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	2.14	$	2.07	$	1.74	$	1.89	$	1.60
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	2.12	$	2.06	$	1.73	$	1.87	$	1.59
Balance Sheet Data (1):
Total assets	$	3,818.5	$	3,639.3	$	3,562.4	$	3,168.3	$	3,036.8
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	61.3	$	43.0	$	33.4	$	30.8	$	18.2
Total long-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt)	$	1,024.7	$	882.7	$	814.6	$	758.5	$	734.0
Total long-term liabilities (including current maturities of long-term debt)	$	1,138.2	$	1,020.3	$	952.1	$	885.3	$	846.9
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.20	$	0.20	$	0.11	$	0.10	$	0.10

(1) As discussed in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Note 2, “Business Acquisitions and Dispositions,” Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill,” and Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, impairment charges, business combinations and dispositions and debt refinancings have had a material impact on our reported historical consolidated financial information.

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

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The financial and statistical data contained in the following discussion for all periods presented reflects our December 31, 2017 classification of dealerships between continuing and discontinued operations in accordance with “Presentation of Financial Statements” in the Accounting Standards Codification (the “ASC”).

Unless otherwise noted, we present the discussion in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on a consolidated basis. To the extent that differences among operating segments are material to an understanding of our business taken as a whole, they are discussed separately.

All discussion of increases or decreases are compared to the prior year period ended December 31, as applicable. The following discussion of new vehicles, used vehicles, wholesale vehicles, parts, service and collision repair and finance, insurance and other 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. During the year ended December 31, 2017 (“2017”), we acquired one stand-alone pre-owned vehicle store, opened one new manufacturer-awarded open point franchised dealership and opened two new EchoPark stores, which are included in reported amounts for 2017, but are excluded from same store reporting for all periods. During the year ended December 31, 2016 (“2016”), we acquired one stand-alone pre-owned vehicle store, opened two new manufacturer-awarded open point franchised dealerships and opened two new EchoPark stores, which are included in reported amounts for all periods and same store reporting for 2017 compared to 2016, but are excluded from same store reporting for 2016 compared to 2015. During 2015, we opened one new EchoPark store, which is included in reported and same store amounts for all periods.

We disposed of three dealership franchises and closed two stand-alone pre-owned vehicle stores during 2017 and had no franchises held for sale as of December 31, 2017. We did not dispose of any dealership franchises during 2016. We disposed of four dealership franchises during 2015. The results of operations of these disposed dealership franchises and closed stores are included in continuing operations on the accompanying consolidated statements of income for all periods presented. We elected to adopt and apply the guidance of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-08 beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014. Dealership franchises disposed of subsequent to March 31, 2014 have not been reclassified to discontinued operations since they did not meet the criteria in ASU 2014-08. See Note 2, “Business Acquisitions and Dispositions,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for tabular disclosure of the effects of disposed dealership franchises that remain in continuing operations.

Overview

We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States (as measured by total revenue). As of December 31, 2017, we operated 114 new vehicle franchises in 13 states (representing 23 different brands of cars and light trucks), 18 collision repair centers and nine pre-owned stores. As a result of the way we manage our business, we had two operating segments as of December 31, 2017: (1) the Franchised Dealerships Segment and (2) the Pre-Owned Stores Segment. For management and operational reporting purposes, we group certain franchises together that share management and inventory (principally used vehicles) into “stores.” As of December 31, 2017, we operated 103 stores in the Franchised Dealerships Segment and nine stores in the Pre-Owned Stores Segment.

The Franchised Dealerships Segment provides comprehensive services, including (1) sales of both new and used cars and light trucks; (2) sales of replacement parts and performance of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repairs, and paint and collision repair services (collectively, “Fixed Operations”); and (3) arrangement of extended warranties, service contracts, financing, insurance and other aftermarket products (collectively, “F&I”) for our customers. The Pre-Owned Stores Segment provides the same services (excluding new vehicle sales and manufacturer warranty repairs) in stand-alone pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations and includes our EchoPark stores. Our pre-owned stores business operates independently from our franchised dealerships business. Sales operations in our first EchoPark market in Denver, Colorado began in the fourth quarter of 2014. As of December 31, 2017, we had six EchoPark stores in operation in Colorado and one in Texas. By the end of 2018, we expect to open additional EchoPark stores in North Carolina and Texas. We believe that the expansion of our pre-owned stores business will provide long-term benefits to our Company, our stockholders and our guests. However, in the short term, this strategic initiative may negatively impact our overall operating results as we allocate management and capital resources to this business.

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In the fourth quarter of 2013, we announced a new customer experience initiative known as “One Sonic-One Experience” (“OSOE”). This initiative includes several new processes and proprietary technologies from inventory management, electronic desking and pricing tools to a fully developed “customer-centric” Customer Relationship Management tool. We believe that the development of these processes and technologies 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 utilize these processes and technologies to allow our guests to complete a new or pre-owned vehicle sales transaction in less than an hour. During the latter half of 2014 and throughout 2015, we rolled out the OSOE initiative at our dealerships in Charlotte, North Carolina. During 2016, we introduced the technology component of the initiative to 14 additional stores in our Alabama, California and Tennessee markets, and, in the first half of 2017, we launched OSOE at our BMW dealership in Greenville, South Carolina and our Audi and Honda dealerships in Pensacola, Florida. We do not currently plan to expand the OSOE rollout to additional existing stores until the model has matured and proven it can provide the required financial returns.

We are continually evaluating the landscape of human mobility and the risks and opportunities that are on the horizon that may reshape our business. We believe the dealership model will continue to serve as the primary resource for consumers for quite some time, but as consumers gravitate toward and accept other sources of mobility, we want to position Sonic to participate in those offerings. This would include partnerships or relationships with ride hailing, fractional ownership, subscription service or manufacturer promoted programs that satisfy a customer demand or need.

Executive Summary

The U.S. retail automotive industry’s total new vehicle unit sales volume decreased 1.7%, to 17.2 million vehicles, in 2017, from 17.5 million vehicles in 2016, according to Bloomberg Financial Markets, provided by Stephens Inc. For 2018, analysts’ average industry expectation for the new vehicle seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales (“SAAR”) is approximately 16.8 million vehicles, a 2.3% decrease compared to the industry volume level in 2017. We estimate the 2018 new vehicle SAAR will be between 16.75 million and 17.0 million vehicles. Changes in consumer confidence, availability of consumer financing or changes in the financial stability of automotive manufacturers could cause actual 2018 new vehicle SAAR to vary from expectations. Many factors such as brand and geographic concentrations have caused our past results to differ from the industry’s overall trend, as well as the industry sales mix between retail and fleet new vehicle sales volume. Our current operational goal focuses on growing our retail new vehicle sales, as opposed to fleet new vehicle sales, and, as a result, we believe it is appropriate to compare our retail new vehicle unit sales volume to the retail new vehicle SAAR (which excludes fleet new vehicle sales). According to the Power Information Network (“PIN”) from J.D. Power, industry retail new vehicle unit sales volume decreased 1.4%, to 13.9 million vehicles, in 2017, from 14.1 million vehicles in 2016.

We operate 19 franchise stores and five collision repair centers in the greater Houston market, which represent approximately 20.0% of our total revenues. Hurricane Harvey affected store operations at all of our Houston market locations, resulting in temporary store closures in late August and early September 2017, as well as significant inventory and facility damage at certain locations. As the Houston market began to recover from the effects of Hurricane Harvey, we experienced increased demand for new and used vehicle sales as a result of replacement vehicle demand in September and into the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2017. We do not expect this replacement vehicle demand in the Houston market to continue into 2018. Hurricane Irma affected store operations in the Alabama, Florida and Georgia markets to varying degrees, resulting in temporary store closures during September 2017. Twenty-four stores in these markets were impacted by Hurricane Irma, with the most significant operational impact at 11 of our Florida stores. We did not experience the same level of increased vehicle sales activity in these markets as we did in the Houston market, due to less flooding as a result of Hurricane Irma as compared to Hurricane Harvey.

Our same store new vehicle revenue increased 0.7% during 2017 despite a 0.4% decrease in new vehicle unit sales volume. New vehicle gross profit decreased 0.2% due to lower new vehicle unit sales volume, partially offset by new vehicle gross profit per unit, which increased $4 per unit, or 0.2%, to $1,948 per unit. While the availability of vehicle pricing information to consumers, increased competition for sales between similar branded dealerships and higher overall inventory levels have resulted in downward pressure on new vehicle pricing, we believe that new vehicle gross margins have stabilized and do not anticipate significant declines in future periods.

Our same store retail used vehicle revenue decreased 0.5% during 2017, driven by a 0.5% decrease in retail used vehicle unit sales volume. Retail used vehicle gross profit decreased 3.0%, driven by a decrease in retail used vehicle gross profit per unit of $32 per unit, or 2.5%, to $1,240 per unit. Our same store wholesale vehicle gross loss increased approximately $1.5 million, or 22.2%, during 2017, primarily driven by higher losses per unit. We focus on maintaining used vehicle inventory days’ supply in the 30- to 40-

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day range in order to limit our exposure to market pricing volatility. Our used vehicle inventory days’ supply was approximately 34 and 36 days as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Our same store Fixed Operations revenue was flat during 2017, while our Fixed Operations gross profit increased 1.1%. Fixed Operations gross margin increased 50 basis points, to 48.3%, during 2017.Although vehicle sales and sales of associated finance, insurance and other aftermarket products are cyclical and are affected by many factors, including overall economic conditions, consumer confidence, levels of discretionary personal income, interest rates and available credit, our parts, service and collision repair services are not closely tied to vehicle sales and are not as dependent upon near-term sales volume. However, significant changes to the level of manufacturer recall and warranty activity could negatively impact our Fixed Operations results in the future.

Our same store F&I revenue increased 2.9% during 2017, driven by a 3.5% increase in F&I gross profit per retail unit, partially offset by a 0.5% decrease in combined retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume. F&I gross profit per retail unit increased $47 per unit, to $1,392 per unit, for 2017. We believe that our proprietary software applications, playbook processes and customer-centric selling approach enable us to maximize gross profit per F&I contract and penetration rates (the number of F&I products sold per vehicle) across our F&I product lines. We believe we will continue to increase revenue in this area as we refine our processes, train our associates and continue to sell high levels of retail new and used vehicles at our stores.

Results of Operations

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

	Percentage of Total Revenues
	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Revenues:
New vehicles		53.7	%		53.8	%		54.7	%
Used vehicles		26.6	%		26.0	%		26.1	%
Wholesale vehicles		1.7	%		2.2	%		1.6	%
Parts, service and collision repair		14.4	%		14.5	%		14.2	%
Finance, insurance and other, net		3.6	%		3.5	%		3.4	%
Total revenues		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Cost of sales		85.2	%		85.3	%		85.3	%
Gross profit		14.8	%		14.7	%		14.7	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		11.6	%		11.4	%		11.5	%
Impairment charges		0.1	%		0.1	%		0.2	%
Depreciation and amortization		1.0	%		0.8	%		0.7	%
Operating income (loss)		2.1	%		2.4	%		2.3	%
Interest expense, floor plan		0.4	%		0.3	%		0.2	%
Interest expense, other, net		0.5	%		0.5	%		0.6	%
Other (income) expense, net		0.1	%		0.0	%		0.0	%
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes		1.1	%		1.6	%		1.5	%
Provision for income taxes for continuing operations - (benefit) expense		0.1	%		0.6	%		0.6	%
Income (loss) from continuing operations		1.0	%		1.0	%		0.9	%

Results of Operations - Consolidated

New Vehicles – Consolidated

New vehicle revenues include the sale of new vehicles to retail customers, as well as the sale of fleet vehicles. New vehicle revenues and gross profit can be influenced by manufacturer incentives to consumers, which vary from cash-back incentives to low interest rate financing, among other things. New vehicle revenues and gross profit are also dependent on vehicle manufacturers providing adequate inventory allocations to our dealerships to meet customer demands and the availability of consumer credit. The automobile manufacturing industry is cyclical and historically has experienced periodic downturns characterized by oversupply and weak demand. As an automotive retailer, we seek to mitigate the effects of this cyclicality by maintaining a diverse brand mix of

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dealerships. Our brand diversity allows us to offer a broad range of products at a wide range of prices from lower priced/economy vehicles to luxury vehicles.

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

	Year Ended December 31,							Year Ended December 31,
(In millions of vehicles)	2017		2016		% Change			2016		2015		% Change
U.S. industry volume - Retail (1)		13.9		14.1		(1.4	%)		14.1		14.2		(0.7	%)
U.S. industry volume - Fleet		3.3		3.4		(2.9	%)		3.4		3.2		6.3	%
U.S. industry volume - Total (2)		17.2		17.5		(1.7	%)		17.5		17.4		0.6	%

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

(2) Source: Bloomberg Financial Markets, provided by Stephens Inc.

According to industry analysts, industry volume expectations for 2018 range from 16.75 million to 17.0 million vehicles, which would represent a decrease of 1.2% to 4.1% compared to the industry volume for 2017.

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

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total new vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	5,204,867	$	5,170,372	$	34,495			0.7	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		90,184		64,133		26,051		NM
Total as reported	$	5,295,051	$	5,234,505	$	60,546			1.2	%
Total new vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	259,220	$	259,668	$	(448	)		(0.2	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		5,706		926		4,780		NM
Total as reported	$	264,926	$	260,594	$	4,332			1.7	%
Total new vehicle unit sales:
Same store		133,047		133,606		(559	)		(0.4	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		2,616		2,397		219		NM
Total as reported		135,663		136,003		(340	)		(0.2	%)
NM = Not Meaningful

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	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total new vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	5,186,149	$	5,200,257	$	(14,108	)		(0.3	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		48,356		65,144		(16,788	)	NM
Total as reported	$	5,234,505	$	5,265,401	$	(30,896	)		(0.6	%)
Total new vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	258,227	$	265,679	$	(7,452	)		(2.8	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		2,367		2,250		117		NM
Total as reported	$	260,594	$	267,929	$	(7,335	)		(2.7	%)
Total new vehicle unit sales:
Same store		134,768		138,206		(3,438	)		(2.5	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		1,235		1,795		(560	)	NM
Total as reported		136,003		140,001		(3,998	)		(2.9	%)
NM = Not Meaningful

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

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported new vehicle:
Revenue	$	5,295,051		$	5,234,505		$	60,546			1.2	%
Gross profit	$	264,926		$	260,594		$	4,332			1.7	%
Unit sales		135,663			136,003			(340	)		(0.2	%)
Revenue per unit	$	39,031		$	38,488		$	543			1.4	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,953		$	1,916		$	37			1.9	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.0	%		5.0	%		0		bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported new vehicle:
Revenue	$	5,234,505		$	5,265,401		$	(30,896	)		(0.6	%)
Gross profit	$	260,594		$	267,929		$	(7,335	)		(2.7	%)
Unit sales		136,003			140,001			(3,998	)		(2.9	%)
Revenue per unit	$	38,488		$	37,610		$	878			2.3	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,916		$	1,914		$	2			0.1	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.0	%		5.1	%		(10	)	bps

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Our consolidated same store new vehicle results (combined retail and fleet data) are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store new vehicle:
Revenue	$	5,204,867		$	5,170,372		$	34,495			0.7	%
Gross profit	$	259,220		$	259,668		$	(448	)		(0.2	%)
Unit sales		133,047			133,606			(559	)		(0.4	%)
Revenue per unit	$	39,121		$	38,699		$	422			1.1	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,948		$	1,944		$	4			0.2	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.0	%		5.0	%		0		bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store new vehicle:
Revenue	$	5,186,149		$	5,200,257		$	(14,108	)		(0.3	%)
Gross profit	$	258,227		$	265,679		$	(7,452	)		(2.8	%)
Unit sales		134,768			138,206			(3,438	)		(2.5	%)
Revenue per unit	$	38,482		$	37,627		$	855			2.3	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,916		$	1,922		$	(6	)		(0.3	%)
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.0	%		5.1	%		(10	)	bps

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

Used Vehicles – Consolidated

Used vehicle revenues are directly affected by a number of factors, including the 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.

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

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total used vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	2,476,967	$	2,488,866	$	(11,899	)		(0.5	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		145,086		44,256		100,830		NM
Total as reported	$	2,622,053	$	2,533,122	$	88,931			3.5	%
Total used vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	143,690	$	148,069	$	(4,379	)		(3.0	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		11,213		10,516		697		NM
Total as reported	$	154,903	$	158,585	$	(3,682	)		(2.3	%)
Total used vehicle unit sales:
Same store		115,916		116,450		(534	)		(0.5	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		7,573		2,724		4,849		NM
Total as reported		123,489		119,174		4,315			3.6	%

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NM = Not Meaningful

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total used vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	2,480,370	$	2,460,827	$	19,543			0.8	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		52,752		51,197		1,555		NM
Total as reported	$	2,533,122	$	2,512,024	$	21,098			0.8	%
Total used vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	155,784	$	160,633	$	(4,849	)		(3.0	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		2,801		1,409		1,392		NM
Total as reported	$	158,585	$	162,042	$	(3,457	)		(2.1	%)
Total used vehicle unit sales:
Same store		116,497		114,261		2,236			2.0	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		2,677		2,862		(185	)	NM
Total as reported		119,174		117,123		2,051			1.8	%

NM = Not Meaningful

Our consolidated reported used vehicle results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported used vehicle:
Revenue	$	2,622,053		$	2,533,122		$	88,931			3.5	%
Gross profit	$	154,903		$	158,585		$	(3,682	)		(2.3	%)
Unit sales		123,489			119,174			4,315			3.6	%
Revenue per unit	$	21,233		$	21,256		$	(23	)		(0.1	%)
Gross profit per unit	$	1,254		$	1,331		$	(77	)		(5.8	%)
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.9	%		6.3	%		(40	)	bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported used vehicle:
Revenue	$	2,533,122		$	2,512,024		$	21,098			0.8	%
Gross profit	$	158,585		$	162,042		$	(3,457	)		(2.1	%)
Unit sales		119,174			117,123			2,051			1.8	%
Revenue per unit	$	21,256		$	21,448		$	(192	)		(0.9	%)
Gross profit per unit	$	1,331		$	1,384		$	(53	)		(3.8	%)
Gross profit as a % of revenue		6.3	%		6.5	%		(20	)	bps

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Our consolidated same store used vehicle results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store used vehicle:
Revenue	$	2,476,967		$	2,488,866		$	(11,899	)		(0.5	%)
Gross profit	$	143,690		$	148,069		$	(4,379	)		(3.0	%)
Unit sales		115,916			116,450			(534	)		(0.5	%)
Revenue per unit	$	21,369		$	21,373		$	(4	)		(0.0	%)
Gross profit per unit	$	1,240		$	1,272		$	(32	)		(2.5	%)
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.8	%		5.9	%		(10	)	bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store used vehicle:
Revenue	$	2,480,370		$	2,460,827		$	19,543			0.8	%
Gross profit	$	155,784		$	160,633		$	(4,849	)		(3.0	%)
Unit sales		116,497			114,261			2,236			2.0	%
Revenue per unit	$	21,291		$	21,537		$	(246	)		(1.1	%)
Gross profit per unit	$	1,337		$	1,406		$	(69	)		(4.9	%)
Gross profit as a % of revenue		6.3	%		6.5	%		(20	)	bps

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

Wholesale Vehicles - Consolidated

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

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

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total wholesale vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	165,308		$	207,263		$	(41,955	)		(20.2	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		5,756			3,785			1,971		NM
Total as reported	$	171,064		$	211,048		$	(39,984	)		(18.9	%)
Total wholesale vehicle gross profit (loss):
Same store	$	(8,181	)	$	(6,694	)	$	(1,487	)		(22.2	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		(533	)		(622	)		89		NM
Total as reported	$	(8,714	)	$	(7,316	)	$	(1,398	)		(19.1	%)
Total wholesale vehicle unit sales:
Same store		29,978			34,108			(4,130	)		(12.1	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		1,407			990			417		NM
Total as reported		31,385			35,098			(3,713	)		(10.6	%)

34

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

OPERATIONS

NM = Not Meaningful

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total wholesale vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	207,324		$	152,426		$	54,898			36.0	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		3,724			2,913			811		NM
Total as reported	$	211,048		$	155,339		$	55,709			35.9	%
Total wholesale vehicle gross profit (loss):
Same store	$	(6,767	)	$	(6,748	)	$	(19	)		(0.3	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		(549	)		(620	)		71		NM
Total as reported	$	(7,316	)	$	(7,368	)	$	52			0.7	%
Total wholesale vehicle unit sales:
Same store		34,354			29,558			4,796			16.2	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		744			610			134		NM
Total as reported		35,098			30,168			4,930			16.3	%

NM = Not Meaningful

Our consolidated reported wholesale vehicle results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	171,064		$	211,048		$	(39,984	)		(18.9	%)
Gross profit (loss)	$	(8,714	)	$	(7,316	)	$	(1,398	)		(19.1	%)
Unit sales		31,385			35,098			(3,713	)		(10.6	%)
Revenue per unit	$	5,451		$	6,013		$	(562	)		(9.3	%)
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(278	)	$	(208	)	$	(70	)		(33.7	%)
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(5.1	%)		(3.5	%)		(160	)	bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	211,048		$	155,339		$	55,709		35.9	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	(7,316	)	$	(7,368	)	$	52		0.7	%
Unit sales		35,098			30,168			4,930		16.3	%
Revenue per unit	$	6,013		$	5,149		$	864		16.8	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(208	)	$	(244	)	$	36		14.8	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(3.5	%)		(4.7	%)		120	bps

35

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

OPERATIONS

Our consolidated same store wholesale vehicle results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	165,308		$	207,263		$	(41,955	)		(20.2	%)
Gross profit (loss)	$	(8,181	)	$	(6,694	)	$	(1,487	)		(22.2	%)
Unit sales		29,978			34,108			(4,130	)		(12.1	%)
Revenue per unit	$	5,514		$	6,077		$	(563	)		(9.3	%)
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(273	)	$	(196	)	$	(77	)		(39.3	%)
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(4.9	%)		(3.2	%)		(170	)	bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	207,324		$	152,426		$	54,898			36.0	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	(6,767	)	$	(6,748	)	$	(19	)		(0.3	%)
Unit sales		34,354			29,558			4,796			16.2	%
Revenue per unit	$	6,035		$	5,157		$	878			17.0	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(197	)	$	(228	)	$	31			13.6	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(3.3	%)		(4.4	%)		110		bps

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

Fixed Operations - Consolidated

Parts, service and collision repair revenues consist of customer requested orders (“customer pay”), warranty repairs, wholesale parts and internal, sublet and other. Parts and service revenue is driven by the mix of warranty repairs versus customer pay repairs, available service capacity, vehicle quality, manufacturer recalls, customer loyalty and prepaid maintenance programs. Internal, sublet and other primarily relates to preparation and reconditioning work performed on vehicles that are sold to customers. When that work is performed by one of our dealerships, the work is classified as internal. In the event the work is performed by a third party on our behalf, it is classified as sublet. In 2017, we changed the character of certain manufacturer-offered complimentary maintenance repair orders from customer pay to warranty. Accordingly, the customer pay and warranty amounts in the tables below reflect this change for 2017, but not for 2016 or 2015, as it was administratively impractical to recalculate the 2016 and 2015 amounts.

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

36

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

OPERATIONS

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

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Total Fixed Operations revenue:
Same store	$	1,391,183	$	1,391,188	$	(5	)		(0.0	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		24,827		18,631		6,196		NM
Total as reported	$	1,416,010	$	1,409,819	$	6,191			0.4	%
Total Fixed Operations gross profit:
Same store	$	671,398	$	664,358	$	7,040			1.1	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		12,133		9,768		2,365		NM
Total as reported	$	683,531	$	674,126	$	9,405			1.4	%

NM = Not Meaningful

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Total Fixed Operations revenue:
Same store	$	1,397,987	$	1,340,547	$	57,440			4.3	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		11,832		24,400		(12,568	)	NM
Total as reported	$	1,409,819	$	1,364,947	$	44,872			3.3	%
Total Fixed Operations gross profit:
Same store	$	667,998	$	653,657	$	14,341			2.2	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		6,128		11,764		(5,636	)	NM
Total as reported	$	674,126	$	665,421	$	8,705			1.3	%

37

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

OPERATIONS

NM = Not Meaningful

Our consolidated reported Fixed Operations results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Reported Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	555,463		$	582,557		$	(27,094	)		(4.7	%)
Warranty		282,926			240,415			42,511			17.7	%
Wholesale parts		168,459			176,870			(8,411	)		(4.8	%)
Internal, sublet and other		409,162			409,977			(815	)		(0.2	%)
Total revenue	$	1,416,010		$	1,409,819		$	6,191			0.4	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	296,834		$	314,791		$	(17,957	)		(5.7	%)
Warranty		156,082			129,924			26,158			20.1	%
Wholesale parts		28,989			30,754			(1,765	)		(5.7	%)
Internal, sublet and other		201,626			198,657			2,969			1.5	%
Total gross profit	$	683,531		$	674,126		$	9,405			1.4	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay		53.4	%		54.0	%		(60	)	bps
Warranty		55.2	%		54.0	%		120		bps
Wholesale parts		17.2	%		17.4	%		(20	)	bps
Internal, sublet and other		49.3	%		48.5	%		80		bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue		48.3	%		47.8	%		50		bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Reported Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	582,557		$	577,265		$	5,292			0.9	%
Warranty		240,415			228,093			12,322			5.4	%
Wholesale parts		176,870			181,296			(4,426	)		(2.4	%)
Internal, sublet and other		409,977			378,293			31,684			8.4	%
Total revenue	$	1,409,819		$	1,364,947		$	44,872			3.3	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	314,791		$	316,026		$	(1,235	)		(0.4	%)
Warranty		129,924			126,571			3,353			2.6	%
Wholesale parts		30,754			32,249			(1,495	)		(4.6	%)
Internal, sublet and other		198,657			190,575			8,082			4.2	%
Total gross profit	$	674,126		$	665,421		$	8,705			1.3	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay		54.0	%		54.7	%		(70	)	bps
Warranty		54.0	%		55.5	%		(150	)	bps
Wholesale parts		17.4	%		17.8	%		(40	)	bps
Internal, sublet and other		48.5	%		50.4	%		(190	)	bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue		47.8	%		48.8	%		(100	)	bps

38

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

OPERATIONS

Our consolidated same store Fixed Operations results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Same store Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	548,768		$	575,641		$	(26,873	)		(4.7	%)
Warranty		278,882			236,931			41,951			17.7	%
Wholesale parts		166,831			174,962			(8,131	)		(4.6	%)
Internal, sublet and other		396,702			403,654			(6,952	)		(1.7	%)
Total revenue	$	1,391,183		$	1,391,188		$	(5	)		(0.0	%)
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	293,272		$	310,919		$	(17,647	)		(5.7	%)
Warranty		154,025			128,161			25,864			20.2	%
Wholesale parts		28,669			30,443			(1,774	)		(5.8	%)
Internal, sublet and other		195,432			194,835			597			0.3	%
Total gross profit	$	671,398		$	664,358		$	7,040			1.1	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay		53.4	%		54.0	%		(60	)	bps
Warranty		55.2	%		54.1	%		110		bps
Wholesale parts		17.2	%		17.4	%		(20	)	bps
Internal, sublet and other		49.3	%		48.3	%		100		bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue		48.3	%		47.8	%		50		bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Same store Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	579,026		$	567,526		$	11,500			2.0	%
Warranty		238,568			224,071			14,497			6.5	%
Wholesale parts		175,965			177,845			(1,880	)		(1.1	%)
Internal, sublet and other		404,428			371,105			33,323			9.0	%
Total revenue	$	1,397,987		$	1,340,547		$	57,440			4.3	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	312,912		$	310,593		$	2,319			0.7	%
Warranty		129,046			124,535			4,511			3.6	%
Wholesale parts		30,606			31,576			(970	)		(3.1	%)
Internal, sublet and other		195,434			186,953			8,481			4.5	%
Total gross profit	$	667,998		$	653,657		$	14,341			2.2	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay		54.0	%		54.7	%		(70	)	bps
Warranty		54.1	%		55.6	%		(150	)	bps
Wholesale parts		17.4	%		17.8	%		(40	)	bps
Internal, sublet and other		48.3	%		50.4	%		(210	)	bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue		47.8	%		48.8	%		(100	)	bps

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

39

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

OPERATIONS

F&I - Consolidated

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

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

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

• generally easy access to multiple high-quality lending sources;

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

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

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

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

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Total F&I revenue:
Same store	$	343,987	$	334,205	$	9,782		2.9	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		19,043		9,080		9,963	NM
Total as reported	$	363,030	$	343,285	$	19,745		5.8	%
Total F&I gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet):
Same store	$	1,392	$	1,345	$	47		3.5	%
Total as reported	$	1,411	$	1,354	$	57		4.2	%

40

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

OPERATIONS

NM = Not Meaningful

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Total F&I revenue:
Same store	$	335,221	$	320,572	$	14,649		4.6	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		8,064		6,016		2,048	NM
Total as reported	$	343,285	$	326,588	$	16,697		5.1	%
Total F&I gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet):
Same store	$	1,343	$	1,279	$	64		5.0	%
Total as reported	$	1,354	$	1,279	$	75		5.9	%

NM = Not Meaningful

Our consolidated reported F&I results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Reported F&I:
Revenue	$	363,030	$	343,285	$	19,745		5.8	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	1,411	$	1,354	$	57		4.2	%

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Reported F&I:
Revenue	$	343,285	$	326,588	$	16,697		5.1	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	1,354	$	1,279	$	75		5.9	%

Our consolidated same store F&I results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Same Store F&I:
Revenue	$	343,987	$	334,205	$	9,782		2.9	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	1,392	$	1,345	$	47		3.5	%

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Same Store F&I:
Revenue	$	335,221	$	320,572	$	14,649		4.6	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	1,343	$	1,279	$	64		5.0	%

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

41

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

OPERATIONS

Results of Operations - Franchised Dealerships Segment

New Vehicles – Franchised Dealerships Segment

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

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

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total new vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	5,204,867	$	5,170,372	$	34,495			0.7	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		90,184		64,133		26,051		NM
Total as reported	$	5,295,051	$	5,234,505	$	60,546			1.2	%
Total new vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	259,220	$	259,668	$	(448	)		(0.2	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		5,706		926		4,780		NM
Total as reported	$	264,926	$	260,594	$	4,332			1.7	%
Total new vehicle unit sales:
Same store		133,047		133,606		(559	)		(0.4	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		2,616		2,397		219		NM
Total as reported		135,663		136,003		(340	)		(0.2	%)
NM = Not Meaningful

42

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

OPERATIONS

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total new vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	5,186,149	$	5,200,257	$	(14,108	)		(0.3	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		48,356		65,144		(16,788	)	NM
Total as reported	$	5,234,505	$	5,265,401	$	(30,896	)		(0.6	%)
Total new vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	258,227	$	265,679	$	(7,452	)		(2.8	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		2,367		2,250		117		NM
Total as reported	$	260,594	$	267,929	$	(7,335	)		(2.7	%)
Total new vehicle unit sales:
Same store		134,768		138,206		(3,438	)		(2.5	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		1,235		1,795		(560	)	NM
Total as reported		136,003		140,001		(3,998	)		(2.9	%)
NM = Not Meaningful

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

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported new vehicle:
Revenue	$	5,295,051		$	5,234,505		$	60,546			1.2	%
Gross profit	$	264,926		$	260,594		$	4,332			1.7	%
Unit sales		135,663			136,003			(340	)		(0.2	%)
Revenue per unit	$	39,031		$	38,488		$	543			1.4	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,953		$	1,916		$	37			1.9	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.0	%		5.0	%		0		bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported new vehicle:
Revenue	$	5,234,505		$	5,265,401		$	(30,896	)		(0.6	%)
Gross profit	$	260,594		$	267,929		$	(7,335	)		(2.7	%)
Unit sales		136,003			140,001			(3,998	)		(2.9	%)
Revenue per unit	$	38,488		$	37,610		$	878			2.3	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,916		$	1,914		$	2			0.1	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.0	%		5.1	%		(10	)	bps

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

OPERATIONS

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

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store new vehicle:
Revenue	$	5,204,867		$	5,170,372		$	34,495			0.7	%
Gross profit	$	259,220		$	259,668		$	(448	)		(0.2	%)
Unit sales		133,047			133,606			(559	)		(0.4	%)
Revenue per unit	$	39,121		$	38,699		$	422			1.1	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,948		$	1,944		$	4			0.2	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.0	%		5.0	%		0		bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store new vehicle:
Revenue	$	5,186,149		$	5,200,257		$	(14,108	)		(0.3	%)
Gross profit	$	258,227		$	265,679		$	(7,452	)		(2.8	%)
Unit sales		134,768			138,206			(3,438	)		(2.5	%)
Revenue per unit	$	38,482		$	37,627		$	855			2.3	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,916		$	1,922		$	(6	)		(0.3	%)
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.0	%		5.1	%		(10	)	bps

Franchised Dealerships Segment New Vehicles - 2017 Compared to 2016

Our new vehicle revenue increased 0.7% and our new vehicle unit sales volume decreased 0.4%, driven primarily by decreases in new vehicle unit sales volume at our General Motors (excluding Cadillac), Mercedes and Cadillac dealerships, offset partially by increases in new vehicle unit sales volume at our Toyota, Honda and Hyundai dealerships. Our new vehicle gross profit decreased approximately $0.4 million, or 0.2%, primarily driven by decreases in new vehicle gross profit at our Cadillac, General Motors (excluding Cadillac) and Lexus dealerships, offset partially by increases in new vehicle gross profit at our BMW, Ford and Honda dealerships. Our gross profit per new unit increased $4 per unit, or 0.2%, to $1,948 per unit, primarily driven by increases in gross profit per new unit at our BMW, Honda and Ford dealerships, offset partially by decreases in gross profit per new unit at our Cadillac, General Motors (excluding Cadillac) and Lexus dealerships.

As a result of increased replacement vehicle demand due to Hurricane Harvey, our Houston market experienced increases in new vehicle unit sales volume and gross profit per new vehicle unit during the third quarter of 2017. Higher new vehicle sales volume and gross profit in the third and fourth quarters of 2017 partially offset lower new vehicle unit sales volume and gross profit during the first half of 2017 as a result of continued headwinds in the energy markets, resulting in relatively flat new vehicle unit sales volume and gross profit for 2017.

Franchised Dealerships Segment New Vehicles - 2016 Compared to 2015

Our new vehicle revenue decreased 0.3% and our new vehicle unit sales volume decreased 2.5%, driven primarily by decreases in new vehicle unit sales volume at our BMW, Toyota and MINI dealerships, offset partially by increases in new vehicle unit sales volume at our Honda, Jaguar and Audi dealerships. Our new vehicle gross profit decreased approximately $7.5 million, or 2.8%, primarily driven by decreases in new vehicle gross profit at our Land Rover, General Motors (excluding Cadillac) and Porsche dealerships, offset partially by increases in new vehicle gross profit at our Honda, Audi and Jaguar dealerships. Our gross profit per new unit decreased $6 per unit, or 0.3%, to $1,916 per unit, primarily driven by decreases in gross profit per new unit at our Land Rover, General Motors (excluding Cadillac) and Porsche dealerships, offset partially by increases in gross profit per new unit at our Honda, Audi and Jaguar dealerships.

During 2016, we believe our new vehicle unit sales volume was negatively affected by “stop-sale” vehicles held in inventory as a result of open safety recalls on certain models for which the manufacturer instructed dealers not to sell the particular model until the recall work was performed. These “stop-sale” vehicles increased our inventory on-hand and associated floor plan interest expense

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

OPERATIONS

during much of 2016. As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately 400 “stop-sale” new vehicles in our inventory, which increased our new vehicle days’ supply by approximately one day.

Used Vehicles – Franchised Dealerships Segment

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.

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

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total used vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	2,355,814	$	2,381,533	$	(25,719	)		(1.1	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		50,593		37,622		12,971		NM
Total as reported	$	2,406,407	$	2,419,155	$	(12,748	)		(0.5	%)
Total used vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	138,766	$	142,321	$	(3,555	)		(2.5	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		9,283		9,939		(656	)	NM
Total as reported	$	148,049	$	152,260	$	(4,211	)		(2.8	%)
Total used vehicle unit sales:
Same store		109,943		111,427		(1,484	)		(1.3	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		2,928		2,400		528		NM
Total as reported		112,871		113,827		(956	)		(0.8	%)

NM = Not Meaningful

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total used vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	2,388,364	$	2,396,356	$	(7,992	)		(0.3	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		30,791		51,197		(20,406	)	NM
Total as reported	$	2,419,155	$	2,447,553	$	(28,398	)		(1.2	%)
Total used vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	150,835	$	156,108	$	(5,273	)		(3.4	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		1,425		1,608		(183	)	NM
Total as reported	$	152,260	$	157,716	$	(5,456	)		(3.5	%)
Total used vehicle unit sales:
Same store		112,162		111,036		1,126			1.0	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		1,665		2,862		(1,197	)	NM
Total as reported		113,827		113,898		(71	)		(0.1	%)

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OPERATIONS

NM = Not Meaningful

Our Franchised Dealerships Segment reported used vehicle results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported used vehicle:
Revenue	$	2,406,407		$	2,419,155		$	(12,748	)		(0.5	%)
Gross profit	$	148,049		$	152,260		$	(4,211	)		(2.8	%)
Unit sales		112,871			113,827			(956	)		(0.8	%)
Revenue per unit	$	21,320		$	21,253		$	67			0.3	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,312		$	1,338		$	(26	)		(1.9	%)
Gross profit as a % of revenue		6.2	%		6.3	%		(10	)	bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported used vehicle:
Revenue	$	2,419,155		$	2,447,553		$	(28,398	)		(1.2	%)
Gross profit	$	152,260		$	157,716		$	(5,456	)		(3.5	%)
Unit sales		113,827			113,898			(71	)		(0.1	%)
Revenue per unit	$	21,253		$	21,489		$	(236	)		(1.1	%)
Gross profit per unit	$	1,338		$	1,385		$	(47	)		(3.4	%)
Gross profit as a % of revenue		6.3	%		6.4	%		(10	)	bps

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

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store used vehicle:
Revenue	$	2,355,814		$	2,381,533		$	(25,719	)		(1.1	%)
Gross profit	$	138,766		$	142,321		$	(3,555	)		(2.5	%)
Unit sales		109,943			111,427			(1,484	)		(1.3	%)
Revenue per unit	$	21,428		$	21,373		$	55			0.3	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,262		$	1,277		$	(15	)		(1.2	%)
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.9	%		6.0	%		(10	)	bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store used vehicle:
Revenue	$	2,388,364		$	2,396,356		$	(7,992	)		(0.3	%)
Gross profit	$	150,835		$	156,108		$	(5,273	)		(3.4	%)
Unit sales		112,162			111,036			1,126			1.0	%
Revenue per unit	$	21,294		$	21,582		$	(288	)		(1.3	%)
Gross profit per unit	$	1,345		$	1,406		$	(61	)		(4.3	%)
Gross profit as a % of revenue		6.3	%		6.5	%		(20	)	bps

46

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

OPERATIONS

Franchised Dealerships Segment Used Vehicles - 2017 Compared to 2016

Retail used vehicle revenue decreased 1.1%, driven primarily by a 1.3% decrease in retail used vehicle unit sales volume. This decrease in retail used vehicle unit sales volume was primarily driven by decreases in retail used vehicle unit sales volume at our Mercedes, Toyota, Ford and General Motors (excluding Cadillac) dealerships, offset partially by increases in retail used vehicle unit sales volume at our BMW and Audi dealerships. Retail used vehicle gross profit decreased approximately $3.6 million, or 2.5%, driven primarily by lower retail used vehicle unit sales volume and retail used vehicle gross profit per unit at our dealerships in the Houston market as a result of economic challenges in that market in the first half of 2017. Retail used vehicle gross profit per unit decreased $15 per unit, or 1.2%, driven primarily by lower retail used vehicle gross profit per unit at our BMW and General Motors (excluding Cadillac) dealerships.

Franchised Dealerships Segment Used Vehicles - 2016 Compared to 2015

Retail used vehicle revenue decreased 0.3%, primarily as a result of a shift in brand and model mix, which was partially offset by a 1.0% increase in retail used vehicle unit sales volume. This increase in retail used vehicle unit sales volume was primarily driven by increases in retail used vehicle unit sales volume at our BMW, Mercedes and Toyota dealerships, offset partially by decreases in retail used vehicle unit sales volume at our Honda, Ford and General Motors (excluding Cadillac) dealerships. Retail used vehicle gross profit decreased approximately $5.3 million, or 3.4%, driven primarily by lower retail used vehicle gross profit per unit at our dealerships in the Houston market as a result of ongoing economic challenges in that market. Retail used vehicle gross profit per unit decreased $61 per unit, or 4.3%, driven primarily by lower retail used vehicle gross profit per unit at our Honda, General Motors (excluding Cadillac) and Mercedes dealerships.

During 2016, we believe our retail used vehicle unit sales volume and gross profit were negatively affected by “stop-sale” vehicles held in inventory as a result of open safety recalls on certain models for which the manufacturer instructed dealers not to sell the particular model until the recall work was performed. These “stop-sale” vehicles increased our inventory on-hand and associated floor plan interest expense during much of 2016. As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately 600 “stop-sale” retail used vehicles in our inventory, which increased our used vehicle days’ supply by approximately two days.

Wholesale Vehicles - Franchised Dealerships Segment

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

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

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total wholesale vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	157,547		$	197,143		$	(39,596	)		(20.1	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		4,034			3,214			820		NM
Total as reported	$	161,581		$	200,357		$	(38,776	)		(19.4	%)
Total wholesale vehicle gross profit (loss):
Same store	$	(7,870	)	$	(6,632	)	$	(1,238	)		(18.7	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		(608	)		(480	)		(128	)	NM
Total as reported	$	(8,478	)	$	(7,112	)	$	(1,366	)		(19.2	%)
Total wholesale vehicle unit sales:
Same store		27,969			32,271			(4,302	)		(13.3	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		914			871			43		NM
Total as reported		28,883			33,142			(4,259	)		(12.9	%)

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

OPERATIONS

NM = Not Meaningful

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total wholesale vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	197,535		$	149,002		$	48,533			32.6	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		2,822			2,913			(91	)	NM
Total as reported	$	200,357		$	151,915		$	48,442			31.9	%
Total wholesale vehicle gross profit (loss):
Same store	$	(6,737	)	$	(6,601	)	$	(136	)		(2.1	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		(375	)		(621	)		246		NM
Total as reported	$	(7,112	)	$	(7,222	)	$	110			1.5	%
Total wholesale vehicle unit sales:
Same store		32,581			28,683			3,898			13.6	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		561			610			(49	)	NM
Total as reported		33,142			29,293			3,849			13.1	%

NM = Not Meaningful

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

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	161,581		$	200,357		$	(38,776	)		(19.4	%)
Gross profit (loss)	$	(8,478	)	$	(7,112	)	$	(1,366	)		(19.2	%)
Unit sales		28,883			33,142			(4,259	)		(12.9	%)
Revenue per unit	$	5,594		$	6,045		$	(451	)		(7.5	%)
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(294	)	$	(215	)	$	(79	)		(36.7	%)
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(5.2	%)		(3.5	%)		(170	)	bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	200,357		$	151,915		$	48,442		31.9	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	(7,112	)	$	(7,222	)	$	110		1.5	%
Unit sales		33,142			29,293			3,849		13.1	%
Revenue per unit	$	6,045		$	5,186		$	859		16.6	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(215	)	$	(247	)	$	32		13.0	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(3.5	%)		(4.8	%)		130	bps

48

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

OPERATIONS

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

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	157,547		$	197,143		$	(39,596	)		(20.1	%)
Gross profit (loss)	$	(7,870	)	$	(6,632	)	$	(1,238	)		(18.7	%)
Unit sales		27,969			32,271			(4,302	)		(13.3	%)
Revenue per unit	$	5,633		$	6,109		$	(476	)		(7.8	%)
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(281	)	$	(206	)	$	(75	)		(36.4	%)
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(5.0	%)		(3.4	%)		(160	)	bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	197,535		$	149,002		$	48,533			32.6	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	(6,737	)	$	(6,601	)	$	(136	)		(2.1	%)
Unit sales		32,581			28,683			3,898			13.6	%
Revenue per unit	$	6,063		$	5,195		$	868			16.7	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(207	)	$	(230	)	$	23			10.0	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(3.4	%)		(4.4	%)		100		bps

Franchised Dealerships Segment Wholesale Vehicles - 2017 Compared to 2016

Wholesale vehicle revenue and unit sales volume decreased, while wholesale gross loss increased due to higher gross loss per unit. The increase in wholesale vehicle gross loss per unit was primarily driven by declining used vehicle valuations due in part to increasing off-lease unit sales volume and the seasonal fluctuations in the pre-owned vehicle market.

Franchised Dealerships Segment Wholesale Vehicles - 2016 Compared to 2015

Wholesale vehicle revenue, gross loss and unit sales volume increased due to higher levels of wholesale activity as a result of elevated inventory levels during the first quarter of 2016.

Fixed Operations - Franchised Dealerships Segment

Parts, service and collision repair revenues consist of customer requested orders (“customer pay”), warranty repairs, wholesale parts and internal, sublet and other. Parts and service revenue is driven by the mix of warranty repairs versus customer pay repairs, available service capacity, vehicle quality, manufacturer recalls, customer loyalty and prepaid maintenance programs. Internal, sublet and other primarily relates to preparation and reconditioning work performed on vehicles that are sold to customers. When that work is performed by one of our dealerships, the work is classified as internal. In the event the work is performed by a third party on our behalf, it is classified as sublet. In 2017, we changed the character of certain manufacturer-offered complimentary maintenance repair orders from customer pay to warranty. Accordingly, the customer pay and warranty amounts in the tables below reflect this change for 2017, but not for 2016 or 2015, as it was administratively impractical to recalculate the 2016 and 2015 amounts.

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

49

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

OPERATIONS

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

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Total Fixed Operations revenue:
Same store	$	1,380,968	$	1,382,218	$	(1,250	)		(0.1	%)
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		20,834		18,070		2,764		NM
Total as reported	$	1,401,802	$	1,400,288	$	1,514			0.1	%
Total Fixed Operations gross profit:
Same store	$	666,728	$	660,479	$	6,249			0.9	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		10,701		9,442		1,259		NM
Total as reported	$	677,429	$	669,921	$	7,508			1.1	%

NM = Not Meaningful

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Total Fixed Operations revenue:
Same store	$	1,389,945	$	1,334,420	$	55,525			4.2	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		10,343		24,400		(14,057	)	NM
Total as reported	$	1,400,288	$	1,358,820	$	41,468			3.1	%
Total Fixed Operations gross profit:
Same store	$	664,655	$	651,145	$	13,510			2.1	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		5,266		11,764		(6,498	)	NM
Total as reported	$	669,921	$	662,909	$	7,012			1.1	%

NM = Not Meaningful

50

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

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

OPERATIONS

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

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Reported Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	554,080		$	581,612		$	(27,532	)		(4.7	%)
Warranty		282,926			240,415			42,511			17.7	%
Wholesale parts		168,459			176,870			(8,411	)		(4.8	%)
Internal, sublet and other		396,337			401,391			(5,054	)		(1.3	%)
Total revenue	$	1,401,802		$	1,400,288		$	1,514			0.1	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	296,348		$	314,439		$	(18,091	)		(5.8	%)
Warranty		156,082			129,924			26,158			20.1	%
Wholesale parts		28,989			30,754			(1,765	)		(5.7	%)
Internal, sublet and other		196,010			194,804			1,206			0.6	%
Total gross profit	$	677,429		$	669,921		$	7,508			1.1	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay		53.5	%		54.1	%		(60	)	bps
Warranty		55.2	%		54.0	%		120		bps
Wholesale parts		17.2	%		17.4	%		(20	)	bps
Internal, sublet and other		49.5	%		48.5	%		100		bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue		48.3	%		47.8	%		50		bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Reported Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	581,612		$	576,753		$	4,859			0.8	%
Warranty		240,415			228,093			12,322			5.4	%
Wholesale parts		176,870			181,296			(4,426	)		(2.4	%)
Internal, sublet and other		401,391			372,678			28,713			7.7	%
Total revenue	$	1,400,288		$	1,358,820		$	41,468			3.1	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	314,439		$	315,837		$	(1,398	)		(0.4	%)
Warranty		129,924			126,571			3,353			2.6	%
Wholesale parts		30,754			32,249			(1,495	)		(4.6	%)
Internal, sublet and other		194,804			188,252			6,552			3.5	%
Total gross profit	$	669,921		$	662,909		$	7,012			1.1	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay		54.1	%		54.8	%		(70	)	bps
Warranty		54.0	%		55.5	%		(150	)	bps
Wholesale parts		17.4	%		17.8	%		(40	)	bps
Internal, sublet and other		48.5	%		50.5	%		(200	)	bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue		47.8	%		48.8	%		(100	)	bps

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

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Same store Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	547,681		$	574,740		$	(27,059	)		(4.7	%)
Warranty		278,882			236,931			41,951			17.7	%
Wholesale parts		166,831			174,962			(8,131	)		(4.6	%)
Internal, sublet and other		387,574			395,585			(8,011	)		(2.0	%)
Total revenue	$	1,380,968		$	1,382,218		$	(1,250	)		(0.1	%)
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	292,883		$	310,583		$	(17,700	)		(5.7	%)
Warranty		154,025			128,161			25,864			20.2	%
Wholesale parts		28,669			30,443			(1,774	)		(5.8	%)
Internal, sublet and other		191,151			191,292			(141	)		(0.1	%)
Total gross profit	$	666,728		$	660,479		$	6,249			0.9	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay		53.5	%		54.0	%		(50	)	bps
Warranty		55.2	%		54.1	%		110		bps
Wholesale parts		17.2	%		17.4	%		(20	)	bps
Internal, sublet and other		49.3	%		48.4	%		90		bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue		48.3	%		47.8	%		50		bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Same store Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	578,262		$	567,013		$	11,249			2.0	%
Warranty		238,568			224,071			14,497			6.5	%
Wholesale parts		175,965			177,845			(1,880	)		(1.1	%)
Internal, sublet and other		397,150			365,491			31,659			8.7	%
Total revenue	$	1,389,945		$	1,334,420		$	55,525			4.2	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	312,618		$	310,403		$	2,215			0.7	%
Warranty		129,046			124,535			4,511			3.6	%
Wholesale parts		30,606			31,576			(970	)		(3.1	%)
Internal, sublet and other		192,385			184,631			7,754			4.2	%
Total gross profit	$	664,655		$	651,145		$	13,510			2.1	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay		54.1	%		54.7	%		(60	)	bps
Warranty		54.1	%		55.6	%		(150	)	bps
Wholesale parts		17.4	%		17.8	%		(40	)	bps
Internal, sublet and other		48.4	%		50.5	%		(210	)	bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue		47.8	%		48.8	%		(100	)	bps

Franchised Dealerships Segment Fixed Operations- 2017 Compared to 2016

Our Fixed Operations revenue decreased approximately $1.3 million, or 0.1%, driven primarily by our Mercedes, Honda, Ford and General Motors (excluding Cadillac) dealerships, while our Fixed Operations gross profit increased approximately $6.3 million,

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or 0.9%, driven primarily by our Lexus and Audi dealerships. Combined customer pay and warranty gross profit increased approximately $8.2 million, or 1.9%.

