8-K

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH)

8-K 2020-10-29 For: 2020-10-29
View Original
Added on April 08, 2026

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

____________________________________

FORM 8-K

____________________________________

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 29, 2020

____________________________________

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

____________________________________

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

1-13395 56-2010790
(Commission<br><br>File Number) (IRS Employer<br><br>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

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

____________________________________

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

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.  ☐

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On October 29, 2020, Sonic Automotive, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended September 30, 2020 (the “Earnings Press Release”). A copy of the Earnings Press Release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and a copy of the earnings call presentation materials is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.

Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

On October 29, 2020, in the Earnings Press Release, the Company announced the approval of a quarterly cash dividend.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)    Exhibits.

Exhibit<br><br>No. Description
99.1 Press Release of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated October 29, 2020.
99.2 Earnings Call Presentation Materials.
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

The information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 attached hereto, is being furnished and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in any such filing.

SIGNATURES

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

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
October 29, 2020 By: /s/ STEPHEN K. COSS
Stephen K. Coss
Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Document

Exhibit 99.1

Sonic Automotive Reports All-Time Record Third Quarter Earnings

Record EchoPark Revenues and Unit Sales Volume As Expansion Kicks Into High Gear

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – October 29, 2020 - Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic” or the “Company”) (NYSE:SAH), one of the nation’s largest automotive retailers, today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020.

Third Quarter Highlights

•All-time record earnings per diluted share from continuing operations of $1.35 for the third quarter of 2020, an increase of 105% compared to $0.66 for the third quarter of 2019 (included in the results for the third quarter of 2020 is a pre-tax gain of $3.2 million, or $0.06 per share, related to franchise disposals)

•Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses as a percentage of gross profit were 68.3% for the third quarter of 2020, compared to 76.7% for the third quarter of 2019 (results for the third quarter of 2020 include an 80 basis point benefit related to a gain on franchise disposals)

•Total Sonic consolidated third quarter 2020 revenues of $2.5 billion and gross profit of $376.6 million

•All-time record EchoPark quarterly revenues of $385.1 million, up 23.3% from the third quarter of 2019

•All-time record EchoPark quarterly retail sales volume of 15,127 units, up 14.5% from the third quarter of 2019

•Same store Franchised Dealerships Segment operating results for the third quarter of 2020, compared to the third quarter of 2019:

◦Revenues down 5.6%, gross profit up 1.5%

◦New vehicle unit sales volume down 14.6%; new vehicle gross profit per unit up 38.4%, to $2,607

◦Retail used vehicle unit sales volume down 4.6%; retail used vehicle gross profit per unit up 3.9%, to $1,307

◦Parts, service and collision repair gross profit down 3.9%, customer pay gross profit down 0.9%; gross margin up 130 basis points, to 49.2%

◦Finance and insurance (“F&I”) gross profit down 1.4%; total Franchised Dealerships Segment F&I gross profit per retail unit of $1,810, up 10.0%

Commentary

Jeff Dyke, Sonic’s and EchoPark’s President, commented, “Our third quarter results demonstrate the strength and resilience of our business model, driving the highest third quarter profit in our Company’s history. All business lines saw sequential improvement from the second quarter, with a combination of increasing consumer demand and enhanced operating efficiency and profitability as a result of the strategic actions our team took early in the pandemic. We believe the third quarter marks an inflection point in our Company’s path to more than double its total revenues and dramatically increase profitability in the next five years. We remain committed to providing our guests with an industry-leading vehicle purchase experience, offering a variety of options across the omni-channel spectrum to suit each individual’s needs. We continue to enhance our e-commerce platform to offer our guests a fully-integrated online and on-site sales experience at both our franchised dealership websites and EchoPark.com, further supporting the long-term growth plans for our business.”

Mr. Dyke continued, “We are very pleased with our franchised dealerships’ performance during the quarter, which reflects steadily increasing automotive retail consumer demand and the extraordinary dedication of our teammates to continue to deliver exceptional results despite the challenges of the pandemic. As importantly, EchoPark achieved all-time record retail sales volume in the quarter, selling over 15,000 units at our 12 existing locations. Our guests continue to see incredible value in the inventory selection, pricing, and buying experience that EchoPark offers and we remain focused on accelerating the expansion of this brand nationally. Our recent EchoPark expansion in Greenville, South Carolina, Houston, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee, plus expected new openings by year end in Plano, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia, continue to drive toward a 140-point nationwide distribution network, expected to retail over half a million pre-owned vehicles annually by 2025.”