Franchised Dealerships Segment Fixed Operations - 2016 Compared to 2015

Our Fixed Operations revenue increased approximately $55.5 million, or 4.2%, driven primarily by our Honda, Toyota, Ford and General Motors (excluding Cadillac) dealerships, and our Fixed Operations gross profit increased approximately $13.5 million, or 2.1%, driven primarily by our Honda, Toyota, Ford and General Motors (excluding Cadillac) dealerships. Combined customer pay and warranty gross profit increased approximately $6.7 million, or 1.5%.

F&I - Franchised Dealerships Segment

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

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

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

• generally easy access to multiple high-quality lending sources;

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

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

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

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

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Total F&I revenue:
Same store	$	337,762	$	328,715	$	9,047		2.8	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		10,296		7,632		2,664	NM
Total as reported	$	348,058	$	336,347	$	11,711		3.5	%
Total F&I gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet):
Same store	$	1,401	$	1,351	$	50		3.7	%
Total as reported	$	1,411	$	1,356	$	55		4.1	%

NM = Not Meaningful

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	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Total F&I revenue:
Same store	$	330,427	$	317,532	$	12,895			4.1	%
Acquisitions, open points and dispositions		5,920		6,016		(96	)	NM
Total as reported	$	336,347	$	323,548	$	12,799			4.0	%
Total F&I gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet):
Same store	$	1,347	$	1,284	$	63			4.9	%
Total as reported	$	1,356	$	1,284	$	72			5.6	%

NM = Not Meaningful

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

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Reported F&I:
Revenue	$	348,058	$	336,347	$	11,711		3.5	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	1,411	$	1,356	$	55		4.1	%

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Reported F&I:
Revenue	$	336,347	$	323,548	$	12,799		4.0	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	1,356	$	1,284	$	72		5.6	%

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

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Same Store F&I:
Revenue	$	337,762	$	328,715	$	9,047		2.8	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	1,401	$	1,351	$	50		3.7	%

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Same Store F&I:
Revenue	$	330,427	$	317,532	$	12,895		4.1	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	1,347	$	1,284	$	63		4.9	%

Franchised Dealerships SegmentF&I – 2017 Compared to 2016

F&I revenues increased approximately $9.0 million, or 2.8%, and F&I gross profit per retail unit increased $50 per unit, or 3.7%, to $1,401 per unit. The growth in F&I revenues and gross profit per retail unit is primarily attributed to an increase in gross profit per service contract and gross profit per other aftermarket contract due to additional product offerings and increased visibility into performance drivers provided by our proprietary internal software applications. These increases in gross profit per contract more than offset the impact of a 0.9% decrease in combined retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume and lower penetration rates.  Finance contract revenue decreased 3.4%, primarily due to a 90 basis point decrease in the combined new and used vehicle finance contract penetration rate and a 1.4% decrease in gross profit per finance contract. Service contract revenue increased 4.8% due

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primarily to a 10.4% increase in gross profit per service contract, offset partially by a 140 basis point decrease in the service contract penetration rate. Other aftermarket contract revenue increased 7.4%, driven primarily by a 9.9% increase in gross profit per other aftermarket contract, offset partially by a 170 basis point decrease in the other aftermarket contract penetration rate.

Franchised Dealerships Segment F&I – 2016 Compared to 2015

F&I revenues increased approximately $12.9 million, or 4.1%, and F&I gross profit per retail unit increased $63 per unit, or 4.9%, to $1,347 per unit. Finance contract revenue increased 1.9% due to a 290 basis point increase in the combined new and used vehicle finance contract penetration rate and a 2.9% increase in finance contract sales volume, partially offset by a 1.0% decrease in gross profit per finance contract. Service contract gross profit increased 11.1% due to a 190 basis point increase in the service contract penetration rate and a 4.6% increase in service contract sales volume, in addition to a 6.1% increase in gross profit per service contract. Other aftermarket contract gross profit decreased 0.2% due to a 990 basis point decrease in the other aftermarket contract penetration rate, driven by a decrease of 7.9% in total aftermarket contracts.

Results of Operations - Pre-Owned Stores Segment

Pre-Owned Stores Segment same store results consist of results of operations from five EchoPark stores in Denver, Colorado and one stand-alone pre-owned vehicle store in Florida for 2017 compared to 2016, and five EchoPark stores in Denver, Colorado for 2016 compared to 2015. Due to the ongoing expansion of our Pre-Owned Stores Segment, same store results may vary significantly from reported results due to stores that began operations or were acquired in the last 12 months.

Used Vehicles and F&I - Pre-Owned Stores Segment

Based on the way we manage the Pre-Owned Stores Segment, we believe the best measure of gross profit performance at our pre-owned stores is a combined total gross profit per unit, which includes both retail used vehicle gross profit and F&I gross profit per transaction.

See the discussion in Franchised Dealership Segment Results of Operations for a discussion of the macro drivers of used vehicle revenues and F&I revenues.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of Pre-Owned Stores Segment same store basis and reported basis for retail used vehicles:

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total used vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	121,153	$	107,333	$	13,820			12.9	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		94,493		6,634		87,859		NM
Total as reported	$	215,646	$	113,967	$	101,679			89.2	%
Total used vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	4,924	$	5,748	$	(824	)		(14.3	%)
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		1,930		577		1,353		NM
Total as reported	$	6,854	$	6,325	$	529			8.4	%
Total used vehicle unit sales:
Same store		5,973		5,023		950			18.9	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		4,645		324		4,321		NM
Total as reported		10,618		5,347		5,271			98.6	%

NM = Not Meaningful

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	Year Ended December 31,					Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total used vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	92,006	$	64,471		$	27,535		42.7	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		21,961		-			21,961	NM
Total as reported	$	113,967	$	64,471		$	49,496		76.8	%
Total used vehicle gross profit:
Same store	$	4,949	$	4,525		$	424		9.4	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		1,376		(199	)		1,575	NM
Total as reported	$	6,325	$	4,326		$	1,999		46.2	%
Total used vehicle unit sales:
Same store		4,335		3,225			1,110		34.4	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		1,012		-			1,012	NM
Total as reported		5,347		3,225			2,122		65.8	%

NM = Not Meaningful

The following tables provide a reconciliation of Pre-Owned Stores Segment same store basis and reported basis for F&I:

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Total F&I revenue:
Same store	$	6,225	$	5,490	$	735		13.4	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		8,747		1,448		7,299	NM
Total as reported	$	14,972	$	6,938	$	8,034		115.8	%

NM = Not Meaningful

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Total F&I revenue:
Same store	$	4,794	$	3,040	$	1,754		57.7	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		2,144		-		2,144	NM
Total as reported	$	6,938	$	3,040	$	3,898		128.2	%

NM = Not Meaningful

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Our Pre-Owned Stores Segment reported used vehicle and F&I results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported used vehicle and F&I:
Used vehicle revenue	$	215,646	$	113,967	$	101,679			89.2	%
Used vehicle gross profit	$	6,854	$	6,325	$	529			8.4	%
Used vehicle unit sales		10,618		5,347		5,271			98.6	%
Used vehicle revenue per unit	$	20,309	$	21,314	$	(1,005	)		(4.7	%)
F&I revenue	$	14,972	$	6,938	$	8,034			115.8	%
Combined used vehicle gross profit and F&I revenue	$	21,826	$	13,263	$	8,563			64.6	%
Total used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit	$	2,056	$	2,480	$	(424	)		(17.1	%)

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported used vehicle and F&I:
Used vehicle revenue	$	113,967	$	64,471	$	49,496		76.8	%
Used vehicle gross profit	$	6,325	$	4,326	$	1,999		46.2	%
Used vehicle unit sales		5,347		3,225		2,122		65.8	%
Used vehicle revenue per unit	$	21,314	$	19,991	$	1,323		6.6	%
F&I revenue	$	6,938	$	3,040	$	3,898		128.2	%
Combined used vehicle gross profit and F&I revenue	$	13,263	$	7,366	$	5,897		80.1	%
Total used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit	$	2,480	$	2,284	$	196		8.6	%

Our Pre-Owned Stores Segment same store used vehicle and F&I results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store used vehicle and F&I:
Used vehicle revenue	$	121,153	$	107,333	$	13,820			12.9	%
Used vehicle gross profit	$	4,924	$	5,748	$	(824	)		(14.3	%)
Used vehicle unit sales		5,973		5,023		950			18.9	%
Used vehicle revenue per unit	$	20,283	$	21,368	$	(1,085	)		(5.1	%)
F&I revenue	$	6,225	$	5,490	$	735			13.4	%
Combined used vehicle gross profit and F&I revenue	$	11,149	$	11,238	$	(89	)		(0.8	%)
Total used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit	$	1,867	$	2,237	$	(370	)		(16.5	%)

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store used vehicle and F&I:
Used vehicle revenue	$	92,006	$	64,471	$	27,535			42.7	%
Used vehicle gross profit	$	4,949	$	4,525	$	424			9.4	%
Used vehicle unit sales		4,335		3,225		1,110			34.4	%
Used vehicle revenue per unit	$	21,224	$	19,991	$	1,233			6.2	%
F&I revenue	$	4,794	$	3,040	$	1,754			57.7	%
Combined used vehicle gross profit and F&I revenue	$	9,743	$	7,565	$	2,178			28.8	%
Total used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit	$	2,248	$	2,346	$	(98	)		(4.2	%)

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Pre-Owned Stores Segment Used Vehicles and F&I - 2017 Compared to 2016

Retail used vehicle revenue increased 12.9%, driven primarily by an 18.9% increase in retail used vehicle unit sales volume. This increase in retail used vehicle unit sales volume was driven primarily by increases in retail used vehicle unit sales volume at our EchoPark stores in the Denver market. Combined retail used vehicle and F&I gross profit per unit decreased approximately $370 per unit, or 16.5%, to $1,867 per unit, driven primarily by lower retail used vehicle gross profit, partially offset by an increase in F&I gross profit. We believe that the decrease in overall retail used vehicle gross profit per unit is due in part to the positive effects of newly redesigned models in certain brands on new vehicle demand, which, in turn, put downward pricing pressure on similar pre-owned models in those brands. F&I revenues increased approximately $0.7 million, or 13.4%, driven by an increase in gross profit per service contract due to additional product offerings and increased visibility into performance drivers provided by our proprietary internal software applications. Finance contract revenue increased 6.5%, primarily due to a 14.8% increase in finance contract sales volume, partially offset by a 280 basis point decrease in the used vehicle finance contract penetration rate and a 7.3% decrease in gross profit per finance contract. Service contract revenue increased 23.9% due primarily to an 18.8% increase in service contract sales volume and a 4.3% increase in gross profit per service contract, despite a 10 basis point decrease in the service contract penetration rate. Other aftermarket contract revenue increased 9.4%, driven primarily by a 20.5% increase in other aftermarket contract sales volume and a 100 basis point increase in the other aftermarket contract penetration rate, partially offset by a 9.2% decrease in gross profit per other aftermarket contract. F&I penetration rates are generally higher in our Pre-Owned Stores Segment than in our Franchised Dealerships Segment.

Pre-Owned Stores Segment Used Vehicles and F&I - 2016 Compared to 2015

Retail used vehicle revenue increased 42.7%, driven primarily by a 34.4% increase in retail used vehicle unit sales volume. This increase in retail used vehicle unit sales volume was driven by increases in retail used vehicle unit sales volume at our EchoPark stores in the Denver market. We believe that the decrease in overall retail used vehicle gross profit per unit is due in part to the positive effects of newly redesigned models in certain brands on new vehicle demand, which, in turn, put downward pricing pressure on similar pre-owned models in those brands, and our desire to drive more volume through these stores by sacrificing margin in order to generate higher overall gross profit dollars. F&I revenues increased approximately $1.8 million, or 57.7%. Finance contract revenue increased 48.1% due primarily to a 46.5% increase in finance contract sales volume, a 690 basis point increase in the used vehicle finance contract penetration rate and a 1.1% increase in gross profit per finance contract.  Service contract gross profit increased 58.5% due primarily to a 60.7% increase in service contract sales volume and a 790 basis point increase in the service contract penetration rate, partially offset by a 1.4% decrease in gross profit per service contract.  Other aftermarket contract gross profit increased 88.9% due primarily to a 76.0% increase in aftermarket contract sales volume, a 1,720 basis point increase in the other aftermarket contract penetration rate and a 7.3% increase in gross profit per other aftermarket contract.  

Wholesale Vehicles - Pre-Owned Stores Segment

See the discussion in Franchised Dealership Segment Results of Operations for a discussion of the macro drivers of wholesale vehicle revenues.

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The following tables provide a reconciliation of Pre-Owned Stores Segment same store basis and reported basis for wholesale vehicles:

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total wholesale vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	7,761		$	10,120		$	(2,359	)		(23.3	%)
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		1,722			571			1,151		NM
Total as reported	$	9,483		$	10,691		$	(1,208	)		(11.3	%)
Total wholesale vehicle gross profit (loss):
Same store	$	(311	)	$	(62	)	$	(249	)		(401.6	%)
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		75			(142	)		217		NM
Total as reported	$	(236	)	$	(204	)	$	(32	)		(15.7	%)
Total wholesale vehicle unit sales:
Same store		2,009			1,837			172			9.4	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		493			119			374		NM
Total as reported		2,502			1,956			546			27.9	%

NM = Not Meaningful

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Total wholesale vehicle revenue:
Same store	$	9,789		$	3,424		$	6,365			185.9	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		902			-			902		NM
Total as reported	$	10,691		$	3,424		$	7,267			212.2	%
Total wholesale vehicle gross profit (loss):
Same store	$	(30	)	$	(147	)	$	117			79.6	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		(174	)		1			(175	)	NM
Total as reported	$	(204	)	$	(146	)	$	(58	)		(39.7	%)
Total wholesale vehicle unit sales:
Same store		1,773			875			898			102.6	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		183			-			183		NM
Total as reported		1,956			875			1,081			123.5	%

NM = Not Meaningful

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Our Pre-Owned Stores Segment reported wholesale vehicle results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	9,483		$	10,691		$	(1,208	)		(11.3	%)
Gross profit (loss)	$	(236	)	$	(204	)	$	(32	)		(15.7	%)
Unit sales		2,502			1,956			546			27.9	%
Revenue per unit	$	3,790		$	5,466		$	(1,676	)		(30.7	%)
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(94	)	$	(104	)	$	10			9.6	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(2.5	%)		(1.9	%)		(60	)	bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Reported wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	10,691		$	3,424		$	7,267			212.2	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	(204	)	$	(146	)	$	(58	)		(39.7	%)
Unit sales		1,956			875			1,081			123.5	%
Revenue per unit	$	5,466		$	3,913		$	1,553			39.7	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(104	)	$	(167	)	$	63			37.7	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(1.9	%)		(4.3	%)		240		bps

Our Pre-Owned Stores Segment same store wholesale vehicle results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	7,761		$	10,120		$	(2,359	)		(23.3	%)
Gross profit (loss)	$	(311	)	$	(62	)	$	(249	)		(401.6	%)
Unit sales		2,009			1,837			172			9.4	%
Revenue per unit	$	3,863		$	5,509		$	(1,646	)		(29.9	%)
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(155	)	$	(34	)	$	(121	)		(355.9	%)
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(4.0	%)		(0.6	%)		(340	)	bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Same store wholesale vehicle:
Revenue	$	9,789		$	3,424		$	6,365		185.9	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	(30	)	$	(147	)	$	117		79.6	%
Unit sales		1,773			875			898		102.6	%
Revenue per unit	$	5,521		$	3,913		$	1,608		41.1	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(17	)	$	(168	)	$	151		89.9	%
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(0.3	%)		(4.3	%)		400	bps

Pre-Owned Stores Segment Wholesale Vehicles - 2017 Compared to 2016

Wholesale vehicle revenue decreased, while wholesale unit sales volume and wholesale gross loss increased due to higher gross loss per unit. The increase in wholesale vehicle unit sales volume was primarily driven by reductions of inventory units due to the trend of lower used vehicle valuations.

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Pre-Owned Stores Segment Wholesale Vehicles - 2016 Compared to 2015

Wholesale vehicle revenue and unit sales volume increased, while wholesale gross loss decreased due to higher levels of wholesale activity as a result of elevated inventory levels during the first quarter of 2016.

Fixed Operations - Pre-Owned Stores Segment

See the discussion in Franchised Dealership Segment Results of Operations for a discussion of the macro drivers of Fixed Operations revenues.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of Pre-Owned Stores Segment same store basis and reported basis for Fixed Operations:

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2017		2016		Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Total Fixed Operations revenue:
Same store	$	10,215	$	8,970	$	1,245		13.9	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		3,993		561		3,432	NM
Total as reported	$	14,208	$	9,531	$	4,677		49.1	%
Total Fixed Operations gross profit:
Same store	$	4,670	$	3,879	$	791		20.4	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		1,432		326		1,106	NM
Total as reported	$	6,102	$	4,205	$	1,897		45.1	%

NM = Not Meaningful

	Year Ended December 31,				Better / (Worse)
	2016		2015		Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Total Fixed Operations revenue:
Same store	$	8,042	$	6,127	$	1,915		31.3	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		1,489		-		1,489	NM
Total as reported	$	9,531	$	6,127	$	3,404		55.6	%
Total Fixed Operations gross profit:
Same store	$	3,343	$	2,512	$	831		33.1	%
Acquisitions, store openings and closures		862		-		862	NM
Total as reported	$	4,205	$	2,512	$	1,693		67.4	%

NM = Not Meaningful

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Our Pre-Owned Stores Segment reported Fixed Operations results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Reported Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	1,383		$	945		$	438			46.3	%
Internal, sublet and other		12,825			8,586			4,239			49.4	%
Total revenue	$	14,208		$	9,531		$	4,677			49.1	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	486		$	352		$	134			38.1	%
Internal, sublet and other		5,616			3,853			1,763			45.8	%
Total gross profit	$	6,102		$	4,205		$	1,897			45.1	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay		35.1	%		37.2	%		(210	)	bps
Internal, sublet and other		43.8	%		44.9	%		(110	)	bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue		42.9	%		44.1	%		(120	)	bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Reported Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	945		$	512		$	433		84.6	%
Internal, sublet and other		8,586			5,615			2,971		52.9	%
Total revenue	$	9,531		$	6,127		$	3,404		55.6	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	352		$	189		$	163		86.2	%
Internal, sublet and other		3,853			2,323			1,530		65.9	%
Total gross profit	$	4,205		$	2,512		$	1,693		67.4	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay		37.2	%		36.9	%		30	bps
Internal, sublet and other		44.9	%		41.4	%		350	bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue		44.1	%		41.0	%		310	bps

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Our Pre-Owned Stores Segment same store Fixed Operations results are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Same store Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	1,087		$	901		$	186			20.6	%
Internal, sublet and other		9,128			8,069			1,059			13.1	%
Total revenue	$	10,215		$	8,970		$	1,245			13.9	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	389		$	336		$	53			15.8	%
Internal, sublet and other		4,281			3,543			738			20.8	%
Total gross profit	$	4,670		$	3,879		$	791			20.4	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay		35.8	%		37.3	%		(150	)	bps
Internal, sublet and other		46.9	%		43.9	%		300		bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue		45.7	%		43.2	%		250		bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change		% Change
	(In thousands)
Same store Fixed Operations:
Revenue
Customer pay	$	764		$	513		$	251		48.9	%
Internal, sublet and other		7,278			5,614			1,664		29.6	%
Total revenue	$	8,042		$	6,127		$	1,915		31.3	%
Gross profit
Customer pay	$	294		$	190		$	104		54.7	%
Internal, sublet and other		3,049			2,322			727		31.3	%
Total gross profit	$	3,343		$	2,512		$	831		33.1	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Customer pay		38.5	%		37.0	%		150	bps
Internal, sublet and other		41.9	%		41.4	%		50	bps
Total gross profit as a % of revenue		41.6	%		41.0	%		60	bps

Pre-Owned Stores Segment Fixed Operations - 2017 Compared to 2016

Our Fixed Operations revenue increased approximately $1.2 million, or 13.9%, and Fixed Operations gross profit increased approximately $0.8 million, or 20.4%. Customer pay gross profit increased approximately $0.1 million, or 15.8%, and internal, sublet and other gross profit increased approximately $0.7 million, or 20.8%, on higher levels of used vehicle reconditioning, which supported higher retail unit sales. We believe there may be opportunity to increase customer pay revenues at our EchoPark stores in the future; however, at this point in the EchoPark development cycle, we are not actively marketing these services.

Pre-Owned Stores Segment Fixed Operations - 2016 Compared to 2015

Our Fixed Operations revenue increased approximately $1.9 million, or 31.3%, and Fixed Operations gross profit increased approximately $0.8 million, or 33.1%. Customer pay gross profit increased approximately $0.1 million, or 54.7%, and internal, sublet and other gross profit increased approximately $0.7 million, or 31.3%, on higher levels of used vehicle reconditioning, which supported higher retail unit sales.

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Segment Results Summary

In the following table of financial data, total segment income of the operating segments is reconciled to consolidated operating income, less floor plan interest expense. See above for tables and discussion of results by operating segment.

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Revenues:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	9,612,899		$	9,590,752		$	22,147			0.2	%
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		254,309			141,027			113,282			80.3	%
Total consolidated revenues	$	9,867,208		$	9,731,779		$	135,429			1.4	%
Segment income (loss) (1):
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	196,897		$	218,769		$	(21,872	)		(10.0	%)
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		(21,727	)		(13,576	)		(8,151	)		(60.0	%)
Total segment income (loss)		175,170			205,193			(30,023	)		(14.6	%)
Interest expense, other, net		(52,524	)		(50,106	)		(2,418	)		(4.8	%)
Other income (expense), net		(14,522	)		125			(14,647	)		(11717.6	%)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$	108,124		$	155,212		$	(47,088	)		(30.3	%)
Retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume:
Franchised Dealerships Segment		248,534			249,830			(1,296	)		(0.5	%)
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		10,618			5,347			5,271			98.6	%
Total retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume		259,152			255,177			3,975			1.6	%

(1) Segment income (loss) for each segment is defined as operating income (loss) less interest expense, floor plan.

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except unit data)
Revenues:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	9,590,752		$	9,547,236		$	43,516			0.5	%
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		141,027			77,063			63,964			83.0	%
Total consolidated revenues	$	9,731,779		$	9,624,299		$	107,480			1.1	%
Segment income (loss) (1):
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	218,769		$	213,224		$	5,545			2.6	%
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		(13,576	)		(17,257	)		3,681			21.3	%
Total segment income (loss)		205,193			195,967			9,226			4.7	%
Interest expense, other, net		(50,106	)		(50,910	)		804			1.6	%
Other income (expense), net		125			99			26			26.3	%
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$	155,212		$	145,156		$	10,056			6.9	%
Retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume:
Franchised Dealerships Segment		249,830			253,889			(4,059	)		(1.6	%)
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		5,347			3,225			2,122			65.8	%
Total retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume		255,177			257,114			(1,937	)		(0.8	%)

(1) Segment income (loss) for each segment is defined as operating income (loss) less interest expense, floor plan.

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

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

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

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
SG&A expenses:
Compensation	$	692,935		$	674,617		$	(18,318	)		(2.7	%)
Advertising		61,563			61,674			111			0.2	%
Rent		73,022			73,903			881			1.2	%
Other		320,253			300,662			(19,591	)		(6.5	%)
Total SG&A expenses	$	1,147,773		$	1,110,856		$	(36,917	)		(3.3	%)
SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit:
Compensation		47.5	%		47.2	%		(30	)	bps
Advertising		4.2	%		4.3	%		10		bps
Rent		5.0	%		5.2	%		20		bps
Other		22.0	%		21.0	%		(100	)	bps
Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit		78.7	%		77.7	%		(100	)	bps

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
SG&A expenses:
Compensation	$	674,617		$	666,668		$	(7,949	)		(1.2	%)
Advertising		61,674			61,630			(44	)		(0.1	%)
Rent		73,903			73,539			(364	)		(0.5	%)
Other		300,662			308,728			8,066			2.6	%
Total SG&A expenses	$	1,110,856		$	1,110,565		$	(291	)		(0.0	%)
SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit:
Compensation		47.2	%		47.1	%		(10	)	bps
Advertising		4.3	%		4.4	%		10		bps
Rent		5.2	%		5.2	%		-		bps
Other		21.0	%		21.8	%		80		bps
Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit		77.7	%		78.5	%		80		bps

2017 Compared to 2016

Overall SG&A expenses increased both in dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit, primarily due to higher compensation and employee benefit-related expenses, storm-related physical damage costs, IT expenses, customer-related costs and a manufacturer legal settlement benefit in 2016, offset partially by a net gain on the disposal of franchised dealerships. Compensation costs increased both in dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit, primarily due to higher levels of compensation and employee

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benefit-related expenses related to new manufacturer-awarded open points and pre-owned store openings. Advertising expense was relatively flat both in dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit as we focused on targeted advertising where we would expect the best returns for our business. Rent expense decreased both in dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit, primarily due to our strategy to own more of our dealership properties, offset by lease exit charges related to the relocation of a dealership and the closure of two stand-alone pre-owned vehicle stores acquired in 2016. Other SG&A expenses increased both in dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit, primarily due to higher storm-related physical damage costs, IT expenses, customer-related costs and a manufacturer legal settlement benefit in 2016, offset partially by a net gain on the disposal of franchised dealerships. On an adjusted basis, SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit were 78.6% in 2017, up 10 basis points from the prior year. For 2017, adjusted SG&A expenses exclude approximately $8.6 million of expense due to storm-related physical damage, approximately $2.3 million of legal and other charges and approximately $1.0 million of lease exit charges, offset partially by a net gain of approximately $10.0 million on the disposal of franchised dealerships. For 2016, adjusted SG&A expenses exclude a manufacturer legal settlement benefit of approximately $14.8 million, offset partially by charges of approximately $3.0 million related to hail damage and approximately $0.3 million of lease exit and other charges.

2016 Compared to 2015

Overall SG&A expenses were flat in dollar amount and decreased 80 basis points as a percentage of gross profit, primarily due to a manufacturer legal settlement benefit, offset partially by higher compensation and employee benefit-related expenses and IT expenses. Compensation costs increased both in dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit, primarily due to higher levels of employee benefit-related expenses, Fixed Operations compensation and F&I compensation, offset partially by lower medical insurance costs. Advertising expense was relatively flat both in dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit as we focused on targeted advertising where we would expect the best returns for our business. Rent expense was relatively flat both in dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit, primarily due to our strategy to own more of our dealership properties, offset by higher rent expense for additional inventory storage needs. Other SG&A expenses decreased both in dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit, primarily due to a $14.8 million benefit as a result of a manufacturer legal settlement, offset partially by higher IT expenses, repair and maintenance expenses and a net gain on disposal of franchises in the prior year. On an adjusted basis, SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit were 78.5% in 2016, flat compared to the prior year. For 2016, adjusted SG&A expenses exclude a manufacturer legal settlement benefit of approximately $14.8 million, offset partially by charges of approximately $3.0 million related to hail damage and approximately $0.3 million of lease exit and other charges. For 2015, adjusted SG&A expenses exclude charges of approximately $3.5 million related to storm-related physical damage and approximately $1.7 million of legal and severance expenses, offset partially by a net gain on disposal of franchises of approximately $3.3 million.

Impairment Charges – Consolidated

Impairment charges were approximately $9.4 million, $8.1 million and $18.0 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Impairment charges for 2017 include approximately $4.9 million of property and equipment charges due to the abandonment of construction and software development projects as well as our estimate that certain dealerships would not be able to recover recorded balances through operating activities, approximately $3.6 million of franchise asset impairment charges and approximately $0.9 million of goodwill impairment charges related to the write-off of goodwill due to the closure of two stand-alone pre-owned vehicle stores that were acquired in 2016. Impairment charges for 2016 include approximately $8.1 million of property and equipment charges due to the abandonment of construction and software development projects as well as our estimate that certain dealerships would not be able to recover recorded balances through operating activities.  Impairment charges for 2015 include approximately $6.1 million of franchise asset impairment charges, approximately $4.8 million of goodwill and franchise asset impairment charges related to the disposition of a dealership franchise and approximately $7.1 million of property and equipment charges due to the abandonment of construction and software development projects as well as our estimate that certain dealerships would not be able to recover recorded balances through operating activities.

Depreciation and Amortization – Consolidated

Depreciation expense increased approximately $11.5 million, or 14.8%, in 2017 and approximately $8.6 million, or 12.6%, in 2016, compared to the prior year. The increases were primarily related to net additions to gross property and equipment (excluding land and construction in progress) of approximately $157.1 million and $144.1 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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Interest Expense, Floor Plan - Consolidated

2017 Compared to 2016

Interest expense, floor plan for new vehicles increased approximately $7.2 million, or 28.6%. The average new vehicle floor plan notes payable balance increased approximately $3.6 million, resulting in an increase in new vehicle floor plan interest expense of approximately $0.1 million. The average new vehicle floor plan interest rate was 2.37%, up from 1.85% in the prior year, which resulted in an increase in interest expense of approximately $7.1 million.

Interest expense, floor plan for used vehicles increased approximately $1.5 million, or 57.3%. The average used vehicle floor plan notes payable balance increased approximately $10.9 million, resulting in an increase in used vehicle floor plan interest expense of approximately $0.2 million. The average used vehicle floor plan interest rate was 2.61%, up from 1.78% in the prior year, which resulted in an increase in interest expense of approximately $1.3 million.

2016 Compared to 2015

Interest expense, floor plan for new vehicles increased approximately $5.5 million, or 27.8%. The average new vehicle floor plan notes payable balance increased approximately $137.5 million, resulting in an increase in new vehicle floor plan interest expense of approximately $2.2 million. The average new vehicle floor plan interest rate was 1.85%, up from 1.61% in the prior year, which resulted in an increase in interest expense of approximately $3.3 million.

Interest expense, floor plan for used vehicles increased approximately $0.9 million, or 54.7%. The average used vehicle floor plan notes payable balance increased approximately $49.3 million, resulting in an increase in used vehicle floor plan interest expense of approximately $0.8 million. The average used vehicle floor plan interest rate was 1.78%, up from 1.72% in the prior year, which resulted in an increase in interest expense of approximately $0.1 million.

Interest Expense, Other, Net - Consolidated

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

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Stated/coupon interest	$	49,092		$	44,689		$	(4,403	)		(9.9	%)
Discount/premium amortization		28			163			135			82.8	%
Deferred loan cost amortization		2,383			2,641			258			9.8	%
Cash flow swap interest		2,736			4,934			2,198			44.5	%
Capitalized interest		(2,172	)		(2,750	)		(578	)		(21.0	%)
Other interest		457			429			(28	)		(6.5	%)
Total interest expense, other, net	$	52,524		$	50,106		$	(2,418	)		(4.8	%)

	Year Ended December 31,						Better / (Worse)
	2016			2015			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Stated/coupon interest	$	44,689		$	42,321		$	(2,368	)		(5.6	%)
Discount/premium amortization		163			152			(11	)		(7.2	%)
Deferred loan cost amortization		2,641			2,489			(152	)		(6.1	%)
Cash flow swap interest		4,934			7,178			2,244			31.3	%
Capitalized interest		(2,750	)		(1,912	)		838			43.8	%
Other interest		429			682			253			37.1	%
Total interest expense, other, net	$	50,106		$	50,910		$	804			1.6	%

2017 Compared to 2016

Interest expense, other, net increased approximately $2.4 million, primarily due to a $4.4 million increase in stated/coupon interest as a result of additional mortgage notes payable and bond principal outstanding and a $0.6 million decrease in capitalized

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interest associated with construction and software development projects, offset partially by a $2.2 million decrease in cash flow swap interest as a result of the expiration of several interest rate cash flow swaps that were replaced with cash flow swaps at a lower fixed rate.

2016 Compared to 2015

Interest expense, other, net decreased approximately $0.8 million, primarily due to a $2.2 million decrease in cash flow swap interest as a result of the expiration of several interest rate cash flow swaps that were replaced with cash flow swaps at a lower fixed rate and a $0.8 million increase in capitalized interest associated with construction and software development projects, offset partially by a $2.4 million increase in stated/coupon interest as a result of additional mortgage notes payable.

Provision for Income Taxes - Consolidated

The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 12.9%, 39.1% and 39.3% for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Income tax expense for 2017 includes a $28.4 million benefit (with the effect of reducing the effective tax rate by 26.3 percentage points) related to the remeasurement of a net deferred tax liability as of December 31, 2017 due to a reduction in the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% (beginning in 2018) that was signed into law in December 2017. In addition, 2017 tax expense includes the effect of a $0.3 million discrete charge related to a non-deductible asset impairment charge. Our effective tax rate varies from year to year based on the distribution of taxable income between states in which we operate and other tax adjustments. We expect the effective tax rate in future periods to fall within a range of 26.0% to 28.0% before the impact, if any, of changes in valuation allowances related to deferred income tax assets or unusual discrete tax adjustments. The effective tax rate in the future will continue to be impacted by the required adoption of ASU 2016-09 which requires all book-tax differences related to the exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock or restricted stock units to flow through the provision for income taxes.

Discontinued Operations

The pre-tax losses from discontinued operations and the sale of dealerships were as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Income (loss) from operations	$	(741	)	$	(1,100	)	$	(1,421	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		6			(1	)		-
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges		(1,207	)		(1,020	)		(1,462	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	(1,942	)	$	(2,121	)	$	(2,883	)
Total revenues	$	-		$	-		$	-

We do not expect significant activity in discontinued operations in the future due to the change in the definition of a discontinued operation as a result of ASU 2014-08. The results of operations for those dealerships and franchises that were classified as discontinued operations as of March 31, 2014 will continue to be reported within discontinued operations in the future. See the discussion of our adoption of ASU 2014-08 in Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations and require the most subjective and complex judgments. See Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional discussion regarding our critical accounting policies and estimates.

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Finance, Insurance and Service Contracts

We arrange financing for customers through various financial institutions and receive a commission from the financial institution either in a flat fee amount or in an amount equal to the difference between the interest rates charged to customers and the predetermined interest rates set by the financial institution. We also receive commissions from the sale of various insurance contracts and non-recourse third-party extended service contracts to customers. Under these contracts, the applicable manufacturer or third-party warranty company is directly liable for all warranties provided within the contract.

In the event a customer terminates a financing, insurance or extended service contract prior to the original termination date, we may be required to return a portion of the commission revenue originally recorded to the third-party provider (“chargebacks”). The commission revenue for the sale of these products and services is recorded net of estimated chargebacks at the time of sale. Our estimate of future chargebacks is established based on our historical chargeback rates, termination provisions of the applicable contracts and industry data. While chargeback rates vary depending on the type of contract sold, a 100 basis point change in the estimated chargeback rates used in determining our estimates of future chargebacks would have changed our estimated reserve for chargebacks at December 31, 2017 by approximately $1.5 million. Our estimate of chargebacks (approximately $20.9 million as of December 31, 2017) is influenced by early contract termination events such as vehicle repossessions, refinancing and early pay-offs. If these factors negatively change, the resulting impact would affect our future estimate for chargebacks and could have a material adverse impact on our operations, financial position and cash flows. Our actual chargeback experience has not been materially different from our recorded estimates.

Goodwill and Franchise Assets

In accordance with “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” in the ASC, we test goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that impairment might have occurred. The ASC also states that if an entity determines, based on an assessment of certain qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then a quantitative goodwill impairment test is unnecessary.

For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, we have two reporting units, which consist of (1) our traditional franchised dealerships and (2) our stand-alone pre-owned vehicle stores. The carrying value of our goodwill totaled approximately $525.8 million at December 31, 2017, of which $465.8 million is related to our franchised dealerships reporting unit and $60.0 million is related to our pre-owned stores reporting unit.  As the $60.0 million of goodwill carrying value related to the pre-owned stores reporting unit was acquired immediately preceding the testing date, we evaluated impairment on a qualitative basis and determined there was no indication of impairment.  In evaluating goodwill for impairment, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the difference would represent the amount of required goodwill impairment. For our franchised dealerships reporting unit, we utilized the Market Price (“MP”) method to estimate its enterprise value as of October 1, 2017. The significant inputs in the MP method include debt value, stock price and control premium. To the extent the reporting unit’s earnings decline significantly or there are changes in one or more of these inputs that would result in lower valuation results, it could cause the carrying value of the reporting unit to exceed its fair value and thus require us to record goodwill impairment as described under the heading “Goodwill,” in Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Based on the results of our quantitative test as of October 1, 2017, our franchised dealerships reporting unit’s fair value exceeded its carrying value. The MP method is dependent on the inputs used and is sensitive to changes in those inputs. In order to determine the effects of changes in our inputs on the MP method and, consequently, our goodwill valuation, we ran multiple scenarios adjusting the debt value, stock price and control premium. In the event our debt value decreased by 10.0%, assuming all other factors remain the same, the calculated fair value estimate as of October 1, 2017 would change by approximately $107.6 million. In the event our stock price decreased by 20.0%, assuming all other factors remain the same, the calculated fair value estimate as of October 1, 2017 would change by approximately $193.9 million. Although we assumed a 10.0% control premium, in the event of no control premium, assuming all other factors remain the same, the calculated fair value estimate as of October 1, 2017 would change by approximately $88.1 million.  In the event all three inputs changed as previously described, the calculated fair value estimate as of October 1, 2017 would change by approximately $371.9 million.  Based on the MP method, none of the realistic scenarios tested, if realized, would have resulted in lowering the fair value of the reporting unit below the reporting unit’s carrying value. As such, we were not required to record goodwill impairment for either of our reporting units according to “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” in the ASC. See Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

In accordance with “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” in the ASC, we evaluate franchise assets for impairment annually (as of October 1) or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. We estimate the fair value of our franchise assets using a discounted

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cash flow (“DCF”) model. The DCF model used contains inherent uncertainties, including significant estimates and assumptions related to growth rates, projected earnings and cost of capital. We are subject to financial risk to the extent that our franchise assets become impaired due to deterioration of the underlying businesses. The risk of a franchise asset impairment loss may increase to the extent the underlying businesses’ earnings or projected earnings decline. As a result of our impairment testing as of October 1, 2017, we recorded approximately $3.6 million in impairment charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  The carrying value of our franchise assets totaled approximately $69.9 million at December 31, 2017, and is included in other intangible assets, net, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Insurance Reserves

We have various high deductible retention and insurance policies that require us to make estimates in determining the ultimate liability we may incur for claims arising under these policies. We accrue for insurance reserves throughout the year based on current information available. As of December 31, 2017, we estimated the ultimate liability under these programs to be between $20.5 million and $22.7 million, and had approximately $22.0 million reserved for such programs. Changes in significant assumptions used in the development of the ultimate liability for these programs could have a material impact on the level of reserves and our operating results, financial position and cash flows. These significant assumptions could include the volume of claims, medical cost trends, claims handling and reporting patterns, historical claims experience, the effect of related court rulings, current or projected changes in state laws or an assumed discount rate. From a sensitivity analysis perspective, it is difficult to quantify the effect of changes in any of these significant assumptions with the exception of the volume of claims. We believe a 10% change in the volume of claims would have a proportional effect on our reserves. Our actual loss experience has not been materially different from our recorded estimates.

Lease Exit Accruals

The majority of our dealership properties are leased under long-term operating lease arrangements. When leased properties are no longer utilized in operations, we record lease exit accruals. These situations could include the relocation of an existing facility or the sale of a dealership when the buyer will not be subleasing the property for either the remaining term of the lease or for an amount equal to our obligation under the lease, or situations in which a store is closed as a result of the associated franchise being terminated by us or the manufacturer and no other operations continue on the leased property. The lease exit accruals represent the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated sublease rentals, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy lease commitments to the landlords. As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately $6.5 million accrued for lease exit costs. In addition, based on the terms and conditions negotiated in the sale of dealerships in the future, additional accruals may be necessary if the purchaser of the dealership does not assume any associated lease, or we are unable to negotiate a sublease with the buyer of the dealership on terms that are identical to or better than those associated with the original lease.

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

	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	9,790
Lease exit expense (1)		2,157
Payments (2)		(3,592	)
Lease buyout/other (3)		(1,877	)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	6,478

(1) Expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in interest expense, other, net and expense of approximately $0.9 million is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In addition, expense of approximately $1.2 million is recorded in income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

(2) Amount is recorded as an offset to rent expense in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income, with approximately $1.1 million in continuing operations and approximately $2.5 million in income (loss) from discontinued operations.

(3) Amount represents cash paid to settle deferred maintenance costs related to terminating and exiting leased properties.

Legal Proceedings

We are involved, and expect to continue to be involved, in numerous legal proceedings arising out of the conduct of our business, including litigation with customers, employment-related lawsuits, contractual disputes, class actions, purported class actions and actions brought by governmental authorities. As of December 31, 2017, we had accrued approximately $3.2 million in legal

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reserves. Although we vigorously defend ourselves in all legal proceedings, the outcomes of pending and future proceedings arising out of the conduct of our business cannot be predicted with certainty.

Income Taxes

As a matter of course, we are regularly audited by various taxing authorities and, from time to time, these audits result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution may result in us owing additional taxes. We believe that our tax positions comply, in all material respects, with applicable tax law and that we have adequately provided for any reasonably foreseeable outcome related to these matters. From time to time, we engage in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. Examples of such transactions include business acquisitions and disposals, including consideration paid or received in connection with such transactions. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. We determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we presume that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. We adjust our estimates periodically because of ongoing examinations by and settlements with the various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and precedent.

At December 31, 2017, there were approximately $5.3 million in reserves that we have provided for these matters (including estimates related to possible interest and penalties) with $0.5 million included in other accrued liabilities and approximately $4.8 million recorded in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The effects on our consolidated financial statements of income tax uncertainties are discussed in Note 7, “Income Taxes,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

We periodically review all deferred tax asset positions (including state net operating loss carryforwards) to determine whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Certain factors considered in evaluating the potential for realization of deferred tax assets include the time remaining until expiration (related to state net operating loss carryforwards) and various sources of taxable income that may be available under the tax law to realize a tax benefit related to a deferred tax asset. This evaluation requires management to make certain assumptions about future profitability, the execution of tax strategies that may be available to us and the likelihood that these assumptions or execution of tax strategies would occur. This evaluation is highly judgmental. The results of future operations, regulatory framework of these taxing authorities and other related matters cannot be predicted with certainty. Therefore, actual realization of these deferred tax assets may be materially different from management’s estimate.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had a valuation allowance recorded totaling approximately $8.0 million and $7.2 million, respectively, related to certain state net operating loss carryforwards because we concluded we would not be able to generate sufficient state taxable income in the related entities to realize the accumulated net operating loss carryforward balances.

We accrue for income taxes on a pro-rata basis throughout the year based on the expected year-end liability. These estimates, judgments and assumptions are updated quarterly by our management based on available information and take into consideration estimated income taxes based on prior year income tax returns, changes in income tax law, our income tax strategies and other factors. If our management receives information which causes us to change our estimate of the year-end liability, the amount of expense or expense reduction required to be recorded in any particular quarter could be material to our operating results, financial position and cash flows.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 as well as several subsequent amendments to amend the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The amendments to the standard are intended to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices and improve disclosure requirements. The amendments to this standard must be applied using either of the following transition methods: (1) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients or (2) a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting the standard recognized at the date of adoption (which requires additional footnote disclosures). These amendments are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted only as of reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition approach applied to

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contracts not completed as of the date of adoption, with no restatement of comparative periods and a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized as of the date of adoption.

Under the new standard, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The principles apply a five-step model that includes: (1) identifying the contract(s) with the customer; (2) identifying the performance obligation(s) in the contract; (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligation(s) in the contract; and (5) recognizing revenue as the performance obligation(s) are satisfied. The standard also requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.

During the implementation process, management evaluated its established business processes, revenue transaction streams and accounting policies, and generally expects similar performance obligations to result under the new standard as compared with prior U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements, revenue recognition practices, accounting policies or internal controls. Management identified its material revenue streams to be (1) the sale of new vehicles; (2) the sale of used vehicles to retail customers; (3) the sale of used vehicles at wholesale auction; (4) arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts; and (5) the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services and sale of related parts and accessories. As a result of its analysis during the implementation process, management expects the amounts and timing of revenue recognition to generally remain the same, with the exception of the timing of revenue recognition related to: (1) service and collision repair orders that are incomplete as of a reporting date (“work in process”) and (2) certain retrospective finance and insurance revenue earned in periods subsequent to the completion of the initial performance obligation (“F&I retro revenue”), both of which are subject to accelerated recognition under the new standard. While management is finalizing the cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings, the expected impact on our consolidated financial statements as a result of the changes in revenue recognition practices described above is not expected to be material. We estimate that the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard will result in a net, after-tax cumulative effect adjustment to increase retained earnings of approximately $3.0 million as of January 1, 2018.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in this ASU require that leases are classified as either finance or operating leases, a right-of-use asset and lease liability is recognized in the statement of financial position, and repayments are classified within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 (early adoption is permitted). We plan to adopt this ASU effective January 1, 2019. While management is still evaluating the impact of adopting the provisions of this ASU, management expects that upon adoption of this ASU, the presentation of certain items in our consolidated financial position, cash flows and other disclosures will be materially impacted, primarily due to the recognition of a right-of-use asset and an associated liability and a change in the timing and classification of certain items in our results of operations as a result of the derecognition of the lease liability.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions. For public companies, this ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016 (early adoption is permitted). We adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2017. Upon adoption of this ASU, interim period and annual income tax expense is affected by stock option exercises and restricted stock and restricted stock unit vesting activity, potentially creating volatility in our effective income tax rate from period to period. See the heading “Provision for Income Taxes - Consolidated” above for further discussion of the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our effective income tax rate for the 2017.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating step two from the goodwill impairment test. For public companies, this ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019 (early adoption is permitted for impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017). Sonic adopted this ASU prior to its impairment test as of October 1, 2017.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12 which amends the hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements in ASC 815. This ASU expands and refines hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. It also includes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of current guidance related to hedge accounting. For public companies, this ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 (early adoption is permitted). We are currently in the process of evaluating the effects of this pronouncement on our consolidated financial statements.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

We require cash to fund debt service, operating lease obligations, working capital requirements, facility improvements and other capital improvements, and dividends on our common stock and to finance acquisitions and otherwise invest in our business. We rely on cash flows from operations, borrowings under our revolving credit and floor plan borrowing arrangements, real estate mortgage financing, asset sales and offerings of debt and equity securities to meet these requirements. We closely monitor our available liquidity and projected future operating results in order to remain in compliance with restrictive covenants under the 2016 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. After giving effect to the applicable restrictions on the payment of dividends under our debt agreements, as of December 31, 2017, we had at least $148.7 million of net income and retained earnings free of such restrictions. 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 could have a material adverse impact on our operations and overall liquidity.

Because the majority of our consolidated assets are held by our dealership subsidiaries, the majority of our cash flows from operations are generated by these subsidiaries. As a result, our cash flows and ability to service our obligations depend to a substantial degree on the results of operations of these subsidiaries and their ability to provide us with cash.

We had the following liquidity resources available as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	6,352	$	3,108
Availability under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility		155,304		207,053
Availability under our used vehicle floor plan facilities		7,104		46,423
Floor plan deposit balance		3,000		10,000
Total available liquidity resources	$	171,760	$	266,584

We participate in a program with two of our manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and one commercial bank wherein we maintain a deposit balance (included in the table above) with the lender that earns interest based on the agreed upon rate. 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 $3.0 million and $10.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, is classified in other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. See the discussion under the heading “Concentrations of Credit and Business Risk” in Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

2016 Credit Facilities  

On November 30, 2016, we entered into an amended and restated syndicated revolving credit facility (the “2016 Revolving Credit Facility”) and amended and restated syndicated new and used vehicle floor plan credit facilities (the “2016 Floor Plan Facilities” and, together with the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility, the “2016 Credit Facilities”), which are scheduled to mature on November 30, 2021. The amendment and restatement of the 2016 Credit Facilities extended the scheduled maturity date, increased availability under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility by $25.0 million and increased availability under the 2016 Floor Plan Facilities by $215.0 million, among other things.