Heath Byrd, Sonic’s and EchoPark’s Chief Financial Officer, commented, “We have continued to increase operating efficiency at both our franchised dealerships and EchoPark stores, driving improved profitability throughout our operations. Total SG&A expenses for the third quarter were down $39.7 million, or 13.4%, year-over-year, while SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit were 68.3%, down 840 basis points from the year-ago quarter. Due to our ongoing cost-management initiatives, we are now a much leaner, more efficient organization than we were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Third Quarter 2020 Operational Summary

For the third quarter of 2020, Sonic’s consolidated total revenues were $2.5 billion, down 5.7% compared to the third quarter of 2019 and up 20.7% sequentially from the second quarter of 2020. EchoPark Segment revenues were $385.1 million for the third quarter of 2020, representing a 23.3% increase from the third quarter of 2019 and a 22.1% increase sequentially from the second quarter of 2020. Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues were $2.2 billion for the third quarter of 2020, representing a 9.5% decrease from the third quarter of 2019 and a 20.4% increase sequentially from $1.8 billion in the second quarter of 2020.

Adjusted SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit (a non-GAAP measure) for the third quarter of 2020 were 69.1%, a decrease of 760 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2019, due primarily to ongoing cost-control measures consistent with the Company’s stated goal of approximately $84.0 million in permanent SG&A expense reductions annually.

Net income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2020 was $60.0 million, or $1.35 per diluted share, compared to $29.2 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2019. Adjusted net income from continuing operations (a non-GAAP measure) for the third quarter of 2020 was $57.7 million, or $1.29 per diluted share. Comparatively, adjusted net income from continuing operations (a non-GAAP measure) for the third quarter of 2019 was $29.2 million, or $0.66 per diluted share.

Dividend

Sonic’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share payable on January 15, 2021 to all stockholders of record on December 15, 2020.

Third Quarter 2020 Earnings Conference Call

Senior management will host a conference call on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. (Eastern) to discuss the quarter’s results. To access the live broadcast of the call over the Internet, please go to ir.sonicautomotive.com. The conference call will also be available live by dialing in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call at:

Domestic: (833) 519-1243

International: (914) 800-3816

Conference ID: 2553839

A conference call replay will be available one hour following the call for 14 days and can be accessed by calling:

Domestic: (855) 859-2056

International: (404) 537-3406

Conference ID: 2553839

Investor presentation and earnings press release materials for the Company’s earnings conference call will be accessible beginning the morning of the conference call on the Company’s website at ir.sonicautomotive.com.

About Sonic Automotive

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 500 company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of the nation’s largest automotive retailers. Sonic can be reached on the web at www.sonicautomotive.com.

About EchoPark Automotive

EchoPark Automotive is a growing operating segment within the Company that specializes in pre-owned vehicle sales and provides a unique guest experience unlike traditional used car stores. More information about EchoPark Automotive can be found at www.echopark.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Included herein are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding anticipated future revenue levels, future profitability, projected SG&A expense levels, pre-owned vehicle sales projections and the opening of additional EchoPark points. There are many factors that affect management’s views about future events and trends of the Company’s business. These factors involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or trends to differ materially from management’s views, including, without limitation, economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, new and used vehicle industry sales volume, anticipated future growth in our EchoPark Segment, the success of our operational strategies, the rate and timing of overall economic expansion or contraction, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and related government-imposed restrictions on operations, and the risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and other reports and information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information, except as required under federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release and the attached financial tables contain certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined under SEC rules, such as adjusted net income from continuing operations, adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations, adjusted SG&A expenses, and adjusted SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit. As required by SEC rules, the Company has provided reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the schedules

included in this press release. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures improve the transparency of the Company’s disclosures and provide a meaningful presentation of the Company’s results.

Company Contacts

Investor Inquiries:

Heath Byrd, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (704) 566-2400

Danny Wieland, Investor Relations (704) 927-3462

ir@sonicautomotive.com

Press Inquiries:

Danielle DeVoren / Anthony Feldman

212-896-1272 / 347-487-6194

ddevoren@kcsa.com/afeldman@kcsa.com

Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Results of Operations (Unaudited)

Results of Operations - Consolidated

Three Months Ended September 30, Better / (Worse) Nine Months Ended September 30, Better / (Worse)
2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues:
New vehicles $ 1,098,302 $ 1,258,018 (12.7) % $ 2,957,794 $ 3,529,106 (16.2) %
Used vehicles 946,028 914,272 3.5 % 2,604,957 2,620,264 (0.6) %
Wholesale vehicles 56,502 51,542 9.6 % 138,221 156,351 (11.6) %
Total vehicles 2,100,832 2,223,832 (5.5) % 5,700,972 6,305,721 (9.6) %
Parts, service and collision repair 320,929 352,047 (8.8) % 914,667 1,048,789 (12.8) %
Finance, insurance and other, net 126,784 126,841 % 352,848 351,429 0.4 %
Total revenues 2,548,545 2,702,720 (5.7) % 6,968,487 7,705,939 (9.6) %
Cost of Sales:
New vehicles (1,035,624) (1,202,710) 13.9 % (2,804,314) (3,363,603) 16.6 %
Used vehicles (917,993) (877,444) (4.6) % (2,517,421) (2,509,699) (0.3) %
Wholesale vehicles (53,958) (52,648) (2.5) % (136,260) (159,437) 14.5 %
Total vehicles (2,007,575) (2,132,802) 5.9 % (5,457,995) (6,032,739) 9.5 %
Parts, service and collision repair (164,403) (183,107) 10.2 % (475,964) (546,067) 12.8 %
Total cost of sales (2,171,978) (2,315,909) 6.2 % (5,933,959) (6,578,806) 9.8 %
Gross profit 376,567 386,811 (2.6) % 1,034,528 1,127,133 (8.2) %
Selling, general and administrative expenses (257,174) (296,826) 13.4 % (769,688) (838,453) 8.2 %
Impairment charges (26) (1,124) 97.7 % (268,859) (3,076) (8,640.5) %
Depreciation and amortization (22,934) (23,665) 3.1 % (67,879) (70,120) 3.2 %
Operating income (loss) 96,433 65,196 47.9 % (71,898) 215,484 (133.4) %
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan (4,999) (11,638) 57.0 % (21,821) (37,382) 41.6 %
Interest expense, other, net (10,762) (13,013) 17.3 % (31,523) (39,494) 20.2 %
Other income (expense), net 1 (5) 120.0 % 100 90 (11.1) %
Total other income (expense) (15,760) (24,656) 36.1 % (53,244) (76,786) 30.7 %
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 80,673 40,540 99.0 % (125,142) 138,698 (190.2) %
Provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense) (20,685) (11,372) (81.9) % 16,995 (40,430) 142.0 %
Income (loss) from continuing operations 59,988 29,168 105.7 % (108,147) 98,268 (210.1) %
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes (234) (223) (4.9) % (808) (616) (31.2) %
Provision for income taxes for discontinued operations - benefit (expense) 64 65 (1.5) % 231 179 29.1 %
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (170) (158) (7.6) % (577) (437) (32.0) %
Net income (loss) $ 59,818 $ 29,010 106.2 % $ (108,724) $ 97,831 (211.1) %
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $ 1.41 $ 0.68 107.4 % $ (2.53) $ 2.28 (211.0) %
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations (0.01) 100.0 % (0.02) (0.01) (100.0) %
Earnings (loss) per common share $ 1.41 $ 0.67 110.4 % $ (2.55) $ 2.27 (212.3) %
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 42,510 43,078 1.3 % 42,687 42,995 0.7 %
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $ 1.35 $ 0.66 104.5 % $ (2.53) $ 2.26 (211.9) %
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations (0.01) (100.0) % (0.02) (0.01) (100.0) %
Earnings (loss) per common share $ 1.34 $ 0.66 103.0 % $ (2.55) $ 2.25 (213.3) %
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 44,577 44,203 (0.8) % 42,687 43,456 1.8 %
Dividends declared per common share $ 0.10 $ 0.10 % $ 0.30 $ 0.30 %