Availability under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility is calculated as the lesser of $250.0 million or a borrowing base calculated based on certain eligible assets, less the aggregate face amount of any outstanding letters of credit under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility (the “2016 Revolving Borrowing Base”). The 2016 Revolving Credit Facility may be increased at our option up to $300.0 million upon satisfaction of certain conditions. Based on balances as of December 31, 2017, the 2016 Revolving Borrowing Base was approximately $247.6 million. As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately $75.0 million of outstanding borrowings and approximately $17.3 million in outstanding letters of credit under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility, resulting in total borrowing availability of approximately $155.3 million under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility.

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The 2016 Floor Plan Facilities are comprised of a new vehicle revolving floor plan facility (the “2016 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”) and a used vehicle revolving floor plan facility (the “2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”), subject to a borrowing base, in a combined amount up to $1.015 billion. We may, under certain conditions, request an increase in the 2016 Floor Plan Facilities to a maximum borrowing limit of up to $1.265 billion, which shall be allocated between the 2016 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility and the 2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility as we request, with no more than 30% of the aggregate commitments allocated to the commitments under the 2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility. Outstanding obligations under the 2016 Floor Plan Facilities are guaranteed by us and certain of our subsidiaries and are secured by a pledge of substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ assets. The amounts outstanding under the 2016 Credit Facilities bear interest at variable rates based on specified percentages above LIBOR.

We agreed under the 2016 Credit Facilities not to pledge any assets to any third party(other than those explicitly allowed under the amended terms of the 2016 Credit Facilities), including other lenders, subject to certain stated exceptions, including floor plan financing arrangements. In addition, the 2016 Credit Facilities contain certain negative covenants, including covenants which could restrict or prohibit indebtedness, liens, the payment of dividends, capital expenditures and material dispositions and acquisitions of assets as well as other customary covenants and default provisions. Specifically, the 2016 Credit Facilities permit cash dividends on our Class A and Class B common stock so long as no event of default (as defined in the 2016 Credit Facilities) has occurred and is continuing and provided that we remain in compliance with all financial covenants under the 2016 Credit Facilities.

7.0% Notes

On July 2, 2012, we issued $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.0% Notes which were scheduled to mature on July 15, 2022. On March 27, 2017, we repurchased all of the outstanding 7.0% Notes using net proceeds from the issuance of the 6.125% Notes. We paid approximately $213.7 million in cash, including an early redemption premium and accrued and unpaid interest, to extinguish the 7.0% Notes and recognized a loss of approximately $14.6 million on the repurchase of the 7.0% Notes, recorded in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. For the period during which both the 7.0% Notes and the 6.125% Notes were outstanding, we incurred double-carry interest expense of approximately $0.7 million.

5.0% Notes

On May 9, 2013, we issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.0% Notes which mature on May 15, 2023. The 5.0% Notes were issued at a price of 100.0% of the principal amount thereof. The 5.0% Notes are guaranteed by our domestic operating subsidiaries. Interest on the 5.0% Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year. During 2016, we repurchased approximately $10.7 million of our outstanding 5.0% Notes for approximately $10.6 million in cash, plus accrued and unpaid interest related thereto.

We may redeem the 5.0% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or 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	%

Before May 15, 2018, we 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 the Applicable Premium (as defined in the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes) and any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. The indenture governing the 5.0% Notes also provides that holders of the 5.0% Notes may require us to repurchase the 5.0% Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the par value of the 5.0% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase if we undergo a Change of Control (as defined in the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes).

The indenture governing the 5.0% Notes contains certain specified restrictive covenants. We have agreed not to pledge any assets to any third-party lender of senior subordinated debt except under certain limited circumstances. We also have 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 the 5.0% Notes limits our ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on our Class A and Class B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. We

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may only pay quarterly cash dividends on our Class A and Class B common stock if we comply with the terms of the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes.  We were in compliance with all restrictive covenants in the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes as of December 31, 2017.

Our 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 our covenants under the 5.0% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which we or our subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $50.0 million. See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the 5.0% Notes.

6.125% Notes

On March 10, 2017, we issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.125% Notes which mature on March 15, 2027. The 6.125% Notes were issued at a price of 100.0% of the principal amount thereof. We used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 6.125% Notes to repurchase all of the outstanding 7.0% Notes on March 27, 2017. Remaining proceeds from the issuance of the 6.125% Notes will be used for general corporate purposes. The 6.125% Notes are guaranteed by our domestic operating subsidiaries. Interest on the 6.125% Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year. We may redeem the 6.125% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after March 15, 2022 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on March 15, 2022		103.063	%
Beginning on March 15, 2023		102.042	%
Beginning on March 15, 2024		101.021	%
Beginning on March 15, 2025 and thereafter		100.000	%

Before March 15, 2022, we may redeem all or a part of the aggregate principal amount of the 6.125% Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 6.125% Notes redeemed, plus the Applicable Premium (as defined in the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes) and any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. In addition, on or before March 15, 2020, we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 6.125% Notes at a redemption price equal to 106.125% of the par value of the 6.125% Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date with proceeds from certain equity offerings. The indenture governing the 6.125% Notes also provides that holders of the 6.125% Notes may require us to repurchase the 6.125% Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the par value of the 6.125% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase if we undergo a Change of Control (as defined in the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes).

The indenture governing the 6.125% Notes contains certain specified restrictive covenants. We have agreed not to pledge any assets to any third-party lender of senior subordinated debt except under certain limited circumstances. We also have 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 the 6.125% Notes limits our ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on our Class A and Class B common stock in excess of $0.12 per share. We may only pay quarterly cash dividends on our Class A and Class B common stock if we comply with the terms of the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes. We were in compliance with all restrictive covenants in the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes as of December 31, 2017.

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

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Our obligations under the 6.125% Notes may be accelerated by the holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the 6.125% 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 our covenants under the 6.125% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which we or our subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $50.0 million. See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt”, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the 6.125% Notes.

Mortgage Notes

During 2017, we obtained approximately $52.5 million in mortgage financing related to 10 of our operating locations. As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average interest rate was 4.22% and the total outstanding mortgage principal balance of all mortgage financing was approximately $419.7 million, related to approximately 45% of our operating locations. These mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest through their respective maturities, are secured by the underlying properties and contain certain cross-default provisions. Maturity dates for these mortgage notes range between 2018 and 2033.

Operating Leases

We lease facilities for the majority of our dealership operations under operating lease arrangements. These facility lease arrangements normally have 15- to 20-year terms with one or two five- to 10-year renewal options and do not contain provisions for contingent rent related to the dealership’s operations. Many of the leases are subject to the provisions of a guaranty and subordination agreement that contains financial and affirmative covenants. Approximately 10% of these facility leases have payments that vary based on interest rates. See the table under the heading “Future Liquidity Outlook” below for our future minimum lease payment obligations, net of sublease proceeds.

Floor Plan Facilities

We finance our new and certain of our used vehicle inventory through standardized floor plan facilities with manufacturer captive finance companies and a syndicate of manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and commercial banks. These floor plan facilities are due on demand and bear interest at variable rates based on LIBOR or prime. The weighted average interest rate for our new and used floor plan facilities was 2.40%, 1.84% and 1.62% for 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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 $44.8 million, $45.3 million and $42.3 million in manufacturer assistance in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and recognized in cost of sales approximately $45.3 million, $45.0 million and $42.1 million in manufacturer assistance in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Interest payments under each of our floor plan facilities are due monthly and we are generally not required to make principal repayments prior to the sale of the vehicles.

Covenants and Default Provisions

Non-compliance with covenants, including a failure to make any payment when due, under the 2016 Credit Facilities, the Silo Floor Plan Facilities, operating lease agreements, mortgage notes, the 5.0% Notes and the 6.125% Notes (collectively, our “Significant Debt Agreements”) could result in a default and an acceleration of our repayment obligation under the 2016 Credit Facilities. A default under the 2016 Credit Facilities would constitute a default under the Silo Floor Plan Facilities and could entitle these lenders to accelerate our repayment obligations under one or more of the floor plan facilities. Certain defaults under the 2016 Credit Facilities and one or more Silo Floor Plan Facilities, or certain other debt obligations would not result in a default under the 5.0% Notes or the 6.125% Notes unless our repayment obligations under the 2016 Credit Facilities and/or one or more of the Silo Floor Plan Facilities or such other debt obligations were accelerated. An acceleration of our repayment obligation under any of our Significant Debt Agreements could result in an acceleration of our repayment obligations under our other Significant Debt Agreements. The failure to repay principal amounts of the Significant Debt Agreements when due would create cross-default situations related to other indebtedness. The 2016 Credit Facilities include the following financial covenants:

	Covenant
	Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio		Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio		Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio
Required ratio		1.05		1.20		5.75
December 31, 2017 actual		1.13		1.65		4.72

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OPERATIONS

In addition, many of our facility leases are governed by a guarantee agreement between the landlord and us that contains financial and operating covenants. The financial covenants are identical to those under the 2016 Credit Facilities with the exception of one financial covenant related to the ratio of EBTDAR to rent (as such term is defined in the guarantee agreement) with a required ratio of no less than 1.50 to 1.00. As of December 31, 2017, the ratio was 3.85 to 1.00.

We were in compliance with all of the restrictive and financial covenants on all of our floor plan, long-term debt facilities and lease agreements as of December 31, 2017. After giving effect to the applicable restrictions on the payment of dividends and certain other transactions under our debt agreements, as of December 31, 2017, we had at least $148.7 million of net income and retained earnings free of such restrictions. See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the 2016 Credit Facilities.

Acquisitions and Dispositions

During 2017, we acquired one stand-alone pre-owned vehicle store for approximately $76.6 million and disposed of two mid-line import franchise dealerships and one domestic franchise dealership, which generated net cash from dispositions of approximately $38.2 million. The purchase agreement requires a deferred payment of $10.0 million after two years from the date of the acquisition. We also may be required to make additional variable payments of up to $80.0 million over a ten-year period based on the financial performance of the acquired business. These deferred and variable payments would be to the former owner who we hired in connection with the acquisition. We will not be obligated to make the additional variable payments of up to $80.0 million to this employee if the employee resigns or is terminated under certain circumstances. We therefore are recognizing the accrual of the deferred and variable payments as compensation expense. From the acquisition date to December 31, 2017, we have not paid any deferred or variable payments. See Note 2, “Business Acquisitions and Dispositions,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Under the 2016 Credit Facilities, we are restricted from making dealership acquisitions in any fiscal year if the aggregate cost of all such acquisitions occurring in any fiscal year is above specific amounts without the written consent of the Required Lenders (as that term is defined in the 2016 Credit Facilities).

Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures include the purchase of land and buildings, construction of new franchised dealerships, pre-owned stores and collision repair centers, building improvements and equipment purchased for use in our franchised dealerships and pre-owned stores. We selectively construct or improve new franchised 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 for 2017 were approximately $234.2 million. Of this amount, approximately $111.2 million was related to facility construction projects, $88.1 million was related to real estate acquisitions and $34.9 million was for other fixed assets utilized in our dealership operations. Of the capital expenditures in 2017, approximately $52.5 million was funded through mortgage financing and approximately $181.7 million was funded through cash from operations and use of our credit facilities. We expect to receive approximately $54.2 million of additional mortgage funding in 2018 related to capital expenditures that occurred prior to December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, commitments for facilities construction projects totaled approximately $31.9 million. We expect investments related to capital expenditures to be partly dependent upon 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 2017, we repurchased approximately 2.0 million shares of our Class A common stock for approximately $37.3 million in open-market transactions at prevailing market prices and in connection with tax withholdings on the vesting of equity compensation awards. As of December 31, 2017, our total remaining repurchase authorization was approximately $107.7 million. Under the 2016 Credit Facilities, share repurchases are permitted to the extent that no event of default exists and we do not exceed the restrictions set forth in the agreements. After giving effect to the applicable restrictions on share repurchases and certain other transactions under our debt agreements, as of December 31, 2017, we had at least $148.7 million of net income and retained earnings free of such restrictions.

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OPERATIONS

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

Dividends

Our Board of Directors approved four quarterly cash dividends on all outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock totaling $0.20 per share during 2017. Subsequent to December 31, 2017, our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend on all outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock of $0.06 per share for stockholders of record on March 15, 2018 to be paid on April 13, 2018. Under the 2016 Credit Facilities, dividends are permitted to the extent that no event of default exists and we are in compliance with the financial covenants contained therein. The indentures governing the 5.0% Notes and the 6.125% Notes also contain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. After giving effect to the applicable restrictions on share repurchases and certain other transactions under our debt agreements, as of December 31, 2017, we had at least $148.7 million of net income and retained earnings free of such restrictions. The payment of any future dividend is subject to the business judgment of our Board of Directors, taking into consideration our historical and projected results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, covenant compliance, share repurchases, current economic environment and other factors considered relevant. These factors are considered each quarter and will be scrutinized as our Board of Directors determines our future dividend policy. There is no guarantee that additional dividends will be declared and paid at any time in the future. See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a description of restrictions on the payment of dividends.

Cash Flows

Cash Flows from Operating Activities - Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $162.9 million, $216.4 million and $69.7 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The net cash provided by operations for 2017 consisted primarily of net income (less non-cash items) and a decrease in inventories, offset partially by an increase in receivables and a decrease in notes payable - floor plan – trade. The net cash provided by operations for 2016 consisted primarily of net income (less non-cash items) and a decrease in inventory and other assets, offset partially by a decrease in notes payable - floor plan – trade. The net cash provided by operations for 2015 consisted primarily of net income (less non-cash items) and an increase in notes payable - floor plan – trade, offset partially by an increase in inventory.

We arrange our inventory floor plan financing through both manufacturer captive finance companies and a syndicate of manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and commercial banks. Our floor plan financed with manufacturer captives is recorded as trade floor plan liabilities (with the resulting change being reflected as operating cash flows). Our dealerships that obtain floor plan financing from a syndicate of manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and commercial banks record their obligation as non-trade floor plan liabilities (with the resulting change being reflected as financing cash flows).

Due to the presentation differences for changes in trade floor plan and non-trade floor plan in the 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 $12.6 million for 2017. Net cash provided by combined trade and non-trade floor plan financing was approximately $7.1 million and $256.1 million for 2016 and 2015, respectively. Accordingly, if all changes in floor plan notes payable were classified as an operating activity, the result would have been net cash provided by operating activities of approximately $196.6 million, $266.4 million and $144.0 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities – Net cash used in investing activities during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $272.1 million, $220.8 million and $163.9 million, respectively. The use of cash during 2017 was comprised primarily of purchases of land, property and equipment and the acquisition of one stand-alone pre-owned vehicle store, offset partially by proceeds from the sale of three franchised dealerships. The use of cash during 2016 was primarily comprised of purchases of land, property and equipment and the acquisition of three stand-alone pre-owned vehicle stores. The use of cash during 2015 was primarily comprised of purchases of land, property and equipment, offset partially by proceeds from sales of dealerships.

The significant components of capital expenditures relate primarily to dealership renovations, the purchase of certain existing dealership facilities which had previously been financed under long-term operating leases, and the purchase and development of new real estate parcels for the relocation of existing dealerships and construction of pre-owned stores. During 2017, 2016 and 2015, we

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

OPERATIONS

generated net proceeds from mortgage financing in the amount of approximately $52.5 million, $103.4 million and $69.1 million, respectively, to purchase certain existing dealership facilities and to fund certain capital expenditures.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities - Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $112.5 million, $3.9 million and $93.6 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For 2017, cash provided by financing activities was comprised primarily of proceeds from the issuance of the 6.125% Notes, net borrowings on notes payable - floor plan - non-trade and proceeds from mortgage notes, offset partially by the extinguishment of the 7.0% Notes, repurchases of treasury stock and scheduled principal payments and repayments of long-term debt. For 2016 and 2015, cash provided by financing activities was comprised primarily of net borrowings on notes payable – floor plan – non-trade and proceeds from mortgage notes, offset partially by repurchases of treasury stock and scheduled principal payments and repayments of long-term debt.

Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations – The accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows include both continuing and discontinued operations. Net cash flows from operating activities associated with discontinued operations for 2017, 2016 and 2015 consist primarily of changes in deferred income taxes and were not material to total cash flows.

Future Liquidity Outlook

Our future contractual obligations are as follows:  

	2018		2019		2020		2021		2022		Thereafter		Total
	(In thousands)
Floor plan facilities	$	1,513,336	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	1,513,336
Long-term debt (1)		61,314		25,179		57,919		126,532		40,617		726,350		1,037,911
Letters of credit		75,000		-		-		-		-		-		75,000
Estimated interest payments on floor plan
facilities (2)		6,509		-		-		-		-		-		6,509
Estimated interest payments on long-term
debt (3)		32,566		30,218		27,569		25,860		23,616		43,902		183,731
Operating leases (net of sublease rentals)		86,941		73,080		47,761		35,636		26,760		95,949		366,127
Construction contracts		31,858		-		-		-		-		-		31,858
Other purchase obligations (4)		24,670		12,900		-		-		-		-		37,570
Liability for uncertain tax positions (5)		500		-		-		-		-		4,758		5,258
Total	$	1,832,694	$	141,377	$	133,249	$	188,028	$	90,993	$	870,959	$	3,257,300

(1) Long-term debt amounts consist only of principal obligations.

(2) Floor plan facilities balances are correlated with the amount of vehicle inventory and are generally due at the time that a vehicle is sold. Estimated interest payments were calculated using the December 31, 2017 floor plan facilities balance, the weighted average interest rate for the three months ended December 31, 2017 of 2.58% and the assumption that floor plan balances at December 31, 2017 would be relieved within 60 days in connection with the sale of the associated vehicle inventory.

(3) Estimated interest payments include payments related to interest rate swaps.

(4) Other purchase obligations include contracts for real estate purchases, office supplies, utilities, acquisition related obligations and various other items or other services.

(5) Amount represents recorded liability, including interest and penalties, related to “Accounting for Uncertain Income Tax Positions” in the ASC.  See Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” and Note 7, “Income Taxes,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

We believe our best sources of liquidity for operations and debt service remain cash flows generated from operations combined with our availability of borrowings under our floor plan facilities (or any replacements thereof), the 2016 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 our obligations depend to a substantial degree on the results of operations of these subsidiaries and their ability to provide us with cash.

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

OPERATIONS

Seasonality

Our operations are subject to seasonal variations. The first quarter normally contributes less operating profit than the second and third quarters, while the fourth quarter normally contributes the highest operating profit of any quarter. 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.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Guarantees and Indemnification Obligations

In connection with the operation and disposition of our dealerships, we have entered into various guarantees and indemnification obligations. When we sell dealerships, we attempt to assign any related lease to the buyer of the dealership to eliminate any future liability. However, if we are unable to assign the related leases to the buyer, we will attempt to sublease the leased properties to the buyer at a rate equal to the terms of the original leases. In the event we are unable to sublease the properties to the buyer with terms at least equal to our lease, we may be required to record lease exit accruals. As of December 31, 2017, our future gross minimum lease payments related to properties subleased to buyers of sold dealerships totaled approximately $45.6 million. Future sublease payments expected to be received related to these lease payments were approximately $32.8 million at December 31, 2017.

In accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of our dealerships, we generally agree to indemnify the buyer from certain liabilities and costs arising subsequent to the date of sale, including environmental exposure and exposure resulting from the breach of representations or warranties made in accordance with the agreement. While our exposure with respect to environmental remediation and repairs is difficult to quantify, our maximum exposure associated with these general indemnifications was approximately $5.0 million at December 31, 2017. These indemnifications expire within a period of one year 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 December 31, 2017. We also guarantee the floor plan commitments of our 50%-owned joint venture, the amount of which was approximately $2.8 million at December 31, 2017. We expect the aggregate amount of the obligations we guarantee to fluctuate based on dealership disposition activity. Although we seek to mitigate our exposure in connection with these matters, these guarantees and indemnification obligations, including environmental exposures and the financial performance of lease assignees and sublessees, cannot be predicted with certainty. An unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and capital resources. See Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding these guarantees and indemnification obligations.

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Our variable rate floor plan facilities, 2016 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 and rate caps (see below) was approximately $1.1 billion at December 31, 2017 and approximately $1.2 billion at December 31, 2016. A change of 100 basis points in the underlying interest rate would have caused a change in interest expense of approximately $10.4 million in 2017 and approximately $11.7 million in 2016. Of the total change in interest expense, approximately $8.1 million and $10.0 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, would have resulted from the floor plan facilities.

In addition to our variable rate debt, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, certain of our dealership lease facilities had monthly lease payments that fluctuated 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 2017 and 2016 due to the leases containing LIBOR floors which were above the LIBOR rate during 2017 and 2016.

We also have interest rate cash flow swap agreements to effectively convert a portion of our LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. In addition, we have interest rate cap agreements to limit our exposure to increases in LIBOR rates above certain levels. Under the terms of these cash flow swaps and interest rate caps, interest rates reset monthly. The fair value of these interest rate swap and rate cap positions at December 31, 2017 was a net asset of approximately $4.7 million, with approximately $5.1 million included in other assets and approximately $0.9 million included in other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, offset partially by approximately $1.0 million included in other accrued liabilities and approximately $0.3 million included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of these interest rate swap positions at December 31, 2016 was a net liability of approximately $3.7 million, with approximately $4.1 million included in other accrued liabilities and approximately $2.4 million included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, offset partially by approximately $2.8 million included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Under the terms of these agreements, we will receive and pay interest based on the following:

Notional Amount			Pay Rate		Receive Rate (1)	Maturing Date
(In millions)
$	250.0		1.887%		one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2018
$	125.0		1.900%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2018
$	50.0	(2)	2.320%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2019
$	200.0	(2)	2.313%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2019
$	100.0	(3)	1.384%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2020
$	125.0	(2)	1.158%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2019
$	150.0	(3)	1.310%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2020
$	125.0		1.020%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2018
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021

(1) The one-month LIBOR rate was approximately 1.564% at December 31, 2017.

(2) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 2, 2018.

(3) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 1, 2019.

(4) The notional amount of these interest rate caps adjusts over the term of the agreement as follows: $62.5 million from September 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, $93.75 million from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, $78.125 million from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 and $37.5 million from July 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021.

(5) Under these interest rate caps, no payment will occur unless the stated receive rate exceeds the stated pay rate. If this occurs, a net payment to Sonic from the counterparty based on the spread between the receive rate and the pay rate will be recognized as a reduction of interest expense, other, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

During 2017, we entered into four interest rate cap agreements. These interest rate caps have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges and, as a result, changes in the fair value of these caps are recorded in total other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

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Absent the acceleration of payments of principal that may result from non-compliance with financial and operational covenants under our various indebtedness, future principal maturities of variable and fixed rate debt and related interest rate swaps are as follows:

	2018			2019			2020			2021			2022			Thereafter			Total		Asset (Liability) Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Long-term debt:
Fixed rate maturities	$	36,585		$	10,873		$	15,888		$	11,476		$	21,693		$	646,677		$	743,192
Fixed rate outstanding (1)	$	743,192		$	706,607		$	695,734		$	679,846		$	668,370							$	(734,689	)
Average rate on fixed
outstanding debt (1)		3.27	%		3.19	%		3.17	%		3.14	%		3.28	%		3.04	%
Variable rate maturities	$	24,729		$	14,306		$	42,031		$	115,056		$	18,924		$	79,673		$	294,719
Variable rate outstanding (1)	$	294,719		$	269,990		$	255,684		$	213,653		$	98,597							$	(296,357	)
Average rate on variable
outstanding debt (1)		3.79	%		3.81	%		3.81	%		3.84	%		3.94	%		3.96	%
Cash flow hedge instruments:
Variable to fixed maturities	$	750,000		$	750,000		$	562,500		$	150,000		$	-		$	-		$	2,212,500
Variable to fixed outstanding (1)	$	750,000		$	562,500		$	150,000		$	-		$	-		$	-				$	4,681
Average rate on outstanding
swaps (1)		1.96	%		1.71	%		2.00	%	N/A			N/A			N/A

(1) Based on amounts outstanding at January 1 of each respective period.

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.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Our consolidated financial statements and the related notes begin on page F-1 herein.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A.  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 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2017. Based upon that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2017.

Our CEO and CFO have each concluded that the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework published in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31,

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2017. The attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is set forth in ‘‘Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data’’ in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There has been no change in Sonic’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Sonic’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  Other Information.

None.

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PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The information required by this item with respect to our executive officers appears in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Executive Officers of the Registrant.” The other information required by this item is furnished by incorporation by reference to the information under the headings “Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance and Board of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Additional Corporate Governance and Other Information – Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Committee Charters” in the definitive Proxy Statement (to be filed hereafter) for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”).

Item 11.  Executive Compensation.

The information required by this item is furnished by incorporation by reference to the information under the headings “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation” in the Proxy Statement.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information required by this item is furnished by incorporation by reference to the information under the headings “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Proxy Statement.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information required by this item is furnished by incorporation by reference to the information under the headings “Corporate Governance and Board of Directors – Policies and Procedures for Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Affiliates,” “Corporate Governance and Board of Directors – Transactions with Affiliates” and “Corporate Governance and Board of Directors - Director Independence” in the Proxy Statement.

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The information required by this item is furnished by incorporation by reference to the information under the heading “Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement.

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PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

The exhibits and other documents filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including those exhibits that are incorporated by reference herein, are:

(1) Financial Statements: consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. Consolidated statements of income for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Consolidated statements of cash flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

(2) Financial Statement Schedules: No financial statement schedules are required to be filed (no respective financial statement captions) as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(3) Exhibits: Exhibits required in connection with this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed below. Certain of such exhibits are hereby incorporated by reference to other documents on file with the SEC with which they are physically filed, to be a part hereof as of their respective dates.

EXHIBIT NO.	DESCRIPTION
3.1	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated August 7, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 (File No. 001-13395)).
3.2	Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Class A Convertible Preferred Stock, dated March 20, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 (File No. 001-13395)).
3.3	Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated June 16, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 (File No. 001-13395)).
3.4	Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated April 18, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 (File No. 001-13395)).
3.5	Amended and Restated Bylaws of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated July 27, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 (File No. 001-13395)).
4.1	Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed October 17, 1997 (File No. 333-33295)).
4.2	Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2013, by and among Sonic Automotive, Inc., the guarantors set forth on the signature pages thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the several initial purchasers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 13, 2013 (File No. 001-13395)).
4.3	Indenture, dated as of May 9, 2013, by and among Sonic Automotive, Inc., the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 13, 2013 (File No. 001-13395)).
4.4	Form of 5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 13, 2013 (File No. 001-13395)).
4.5	Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2017, by and among Sonic Automotive, Inc., the guarantors set forth on the signature pages thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the several initial purchasers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 14, 2017 (File No. 001-13395)).

85

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

EXHIBIT NO.	DESCRIPTION
4.6	Indenture, dated as of March 10, 2017, by and among Sonic Automotive, Inc., the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 14, 2017 (File No. 001-13395)).
4.7	Form of 6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 14, 2017 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.1	Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2016, among Sonic Automotive, Inc.; each lender a party thereto; Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and an l/c issuer; and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as an l/c issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.2	Form of Promissory Note, dated November 30, 2016, executed by Sonic Automotive, Inc., as borrower, in favor of each of the lenders to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.3	Fourth Amended and Restated Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2016, by the subsidiaries of Sonic Automotive, Inc. named therein, as guarantors, to Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.4	Fourth Amended and Restated Securities Pledge Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2016, among Sonic Automotive, Inc., the subsidiaries of Sonic Automotive, Inc. named therein and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.5	Fourth Amended and Restated Escrow and Security Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2016, among Sonic Automotive, Inc., the subsidiaries of Sonic Automotive, Inc. named therein and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.6	Fourth Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2016, among Sonic Automotive, Inc., the subsidiaries of Sonic Automotive, Inc. named therein and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.7	Third Amended and Restated Syndicated New and Used Vehicle Floorplan Credit Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2016, among Sonic Automotive, Inc.; the subsidiaries of Sonic Automotive, Inc. named therein; each lender a party thereto; Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, new vehicle swing line lender and used vehicle swing line lender; and Bank of America, N.A., as revolving administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.8	Form of Promissory Note, dated November 30, 2016, executed by Sonic Automotive, Inc. and the subsidiaries of Sonic Automotive, Inc. named therein, as borrowers, in favor of each of the lenders to the Third Amended and Restated Syndicated New and Used Vehicle Floorplan Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.9	Third Amended and Restated Company Guaranty Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2016, by Sonic Automotive, Inc. to Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-13395)).

86

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

EXHIBIT NO.	DESCRIPTION
10.10	Third Amended and Restated Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2016, by the subsidiaries of Sonic Automotive, Inc. named therein, as guarantors, to Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.11	Standard Form of Lease executed with Capital Automotive L.P. or its affiliates (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.12	Standard Form of Lease Guaranty executed with Capital Automotive L.P. or its affiliates (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.13	Amendment to Guaranty and Subordination Agreements, dated as of January 1, 2005, by and between Sonic Automotive, Inc., as guarantor, and Capital Automotive L.P. and its affiliates named therein, as landlord (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.14	Second Amendment to Guaranty and Subordination Agreements, dated as of March 12, 2009, by and between Sonic Automotive, Inc., as guarantor, and Capital Automotive L.P. and its affiliates named therein, as landlord (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.15	Side Letter to Second Amendment to Guaranty and Subordination Agreements, dated as of March 12, 2009, by and between Sonic Automotive, Inc., as guarantor, and Capital Automotive L.P. and its affiliates named therein, as landlord (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-13395)).
10.16	Sonic Automotive, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, amended and restated as of May 8, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.17	Sonic Automotive, Inc. Nonqualified Employee Stock Purchase Plan, amended and restated as of October 23, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.18	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan, amended and restated as of April 22, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.19	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of February 11, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed June 2, 2009 (File No. 333-159674)). (1)
10.20	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.21	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.22	Sonic Automotive, Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan, amended and restated as of October 16, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 4, 2014 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)

87

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

EXHIBIT NO.	DESCRIPTION
10.23	Sonic Automotive, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective January 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.24	First Amendment to Sonic Automotive, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective January 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.25	Second Amendment to Sonic Automotive, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective January 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.59 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.26	Third Amendment to Sonic Automotive, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective February 12, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 13, 2015 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.27	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of February 11, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 3, 2015 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.28	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.29	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.30	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.31	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.32	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Retention Grant, dated May 6, 2015, between Sonic Automotive, Inc. and Jeff Dyke (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 8, 2015 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.33	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.34	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.35	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)

88

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

EXHIBIT NO.	DESCRIPTION
10.36	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Formula Restricted Stock and Deferral Plan for Non-Employee Directors, amended and restated effective as of April 18, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 6, 2017 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.37	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Formula Restricted Stock and Deferral Plan for Non-Employee Directors Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.38	Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Formula Restricted Stock and Deferral Plan for Non-Employee Directors Form of Deferred Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.39*	Director Compensation Policy. (1)
10.40	Employment Agreement of Heath R. Byrd, dated October 18, 2007, as amended December 19, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.54 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
10.41	Form of Change in Control Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 8, 2015 (File No. 001-13395)). (1)
12.1*	Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
21.1*	Subsidiaries of Sonic Automotive, Inc.
23.1*	Consent of KPMG LLP.
31.1*	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1**	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2**	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS*	XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

(1) Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Item 16.  Form 10-K Summary.

None.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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: February 28, 2018	By:	/s/ HEATH R. BYRD
		Heath R. Byrd
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature	Title	Date
/s/ O. BRUTON SMITH	Executive Chairman and Director	February 28, 2018
O. Bruton Smith
/s/ B. SCOTT SMITH	President, Chief Executive Officer and Director	February 28, 2018
B. Scott Smith	(PrincipalExecutive Officer)
/s/ HEATH R. BYRD	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	February 28, 2018
Heath R. Byrd	(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ DAVID BRUTON SMITH	Vice Chairman and Director	February 28, 2018
David Bruton Smith
/s/ WILLIAM I. BELK	Director	February 28, 2018
William I. Belk
/s/ WILLIAM R. BROOKS	Director	February 28, 2018
William R. Brooks
/s/ VICTOR H. DOOLAN	Director	February 28, 2018
Victor H. Doolan
/s/ JOHN W. HARRIS III	Director	February 28, 2018
John W. Harris III
/s/ ROBERT HELLER	Director	February 28, 2018
Robert Heller
/s/ R. EUGENE TAYLOR	Director	February 28, 2018
R. Eugene Taylor

91

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors

Sonic Automotive, Inc.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sonic Automotive, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (the “PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 28, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ KPMG LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.

Charlotte, North Carolina

February 28, 2018

F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors

Sonic Automotive, Inc.:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited Sonic Automotive, Inc.’s and its subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (the “PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”), and our report dated February 28, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

February 28, 2018

F-2

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	December 31,			December 31,
	2017			2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	6,352		$	3,108
Receivables, net		482,126			430,242
Inventories		1,512,745			1,570,701
Other current assets		18,574			26,993
Total current assets		2,019,797			2,031,044
Property and Equipment, net		1,146,881			1,010,380
Goodwill		525,780			472,437
Other Intangible Assets, net		74,589			80,233
Other Assets		51,471			45,242
Total Assets	$	3,818,518		$	3,639,336
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	$	804,238		$	850,537
Notes payable - floor plan - non-trade		709,098			675,353
Trade accounts payable		129,903			117,740
Accrued interest		12,316			13,265
Other accrued liabilities		237,963			236,982
Current maturities of long-term debt		61,314			43,003
Total current liabilities		1,954,832			1,936,880
Long-Term Debt		963,389			839,675
Other Long-Term Liabilities		61,918			61,170
Deferred Income Taxes		51,619			76,447
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;    63,456,698 shares issued and 31,166,205 shares outstanding at    December 31, 2017; 62,967,061 shares issued and 32,703,865 shares    outstanding at December 31, 2016		635			630
Class B common stock, $0.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized;    12,029,375 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017    and December 31, 2016		121			121
Paid-in capital		732,854			721,695
Retained earnings		625,356			541,146
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		1,307			(2,262	)
Treasury stock, at cost; 32,290,493 Class A common stock shares held    at December 31, 2017 and 30,263,196 Class A common stock shares    held at December 31, 2016		(573,513	)		(536,166	)
Total Stockholders’ Equity		786,760			725,164
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	3,818,518		$	3,639,336

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(Dollars and shares in thousands,
	except per share amounts)
Revenues:
New vehicles	$	5,295,051		$	5,234,505		$	5,265,401
Used vehicles		2,622,053			2,533,122			2,512,024
Wholesale vehicles		171,064			211,048			155,339
Total vehicles		8,088,168			7,978,675			7,932,764
Parts, service and collision repair		1,416,010			1,409,819			1,364,947
Finance, insurance and other, net		363,030			343,285			326,588
Total revenues		9,867,208			9,731,779			9,624,299
Cost of Sales:
New vehicles		(5,030,125	)		(4,973,911	)		(4,997,472	)
Used vehicles		(2,467,150	)		(2,374,537	)		(2,349,982	)
Wholesale vehicles		(179,778	)		(218,364	)		(162,707	)
Total vehicles		(7,677,053	)		(7,566,812	)		(7,510,161	)
Parts, service and collision repair		(732,479	)		(735,693	)		(699,526	)
Total cost of sales		(8,409,532	)		(8,302,505	)		(8,209,687	)
Gross profit		1,457,676			1,429,274			1,414,612
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(1,147,773	)		(1,110,856	)		(1,110,565	)
Impairment charges		(9,394	)		(8,063	)		(17,955	)
Depreciation and amortization		(88,944	)		(77,446	)		(68,799	)
Operating income (loss)		211,565			232,909			217,293
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan		(36,395	)		(27,716	)		(21,326	)
Interest expense, other, net		(52,524	)		(50,106	)		(50,910	)
Other income (expense), net		(14,522	)		125			99
Total other income (expense)		(103,441	)		(77,697	)		(72,137	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes		108,124			155,212			145,156
Provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense)		(13,971	)		(60,696	)		(57,065	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		94,153			94,516			88,091
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes		(1,942	)		(2,121	)		(2,883	)
Provision for income taxes for discontinued operations - benefit (expense)		772			798			1,103
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(1,170	)		(1,323	)		(1,780	)
Net income (loss)	$	92,983		$	93,193		$	86,311
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	2.14		$	2.07		$	1.74
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations		(0.03	)		(0.03	)		(0.03	)
Earnings (loss) per common share	$	2.11		$	2.04		$	1.71
Weighted average common shares outstanding		43,997			45,637			50,489
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	2.12		$	2.06		$	1.73
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations		(0.03	)		(0.03	)		(0.03	)
Earnings (loss) per common share	$	2.09		$	2.03		$	1.70
Weighted average common shares outstanding		44,358			45,948			50,883
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.20		$	0.20		$	0.11

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss)	$	92,983		$	93,193		$	86,311
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap         agreements		6,186			5,731			540
Pension actuarial income (loss)		(429	)		(295	)		737
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes		5,757			5,436			1,277
Provision for income tax benefit (expense) related to    components of other comprehensive income (loss)		(2,188	)		(2,066	)		(485	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		3,569			3,370			792
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	96,552		$	96,563		$	87,103

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

																					Accumulated
	Class A				Class A						Class B										Other			Total
	Common Stock				Treasury Stock						Common Stock				Paid-In			Retained			Comprehensive			Stockholders’
	Shares		Amount		Shares			Amount			Shares		Amount		Capital			Earnings			Income (Loss)			Equity
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014		62,047	$	620		(23,156	)	$	(401,712	)		12,029	$	121	$	697,760		$	376,353		$	(6,424	)	$	666,718
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans		518		6		-			-			-		-		3,656			-			-			3,662
Purchases of treasury stock		-		-		(1,519	)		(34,483	)		-		-		-			-			-			(34,483	)
Income tax benefit associated with stock    compensation plans		-		-		-			-			-		-		1,888			-			-			1,888
Change in fair value of interest rate swap    agreements, net of tax expense of $205		-		-		-			-			-		-		-			-			335			335
Pension actuarial income, net of tax expense of    $280		-		-		-			-			-		-		-			-			457			457
Restricted stock amortization		-		-		-			-			-		-		9,814			-			-			9,814
Other		21		-		-			-			-		-		-			-			-			-
Net income (loss)		-		-		-			-			-		-		-			86,311			-			86,311
Dividends declared		-		-		-			-			-		-		-			(5,654	)		-			(5,654	)
Balance at December 31, 2015		62,586	$	626		(24,675	)	$	(436,195	)		12,029	$	121	$	713,118		$	457,010		$	(5,632	)	$	729,048
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans		381		4		-			-			-		-		23			-			-			27
Purchases of treasury stock		-		-		(5,588	)		(99,971	)		-		-		-			-			-			(99,971	)
Income tax expense associated with stock    compensation plans		-		-		-			-			-		-		(2,611	)		-			-			(2,611	)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap    agreements, net of tax expense of $2,178		-		-		-			-			-		-		-			-			3,553			3,553
Pension actuarial loss, net of tax benefit of $112		-		-		-			-			-		-		-			-			(183	)		(183	)
Restricted stock amortization		-		-		-			-			-		-		11,165			-			-			11,165
Net income (loss)		-		-		-			-			-		-		-			93,193			-			93,193
Dividends declared		-		-		-			-			-		-		-			(9,057	)		-			(9,057	)
Balance at December 31, 2016		62,967	$	630		(30,263	)	$	(536,166	)		12,029	$	121	$	721,695		$	541,146		$	(2,262	)	$	725,164
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans		490		5		-			-			-		-		40			-			-			45
Purchases of treasury stock		-		-		(2,027	)		(37,347	)		-		-		-			-			-			(37,347	)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and rate    cap agreements, net of tax expense of $2,351		-		-		-			-			-		-		-			-			3,835			3,835
Pension actuarial loss, net of tax benefit of $163		-		-		-			-			-		-		-			-			(266	)		(266	)
Restricted stock amortization		-		-		-			-			-		-		11,119			-			-			11,119
Net income (loss)		-		-		-			-			-		-		-			92,983			-			92,983
Dividends declared		-		-		-			-			-		-		-			(8,773	)		-			(8,773	)
Balance at December 31, 2017		63,457	$	635		(32,290	)	$	(573,513	)		12,029	$	121	$	732,854		$	625,356		$	1,307		$	786,760

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	92,983		$	93,193		$	86,311
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment		88,938			77,532			68,793
Provision for bad debt expense		748			389			1,909
Other amortization		649			649			649
Debt issuance cost amortization		2,383			2,641			2,489
Debt discount amortization, net of premium amortization		157			303			199
Stock-based compensation expense		11,119			11,165			9,814
Deferred income taxes		(27,760	)		14,465			15,996
Net distributions from equity investee		(138	)		(300	)		(263	)
Asset impairment charges		9,394			8,063			17,955
Loss (gain) on disposal of dealerships and property and equipment		(10,194	)		(331	)		(3,089	)
Loss (gain) on exit of leased dealerships		2,157			1,386			1,848
Loss (gain) on retirement of debt		14,607			-			-
Changes in assets and liabilities that relate to operations:
Receivables		(52,989	)		(62,894	)		(9,048	)
Inventories		57,250			35,545			(291,100	)
Other assets		3,266			62,538			(19,785	)
Notes payable - floor plan - trade		(46,299	)		(42,929	)		181,848
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities		16,612			14,953			5,190
Total adjustments		69,900			123,175			(16,595	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		162,883			216,368			69,716
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired		(76,610	)		(15,861	)		-
Purchases of land, property and equipment		(234,245	)		(206,232	)		(173,249	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment		596			1,319			1,397
Proceeds from sales of dealerships		38,150			-			7,978
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(272,109	)		(220,774	)		(163,874	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (repayments) borrowings on notes payable - floor plan - non-trade		33,745			49,986			74,249
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities		327,070			209,287			402,093
Repayments on revolving credit facilities		(252,070	)		(213,490	)		(397,890	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		302,483			103,395			69,075
Debt issuance costs		(4,855	)		(3,084	)		(491	)
Principal payments and repurchase of long-term debt		(36,836	)		(30,949	)		(19,424	)
Repurchase of debt securities		(210,914	)		-			-
Purchases of treasury stock		(37,347	)		(99,971	)		(34,483	)
Income tax benefit (expense) associated with stock compensation plans		-			(2,611	)		1,888
Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans		45			27			3,662
Dividends paid		(8,851	)		(8,701	)		(5,078	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		112,470			3,889			93,601
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		3,244			(517	)		(557	)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR		3,108			3,625			4,182
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR	$	6,352		$	3,108		$	3,625
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements (net of tax expense of $2,351,
$2,178 and $205 in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively)	$	3,835		$	3,553		$	335
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest, including amount capitalized	$	89,525		$	77,289		$	71,328
Income taxes	$	42,907		$	28,459		$	38,474

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-7

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Business - Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic” or the “Company”) is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States (as measured by total revenue). As of December 31, 2017, Sonic operated 114 new vehicle franchises in 13 states (representing 23 different brands of cars and light trucks), 18 collision repair centers and nine pre-owned stores. As a result of the way management operates the business, Sonic had two operating segments as of December 31, 2017: (1) the Franchised Dealerships Segment and (2) the Pre-Owned Stores Segment. For management and operational reporting purposes, Sonic groups certain franchises together that share management and inventory (principally used vehicles) into “stores.” As of December 31, 2017, Sonic operated 103 stores in the Franchised Dealerships Segment and nine stores in the Pre-Owned Stores Segment.

The Franchised Dealerships Segment provides comprehensive services, including (1) sales of both new and used cars and light trucks; (2) sales of replacement parts and performance of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repairs, and paint and collision repair services (collectively, “Fixed Operations”); and (3) arrangement of extended warranties, service contracts, financing, insurance and other aftermarket products (collectively, “F&I”) for its customers. The Pre-Owned Stores Segment provides the same services (excluding new vehicle sales and manufacturer warranty repairs) in stand-alone pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations and includes Sonic’s EchoPark stores. Sonic’s pre-owned stores business operates independently from its franchised dealerships business.

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

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 as well as several subsequent amendments to amend the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The amendments to the standard are intended to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices and improve disclosure requirements. The amendments to this standard must be applied using either of the following transition methods: (1) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients or (2) a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting the standard recognized at the date of adoption (which requires additional footnote disclosures). These amendments are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted only as of reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Sonic adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition approach applied to contracts not completed as of the date of adoption, with no restatement of comparative periods and a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized as of the date of adoption.

Under the new standard, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The principles apply a five-step model that includes: (1) identifying the contract(s) with the customer; (2) identifying the performance obligation(s) in the contract; (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligation(s) in the contract; and (5) recognizing revenue as the performance obligation(s) are satisfied. The standard also requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.

During the implementation process, management evaluated its established business processes, revenue transaction streams and accounting policies, and generally expects similar performance obligations to result under the new standard as compared with prior U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements, revenue recognition practices, accounting policies or internal controls. Management identified its material revenue streams to be (1) the sale of new vehicles; (2) the sale of used vehicles to retail customers; (3) the sale of used vehicles at wholesale auction; (4) arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts; and (5) the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services and sale of related parts and accessories. As a result of its analysis during the implementation process, management expects the amounts and timing of revenue recognition to generally remain the same, with the exception of the timing of revenue recognition related to: (1) service and collision repair orders that are incomplete as of a reporting date (“work in process”) and (2) certain retrospective finance and insurance revenue earned in periods subsequent to the completion of the initial performance obligation (“F&I retro revenue”), both of which are subject to accelerated recognition under the new standard. While management is finalizing the cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings, the expected impact on Sonic’s consolidated financial statements as a result of the changes in revenue recognition practices described above is not expected to be material.

F-8

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Management estimates that the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard will result in a net, after-tax cumulative effect adjustment to increase retained earnings of approximately $3.0 million as of January 1, 2018.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in this ASU require that leases are classified as either finance or operating leases, a right-of-use asset and lease liability is recognized in the statement of financial position, and repayments are classified within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 (early adoption is permitted). Sonic plans to adopt this ASU effective January 1, 2019. While management is still evaluating the impact of adopting the provisions of this ASU, management expects that upon adoption of this ASU, the presentation of certain items in Sonic’s consolidated financial position, cash flows and other disclosures will be materially impacted, primarily due to the recognition of a right-of-use asset and an associated liability and a change in the timing and classification of certain items in Sonic’s results of operations as a result of the derecognition of the lease liability.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions. For public companies, this ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016 (early adoption is permitted). Sonic adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2017. Upon adoption of this ASU, interim period and annual income tax expense is affected by stock option exercises and restricted stock and restricted stock unit vesting activity, potentially creating volatility in Sonic’s effective income tax rate from period to period. See the heading “Income Taxes” below for further discussion of the impact of the adoption of this ASU on Sonic’s effective income tax rate for 2017.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating step two from the goodwill impairment test. For public companies, this ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019 (early adoption is permitted for impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017). Sonic adopted this ASU prior to its impairment test as of October 1, 2017.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12 which amends the hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815. This ASU expands and refines hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. It also includes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of current guidance related to hedge accounting. For public companies, this ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 (early adoption is permitted). Sonic is currently in the process of evaluating the effects of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications - Prior to Sonic’s adoption of ASU 2014-08 beginning with its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014, individual dealership franchises sold, terminated or classified as held for sale were reported as discontinued operations. The results of operations of these dealership franchises sold or terminated prior to March 31, 2014 are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Dealership franchises sold on or after to March 31, 2014 have not been reclassified to discontinued operations since they did not meet the criteria in ASU 2014-08. If, in future periods, Sonic determines that a dealership franchise should be reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations, previously reported consolidated statements of income will be reclassified in order to reflect the most recent classification.

Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires Sonic’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, particularly related to allowance for credit loss, realization of inventory, intangible asset and deferred tax asset values, reserves for tax contingencies, legal matters, reserves for future commission revenue to be returned to the third-party provider for early termination of customer contracts (“chargebacks”), results reported as continuing and discontinued operations, insurance reserves, lease exit accruals and certain accrued expenses.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Sonic classifies cash and all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase, including short-term time deposits and government agency and corporate obligations, as cash and cash equivalents. In the event that Sonic is in a book overdraft cash position as of a reporting date, the book overdraft position is reclassified from cash and cash equivalents to trade accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and is reflected as activity in trade accounts payable and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. Sonic was in a book overdraft position in an amount of approximately $6.9 million and $8.0 million, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

F-9

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Revenue Recognition - Sonic records revenue when vehicles are delivered to customers, when vehicle service work is performed and when parts are delivered. Conditions for completing a sale include having an agreement with the customer, including pricing, and the sales price must be reasonably expected to be collected. See the previous heading “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for discussion of changes to revenue recognition effective January 1, 2018 upon adoption of ASC 2014-09.

Sonic arranges financing for customers through various financial institutions and receives a commission from the financial institution either in a flat fee amount or in an amount equal to the difference between the interest rates charged to customers and the predetermined interest rates set by the financial institution. Sonic also receives commissions from the sale of various insurance contracts and non-recourse third-party extended service contracts to customers. Sonic may be assessed a chargeback fee in the event of early cancellation of a loan or insurance contract by the customer. Finance and insurance commission revenue is recorded net of estimated chargebacks at the time the related contract is placed with the financial institution.

Sonic also receives commissions from the sale of non-recourse third-party extended service contracts to customers. Under these contracts, the applicable manufacturer or third-party warranty company is directly liable for all warranties provided within the contract. Commission revenue from the sale of these third-party extended service contracts is recorded net of estimated chargebacks at the time of sale.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amounts recorded as allowances for finance, insurance and service contract commission chargeback reserves were $20.9 million and $19.2 million, respectively, and were classified as other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Floor Plan Assistance - Sonic receives floor plan assistance payments from certain manufacturers. This assistance reduces the carrying value of Sonic’s new vehicle inventory and is recognized as a reduction of cost of sales at the time the vehicle is sold. Amounts recognized as a reduction of cost of sales were $45.3 million, $45.0 million and $42.1 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Contracts in Transit - Contracts in transit represent customer finance contracts evidencing loan agreements or lease agreements between Sonic, as creditor, and the customer, as borrower, to acquire or lease a vehicle in situations where a third-party finance source has given Sonic initial, non-binding approval to assume Sonic’s position as creditor. Funding and final approval from the finance source is provided upon the finance source’s review of the loan or lease agreement and related documentation executed by the customer at the dealership. These finance contracts are typically funded within 10 days of the initial approval of the finance transaction given by the third-party finance source. The finance source is not contractually obligated to make the loan or lease to the customer until it gives its final approval and funds the transaction, and until such final approval is given, the contracts in transit represent amounts due from the customer to Sonic. Contracts in transit are included in receivables, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and totaled $267.6 million and $236.4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Accounts Receivable - In addition to contracts in transit, Sonic’s accounts receivable primarily consists of amounts due from the manufacturers for repair services performed on vehicles with a remaining factory warranty and amounts due from third parties from the sale of parts. Sonic evaluates receivables for collectability based on the age of the receivable, the credit history of the customer and past collection experience. The allowance for doubtful accounts receivable was not significant at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Inventories - Inventories of new vehicles, recorded net of manufacturer credits, and used vehicles, including demonstrators, are stated at the lower of specific cost or market. Inventories of parts and accessories are accounted for using the “first-in, first-out” (“FIFO”) method of inventory accounting and are stated at the lower of FIFO cost or market. Other inventories are primarily service loaner vehicles and, to a lesser extent, vehicle chassis, other supplies and capitalized customer work-in-progress (open customer vehicle repair orders). Other inventories are stated at the lower of specific cost (depreciated cost for service loaner vehicles) or market.

Sonic assesses the valuation of all its vehicle and parts inventories and maintains a reserve where the cost basis exceeds the fair market value. In making this assessment for new vehicles, used vehicles, service loaners and parts inventory, Sonic considers recent internal and external market data and the age of the vehicles to estimate the inventory’s fair market value. The risk with vehicle inventory is minimized by the fact that vehicles can be transferred within Sonic’s network of dealerships. The risk with parts inventories is minimized by the fact that excess or obsolete parts can also be transferred within Sonic’s network of dealerships or can usually be returned to the manufacturer. Recorded inventory reserves were not significant at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

F-10

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Sonic amortizes leasehold improvements over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease life. This lease life includes renewal options if a renewal has been determined to be reasonably assured. The range of estimated useful lives is as follows:

Leasehold and land improvements	10-30 years
Buildings	10-30 years
Parts and service equipment	7-10 years
Office equipment and fixtures	3-10 years
Company vehicles	3-5 years

Sonic reviews the carrying value of property and equipment and other long-term assets (other than goodwill and franchise assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If such an indication is present, Sonic compares the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated undiscounted cash flows related to that asset. Sonic concludes that an asset is impaired if the sum of such expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the related asset. If Sonic determines an asset is impaired, the impairment loss would be the amount by which the carrying amount of the related asset exceeds its fair value. The fair value of the asset would be determined based on the quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, Sonic determines fair value by using a discounted cash flow model. See Note 4, “Property and Equipment,” for a discussion of impairment charges.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Sonic utilizes derivative financial instruments for the purpose of hedging the risks of certain identifiable and anticipated transactions. Commonly, the types of risks being hedged are those relating to the variability of cash flows caused by fluctuations in interest rates. Sonic documents its risk management strategy and hedge effectiveness at the inception of and during the term of each hedge. As of December 31, 2017, Sonic utilized interest rate cash flow swap agreements to effectively convert a portion of its LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. In addition, Sonic has interest rate cap agreements to limit its exposure to increases in LIBOR rates above certain levels. See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” for further discussion of derivative instruments and hedging activities.

Goodwill - Goodwill is recognized to the extent that the purchase price of the acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, including other identifiable intangible assets. In accordance with “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” in the ASC, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that impairment might have occurred. The ASC also states that if an entity determines, based on an assessment of certain qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then a quantitative goodwill impairment test is unnecessary. For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, Sonic has two reporting units, which consist of: (1) its traditional franchised dealerships and (2) its pre-owned stores. The carrying value of Sonic’s goodwill totaled approximately $525.8 million at December 31, 2017, $465.8 million of which is related to its franchised dealerships reporting unit and $60.0 million of which is related to its pre-owned stores reporting unit. As the $60.0 million of goodwill carrying value related to the pre-owned stores reporting unit was acquired immediately preceding the testing date, Sonic evaluated impairment on a qualitative basis and determined there was no indication of impairment. For the franchised dealerships reporting unit, Sonic utilized the Market Price (“MP”) method to estimate its enterprise value as of October 1, 2017. The significant inputs in the MP method include debt value, stock price and control premium.

In evaluating goodwill for impairment, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the difference would represent the amount of required goodwill impairment. To the extent the reporting unit’s earnings decline significantly or there are changes in one or more of these inputs that would result in lower valuation results, it could cause the carrying value of the reporting unit to exceed its fair value and thus require Sonic to record goodwill impairment.

Based on the results of Sonic’s quantitative test as of October 1, 2017, its franchised dealerships reporting unit’s fair value exceeded its carrying value. As a result, Sonic was not required to record goodwill impairment for either of its reporting units. See Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill,” for further discussion of goodwill.

Other Intangible Assets - The principal identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill acquired in an acquisition are rights under franchise or dealer agreements with manufacturers. Sonic classifies franchise and dealer agreements as indefinite lived intangible assets as it has been Sonic’s experience that renewals have occurred without substantial cost or material modifications to the underlying agreements. As such, Sonic believes that its franchise and dealer agreements will contribute to cash flows for an indefinite period, therefore the carrying amount of franchise rights is not amortized. Franchise and dealer agreements acquired on or after July 1, 2001 have been included in other intangible assets, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Prior to July 1, 2001, franchise and dealer agreements were recorded and amortized as part of goodwill and remain as part of goodwill on the

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Other intangible assets acquired in acquisitions include favorable lease agreements with definite lives which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term. In accordance with “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” in the ASC, Sonic evaluates other intangible assets for impairment annually (as of October 1) or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.

Sonic utilized a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to estimate the fair value of the franchise assets for each of its franchises with recorded franchise assets. The significant assumptions in Sonic’s DCF model include projected revenue, weighted average cost of capital (and estimates in the weighted average cost of capital inputs) and residual growth rates. In projecting the franchises’ revenue and growth rates, Sonic develops many assumptions which may include, but are not limited to, revenue growth, internal revenue enhancement initiatives, cost control initiatives, internal investment programs (such as training, technology and infrastructure) and inventory floor plan borrowing rates. Sonic’s expectation of revenue growth is in part driven by its estimates of new vehicle industry sales volume in future periods. Sonic believes the historic and projected industry sales volume is a good indicator of growth or contraction in the retail automotive industry.  

Based on the October 1, 2017 impairment test, Sonic determined that the fair value of the franchise assets exceeded the carrying value of the franchise assets for all but four of its franchises, resulting in a franchise asset impairment charge of $3.6 million during 2017, recorded in impairment charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. See Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill,” for further discussion of franchise and dealer agreements.

In evaluating its definite life favorable lease assets for impairment, Sonic considered whether the leased asset was being utilized by the dealership and if the dealership operating activities could recover the value of the recorded favorable lease asset. Sonic evaluated its favorable lease assets for impairment as of October 1, 2017 and determined that no impairment was required.

Insurance Reserves - Sonic has various self-insured and high deductible casualty and other insurance programs which require the Company to make estimates in determining the ultimate liability it may incur for claims arising under these programs. These insurance reserves are estimated by management using actuarial evaluations based on historical claims experience, claims processing procedures, medical cost trends and, in certain cases, a discount factor. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Sonic had $22.0 million and $22.7 million, respectively, reserved for such programs.

Lease Exit Accruals - The majority of Sonic’s dealership properties are leased under long-term operating lease arrangements. When situations arise where the leased properties are no longer utilized in operations, Sonic records accruals for the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated sublease rentals, 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 when 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, or situations in which a store is closed as a result of the associated franchise being terminated by the manufacturer or Sonic and no other operations continue on the leased property. See Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for further discussion.

Income Taxes - Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes. Deferred taxes are provided at enacted tax rates for the tax effects of carryforward items and temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. As a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by various taxing authorities and, from time to time, these audits result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution may result in the Company owing additional taxes. Sonic’s management believes that the Company’s tax positions comply, in all material respects, with applicable tax law and that the Company has adequately provided for any reasonably foreseeable outcome related to these matters.

From time to time, Sonic engages in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. Sonic determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, Sonic presumes that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Sonic adjusts its estimates periodically because of ongoing examinations by and settlements with the various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and precedent. See Note 7, “Income Taxes,” for further discussion of Sonic’s uncertain tax positions.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Concentrations of Credit and Business Risk - Financial instruments that potentially subject Sonic to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash on deposit with financial institutions. At times, amounts invested with financial institutions exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited primarily to receivables from automobile manufacturers, totaling approximately $102.5 million and $92.8 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and receivables from financial institutions (which include manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and commercial banks), totaling approximately $299.6 million and $265.3 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Credit risk arising from trade receivables from commercial customers is reduced by the large number of customers comprising the trade receivables balances.

Sonic participates in a program with two of its manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and one commercial bank wherein Sonic maintains a deposit balance with the lender that earns floor plan interest rebates based on the agreed upon rate. This deposit balance is not designated as a pre-payment of notes payable - floor plan, nor is it Sonic’s intent to use this amount to offset principal amounts owed under notes payable - floor plan in the future, although Sonic has the right and ability to do so. The deposit balance of $3.0 million and $10.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, is classified in other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, because there are restrictions on Sonic’s availability to withdraw these funds under certain circumstances. Changes in this deposit balance are classified as changes in other assets in the cash flows from operating activities section of the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. The interest rebate as a result of this deposit balance is classified as a reduction in interest expense, floor plan in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In 2017, 2016 and 2015, the reduction in interest expense, floor plan was approximately $0.5 million, $0.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

Sonic is subject to a concentration of risk in the event of financial distress or other adverse events related to any of the automobile manufacturers whose franchised dealerships are included in Sonic’s brand portfolio. Sonic purchases its new vehicle inventory from various automobile manufacturers at the prevailing prices available to all franchised dealerships. In addition, Sonic finances a substantial portion of its new vehicle inventory with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. Sonic’s results of operations could be adversely affected by the manufacturers’ inability to supply Sonic’s dealerships with an adequate supply of new vehicle inventory and related floor plan financing. Sonic also has concentrations of risk related to geographic markets in which its dealerships operate. Changes in overall economic, retail automotive or regulatory environments in one or more of these markets could adversely impact Sonic’s results of operations.

Financial Instruments and Market Risks - As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair values of Sonic’s financial instruments including receivables, notes receivable from finance contracts, notes payable - floor plan, trade accounts payable, borrowings under the revolving credit facilities and certain mortgage notes approximated their carrying values due either to length of maturity or existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates. See Note 11, “Fair Value Measurements,” for further discussion of the fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s fixed rate long-term debt and other financial instruments.

Sonic has variable rate notes payable - floor plan, revolving credit facilities and other variable rate notes that expose Sonic to risks caused by fluctuations in the underlying interest rates. The counterparties to Sonic’s interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements are large financial institutions. Sonic could be exposed to loss in the event of non-performance by any of these counterparties. See further discussion in Note 6, “Long-Term Debt.”  

Advertising - Sonic expenses advertising costs in the period incurred, net of earned cooperative manufacturer credits that represent reimbursements for specific, identifiable and incremental advertising costs. Advertising expense amounted to approximately $61.6 million, $61.7 million and $61.6 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Sonic has cooperative advertising reimbursement agreements with certain automobile manufacturers it represents. These agreements require Sonic to provide the manufacturer with support for qualified, actual advertising expenditures in order to receive reimbursement under the agreements. It is uncertain whether or not Sonic would maintain the same level of advertising expenditures if these manufacturers discontinued their cooperative programs. Cooperative manufacturer credits classified as an offset to advertising expenses were approximately $26.0 million, $26.2 million and $24.2 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Segment Information - Sonic has determined it has two reporting segments: (1) the Franchised Dealerships Segment and (2) the Pre-Owned Stores Segment, for purposes of reporting financial condition and results of operations. The Franchised Dealerships Segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles and buy and sell used vehicles, sell replacement parts, perform vehicle repair and maintenance services, and arrange finance and insurance products. The Pre-Owned Stores Segment is comprised of stand-alone pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations that provide customers an opportunity to search, buy, service, finance and sell pre-owned vehicles.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

2. Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions

Sonic acquired one stand-alone pre-owned vehicle store for approximately $76.6 million during 2017. Goodwill in the amount of $60.0 million related to this acquisition was assigned to the Pre-Owned Stores segment. We anticipate that substantially all of the goodwill recorded in 2017 will be deductible for federal income tax purposes. The purchase agreement requires a deferred payment of $10.0 million after two years from the date of the acquisition to the seller who became an employee of Sonic. The purchase agreement also provides for potential additional variable payments to the employee over a ten-year period based on the financial performance up to a maximum of $80.0 million. Sonic is not obligated to make the variable payments up to a maximum of $80.0 million upon the termination of employment of the employee under certain circumstances.  As a result, the deferred and variable amounts, if earned, are treated as compensation arrangements for post-combination services separate from the business combination, pursuant to ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” specifically ASC 805-10-55-25, therefore Sonic will recognize the accrual of the deferred and variable payments as compensation expense as earned. As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately $1.3 million accrued for deferred and variable payments, included in other long-term liabilities.

In addition to the stand-alone pre-owned vehicle dealership business discussed above, Sonic opened two new EchoPark stores during the year ended December 31, 2017.  

Sonic acquired three stand-alone pre-owned vehicle stores and related real estate for approximately $15.9 million during 2016. These cash outflows were funded by cash from operations and borrowings under Sonic’s revolving credit and floor plan facilities. Sonic did not acquire any businesses during 2015. Acquisitions are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.

Dispositions

Sonic disposed of three dealership franchises during 2017 and four dealership franchises during 2015. Sonic did not dispose of any dealership franchises during 2016. The dispositions during 2017 and 2015 generated cash of approximately $38.2 million and $8.0 million, respectively. In conjunction with dealership dispositions, Sonic has agreed to indemnify the buyers from certain liabilities and costs arising from operations or events that occurred prior to sale but which may or may not have been known at the time of sale, including environmental liabilities and liabilities associated from the breach of representations or warranties made under the agreements. See Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for further discussion.

Prior to Sonic’s adoption of ASU 2014-08 beginning with its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014, individual dealership franchises sold, terminated or classified as held for sale were reported as discontinued operations. The results of operations of these dealership franchises sold or terminated prior to March 31, 2014 are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Dealership franchises sold on or after March 31, 2014 have not been reclassified to discontinued operations since they did not meet the criteria in ASU 2014-08.

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

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Income (loss) from operations	$	(741	)	$	(1,100	)	$	(1,421	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		6			(1	)		-
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges		(1,207	)		(1,020	)		(1,462	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	(1,942	)	$	(2,121	)	$	(2,883	)
Total revenues	$	-		$	-		$	-

Revenues and other activities associated with disposed dealerships that remain in continuing operations were as follows:

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Income (loss) from operations	$	(2,329	)	$	(2,154	)	$	(6,214	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		11,188			(47	)		2,748
Property and equipment impairment charges		-			(81	)		(6,584	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	8,859		$	(2,282	)	$	(10,050	)
Total revenues	$	86,111		$	127,337		$	215,629

In the ordinary course of business, Sonic evaluates its dealership franchises for possible disposition based on various strategic and performance criteria. As of December 31, 2017, Sonic did not have any franchises classified as held for sale; however, in the future, Sonic may sell franchises that are not currently held for sale.

3. Inventories and Related Notes Payable - Floor Plan

Inventories consist of the following:

	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
New vehicles	$	1,017,523	$	1,088,814
Used vehicles		294,496		282,288
Service loaners		130,406		128,821
Parts, accessories and other		70,320		70,778
Net inventories	$	1,512,745	$	1,570,701

Sonic finances all of its new and certain of its used vehicle inventory through standardized floor plan facilities with a syndicate of financial institutions and manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. The new and used vehicle floor plan facilities bear interest at variable rates based on prime or LIBOR rates. The weighted average interest rate for Sonic’s new vehicle floor plan facilities was 2.37%, 1.85% and 1.61% for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Sonic’s floor plan interest expense related to the new vehicle floor plan arrangements is partially offset by amounts received from manufacturers in the form of floor plan assistance. Floor plan assistance received is capitalized in inventory and charged against cost of sales when the associated inventory is sold. For 2017, 2016 and 2015, Sonic recognized a reduction in cost of sales of approximately $45.3 million, $45.0 million and $42.1 million, respectively, related to manufacturer floor plan assistance.

The weighted average interest rate for Sonic’s used vehicle floor plan facilities was 2.61%, 1.78% and 1.72% for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The new and used vehicle floor plan facilities are collateralized by vehicle inventories and other assets, excluding franchise and dealer agreements, of the relevant dealership subsidiary. The new and used vehicle floor plan facilities contain a number of covenants, including, among others, covenants restricting Sonic with respect to the creation of liens and changes in ownership, officers and key management personnel. Sonic was in compliance with all of these restrictive covenants as of December 31, 2017.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

4. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, net consists of the following:

	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
Land	$	370,828		$	306,457
Building and improvements		893,768			777,766
Software and computer equipment		147,812			128,366
Parts and service equipment		105,123			93,901
Office equipment and fixtures		96,066			86,216
Company vehicles		9,723			9,107
Construction in progress		54,429			62,982
Total, at cost		1,677,749			1,464,795
Less accumulated depreciation		(527,379	)		(450,184	)
Subtotal		1,150,370			1,014,611
Less assets held for sale (1)		(3,489	)		(4,231	)
Property and equipment, net	$	1,146,881		$	1,010,380

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

Interest capitalized in conjunction with construction projects and software development was approximately $2.2 million, $2.8 million and $1.9 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, commitments for facility construction projects totaled approximately $31.9 million.  

During 2017, 2016 and 2015, property and equipment impairment charges were recorded as noted in the following table:

Year Ended December 31,	(In thousands)
2017	$	4,894
2016	$	8,063
2015	$	12,210

Impairment charges were due to the abandonment of construction and software development projects, the abandonment and disposal of dealership equipment or Sonic’s estimate that based on historical and projected operating losses for certain dealerships, these dealerships would not be able to recover recorded property and equipment asset balances.

F-16

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

5. Intangible Assets and Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of franchise assets and goodwill for 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

	Franchise Assets			Net Goodwill
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	74,900		$	471,493		(1)
Prior year acquisition allocations		-			944
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	74,900		$	472,437		(1)
Additions through current year acquisitions		-			60,024
Reductions from dispositions		(1,400	)		(5,737	)
Reductions from impairment		(3,600	)		(900	)
Prior year acquisition allocations		-			(44	)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	69,900		$	525,780		(2)

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

(2) Net of accumulated impairment losses of $797,625.

Goodwill

Sonic impaired approximately $0.9 million of goodwill in 2017 related to the write-off of goodwill due to the closure of two stand-alone pre-owned vehicle stores that were acquired in 2016. There was no impairment of goodwill in 2016.  

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets consists of franchise assets and definite life intangible assets, and is presented net of accumulated amortization on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Pursuant to applicable accounting pronouncements, Sonic evaluates its franchise assets and definite life intangible assets for impairment annually (as of October 1) or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount. Franchise asset impairment charges of $3.6 million and $3.3 million for 2017 and 2015, respectively, were recorded in continuing operations based on the impairment evaluations performed.  There were no franchise asset impairment charges in 2016, and no definite life intangible asset impairment charges in 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Definite life intangible assets consist of the following:

	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
Favorable lease agreements	$	17,317		$	17,318
Less accumulated amortization		(12,628	)		(11,985	)
Definite life intangibles, net	$	4,689		$	5,333

Amortization expense for definite life intangible assets was approximately $0.6 million in each of 2017, 2016 and 2015. The initial weighted average amortization period for lease agreements and definite life intangible assets outstanding at December 31, 2017 was 17 years. Expiration dates for these lease agreements range between 2020 and 2027.

Future amortization expense is as follows:

Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2018	$	644
2019		644
2020		614
2021		475
2022		408
Thereafter		1,904
Total	$	4,689

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

6. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
2016 Revolving Credit Facility (1)	$	75,000		$	-
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 (the “7.0% Notes”) (2)		-			200,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “5.0% Notes”)		289,273			289,273
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 (the “6.125% Notes”)		250,000			-
Mortgage notes to finance companies - fixed rate, bearing interest from 3.51% to 7.03%		199,972			176,369
Mortgage notes to finance companies - variable rate, bearing interest at 1.50 to 2.90    percentage points above one-month or three-month LIBOR		219,719			227,342
Net debt discount and premium (3)		-			(1,258	)
Debt issuance costs		(13,208	)		(13,328	)
Other		3,947			4,280
Total debt	$	1,024,703		$	882,678
Less current maturities		(61,314	)		(43,003	)
Long-term debt	$	963,389		$	839,675

(1) The interest rate on the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility was 225 basis points above LIBOR at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

(2) Sonic repurchased all of the 7.0% Notes outstanding on March 27, 2017. See the heading “7.0% Notes” below for further information.

(3) Long-term debt at December 31, 2016 includes a $1.1 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes and a $0.2 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable.

Future maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

	Principal/ Net of Discount/ Premium (1)
Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2018	$	61,314
2019		25,179
2020		57,919
2021		126,532
2022		40,617
Thereafter		726,350
Total	$	1,037,911

(1) There were no premium/discount amounts recorded at December 31, 2017.

2016 Credit Facilities

On November 30, 2016, Sonic entered into an amended and restated syndicated revolving credit facility (the “2016 Revolving Credit Facility”) and amended and restated syndicated new and used vehicle floor plan credit facilities (the “2016 Floor Plan Facilities” and, together with the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility, the “2016 Credit Facilities”), which are scheduled to mature on November 30, 2021. The 2016 Credit Facilities extended the scheduled maturity date, increased availability under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility by $25.0 million and increased availability under the 2016 Floor Plan Facilities by $215.0 million, among other things.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Availability under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility is calculated as the lesser of $250.0 million or a borrowing base calculated based on certain eligible assets, less the aggregate face amount of any outstanding letters of credit under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility (the “2016 Revolving Borrowing Base”). The 2016 Revolving Credit Facility may be increased at Sonic’s option up to $300.0 million upon satisfaction of certain conditions. Based on balances as of December 31, 2017, the 2016 Revolving Borrowing Base was approximately $247.6 million. As of December 31, 2017, Sonic had approximately $75.0 million outstanding borrowings and approximately $17.3 million in outstanding letters of credit under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility, resulting in total borrowing availability of approximately $155.3 million under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility.

The 2016 Floor Plan Facilities are comprised of a new vehicle revolving floor plan facility (the “2016 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”) and a used vehicle revolving floor plan facility (the “2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”), subject to a borrowing base, in a combined amount up to $1.015 billion. Sonic may, under certain conditions, request an increase in the 2016 Floor Plan Facilities to a maximum borrowing limit of up to $1.265 billion, which shall be allocated between the 2016 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility and the 2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility as Sonic requests, with no more than 30% of the aggregate commitments allocated to the commitments under the 2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility. Outstanding obligations under the 2016 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 2016 Credit Facilities bear interest at variable rates based on specified percentages above LIBOR.

Sonic agreed under the 2016 Credit Facilities not to pledge any assets to any third party (other than those explicitly allowed under the amended terms of the 2016 Credit Facilities), including other lenders, subject to certain stated exceptions, including floor plan financing arrangements. In addition, the 2016 Credit Facilities contain certain negative covenants, including covenants which could restrict or prohibit indebtedness, liens, the payment of dividends, capital expenditures and material dispositions and acquisitions of assets as well as other customary covenants and default provisions. Specifically, the 2016 Credit Facilities permit cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and Class B common stock so long as no event of default (as defined in the 2016 Credit Facilities) has occurred and is continuing and provided that Sonic remains in compliance with all financial covenants under the 2016 Credit Facilities.

7.0% Notes

On July 2, 2012, Sonic issued $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior subordinated 7.0% Notes which were scheduled to mature on July 15, 2022.  On March 27, 2017, Sonic repurchased all of the outstanding 7.0% Notes using net proceeds from the issuance of the 6.125% Notes. Sonic paid approximately $213.7 million in cash, including an early redemption premium and accrued and unpaid interest, to extinguish the 7.0% Notes and recognized a loss of approximately $14.6 million on the repurchase of the 7.0% Notes, recorded in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  For the period during which both the 7.0% Notes and the 6.125% Notes were outstanding, Sonic incurred double-carry interest expense of approximately $0.7 million.

6.125% Notes

On March 10, 2017, Sonic issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior subordinated 6.125% Notes which mature on March 15, 2027. The 6.125% Notes were issued at a price of 100.0% of the principal amount thereof. Sonic used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 6.125% Notes to repurchase all of the outstanding 7.0% Notes on March 27, 2017. Remaining proceeds from the issuance of the 6.125% Notes will be used for general corporate purposes. The 6.125% Notes are guaranteed by Sonic’s domestic operating subsidiaries. Interest on the 6.125% Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year. Sonic may redeem the 6.125% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after March 15, 2022 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on March 15, 2022		103.063	%
Beginning on March 15, 2023		102.042	%
Beginning on March 15, 2024		101.021	%
Beginning on March 15, 2025 and thereafter		100.000	%

Before March 15, 2022, Sonic may redeem all or a part of the 6.125% Notes at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of the 6.125% Notes redeemed, plus the Applicable Premium (as defined in the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes) and any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. In addition, on or before March 15, 2020, Sonic may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 6.125% Notes at a redemption price equal to 106.125% of the par value of the 6.125% Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date with proceeds from certain equity offerings. The indenture governing the 6.125% Notes also provides that holders of the 6.125% Notes may require Sonic to repurchase

F-19

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

the 6.125% Notes at a purchase price equal to 101.0% of the par value of the 6.125% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase if Sonic undergoes a Change of Control (as defined in the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes).

The indenture governing the 6.125% 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 the 6.125% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on its Class A and Class B common stock in excess of $0.12 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on its Class A and Class B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants in the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes as of December 31, 2017.

Sonic’s obligations under the 6.125% Notes may be accelerated by the holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the 6.125% 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 6.125% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which Sonic or its subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $50.0 million.

5.0% 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 a price of 100.0% of the principal amount thereof. Sonic used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 5.0% Notes to repurchase all of the outstanding 9.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018. Remaining proceeds from the issuance of the 5.0% Notes were used for general corporate purposes. The 5.0% Notes are guaranteed by Sonic’s domestic operating subsidiaries. Interest on the 5.0% Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year. During 2016, Sonic repurchased approximately $10.7 million of its outstanding 5.0% Notes for approximately $10.6 million in cash, plus accrued and unpaid interest related thereto.

Sonic may redeem the 5.0% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or 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	%

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 the Applicable Premium (as defined in the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes) and any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. The indenture governing the 5.0% Notes also provides that holders of the 5.0% Notes may require Sonic to repurchase the 5.0% Notes at a purchase price equal to 101.0% of the par value of the 5.0% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase if Sonic undergoes a Change of Control (as defined in the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes).

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 the 5.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and Class B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and Class 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 in the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes as of December 31, 2017.

F-20

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

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.

Mortgage Notes

During 2017, Sonic obtained approximately $52.5 million in mortgage financing related to 10 of its operating locations. As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average interest rate was 4.22% and the total outstanding mortgage principal balance was approximately $419.7 million, related to approximately 45% of Sonic’s operating locations. These mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest through their respective maturities, are secured by the underlying properties and contain certain cross-default provisions. Maturity dates for these mortgage notes range between 2018 and 2033.

Covenants

Sonic agreed under the 2016 Credit Facilities not to pledge any assets to any third party (other than those explicitly allowed under the amended terms of the 2016 Credit Facilities), including other lenders, subject to certain stated exceptions, including floor plan financing arrangements. In addition, the 2016 Credit Facilities contain certain negative covenants, including covenants which could restrict or prohibit the payment of dividends, capital expenditures and material dispositions of assets, as well as other customary covenants and default provisions.

Sonic was in compliance with the covenants under the 2016 Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2017. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2016 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		5.75
December 31, 2017 actual		1.13		1.65		4.72

The 2016 Credit Facilities contain events of default, including cross defaults to other material indebtedness, change of control events and other events of default customary for syndicated commercial credit facilities. Upon the future occurrence of an event of default, Sonic could be required to immediately repay all outstanding amounts under the 2016 Credit Facilities.

After giving effect to the applicable restrictions on the payment of dividends under its debt agreements, as of December 31, 2017, Sonic had at least $148.7 million of net income and retained earnings free of such restrictions. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of December 31, 2017.

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 under the guarantee agreement are identical to those under the 2016 Credit Facilities with the exception of one financial covenant related to the ratio of EBTDAR to rent (as defined in the guarantee agreement) with a required ratio of no less than 1.50 to 1.00. As of December 31, 2017, the ratio was 3.85 to 1.00.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

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. In addition, Sonic has interest rate cap agreements to limit its exposure to increases in LIBOR rates above certain levels. Under the terms of these cash flow swaps and interest rate caps, interest rates reset monthly.  The fair value of these interest rate swap and rate cap positions at December 31, 2017 was a net asset of approximately $4.7 million, with approximately $5.1 million included in other assets and approximately $0.9 million included in other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, offset partially by approximately $1.0 million included in other accrued liabilities and approximately $0.3 million included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  The fair value of these interest rate swap positions at December 31, 2016 was a net liability of approximately $3.7 million, with approximately $4.1 million included in other accrued liabilities and approximately $2.4 million included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, offset partially by approximately $2.8 million included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Under the terms of these agreements, Sonic will receive and pay interest based on the following:

Notional Amount			Pay Rate		Receive Rate (1)	Maturing Date
(In millions)
$	250.0		1.887%		one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2018
$	125.0		1.900%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2018
$	50.0	(2)	2.320%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2019
$	200.0	(2)	2.313%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2019
$	100.0	(3)	1.384%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2020
$	125.0	(2)	1.158%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2019
$	150.0	(3)	1.310%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2020
$	125.0		1.020%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2018
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021

(1) The one-month LIBOR rate was approximately1.564% at December 31, 2017.

(2) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 2, 2018.

(3) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 1, 2019.

(4) The notional amount of these interest rate caps adjusts over the term of the agreement as follows: $62.5 million from September 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, $93.75 million from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, $78.125 million from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 and $37.5 million from July 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021.

(5) Under these interest rate caps, no payment will occur unless the stated receive rate exceeds the stated pay rate. If this occurs, a net payment to Sonic from the counterparty based on the spread between the receive rate and the pay rate will be recognized as a reduction of interest expense, other, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

For the interest rate swaps and rate caps that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of these instruments are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income and are disclosed in the supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. The incremental interest expense (the difference between interest paid and interest received) related to these instruments was approximately $3.1 million, $5.5 million and $7.8 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is included in interest expense, other, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and the interest paid amount is disclosed in the supplemental disclosures of cash flow information in the accompanying 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 12 months is approximately $0.1 million.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

7. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense) consists of the following:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Current:
Federal	$	(34,877	)	$	(43,655	)	$	(36,241	)
State		(7,292	)		(3,766	)		(6,414	)
Total current		(42,169	)		(47,421	)		(42,655	)
Deferred		28,198			(13,275	)		(14,410	)
Total provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense)	$	(13,971	)	$	(60,696	)	$	(57,065	)

The provision for income taxes for continuing operations – (benefit) expense includes a $28.4 million benefit related to the remeasurement of the net deferred tax liability as of December 31, 2017 due to a reduction in the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% (beginning in 2018) that was signed into law in December 2017. The effect of this benefit is shown separately in the following rate reconciliation table. The reconciliation of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate with Sonic’s federal and state overall effective income tax rate from continuing operations is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate		35.00	%		35.00	%		35.00	%
Effective state income tax rate		4.58	%		2.04	%		3.26	%
Valuation allowance adjustments		(0.59	%)		0.85	%		(0.45	%)
Uncertain tax positions		0.71	%		0.17	%		(0.14	%)
Effect of change in future U.S. statutory federal income tax rate		(26.27	%)		0.00	%		0.00	%
Other		(0.51	%)		1.05	%		1.64	%
Effective income tax rate		12.92	%		39.11	%		39.31	%

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes. Significant components of Sonic’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Accruals and reserves	$	24,320		$	34,884
State net operating loss carryforwards		12,689			10,777
Fair value of interest rate swaps		-			1,406
Interest and state taxes associated with the liability for uncertain income tax positions		1,126			1,746
Other		712			774
Total deferred tax assets		38,847			49,587
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fair value of interest rate swaps		(696	)		-
Basis difference in inventories		(965	)		(1,506	)
Basis difference in property and equipment		(2,467	)		(9,335	)
Basis difference in goodwill		(73,803	)		(101,999	)
Other		(1,636	)		(3,540	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(79,567	)		(116,380	)
Valuation allowance		(7,985	)		(7,211	)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(48,705	)	$	(74,004	)

Net long-term deferred tax asset balances were approximately $2.9 million and $2.4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are recorded in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Net long-term deferred tax liability

F-23

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

balances were approximately $51.6 million and $76.4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are recorded in deferred income taxes on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Sonic has approximately $282.0 million in gross state net operating loss carryforwards that will expire between 2018 and 2037. Management reviews these carryforward positions, the time remaining until expiration and other opportunities to realize these carryforwards in making an assessment as to whether it is more likely than not that these carryforwards will be realized. The results of future operations, regulatory framework of the taxing authorities and other related matters cannot be predicted with certainty and, therefore, differences from the assumptions used in the development of management’s judgment could occur. As of December 31, 2017, Sonic had recorded a valuation allowance amount of approximately $8.0 million related to certain state net operating loss carryforward deferred tax assets as Sonic determined that it would not be able to generate sufficient state taxable income in the related entities to realize the accumulated net operating loss carryforward balances.

At January 1, 2017, Sonic had liabilities of approximately $5.2 million recorded related to unrecognized tax benefits. Included in the liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2017, was approximately $0.8 million related to interest and penalties which Sonic has estimated may be paid as a result of its tax positions. It is Sonic’s policy to classify the expense related to interest and penalties to be paid on underpayments of income taxes within income tax expense. A summary of the changes in the liability related to Sonic’s unrecognized tax benefits is presented below.

	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Unrecognized tax benefit liability, January 1 (1)	$	4,357		$	4,755		$	5,740
New positions		653			-			-
Prior period positions:
Increases		491			939			175
Decreases		(539	)		(415	)		-
Increases from current period positions		692			615			184
Settlements		-			-			-
Lapse of statute of limitations		(781	)		(1,290	)		(1,114	)
Other		(228	)		(247	)		(230	)
Unrecognized tax benefit liability, December 31 (2)	$	4,645		$	4,357		$	4,755

(1) Excludes accrued interest and penalties of $0.8 million, $1.1 million and $1.2 million at January 1, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(2) Excludes accrued interest and penalties of $0.6 million, $0.8 million and $1.1 million at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Amount presented is net of state net operating losses of $0.1 million, $0.3 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Approximately $4.7 million and $3.3 million of the unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, would ultimately affect the income tax rate if recognized. Included in the December 31, 2017 recorded liability is approximately $0.6 million related to interest and penalties which Sonic has estimated may be paid as a result of its tax positions. Sonic does not anticipate any significant changes in its unrecognized tax benefit liability within the next 12 months.

Sonic and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions. Sonic’s 2014 through 2017 U.S. federal income tax returns remain open to examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Sonic and its subsidiaries’ state income tax returns remain open to examination by state taxing authorities for years ranging from 2013 to 2017.

The primary effect of the change in the U.S. federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% as required by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) related to the adjustment of deferred income tax balances.  In periods prior to 2018, the income tax benefit or expense related to the reversal of deferred income tax assets and liabilities was expected to be realized at a federal rate of 35%.  Because of the Act, at December 31, 2017, the reversal of deferred income tax asset and liabilities in subsequent periods is recorded assuming a federal income tax rate of 21%.  There were no significant provisional amounts considered in Sonic’s recorded income tax balances at December 31, 2017.  However, as the Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017, clarifications of the Act’s provisions may be issued in 2018 that alter Sonic’s understanding of the Act’s provisions and thus may affect recorded income tax balances.  Interpretations related to the Act’s provisions concerning depreciation, interest and compensation deductibility could impact recorded income tax balances.

F-24

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

8. Related Parties

Certain of Sonic’s dealerships purchase the zMAX micro-lubricant from Oil-Chem Research Corporation (“Oil-Chem”), a subsidiary of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (“SMI”), for resale to Fixed Operations customers of Sonic’s dealerships in the ordinary course of business. Sonic’s Executive Chairman, Mr. O. Bruton Smith, is also the Executive Chairman of SMI, and Mr. Smith’s son, Mr. Marcus G. Smith, a greater than 10% beneficial owner of Sonic, is the Chief Executive Officer and President of SMI. Total purchases from Oil-Chem by Sonic dealerships were approximately $1.9 million, $2.1 million and $2.1 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Sonic also engaged in other transactions with various SMI subsidiaries, consisting primarily of (1) merchandise and apparel purchases from SMISC Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a SMI Properties) for approximately $0.9 million in each of 2017, 2016 and 2015 and (2) vehicle sales to various SMI subsidiaries for approximately $0.2 million in both 2017 and 2016 and $0.1 million in 2015.

Sonic participates in various aircraft-related transactions with Sonic Financial Corporation (“SFC”). Such transactions include, but are not limited to, the use of aircraft owned by SFC for business-related travel by Sonic executives, a management agreement with SFC for storage and maintenance of aircraft leased by Sonic from unrelated third parties and the use of Sonic’s aircraft for business-related travel by certain affiliates of SFC. Sonic incurred net expenses of approximately $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.6 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, in aircraft-related transactions with these related parties.

9. Capital Structure and Per Share Data

Preferred Stock - Sonic has 3,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock authorized with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has designated 300,000 shares of preferred stock as Class A convertible preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), which is divided into 100,000 shares of Series I Preferred Stock, 100,000 shares of Series II Preferred Stock and 100,000 shares of Series III Preferred Stock. There were no shares of Preferred Stock issued or outstanding at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Common Stock - Sonic has two classes of common stock. Sonic has authorized 100,000,000 shares of Class A common stock at a par value of $0.01 per share. Class A common stock entitles its holder to one vote per share. Sonic has also authorized 30,000,000 shares of Class B common stock at a par value of $0.01 per share. Class B common stock entitles its holder to 10 votes per share, except in certain circumstances. Each share of Class B common stock is convertible into one share of Class A common stock either upon voluntary conversion at the option of the holder, or automatically upon the occurrence of certain events, as provided in Sonic’s charter. The two classes of common stock share equally in dividends and in the event of liquidation.

Share Repurchases - Prior to December 31, 2017, Sonic’s Board of Directors had authorized Sonic to expend up to $695.0 million to repurchase shares of its Class A common stock. As of December 31, 2017, Sonic had repurchased a total of approximately 32.3 million shares of Class A common stock at an average price per share of approximately $17.76 and had redeemed 13,801.5 shares of the Preferred Stock at an average price of $1,000 per share. As of December 31, 2017, Sonic had approximately $107.7 million remaining under the Board’s authorization.

Per Share Data - The calculation of diluted earnings per share considers the potential dilutive effect of stock options and shares under Sonic’s stock compensation plans and Class A common stock purchase warrants. 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 2017, 2016 and 2015:

	Year Ended December 31, 2017
			Income (Loss)					Income (Loss)
			From Continuing					From Discontinued						Net
			Operations					Operations						Income (Loss)
	Weighted					Per					Per						Per
	Average					Share					Share						Share
	Shares		Amount			Amount		Amount			Amount			Amount			Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		43,997	$	94,153				$	(1,170	)				$	92,983
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock				(85	)				-						(85	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		43,997	$	94,068		$	2.14	$	(1,170	)	$	(0.03	)	$	92,898		$	2.11
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		361
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		44,358	$	94,068		$	2.12	$	(1,170	)	$	(0.03	)	$	92,898		$	2.09

F-25

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

	Year Ended December 31, 2016
			Income (Loss)					Income (Loss)
			From Continuing					From Discontinued						Net
			Operations					Operations						Income (Loss)
	Weighted					Per					Per						Per
	Average					Share					Share						Share
	Shares		Amount			Amount		Amount			Amount			Amount			Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		45,637	$	94,516				$	(1,323	)				$	93,193
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock				(52	)				-						(52	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		45,637	$	94,464		$	2.07	$	(1,323	)	$	(0.03	)	$	93,141		$	2.04
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		311
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		45,948	$	94,464		$	2.06	$	(1,323	)	$	(0.03	)	$	93,141		$	2.03

	Year Ended December 31, 2015
			Income (Loss)					Income (Loss)
			From Continuing					From Discontinued						Net
			Operations					Operations						Income (Loss)
	Weighted					Per					Per						Per
	Average					Share					Share						Share
	Shares		Amount			Amount		Amount			Amount			Amount			Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		50,489	$	88,091				$	(1,780	)				$	86,311
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units				(36	)				-						(36	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		50,489	$	88,055		$	1.74	$	(1,780	)	$	(0.03	)	$	86,275		$	1.71
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		394
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		50,883	$	88,055		$	1.73	$	(1,780	)	$	(0.03	)	$	86,275		$	1.70

In addition to the stock options included in the tables above, options to purchase approximately 0.2 million and  0.4 million shares of Class A common stock were outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the options were not dilutive.

10. Employee Benefit Plans

Substantially all of the employees of Sonic are eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan. Contributions by Sonic to the 401(k) plan were approximately $8.0 million, $8.0 million and $7.7 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Stock Compensation Plans

Sonic currently has three active stock compensation plans: the Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”), the Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”) and the Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Formula Restricted Stock and Deferral Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2012 Formula Plan”). Collectively, these plans are referred to as the “Stock Plans.” Effective February 19, 2014, new grants of equity awards under the 2004 Plan were no longer permitted. Stock options outstanding, non-vested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units previously granted under the 2004 Plan were unaffected by this change in plan status. During the second quarter of 2012, Sonic’s stockholders voted to approve the 2012 Plan and the 2012 Formula Plan, with authorization for issuance of 2,000,000 shares of Class A common stock and 300,000 shares of Class A common stock, respectively.  During the second quarter of 2015, Sonic’s stockholders voted to increase the number of shares of Class A common stock authorized for issuance under the 2012 Plan from 2,000,000 shares to 4,000,000 shares.  During the second quarter of 2017, Sonic’s stockholders voted to increase the number of shares of Class A common stock authorized for issuance under the 2012 Formula Plan from 300,000 shares to 500,000 shares.

The Stock Plans were adopted by the Board of Directors in order to attract and retain key personnel. Under the 2012 Plan and the 2004 Plan, options to purchase shares of Class A common stock may be granted to key employees of Sonic and its subsidiaries and to officers, directors, consultants and other individuals providing services to Sonic. The options are granted at the fair market value of Sonic’s Class A common stock at the date of grant, typically vest over a period ranging from six months to three years, are exercisable upon vesting and typically expire 10 years from the date of grant. The 2012 Plan and the 2004 Plan also authorized the issuance of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units. Restricted stock award and restricted stock unit grants under the 2012 Plan and the

F-26

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

2004 Plan typically vest over a period ranging from one to three years, but may be longer in certain cases. The 2012 Formula Plan provides for grants of restricted stock awards or deferred restricted stock units to non-employee directors and restrictions on those shares expire on the earlier of the first anniversary of the grant date or the day before the next annual meeting of Sonic’s stockholders. Individuals holding non-vested restricted stock awards under the 2012 Plan, the 2012 Formula Plan and the 2004 Plan have voting rights and certain grants may receive dividends on non-vested shares. Individuals holding restricted stock units as of December 31, 2017 granted under the 2012 Plan and the 2004 Plan do not have voting or dividend rights. Sonic issues new shares of Class A common stock to employees and directors to satisfy its option exercise and stock grant obligations. To offset the effects of these transactions, Sonic has historically repurchased shares of its Class A common stock after considering cash flow, market conditions and other factors.

A summary of the status of the stock options related to the Stock Plans is presented below:

	Options Outstanding			Exercise Price Per Share (Low - High)				Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(In thousands, except per share data, term in years)
Balance at December 31, 2016		439		$	1.81	-	30.07	$	13.42		1.4	$	5,327
Exercised		(25	)	$	1.81	-	1.81	$	1.81
Forfeited		(186	)	$	28.04	-	30.07	$	29.14
Balance at December 31, 2017		228		$	1.81	-	1.81	$	1.81		1.3	$	3,787
Exercisable		228		$	1.81	-	1.81	$	1.81		1.3	$	3,787

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	425	$	250	$	2,511

Sonic recognizes compensation expense within selling, general and administrative expenses related to the stock options granted under the Stock Plans. No stock option compensation expense was recognized during 2017, 2016 or 2015 as all previous stock option grants were completely vested prior to December 31, 2012.

A summary of the status of non-vested restricted stock award and restricted stock unit grants related to the Stock Plans is presented below:

	Non-Vested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Balance at December 31, 2016		2,180		$	20.86
Granted		600		$	22.88
Forfeited		(131	)	$	16.59
Vested		(450	)	$	20.42
Balance at December 31, 2017		2,199		$	21.76

During 2017, approximately 560,000 restricted stock units were awarded to Sonic’s executive officers and other key associates under the 2012 Plan. These awards were made in connection with establishing the objective performance criteria for 2017 incentive compensation and vest over three years. The majority of the restricted stock units awarded to executive officers and other key associates are subject to forfeiture, in whole or in part, based upon specified measures of Sonic’s earnings per share performance for 2017, continuation of employment and compliance with any restrictive covenants contained in an agreement between Sonic and the respective executive officer or other key associate. Also in 2017, approximately 40,000 non-vested restricted stock awards were granted to Sonic’s Board of Directors pursuant to the 2012 Formula Plan and vest on the earlier of the first anniversary of the grant date or the day before the next annual meeting of Sonic’s stockholders. Sonic recognized compensation expense within selling, general and administrative expenses related to restricted stock units and restricted stock awards of approximately $11.1 million, $11.2 million and $9.8 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Tax benefits recognized related to restricted stock units and restricted stock awards compensation expense were approximately $4.2 million, $4.2 million and $3.7 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Total compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock units and restricted stock awards not yet recognized at December 31, 2017 was approximately $34.2million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 7.5 years.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

On December 7, 2009, the Compensation Committee of Sonic’s Board of Directors approved and adopted the Sonic Automotive, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) to be effective as of January 1, 2010. The SERP is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that is unfunded for federal tax purposes. The SERP included 12 active or former members of senior management at December 31, 2017. The purpose of the SERP is to attract and retain key members of management by providing a retirement benefit in addition to the benefits provided by Sonic’s tax-qualified and other nonqualified deferred compensation plans.

The following table sets forth the status of the SERP:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Obligation at January 1,	$	11,233		$	9,234
Service cost		1,711			1,590
Interest cost		448			383
Actuarial loss (gain)		429			295
Amendments/settlements/curtailments loss (gain)		-			-
Benefits paid		(265	)		(269	)
Obligation at December 31, (1)	$	13,556		$	11,233
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	10,204		$	8,557

(1) Approximately $13.3 million is included in other long-term liabilities and approximately $0.3 million is included in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Plan assets at January 1,	$	-		$	-
Actual return on plan assets		-			-
Employer contributions		265			269
Benefits paid		(265	)		(269	)
Plan assets at December 31,		-			-
Funded status recognized	$	(13,556	)	$	(11,233	)

The following table provides the cost components of the SERP:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	1,711	$	1,590
Interest cost		448		383
Net pension expense (benefit)	$	2,159	$	1,973

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

The weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and net periodic benefit costs consist of:

	As of December 31,
	2017			2016
Discount rate		3.50	%		4.04	%
Rate of compensation increase		3.00	%		3.00	%

The estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid for each of the next five years and the sum of the payments expected for the next five years thereafter are:

	Estimated Future Benefit Payments
Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2018	$	265
2019	$	265
2020	$	363
2021	$	363
2022	$	363
2023 - 2027	$	1,968

Multiemployer Benefit Plan

Six of Sonic’s dealership subsidiaries currently make fixed-dollar contributions to the Automotive Industries Pension Plan (the “AI Pension Plan”) pursuant to collective bargaining agreements between Sonic’s subsidiaries and the International Association of Machinists (the “IAM”) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”). The AI Pension Plan is a “multiemployer plan” as defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and Sonic’s six dealership subsidiaries are among approximately 201 employers that are obligated to make contributions to the AI Pension Plan pursuant to collective bargaining agreements with the IAM, the IBT and other unions. The risks of participating in this multiemployer pension plan are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:

• assets contributed to the multiemployer pension plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers;

• if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers; and

• if Sonic chooses to stop participating in the multiemployer pension plan, Sonic may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

Sonic’s participation in the AI Pension Plan for 2017, 2016 and 2015 is outlined in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employee Identification Number (the “EIN”). Unless otherwise noted, the most recent Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “PPA”) zone status available in the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is for the plan’s year-end at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The zone status is based on information that Sonic received from the AI Pension Plan. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded (“Critical Status”), plans in the yellow zone are less than 80% funded and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a Financial Improvement Plan (“FIP”) or a Rehabilitation Plan (“RP”) is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration dates of the collective bargaining agreements to which the plan is subject. The number of employees covered by the AI Pension Plan increased 2.6% from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 and increased 0.5% from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017, affecting the period-to-period comparability of the contributions for 2017, 2016 and 2015.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Pension Protection Act Zone Status

FIP/RP Status

Sonic Contributions

Collective Bargaining

Pension

EIN/Pension

Pending /

Year Ended December 31,

Surcharge

Agreement

Fund

Plan Number

2017

2016

Implemented

2017

2016

2015

Imposed

Expiration Date (1)

(In thousands)

AI Pension Plan

94-1133245

Red

Red

RP Implemented

$

171

$

150

$

140

Yes

Between May 21, 2018 and November 15, 2018

(1) Collective bargaining agreement expiration dates vary by union and dealership. Dates shown represent the range of the earliest and latest stated expirations for Sonic’s union employees, noting certain of Sonic’s collective bargaining agreements are expired as of December 31, 2017 and are currently under negotiation.