Franchised Dealerships Segment - Reported

Three Months Ended<br> September 30, Better / (Worse) Nine Months Ended <br>September 30, Better / (Worse)
2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Revenues:
New vehicles $ 1,098,302 $ 1,258,018 (12.7) % $ 2,957,794 $ 3,529,106 (16.2) %
Used vehicles 615,565 648,006 (5.0) % 1,718,151 1,889,045 (9.0) %
Wholesale vehicles 48,526 44,517 9.0 % 119,474 140,770 (15.1) %
Total vehicles 1,762,393 1,950,541 (9.6) % 4,795,419 5,558,921 (13.7) %
Parts, service and collision repair 310,035 343,820 (9.8) % 886,534 1,027,382 (13.7) %
Finance, insurance and other, net 91,035 96,142 (5.3) % 254,465 266,171 (4.4) %
Total revenues 2,163,463 2,390,503 (9.5) % 5,936,418 6,852,474 (13.4) %
Gross Profit:
New vehicles 62,678 55,308 13.3 % 153,480 165,503 (7.3) %
Used vehicles 34,385 37,623 (8.6) % 97,114 111,815 (13.1) %
Wholesale vehicles 2,556 (971) 363.2 % 2,116 (2,845) 174.4 %
Total vehicles 99,619 91,960 8.3 % 252,710 274,473 (7.9) %
Parts, service and collision repair 156,711 169,158 (7.4) % 439,272 503,311 (12.7) %
Finance, insurance and other, net 91,035 96,142 (5.3) % 254,465 266,171 (4.4) %
Total gross profit 347,365 357,260 (2.8) % 946,447 1,043,955 (9.3) %
Selling, general and administrative expenses (231,882) (274,585) 15.6 % (697,796) (773,915) 9.8 %
Impairment charges (26) (100.0) % (268,859) (26) NM
Depreciation and amortization (20,170) (20,967) 3.8 % (59,654) (62,348) 4.3 %
Operating income (loss) 95,287 61,708 54.4 % (79,862) 207,666 (138.5) %
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan (4,234) (10,679) 60.4 % (19,517) (34,781) 43.9 %
Interest expense, other, net (10,615) (12,607) 15.8 % (30,771) (38,214) 19.5 %
Other income (expense), net (4) (5) 20.0 % 96 29 231.0 %
Total other income (expense) (14,853) (23,291) 36.2 % (50,192) (72,966) 31.2 %
Income (loss) before taxes 80,434 38,417 109.4 % (130,054) 134,700 (196.6) %
Add: impairment charges 26 NM 268,859 26 NM
Segment income (loss) $ 80,460 $ 38,417 109.4 % $ 138,805 $ 134,727 3.0 %
Unit Sales Volume:
New vehicles 24,100 30,147 (20.1) % 65,715 83,540 (21.3) %
Used vehicles 26,363 29,247 (9.9) % 76,374 85,530 (10.7) %
Wholesale vehicles 6,679 7,123 (6.2) % 18,416 22,231 (17.2) %
Retail new & used vehicles 50,463 59,394 (15.0) % 142,089 169,070 (16.0) %
Used:New Ratio 1.09 0.97 12.8 % 1.16 1.02 13.5 %
Gross Profit Per Unit:
New vehicles $ 2,601 $ 1,835 41.7 % $ 2,336 $ 1,981 17.9 %
Used vehicles $ 1,304 $ 1,286 1.4 % $ 1,272 $ 1,307 (2.7) %
Finance, insurance and other, net $ 1,810 $ 1,645 10.0 % $ 1,802 $ 1,590 13.3 %

NM = Not Meaningful

Franchised Dealerships Segment - Same Store

Three Months Ended<br> September 30, Better / (Worse) Nine Months Ended <br>September 30, Better / (Worse)
2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Revenues:
New vehicles $ 1,092,360 $ 1,194,486 (8.5) % $ 2,937,057 $ 3,329,926 (11.8) %
Used vehicles 613,097 620,278 (1.2) % 1,706,949 1,795,833 (4.9) %
Wholesale vehicles 48,326 42,880 12.7 % 118,744 134,038 (11.4) %
Total vehicles 1,753,783 1,857,644 (5.6) % 4,762,750 5,259,797 (9.4) %
Parts, service and collision repair 308,385 331,247 (6.9) % 878,191 981,967 (10.6) %
Finance, insurance and other, net 85,971 87,185 (1.4) % 238,328 241,483 (1.3) %
Total revenues $ 2,148,139 $ 2,276,076 (5.6) % $ 5,879,269 $ 6,483,247 (9.3) %
Gross Profit:
New vehicles $ 62,237 $ 52,657 18.2 % $ 151,250 $ 157,799 (4.2) %
Used vehicles 34,261 34,592 (1.0) % 93,234 101,886 (8.5) %
Wholesale vehicles 2,676 (786) 440.5 % 2,331 (2,150) 208.4 %
Total vehicles 99,174 86,463 14.7 % 246,815 257,535 (4.2) %
Parts, service and collision repair 156,446 162,779 (3.9) % 435,484 479,904 (9.3) %
Finance, insurance and other, net 85,971 87,185 (1.4) % 238,328 241,483 (1.3) %
Total gross profit $ 341,591 $ 336,427 1.5 % $ 920,627 $ 978,922 (6.0) %
Unit Sales Volume:
New vehicles 23,875 27,971 (14.6) % 64,955 76,653 (15.3) %
Used vehicles 26,216 27,490 (4.6) % 75,678 79,571 (4.9) %
Wholesale vehicles 6,638 6,545 1.4 % 18,271 20,274 (9.9) %
Retail new & used vehicles 50,091 55,461 (9.7) % 140,633 156,224 (10.0) %
Used:New Ratio 1.10 0.98 11.7 % 1.17 1.04 12.2 %
Gross Profit Per Unit:
New vehicles $ 2,607 $ 1,883 38.4 % $ 2,329 $ 2,059 13.1 %
Used vehicles $ 1,307 $ 1,258 3.9 % $ 1,232 $ 1,280 (3.8) %
Finance, insurance and other, net $ 1,722 $ 1,600 7.6 % $ 1,706 $ 1,563 9.1 %