Sonic’s participating dealership subsidiaries were not listed in the AI Pension Plan’s Form 5500 as providing more than 5% of the total contributions for the plan years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. In June 2006, Sonic received information that the AI Pension Plan was substantially underfunded as of December 31, 2005. In July 2007, Sonic received updated information that the AI Pension Plan continued to be substantially underfunded as of December 31, 2006, with the amount of such underfunding increasing versus year end 2005. In March 2008, the Board of Trustees of the AI Pension Plan notified participants, participating employers and local unions that the AI Pension Plan’s actuary, in accordance with the requirements of the PPA, had issued a certification that the AI Pension Plan was in Critical Status effective with the plan year commencing January 1, 2008. In conjunction with the AI Pension Plan’s Critical Status, the Board of Trustees of the AI Pension Plan adopted a rehabilitation plan that implemented reductions or eliminations of certain adjustable benefits that were previously available under the AI Pension Plan (including some forms of early retirement benefits, and disability and death benefits, among other items), and also implemented a requirement on all participating employers to increase employer contributions to the AI Pension Plan for a seven-year period which commenced in 2013. As of April 2015, the AI Pension Plan’s actuary certified that the AI Pension Plan remained in Critical Status for the plan year commencing January 1, 2015. According to publicly available information, in September 2016, the AI Pension Plan made a formal application for approval of suspension of benefits with the U.S. Treasury Department, which, if approved by the U.S. Treasury Department, would have implemented a benefit reduction effective July 1, 2017 for participants in the AI Pension Plan.  The filing included an Actuarial Certification of Plan Status as of January 1, 2016 that the AI Pension Plan previously filed with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service on March 30, 2016, which reported that the AI Pension Plan was in critical and declining status as of January 1, 2016 and further notified that the AI Pension Plan is making the scheduled progress in meeting the requirements of the plan’s previously-adopted rehabilitation plan. The September 2016 filing with the U.S. Treasury Department also included an Actuarial Certification of Plan Solvency as of July 1, 2016 with the actuarial firm’s projection that the proposed suspensions of benefits are reasonably estimated to enable the AI Pension Plan to avoid insolvency assuming the proposed suspensions of benefits continue indefinitely.  In May 2017, the U.S. Treasury Department denied the application to suspend benefits but noted that it remains willing to discuss the issues presented in the September 2016 formal application for suspension of benefits. Under applicable federal law, any employer contributing to a multiemployer pension plan that completely ceases participating in the plan while the plan is underfunded is subject to payment of such employer’s assessed share of the aggregate unfunded vested benefits of the plan. In certain circumstances, an employer can be assessed withdrawal liability for a partial withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan. In addition, if the financial condition of the AI Pension Plan were to continue to deteriorate to the point that the AI Pension Plan is forced to terminate and be administered by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the “PBGC”), the participating employers could be subject to assessments by the PBGC to cover the participating employers’ assessed share of the unfunded vested benefits. If any of these adverse events were to occur in the future, it could result in a substantial withdrawal liability assessment to Sonic.

11. 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, including Sonic’s stock or public bonds.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

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 consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

	Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)	$	33,747	$	31,475
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges (2)		5,968		2,772
Total assets	$	39,715	$	34,247
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (3)	$	1,286	$	6,135
Cash flow swaps not designated as hedges (4)		-		346
Deferred compensation plan (5)		18,417		14,824
Total liabilities	$	19,703	$	21,305

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

(2) As of December 31, 2017, approximately $0.9 million and $5.1 million were included in other current assets and other assets, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016, approximately $2.8 million was included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(3) As of December 31, 2017, approximately $1.0 million and $0.3 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016, approximately $3.7 million and $2.4 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

(4) Included in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

(5) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The carrying value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis but not completely adjusted to fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017, are included in the table below. Certain components of long-lived assets held and used have been adjusted to fair value through impairment charges as discussed in Note 4, “Property and Equipment” and Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill.”

			Significant
			Unobservable		Total Gains /
			Inputs		(Losses) for the
	Balance as of		(Level 3) as of		Year Ended
	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Long-lived assets held and used (1)	$	1,146,881	$	1,146,881	$	(4,894	)
Goodwill (2)	$	525,780	$	525,780	$	(899	)
Franchise assets (2)	$	69,900	$	69,900	$	(3,600	)

(1) See Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” and Note 4, “Property and Equipment,” for discussion.

(2) See Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” and Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill,” for discussion.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, 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 were as follows:

	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	(In thousands)
7.0% Notes (1) (2)	$	-	$	-	$	211,000	$	198,871
5.0% Notes (1)	$	279,148	$	289,273	$	284,934	$	289,273
6.125% Notes (1)	$	248,750	$	250,000	$	-	$	-
Mortgage Notes (3)	$	203,031	$	199,972	$	185,979	$	176,369
Other (3)	$	3,760	$	3,947	$	4,057	$	4,280

(1) As determined by market quotations as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively (Level 1).

(2) Sonic repurchased all of the 7.0% Notes outstanding on March 27, 2017.

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

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Facility and Equipment Leases

For 2017, Sonic recognized approximately $2.2 million of lease exit expense, which consists of $0.6 million of interest expense and $1.6 million related to adjustments to lease exit accruals recorded in previous years for the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated sublease rentals, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord.   A summary of the activity of these operating lease accruals consists of the following:

	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	9,790
Lease exit expense (1)		2,157
Payments (2)		(3,592	)
Lease buyout/other (3)		(1,877	)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	6,478

(1) Expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in interest expense, other, net and expense of approximately $0.9 million is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In addition, expense of approximately $1.2 million is recorded in income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

(2) Amount is recorded as an offset to rent expense in selling, general and administrative expenses, with approximately $1.1 million in continuing operations and $2.5 million in income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

(3) Amount represents cash paid to settle deferred maintenance costs related to terminating and exiting leased properties.

Sonic leases facilities for the majority of its dealership operations under operating lease arrangements. These facility lease arrangements normally have 15- to 20-year terms with one or two five- to 10-year renewal options and do not contain provisions for contingent rent related to the dealership’s operations. Many of the leases are subject to the provisions of a guaranty and subordination agreement that contains financial and affirmative covenants. Sonic was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2017. Approximately 10% of these facility leases have payments that may vary based on interest rates.

Future minimum lease payments for facility leases and future receipts from subleases as required under non-cancelable operating leases for both continuing and discontinued operations based on current interest rates in effect are as follows:

	Future Minimum Lease Payments, Net		Future Receipts from Subleases
Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2018	$	86,941	$	(10,535	)
2019	$	73,080	$	(8,828	)
2020	$	47,761	$	(7,191	)
2021	$	35,636	$	(5,827	)
2022	$	26,760	$	(4,377	)
Thereafter	$	95,949	$	(10,982	)

Total lease expense for continuing operations for 2017, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $100.6 million, $94.6 million and $98.2 million, respectively. Total lease expense, net of lease exit accrual adjustments for discontinued operations for 2017, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $1.3 million, $0.9 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The total net contingent rent benefit related to a decrease in interest rates since the underlying leases commenced was approximately $1.7 million, $1.8 million and $2.0 million for continuing operations for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and was approximately $0.1 million for discontinued operations for each of 2017, 2016 and 2015.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Many of Sonic’s facility operating leases are subject to affirmative and financial covenant provisions related to a subordination and guaranty agreement executed with the landlord of many of its facility properties. The required financial covenants related to certain lease agreements are as follows:

	Covenant
	Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio		Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio		Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio		Minimum EBTDAR to Rent Ratio
Required ratio		1.05		1.20		5.75		1.50
December 31, 2017 actual		1.13		1.65		4.72		3.85

Guarantees and Indemnifications

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 and facility relocations, certain of Sonic’s subsidiaries have assigned or sublet to the buyer its 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 sublessee does not perform. These obligations are included within the future minimum lease payments, net in the table above. In the event the assignees or sublessees do not perform their obligations, Sonic remains liable for the lease payments. As of December 31, 2017, the total amount relating to this risk was approximately $47.7 million, which is the total of the future receipts from subleases in the table above under the heading “Facility and Equipment Leases.” However, there are situations in which Sonic has assigned a lease to the buyer and Sonic was not able to obtain a release from the landlord. In these situations, although Sonic is no longer the primary obligor, Sonic is contingently liable if the buyer does not perform under the lease terms.  However, in accordance with the terms of the assignment and sublease agreements, the assignees and sublessees have generally agreed to indemnify Sonic and its subsidiaries in the event of non-performance. Additionally, in connection with certain dispositions, Sonic has obtained indemnifications from the parent company or owners of these assignees and sublessees in the event of non-performance.

In accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of Sonic’s dealerships, Sonic generally agrees to indemnify the buyer from certain liabilities and costs arising subsequent to the date of sale, including environmental exposure and exposure resulting from the breach of representations or warranties made in accordance with the 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 $5.0 million at December 31, 2017. These indemnifications expire within a period of one year 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 December 31, 2017.

Sonic also guarantees the floor plan commitments of its 50%-owned joint venture, the amount of which was approximately $2.8 million at December 31, 2017.

Legal Matters

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 at December 31, 2017 was approximately $3.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively, in reserves that Sonic was holding for pending proceedings.  Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2016 was approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for such reserves.  Except

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

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.

13. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for 2017 are as follows:

	Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Pension Plan			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(2,085	)	$	(177	)	$	(2,262	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1)		1,718			(266	)		1,452
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated        other comprehensive income (loss) (2)		2,117			-			2,117
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		3,835			(266	)		3,569
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	1,750		$	(443	)	$	1,307

(1) Net of tax expense of $1,053 related to gains on cash flow hedges and tax benefit of $163 related to the defined benefit pension plan.

(2) Net of tax expense of $1,298 related to gains on cash flow hedges.

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.”

14. Segment Information

As of December 31, 2017, Sonic had two operating segments: (1) retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles and buy and sell used vehicles, sell replacement parts, perform vehicle repair and maintenance services, and arrange finance and insurance products (the “Franchised Dealerships Segment”) and (2) stand-alone pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations that provide customers an opportunity to search, buy, service, finance and sell pre-owned vehicles (the “Pre-Owned Stores Segment”).  

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

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Reportable segment revenues, segment income (loss), floor plan interest expense, depreciation and amortization, capital expenditures and assets are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Revenues:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	9,612,899		$	9,590,752		$	9,547,236
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		254,309			141,027			77,063
Total consolidated revenues	$	9,867,208		$	9,731,779		$	9,624,299
	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Segment income (loss) (1):
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	196,897		$	218,769		$	213,224
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		(21,727	)		(13,576	)		(17,257	)
Total segment income (loss)		175,170			205,193			195,967
Interest expense, other, net		(52,524	)		(50,106	)		(50,910	)
Other income (expense), net		(14,522	)		125			99
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$	108,124		$	155,212		$	145,156
(1) Segment income (loss) for each segment is defined as operating income less floor plan interest expense.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Floor plan interest expense:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	35,030	$	26,631	$	20,727
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		1,365		1,085		599
Total floor plan interest expense	$	36,395	$	27,716	$	21,326

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Depreciation and amortization:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	83,741	$	73,591	$	65,766
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		5,203		3,855		3,033
Total depreciation and amortization	$	88,944	$	77,446	$	68,799

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Capital expenditures:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	195,220	$	166,405	$	148,593
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		39,025		39,827		24,656
Total capital expenditures	$	234,245	$	206,232	$	173,249

F-36

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

	December 31,
	2017		2016
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	1,930,336	$	2,079,297
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		200,500		144,605
Corporate and other:
Cash and Cash Equivalents		6,352		3,108
Goodwill, Net		525,780		472,437
Other Intangible Assets, Net		74,589		80,233
Other Corporate and Other Assets		1,080,961		859,656
Total assets	$	3,818,518	$	3,639,336

15. Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following table summarizes Sonic’s results of operations as presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of income by quarter for 2017 and 2016:

	First Quarter			Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 2017
Total revenues (1)	$	2,287,822		$	2,405,746	$	2,505,701	$	2,667,939
Gross profit (1)	$	350,346		$	360,618	$	362,622	$	384,090
Net income (loss) (2)	$	(541	)	$	12,132	$	19,440	$	61,952
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic (2) (3)	$	(0.01	)	$	0.27	$	0.45	$	1.43
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted (2) (3)	$	(0.01	)	$	0.27	$	0.44	$	1.42
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Total revenues (1)	$	2,234,626		$	2,382,312	$	2,557,928	$	2,556,913
Gross profit (1)	$	345,150		$	353,305	$	359,085	$	371,734
Net income (loss) (2)	$	14,624		$	22,822	$	18,111	$	37,636
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic (2) (3)	$	0.31		$	0.50	$	0.40	$	0.84
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted (2) (3)	$	0.31		$	0.50	$	0.40	$	0.83

(1) Results are for continuing operations.

(2) Results include both continuing operations and discontinued operations.

(3) The sum of net income per common share for the quarters may not equal the full year amount due to weighted average common shares being calculated on a quarterly versus annual basis.

Operations are subject to seasonal variations. The first quarter normally contributes less operating profit than the second and third quarters, while the fourth quarter normally contributes the highest operating profit of any quarter. Parts and service demand remains more stable throughout the year.

Net income for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017 includes a tax benefit of approximately $28.4 million related to the deferred income tax impact of the change in U.S. statutory federal income tax rate from 35.0% in 2017 to 21.0% in periods thereafter, a pre-tax benefit of approximately $1.4 million related to storm damage and a pre-tax gain of approximately $1.5 million from the sale of dealership franchises, offset partially by approximately $6.1 million of pre-tax impairment charges related to franchise assets, dealership facility construction projects and other property and equipment write-offs and approximately $1.5 million of pre-tax legal and other charges.

Net income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017 includes approximately $8.5 million of pre-tax gain from the sale of dealership franchises, offset partially by pre-tax charges of approximately $3.0 million related to storm damage, pre-tax charges of approximately $1.0 million related to legal and other accrual adjustments and approximately $0.2 million of pre-tax impairment charges related to dealership facility construction projects.

F-37

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Net income for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017 includes pre-tax charges of approximately $4.6 million related to storm damage, approximately $2.6 million of pre-tax impairment charges related to goodwill and certain construction project costs, approximately $1.0 million of pre-tax legal accruals and settlements and approximately $1.0 million of pre-tax lease exit charges.

Net income for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017 includes a pre-tax charge of $15.3 million related to the extinguishment of the 7.0% Notes (including double-carry interest), pre-tax charges of approximately $2.4 million related to storm damage and approximately $0.5 million of pre-tax impairment charges related to the write-off of certain construction project costs, offset partially by a $1.1 million net benefit from legal settlements.

Net income for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2016 includes a pre-tax benefit of approximately $14.8 million related to a manufacturer legal settlement and a pre-tax benefit of approximately $0.4 million related to storm damage and other accrual adjustments, offset partially by pre-tax impairment charges of approximately $1.8 million primarily related to the write-off of certain construction project costs and pre-tax charges of approximately $0.5 million related to lease exit accrual adjustments in discontinued operations.

Net income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016 includes approximately $6.1 million of pre-tax impairment charges related to dealership facility construction projects and pre-tax charges of $1.0 million related to lease exit accrual adjustments in discontinued operations, offset partially by a pre-tax benefit of approximately $2.3 million related to storm damage.

Net income for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016 includes pre-tax charges of approximately $6.0 million related to storm damage, offset partially by a pre-tax benefit of approximately $0.5 million related to lease exit accrual adjustments in discontinued operations.

F-38

EX-10.39

Exhibit 10.39

Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Director Compensation Policy

(Effective as of April 18, 2017)*

Each non-employee director of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (the “Company”) will receive the following compensation for such director’s service on the Board of Directors:

• an annual cash retainer of $70,000, payable in quarterly installments;

• $20,000 annual cash retainer for the Audit Committee Chairman, payable in quarterly installments, and $12,500 annual cash retainer for the Compensation Committee Chairman, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairman and the Lead Independent Director, payable in quarterly installments;

• $6,250 annual cash retainer for the Vice Chairman of any Board committee, payable in quarterly installments;

• a demonstrator vehicle for personal use; and

• an annual equity grant of $130,000 in the form of restricted stock or, subject to the non-employee director’s timely election, deferred restricted stock units on the first business day following each annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders pursuant to the Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Formula Restricted Stock and Deferral Plan for Non-Employee Directors.  The number of restricted shares of Class A common stock or deferred restricted stock units, as applicable, granted to an eligible non-employee director each year will equal $130,000 divided by the average closing sale price of the Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the twenty (20) trading days immediately preceding the grant date (rounded up to the nearest whole share or unit).  Generally, subject to the director’s continued service on the Board, the restricted stock or deferred restricted stock units, as applicable, will vest in full on the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the grant date or (ii) the day before the next annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders following the grant date.  

Non-employee directors are eligible to participate in the Sonic Automotive, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) and may elect to defer up to 100% of their annual cash retainer fees under the Plan.

Any non-employee director who is initially elected to the Board of Directors during a calendar year but after the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders has been held for such year will receive an equity grant of $130,000 in the form of restricted stock upon his or her election to the Board with the number of shares determined as described above.  Generally, subject to the director’s continued service on the Company’s Board, the restricted stock will vest in full on the first anniversary of the grant date.

Directors who are also employees of the Company do not receive compensation (other than their compensation as employees of the Company) for their service on the Board of Directors.

* Amended and adopted by the Board of Directors on October 17, 2016.

EX-12.1

Exhibit 12.1

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Fixed charges:
Interest expense, including floor plan interest (1)	$	89,466		$	78,694		$	73,539		$	73,805		$	79,842
Capitalized interest		2,172			2,750			1,912			1,921			2,484
Rent expense (interest factor)		24,341			24,634			24,514			24,569			24,659
Total fixed charges		115,979			106,078			99,965			100,295			106,985
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle		108,124			155,212			145,156			161,727			129,021
Add: Fixed charges		115,979			106,078			99,965			100,295			106,985
Less: Capitalized interest		(2,172	)		(2,750	)		(1,912	)		(1,921	)		(2,484	)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle & fixed charges	$	221,931		$	258,540		$	243,209		$	260,101		$	233,522
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges	1.9 x			2.4 x			2.4 x			2.6 x			2.2 x

(1) Includes interest expense associated with discontinued operations.

EX-21.1

Exhibit 21.1

ENTITY	Domestic	Foreign	ASSUMED NAME
AnTrev, LLC	NC
Arngar, Inc.	NC		Cadillac of South Charlotte
Autobahn, Inc.	CA		Autobahn Motors
Avalon Ford, Inc.	DE	CA
CAR CA$H:   Car Cash of North Carolina, Inc.	NC	NC
Cornerstone Acceptance Corporation	FL	NC OH TN TX
driversselect:   SAI DS, LLC	TX	VA, FL	driversselect
driversselect:   SAI DS Realty TX, LLC	TX
ECHOPARK:   AM GA, LLC	GA
ECHOPARK:   AM Realty GA, LLC	GA
ECHOPARK:   Echopark Automotive, Inc.	DE	CO FL NC	EchoPark
ECHOPARK:   EchoPark Driver Education, LLC	CO
ECHOPARK:   EchoPark FL, LLC	FL		AutoMatch Fort Myers AutoMatch Jacksonville AutoMatch Ocala
ECHOPARK:   EchoPark NC, LLC	NC
ECHOPARK:   EchoPark Realty TX, LLC	TX
ECHOPARK:   EchoPark SC, LLC	SC
ECHOPARK:   EchoPark TX, LLC	TX		EchoPark
ECHOPARK:   EP Realty NC, LLC	NC
ECHOPARK:   EP Realty SC, LLC	SC
ECHOPARK:   TT Denver, LLC	CO		EchoPark
ECHOPARK:   TTRE CO 1, LLC	CO
FAA Beverly Hills, Inc.	CA		Beverly Hills BMW
FAA Capitol N, Inc.	CA
FAA Concord H, Inc.	CA		Concord Honda

Exhibit 21.1

ENTITY	Domestic	Foreign	ASSUMED NAME
FAA Concord T, Inc.	CA		Concord Scion Concord Toyota
FAA Dublin N, Inc.	CA
FAA Dublin VWD, Inc.	CA
FAA Holding Corp.	CA
FAA Las Vegas H, Inc.	NV		Honda West
FAA Poway H, Inc.	CA		Poway Honda
FAA Poway T, Inc.	CA
FAA San Bruno, Inc.	CA		Melody Toyota Melody Scion
FAA Santa Monica V, Inc.	CA
FAA Serramonte H, Inc.	CA		Honda of Serramonte
FAA Serramonte L, Inc.	CA		Lexus of Marin Lexus of Serramonte
FAA Serramonte, Inc.	CA
FAA Stevens Creek, Inc.	CA
FAA Torrance CPJ, Inc.	CA
FirstAmerica Automotive, Inc.	DE	CA
Fort Mill Ford, Inc.	SC
Franciscan Motors, Inc.	CA		Acura of Serramonte
Frontier Oldsmobile-Cadillac, Inc.	NC
Kramer Motors Incorporated	CA		Honda of Santa Monica
L Dealership Group, Inc.	TX	CA
Marcus David Corporation	NC		Town and Country Toyota Town and Country Toyota Certified Used Cars
Massey Cadillac, Inc. (TN-MI)	TN
Mountain States Motors Co., Inc.	CO
Ontario L, LLC	CA		Crown Lexus

Exhibit 21.1

ENTITY	Domestic	Foreign	ASSUMED NAME
Philpott Motors, Ltd.	TX		Philpott Motors Hyundai Philpott Ford
Santa Clara Imported Cars, Inc.	CA		Honda of Stevens Creek
SRM Assurance, Ltd.	Cayman Is.
Stevens Creek Cadillac, Inc.	CA		St. Claire Cadillac
Town and Country Ford, Incorporated	NC
Windward, Inc.	HI	CA	Honda of Hayward
SAI AL HC1, Inc.	AL
SAI AL HC2, Inc.	AL		Tom Williams Collision Center
SAI Ann Arbor Imports, LLC	MI
SAI Atlanta B, LLC	GA		Global Imports (BMW) Global Imports MINI
SAI Broken Arrow C, LLC	OK
SAI Calabasas A, LLC	CA
SAI Chamblee V, LLC	GA		Dyer and Dyer Volvo Cars
SAI Charlotte M, LLC	NC
SAI Chattanooga N, LLC	TN		Nissan of Chattanooga East
SAI Clearwater T, LLC	FL		Clearwater Toyota Clearwater Scion
SAI Cleveland N, LLC	TN		Nissan of Cleveland
SAI Columbus Motors, LLC	OH		Hatfield Hyundai Hatfield Subaru Hatfield Isuzu
SAI Columbus T, LLC	OH		Toyota West Scion West Hatfield Automall
SAI Columbus VWK, LLC	OH		Hatfield Kia Hatfield Volkswagen
SAI Conroe N, LLC	TX
SAI Denver B, Inc.	CO		BMW of Denver Downtown Bodyworks Murray Motorworks

Exhibit 21.1

ENTITY	Domestic	Foreign	ASSUMED NAME
SAI Denver C, Inc.	CO
SAI Denver M, Inc.	CO		Mercedes-Benz of Denver
SAI Fairfax B, LLC	VA		BMW of Fairfax
SAI FL HC1, Inc.	FL
SAI FL HC2, Inc.	FL
SAI FL HC3, Inc.	FL
SAI FL HC4, Inc.	FL
SAI FL HC7, Inc.	FL
SAI Fort Myers B, LLC	FL		BMW of Fort Myers MINI of Fort Myers
SAI Fort Myers H, LLC	FL		Honda of Fort Myers
SAI Fort Myers M, LLC	FL		Mercedes-Benz of Fort Myers
SAI Fort Myers VW, LLC	FL		Volkswagen of Fort Myers
SAI GA HC1, LLC	GA
SAI Irondale Imports, LLC	AL		Audi Birmingham BMW of Birmingham Jaguar Birmingham Land Rover Birmingham MINI of Birmingham Porsche Birmingham
SAI Irondale L, LLC	AL		Lexus of Birmingham
SAI Long Beach B, Inc.	CA		Long Beach BMW Long Beach MINI
SAI McKinney M, LLC	TX		Mercedes-Benz of McKinney
SAI MD HC1, Inc.	MD
SAI Monrovia B, Inc.	CA		BMW of Monrovia MINI of Monrovia
SAI Montgomery B, LLC	AL		BMW of Montgomery Classic Dodge
SAI Montgomery BCH, LLC	AL		Classic Cadillac Classic Buick GMC
SAI Montgomery CH, LLC	AL		Capitol Chevrolet Capitol Hyundai

Exhibit 21.1

ENTITY	Domestic	Foreign	ASSUMED NAME
SAI Nashville CSH, LLC	TN		Crest Cadillac
SAI Nashville H, LLC	TN		Crest Honda
SAI Nashville M, LLC	TN		Mercedes-Benz of Nashville
SAI Nashville Motors, LLC	TN		Audi Nashville Porsche of Nashville
SAI OK HC1, Inc.	OK
SAI Oklahoma City C, LLC	OK
SAI Oklahoma City H, LLC	OK
SAI Oklahoma City T, LLC	OK
SAI Orlando CS, LLC	FL		Massey Cadillac
SAI Peachtree, LLC	GA
SAI Pensacola A, LLC	FL		Audi Pensacola
SAI Philpott T, LLC	TX		Philpott Toyota Philpott Scion
SAI Riverside C, LLC	OK
SAI Roaring Fork LR, Inc.	CO		Land Rover Roaring Fork
SAI Rockville Imports, LLC	MD		Porsche Bethesda Rockville Audi
SAI Rockville L, LLC	MD		Lexus of Rockville
SAI S. Atlanta JLR, LLC	GA		Jaguar South Atlanta Land Rover South Atlanta
SAI Santa Clara K, Inc.	CA
SAI Stone Mountain T, LLC	GA
SAI TN HC1, LLC	TN
SAI TN HC2, LLC	TN
SAI TN HC3, LLC	TN
SAI Tulsa N, LLC	OK
SAI Tulsa T, LLC	OK

Exhibit 21.1

ENTITY	Domestic	Foreign	ASSUMED NAME
SAI Tysons Corner H, LLC	VA		Honda of Tysons Corner
SAI Tysons Corner I, LLC	VA		Infiniti of Tysons Corner
SAI VA HC1, Inc.	VA
SAI West Houston B, LLC	TX		BMW of West Houston
Sonic 2185 Chapman Rd., Chattanooga, LLC	TN		Economy Honda Superstore
Sonic Advantage PA, LP	TX		Porsche of West Houston Momentum Luxury Cars Audi West Houston
Sonic – Buena Park H, Inc.	CA		Buena Park Honda
Sonic – Cadillac D, LP	TX		Massey Cadillac
Sonic – Calabasas A, Inc.	CA
Sonic Calabasas M, Inc.	CA		Mercedes-Benz of Calabasas
Sonic – Calabasas V, Inc.	CA
Sonic – Camp Ford, LP	TX
Sonic – Capitol Cadillac, Inc.	MI
Sonic – Capitol Imports, Inc.	SC
Sonic – Carrollton V, LP	TX
Sonic – Carson F, Inc.	CA
Sonic – Carson LM, Inc.	CA
Sonic – Clear Lake N, LP	TX
Sonic – Clear Lake Volkswagen, LP	TX		Momentum Volkswagen of Clear Lake
Sonic – Denver T, Inc.	CO		Mountain States Toyota Mountain States Toyota and Scion
Sonic Development, LLC	NC	AL CA CO FL GA MD MI NV OH OK SC TN TX VA

Exhibit 21.1

ENTITY	Domestic	Foreign	ASSUMED NAME
Sonic Divisional Operations, LLC	NV	AL AZ CA CO FL GA MD MI NC OH OK SC TN TX VA WI
Sonic – Downey Cadillac, Inc.	CA
Sonic eStore, Inc.	NC
Sonic FFC 1, Inc.	DE	TX
Sonic FFC 2, Inc.	DE	TX
Sonic FFC 3, Inc.	DE	TX
Sonic – Fort Mill Chrysler Jeep, Inc.	SC
Sonic – Fort Mill Dodge, Inc.	SC
Sonic – Fort Worth T, LP	TX		Toyota of Fort Worth Scion of Fort Worth
Sonic – Frank Parra Autoplex, LP	TX
Sonic Fremont, Inc.	CA
Sonic – Harbor City H, Inc.	CA		Carson Honda
Sonic Houston JLR, LP	TX		Jaguar Houston North Land Rover Houston North
Sonic Houston LR, LP	TX		Land Rover Houston Central Jaguar Houston Central
Sonic – Houston V, LP	TX
Sonic – Integrity Dodge LV, LLC	NV
Sonic – Jersey Village Volkswagen, LP	TX		Momentum Volkswagen of Jersey Village
Sonic – Lake Norman Chrysler Jeep, LLC	NC
Sonic – Las Vegas C West, LLC	NV		Cadillac of Las Vegas
Sonic – Lloyd Nissan, Inc.	FL
Sonic – Lloyd Pontiac – Cadillac, Inc.	FL
Sonic – Lone Tree Cadillac, Inc.	CO		Don Massey Collision Center

Exhibit 21.1

ENTITY	Domestic	Foreign	ASSUMED NAME
Sonic – LS Chevrolet, LP	TX		Lone Star Chevrolet
Sonic – LS, LLC	DE	TX
Sonic – Lute Riley, LP	TX		Lute Riley Honda
Sonic – Massey Cadillac, LP	TX
Sonic – Massey Chevrolet, Inc.	CA
Sonic – Mesquite Hyundai, LP	TX
Sonic Momentum B, LP	TX		Momentum Collision Center Momentum BMW Momentum MINI
Sonic Momentum JVP, LP	TX		Momentum Porsche Momentum Volvo Cars Land Rover Southwest Houston Jaguar Southwest Houston
Sonic Momentum VWA, LP	TX		Audi Central Houston Momentum Volkswagen
Sonic – Newsome Chevrolet World, Inc.	SC
Sonic – Newsome of Florence, Inc.	SC
Sonic – North Charleston Dodge, Inc.	SC
Sonic – North Charleston, Inc.	SC
Sonic of Texas, Inc.	TX
Sonic – Plymouth Cadillac, Inc.	MI
Sonic Resources, Inc.	NV
Sonic – Richardson F, LP	TX		North Central Ford
Sonic – Sanford Cadillac, Inc.	FL
Sonic Santa Monica M, Inc.	CA		W.I. Simonson
Sonic Santa Monica S, Inc.	CA
Sonic – Shottenkirk, Inc.	FL		Pensacola Honda
Sonic – Stevens Creek B, Inc.	CA		Stevens Creek BMW
Sonic – Volvo LV, LLC	NV		Volvo Cars of Las Vegas

Exhibit 21.1

ENTITY	Domestic	Foreign	ASSUMED NAME
Sonic Walnut Creek M, Inc.	CA		Mercedes-Benz of Walnut Creek
Sonic – West Covina T, Inc.	CA
Sonic – Williams Cadillac, Inc.	AL
Sonic Wilshire Cadillac, Inc.	CA
Sonic Automotive – 1495 Automall Drive, Columbus, Inc.	OH
Sonic Automotive – 1720 Mason Ave., DB, Inc.	FL
Sonic Automotive - 1720 Mason Ave., DB, LLC	FL
Sonic Automotive – 2490 South Lee Highway, LLC	TN
Sonic Automotive – 3401 N. Main, TX, LP	TX		Baytown Auto Collision Center Ron Craft Cadillac Ron Craft Chevrolet
Sonic Automotive – 4701 I-10 East, TX, LP	TX		Baytown Ford
Sonic Automotive – 6008 N. Dale Mabry, FL, Inc.	FL
Sonic Automotive – 9103 E. Independence, NC, LLC	NC		Infiniti of Charlotte
Sonic Automotive 2424 Laurens Rd., Greenville, Inc.	SC
Sonic Automotive 2752 Laurens Rd., Greenville, Inc.	SC		Century BMW Century MINI
Sonic Automotive Aviation, LLC	NC
Sonic Automotive F&I, LLC	NV
Sonic Automotive of Chattanooga, LLC	TN		BMW of Chattanooga
Sonic Automotive of Nashville, LLC	TN		MINI of Nashville BMW of Nashville BMW Certified Pre-Owned Nashville
Sonic Automotive of Nevada, Inc.	NV
Sonic Automotive of Texas, LP	TX		Lone Star Ford
Sonic Automotive Support, LLC	NV
Sonic Automotive West, LLC	NV
SRE Alabama – 2, LLC	AL

Exhibit 21.1

ENTITY	Domestic	Foreign	ASSUMED NAME
SRE Alabama – 5, LLC	AL
SRE California – 1, LLC	CA
SRE California – 2, LLC	CA
SRE California – 3, LLC	CA
SRE California – 4, LLC	CA
SRE California – 5, LLC	CA
SRE California – 6, LLC	CA
SRE California – 7 SCB, LLC	CA
SRE California – 8 SCH, LLC	CA
SRE California – 9 BHB, LLC	CA
SRE California 10 LBB, LLC	CA
SRE California 11 PH, LLC	CA
SRE Colorado – 1, LLC	CO
SRE Colorado – 2, LLC	CO
SRE Colorado – 3, LLC	CO
SRE Colorado – 4 RF, LLC	CO
SRE Colorado – 5 CC, LLC	CO
SRE Florida – 1, LLC	FL
SRE Florida – 2, LLC	FL
SRE Georgia 4, LLC	GA
SRE Georgia 5, LLC	GA
SRE Georgia 6, LLC	GA
SRE Holding, LLC	NC	AL AZ CO TX
SRE Maryland – 1, LLC	MD
SRE Nevada – 2, LLC	NV

Exhibit 21.1

ENTITY	Domestic	Foreign	ASSUMED NAME
SRE North Carolina – 2, LLC	NC
SRE North Carolina – 3, LLC	NC
SRE Ohio 1, LLC	OH
SRE Ohio 2, LLC	OH
SRE Oklahoma – 1, LLC	OK
SRE Oklahoma – 2, LLC	OK
SRE Oklahoma – 5, LLC	OK
SRE South Carolina – 2, LLC	SC
SRE South Carolina – 3, LLC	SC
SRE South Carolina – 4, LLC	SC
SRE Tennessee – 1, LLC	TN
SRE Tennessee – 2, LLC	TN
SRE Tennessee – 3, LLC	TN
SRE Tennessee – 4, LLC	TN
SRE Tennessee – 5, LLC	TN
SRE Tennessee 6, LLC	TN
SRE Texas – 1, LP	TX
SRE Texas – 2, LP	TX
SRE Texas – 3, LP	TX
SRE Texas – 4, LP	TX
SRE Texas – 5, LP	TX
SRE Texas – 6, LP	TX
SRE Texas – 7, LP	TX
SRE Texas – 8, LP	TX
SRE Texas 9, LLC	TX

Exhibit 21.1

ENTITY	Domestic	Foreign	ASSUMED NAME
SRE Texas 10, LLC	TX
SRE Texas 11, LLC	TX
SRE Texas 12, LLC	TX
SRE Texas 13, LLC	TX
SRE Texas 14, LLC	TX
SRE Texas 15, LLC	TX
SRE Texas 16, LLC	TX
SRE Virginia - 1, LLC	VA	MD
SRE Virginia – 2, LLC	VA

EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors
Sonic Automotive, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Nos. 333-82615, 333-71803, 333-68183, 333-96023, 333-50430, 333-50430-01 through 333-50430-G7, 333-160452, 333-160452-01 through 333-160452-277, 333-161519, 333-161519-01 through 333-161519-277) on Form S-3, (No. 333-77407) on Form S-3MEF, (Nos. 333-51978, 333-165718, 333-165718-01 through 333-165718-277, 333-182307, 333-183709, 333-183709-001 through 333-183709-284, 333-188804, 333-188804-01 through 333-188804-195 and 333-218382-01 through 333-218382-233) on Form S-4 and (Nos. 333-81059, 333-81053, 333-69907, 333-69899, 333-65447, 333-49113, 333-69901, 333-95791, 333-46272, 333-46274, 333-102052, 333-102053, 333-109411, 333-117065, 333-124370, 333-142435, 333-142436, 333-159674, 333-159675, 333-180814, 333-180815, 333-204027 and 333-217504) on Form S-8 of Sonic Automotive, Inc. of our reports dated February 28, 2018, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Sonic Automotive, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”), and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, which reports appear in the December 31, 2017 Annual Report on Form 10‑K of Sonic Automotive, Inc.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina
February 28, 2018

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Heath R. Byrd, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Sonic Automotive, Inc.;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date:	February 28, 2018
By:	/s/ HEATH R. BYRD
	Heath R. Byrd
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, B. Scott Smith, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Sonic Automotive, Inc.;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date:	February 28, 2018
By:	/s/ B. SCOTT SMITH
	B. Scott Smith
	President 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Heath R. Byrd, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

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

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

/s/ HEATH R. BYRD

Heath R. Byrd

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

February 28, 2018

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 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, B. Scott Smith, President 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 to my knowledge:

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

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

/s/ B. SCOTT SMITH

B. Scott Smith

President and Chief Executive Officer

February 28, 2018

XML

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 27, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	SAH
Entity Registrant Name	SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001043509
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 592.7
Common Class A [Member]
Document and Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,384,481
Common Class B [Member]
Document and Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,029,375

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 6,352	$ 3,108
Receivables, net	482,126	430,242
Inventories	1,512,745	1,570,701
Other current assets	18,574	26,993
Total current assets	2,019,797	2,031,044
Property and Equipment, net	1,146,881	1,010,380
Goodwill	525,780	472,437
Other Intangible Assets, net	74,589	80,233
Other Assets	51,471	45,242
Total Assets	3,818,518	3,639,336
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	804,238	850,537
Notes payable - floor plan - non-trade	709,098	675,353
Trade accounts payable	129,903	117,740
Accrued interest	12,316	13,265
Other accrued liabilities	237,963	236,982
Current maturities of long-term debt	61,314	43,003
Total current liabilities	1,954,832	1,936,880
Long-Term Debt	963,389	839,675
Other Long-Term Liabilities	61,918	61,170
Deferred Income Taxes	51,619	76,447
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity:
Class A convertible preferred stock, none issued
Paid-in capital	732,854	721,695
Retained earnings	625,356	541,146
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,307	(2,262)
Treasury stock, at cost; 32,290,493 Class A common stock shares held at December 31, 2017 and 30,263,196 Class A common stock shares held at December 31, 2016	(573,513)	(536,166)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	786,760	725,164
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	3,818,518	3,639,336
Common Class A [Member]
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock, value	635	630
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock, value	$ 121	$ 121

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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	63,456,698	62,967,061
Common stock, shares outstanding	31,166,205	32,703,865
Treasury stock, shares	32,290,493	30,263,196
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

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues:
New vehicles	$ 5,295,051	$ 5,234,505	$ 5,265,401
Used vehicles	2,622,053	2,533,122	2,512,024
Wholesale vehicles	171,064	211,048	155,339
Total vehicles	8,088,168	7,978,675	7,932,764
Parts, service and collision repair	1,416,010	1,409,819	1,364,947
Finance, insurance and other, net	363,030	343,285	326,588
Total revenues	9,867,208	9,731,779	9,624,299
Cost of Sales:
New vehicles	(5,030,125)	(4,973,911)	(4,997,472)
Used vehicles	(2,467,150)	(2,374,537)	(2,349,982)
Wholesale vehicles	(179,778)	(218,364)	(162,707)
Total vehicles	(7,677,053)	(7,566,812)	(7,510,161)
Parts, service and collision repair	(732,479)	(735,693)	(699,526)
Total cost of sales	(8,409,532)	(8,302,505)	(8,209,687)
Gross profit	1,457,676	1,429,274	1,414,612
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(1,147,773)	(1,110,856)	(1,110,565)
Impairment charges	(9,394)	(8,063)	(17,955)
Depreciation and amortization	(88,944)	(77,446)	(68,799)
Operating income (loss)	211,565	232,909	217,293
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan	(36,395)	(27,716)	(21,326)
Interest expense, other, net	(52,524)	(50,106)	(50,910)
Other income (expense), net	(14,522)	125	99
Total other income (expense)	(103,441)	(77,697)	(72,137)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	108,124	155,212	145,156
Provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense)	(13,971)	(60,696)	(57,065)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	94,153	94,516	88,091
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes	(1,942)	(2,121)	(2,883)
Provision for income taxes for discontinued operations - benefit (expense)	772	798	1,103
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(1,170)	(1,323)	(1,780)
Net income (loss)	$ 92,983	$ 93,193	$ 86,311
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ 2.14	$ 2.07	$ 1.74
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations	(0.03)	(0.03)	(0.03)
Earnings (loss) per common share	$ 2.11	$ 2.04	$ 1.71
Weighted average common shares outstanding	43,997	45,637	50,489
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ 2.12	$ 2.06	$ 1.73
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations	(0.03)	(0.03)	(0.03)
Earnings (loss) per common share	$ 2.09	$ 2.03	$ 1.70
Weighted average common shares outstanding	44,358	45,948	50,883
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.11

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 92,983	$ 93,193	$ 86,311
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements	6,186	5,731	540
Pension actuarial income (loss)	(429)	(295)	737
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes	5,757	5,436	1,277
Provision for income tax benefit (expense) related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,188)	(2,066)	(485)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,569	3,370	792
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 96,552	$ 96,563	$ 87,103

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Common Class A [Member] Common Stock [Member]	Common Class A [Member] Treasury Stock [Member]	Common Class B [Member] Common Stock [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 666,718	$ 697,760	$ 376,353	$ (6,424)	$ 620	$ (401,712)	$ 121
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014					62,047	(23,156)	12,029
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans	3,662	3,656			$ 6
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans, shares					518
Purchases of treasury stock	(34,483)					$ (34,483)
Purchases of treasury stock, shares						(1,519)
Income tax benefit associated with stock compensation plans	1,888	1,888
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $205, $2,178 and $2,351 in 2015 and 2016 and 2017 respectively	335			335
Pension actuarial income/loss net of tax expense (benefit) of $280, and $112, and $163 in 2015 and 2016 and 2017 respectively	457			457
Restricted stock amortization	9,814	9,814
Other, shares					21
Net income (loss)	86,311		86,311
Dividends declared	(5,654)		(5,654)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	729,048	713,118	457,010	(5,632)	$ 626	$ (436,195)	$ 121
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2015					62,586	(24,675)	12,029
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans	27	23			$ 4
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans, shares					381
Purchases of treasury stock	(99,971)					$ (99,971)
Purchases of treasury stock, shares						(5,588)
Income tax expense associated with stock compensation plans	(2,611)	(2,611)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $205, $2,178 and $2,351 in 2015 and 2016 and 2017 respectively	3,553			3,553
Pension actuarial income/loss net of tax expense (benefit) of $280, and $112, and $163 in 2015 and 2016 and 2017 respectively	(183)			(183)
Restricted stock amortization	11,165	11,165
Net income (loss)	93,193		93,193
Dividends declared	(9,057)		(9,057)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	725,164	721,695	541,146	(2,262)	$ 630	$ (536,166)	$ 121
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2016					62,967	(30,263)	12,029
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans	45	40			$ 5
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans, shares					490
Purchases of treasury stock	(37,347)					$ (37,347)
Purchases of treasury stock, shares						(2,027)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $205, $2,178 and $2,351 in 2015 and 2016 and 2017 respectively	3,835			3,835
Pension actuarial income/loss net of tax expense (benefit) of $280, and $112, and $163 in 2015 and 2016 and 2017 respectively	(266)			(266)
Restricted stock amortization	11,119	11,119
Net income (loss)	92,983		92,983
Dividends declared	(8,773)		(8,773)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 786,760	$ 732,854	$ 625,356	$ 1,307	$ 635	$ (573,513)	$ 121
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2017					63,457	(32,290)	12,029

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements	$ 2,351	$ 2,178	$ 205
Tax expense (benefit) associated with change in pension actuarial (income) loss	(163)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements	2,351	2,178	205
Tax expense (benefit) associated with change in pension actuarial (income) loss	$ (163)	$ (112)	$ 280

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ 92,983	$ 93,193	$ 86,311
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	88,938	77,532	68,793
Provision for bad debt expense	748	389	1,909
Other amortization	649	649	649
Debt issuance cost amortization	2,383	2,641	2,489
Debt discount amortization, net of premium amortization	157	303	199
Stock-based compensation expense	11,119	11,165	9,814
Deferred income taxes	(27,760)	14,465	15,996
Net distributions from equity investee	(138)	(300)	(263)
Asset impairment charges	9,394	8,063	17,955
Loss (gain) on disposal of dealerships and property and equipment	(10,194)	(331)	(3,089)
Loss (gain) on exit of leased dealerships	2,157	1,386	1,848
Loss (gain) on retirement of debt	14,607
Changes in assets and liabilities that relate to operations:
Receivables	(52,989)	(62,894)	(9,048)
Inventories	57,250	35,545	(291,100)
Other assets	3,266	62,538	(19,785)
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	(46,299)	(42,929)	181,848
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities	16,612	14,953	5,190
Total adjustments	69,900	123,175	(16,595)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	162,883	216,368	69,716
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(76,610)	(15,861)
Purchases of land, property and equipment	(234,245)	(206,232)	(173,249)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	596	1,319	1,397
Proceeds from sales of dealerships	38,150		7,978
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(272,109)	(220,774)	(163,874)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (repayments) borrowings on notes payable - floor plan - non-trade	33,745	49,986	74,249
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	327,070	209,287	402,093
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	(252,070)	(213,490)	(397,890)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	302,483	103,395	69,075
Debt issuance costs	(4,855)	(3,084)	(491)
Principal payments and repurchase of long-term debt	(36,836)	(30,949)	(19,424)
Repurchase of debt securities	(210,914)
Purchases of treasury stock	(37,347)	(99,971)	(34,483)
Income tax benefit (expense) associated with stock compensation plans		(2,611)	1,888
Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans	45	27	3,662
Dividends paid	(8,851)	(8,701)	(5,078)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	112,470	3,889	93,601
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	3,244	(517)	(557)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR	3,108	3,625	4,182
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR	6,352	3,108	3,625
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements (net of tax expense of $2,351,$2,178 and $205 in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively)	3,835	3,553	335
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest, including amount capitalized	89,525	77,289	71,328
Income taxes	$ 42,907	$ 28,459	$ 38,474

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements	$ 2,351	$ 2,178	$ 205

XML

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Business - Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic” or the “Company”) is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States (as measured by total revenue). As of December 31, 2017, Sonic operated 114 new vehicle franchises in 13 states (representing 23 different brands of cars and light trucks), 18 collision repair centers and nine pre-owned stores. As a result of the way management operates the business, Sonic had two operating segments as of December 31, 2017: (1) the Franchised Dealerships Segment and (2) the Pre-Owned Stores Segment. For management and operational reporting purposes, Sonic groups certain franchises together that share management and inventory (principally used vehicles) into “stores.” As of December 31, 2017, Sonic operated 103 stores in the Franchised Dealerships Segment and nine stores in the Pre-Owned Stores Segment.

The Franchised Dealerships Segment provides comprehensive services, including (1) sales of both new and used cars and light trucks; (2) sales of replacement parts and performance of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repairs, and paint and collision repair services (collectively, “Fixed Operations”); and (3) arrangement of extended warranties, service contracts, financing, insurance and other aftermarket products (collectively, “F&I”) for its customers. The Pre-Owned Stores Segment provides the same services (excluding new vehicle sales and manufacturer warranty repairs) in stand-alone pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations and includes Sonic’s EchoPark stores. Sonic’s pre-owned stores business operates independently from its franchised dealerships business.

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

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 as well as several subsequent amendments to amend the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The amendments to the standard are intended to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices and improve disclosure requirements. The amendments to this standard must be applied using either of the following transition methods: (1) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients or (2) a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting the standard recognized at the date of adoption (which requires additional footnote disclosures). These amendments are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted only as of reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Sonic adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition approach applied to contracts not completed as of the date of adoption, with no restatement of comparative periods and a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized as of the date of adoption.

Under the new standard, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The principles apply a five-step model that includes: (1) identifying the contract(s) with the customer; (2) identifying the performance obligation(s) in the contract; (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligation(s) in the contract; and (5) recognizing revenue as the performance obligation(s) are satisfied. The standard also requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.