EchoPark Segment - Reported

Three Months Ended<br> September 30, Better / (Worse) Nine Months Ended <br>September 30, Better / (Worse)
2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Revenues:
Used vehicles $ 330,463 $ 266,266 24.1 % $ 886,806 $ 731,219 21.3 %
Wholesale vehicles 7,976 7,025 13.5 % 18,747 15,581 20.3 %
Total vehicles 338,439 273,291 23.8 % 905,553 746,800 21.3 %
Parts, service and collision repair 10,894 8,227 32.4 % 28,133 21,407 31.4 %
Finance, insurance and other, net 35,749 30,699 16.5 % 98,383 85,258 15.4 %
Total revenues 385,082 312,217 23.3 % 1,032,069 853,465 20.9 %
Gross Profit:
Used vehicles (6,350) (795) (698.7) % (9,578) (1,250) (666.2) %
Wholesale vehicles (12) (135) 91.1 % (155) (241) 35.7 %
Total vehicles (6,362) (930) 584.1 % (9,733) (1,491) 552.8 %
Parts, service and collision repair (185) (218) 15.1 % (569) (589) 3.4 %
Finance, insurance and other, net 35,749 30,699 16.5 % 98,383 85,258 15.4 %
Total gross profit 29,202 29,551 (1.2) % 88,081 83,178 5.9 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses (25,292) (22,241) (13.7) % (71,892) (64,538) (11.4) %
Impairment charges (1,124) 100.0 % (3,050) 100.0 %
Depreciation and amortization (2,764) (2,698) (2.4) % (8,225) (7,772) (5.8) %
Operating income (loss) 1,146 3,488 (67.1) % 7,964 7,818 1.9 %
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan (765) (959) 20.2 % (2,304) (2,601) 11.4 %
Interest expense, other, net (147) (406) 63.8 % (752) (1,280) 41.3 %
Other income (expense), net 5 100.0 % 4 61 (93.4) %
Total other income (expense) (907) (1,365) 33.6 % (3,052) (3,820) 20.1 %
Income (loss) before taxes 239 2,123 (88.7) % 4,912 3,998 22.9 %
Add: impairment charges (1,124) NM (3,050) NM
Segment income (loss) $ 239 $ 3,247 (92.6) % $ 4,912 $ 7,047 (30.3) %
Unit Sales Volume:
Used vehicles 15,127 13,206 14.5 % 42,320 36,844 14.9 %
Wholesale vehicles 1,955 1,838 6.4 % 5,174 4,023 28.6 %
Gross Profit Per Unit:
Total used vehicle and F&I $ 1,943 $ 2,264 (14.2) % $ 2,098 $ 2,280 (8.0) %

NM = Not Meaningful

EchoPark Segment - Same Store

Three Months Ended<br> September 30, Better / (Worse) Nine Months Ended <br>September 30, Better / (Worse)
2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Revenues:
Used vehicles $ 281,959 $ 266,266 5.9 % $ 790,302 $ 731,219 8.1 %
Wholesale vehicles 7,195 7,025 2.4 % 17,418 15,581 11.8 %
Total vehicles 289,154 273,291 5.8 % 807,720 746,800 8.2 %
Parts, service and collision repair 9,673 8,227 17.6 % 25,524 21,407 19.2 %
Finance, insurance and other, net 30,523 30,588 (0.2) % 87,796 84,840 3.5 %
Total revenues $ 329,350 $ 312,106 5.5 % $ 921,040 $ 853,047 8.0 %
Gross Profit:
Used vehicles $ (7,365) $ (2,501) (194.5) % $ (13,197) $ (5,222) (152.7) %
Wholesale vehicles (17) (135) 87.4 % (156) (240) 35.0 %
Total vehicles (7,382) (2,636) 180.0 % (13,353) (5,462) 144.5 %
Parts, service and collision repair (95) (218) 56.4 % (395) (568) 30.5 %
Finance, insurance and other, net 30,523 30,588 (0.2) % 87,796 84,840 3.5 %
Total gross profit $ 23,046 $ 27,734 (16.9) % $ 74,048 $ 78,810 (6.0) %
Unit Sales Volume:
Used vehicles 12,869 13,206 (2.6) % 37,652 36,844 2.2 %
Wholesale vehicles 1,720 1,838 (6.4) % 4,715 4,023 17.2 %
Gross Profit Per Unit:
Total used vehicle and F&I $ 1,800 $ 2,127 (15.4) % $ 1,981 $ 2,161 (8.3) %