During the implementation process, management evaluated its established business processes, revenue transaction streams and accounting policies, and generally expects similar performance obligations to result under the new standard as compared with prior U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements, revenue recognition practices, accounting policies or internal controls. Management identified its material revenue streams to be (1) the sale of new vehicles; (2) the sale of used vehicles to retail customers; (3) the sale of used vehicles at wholesale auction; (4) arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts; and (5) the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services and sale of related parts and accessories. As a result of its analysis during the implementation process, management expects the amounts and timing of revenue recognition to generally remain the same, with the exception of the timing of revenue recognition related to: (1) service and collision repair orders that are incomplete as of a reporting date (“work in process”) and (2) certain retrospective finance and insurance revenue earned in periods subsequent to the completion of the initial performance obligation (“F&I retro revenue”), both of which are subject to accelerated recognition under the new standard. While management is finalizing the cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings, the expected impact on Sonic’s consolidated financial statements as a result of the changes in revenue recognition practices described above is not expected to be material. Management estimates that the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard will result in a net, after-tax cumulative effect adjustment to increase retained earnings of approximately $3.0 million as of January 1, 2018.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in this ASU require that leases are classified as either finance or operating leases, a right-of-use asset and lease liability is recognized in the statement of financial position, and repayments are classified within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 (early adoption is permitted). Sonic plans to adopt this ASU effective January 1, 2019. While management is still evaluating the impact of adopting the provisions of this ASU, management expects that upon adoption of this ASU, the presentation of certain items in Sonic’s consolidated financial position, cash flows and other disclosures will be materially impacted, primarily due to the recognition of a right-of-use asset and an associated liability and a change in the timing and classification of certain items in Sonic’s results of operations as a result of the derecognition of the lease liability.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions. For public companies, this ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016 (early adoption is permitted). Sonic adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2017. Upon adoption of this ASU, interim period and annual income tax expense is affected by stock option exercises and restricted stock and restricted stock unit vesting activity, potentially creating volatility in Sonic’s effective income tax rate from period to period. See the heading “Income Taxes” below for further discussion of the impact of the adoption of this ASU on Sonic’s effective income tax rate for 2017.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating step two from the goodwill impairment test. For public companies, this ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019 (early adoption is permitted for impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017). Sonic adopted this ASU prior to its impairment test as of October 1, 2017.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12 which amends the hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815. This ASU expands and refines hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. It also includes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of current guidance related to hedge accounting. For public companies, this ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 (early adoption is permitted). Sonic is currently in the process of evaluating the effects of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications - Prior to Sonic’s adoption of ASU 2014-08 beginning with its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014, individual dealership franchises sold, terminated or classified as held for sale were reported as discontinued operations. The results of operations of these dealership franchises sold or terminated prior to March 31, 2014 are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Dealership franchises sold on or after to March 31, 2014 have not been reclassified to discontinued operations since they did not meet the criteria in ASU 2014-08. If, in future periods, Sonic determines that a dealership franchise should be reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations, previously reported consolidated statements of income will be reclassified in order to reflect the most recent classification.

Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires Sonic’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, particularly related to allowance for credit loss, realization of inventory, intangible asset and deferred tax asset values, reserves for tax contingencies, legal matters, reserves for future commission revenue to be returned to the third-party provider for early termination of customer contracts (“chargebacks”), results reported as continuing and discontinued operations, insurance reserves, lease exit accruals and certain accrued expenses.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Sonic classifies cash and all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase, including short-term time deposits and government agency and corporate obligations, as cash and cash equivalents. In the event that Sonic is in a book overdraft cash position as of a reporting date, the book overdraft position is reclassified from cash and cash equivalents to trade accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and is reflected as activity in trade accounts payable and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. Sonic was in a book overdraft position in an amount of approximately $6.9 million and $8.0 million, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Revenue Recognition - Sonic records revenue when vehicles are delivered to customers, when vehicle service work is performed and when parts are delivered. Conditions for completing a sale include having an agreement with the customer, including pricing, and the sales price must be reasonably expected to be collected. See the previous heading “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for discussion of changes to revenue recognition effective January 1, 2018 upon adoption of ASC 2014-09.

Sonic arranges financing for customers through various financial institutions and receives a commission from the financial institution either in a flat fee amount or in an amount equal to the difference between the interest rates charged to customers and the predetermined interest rates set by the financial institution. Sonic also receives commissions from the sale of various insurance contracts and non-recourse third-party extended service contracts to customers. Sonic may be assessed a chargeback fee in the event of early cancellation of a loan or insurance contract by the customer. Finance and insurance commission revenue is recorded net of estimated chargebacks at the time the related contract is placed with the financial institution.

Sonic also receives commissions from the sale of non-recourse third-party extended service contracts to customers. Under these contracts, the applicable manufacturer or third-party warranty company is directly liable for all warranties provided within the contract. Commission revenue from the sale of these third-party extended service contracts is recorded net of estimated chargebacks at the time of sale.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amounts recorded as allowances for finance, insurance and service contract commission chargeback reserves were $20.9 million and $19.2 million, respectively, and were classified as other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Floor Plan Assistance - Sonic receives floor plan assistance payments from certain manufacturers. This assistance reduces the carrying value of Sonic’s new vehicle inventory and is recognized as a reduction of cost of sales at the time the vehicle is sold. Amounts recognized as a reduction of cost of sales were $45.3 million, $45.0 million and $42.1 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Contracts in Transit - Contracts in transit represent customer finance contracts evidencing loan agreements or lease agreements between Sonic, as creditor, and the customer, as borrower, to acquire or lease a vehicle in situations where a third-party finance source has given Sonic initial, non-binding approval to assume Sonic’s position as creditor. Funding and final approval from the finance source is provided upon the finance source’s review of the loan or lease agreement and related documentation executed by the customer at the dealership. These finance contracts are typically funded within 10 days of the initial approval of the finance transaction given by the third-party finance source. The finance source is not contractually obligated to make the loan or lease to the customer until it gives its final approval and funds the transaction, and until such final approval is given, the contracts in transit represent amounts due from the customer to Sonic. Contracts in transit are included in receivables, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and totaled $267.6 million and $236.4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Accounts Receivable - In addition to contracts in transit, Sonic’s accounts receivable primarily consists of amounts due from the manufacturers for repair services performed on vehicles with a remaining factory warranty and amounts due from third parties from the sale of parts. Sonic evaluates receivables for collectability based on the age of the receivable, the credit history of the customer and past collection experience. The allowance for doubtful accounts receivable was not significant at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Inventories - Inventories of new vehicles, recorded net of manufacturer credits, and used vehicles, including demonstrators, are stated at the lower of specific cost or market. Inventories of parts and accessories are accounted for using the “first-in, first-out” (“FIFO”) method of inventory accounting and are stated at the lower of FIFO cost or market. Other inventories are primarily service loaner vehicles and, to a lesser extent, vehicle chassis, other supplies and capitalized customer work-in-progress (open customer vehicle repair orders). Other inventories are stated at the lower of specific cost (depreciated cost for service loaner vehicles) or market.

Sonic assesses the valuation of all its vehicle and parts inventories and maintains a reserve where the cost basis exceeds the fair market value. In making this assessment for new vehicles, used vehicles, service loaners and parts inventory, Sonic considers recent internal and external market data and the age of the vehicles to estimate the inventory’s fair market value. The risk with vehicle inventory is minimized by the fact that vehicles can be transferred within Sonic’s network of dealerships. The risk with parts inventories is minimized by the fact that excess or obsolete parts can also be transferred within Sonic’s network of dealerships or can usually be returned to the manufacturer. Recorded inventory reserves were not significant at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Sonic amortizes leasehold improvements over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease life. This lease life includes renewal options if a renewal has been determined to be reasonably assured. The range of estimated useful lives is as follows:

Leasehold and land improvements	10-30 years
Buildings	10-30 years
Parts and service equipment	7-10 years
Office equipment and fixtures	3-10 years
Company vehicles	3-5 years

Sonic reviews the carrying value of property and equipment and other long-term assets (other than goodwill and franchise assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If such an indication is present, Sonic compares the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated undiscounted cash flows related to that asset. Sonic concludes that an asset is impaired if the sum of such expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the related asset. If Sonic determines an asset is impaired, the impairment loss would be the amount by which the carrying amount of the related asset exceeds its fair value. The fair value of the asset would be determined based on the quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, Sonic determines fair value by using a discounted cash flow model. See Note 4, “Property and Equipment,” for a discussion of impairment charges.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Sonic utilizes derivative financial instruments for the purpose of hedging the risks of certain identifiable and anticipated transactions. Commonly, the types of risks being hedged are those relating to the variability of cash flows caused by fluctuations in interest rates. Sonic documents its risk management strategy and hedge effectiveness at the inception of and during the term of each hedge. As of December 31, 2017, Sonic utilized interest rate cash flow swap agreements to effectively convert a portion of its LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. In addition, Sonic has interest rate cap agreements to limit its exposure to increases in LIBOR rates above certain levels. See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” for further discussion of derivative instruments and hedging activities.

Goodwill - Goodwill is recognized to the extent that the purchase price of the acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, including other identifiable intangible assets. In accordance with “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” in the ASC, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that impairment might have occurred. The ASC also states that if an entity determines, based on an assessment of certain qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then a quantitative goodwill impairment test is unnecessary. For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, Sonic has two reporting units, which consist of: (1) its traditional franchised dealerships and (2) its pre-owned stores. The carrying value of Sonic’s goodwill totaled approximately $525.8 million at December 31, 2017, $465.8 million of which is related to its franchised dealerships reporting unit and $60.0 million of which is related to its pre-owned stores reporting unit. As the $60.0 million of goodwill carrying value related to the pre-owned stores reporting unit was acquired immediately preceding the testing date, Sonic evaluated impairment on a qualitative basis and determined there was no indication of impairment. For the franchised dealerships reporting unit, Sonic utilized the Market Price (“MP”) method to estimate its enterprise value as of October 1, 2017. The significant inputs in the MP method include debt value, stock price and control premium.

In evaluating goodwill for impairment, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the difference would represent the amount of required goodwill impairment. To the extent the reporting unit’s earnings decline significantly or there are changes in one or more of these inputs that would result in lower valuation results, it could cause the carrying value of the reporting unit to exceed its fair value and thus require Sonic to record goodwill impairment.

Based on the results of Sonic’s quantitative test as of October 1, 2017, its franchised dealerships reporting unit’s fair value exceeded its carrying value. As a result, Sonic was not required to record goodwill impairment for either of its reporting units. See Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill,” for further discussion of goodwill.

Other Intangible Assets - The principal identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill acquired in an acquisition are rights under franchise or dealer agreements with manufacturers. Sonic classifies franchise and dealer agreements as indefinite lived intangible assets as it has been Sonic’s experience that renewals have occurred without substantial cost or material modifications to the underlying agreements. As such, Sonic believes that its franchise and dealer agreements will contribute to cash flows for an indefinite period, therefore the carrying amount of franchise rights is not amortized. Franchise and dealer agreements acquired on or after July 1, 2001 have been included in other intangible assets, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Prior to July 1, 2001, franchise and dealer agreements were recorded and amortized as part of goodwill and remain as part of goodwill on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Other intangible assets acquired in acquisitions include favorable lease agreements with definite lives which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term. In accordance with “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” in the ASC, Sonic evaluates other intangible assets for impairment annually (as of October 1) or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.

Sonic utilized a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to estimate the fair value of the franchise assets for each of its franchises with recorded franchise assets. The significant assumptions in Sonic’s DCF model include projected revenue, weighted average cost of capital (and estimates in the weighted average cost of capital inputs) and residual growth rates. In projecting the franchises’ revenue and growth rates, Sonic develops many assumptions which may include, but are not limited to, revenue growth, internal revenue enhancement initiatives, cost control initiatives, internal investment programs (such as training, technology and infrastructure) and inventory floor plan borrowing rates. Sonic’s expectation of revenue growth is in part driven by its estimates of new vehicle industry sales volume in future periods. Sonic believes the historic and projected industry sales volume is a good indicator of growth or contraction in the retail automotive industry.  

Based on the October 1, 2017 impairment test, Sonic determined that the fair value of the franchise assets exceeded the carrying value of the franchise assets for all but four of its franchises, resulting in a franchise asset impairment charge of $3.6 million during 2017, recorded in impairment charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. See Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill,” for further discussion of franchise and dealer agreements.

In evaluating its definite life favorable lease assets for impairment, Sonic considered whether the leased asset was being utilized by the dealership and if the dealership operating activities could recover the value of the recorded favorable lease asset. Sonic evaluated its favorable lease assets for impairment as of October 1, 2017 and determined that no impairment was required.

Insurance Reserves - Sonic has various self-insured and high deductible casualty and other insurance programs which require the Company to make estimates in determining the ultimate liability it may incur for claims arising under these programs. These insurance reserves are estimated by management using actuarial evaluations based on historical claims experience, claims processing procedures, medical cost trends and, in certain cases, a discount factor. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Sonic had $22.0 million and $22.7 million, respectively, reserved for such programs.

Lease Exit Accruals - The majority of Sonic’s dealership properties are leased under long-term operating lease arrangements. When situations arise where the leased properties are no longer utilized in operations, Sonic records accruals for the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated sublease rentals, 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 when 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, or situations in which a store is closed as a result of the associated franchise being terminated by the manufacturer or Sonic and no other operations continue on the leased property. See Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for further discussion.

Income Taxes - Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes. Deferred taxes are provided at enacted tax rates for the tax effects of carryforward items and temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. As a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by various taxing authorities and, from time to time, these audits result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution may result in the Company owing additional taxes. Sonic’s management believes that the Company’s tax positions comply, in all material respects, with applicable tax law and that the Company has adequately provided for any reasonably foreseeable outcome related to these matters.

From time to time, Sonic engages in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. Sonic determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, Sonic presumes that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Sonic adjusts its estimates periodically because of ongoing examinations by and settlements with the various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and precedent. See Note 7, “Income Taxes,” for further discussion of Sonic’s uncertain tax positions.

Concentrations of Credit and Business Risk - Financial instruments that potentially subject Sonic to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash on deposit with financial institutions. At times, amounts invested with financial institutions exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited primarily to receivables from automobile manufacturers, totaling approximately $102.5 million and $92.8 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and receivables from financial institutions (which include manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and commercial banks), totaling approximately $299.6 million and $265.3 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Credit risk arising from trade receivables from commercial customers is reduced by the large number of customers comprising the trade receivables balances.

Sonic participates in a program with two of its manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and one commercial bank wherein Sonic maintains a deposit balance with the lender that earns floor plan interest rebates based on the agreed upon rate. This deposit balance is not designated as a pre-payment of notes payable - floor plan, nor is it Sonic’s intent to use this amount to offset principal amounts owed under notes payable - floor plan in the future, although Sonic has the right and ability to do so. The deposit balance of $3.0 million and $10.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, is classified in other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, because there are restrictions on Sonic’s availability to withdraw these funds under certain circumstances. Changes in this deposit balance are classified as changes in other assets in the cash flows from operating activities section of the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. The interest rebate as a result of this deposit balance is classified as a reduction in interest expense, floor plan in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In 2017, 2016 and 2015, the reduction in interest expense, floor plan was approximately $0.5 million, $0.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

Sonic is subject to a concentration of risk in the event of financial distress or other adverse events related to any of the automobile manufacturers whose franchised dealerships are included in Sonic’s brand portfolio. Sonic purchases its new vehicle inventory from various automobile manufacturers at the prevailing prices available to all franchised dealerships. In addition, Sonic finances a substantial portion of its new vehicle inventory with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. Sonic’s results of operations could be adversely affected by the manufacturers’ inability to supply Sonic’s dealerships with an adequate supply of new vehicle inventory and related floor plan financing. Sonic also has concentrations of risk related to geographic markets in which its dealerships operate. Changes in overall economic, retail automotive or regulatory environments in one or more of these markets could adversely impact Sonic’s results of operations.

Financial Instruments and Market Risks - As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair values of Sonic’s financial instruments including receivables, notes receivable from finance contracts, notes payable - floor plan, trade accounts payable, borrowings under the revolving credit facilities and certain mortgage notes approximated their carrying values due either to length of maturity or existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates. See Note 11, “Fair Value Measurements,” for further discussion of the fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s fixed rate long-term debt and other financial instruments.

Sonic has variable rate notes payable - floor plan, revolving credit facilities and other variable rate notes that expose Sonic to risks caused by fluctuations in the underlying interest rates. The counterparties to Sonic’s interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements are large financial institutions. Sonic could be exposed to loss in the event of non-performance by any of these counterparties. See further discussion in Note 6, “Long-Term Debt.”  

Advertising - Sonic expenses advertising costs in the period incurred, net of earned cooperative manufacturer credits that represent reimbursements for specific, identifiable and incremental advertising costs. Advertising expense amounted to approximately $61.6 million, $61.7 million and $61.6 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Sonic has cooperative advertising reimbursement agreements with certain automobile manufacturers it represents. These agreements require Sonic to provide the manufacturer with support for qualified, actual advertising expenditures in order to receive reimbursement under the agreements. It is uncertain whether or not Sonic would maintain the same level of advertising expenditures if these manufacturers discontinued their cooperative programs. Cooperative manufacturer credits classified as an offset to advertising expenses were approximately $26.0 million, $26.2 million and $24.2 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Segment Information - Sonic has determined it has two reporting segments: (1) the Franchised Dealerships Segment and (2) the Pre-Owned Stores Segment, for purposes of reporting financial condition and results of operations. The Franchised Dealerships Segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles and buy and sell used vehicles, sell replacement parts, perform vehicle repair and maintenance services, and arrange finance and insurance products. The Pre-Owned Stores Segment is comprised of stand-alone pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations that provide customers an opportunity to search, buy, service, finance and sell pre-owned vehicles.

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Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

2. Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions

Sonic acquired one stand-alone pre-owned vehicle store for approximately $76.6 million during 2017. Goodwill in the amount of $60.0 million related to this acquisition was assigned to the Pre-Owned Stores segment. We anticipate that substantially all of the goodwill recorded in 2017 will be deductible for federal income tax purposes. The purchase agreement requires a deferred payment of $10.0 million after two years from the date of the acquisition to the seller who became an employee of Sonic. The purchase agreement also provides for potential additional variable payments to the employee over a ten-year period based on the financial performance up to a maximum of $80.0 million. Sonic is not obligated to make the variable payments up to a maximum of $80.0 million upon the termination of employment of the employee under certain circumstances.  As a result, the deferred and variable amounts, if earned, are treated as compensation arrangements for post-combination services separate from the business combination, pursuant to ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” specifically ASC 805-10-55-25, therefore Sonic will recognize the accrual of the deferred and variable payments as compensation expense as earned. As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately $1.3 million accrued for deferred and variable payments, included in other long-term liabilities.

In addition to the stand-alone pre-owned vehicle dealership business discussed above, Sonic opened two new EchoPark stores during the year ended December 31, 2017.  

Sonic acquired three stand-alone pre-owned vehicle stores and related real estate for approximately $15.9 million during 2016. These cash outflows were funded by cash from operations and borrowings under Sonic’s revolving credit and floor plan facilities. Sonic did not acquire any businesses during 2015. Acquisitions are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.

Dispositions

Sonic disposed of three dealership franchises during 2017 and four dealership franchises during 2015. Sonic did not dispose of any dealership franchises during 2016. The dispositions during 2017 and 2015 generated cash of approximately $38.2 million and $8.0 million, respectively. In conjunction with dealership dispositions, Sonic has agreed to indemnify the buyers from certain liabilities and costs arising from operations or events that occurred prior to sale but which may or may not have been known at the time of sale, including environmental liabilities and liabilities associated from the breach of representations or warranties made under the agreements. See Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for further discussion.

Prior to Sonic’s adoption of ASU 2014-08 beginning with its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014, individual dealership franchises sold, terminated or classified as held for sale were reported as discontinued operations. The results of operations of these dealership franchises sold or terminated prior to March 31, 2014 are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Dealership franchises sold on or after March 31, 2014 have not been reclassified to discontinued operations since they did not meet the criteria in ASU 2014-08.

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

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Income (loss) from operations	$	(741	)	$	(1,100	)	$	(1,421	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		6			(1	)		-
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges		(1,207	)		(1,020	)		(1,462	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	(1,942	)	$	(2,121	)	$	(2,883	)
Total revenues	$	-		$	-		$	-

Revenues and other activities associated with disposed dealerships that remain in continuing operations were as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Income (loss) from operations	$	(2,329	)	$	(2,154	)	$	(6,214	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		11,188			(47	)		2,748
Property and equipment impairment charges		-			(81	)		(6,584	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	8,859		$	(2,282	)	$	(10,050	)
Total revenues	$	86,111		$	127,337		$	215,629

In the ordinary course of business, Sonic evaluates its dealership franchises for possible disposition based on various strategic and performance criteria. As of December 31, 2017, Sonic did not have any franchises classified as held for sale; however, in the future, Sonic may sell franchises that are not currently held for sale.

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Inventories and Related Notes Payable - Floor Plan

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories and Related Notes Payable - Floor Plan

3. Inventories and Related Notes Payable - Floor Plan

Inventories consist of the following:

	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
New vehicles	$	1,017,523	$	1,088,814
Used vehicles		294,496		282,288
Service loaners		130,406		128,821
Parts, accessories and other		70,320		70,778
Net inventories	$	1,512,745	$	1,570,701

Sonic finances all of its new and certain of its used vehicle inventory through standardized floor plan facilities with a syndicate of financial institutions and manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. The new and used vehicle floor plan facilities bear interest at variable rates based on prime or LIBOR rates. The weighted average interest rate for Sonic’s new vehicle floor plan facilities was 2.37%, 1.85% and 1.61% for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Sonic’s floor plan interest expense related to the new vehicle floor plan arrangements is partially offset by amounts received from manufacturers in the form of floor plan assistance. Floor plan assistance received is capitalized in inventory and charged against cost of sales when the associated inventory is sold. For 2017, 2016 and 2015, Sonic recognized a reduction in cost of sales of approximately $45.3 million, $45.0 million and $42.1 million, respectively, related to manufacturer floor plan assistance.

The weighted average interest rate for Sonic’s used vehicle floor plan facilities was 2.61%, 1.78% and 1.72% for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The new and used vehicle floor plan facilities are collateralized by vehicle inventories and other assets, excluding franchise and dealer agreements, of the relevant dealership subsidiary. The new and used vehicle floor plan facilities contain a number of covenants, including, among others, covenants restricting Sonic with respect to the creation of liens and changes in ownership, officers and key management personnel. Sonic was in compliance with all of these restrictive covenants as of December 31, 2017.

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Property and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment

4. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, net consists of the following:

	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
Land	$	370,828		$	306,457
Building and improvements		893,768			777,766
Software and computer equipment		147,812			128,366
Parts and service equipment		105,123			93,901
Office equipment and fixtures		96,066			86,216
Company vehicles		9,723			9,107
Construction in progress		54,429			62,982
Total, at cost		1,677,749			1,464,795
Less accumulated depreciation		(527,379	)		(450,184	)
Subtotal		1,150,370			1,014,611
Less assets held for sale (1)		(3,489	)		(4,231	)
Property and equipment, net	$	1,146,881		$	1,010,380

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

Interest capitalized in conjunction with construction projects and software development was approximately $2.2 million, $2.8 million and $1.9 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, commitments for facility construction projects totaled approximately $31.9 million.

During 2017, 2016 and 2015, property and equipment impairment charges were recorded as noted in the following table:

Year Ended December 31,	(In thousands)
2017	$	4,894
2016	$	8,063
2015	$	12,210

Impairment charges were due to the abandonment of construction and software development projects, the abandonment and disposal of dealership equipment or Sonic’s estimate that based on historical and projected operating losses for certain dealerships, these dealerships would not be able to recover recorded property and equipment asset balances.

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Intangible Assets and Goodwill

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

5. Intangible Assets and Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of franchise assets and goodwill for 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

	Franchise Assets			Net Goodwill
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	74,900		$	471,493		(1)
Prior year acquisition allocations		-			944
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	74,900		$	472,437		(1)
Additions through current year acquisitions		-			60,024
Reductions from dispositions		(1,400	)		(5,737	)
Reductions from impairment		(3,600	)		(900	)
Prior year acquisition allocations		-			(44	)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	69,900		$	525,780		(2)

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

(2) Net of accumulated impairment losses of $797,625.

Goodwill

Sonic impaired approximately $0.9 million of goodwill in 2017 related to the write-off of goodwill due to the closure of two stand-alone pre-owned vehicle stores that were acquired in 2016. There was no impairment of goodwill in 2016.  

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets consists of franchise assets and definite life intangible assets, and is presented net of accumulated amortization on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Pursuant to applicable accounting pronouncements, Sonic evaluates its franchise assets and definite life intangible assets for impairment annually (as of October 1) or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount. Franchise asset impairment charges of $3.6 million and $3.3 million for 2017 and 2015, respectively, were recorded in continuing operations based on the impairment evaluations performed.  There were no franchise asset impairment charges in 2016, and no definite life intangible asset impairment charges in 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Definite life intangible assets consist of the following:

	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
Favorable lease agreements	$	17,317		$	17,318
Less accumulated amortization		(12,628	)		(11,985	)
Definite life intangibles, net	$	4,689		$	5,333

Amortization expense for definite life intangible assets was approximately $0.6 million in each of 2017, 2016 and 2015. The initial weighted average amortization period for lease agreements and definite life intangible assets outstanding at December 31, 2017 was 17 years. Expiration dates for these lease agreements range between 2020 and 2027.

Future amortization expense is as follows:

Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2018	$	644
2019		644
2020		614
2021		475
2022		408
Thereafter		1,904
Total	$	4,689

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Long-Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

6. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
2016 Revolving Credit Facility (1)	$	75,000		$	-
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 (the “7.0% Notes”) (2)		-			200,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “5.0% Notes”)		289,273			289,273
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 (the “6.125% Notes”)		250,000			-
Mortgage notes to finance companies - fixed rate, bearing interest from 3.51% to 7.03%		199,972			176,369
Mortgage notes to finance companies - variable rate, bearing interest at 1.50 to 2.90    percentage points above one-month or three-month LIBOR		219,719			227,342
Net debt discount and premium (3)		-			(1,258	)
Debt issuance costs		(13,208	)		(13,328	)
Other		3,947			4,280
Total debt	$	1,024,703		$	882,678
Less current maturities		(61,314	)		(43,003	)
Long-term debt	$	963,389		$	839,675

(1) The interest rate on the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility was 225 basis points above LIBOR at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

(2) Sonic repurchased all of the 7.0% Notes outstanding on March 27, 2017. See the heading “7.0% Notes” below for further information.

(3) Long-term debt at December 31, 2016 includes a $1.1 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes and a $0.2 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable.

Future maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

	Principal/ Net of Discount/ Premium (1)
Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2018	$	61,314
2019		25,179
2020		57,919
2021		126,532
2022		40,617
Thereafter		726,350
Total	$	1,037,911

(1) There were no premium/discount amounts recorded at December 31, 2017.

2016 Credit Facilities

On November 30, 2016, Sonic entered into an amended and restated syndicated revolving credit facility (the “2016 Revolving Credit Facility”) and amended and restated syndicated new and used vehicle floor plan credit facilities (the “2016 Floor Plan Facilities” and, together with the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility, the “2016 Credit Facilities”), which are scheduled to mature on November 30, 2021. The 2016 Credit Facilities extended the scheduled maturity date, increased availability under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility by $25.0 million and increased availability under the 2016 Floor Plan Facilities by $215.0 million, among other things.

Availability under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility is calculated as the lesser of $250.0 million or a borrowing base calculated based on certain eligible assets, less the aggregate face amount of any outstanding letters of credit under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility (the “2016 Revolving Borrowing Base”). The 2016 Revolving Credit Facility may be increased at Sonic’s option up to $300.0 million upon satisfaction of certain conditions. Based on balances as of December 31, 2017, the 2016 Revolving Borrowing Base was approximately $247.6 million. As of December 31, 2017, Sonic had approximately $75.0 million outstanding borrowings and approximately $17.3 million in outstanding letters of credit under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility, resulting in total borrowing availability of approximately $155.3 million under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility.

The 2016 Floor Plan Facilities are comprised of a new vehicle revolving floor plan facility (the “2016 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”) and a used vehicle revolving floor plan facility (the “2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility”), subject to a borrowing base, in a combined amount up to $1.015 billion. Sonic may, under certain conditions, request an increase in the 2016 Floor Plan Facilities to a maximum borrowing limit of up to $1.265 billion, which shall be allocated between the 2016 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility and the 2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility as Sonic requests, with no more than 30% of the aggregate commitments allocated to the commitments under the 2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility. Outstanding obligations under the 2016 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 2016 Credit Facilities bear interest at variable rates based on specified percentages above LIBOR.

Sonic agreed under the 2016 Credit Facilities not to pledge any assets to any third party (other than those explicitly allowed under the amended terms of the 2016 Credit Facilities), including other lenders, subject to certain stated exceptions, including floor plan financing arrangements. In addition, the 2016 Credit Facilities contain certain negative covenants, including covenants which could restrict or prohibit indebtedness, liens, the payment of dividends, capital expenditures and material dispositions and acquisitions of assets as well as other customary covenants and default provisions. Specifically, the 2016 Credit Facilities permit cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and Class B common stock so long as no event of default (as defined in the 2016 Credit Facilities) has occurred and is continuing and provided that Sonic remains in compliance with all financial covenants under the 2016 Credit Facilities.

7.0% Notes

On July 2, 2012, Sonic issued $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior subordinated 7.0% Notes which were scheduled to mature on July 15, 2022.  On March 27, 2017, Sonic repurchased all of the outstanding 7.0% Notes using net proceeds from the issuance of the 6.125% Notes. Sonic paid approximately $213.7 million in cash, including an early redemption premium and accrued and unpaid interest, to extinguish the 7.0% Notes and recognized a loss of approximately $14.6 million on the repurchase of the 7.0% Notes, recorded in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  For the period during which both the 7.0% Notes and the 6.125% Notes were outstanding, Sonic incurred double-carry interest expense of approximately $0.7 million.

6.125% Notes

On March 10, 2017, Sonic issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior subordinated 6.125% Notes which mature on March 15, 2027. The 6.125% Notes were issued at a price of 100.0% of the principal amount thereof. Sonic used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 6.125% Notes to repurchase all of the outstanding 7.0% Notes on March 27, 2017. Remaining proceeds from the issuance of the 6.125% Notes will be used for general corporate purposes. The 6.125% Notes are guaranteed by Sonic’s domestic operating subsidiaries. Interest on the 6.125% Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year. Sonic may redeem the 6.125% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after March 15, 2022 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on March 15, 2022		103.063	%
Beginning on March 15, 2023		102.042	%
Beginning on March 15, 2024		101.021	%
Beginning on March 15, 2025 and thereafter		100.000	%

Before March 15, 2022, Sonic may redeem all or a part of the 6.125% Notes at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of the 6.125% Notes redeemed, plus the Applicable Premium (as defined in the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes) and any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. In addition, on or before March 15, 2020, Sonic may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 6.125% Notes at a redemption price equal to 106.125% of the par value of the 6.125% Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date with proceeds from certain equity offerings. The indenture governing the 6.125% Notes also provides that holders of the 6.125% Notes may require Sonic to repurchase the 6.125% Notes at a purchase price equal to 101.0% of the par value of the 6.125% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase if Sonic undergoes a Change of Control (as defined in the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes).

The indenture governing the 6.125% 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 the 6.125% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on its Class A and Class B common stock in excess of $0.12 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on its Class A and Class B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants in the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes as of December 31, 2017.

Sonic’s obligations under the 6.125% Notes may be accelerated by the holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the 6.125% 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 6.125% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which Sonic or its subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $50.0 million.

5.0% 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 a price of 100.0% of the principal amount thereof. Sonic used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 5.0% Notes to repurchase all of the outstanding 9.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018. Remaining proceeds from the issuance of the 5.0% Notes were used for general corporate purposes. The 5.0% Notes are guaranteed by Sonic’s domestic operating subsidiaries. Interest on the 5.0% Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year. During 2016, Sonic repurchased approximately $10.7 million of its outstanding 5.0% Notes for approximately $10.6 million in cash, plus accrued and unpaid interest related thereto.

Sonic may redeem the 5.0% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or 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	%

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 the Applicable Premium (as defined in the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes) and any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. The indenture governing the 5.0% Notes also provides that holders of the 5.0% Notes may require Sonic to repurchase the 5.0% Notes at a purchase price equal to 101.0% of the par value of the 5.0% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase if Sonic undergoes a Change of Control (as defined in the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes).

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 the 5.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and Class B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and Class 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 in the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes as of December 31, 2017.

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.

Mortgage Notes

During 2017, Sonic obtained approximately $52.5 million in mortgage financing related to 10 of its operating locations. As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average interest rate was 4.22% and the total outstanding mortgage principal balance was approximately $419.7 million, related to approximately 45% of Sonic’s operating locations. These mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest through their respective maturities, are secured by the underlying properties and contain certain cross-default provisions. Maturity dates for these mortgage notes range between 2018 and 2033.

Covenants

Sonic agreed under the 2016 Credit Facilities not to pledge any assets to any third party (other than those explicitly allowed under the amended terms of the 2016 Credit Facilities), including other lenders, subject to certain stated exceptions, including floor plan financing arrangements. In addition, the 2016 Credit Facilities contain certain negative covenants, including covenants which could restrict or prohibit the payment of dividends, capital expenditures and material dispositions of assets, as well as other customary covenants and default provisions.

Sonic was in compliance with the covenants under the 2016 Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2017. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2016 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		5.75
December 31, 2017 actual		1.13		1.65		4.72

The 2016 Credit Facilities contain events of default, including cross defaults to other material indebtedness, change of control events and other events of default customary for syndicated commercial credit facilities. Upon the future occurrence of an event of default, Sonic could be required to immediately repay all outstanding amounts under the 2016 Credit Facilities.

After giving effect to the applicable restrictions on the payment of dividends under its debt agreements, as of December 31, 2017, Sonic had at least $148.7 million of net income and retained earnings free of such restrictions. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of December 31, 2017.

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 under the guarantee agreement are identical to those under the 2016 Credit Facilities with the exception of one financial covenant related to the ratio of EBTDAR to rent (as defined in the guarantee agreement) with a required ratio of no less than 1.50 to 1.00. As of December 31, 2017, the ratio was 3.85 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. In addition, Sonic has interest rate cap agreements to limit its exposure to increases in LIBOR rates above certain levels. Under the terms of these cash flow swaps and interest rate caps, interest rates reset monthly.  The fair value of these interest rate swap and rate cap positions at December 31, 2017 was a net asset of approximately $4.7 million, with approximately $5.1 million included in other assets and approximately $0.9 million included in other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, offset partially by approximately $1.0 million included in other accrued liabilities and approximately $0.3 million included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  The fair value of these interest rate swap positions at December 31, 2016 was a net liability of approximately $3.7 million, with approximately $4.1 million included in other accrued liabilities and approximately $2.4 million included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, offset partially by approximately $2.8 million included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Under the terms of these agreements, Sonic will receive and pay interest based on the following:

Notional Amount			Pay Rate		Receive Rate (1)	Maturing Date
(In millions)
$	250.0		1.887%		one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2018
$	125.0		1.900%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2018
$	50.0	(2)	2.320%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2019
$	200.0	(2)	2.313%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2019
$	100.0	(3)	1.384%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2020
$	125.0	(2)	1.158%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2019
$	150.0	(3)	1.310%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2020
$	125.0		1.020%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2018
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021

(1) The one-month LIBOR rate was approximately1.564% at December 31, 2017.

(2) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 2, 2018.

(3) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 1, 2019.

(4) The notional amount of these interest rate caps adjusts over the term of the agreement as follows: $62.5 million from September 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, $93.75 million from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, $78.125 million from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 and $37.5 million from July 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021.

(5) Under these interest rate caps, no payment will occur unless the stated receive rate exceeds the stated pay rate. If this occurs, a net payment to Sonic from the counterparty based on the spread between the receive rate and the pay rate will be recognized as a reduction of interest expense, other, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

For the interest rate swaps and rate caps that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of these instruments are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income and are disclosed in the supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. The incremental interest expense (the difference between interest paid and interest received) related to these instruments was approximately $3.1 million, $5.5 million and $7.8 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is included in interest expense, other, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and the interest paid amount is disclosed in the supplemental disclosures of cash flow information in the accompanying 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 12 months is approximately $0.1 million.

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Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

7. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense) consists of the following:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Current:
Federal	$	(34,877	)	$	(43,655	)	$	(36,241	)
State		(7,292	)		(3,766	)		(6,414	)
Total current		(42,169	)		(47,421	)		(42,655	)
Deferred		28,198			(13,275	)		(14,410	)
Total provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense)	$	(13,971	)	$	(60,696	)	$	(57,065	)

The provision for income taxes for continuing operations – (benefit) expense includes a $28.4 million benefit related to the remeasurement of the net deferred tax liability as of December 31, 2017 due to a reduction in the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% (beginning in 2018) that was signed into law in December 2017. The effect of this benefit is shown separately in the following rate reconciliation table. The reconciliation of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate with Sonic’s federal and state overall effective income tax rate from continuing operations is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate		35.00	%		35.00	%		35.00	%
Effective state income tax rate		4.58	%		2.04	%		3.26	%
Valuation allowance adjustments		(0.59	%)		0.85	%		(0.45	%)
Uncertain tax positions		0.71	%		0.17	%		(0.14	%)
Effect of change in future U.S. statutory federal income tax rate		(26.27	%)		0.00	%		0.00	%
Other		(0.51	%)		1.05	%		1.64	%
Effective income tax rate		12.92	%		39.11	%		39.31	%

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes. Significant components of Sonic’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Accruals and reserves	$	24,320		$	34,884
State net operating loss carryforwards		12,689			10,777
Fair value of interest rate swaps		-			1,406
Interest and state taxes associated with the liability for uncertain income tax positions		1,126			1,746
Other		712			774
Total deferred tax assets		38,847			49,587
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fair value of interest rate swaps		(696	)		-
Basis difference in inventories		(965	)		(1,506	)
Basis difference in property and equipment		(2,467	)		(9,335	)
Basis difference in goodwill		(73,803	)		(101,999	)
Other		(1,636	)		(3,540	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(79,567	)		(116,380	)
Valuation allowance		(7,985	)		(7,211	)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(48,705	)	$	(74,004	)

Net long-term deferred tax asset balances were approximately $2.9 million and $2.4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are recorded in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Net long-term deferred tax liability balances were approximately $51.6 million and $76.4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are recorded in deferred income taxes on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Sonic has approximately $282.0 million in gross state net operating loss carryforwards that will expire between 2018 and 2037. Management reviews these carryforward positions, the time remaining until expiration and other opportunities to realize these carryforwards in making an assessment as to whether it is more likely than not that these carryforwards will be realized. The results of future operations, regulatory framework of the taxing authorities and other related matters cannot be predicted with certainty and, therefore, differences from the assumptions used in the development of management’s judgment could occur. As of December 31, 2017, Sonic had recorded a valuation allowance amount of approximately $8.0 million related to certain state net operating loss carryforward deferred tax assets as Sonic determined that it would not be able to generate sufficient state taxable income in the related entities to realize the accumulated net operating loss carryforward balances.

At January 1, 2017, Sonic had liabilities of approximately $5.2 million recorded related to unrecognized tax benefits. Included in the liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2017, was approximately $0.8 million related to interest and penalties which Sonic has estimated may be paid as a result of its tax positions. It is Sonic’s policy to classify the expense related to interest and penalties to be paid on underpayments of income taxes within income tax expense. A summary of the changes in the liability related to Sonic’s unrecognized tax benefits is presented below.

	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Unrecognized tax benefit liability, January 1 (1)	$	4,357		$	4,755		$	5,740
New positions		653			-			-
Prior period positions:
Increases		491			939			175
Decreases		(539	)		(415	)		-
Increases from current period positions		692			615			184
Settlements		-			-			-
Lapse of statute of limitations		(781	)		(1,290	)		(1,114	)
Other		(228	)		(247	)		(230	)
Unrecognized tax benefit liability, December 31 (2)	$	4,645		$	4,357		$	4,755

(1) Excludes accrued interest and penalties of $0.8 million, $1.1 million and $1.2 million at January 1, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(2) Excludes accrued interest and penalties of $0.6 million, $0.8 million and $1.1 million at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Amount presented is net of state net operating losses of $0.1 million, $0.3 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Approximately $4.7 million and $3.3 million of the unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, would ultimately affect the income tax rate if recognized. Included in the December 31, 2017 recorded liability is approximately $0.6 million related to interest and penalties which Sonic has estimated may be paid as a result of its tax positions. Sonic does not anticipate any significant changes in its unrecognized tax benefit liability within the next 12 months.

Sonic and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions. Sonic’s 2014 through 2017 U.S. federal income tax returns remain open to examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Sonic and its subsidiaries’ state income tax returns remain open to examination by state taxing authorities for years ranging from 2013 to 2017.

The primary effect of the change in the U.S. federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% as required by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) related to the adjustment of deferred income tax balances.  In periods prior to 2018, the income tax benefit or expense related to the reversal of deferred income tax assets and liabilities was expected to be realized at a federal rate of 35%.  Because of the Act, at December 31, 2017, the reversal of deferred income tax asset and liabilities in subsequent periods is recorded assuming a federal income tax rate of 21%.  There were no significant provisional amounts considered in Sonic’s recorded income tax balances at December 31, 2017.  However, as the Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017, clarifications of the Act’s provisions may be issued in 2018 that alter Sonic’s understanding of the Act’s provisions and thus may affect recorded income tax balances.  Interpretations related to the Act’s provisions concerning depreciation, interest and compensation deductibility could impact recorded income tax balances.

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Related Parties

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Parties

8. Related Parties

Certain of Sonic’s dealerships purchase the zMAX micro-lubricant from Oil-Chem Research Corporation (“Oil-Chem”), a subsidiary of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (“SMI”), for resale to Fixed Operations customers of Sonic’s dealerships in the ordinary course of business. Sonic’s Executive Chairman, Mr. O. Bruton Smith, is also the Executive Chairman of SMI, and Mr. Smith’s son, Mr. Marcus G. Smith, a greater than 10% beneficial owner of Sonic, is the Chief Executive Officer and President of SMI. Total purchases from Oil-Chem by Sonic dealerships were approximately $1.9 million, $2.1 million and $2.1 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Sonic also engaged in other transactions with various SMI subsidiaries, consisting primarily of (1) merchandise and apparel purchases from SMISC Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a SMI Properties) for approximately $0.9 million in each of 2017, 2016 and 2015 and (2) vehicle sales to various SMI subsidiaries for approximately $0.2 million in both 2017 and 2016 and $0.1 million in 2015.

Sonic participates in various aircraft-related transactions with Sonic Financial Corporation (“SFC”). Such transactions include, but are not limited to, the use of aircraft owned by SFC for business-related travel by Sonic executives, a management agreement with SFC for storage and maintenance of aircraft leased by Sonic from unrelated third parties and the use of Sonic’s aircraft for business-related travel by certain affiliates of SFC. Sonic incurred net expenses of approximately $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.6 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, in aircraft-related transactions with these related parties.

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Capital Structure and Per Share Data

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Capital Structure and Per Share Data

9. Capital Structure and Per Share Data

Preferred Stock - Sonic has 3,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock authorized with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has designated 300,000 shares of preferred stock as Class A convertible preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), which is divided into 100,000 shares of Series I Preferred Stock, 100,000 shares of Series II Preferred Stock and 100,000 shares of Series III Preferred Stock. There were no shares of Preferred Stock issued or outstanding at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Common Stock - Sonic has two classes of common stock. Sonic has authorized 100,000,000 shares of Class A common stock at a par value of $0.01 per share. Class A common stock entitles its holder to one vote per share. Sonic has also authorized 30,000,000 shares of Class B common stock at a par value of $0.01 per share. Class B common stock entitles its holder to 10 votes per share, except in certain circumstances. Each share of Class B common stock is convertible into one share of Class A common stock either upon voluntary conversion at the option of the holder, or automatically upon the occurrence of certain events, as provided in Sonic’s charter. The two classes of common stock share equally in dividends and in the event of liquidation.

Share Repurchases - Prior to December 31, 2017, Sonic’s Board of Directors had authorized Sonic to expend up to $695.0 million to repurchase shares of its Class A common stock. As of December 31, 2017, Sonic had repurchased a total of approximately 32.3 million shares of Class A common stock at an average price per share of approximately $17.76 and had redeemed 13,801.5 shares of the Preferred Stock at an average price of $1,000 per share. As of December 31, 2017, Sonic had approximately $107.7 million remaining under the Board’s authorization.

Per Share Data - The calculation of diluted earnings per share considers the potential dilutive effect of stock options and shares under Sonic’s stock compensation plans and Class A common stock purchase warrants. 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 2017, 2016 and 2015:

	Year Ended December 31, 2017
			Income (Loss)					Income (Loss)
			From Continuing					From Discontinued						Net
			Operations					Operations						Income (Loss)
	Weighted					Per					Per						Per
	Average					Share					Share						Share
	Shares		Amount			Amount		Amount			Amount			Amount			Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		43,997	$	94,153				$	(1,170	)				$	92,983
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock				(85	)				-						(85	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		43,997	$	94,068		$	2.14	$	(1,170	)	$	(0.03	)	$	92,898		$	2.11
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		361
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		44,358	$	94,068		$	2.12	$	(1,170	)	$	(0.03	)	$	92,898		$	2.09

	Year Ended December 31, 2016
			Income (Loss)					Income (Loss)
			From Continuing					From Discontinued						Net
			Operations					Operations						Income (Loss)
	Weighted					Per					Per						Per
	Average					Share					Share						Share
	Shares		Amount			Amount		Amount			Amount			Amount			Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		45,637	$	94,516				$	(1,323	)				$	93,193
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock				(52	)				-						(52	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		45,637	$	94,464		$	2.07	$	(1,323	)	$	(0.03	)	$	93,141		$	2.04
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		311
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		45,948	$	94,464		$	2.06	$	(1,323	)	$	(0.03	)	$	93,141		$	2.03

	Year Ended December 31, 2015
			Income (Loss)					Income (Loss)
			From Continuing					From Discontinued						Net
			Operations					Operations						Income (Loss)
	Weighted					Per					Per						Per
	Average					Share					Share						Share
	Shares		Amount			Amount		Amount			Amount			Amount			Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		50,489	$	88,091				$	(1,780	)				$	86,311
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units				(36	)				-						(36	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		50,489	$	88,055		$	1.74	$	(1,780	)	$	(0.03	)	$	86,275		$	1.71
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		394
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		50,883	$	88,055		$	1.73	$	(1,780	)	$	(0.03	)	$	86,275		$	1.70

In addition to the stock options included in the tables above, options to purchase approximately 0.2 million and  0.4 million shares of Class A common stock were outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the options were not dilutive.

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Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

10. Employee Benefit Plans

Substantially all of the employees of Sonic are eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan. Contributions by Sonic to the 401(k) plan were approximately $8.0 million, $8.0 million and $7.7 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Stock Compensation Plans

Sonic currently has three active stock compensation plans: the Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”), the Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”) and the Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Formula Restricted Stock and Deferral Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2012 Formula Plan”). Collectively, these plans are referred to as the “Stock Plans.” Effective February 19, 2014, new grants of equity awards under the 2004 Plan were no longer permitted. Stock options outstanding, non-vested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units previously granted under the 2004 Plan were unaffected by this change in plan status. During the second quarter of 2012, Sonic’s stockholders voted to approve the 2012 Plan and the 2012 Formula Plan, with authorization for issuance of 2,000,000 shares of Class A common stock and 300,000 shares of Class A common stock, respectively.  During the second quarter of 2015, Sonic’s stockholders voted to increase the number of shares of Class A common stock authorized for issuance under the 2012 Plan from 2,000,000 shares to 4,000,000 shares.  During the second quarter of 2017, Sonic’s stockholders voted to increase the number of shares of Class A common stock authorized for issuance under the 2012 Formula Plan from 300,000 shares to 500,000 shares.

The Stock Plans were adopted by the Board of Directors in order to attract and retain key personnel. Under the 2012 Plan and the 2004 Plan, options to purchase shares of Class A common stock may be granted to key employees of Sonic and its subsidiaries and to officers, directors, consultants and other individuals providing services to Sonic. The options are granted at the fair market value of Sonic’s Class A common stock at the date of grant, typically vest over a period ranging from six months to three years, are exercisable upon vesting and typically expire 10 years from the date of grant. The 2012 Plan and the 2004 Plan also authorized the issuance of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units. Restricted stock award and restricted stock unit grants under the 2012 Plan and the 2004 Plan typically vest over a period ranging from one to three years, but may be longer in certain cases. The 2012 Formula Plan provides for grants of restricted stock awards or deferred restricted stock units to non-employee directors and restrictions on those shares expire on the earlier of the first anniversary of the grant date or the day before the next annual meeting of Sonic’s stockholders. Individuals holding non-vested restricted stock awards under the 2012 Plan, the 2012 Formula Plan and the 2004 Plan have voting rights and certain grants may receive dividends on non-vested shares. Individuals holding restricted stock units as of December 31, 2017 granted under the 2012 Plan and the 2004 Plan do not have voting or dividend rights. Sonic issues new shares of Class A common stock to employees and directors to satisfy its option exercise and stock grant obligations. To offset the effects of these transactions, Sonic has historically repurchased shares of its Class A common stock after considering cash flow, market conditions and other factors.

A summary of the status of the stock options related to the Stock Plans is presented below:

	Options Outstanding			Exercise Price Per Share (Low - High)				Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(In thousands, except per share data, term in years)
Balance at December 31, 2016		439		$	1.81	-	30.07	$	13.42		1.4	$	5,327
Exercised		(25	)	$	1.81	-	1.81	$	1.81
Forfeited		(186	)	$	28.04	-	30.07	$	29.14
Balance at December 31, 2017		228		$	1.81	-	1.81	$	1.81		1.3	$	3,787
Exercisable		228		$	1.81	-	1.81	$	1.81		1.3	$	3,787

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	425	$	250	$	2,511

Sonic recognizes compensation expense within selling, general and administrative expenses related to the stock options granted under the Stock Plans. No stock option compensation expense was recognized during 2017, 2016 or 2015 as all previous stock option grants were completely vested prior to December 31, 2012.

A summary of the status of non-vested restricted stock award and restricted stock unit grants related to the Stock Plans is presented below:

	Non-Vested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Balance at December 31, 2016		2,180		$	20.86
Granted		600		$	22.88
Forfeited		(131	)	$	16.59
Vested		(450	)	$	20.42
Balance at December 31, 2017		2,199		$	21.76

During 2017, approximately 560,000 restricted stock units were awarded to Sonic’s executive officers and other key associates under the 2012 Plan. These awards were made in connection with establishing the objective performance criteria for 2017 incentive compensation and vest over three years. The majority of the restricted stock units awarded to executive officers and other key associates are subject to forfeiture, in whole or in part, based upon specified measures of Sonic’s earnings per share performance for 2017, continuation of employment and compliance with any restrictive covenants contained in an agreement between Sonic and the respective executive officer or other key associate. Also in 2017, approximately 40,000 non-vested restricted stock awards were granted to Sonic’s Board of Directors pursuant to the 2012 Formula Plan and vest on the earlier of the first anniversary of the grant date or the day before the next annual meeting of Sonic’s stockholders. Sonic recognized compensation expense within selling, general and administrative expenses related to restricted stock units and restricted stock awards of approximately $11.1 million, $11.2 million and $9.8 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Tax benefits recognized related to restricted stock units and restricted stock awards compensation expense were approximately $4.2 million, $4.2 million and $3.7 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Total compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock units and restricted stock awards not yet recognized at December 31, 2017 was approximately $34.2million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 7.5 years.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

On December 7, 2009, the Compensation Committee of Sonic’s Board of Directors approved and adopted the Sonic Automotive, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) to be effective as of January 1, 2010. The SERP is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that is unfunded for federal tax purposes. The SERP included 12 active or former members of senior management at December 31, 2017. The purpose of the SERP is to attract and retain key members of management by providing a retirement benefit in addition to the benefits provided by Sonic’s tax-qualified and other nonqualified deferred compensation plans.

The following table sets forth the status of the SERP:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Obligation at January 1,	$	11,233		$	9,234
Service cost		1,711			1,590
Interest cost		448			383
Actuarial loss (gain)		429			295
Amendments/settlements/curtailments loss (gain)		-			-
Benefits paid		(265	)		(269	)
Obligation at December 31, (1)	$	13,556		$	11,233
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	10,204		$	8,557

(1) Approximately $13.3 million is included in other long-term liabilities and approximately $0.3 million is included in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Plan assets at January 1,	$	-		$	-
Actual return on plan assets		-			-
Employer contributions		265			269
Benefits paid		(265	)		(269	)
Plan assets at December 31,		-			-
Funded status recognized	$	(13,556	)	$	(11,233	)

The following table provides the cost components of the SERP:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	1,711	$	1,590
Interest cost		448		383
Net pension expense (benefit)	$	2,159	$	1,973

The weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and net periodic benefit costs consist of:

	As of December 31,
	2017			2016
Discount rate		3.50	%		4.04	%
Rate of compensation increase		3.00	%		3.00	%

The estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid for each of the next five years and the sum of the payments expected for the next five years thereafter are:

	Estimated Future Benefit Payments
Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2018	$	265
2019	$	265
2020	$	363
2021	$	363
2022	$	363
2023 - 2027	$	1,968

Multiemployer Benefit Plan

Six of Sonic’s dealership subsidiaries currently make fixed-dollar contributions to the Automotive Industries Pension Plan (the “AI Pension Plan”) pursuant to collective bargaining agreements between Sonic’s subsidiaries and the International Association of Machinists (the “IAM”) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”). The AI Pension Plan is a “multiemployer plan” as defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and Sonic’s six dealership subsidiaries are among approximately 201 employers that are obligated to make contributions to the AI Pension Plan pursuant to collective bargaining agreements with the IAM, the IBT and other unions. The risks of participating in this multiemployer pension plan are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:

• assets contributed to the multiemployer pension plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers;

• if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers; and

• if Sonic chooses to stop participating in the multiemployer pension plan, Sonic may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

Sonic’s participation in the AI Pension Plan for 2017, 2016 and 2015 is outlined in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employee Identification Number (the “EIN”). Unless otherwise noted, the most recent Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “PPA”) zone status available in the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is for the plan’s year-end at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The zone status is based on information that Sonic received from the AI Pension Plan. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded (“Critical Status”), plans in the yellow zone are less than 80% funded and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a Financial Improvement Plan (“FIP”) or a Rehabilitation Plan (“RP”) is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration dates of the collective bargaining agreements to which the plan is subject. The number of employees covered by the AI Pension Plan increased 2.6% from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 and increased 0.5% from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017, affecting the period-to-period comparability of the contributions for 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Pension Protection Act Zone Status

FIP/RP Status

Sonic Contributions

Collective Bargaining

Pension

EIN/Pension

Pending /

Year Ended December 31,

Surcharge

Agreement

Fund

Plan Number

2017

2016

Implemented

2017

2016

2015

Imposed

Expiration Date (1)

(In thousands)

AI Pension Plan

94-1133245

Red

Red

RP Implemented

$

171

$

150

$

140

Yes

Between May 21, 2018 and November 15, 2018

(1) Collective bargaining agreement expiration dates vary by union and dealership. Dates shown represent the range of the earliest and latest stated expirations for Sonic’s union employees, noting certain of Sonic’s collective bargaining agreements are expired as of December 31, 2017 and are currently under negotiation.

Sonic’s participating dealership subsidiaries were not listed in the AI Pension Plan’s Form 5500 as providing more than 5% of the total contributions for the plan years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. In June 2006, Sonic received information that the AI Pension Plan was substantially underfunded as of December 31, 2005. In July 2007, Sonic received updated information that the AI Pension Plan continued to be substantially underfunded as of December 31, 2006, with the amount of such underfunding increasing versus year end 2005. In March 2008, the Board of Trustees of the AI Pension Plan notified participants, participating employers and local unions that the AI Pension Plan’s actuary, in accordance with the requirements of the PPA, had issued a certification that the AI Pension Plan was in Critical Status effective with the plan year commencing January 1, 2008. In conjunction with the AI Pension Plan’s Critical Status, the Board of Trustees of the AI Pension Plan adopted a rehabilitation plan that implemented reductions or eliminations of certain adjustable benefits that were previously available under the AI Pension Plan (including some forms of early retirement benefits, and disability and death benefits, among other items), and also implemented a requirement on all participating employers to increase employer contributions to the AI Pension Plan for a seven-year period which commenced in 2013. As of April 2015, the AI Pension Plan’s actuary certified that the AI Pension Plan remained in Critical Status for the plan year commencing January 1, 2015. According to publicly available information, in September 2016, the AI Pension Plan made a formal application for approval of suspension of benefits with the U.S. Treasury Department, which, if approved by the U.S. Treasury Department, would have implemented a benefit reduction effective July 1, 2017 for participants in the AI Pension Plan.  The filing included an Actuarial Certification of Plan Status as of January 1, 2016 that the AI Pension Plan previously filed with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service on March 30, 2016, which reported that the AI Pension Plan was in critical and declining status as of January 1, 2016 and further notified that the AI Pension Plan is making the scheduled progress in meeting the requirements of the plan’s previously-adopted rehabilitation plan. The September 2016 filing with the U.S. Treasury Department also included an Actuarial Certification of Plan Solvency as of July 1, 2016 with the actuarial firm’s projection that the proposed suspensions of benefits are reasonably estimated to enable the AI Pension Plan to avoid insolvency assuming the proposed suspensions of benefits continue indefinitely.  In May 2017, the U.S. Treasury Department denied the application to suspend benefits but noted that it remains willing to discuss the issues presented in the September 2016 formal application for suspension of benefits. Under applicable federal law, any employer contributing to a multiemployer pension plan that completely ceases participating in the plan while the plan is underfunded is subject to payment of such employer’s assessed share of the aggregate unfunded vested benefits of the plan. In certain circumstances, an employer can be assessed withdrawal liability for a partial withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan. In addition, if the financial condition of the AI Pension Plan were to continue to deteriorate to the point that the AI Pension Plan is forced to terminate and be administered by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the “PBGC”), the participating employers could be subject to assessments by the PBGC to cover the participating employers’ assessed share of the unfunded vested benefits. If any of these adverse events were to occur in the future, it could result in a substantial withdrawal liability assessment to Sonic.

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Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

11. 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, including Sonic’s stock or public bonds.

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 consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

	Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)	$	33,747	$	31,475
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges (2)		5,968		2,772
Total assets	$	39,715	$	34,247
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (3)	$	1,286	$	6,135
Cash flow swaps not designated as hedges (4)		-		346
Deferred compensation plan (5)		18,417		14,824
Total liabilities	$	19,703	$	21,305

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

(2) As of December 31, 2017, approximately $0.9 million and $5.1 million were included in other current assets and other assets, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016, approximately $2.8 million was included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

(3) As of December 31, 2017, approximately $1.0 million and $0.3 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016, approximately $3.7 million and $2.4 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

(4) Included in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

(5) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The carrying value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis but not completely adjusted to fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017, are included in the table below. Certain components of long-lived assets held and used have been adjusted to fair value through impairment charges as discussed in Note 4, “Property and Equipment” and Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill.”

			Significant
			Unobservable		Total Gains /
			Inputs		(Losses) for the
	Balance as of		(Level 3) as of		Year Ended
	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Long-lived assets held and used (1)	$	1,146,881	$	1,146,881	$	(4,894	)
Goodwill (2)	$	525,780	$	525,780	$	(899	)
Franchise assets (2)	$	69,900	$	69,900	$	(3,600	)

(1) See Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” and Note 4, “Property and Equipment,” for discussion.

(2) See Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” and Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill,” for discussion.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, 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 were as follows:

	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	(In thousands)
7.0% Notes (1) (2)	$	-	$	-	$	211,000	$	198,871
5.0% Notes (1)	$	279,148	$	289,273	$	284,934	$	289,273
6.125% Notes (1)	$	248,750	$	250,000	$	-	$	-
Mortgage Notes (3)	$	203,031	$	199,972	$	185,979	$	176,369
Other (3)	$	3,760	$	3,947	$	4,057	$	4,280

(1) As determined by market quotations as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively (Level 1).

(2) Sonic repurchased all of the 7.0% Notes outstanding on March 27, 2017.

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

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Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Facility and Equipment Leases

For 2017, Sonic recognized approximately $2.2 million of lease exit expense, which consists of $0.6 million of interest expense and $1.6 million related to adjustments to lease exit accruals recorded in previous years for the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated sublease rentals, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord.   A summary of the activity of these operating lease accruals consists of the following:

	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	9,790
Lease exit expense (1)		2,157
Payments (2)		(3,592	)
Lease buyout/other (3)		(1,877	)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	6,478

(1) Expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in interest expense, other, net and expense of approximately $0.9 million is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In addition, expense of approximately $1.2 million is recorded in income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

(2) Amount is recorded as an offset to rent expense in selling, general and administrative expenses, with approximately $1.1 million in continuing operations and $2.5 million in income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

(3) Amount represents cash paid to settle deferred maintenance costs related to terminating and exiting leased properties.

Sonic leases facilities for the majority of its dealership operations under operating lease arrangements. These facility lease arrangements normally have 15- to 20-year terms with one or two five- to 10-year renewal options and do not contain provisions for contingent rent related to the dealership’s operations. Many of the leases are subject to the provisions of a guaranty and subordination agreement that contains financial and affirmative covenants. Sonic was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2017. Approximately 10% of these facility leases have payments that may vary based on interest rates.

Future minimum lease payments for facility leases and future receipts from subleases as required under non-cancelable operating leases for both continuing and discontinued operations based on current interest rates in effect are as follows:

	Future Minimum Lease Payments, Net		Future Receipts from Subleases
Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2018	$	86,941	$	(10,535	)
2019	$	73,080	$	(8,828	)
2020	$	47,761	$	(7,191	)
2021	$	35,636	$	(5,827	)
2022	$	26,760	$	(4,377	)
Thereafter	$	95,949	$	(10,982	)

Total lease expense for continuing operations for 2017, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $100.6 million, $94.6 million and $98.2 million, respectively. Total lease expense, net of lease exit accrual adjustments for discontinued operations for 2017, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $1.3 million, $0.9 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The total net contingent rent benefit related to a decrease in interest rates since the underlying leases commenced was approximately $1.7 million, $1.8 million and $2.0 million for continuing operations for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and was approximately $0.1 million for discontinued operations for each of 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Many of Sonic’s facility operating leases are subject to affirmative and financial covenant provisions related to a subordination and guaranty agreement executed with the landlord of many of its facility properties. The required financial covenants related to certain lease agreements are as follows:

	Covenant
	Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio		Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio		Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio		Minimum EBTDAR to Rent Ratio
Required ratio		1.05		1.20		5.75		1.50
December 31, 2017 actual		1.13		1.65		4.72		3.85

Guarantees and Indemnifications

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 and facility relocations, certain of Sonic’s subsidiaries have assigned or sublet to the buyer its 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 sublessee does not perform. These obligations are included within the future minimum lease payments, net in the table above. In the event the assignees or sublessees do not perform their obligations, Sonic remains liable for the lease payments. As of December 31, 2017, the total amount relating to this risk was approximately $47.7 million, which is the total of the future receipts from subleases in the table above under the heading “Facility and Equipment Leases.” However, there are situations in which Sonic has assigned a lease to the buyer and Sonic was not able to obtain a release from the landlord. In these situations, although Sonic is no longer the primary obligor, Sonic is contingently liable if the buyer does not perform under the lease terms.  However, in accordance with the terms of the assignment and sublease agreements, the assignees and sublessees have generally agreed to indemnify Sonic and its subsidiaries in the event of non-performance. Additionally, in connection with certain dispositions, Sonic has obtained indemnifications from the parent company or owners of these assignees and sublessees in the event of non-performance.

In accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of Sonic’s dealerships, Sonic generally agrees to indemnify the buyer from certain liabilities and costs arising subsequent to the date of sale, including environmental exposure and exposure resulting from the breach of representations or warranties made in accordance with the 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 $5.0 million at December 31, 2017. These indemnifications expire within a period of one year 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 December 31, 2017.

Sonic also guarantees the floor plan commitments of its 50%-owned joint venture, the amount of which was approximately $2.8 million at December 31, 2017.

Legal Matters

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 at December 31, 2017 was approximately $3.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively, in reserves that Sonic was holding for pending proceedings.  Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2016 was approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for such reserves.  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.

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

13. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for 2017 are as follows:

	Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Pension Plan			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(2,085	)	$	(177	)	$	(2,262	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1)		1,718			(266	)		1,452
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated        other comprehensive income (loss) (2)		2,117			-			2,117
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		3,835			(266	)		3,569
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	1,750		$	(443	)	$	1,307

(1) Net of tax expense of $1,053 related to gains on cash flow hedges and tax benefit of $163 related to the defined benefit pension plan.

(2) Net of tax expense of $1,298 related to gains on cash flow hedges.

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.”

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Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

14. Segment Information

As of December 31, 2017, Sonic had two operating segments: (1) retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles and buy and sell used vehicles, sell replacement parts, perform vehicle repair and maintenance services, and arrange finance and insurance products (the “Franchised Dealerships Segment”) and (2) stand-alone pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations that provide customers an opportunity to search, buy, service, finance and sell pre-owned vehicles (the “Pre-Owned Stores Segment”).  

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

Reportable segment revenues, segment income (loss), floor plan interest expense, depreciation and amortization, capital expenditures and assets are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Revenues:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	9,612,899		$	9,590,752		$	9,547,236
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		254,309			141,027			77,063
Total consolidated revenues	$	9,867,208		$	9,731,779		$	9,624,299
	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Segment income (loss) (1):
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	196,897		$	218,769		$	213,224
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		(21,727	)		(13,576	)		(17,257	)
Total segment income (loss)		175,170			205,193			195,967
Interest expense, other, net		(52,524	)		(50,106	)		(50,910	)
Other income (expense), net		(14,522	)		125			99
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$	108,124		$	155,212		$	145,156
(1) Segment income (loss) for each segment is defined as operating income less floor plan interest expense.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Floor plan interest expense:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	35,030	$	26,631	$	20,727
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		1,365		1,085		599
Total floor plan interest expense	$	36,395	$	27,716	$	21,326

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Depreciation and amortization:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	83,741	$	73,591	$	65,766
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		5,203		3,855		3,033
Total depreciation and amortization	$	88,944	$	77,446	$	68,799

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Capital expenditures:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	195,220	$	166,405	$	148,593
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		39,025		39,827		24,656
Total capital expenditures	$	234,245	$	206,232	$	173,249

	December 31,
	2017		2016
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	1,930,336	$	2,079,297
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		200,500		144,605
Corporate and other:
Cash and Cash Equivalents		6,352		3,108
Goodwill, Net		525,780		472,437
Other Intangible Assets, Net		74,589		80,233
Other Corporate and Other Assets		1,080,961		859,656
Total assets	$	3,818,518	$	3,639,336

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Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

15. Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following table summarizes Sonic’s results of operations as presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of income by quarter for 2017 and 2016:

	First Quarter			Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 2017
Total revenues (1)	$	2,287,822		$	2,405,746	$	2,505,701	$	2,667,939
Gross profit (1)	$	350,346		$	360,618	$	362,622	$	384,090
Net income (loss) (2)	$	(541	)	$	12,132	$	19,440	$	61,952
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic (2) (3)	$	(0.01	)	$	0.27	$	0.45	$	1.43
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted (2) (3)	$	(0.01	)	$	0.27	$	0.44	$	1.42
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Total revenues (1)	$	2,234,626		$	2,382,312	$	2,557,928	$	2,556,913
Gross profit (1)	$	345,150		$	353,305	$	359,085	$	371,734
Net income (loss) (2)	$	14,624		$	22,822	$	18,111	$	37,636
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic (2) (3)	$	0.31		$	0.50	$	0.40	$	0.84
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted (2) (3)	$	0.31		$	0.50	$	0.40	$	0.83

(1) Results are for continuing operations.

(2) Results include both continuing operations and discontinued operations.

(3) The sum of net income per common share for the quarters may not equal the full year amount due to weighted average common shares being calculated on a quarterly versus annual basis.

Operations are subject to seasonal variations. The first quarter normally contributes less operating profit than the second and third quarters, while the fourth quarter normally contributes the highest operating profit of any quarter. Parts and service demand remains more stable throughout the year.

Net income for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017 includes a tax benefit of approximately $28.4 million related to the deferred income tax impact of the change in U.S. statutory federal income tax rate from 35.0% in 2017 to 21.0% in periods thereafter, a pre-tax benefit of approximately $1.4 million related to storm damage and a pre-tax gain of approximately $1.5 million from the sale of dealership franchises, offset partially by approximately $6.1 million of pre-tax impairment charges related to franchise assets, dealership facility construction projects and other property and equipment write-offs and approximately $1.5 million of pre-tax legal and other charges.

Net income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017 includes approximately $8.5 million of pre-tax gain from the sale of dealership franchises, offset partially by pre-tax charges of approximately $3.0 million related to storm damage, pre-tax charges of approximately $1.0 million related to legal and other accrual adjustments and approximately $0.2 million of pre-tax impairment charges related to dealership facility construction projects.

Net income for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017 includes pre-tax charges of approximately $4.6 million related to storm damage, approximately $2.6 million of pre-tax impairment charges related to goodwill and certain construction project costs, approximately $1.0 million of pre-tax legal accruals and settlements and approximately $1.0 million of pre-tax lease exit charges.

Net income for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017 includes a pre-tax charge of $15.3 million related to the extinguishment of the 7.0% Notes (including double-carry interest), pre-tax charges of approximately $2.4 million related to storm damage and approximately $0.5 million of pre-tax impairment charges related to the write-off of certain construction project costs, offset partially by a $1.1 million net benefit from legal settlements.

Net income for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2016 includes a pre-tax benefit of approximately $14.8 million related to a manufacturer legal settlement and a pre-tax benefit of approximately $0.4 million related to storm damage and other accrual adjustments, offset partially by pre-tax impairment charges of approximately $1.8 million primarily related to the write-off of certain construction project costs and pre-tax charges of approximately $0.5 million related to lease exit accrual adjustments in discontinued operations.

Net income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016 includes approximately $6.1 million of pre-tax impairment charges related to dealership facility construction projects and pre-tax charges of $1.0 million related to lease exit accrual adjustments in discontinued operations, offset partially by a pre-tax benefit of approximately $2.3 million related to storm damage.

Net income for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016 includes pre-tax charges of approximately $6.0 million related to storm damage, offset partially by a pre-tax benefit of approximately $0.5 million related to lease exit accrual adjustments in discontinued operations.

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Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Organization and Business

Organization and Business - Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic” or the “Company”) is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States (as measured by total revenue). As of December 31, 2017, Sonic operated 114 new vehicle franchises in 13 states (representing 23 different brands of cars and light trucks), 18 collision repair centers and nine pre-owned stores. As a result of the way management operates the business, Sonic had two operating segments as of December 31, 2017: (1) the Franchised Dealerships Segment and (2) the Pre-Owned Stores Segment. For management and operational reporting purposes, Sonic groups certain franchises together that share management and inventory (principally used vehicles) into “stores.” As of December 31, 2017, Sonic operated 103 stores in the Franchised Dealerships Segment and nine stores in the Pre-Owned Stores Segment.

The Franchised Dealerships Segment provides comprehensive services, including (1) sales of both new and used cars and light trucks; (2) sales of replacement parts and performance of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repairs, and paint and collision repair services (collectively, “Fixed Operations”); and (3) arrangement of extended warranties, service contracts, financing, insurance and other aftermarket products (collectively, “F&I”) for its customers. The Pre-Owned Stores Segment provides the same services (excluding new vehicle sales and manufacturer warranty repairs) in stand-alone pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations and includes Sonic’s EchoPark stores. Sonic’s pre-owned stores business operates independently from its franchised dealerships business.

Principles of Consolidation

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

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements -In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 as well as several subsequent amendments to amend the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The amendments to the standard are intended to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices and improve disclosure requirements. The amendments to this standard must be applied using either of the following transition methods: (1) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients or (2) a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting the standard recognized at the date of adoption (which requires additional footnote disclosures). These amendments are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted only as of reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Sonic adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition approach applied to contracts not completed as of the date of adoption, with no restatement of comparative periods and a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized as of the date of adoption.

Under the new standard, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The principles apply a five-step model that includes: (1) identifying the contract(s) with the customer; (2) identifying the performance obligation(s) in the contract; (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligation(s) in the contract; and (5) recognizing revenue as the performance obligation(s) are satisfied. The standard also requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.

During the implementation process, management evaluated its established business processes, revenue transaction streams and accounting policies, and generally expects similar performance obligations to result under the new standard as compared with prior U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements, revenue recognition practices, accounting policies or internal controls. Management identified its material revenue streams to be (1) the sale of new vehicles; (2) the sale of used vehicles to retail customers; (3) the sale of used vehicles at wholesale auction; (4) arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts; and (5) the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services and sale of related parts and accessories. As a result of its analysis during the implementation process, management expects the amounts and timing of revenue recognition to generally remain the same, with the exception of the timing of revenue recognition related to: (1) service and collision repair orders that are incomplete as of a reporting date (“work in process”) and (2) certain retrospective finance and insurance revenue earned in periods subsequent to the completion of the initial performance obligation (“F&I retro revenue”), both of which are subject to accelerated recognition under the new standard. While management is finalizing the cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings, the expected impact on Sonic’s consolidated financial statements as a result of the changes in revenue recognition practices described above is not expected to be material. Management estimates that the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard will result in a net, after-tax cumulative effect adjustment to increase retained earnings of approximately $3.0 million as of January 1, 2018.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in this ASU require that leases are classified as either finance or operating leases, a right-of-use asset and lease liability is recognized in the statement of financial position, and repayments are classified within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 (early adoption is permitted). Sonic plans to adopt this ASU effective January 1, 2019. While management is still evaluating the impact of adopting the provisions of this ASU, management expects that upon adoption of this ASU, the presentation of certain items in Sonic’s consolidated financial position, cash flows and other disclosures will be materially impacted, primarily due to the recognition of a right-of-use asset and an associated liability and a change in the timing and classification of certain items in Sonic’s results of operations as a result of the derecognition of the lease liability.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions. For public companies, this ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016 (early adoption is permitted). Sonic adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2017. Upon adoption of this ASU, interim period and annual income tax expense is affected by stock option exercises and restricted stock and restricted stock unit vesting activity, potentially creating volatility in Sonic’s effective income tax rate from period to period. See the heading “Income Taxes” below for further discussion of the impact of the adoption of this ASU on Sonic’s effective income tax rate for 2017.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating step two from the goodwill impairment test. For public companies, this ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019 (early adoption is permitted for impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017). Sonic adopted this ASU prior to its impairment test as of October 1, 2017.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12 which amends the hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815. This ASU expands and refines hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. It also includes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of current guidance related to hedge accounting. For public companies, this ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 (early adoption is permitted). Sonic is currently in the process of evaluating the effects of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications - Prior to Sonic’s adoption of ASU 2014-08 beginning with its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014, individual dealership franchises sold, terminated or classified as held for sale were reported as discontinued operations. The results of operations of these dealership franchises sold or terminated prior to March 31, 2014 are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Dealership franchises sold on or after to March 31, 2014 have not been reclassified to discontinued operations since they did not meet the criteria in ASU 2014-08. If, in future periods, Sonic determines that a dealership franchise should be reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations, previously reported consolidated statements of income will be reclassified in order to reflect the most recent classification.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires Sonic’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, particularly related to allowance for credit loss, realization of inventory, intangible asset and deferred tax asset values, reserves for tax contingencies, legal matters, reserves for future commission revenue to be returned to the third-party provider for early termination of customer contracts (“chargebacks”), results reported as continuing and discontinued operations, insurance reserves, lease exit accruals and certain accrued expenses.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Sonic classifies cash and all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase, including short-term time deposits and government agency and corporate obligations, as cash and cash equivalents. In the event that Sonic is in a book overdraft cash position as of a reporting date, the book overdraft position is reclassified from cash and cash equivalents to trade accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and is reflected as activity in trade accounts payable and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. Sonic was in a book overdraft position in an amount of approximately $6.9 million and $8.0 million, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition - Sonic records revenue when vehicles are delivered to customers, when vehicle service work is performed and when parts are delivered. Conditions for completing a sale include having an agreement with the customer, including pricing, and the sales price must be reasonably expected to be collected. See the previous heading “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for discussion of changes to revenue recognition effective January 1, 2018 upon adoption of ASC 2014-09.

Sonic arranges financing for customers through various financial institutions and receives a commission from the financial institution either in a flat fee amount or in an amount equal to the difference between the interest rates charged to customers and the predetermined interest rates set by the financial institution. Sonic also receives commissions from the sale of various insurance contracts and non-recourse third-party extended service contracts to customers. Sonic may be assessed a chargeback fee in the event of early cancellation of a loan or insurance contract by the customer. Finance and insurance commission revenue is recorded net of estimated chargebacks at the time the related contract is placed with the financial institution.

Sonic also receives commissions from the sale of non-recourse third-party extended service contracts to customers. Under these contracts, the applicable manufacturer or third-party warranty company is directly liable for all warranties provided within the contract. Commission revenue from the sale of these third-party extended service contracts is recorded net of estimated chargebacks at the time of sale.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amounts recorded as allowances for finance, insurance and service contract commission chargeback reserves were $20.9 million and $19.2 million, respectively, and were classified as other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Floor Plan Assistance

Floor Plan Assistance - Sonic receives floor plan assistance payments from certain manufacturers. This assistance reduces the carrying value of Sonic’s new vehicle inventory and is recognized as a reduction of cost of sales at the time the vehicle is sold. Amounts recognized as a reduction of cost of sales were $45.3 million, $45.0 million and $42.1 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Contracts in Transit

Contracts in Transit - Contracts in transit represent customer finance contracts evidencing loan agreements or lease agreements between Sonic, as creditor, and the customer, as borrower, to acquire or lease a vehicle in situations where a third-party finance source has given Sonic initial, non-binding approval to assume Sonic’s position as creditor. Funding and final approval from the finance source is provided upon the finance source’s review of the loan or lease agreement and related documentation executed by the customer at the dealership. These finance contracts are typically funded within 10 days of the initial approval of the finance transaction given by the third-party finance source. The finance source is not contractually obligated to make the loan or lease to the customer until it gives its final approval and funds the transaction, and until such final approval is given, the contracts in transit represent amounts due from the customer to Sonic. Contracts in transit are included in receivables, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and totaled $267.6 million and $236.4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable - In addition to contracts in transit, Sonic’s accounts receivable primarily consists of amounts due from the manufacturers for repair services performed on vehicles with a remaining factory warranty and amounts due from third parties from the sale of parts. Sonic evaluates receivables for collectability based on the age of the receivable, the credit history of the customer and past collection experience. The allowance for doubtful accounts receivable was not significant at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Inventories

Inventories - Inventories of new vehicles, recorded net of manufacturer credits, and used vehicles, including demonstrators, are stated at the lower of specific cost or market. Inventories of parts and accessories are accounted for using the “first-in, first-out” (“FIFO”) method of inventory accounting and are stated at the lower of FIFO cost or market. Other inventories are primarily service loaner vehicles and, to a lesser extent, vehicle chassis, other supplies and capitalized customer work-in-progress (open customer vehicle repair orders). Other inventories are stated at the lower of specific cost (depreciated cost for service loaner vehicles) or market.

Sonic assesses the valuation of all its vehicle and parts inventories and maintains a reserve where the cost basis exceeds the fair market value. In making this assessment for new vehicles, used vehicles, service loaners and parts inventory, Sonic considers recent internal and external market data and the age of the vehicles to estimate the inventory’s fair market value. The risk with vehicle inventory is minimized by the fact that vehicles can be transferred within Sonic’s network of dealerships. The risk with parts inventories is minimized by the fact that excess or obsolete parts can also be transferred within Sonic’s network of dealerships or can usually be returned to the manufacturer. Recorded inventory reserves were not significant at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Sonic amortizes leasehold improvements over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease life. This lease life includes renewal options if a renewal has been determined to be reasonably assured. The range of estimated useful lives is as follows:

Leasehold and land improvements	10-30 years
Buildings	10-30 years
Parts and service equipment	7-10 years
Office equipment and fixtures	3-10 years
Company vehicles	3-5 years

Sonic reviews the carrying value of property and equipment and other long-term assets (other than goodwill and franchise assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If such an indication is present, Sonic compares the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated undiscounted cash flows related to that asset. Sonic concludes that an asset is impaired if the sum of such expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the related asset. If Sonic determines an asset is impaired, the impairment loss would be the amount by which the carrying amount of the related asset exceeds its fair value. The fair value of the asset would be determined based on the quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, Sonic determines fair value by using a discounted cash flow model. See Note 4, “Property and Equipment,” for a discussion of impairment charges.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Sonic utilizes derivative financial instruments for the purpose of hedging the risks of certain identifiable and anticipated transactions. Commonly, the types of risks being hedged are those relating to the variability of cash flows caused by fluctuations in interest rates. Sonic documents its risk management strategy and hedge effectiveness at the inception of and during the term of each hedge. As of December 31, 2017, Sonic utilized interest rate cash flow swap agreements to effectively convert a portion of its LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. In addition, Sonic has interest rate cap agreements to limit its exposure to increases in LIBOR rates above certain levels. See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” for further discussion of derivative instruments and hedging activities.

Goodwill

Goodwill - Goodwill is recognized to the extent that the purchase price of the acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, including other identifiable intangible assets. In accordance with “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” in the ASC, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that impairment might have occurred. The ASC also states that if an entity determines, based on an assessment of certain qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then a quantitative goodwill impairment test is unnecessary. For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, Sonic has two reporting units, which consist of: (1) its traditional franchised dealerships and (2) its pre-owned stores. The carrying value of Sonic’s goodwill totaled approximately $525.8 million at December 31, 2017, $465.8 million of which is related to its franchised dealerships reporting unit and $60.0 million of which is related to its pre-owned stores reporting unit. As the $60.0 million of goodwill carrying value related to the pre-owned stores reporting unit was acquired immediately preceding the testing date, Sonic evaluated impairment on a qualitative basis and determined there was no indication of impairment. For the franchised dealerships reporting unit, Sonic utilized the Market Price (“MP”) method to estimate its enterprise value as of October 1, 2017. The significant inputs in the MP method include debt value, stock price and control premium.

In evaluating goodwill for impairment, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the difference would represent the amount of required goodwill impairment. To the extent the reporting unit’s earnings decline significantly or there are changes in one or more of these inputs that would result in lower valuation results, it could cause the carrying value of the reporting unit to exceed its fair value and thus require Sonic to record goodwill impairment.

Based on the results of Sonic’s quantitative test as of October 1, 2017, its franchised dealerships reporting unit’s fair value exceeded its carrying value. As a result, Sonic was not required to record goodwill impairment for either of its reporting units. See Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill,” for further discussion of goodwill.

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets - The principal identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill acquired in an acquisition are rights under franchise or dealer agreements with manufacturers. Sonic classifies franchise and dealer agreements as indefinite lived intangible assets as it has been Sonic’s experience that renewals have occurred without substantial cost or material modifications to the underlying agreements. As such, Sonic believes that its franchise and dealer agreements will contribute to cash flows for an indefinite period, therefore the carrying amount of franchise rights is not amortized. Franchise and dealer agreements acquired on or after July 1, 2001 have been included in other intangible assets, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Prior to July 1, 2001, franchise and dealer agreements were recorded and amortized as part of goodwill and remain as part of goodwill on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Other intangible assets acquired in acquisitions include favorable lease agreements with definite lives which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term. In accordance with “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” in the ASC, Sonic evaluates other intangible assets for impairment annually (as of October 1) or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.

Sonic utilized a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to estimate the fair value of the franchise assets for each of its franchises with recorded franchise assets. The significant assumptions in Sonic’s DCF model include projected revenue, weighted average cost of capital (and estimates in the weighted average cost of capital inputs) and residual growth rates. In projecting the franchises’ revenue and growth rates, Sonic develops many assumptions which may include, but are not limited to, revenue growth, internal revenue enhancement initiatives, cost control initiatives, internal investment programs (such as training, technology and infrastructure) and inventory floor plan borrowing rates. Sonic’s expectation of revenue growth is in part driven by its estimates of new vehicle industry sales volume in future periods. Sonic believes the historic and projected industry sales volume is a good indicator of growth or contraction in the retail automotive industry.  

Based on the October 1, 2017 impairment test, Sonic determined that the fair value of the franchise assets exceeded the carrying value of the franchise assets for all but four of its franchises, resulting in a franchise asset impairment charge of $3.6 million during 2017, recorded in impairment charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. See Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill,” for further discussion of franchise and dealer agreements.

In evaluating its definite life favorable lease assets for impairment, Sonic considered whether the leased asset was being utilized by the dealership and if the dealership operating activities could recover the value of the recorded favorable lease asset. Sonic evaluated its favorable lease assets for impairment as of October 1, 2017 and determined that no impairment was required.

Insurance Reserves

Insurance Reserves - Sonic has various self-insured and high deductible casualty and other insurance programs which require the Company to make estimates in determining the ultimate liability it may incur for claims arising under these programs. These insurance reserves are estimated by management using actuarial evaluations based on historical claims experience, claims processing procedures, medical cost trends and, in certain cases, a discount factor. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Sonic had $22.0 million and $22.7 million, respectively, reserved for such programs.

Lease Exit Accruals

Lease Exit Accruals - The majority of Sonic’s dealership properties are leased under long-term operating lease arrangements. When situations arise where the leased properties are no longer utilized in operations, Sonic records accruals for the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated sublease rentals, 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 when 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, or situations in which a store is closed as a result of the associated franchise being terminated by the manufacturer or Sonic and no other operations continue on the leased property. See Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for further discussion.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes - Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes. Deferred taxes are provided at enacted tax rates for the tax effects of carryforward items and temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. As a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by various taxing authorities and, from time to time, these audits result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution may result in the Company owing additional taxes. Sonic’s management believes that the Company’s tax positions comply, in all material respects, with applicable tax law and that the Company has adequately provided for any reasonably foreseeable outcome related to these matters.

From time to time, Sonic engages in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. Sonic determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, Sonic presumes that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Sonic adjusts its estimates periodically because of ongoing examinations by and settlements with the various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and precedent. See Note 7, “Income Taxes,” for further discussion of Sonic’s uncertain tax positions.

Concentrations of Credit and Business Risk

Concentrations of Credit and Business Risk - Financial instruments that potentially subject Sonic to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash on deposit with financial institutions. At times, amounts invested with financial institutions exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited primarily to receivables from automobile manufacturers, totaling approximately $102.5 million and $92.8 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and receivables from financial institutions (which include manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and commercial banks), totaling approximately $299.6 million and $265.3 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Credit risk arising from trade receivables from commercial customers is reduced by the large number of customers comprising the trade receivables balances.

Sonic participates in a program with two of its manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and one commercial bank wherein Sonic maintains a deposit balance with the lender that earns floor plan interest rebates based on the agreed upon rate. This deposit balance is not designated as a pre-payment of notes payable - floor plan, nor is it Sonic’s intent to use this amount to offset principal amounts owed under notes payable - floor plan in the future, although Sonic has the right and ability to do so. The deposit balance of $3.0 million and $10.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, is classified in other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, because there are restrictions on Sonic’s availability to withdraw these funds under certain circumstances. Changes in this deposit balance are classified as changes in other assets in the cash flows from operating activities section of the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. The interest rebate as a result of this deposit balance is classified as a reduction in interest expense, floor plan in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In 2017, 2016 and 2015, the reduction in interest expense, floor plan was approximately $0.5 million, $0.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

Sonic is subject to a concentration of risk in the event of financial distress or other adverse events related to any of the automobile manufacturers whose franchised dealerships are included in Sonic’s brand portfolio. Sonic purchases its new vehicle inventory from various automobile manufacturers at the prevailing prices available to all franchised dealerships. In addition, Sonic finances a substantial portion of its new vehicle inventory with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies. Sonic’s results of operations could be adversely affected by the manufacturers’ inability to supply Sonic’s dealerships with an adequate supply of new vehicle inventory and related floor plan financing. Sonic also has concentrations of risk related to geographic markets in which its dealerships operate. Changes in overall economic, retail automotive or regulatory environments in one or more of these markets could adversely impact Sonic’s results of operations.

Financial Instruments and Market Risks

Financial Instruments and Market Risks - As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair values of Sonic’s financial instruments including receivables, notes receivable from finance contracts, notes payable - floor plan, trade accounts payable, borrowings under the revolving credit facilities and certain mortgage notes approximated their carrying values due either to length of maturity or existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates. See Note 11, “Fair Value Measurements,” for further discussion of the fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s fixed rate long-term debt and other financial instruments.

Sonic has variable rate notes payable - floor plan, revolving credit facilities and other variable rate notes that expose Sonic to risks caused by fluctuations in the underlying interest rates. The counterparties to Sonic’s interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements are large financial institutions. Sonic could be exposed to loss in the event of non-performance by any of these counterparties. See further discussion in Note 6, “Long-Term Debt.”  

Advertising

Advertising - Sonic expenses advertising costs in the period incurred, net of earned cooperative manufacturer credits that represent reimbursements for specific, identifiable and incremental advertising costs. Advertising expense amounted to approximately $61.6 million, $61.7 million and $61.6 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Sonic has cooperative advertising reimbursement agreements with certain automobile manufacturers it represents. These agreements require Sonic to provide the manufacturer with support for qualified, actual advertising expenditures in order to receive reimbursement under the agreements. It is uncertain whether or not Sonic would maintain the same level of advertising expenditures if these manufacturers discontinued their cooperative programs. Cooperative manufacturer credits classified as an offset to advertising expenses were approximately $26.0 million, $26.2 million and $24.2 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Segment Information

Segment Information - Sonic has determined it has two reporting segments: (1) the Franchised Dealerships Segment and (2) the Pre-Owned Stores Segment, for purposes of reporting financial condition and results of operations. The Franchised Dealerships Segment is comprised of retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles and buy and sell used vehicles, sell replacement parts, perform vehicle repair and maintenance services, and arrange finance and insurance products. The Pre-Owned Stores Segment is comprised of stand-alone pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations that provide customers an opportunity to search, buy, service, finance and sell pre-owned vehicles.

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Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Range of Estimated Useful Lives

The range of estimated useful lives is as follows:

Leasehold and land improvements	10-30 years
Buildings	10-30 years
Parts and service equipment	7-10 years
Office equipment and fixtures	3-10 years
Company vehicles	3-5 years

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Business Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Revenues and Other Activities Associated with Disposed Dealerships Classified as Discontinued Operations

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

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Income (loss) from operations	$	(741	)	$	(1,100	)	$	(1,421	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		6			(1	)		-
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges		(1,207	)		(1,020	)		(1,462	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	(1,942	)	$	(2,121	)	$	(2,883	)
Total revenues	$	-		$	-		$	-

Revenues and Other Activities Associated with Disposed Dealerships That Remain in Continuing Operations

Revenues and other activities associated with disposed dealerships that remain in continuing operations were as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Income (loss) from operations	$	(2,329	)	$	(2,154	)	$	(6,214	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		11,188			(47	)		2,748
Property and equipment impairment charges		-			(81	)		(6,584	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	8,859		$	(2,282	)	$	(10,050	)
Total revenues	$	86,111		$	127,337		$	215,629

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Inventories and Related Notes Payable - Floor Plan (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
New vehicles	$	1,017,523	$	1,088,814
Used vehicles		294,496		282,288
Service loaners		130,406		128,821
Parts, accessories and other		70,320		70,778
Net inventories	$	1,512,745	$	1,570,701

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Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Components of Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net consists of the following:

	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
Land	$	370,828		$	306,457
Building and improvements		893,768			777,766
Software and computer equipment		147,812			128,366
Parts and service equipment		105,123			93,901
Office equipment and fixtures		96,066			86,216
Company vehicles		9,723			9,107
Construction in progress		54,429			62,982
Total, at cost		1,677,749			1,464,795
Less accumulated depreciation		(527,379	)		(450,184	)
Subtotal		1,150,370			1,014,611
Less assets held for sale (1)		(3,489	)		(4,231	)
Property and equipment, net	$	1,146,881		$	1,010,380

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

Property and Equipment Impairment Charges

During 2017, 2016 and 2015, property and equipment impairment charges were recorded as noted in the following table:

Year Ended December 31,	(In thousands)
2017	$	4,894
2016	$	8,063
2015	$	12,210

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Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in Carrying Amount of Franchise Assets and Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of franchise assets and goodwill for 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

	Franchise Assets			Net Goodwill
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	74,900		$	471,493		(1)
Prior year acquisition allocations		-			944
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	74,900		$	472,437		(1)
Additions through current year acquisitions		-			60,024
Reductions from dispositions		(1,400	)		(5,737	)
Reductions from impairment		(3,600	)		(900	)
Prior year acquisition allocations		-			(44	)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	69,900		$	525,780		(2)

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

(2) Net of accumulated impairment losses of $797,625.

Definite Life Intangible Assets

Definite life intangible assets consist of the following:

	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
Favorable lease agreements	$	17,317		$	17,318
Less accumulated amortization		(12,628	)		(11,985	)
Definite life intangibles, net	$	4,689		$	5,333

Future Amortization Expense

Future amortization expense is as follows:

Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2018	$	644
2019		644
2020		614
2021		475
2022		408
Thereafter		1,904
Total	$	4,689

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Long-Term Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
2016 Revolving Credit Facility (1)	$	75,000		$	-
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 (the “7.0% Notes”) (2)		-			200,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “5.0% Notes”)		289,273			289,273
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 (the “6.125% Notes”)		250,000			-
Mortgage notes to finance companies - fixed rate, bearing interest from 3.51% to 7.03%		199,972			176,369
Mortgage notes to finance companies - variable rate, bearing interest at 1.50 to 2.90    percentage points above one-month or three-month LIBOR		219,719			227,342
Net debt discount and premium (3)		-			(1,258	)
Debt issuance costs		(13,208	)		(13,328	)
Other		3,947			4,280
Total debt	$	1,024,703		$	882,678
Less current maturities		(61,314	)		(43,003	)
Long-term debt	$	963,389		$	839,675

(1) The interest rate on the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility was 225 basis points above LIBOR at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

(2) Sonic repurchased all of the 7.0% Notes outstanding on March 27, 2017. See the heading “7.0% Notes” below for further information.

(3) Long-term debt at December 31, 2016 includes a $1.1 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes and a $0.2 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable.

Future Maturities of Long-Term Debt

Future maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

	Principal/ Net of Discount/ Premium (1)
Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2018	$	61,314
2019		25,179
2020		57,919
2021		126,532
2022		40,617
Thereafter		726,350
Total	$	1,037,911

Financial Covenants Include Required Specified Ratios

Sonic was in compliance with the covenants under the 2016 Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2017. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2016 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		5.75
December 31, 2017 actual		1.13		1.65		4.72

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

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

Notional Amount			Pay Rate		Receive Rate (1)	Maturing Date
(In millions)
$	250.0		1.887%		one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2018
$	125.0		1.900%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2018
$	50.0	(2)	2.320%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2019
$	200.0	(2)	2.313%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2019
$	100.0	(3)	1.384%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2020
$	125.0	(2)	1.158%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2019
$	150.0	(3)	1.310%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2020
$	125.0		1.020%		one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2018
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021
$	62.5	(4)	2.000%	(5)	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2021

(1) The one-month LIBOR rate was approximately1.564% at December 31, 2017.

(2) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 2, 2018.

(3) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 1, 2019.

(4) The notional amount of these interest rate caps adjusts over the term of the agreement as follows: $62.5 million from September 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, $93.75 million from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, $78.125 million from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 and $37.5 million from July 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021.

(5) Under these interest rate caps, no payment will occur unless the stated receive rate exceeds the stated pay rate. If this occurs, a net payment to Sonic from the counterparty based on the spread between the receive rate and the pay rate will be recognized as a reduction of interest expense, other, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Redemption Price, Percentage

Sonic may redeem the 6.125% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after March 15, 2022 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on March 15, 2022		103.063	%
Beginning on March 15, 2023		102.042	%
Beginning on March 15, 2024		101.021	%
Beginning on March 15, 2025 and thereafter		100.000	%

5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Redemption Price, Percentage

Sonic may redeem the 5.0% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or 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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Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Provision for Income Taxes for Continuing Operations - Benefit (Expense)

The provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense) consists of the following:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Current:
Federal	$	(34,877	)	$	(43,655	)	$	(36,241	)
State		(7,292	)		(3,766	)		(6,414	)
Total current		(42,169	)		(47,421	)		(42,655	)
Deferred		28,198			(13,275	)		(14,410	)
Total provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense)	$	(13,971	)	$	(60,696	)	$	(57,065	)

Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate with Federal and State Overall Effective Income Tax Rate from Continuing Operations

The reconciliation of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate with Sonic’s federal and state overall effective income tax rate from continuing operations is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate		35.00	%		35.00	%		35.00	%
Effective state income tax rate		4.58	%		2.04	%		3.26	%
Valuation allowance adjustments		(0.59	%)		0.85	%		(0.45	%)
Uncertain tax positions		0.71	%		0.17	%		(0.14	%)
Effect of change in future U.S. statutory federal income tax rate		(26.27	%)		0.00	%		0.00	%
Other		(0.51	%)		1.05	%		1.64	%
Effective income tax rate		12.92	%		39.11	%		39.31	%

Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Significant components of Sonic’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Accruals and reserves	$	24,320		$	34,884
State net operating loss carryforwards		12,689			10,777
Fair value of interest rate swaps		-			1,406
Interest and state taxes associated with the liability for uncertain income tax positions		1,126			1,746
Other		712			774
Total deferred tax assets		38,847			49,587
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fair value of interest rate swaps		(696	)		-
Basis difference in inventories		(965	)		(1,506	)
Basis difference in property and equipment		(2,467	)		(9,335	)
Basis difference in goodwill		(73,803	)		(101,999	)
Other		(1,636	)		(3,540	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(79,567	)		(116,380	)
Valuation allowance		(7,985	)		(7,211	)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(48,705	)	$	(74,004	)

Summary of Changes in Liability Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A summary of the changes in the liability related to Sonic’s unrecognized tax benefits is presented below.