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

Three Months Ended September 30, Better / (Worse)
2020 2019 Change % Change
(In thousands)
Reported:
Compensation $ 169,097 $ 184,089 $ 14,992 8.1 %
Advertising 9,455 15,856 6,401 40.4 %
Rent 13,846 12,721 (1,125) (8.8) %
Other 64,776 84,160 19,384 23.0 %
Total SG&A expenses $ 257,174 $ 296,826 $ 39,652 13.4 %
Items of interest:
Gain (loss) on franchise disposals $ 3,150 $
Total SG&A adjustments $ 3,150 $
Adjusted:
Total adjusted SG&A expenses $ 260,324 $ 296,826 $ 36,502 12.3 %
Reported:
SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit:
Compensation 44.9 % 47.6 % 270 bps
Advertising 2.5 % 4.1 % 160 bps
Rent 3.7 % 3.3 % (40) bps
Other 17.2 % 21.7 % 450 bps
Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit 68.3 % 76.7 % 840 bps
Items of interest:
Gain (loss) on franchise disposals 0.8 % %
Total effect of adjustments 0.8 % %
Adjusted:
Total adjusted SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit 69.1 % 76.7 % 760 bps

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

Nine Months Ended September 30, Better / (Worse)
2020 2019 Change % Change
(In thousands)
Reported:
Compensation $ 483,784 $ 549,470 $ 65,686 12.0 %
Advertising 31,677 46,308 14,631 31.6 %
Rent 40,934 41,308 374 0.9 %
Other 213,293 201,367 (11,926) (5.9) %
Total SG&A expenses $ 769,688 $ 838,453 $ 68,765 8.2 %
Items of interest:
Gain (loss) on franchise disposals $ 3,150 $ 46,680
Executive transition costs (6,264)
Total SG&A adjustments $ 3,150 $ 40,416
Adjusted:
Total adjusted SG&A expenses $ 772,838 $ 878,869 $ 106,031 12.1 %
Reported:
SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit:
Compensation 46.8 % 48.7 % 190 bps
Advertising 3.1 % 4.1 % 100 bps
Rent 4.0 % 3.7 % (30) bps
Other 20.5 % 17.9 % (260) bps
Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit 74.4 % 74.4 % bps
Items of interest:
Gain (loss) on franchise disposals 0.3 % 4.2 %
Executive transition costs % (0.6) %
Total effect of adjustments 0.3 % 3.6 %
Adjusted:
Total adjusted SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit 74.7 % 78.0 % 330 bps

Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations - Non-GAAP Reconciliation

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Weighted-<br>Average<br>Shares Amount Per<br>Share<br>Amount Weighted-<br>Average<br>Shares Amount Per<br>Share<br>Amount
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares from continuing operations 44,577 $ 59,988 $ 1.35 44,203 $ 29,168 $ 0.66
Pre-tax items of interest:
(Gain) loss on franchise disposals $ (3,150) $
Total pre-tax items of interest $ (3,150) $
Tax effect of above items $ 827 $
Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) and shares from continuing operations 44,577 $ 57,665 $ 1.29 44,203 $ 29,168 $ 0.66
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Weighted-<br>Average<br>Shares Amount Per<br>Share<br>Amount Weighted-<br>Average<br>Shares Amount Per<br>Share<br>Amount
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares from continuing operations (1) 42,687 $ (108,147) $ (2.53) 43,456 $ 98,268 $ 2.26
Pre-tax items of interest:
(Gain) loss on franchise disposals $ (3,150) $ (46,680)
Executive transition costs 6,264
Impairment charges 268,000 1,926
Total pre-tax items of interest $ 264,850 $ (38,490)
Tax effect of above items $ (53,643) $ 12,902
Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) and shares from continuing operations 43,864 $ 103,060 $ 2.35 43,456 $ 72,680 $ 1.67

(1) Basic Weighted-Average Shares Used For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Due To Net Loss On GAAP Basis

sah2020q3exhibit992

Exhibit 99.2 Sonic Automotive – Investor Presentation October 2020 Updated October 29, 2020


Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events, are not historical facts and are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. These statements can generally be identified by lead-in words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee” and other similar words or phrases. Statements that describe our Company’s objectives, plans or goals are also forward-looking statements. Examples of such forward-looking information we may be discussing in this presentation include, without limitation, the effects of COVID-19 on operations, anticipated future new vehicle unit sales volume, anticipated future used vehicle unit sales volume, anticipated future parts, service and collision repair (“Fixed Operations”) gross profit, anticipated expense reductions, long-term annual revenue targets, anticipated future growth and profitability in our EchoPark Segment, anticipated openings of new EchoPark stores, anticipated future performance and growth of our Franchised Dealerships Segment, anticipated liquidity positions, anticipated industry new vehicle sales volume, the implementation of growth and operating strategies, including acquisitions of dealerships and properties, the return of capital to stockholders, anticipated future success and impacts from the implementation of our strategic initiatives, and earnings per share expectations. You are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, involve risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, new and used vehicle industry sales volume, the success of our operational strategies, the rate and timing of overall economic expansion or contraction, and the risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and other reports and information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These forward-looking statements, risks, uncertainties and additional factors speak only as of the date of this presentation. We undertake no obligation to update any such statements, except as required under federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC. 2