	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Unrecognized tax benefit liability, January 1 (1)	$	4,357		$	4,755		$	5,740
New positions		653			-			-
Prior period positions:
Increases		491			939			175
Decreases		(539	)		(415	)		-
Increases from current period positions		692			615			184
Settlements		-			-			-
Lapse of statute of limitations		(781	)		(1,290	)		(1,114	)
Other		(228	)		(247	)		(230	)
Unrecognized tax benefit liability, December 31 (2)	$	4,645		$	4,357		$	4,755

(1) Excludes accrued interest and penalties of $0.8 million, $1.1 million and $1.2 million at January 1, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(2) Excludes accrued interest and penalties of $0.6 million, $0.8 million and $1.1 million at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Amount presented is net of state net operating losses of $0.1 million, $0.3 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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Capital Structure and Per Share Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

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 2017, 2016 and 2015:

	Year Ended December 31, 2017
			Income (Loss)					Income (Loss)
			From Continuing					From Discontinued						Net
			Operations					Operations						Income (Loss)
	Weighted					Per					Per						Per
	Average					Share					Share						Share
	Shares		Amount			Amount		Amount			Amount			Amount			Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		43,997	$	94,153				$	(1,170	)				$	92,983
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock				(85	)				-						(85	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		43,997	$	94,068		$	2.14	$	(1,170	)	$	(0.03	)	$	92,898		$	2.11
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		361
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		44,358	$	94,068		$	2.12	$	(1,170	)	$	(0.03	)	$	92,898		$	2.09

	Year Ended December 31, 2016
			Income (Loss)					Income (Loss)
			From Continuing					From Discontinued						Net
			Operations					Operations						Income (Loss)
	Weighted					Per					Per						Per
	Average					Share					Share						Share
	Shares		Amount			Amount		Amount			Amount			Amount			Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		45,637	$	94,516				$	(1,323	)				$	93,193
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock				(52	)				-						(52	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		45,637	$	94,464		$	2.07	$	(1,323	)	$	(0.03	)	$	93,141		$	2.04
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		311
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		45,948	$	94,464		$	2.06	$	(1,323	)	$	(0.03	)	$	93,141		$	2.03

	Year Ended December 31, 2015
			Income (Loss)					Income (Loss)
			From Continuing					From Discontinued						Net
			Operations					Operations						Income (Loss)
	Weighted					Per					Per						Per
	Average					Share					Share						Share
	Shares		Amount			Amount		Amount			Amount			Amount			Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		50,489	$	88,091				$	(1,780	)				$	86,311
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units				(36	)				-						(36	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		50,489	$	88,055		$	1.74	$	(1,780	)	$	(0.03	)	$	86,275		$	1.71
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		394
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		50,883	$	88,055		$	1.73	$	(1,780	)	$	(0.03	)	$	86,275		$	1.70

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Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Status of Stock Options Related to Stock Plans

A summary of the status of the stock options related to the Stock Plans is presented below:

	Options Outstanding			Exercise Price Per Share (Low - High)				Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(In thousands, except per share data, term in years)
Balance at December 31, 2016		439		$	1.81	-	30.07	$	13.42		1.4	$	5,327
Exercised		(25	)	$	1.81	-	1.81	$	1.81
Forfeited		(186	)	$	28.04	-	30.07	$	29.14
Balance at December 31, 2017		228		$	1.81	-	1.81	$	1.81		1.3	$	3,787
Exercisable		228		$	1.81	-	1.81	$	1.81		1.3	$	3,787

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	425	$	250	$	2,511

Status of Non-Vested Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Grants Related to Stock Plans

A summary of the status of non-vested restricted stock award and restricted stock unit grants related to the Stock Plans is presented below:

	Non-Vested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Balance at December 31, 2016		2,180		$	20.86
Granted		600		$	22.88
Forfeited		(131	)	$	16.59
Vested		(450	)	$	20.42
Balance at December 31, 2017		2,199		$	21.76

Status of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

The following table sets forth the status of the SERP:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Obligation at January 1,	$	11,233		$	9,234
Service cost		1,711			1,590
Interest cost		448			383
Actuarial loss (gain)		429			295
Amendments/settlements/curtailments loss (gain)		-			-
Benefits paid		(265	)		(269	)
Obligation at December 31, (1)	$	13,556		$	11,233
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	10,204		$	8,557

(1) Approximately $13.3 million is included in other long-term liabilities and approximately $0.3 million is included in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Plan assets at January 1,	$	-		$	-
Actual return on plan assets		-			-
Employer contributions		265			269
Benefits paid		(265	)		(269	)
Plan assets at December 31,		-			-
Funded status recognized	$	(13,556	)	$	(11,233	)

Cost Components of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

The following table provides the cost components of the SERP:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	1,711	$	1,590
Interest cost		448		383
Net pension expense (benefit)	$	2,159	$	1,973

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligation and Net Periodic Benefit Costs

The weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and net periodic benefit costs consist of:

	As of December 31,
	2017			2016
Discount rate		3.50	%		4.04	%
Rate of compensation increase		3.00	%		3.00	%

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid for each of the next five years and the sum of the payments expected for the next five years thereafter are:

	Estimated Future Benefit Payments
Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2018	$	265
2019	$	265
2020	$	363
2021	$	363
2022	$	363
2023 - 2027	$	1,968

Schedule of Multiemployer Pension Plans Affecting Period-to-Period Comparability of Contributions

The number of employees covered by the AI Pension Plan increased 2.6% from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 and increased 0.5% from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017, affecting the period-to-period comparability of the contributions for 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Pension Protection Act Zone Status

FIP/RP Status

Sonic Contributions

Collective Bargaining

Pension

EIN/Pension

Pending /

Year Ended December 31,

Surcharge

Agreement

Fund

Plan Number

2017

2016

Implemented

2017

2016

2015

Imposed

Expiration Date (1)

(In thousands)

AI Pension Plan

94-1133245

Red

Red

RP Implemented

$

171

$

150

$

140

Yes

Between May 21, 2018 and November 15, 2018

(1) Collective bargaining agreement expiration dates vary by union and dealership. Dates shown represent the range of the earliest and latest stated expirations for Sonic’s union employees, noting certain of Sonic’s collective bargaining agreements are expired as of December 31, 2017 and are currently under negotiation.

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

	Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)	$	33,747	$	31,475
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges (2)		5,968		2,772
Total assets	$	39,715	$	34,247
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (3)	$	1,286	$	6,135
Cash flow swaps not designated as hedges (4)		-		346
Deferred compensation plan (5)		18,417		14,824
Total liabilities	$	19,703	$	21,305

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

(2) As of December 31, 2017, approximately $0.9 million and $5.1 million were included in other current assets and other assets, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016, approximately $2.8 million was included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

(3) As of December 31, 2017, approximately $1.0 million and $0.3 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016, approximately $3.7 million and $2.4 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

(4) Included in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

(5) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The carrying value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis but not completely adjusted to fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017, are included in the table below. Certain components of long-lived assets held and used have been adjusted to fair value through impairment charges as discussed in Note 4, “Property and Equipment” and Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill.”

			Significant
			Unobservable		Total Gains /
			Inputs		(Losses) for the
	Balance as of		(Level 3) as of		Year Ended
	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Long-lived assets held and used (1)	$	1,146,881	$	1,146,881	$	(4,894	)
Goodwill (2)	$	525,780	$	525,780	$	(899	)
Franchise assets (2)	$	69,900	$	69,900	$	(3,600	)

(1) See Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” and Note 4, “Property and Equipment,” for discussion.

(2) See Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” and Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill,” for discussion.

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 were as follows:

	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	(In thousands)
7.0% Notes (1) (2)	$	-	$	-	$	211,000	$	198,871
5.0% Notes (1)	$	279,148	$	289,273	$	284,934	$	289,273
6.125% Notes (1)	$	248,750	$	250,000	$	-	$	-
Mortgage Notes (3)	$	203,031	$	199,972	$	185,979	$	176,369
Other (3)	$	3,760	$	3,947	$	4,057	$	4,280

(1) As determined by market quotations as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively (Level 1).

(2) Sonic repurchased all of the 7.0% Notes outstanding on March 27, 2017.

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

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Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Lease Exit Accruals

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

	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	9,790
Lease exit expense (1)		2,157
Payments (2)		(3,592	)
Lease buyout/other (3)		(1,877	)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	6,478

(1) Expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in interest expense, other, net and expense of approximately $0.9 million is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In addition, expense of approximately $1.2 million is recorded in income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

(2) Amount is recorded as an offset to rent expense in selling, general and administrative expenses, with approximately $1.1 million in continuing operations and $2.5 million in income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

(3) Amount represents cash paid to settle deferred maintenance costs related to terminating and exiting leased properties.

Future Minimum Lease Payments for both Continuing and Discontinued Operations

Future minimum lease payments for facility leases and future receipts from subleases as required under non-cancelable operating leases for both continuing and discontinued operations based on current interest rates in effect are as follows:

	Future Minimum Lease Payments, Net		Future Receipts from Subleases
Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2018	$	86,941	$	(10,535	)
2019	$	73,080	$	(8,828	)
2020	$	47,761	$	(7,191	)
2021	$	35,636	$	(5,827	)
2022	$	26,760	$	(4,377	)
Thereafter	$	95,949	$	(10,982	)

Financial Covenants Related to Amended Subordination and Guaranty Agreement

The required financial covenants related to certain lease agreements are as follows:

	Covenant
	Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio		Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio		Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio		Minimum EBTDAR to Rent Ratio
Required ratio		1.05		1.20		5.75		1.50
December 31, 2017 actual		1.13		1.65		4.72		3.85

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for 2017 are as follows:

	Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Pension Plan			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(2,085	)	$	(177	)	$	(2,262	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1)		1,718			(266	)		1,452
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated        other comprehensive income (loss) (2)		2,117			-			2,117
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		3,835			(266	)		3,569
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	1,750		$	(443	)	$	1,307

(1) Net of tax expense of $1,053 related to gains on cash flow hedges and tax benefit of $163 related to the defined benefit pension plan.

(2) Net of tax expense of $1,298 related to gains on cash flow hedges.

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Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Summary of Reportable Operating Segment

Reportable segment revenues, segment income (loss), floor plan interest expense, depreciation and amortization, capital expenditures and assets are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Revenues:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	9,612,899		$	9,590,752		$	9,547,236
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		254,309			141,027			77,063
Total consolidated revenues	$	9,867,208		$	9,731,779		$	9,624,299
	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Segment income (loss) (1):
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	196,897		$	218,769		$	213,224
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		(21,727	)		(13,576	)		(17,257	)
Total segment income (loss)		175,170			205,193			195,967
Interest expense, other, net		(52,524	)		(50,106	)		(50,910	)
Other income (expense), net		(14,522	)		125			99
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$	108,124		$	155,212		$	145,156
(1) Segment income (loss) for each segment is defined as operating income less floor plan interest expense.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Floor plan interest expense:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	35,030	$	26,631	$	20,727
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		1,365		1,085		599
Total floor plan interest expense	$	36,395	$	27,716	$	21,326

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Depreciation and amortization:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	83,741	$	73,591	$	65,766
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		5,203		3,855		3,033
Total depreciation and amortization	$	88,944	$	77,446	$	68,799

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Capital expenditures:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	195,220	$	166,405	$	148,593
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		39,025		39,827		24,656
Total capital expenditures	$	234,245	$	206,232	$	173,249

	December 31,
	2017		2016
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Franchised Dealerships Segment	$	1,930,336	$	2,079,297
Pre-Owned Stores Segment		200,500		144,605
Corporate and other:
Cash and Cash Equivalents		6,352		3,108
Goodwill, Net		525,780		472,437
Other Intangible Assets, Net		74,589		80,233
Other Corporate and Other Assets		1,080,961		859,656
Total assets	$	3,818,518	$	3,639,336

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Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Consolidated Statements of Income by Quarter

The following table summarizes Sonic’s results of operations as presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of income by quarter for 2017 and 2016:

	First Quarter			Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 2017
Total revenues (1)	$	2,287,822		$	2,405,746	$	2,505,701	$	2,667,939
Gross profit (1)	$	350,346		$	360,618	$	362,622	$	384,090
Net income (loss) (2)	$	(541	)	$	12,132	$	19,440	$	61,952
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic (2) (3)	$	(0.01	)	$	0.27	$	0.45	$	1.43
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted (2) (3)	$	(0.01	)	$	0.27	$	0.44	$	1.42
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Total revenues (1)	$	2,234,626		$	2,382,312	$	2,557,928	$	2,556,913
Gross profit (1)	$	345,150		$	353,305	$	359,085	$	371,734
Net income (loss) (2)	$	14,624		$	22,822	$	18,111	$	37,636
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic (2) (3)	$	0.31		$	0.50	$	0.40	$	0.84
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted (2) (3)	$	0.31		$	0.50	$	0.40	$	0.83

(1) Results are for continuing operations.

(2) Results include both continuing operations and discontinued operations.

(3) The sum of net income per common share for the quarters may not equal the full year amount due to weighted average common shares being calculated on a quarterly versus annual basis.

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Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Dealerships State Brand Collision Store Segment Franchise	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of new vehicle dealerships | Dealerships		114
Number of states | State		13
Number of different brands of cars and light trucks | Brand		23
Number of collision repair centers | Collision		18
Number of pre-owned stores | Store		9
Number of operating segments | Segment		2
Book overdraft position		$ 6,900,000	$ 8,000,000
Revenue allowances for commission reserves		20,900,000	19,200,000
Amount recognized for floor plan assistance		$ 45,300,000	45,000,000	$ 42,100,000
Term for funding of finance contracts		10 days
Contracts in transit included in receivables, net		$ 267,600,000	236,400,000
Number of reporting units | Franchise		2
Goodwill		$ 525,780,000	472,437,000	471,493,000
Insurance reserves		22,000,000	22,700,000
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited primarily to receivables from automobile manufacturers		102,500,000	92,800,000
Deposits		3,000,000	10,000,000
Reduction in interest expense		500,000	600,000	1,500,000
Advertising expense		61,600,000	61,700,000	61,600,000
Cooperative manufacturer credits advertising expenses		$ 26,000,000	26,200,000	24,200,000
Number of reportable Segment | Segment		2
Financial Institutions [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited primarily to receivables from financial institutions		$ 299,600,000	265,300,000
Franchise Assets [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Franchise asset impairment charge		3,600,000
Continuing Operations [Member] | Franchise Assets [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Franchise asset impairment charge		$ 3,600,000	$ 0	$ 3,300,000
Number of franchises resulted in asset impairment charge | Franchise		4
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment to increase retained earnings, net	$ 3,000,000
Dealership [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of dealership that is accounted for under the equity method		50.00%
Franchised Dealerships Segment [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of stores | Store		103
Goodwill		$ 465,800,000
Pre-Owned Stores Segment [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of stores | Store		9
Goodwill		$ 60,000,000

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Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Range of Estimated Useful Lives (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leasehold and Land Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Leasehold and Land Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	30 years
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	30 years
Parts and Service Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	7 years
Parts and Service Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Office Equipment and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Office Equipment and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Company Vehicles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Company Vehicles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	5 years

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Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Dealerships Store Franchise	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) Dealerships Business	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Dealerships Franchise
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired related to acquisition	$ 60,024
Number of businesses acquired | Franchise			0
Number of franchises disposed | Dealerships	3	0	4
Cash generated from disposition	$ 38,200		$ 8,000
Number of franchises classified as held for sale | Franchise	0
EchoPark Stores [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of stores | Store	2
Stand-Alone Pre-Owned Vehicle Store [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, consideration amount	$ 76,600
Business acquisition, deferred payment	$ 10,000
Business acquisition, deferred payment term	2 years
Business acquisition, additional variable payment term	10 years
Business combination, accrued for deferred and variable payments	$ 1,300
Stand-Alone Pre-Owned Vehicle Store [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, additional variable payment	80,000
Stand-Alone Pre-Owned Vehicle Store [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Employee Termination [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, additional variable payment	80,000
Stand-Alone Pre-Owned Vehicle Store [Member] | Pre-Owned Stores Segment [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired related to acquisition	$ 60,000
Stand-Alone Pre-Owned Vehicle Store And Related Real Estate [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, consideration amount		$ 15,900
Number of businesses acquired | Business		3

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Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Revenues and Other Activities Associated with Disposed Dealerships Classified as Discontinued Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Income (loss) from operations	$ (741)	$ (1,100)	$ (1,421)
Gain (loss) on disposal	6	(1)
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges	(1,207)	(1,020)	(1,462)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$ (1,942)	$ (2,121)	$ (2,883)

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Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Revenues and Other Activities Associated with Disposed Dealerships That Remain in Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Income (loss) from operations	$ (2,329)	$ (2,154)	$ (6,214)
Gain (loss) on disposal	11,188	(47)	2,748
Property and equipment impairment charges		(81)	(6,584)
Pre-tax income (loss)	8,859	(2,282)	(10,050)
Total revenues	$ 86,111	$ 127,337	$ 215,629

XML

Inventories and Related Notes Payable - Floor Plan - Components of Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
New vehicles	$ 1,017,523	$ 1,088,814
Used vehicles	294,496	282,288
Service loaners	130,406	128,821
Parts, accessories and other	70,320	70,778
Net inventories	$ 1,512,745	$ 1,570,701

XML

Inventories and Related Notes Payable - Floor Plan - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Average interest rate for new vehicle floor plan facilities	2.37%	1.85%	1.61%
Amount recognized for floor plan assistance	$ 45.3	$ 45.0	$ 42.1
Average interest rate for used vehicle floor plan facilities	2.61%	1.78%	1.72%

XML

Property and Equipment - Components of Property and Equipment, Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	$ 1,677,749	$ 1,464,795
Less accumulated depreciation	(527,379)	(450,184)
Subtotal	1,150,370	1,014,611
Less assets held for sale	(3,489)	(4,231)
Property and equipment, net	1,146,881	1,010,380
Land [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	370,828	306,457
Building and Improvements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	893,768	777,766
Software and Computer Equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	147,812	128,366
Office Equipment and Fixtures [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	96,066	86,216
Parts and Service Equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	105,123	93,901
Company Vehicles [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	9,723	9,107
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Total, at cost	$ 54,429	$ 62,982

XML

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Interest capitalized in conjunction with construction projects and software development	$ 2.2	$ 2.8	$ 1.9
Commitments for facility construction projects	$ 31.9

XML

Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment Impairment Charges (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Continuing Operations [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment impairment charges	$ 4,894	$ 8,063	$ 12,210

XML

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Changes in Carrying Amount of Franchise Assets and Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Goodwill, Beginning balance	$ 472,437,000	$ 471,493,000
Net Goodwill, Additions through current year acquisitions	60,024,000
Net Goodwill, Reductions from dispositions	(5,737,000)
Net Goodwill, Reductions from impairment	(900,000)	0
Net Goodwill, Prior year acquisition allocations	(44,000)	944,000
Net Goodwill, Ending balance	525,780,000	472,437,000
Franchise Assets [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Franchise Assets, Beginning balance	74,900,000	74,900,000
Franchise Assets, Reductions from dispositions	(1,400,000)
Franchise Assets, Reductions from impairment	(3,600,000)
Franchise Assets, Ending balance	$ 69,900,000	$ 74,900,000

XML

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Changes in Carrying Amount of Franchise Assets and Goodwill (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Net of accumulated impairment losses	$ 797,625	$ 796,725	$ 796,725

XML

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	$ 900,000	$ 0
Definite life Intangible asset, impairment charge	0	0	$ 0
Definite lived intangible assets, amortization expense	$ 600,000	600,000	600,000
Lease Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period	17 years
Lease Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Expiration period	2020
Lease Agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Expiration period	2027
Franchise Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite life Intangible asset, impairment charge	$ 3,600,000
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Franchise Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	900,000
Continuing Operations [Member] | Franchise Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite life Intangible asset, impairment charge	$ 3,600,000	$ 0	$ 3,300,000

XML

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Definite Life Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Less accumulated amortization	$ (12,628)	$ (11,985)
Definite life intangibles, net	4,689	5,333
Favorable Lease Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite life intangibles, gross	$ 17,317	$ 17,318

XML

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Future Amortization Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2018	$ 644
2019	644
2020	614
2021	475
2022	408
Thereafter	1,904
Definite life intangibles, net	$ 4,689	$ 5,333

XML

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net debt discount and premium	$ 0	$ (1,258,000)
Debt issuance costs	(13,208,000)	(13,328,000)
Other	3,947,000	4,280,000
Total debt	1,024,703,000	882,678,000
Less current maturities	(61,314,000)	(43,003,000)
Long-Term Debt	963,389,000	839,675,000
2016 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2016 Revolving Credit Facility	75,000,000
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Subordinated Notes		200,000,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Subordinated Notes	289,273,000	289,273,000
Total debt	289,273,000	289,273,000
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Subordinated Notes	250,000,000
Total debt	250,000,000
Mortgage Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes to finance companies - fixed rate, bearing interest from 3.51% to 7.03%	199,972,000	176,369,000
Mortgage notes to finance companies - variable rate, bearing interest at 1.50 to 2.90 percentage points above one-month or three-month LIBOR	$ 219,719,000	$ 227,342,000

XML

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 10, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	May 09, 2013	Jul. 02, 2012
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt agreement	7.00%		7.00%		7.00%
Discount associated with notes			$ 1.1
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt agreement	5.00%		5.00%	5.00%
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt agreement	6.125%	6.125%	6.125%
2016 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.25%		2.25%
Mortgage Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discount associated with notes			$ 0.2
Mortgage Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, percentage	3.51%
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, percentage	1.50%
Mortgage Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, percentage	7.03%
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, percentage	2.90%

XML

Long-Term Debt - Future Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Principal/Net ofDiscount/Premium, 2018	$ 61,314
Principal/Net ofDiscount/Premium, 2019	25,179
Principal/Net ofDiscount/Premium, 2020	57,919
Principal/Net ofDiscount/Premium, 2021	126,532
Principal/Net ofDiscount/Premium, 2022	40,617
Principal/Net ofDiscount/Premium, Thereafter	726,350
Principal/Net ofDiscount/Premium, Total	$ 1,037,911

XML

Long-Term Debt - Future Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Premium/discount amounts	$ 0	$ 1,258,000

XML

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail)						12 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 10, 2017 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016 USD ($)	May 09, 2013 USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Location $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on repurchase of debt instrument						$ 14,607,000
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio						385.00%
Incremental interest expense						$ 3,100,000	$ 5,500,000	$ 7,800,000
Net expense expected to be reclassified						100,000
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Interest Rate Swap and Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value of interest rate swap and cap positions						4,700,000
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value of interest rate swap and cap positions							3,700,000
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Swap and Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value of interest rate swap and cap positions						900,000
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Swap and Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value of interest rate swap and cap positions						5,100,000
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value of interest rate swap and cap positions							2,800,000
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Other Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Swap and Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value of interest rate swap and cap positions						1,000,000
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Other Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value of interest rate swap and cap positions							4,100,000
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Swap and Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value of interest rate swap and cap positions						$ 300,000
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value of interest rate swap and cap positions							$ 2,400,000
Mortgage Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate on note						4.22%
Number of operating locations related to mortgage financing | Location						10
Mortgage financing aggregate						$ 52,500,000
Percentage of operating locations related to mortgage financing						45.00%
Outstanding mortgage principal balance						$ 419,700,000
Notes payable due date						between 2018 and 2033
Required Ratio [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio						150.00%
2016 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date of revolving credit facility and floor plan facility			Nov. 30, 2021
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio						385.00%
2016 Credit Facility [Member] | Required Ratio [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio						150.00%
2016 Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net income and retained earnings free of restrictions						$ 148,700,000
2016 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Increased availability under borrowing facility			$ 25,000,000
Current borrowing capacity						250,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity						300,000,000
Borrowing base						247,600,000
Letters of credit outstanding amount						17,300,000
2016 Revolving Credit Facility						75,000,000
Borrowing availability amount						155,300,000
2016 Floor Plan Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Increased availability under borrowing facility			$ 215,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity						1,015,000,000
Increase in credit facility borrowing capacity						$ 1,265,000,000
2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Allocation of credit facility increase, percentage						30.00%
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount					$ 200,000,000
Stated interest rate on debt agreement					7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Notes maturity date					Jul. 15, 2022
Cash paid to extinguish of debt instrument including early redemption premium and accrued and unpaid interest	$ 213,700,000
Loss on repurchase of debt instrument	$ 14,600,000
7.0% and 6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Double-carry interest expense						$ 700,000
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount		$ 250,000,000
Stated interest rate on debt agreement		6.125%				6.125%	6.125%
Notes maturity date		Mar. 15, 2027
Notes issued at a price of principal amount		100.00%
Notes issued yield maturity, percentage		6.125%
Interest payable description						semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year.
Notes redemption price percentage of the principal amount						100.00%
Redemption Price						106.125%
Notes redemption price percentage of the par value due to change of control						101.00%
Debt instrument maximum allowed dividends per share | $ / shares						$ 0.12
Restrictive covenants under credit facilities and 6.125% notes						Specifically, the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on its Class A and Class B common stock in excess of $0.12 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on its Class A and Class B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes.
Outstanding principal amount of the 6.125% notes						25.00%
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes redemption price percentage of the principal amount						35.00%
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Indebtedness with outstanding balance under other agreements						$ 50,000,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount				$ 300,000,000
Stated interest rate on debt agreement				5.00%		5.00%	5.00%
Notes maturity date				May 15, 2023
Notes issued at a price of principal amount				100.00%
Interest payable description						semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year
Notes redemption price percentage of the principal amount						100.00%
Notes redemption price percentage of the par value due to change of control						101.00%
Debt instrument maximum allowed dividends per share | $ / shares						$ 0.10
Restrictive covenants under credit facilities and 6.125% notes						Specifically, the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and Class B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and Class 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 in the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes as of December 31, 2017.
Outstanding principal amount of the 6.125% notes						25.00%
Outstanding notes repurchased amount							$ 10,700,000
Repurchase amount paid in cash, plus accrued and unpaid interest related thereto							$ 10,600,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Indebtedness with outstanding balance under other agreements						$ 50,000,000
9.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt agreement				9.00%
Convertible senior notes due				2018

XML

Long-Term Debt - Redemption Price, Percentage (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	106.125%
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 [Member] | Beginning on March 15, 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	103.063%
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 [Member] | Beginning on March 15, 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	102.042%
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 [Member] | Beginning on March 15, 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	101.021%
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 [Member] | Beginning on March 15, 2025 and Thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	100.00%
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member] | Beginning on May 15, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	102.50%
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member] | Beginning on May 15, 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	101.667%
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member] | Beginning on May 15, 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	100.833%
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member] | Beginning on May 15, 2021 and Thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption Price	100.00%

XML

Long-Term Debt - Financial Covenants Include Required Specified Ratios (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio	113.00%
Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	165.00%
Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio	472.00%
Required Ratio [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio	105.00%
Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	120.00%
Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio	575.00%

XML

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Interest Received and Paid under Term of Cash Flow Swap (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Cash Flow Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Pay Rate	1.887%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jun. 30, 2018
Cash Flow Swap 1 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 125,000,000
Pay Rate	1.90%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2018
Cash Flow Swap 2 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 50,000,000
Pay Rate	2.32%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2019
Cash Flow Swap 3 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 200,000,000
Pay Rate	2.313%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2019
Cash Flow Swap 4 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 100,000,000
Pay Rate	1.384%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2020
Cash Flow Swap 5 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 125,000,000
Pay Rate	1.158%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2019
Cash Flow Swap 6 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 150,000,000
Pay Rate	1.31%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2020
Cash Flow Swap 7 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 125,000,000
Pay Rate	1.02%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2018
Cash Flow Swap 8 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 62,500,000
Pay Rate	2.00%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2021
Cash Flow Swap 9 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 62,500,000
Pay Rate	2.00%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2021
Cash Flow Swap 10 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 62,500,000
Pay Rate	2.00%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2021
Cash Flow Swap 11 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 62,500,000
Pay Rate	2.00%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2021

XML

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Interest Received and Paid under Term of Cash Flow Swap (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
One-month LIBOR rate	1.564%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Cash Flow Swap 2 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Swap agreement effective date	Jul. 02, 2018
Cash Flow Swap 3 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Swap agreement effective date	Jul. 02, 2018
Cash Flow Swap 5 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Swap agreement effective date	Jul. 02, 2018
Cash Flow Swap 4 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Swap agreement effective date	Jul. 01, 2019
Cash Flow Swap 6 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Swap agreement effective date	Jul. 01, 2019
Cash Flow Swap 8 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, remainder of fiscal year	$ 62,500
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, second year	93,750
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, third year	78,125
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, fourth year	37,500
Payment of interest rate	$ 0
Cash Flow Swap 9 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, remainder of fiscal year	$ 62,500
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, second year	93,750
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, third year	78,125
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, fourth year	37,500
Payment of interest rate	$ 0
Cash Flow Swap 10 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, remainder of fiscal year	$ 62,500
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, second year	93,750
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, third year	78,125
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, fourth year	37,500
Payment of interest rate	$ 0
Cash Flow Swap 11 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, remainder of fiscal year	$ 62,500
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, second year	93,750
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, third year	78,125
Derivative notional amount interest rate caps, fourth year	37,500
Payment of interest rate	$ 0

XML

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes for Continuing Operations - Benefit (Expense) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current:
Federal	$ (34,877)	$ (43,655)	$ (36,241)
State	(7,292)	(3,766)	(6,414)
Total current	(42,169)	(47,421)	(42,655)
Deferred	28,198	(13,275)	(14,410)
Total provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense)	$ (13,971)	$ (60,696)	$ (57,065)

XML

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes (benefit) expense related to remeasurement of net deferred tax liability	$ (28,400)		$ (28,400)
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate			35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Net long-term deferred tax asset	2,900		$ 2,900	$ 2,400
Net long-term deferred tax liability	51,619		51,619	76,447
Gross deferred tax assets related to state net operating loss carryforwards	282,000		282,000
Valuation allowance related to certain state net operating loss carryforward deferred tax assets	8,000		8,000
Liabilities recorded related to unrecognized tax benefits				5,200
Liabilities related to interest and penalties	600		600	800
Unrecognized tax benefit that would affect income tax rate if recognized	$ 4,700		$ 4,700	$ 3,300
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss expiration date			Net operating loss carryforwards that will expire between 2018 and 2037
Operating loss expiration, beginning year			2018
Operating loss expiration, ending year			2037
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Tax Year 2017 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax examination year			2017
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Tax Year 2013 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax examination year			2013
U.S. Federal Income Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service [Member] | Tax Year 2014 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax examination year			2014
U.S. Federal Income Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service [Member] | Tax Year 2017 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax examination year			2017
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate		21.00%

XML

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of the Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate with Federal and State Overall Effective Income Tax Rate from Continuing Operations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effective state income tax rate	4.58%	2.04%	3.26%
Valuation allowance adjustments	(0.59%)	0.85%	(0.45%)
Uncertain tax positions	0.71%	0.17%	(0.14%)
Effect of change in future U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	(26.27%)	0.00%	0.00%
Other	(0.51%)	1.05%	1.64%
Effective income tax rate	12.92%	39.11%	39.31%

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Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Accruals and reserves	$ 24,320	$ 34,884
State net operating loss carryforwards	12,689	10,777
Fair value of interest rate swaps		1,406
Interest and state taxes associated with the liability for uncertain income tax positions	1,126	1,746
Other	712	774
Total deferred tax assets	38,847	49,587
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fair value of interest rate swaps	(696)
Basis difference in inventories	(965)	(1,506)
Basis difference in property and equipment	(2,467)	(9,335)
Basis difference in goodwill	(73,803)	(101,999)
Other	(1,636)	(3,540)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(79,567)	(116,380)
Valuation allowance	(7,985)	(7,211)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$ (48,705)	$ (74,004)

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Income Taxes - Summary of Changes in Liability Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefit liability, Beginning Balance	$ 4,357	$ 4,755	$ 5,740
New positions	653
Prior period positions:
Increases	491	939	175
Decreases	(539)	(415)
Increases from current period positions	692	615	184
Lapse of statute of limitations	(781)	(1,290)	(1,114)
Other	(228)	(247)	(230)
Unrecognized tax benefit liability, Ending Balance	$ 4,645	$ 4,357	$ 4,755

XML

Income Taxes - Summary of Changes in Liability Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 0.6	$ 0.8	$ 1.1	$ 1.2
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Net operating losses	$ 0.1	$ 0.3	$ 0.6

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Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Sonic Financial Corporation [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aggregate annual rent for leased aircraft usage	$ 0.4	$ 0.5	$ 0.6
Oil Chem Research Company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase from related party	1.9	2.1	2.1
SMISC Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase from related party	0.9	0.9	0.9
Speedway Motorsports, Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Vehicle sales to related party	$ 0.2	$ 0.2	$ 0.1
Minimum [Member] | Mr. Marcus G. Smith [Member] | Sonic Financial Corporation [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	10.00%

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Capital Structure and Per Share Data - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Class Vote $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2016 $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2015 shares
Capital Structure And Per Share Data [Line Items]
Preferred stock shares authorized	3,000,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0	0
Number of classes of common stock | Class	2
Class A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Capital Structure And Per Share Data [Line Items]
Preferred stock shares authorized	300,000
Preferred Stock Par Value | $ / shares	$ 0.10
Preferred stock shares redeemed	13,801.5
Preferred stock redemption price | $ / shares	$ 1,000
Series I Preferred Stock [Member]
Capital Structure And Per Share Data [Line Items]
Class A Convertible Preferred Stock Shares Authorized	100,000
Series II Preferred Stock [Member]
Capital Structure And Per Share Data [Line Items]
Class A Convertible Preferred Stock Shares Authorized	100,000
Series III Preferred Stock [Member]
Capital Structure And Per Share Data [Line Items]
Class A Convertible Preferred Stock Shares Authorized	100,000
Common Class A [Member]
Capital Structure And Per Share Data [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, number of votes per share | Vote	1
Number of shares of class A common stock issuable against each share of class B common stock	1
Authorized amount expend on repurchase of shares | $	$ 695,000,000
Common stock class A, shares repurchased	32,290,493	30,263,196
Common stock class A, share repurchase price per share | $ / shares	$ 17.76
Remaining authorized amount | $	$ 107,700,000
Antidilutive stock options excluded in computation of diluted earnings per share		200,000	400,000
Common Class B [Member]
Capital Structure And Per Share Data [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, number of votes per share | Vote	10

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Capital Structure and Per Share Data - Dilutive Effect on Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted Average Shares, Basic									43,997	45,637	50,489
Weighted Average Shares, Stock compensation plans									361	311	394
Weighted Average Shares, Diluted									44,358	45,948	50,883
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Amount									$ 94,153	$ 94,516	$ 88,091
Participating securities income (loss) from continuing operations non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units									(85)	(52)	(36)
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Basic, Amount									94,068	94,464	88,055
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Diluted, Amount									$ 94,068	$ 94,464	$ 88,055
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Basic, Per Share Amount									$ 2.14	$ 2.07	$ 1.74
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Diluted, Per Share Amount									$ 2.12	$ 2.06	$ 1.73
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Earnings (loss), Amount									$ (1,170)	$ (1,323)	$ (1,780)
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Basic earnings (loss), Amount									(1,170)	(1,323)	(1,780)
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Diluted earnings (loss), Amount									$ (1,170)	$ (1,323)	$ (1,780)
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Basic earnings (loss), Per Share Amount									$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Diluted earnings (loss), Per Share Amount									$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)
Net Income (Loss), Amount	$ 61,952	$ 19,440	$ 12,132	$ (541)	$ 37,636	$ 18,111	$ 22,822	$ 14,624	$ 92,983	$ 93,193	$ 86,311
Participating securities net income (loss) non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units									(85)	(52)	(36)
Net Income (Loss), Basic, Amount									92,898	93,141	86,275
Net Income (Loss), Diluted, Amount									$ 92,898	$ 93,141	$ 86,275
Net Income (Loss), Basic, Per Share Amount	$ 1.43	$ 0.45	$ 0.27	$ (0.01)	$ 0.84	$ 0.40	$ 0.50	$ 0.31	$ 2.11	$ 2.04	$ 1.71
Net Income (Loss), Diluted, Per Share Amount	$ 1.42	$ 0.44	$ 0.27	$ (0.01)	$ 0.83	$ 0.40	$ 0.50	$ 0.31	$ 2.09	$ 2.03	$ 1.70

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Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017 shares	Jun. 30, 2015 shares	Jun. 30, 2012 shares	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Plans Members Employer shares	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of active stock compensation plans | Plans				3
Restricted stock shares | shares				600,000
Number of employers obligated to make contribution under multiemployer plan | Employer				201
Pension Protection				2006	2006	2006
Number of employee increase / (decrease) under multiemployer benefit percentage				0.50%	2.60%
Total contributions of multi employer Plan					5.00%	5.00%
Plans In Red Zone [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Multiemployer Benefit AI Pension Plan				Less than 65 percent
Plans In Yellow Zone [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Multiemployer Benefit AI Pension Plan				Between 65 and less than 80 percent
Plans In Green Zone [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Multiemployer Benefit AI Pension Plan				At least 80 percent
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Members of senior management | Members				12
Stock Option [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense | $				$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Tax benefits recognized related to compensation expense | $				4,200,000	4,200,000	3,700,000
Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense | $				11,100,000	11,200,000	9,800,000
Non-vested Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense not yet recognized | $				$ 34,200,000
Total compensation cost related to non-vested options expected to be recognized over weighted average period				7 years 6 months
401(k) plan [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employer contribution | $				$ 8,000,000	$ 8,000,000	$ 7,700,000
2012 Formula Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Director [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock shares | shares				40,000
2012 Formula Plan [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized | shares	500,000		300,000
2012 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock award vesting period				3 years
2012 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Executive Officer and Other Key Associates [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock shares | shares				560,000
2012 Plan [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized | shares		4,000,000	2,000,000
2004 Stock Incentive Plan and 2012 Formula Plan [Member] | Common Class A [Member] | Stock Option [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option expiration period				10 years
2004 Stock Incentive Plan and 2012 Formula Plan [Member] | Common Class A [Member] | Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock award vesting period				6 months
2004 Stock Incentive Plan and 2012 Formula Plan [Member] | Common Class A [Member] | Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock award vesting period				3 years
2004 Stock Incentive Plan and 2012 Formula Plan [Member] | Common Class A [Member] | Non-vested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock award vesting period				1 year
2004 Stock Incentive Plan and 2012 Formula Plan [Member] | Common Class A [Member] | Non-vested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock award vesting period				3 years

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Employee Benefit Plans - Status of Stock Options Related to Stock Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding Beginning Balance	439,000
Options Outstanding Exercised	(25,000)
Options Outstanding Forfeited	(186,000)
Options Outstanding Ending Balance	228,000	439,000
Options Outstanding Exercisable	228,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Beginning Balance	$ 13.42
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	1.81
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited	29.14
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Ending Balance	1.81	$ 13.42
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 1.81
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 3 months 18 days	1 year 4 months 24 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	1 year 3 months 18 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Beginning Balance	$ 3,787	$ 5,327
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	3,787
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 425	$ 250	$ 2,511
Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Per Share, Beginning Balance	$ 1.81
Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	1.81
Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited	28.04
Exercise Price Per Share, Ending Balance	1.81	$ 1.81
Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	1.81
Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Per Share, Beginning Balance	30.07
Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	1.81
Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited	30.07
Exercise Price Per Share, Ending Balance	1.81	$ 30.07
Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 1.81

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Employee Benefit Plans - Status of Non-Vested Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Grants Related to Stock Plans (Detail) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 $ / shares shares
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-vested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units, Beginning Balance | shares	2,180
Non-vested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units, Granted | shares	600
Non-vested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units, Forfeited | shares	(131)
Non-vested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units, Vested | shares	(450)
Non-vested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units, Ending Balance | shares	2,199
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 20.86
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Granted | $ / shares	22.88
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Forfeited | $ / shares	16.59
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Vested | $ / shares	20.42
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Ending Balance | $ / shares	$ 21.76

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Employee Benefit Plans - Status of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (Detail) - Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Obligation at beginning of year	$ 11,233	$ 9,234
Service cost	1,711	1,590
Interest cost	448	383
Actuarial loss (gain)	429	295
Benefits paid	(265)	(269)
Obligation at end of year	13,556	11,233
Accumulated benefit obligation	10,204	8,557
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Employer contributions	265	269
Benefits paid	(265)	(269)
Funded status recognized	$ (13,556)	$ (11,233)

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Employee Benefit Plans - Status of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	$ 61,918	$ 61,170
Other accrued liabilities	237,963	$ 236,982
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	13,300
Other accrued liabilities	$ 300

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Employee Benefit Plans - Cost Components of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (Detail) - Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,711	$ 1,590
Interest cost	448	383
Net pension expense (benefit)	$ 2,159	$ 1,973

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Employee Benefit Plans - Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligation and Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.50%	4.04%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%

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Employee Benefit Plans - Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
2018	$ 265
2019	265
2020	363
2021	363
2022	363
2023 - 2027	$ 1,968

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Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Multi-Employer Pension Plans Affecting Period-to-Period Comparability of Contributions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension Fund	AI Pension Plan
EIN/Pension Plan Number	941133245
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	Red	Red
FIP/RP Status	Implemented
Sonic Contributions	$ 171	$ 150	$ 140
Surcharge Imposed	Yes
Collective-Bargaining Agreement Expiration Date	Between May 21, 2018 and November 15, 2018

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Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value (Detail) - Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	$ 33,747	$ 31,475
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges	5,968	2,772
Total assets	39,715	34,247
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges	1,286	6,135
Cash flow swaps not designated as hedges		346
Deferred compensation plan	18,417	14,824
Total liabilities	$ 19,703	$ 21,305

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Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges	$ 5.1	$ 2.8
Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges	0.9
Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges	1.0	3.7
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges	$ 0.3	$ 2.4

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Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Non Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Gain (loss) on goodwill	$ (900,000)	$ 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Non Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-lived assets held and used	1,146,881,000
Goodwill	525,780,000
Franchise assets	69,900,000
Total Gain (loss) on long-lived assets held and used	(4,894,000)
Total Gain (loss) on goodwill	(899,000)
Total Gain (loss) on franchise assets	(3,600,000)
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Non Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-lived assets held and used	1,146,881,000
Goodwill	525,780,000
Franchise assets	$ 69,900,000

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Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value and Carrying Value of Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	$ 1,024,703	$ 882,678
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Expired [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value		211,000
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value		198,871
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	279,148	284,934
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	289,273	289,273
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	248,750
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	250,000
Mortgage Loan at Fix Interest Rate [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	203,031	185,979
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	199,972	176,369
Other [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	3,760	4,057
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	$ 3,947	$ 4,280

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Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value and Carrying Value of Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 10, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	May 09, 2013	Jul. 02, 2012
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%		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%	5.00%
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt agreement	6.125%	6.125%	6.125%

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Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Option	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Lease exit expense	$ 1.0	$ 2.2
Interest Expense		0.6
Lease exit accrued cost		$ 1.6
Operating lease term for dealership facilities, minimum		15 years
Operating lease term for dealership facilities, maximum		20 years
Operating lease number of renewal options, minimum | Option		1
Operating lease number of renewal options, maximum | Option		2
Operating lease period of renewal options, minimum		5 years
Operating lease period of renewal options, maximum		10 years
Percentage of lease facility based on capitalization rates		10.00%
Lease expense for continuing operation		$ 100.6	$ 94.6	$ 98.2
Lease expense from discontinuing operation net of lease exit accrual adjustments		1.3	0.9	1.4
Leases, net contingent rent benefit related to decrease in interest rates from continuing operation		1.7	1.8	2.0
Leases net contingent rent benefit related to decrease in interest rates from discontinuing operation		0.1	0.1	$ 0.1
Obligations under subleases, if subleases do not perform		47.7
Maximum exposure associated with general indemnifications		$ 5.0
General indemnifications expiration period		1 year
Contingent liability reserve balance after reduction		$ 2.8
Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Amount reserved for pending proceedings		3.0	0.3
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Amount reserved for pending proceedings		$ 0.2	$ 0.2
Dealership [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Joint venture ownership percentage		50.00%

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Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Lease Exit Accruals (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 9,790
Lease exit expense	2,157
Payments	(3,592)
Lease buyout/other	(1,877)
Ending balance	$ 6,478

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Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Lease Exit Accruals (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Component of lease exit expense in interest expense, other, net	$ 0.1
Component of lease exit expense in selling, general and administrative expenses	0.9
Component of lease exit expense in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships	1.2
Component of lease exit payments in selling, general and administrative expenses	1.1
Component of lease exit payments in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships	$ 2.5

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Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Lease Payments for both Continuing and Discontinued Operations (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2018	$ 86,941
2019	73,080
2020	47,761
2021	35,636
2022	26,760
Thereafter	95,949
2018	(10,535)
2019	(8,828)
2020	(7,191)
2021	(5,827)
2022	(4,377)
Thereafter	$ (10,982)

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Commitments and Contingencies - Financial Covenants Related to Amended Subordination and Guaranty Agreement (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017
Subordination Agreement And Additional Financial Covenant [Line Items]
Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio	113.00%
Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	165.00%
Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio	472.00%
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio	385.00%
Required Ratio [Member]
Subordination Agreement And Additional Financial Covenant [Line Items]
Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio	105.00%
Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	120.00%
Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio	575.00%
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio	150.00%

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 725,164	$ 729,048	$ 666,718
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,452
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	2,117
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,569	3,370	792
Ending Balance	786,760	725,164	729,048
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(2,085)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,718
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	2,117
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,835
Ending Balance	1,750	(2,085)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(177)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(266)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(266)
Ending Balance	(443)	(177)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(2,262)	(5,632)	(6,424)
Ending Balance	$ 1,307	$ (2,262)	$ (5,632)

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Equity [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax expense	$ 1,053
Tax benefit associated with change in pension actuarial loss	163
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), tax expense	$ 1,298

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Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	2

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Segment Information - Summary of Reportable Operating Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	$ 2,667,939	$ 2,505,701	$ 2,405,746	$ 2,287,822	$ 2,556,913	$ 2,557,928	$ 2,382,312	$ 2,234,626	$ 9,867,208	$ 9,731,779	$ 9,624,299
Total segment income (loss)									175,170	205,193	195,967
Interest expense, other, net									(52,524)	(50,106)	(50,910)
Other income (expense), net									(14,522)	125	99
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes									108,124	155,212	145,156
Total floor plan interest expense									36,395	27,716	21,326
Total depreciation and amortization									88,944	77,446	68,799
Total capital expenditures									234,245	206,232	173,249
Total assets	3,818,518				3,639,336				3,818,518	3,639,336
Cash and cash equivalents	6,352				3,108				6,352	3,108	3,625	$ 4,182
Goodwill, Net	525,780				472,437				525,780	472,437	471,493
Other Intangible Assets, net	74,589				80,233				74,589	80,233
Other Corporate and Other Assets	1,080,961				859,656				1,080,961	859,656
Franchised Dealerships Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues									9,612,899	9,590,752	9,547,236
Total segment income (loss)									196,897	218,769	213,224
Total floor plan interest expense									35,030	26,631	20,727
Total depreciation and amortization									83,741	73,591	65,766
Total capital expenditures									195,220	166,405	148,593
Total assets	1,930,336				2,079,297				1,930,336	2,079,297
Goodwill, Net	465,800								465,800
Pre-Owned Stores Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues									254,309	141,027	77,063
Total segment income (loss)									(21,727)	(13,576)	(17,257)
Total floor plan interest expense									1,365	1,085	599
Total depreciation and amortization									5,203	3,855	3,033
Total capital expenditures									39,025	39,827	$ 24,656
Total assets	200,500				$ 144,605				200,500	$ 144,605
Goodwill, Net	$ 60,000								$ 60,000

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Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Consolidated Statements of Income by Quarter (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 2,667,939	$ 2,505,701	$ 2,405,746	$ 2,287,822	$ 2,556,913	$ 2,557,928	$ 2,382,312	$ 2,234,626	$ 9,867,208	$ 9,731,779	$ 9,624,299
Gross profit	384,090	362,622	360,618	350,346	371,734	359,085	353,305	345,150	1,457,676	1,429,274	1,414,612
Net income (loss)	$ 61,952	$ 19,440	$ 12,132	$ (541)	$ 37,636	$ 18,111	$ 22,822	$ 14,624	$ 92,983	$ 93,193	$ 86,311
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic	$ 1.43	$ 0.45	$ 0.27	$ (0.01)	$ 0.84	$ 0.40	$ 0.50	$ 0.31	$ 2.11	$ 2.04	$ 1.71
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted	$ 1.42	$ 0.44	$ 0.27	$ (0.01)	$ 0.83	$ 0.40	$ 0.50	$ 0.31	$ 2.09	$ 2.03	$ 1.70

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Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Tax benefit related to deferred income tax impact of change in U.S. federal tax income rate	$ (28,400)								$ (28,400)
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate									35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Pre-tax benefit related to storm damage and other accrual adjustments	1,400				$ 400	$ 2,300
Pre-tax gain (loss) on disposal									$ 11,188	$ (47)	$ 2,748
Asset impairment charges	6,100	$ 200	$ 2,600	$ 500	1,800	6,100	$ 6,000		9,394	$ 8,063	$ 17,955
Pre-tax legal and other charges	1,500
Pre-tax charges against to natural damages		3,000	4,600	2,400
Pre-tax charges related to legal and other accrual adjustments		1,000
Pre-tax legal accruals and settlements			1,000
Lease exit expense			$ 1,000						2,200
Pre-tax charge related to the extinguishment of debt									$ (14,607)
Net benefit from legal settlements				1,100
Pre-tax benefit related to manufacturer legal settlement					14,800
Pre-tax benefit (charges) related to lease exit accrual adjustments in discontinued operations					$ (500)	$ (1,000)	$ 500
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes Expired [Member]
Condensed Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Pre-tax charge related to the extinguishment of debt				$ (15,300)
Stated interest rate on debt agreement				7.00%
Franchised Dealerships Segment [Member]
Condensed Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain (loss) on disposal	$ 1,500	$ 8,500
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Condensed Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate								21.00%