Company Overview 3


Sonic Automotive: Who We Are QUICK FACTS 97 14 Our Core Franchised Dealerships Dealerships Collision Centers Segment is a Full-Service Automotive Retailer, Selling New and Used Vehicles, Arranging F&I Product Sales, and Providing (NYSE: SAH) Parts, Service and Collision 20+ 12 Repair a Fortune 500 Automotive Brands States Company and One of the Nation’s Largest Automotive $10.5B $1.5B Retailers Revenue Gross Profit Our High Growth EchoPark Segment Offers a Unique Approach to Pre-Owned Vehicle and F&I Sales 114K 162K Below-Market Pricing with a No New Vehicles Sold Used Vehicles Sold Haggle Purchase Experience Drives Industry-Leading Used Vehicle Volume Throughput Note: Revenue, Gross Profit, New & Used Vehicles Sold are for FY 2019 4


Investment Highlights Multiple Growth And Profit Drivers For Franchised Segment Broad Revenue Unique, High Stream Return EchoPark Diversification Business Model Expect To More Than Double Total Revenue By 2025 Complementary Focused On Expense Relationship – Sonic Control And Franchised And Strengthening The EchoPark Balance Sheet Disciplined Capital Allocation To Accelerate EchoPark Growth 5


Revenue Composition BY GEOGRAPHY Geographic Footprint, Revenue Streams and Brand Mix Offer Attractive Diversification Across the Automotive Retail Space SC 2% NV 2% Other * 3% MD 2% VA 2% GA 3% NC 4% CA 28% AL 5% Concentration in Major Metro FL 6% Markets TN 7% CO 9% TX 27% Note: Percentages are Percent of Total Revenue for FY 2019 * Consists of Disposed Stores and Holding Companies 6


Revenue Composition – Diversified Revenue Streams Brand Distribution Business Line Mix % of % of New Vehicle Brand Revenue Franchise Brand Revenue Used Vehicle (Including Wholesale) BMW 23% Mercedes 11% Parts, Service & Collision Repair ("Fixed Operations") Audi 6% Finance & Insurance ("F&I") Lexus 4% Luxury 57% Land Rover 3% 16% Porsche 3% Cadillac 3% 9% 47% MINI 2% Other Luxury (1) 2% Honda 13% Toyota 8% 44% Import 24% Hyundai 1% Volkswagen 1% 35% Other Import (2) 1% EchoPark 11% Non-Franchise 11% Ford 4% 31% Domestic 8% 13% General Motors (3) 4% 5% (1) Includes Volvo, Jaguar, Acura and Infiniti Revenue Gross Profit (2) Includes Nissan, Subaru and Kia (3) Includes Chevrolet, GMC and Buick Note: Percentages are Percent of Total Revenue for FY 2019 Note: Percentages are Percent of Total for FY 2019 7


EchoPark Automotive – A Unique Growth Story The New Car Alternative™ Price. Quality. Convenience. Focus On 10% Below Pre-Owned Market – More Stable Market Than New Vehicle Pricing With Simplified, Easy Market Purchase Experience Unique, High Return Business Model 1 to 4-Year-Old 30% of Guests Vehicles - Nearly New With Travel More Than 30 Minutes Remaining OEM Warranty To Shop Our Inventory Expansion Plan For 140+ Point Distribution Network By 2025 8


EchoPark – High Volume Model Drives Superior Returns Ultra-Low Pricing Attractive F&I High Volume Throughput May Yield Slightly Negative Higher Penetration Rates 5X Volume Per Store Per Front-End Gross Profit Per On F&I Products Month vs. Sonic Franchised Unit vs. Sonic Franchised Stores Stores Gross Profit Per Unit (“GPU”) Franchised Used EchoPark B (W) Front-End Used Vehicle GPU $1,300 $(100) F&I GPU $1,400 $2,250 Parts and Service Reconditioning GPU $500 - Total Used-Related GPU $3,200 $2,150 ($1,050) Volume Differential Factor x1 X5 Pro Forma Comparative Used-Related Gross Profit $3,200 $10,750 $7,550 Note: Amounts are estimates of future results used for comparative modeling purposes. Actual store results may differ. 9


Complementary Relationship Between Segments Franchised Dealerships • Thrives When New Vehicle Industry Is • Strong Secular Growth Phase Due To: Healthy, Particularly Where Luxury ✓ Focus On Recession-Resistant Brands Are Strong Pre-Owned Vehicle Market • Diverse Revenue Streams - Some ✓ Below-Market Price Strategy Recession-Resistant ✓ Simplified, Easy Purchase • Relatively Low Fixed Costs And Multiple Experience Operational Levers • If Pre-Owned Vehicle Valuations • Further Growth Opportunities: Decline, EchoPark Should: ✓ Parts and Service Business ✓ Benefit From Rapid Inventory ✓ Used Vehicles Turns, Creating An Even Greater ✓ F&I Penetration Pricing Advantage Over Competitors To Drive Additional Volume 10


Industry-Leading Used Vehicle Volume Throughput Retail Used Vehicle Unit Sales Per Store Per Month 491 440 329 104 94 69 Peer Average* Sonic Franchised Sonic Franchised CarMax** EchoPark** EchoPark** (Q2 2020) (Q3 2020) (Q2 2020) (Q3 2020) Utilize Highly Efficient Inventory Sourcing, Pricing And Selling Processes To Maximize Throughput * Peer Average Is Store Count As Of And Unit Sales For The Quarter Ended June 30, 2020 (Q3 2020 Data Not Available As Of Date Of This Report) For ABG, AN, GPI, LAD And PAG ** CarMax Data Is Store Count As Of And Unit Sales For The Quarter Ended August 31, 2020, EchoPark Data Includes Retail Hub Locations Open For At Least Two Full Months Note: Data Source – Company Filings, Company Websites 11


Inventory Management Expertise Used Vehicle Inventory Days’ Supply 57 36 30 38 34 25 Peer Average* Sonic Franchised Sonic Franchised CarMax** EchoPark EchoPark (June 30, 2020) (September 30, 2020) (June 30, 2020) (September 30, 2020) Low Inventory Days’ Supply Reduces Risk Of Normal Fluctuations In Used Vehicle Valuations And Allows Us To Take Advantage Of Lower Wholesale Prices To Reduce Inventory Acquisition Cost – Data Analytics Tools Enable Accuracy, Consistency And Scalability Of Used Inventory Sourcing And Pricing * Peer Average Is As Of June 30, 2020 (September 30, 2020 Data Not Available As Of Date Of This Report) For ABG, AN, GPI, LAD And PAG ** CarMax Data Is As Of August 31, 2020 Note: Data Source – Company Filings, Calculated Based On Trailing Quarter Cost Of Sales If Not Explicitly Disclosed 12


Strategic Direction Franchised Dealerships EchoPark Capital Allocation Drive New And Used Vehicle Early Stage Strong Secular Opportunistic Divestitures Of Profit Growth Through Growth Phase Underperforming Or Capital- Multiple Channels Intensive Franchised (Traditional Sale Or Lease, Profitability Improving As Dealerships Online Selling, Alternative Older Stores Continue To Sources Of Inventory) Mature Strategically Deploy Capital To Accelerate EchoPark’s Continued Growth Expect 15 Retail Hub Already Strong Growth Opportunity In Parts & Locations And 2 Delivery & Service, F&I Buy Centers By The End Of Continue To Monitor 2020 Acquisition Opportunities As Ongoing Profitability Market Evolves Enhancement Through Add 25 New Locations SG&A Expense Control, Annually In 2021-2025 Inventory Management Accelerated Growth Plan For 140+ Point Distribution Network Delivering 575,000 Unit Sales Annually By 2025 13


EchoPark Accelerated Expansion Plan 14


EchoPark – Developing Nationwide Distribution Network 140+ Point Distribution Network By 2025 Existing New Retail Hub New Retail Hub Delivery & Buy Center Retail Hub To Open In 2020 To Open In 2021 Coverage Area 15


EchoPark – Modeled 4-Wall Economics At Maturity Delivery & Medium Large (Modeled Metrics Assume 100% Maturity) Buy Center Retail Hub Retail Hub Average Monthly Retail Unit Volume 300 750 1,500 Average Vehicle Selling Price $ 20,500 $ 20,500 $ 20,500 Total Annual Revenues $ 82,000,000 $ 210,000,000 $ 420,000,000 Total Combined Gross Profit Per Unit Retailed ("GPU") $ 1,700 $ 2,150 $ 2,150 Target SG&A Expenses as % of Gross Profit 65% 60% 60% Annual Pre-Tax Profit $ 2,100,000 $ 7,200,000 $ 14,400,000 Average Compensation Per Employee (with Fringe) $ 68,000 $ 78,000 $ 78,000 Total Headcount 7 105 170 Sales Experience Guide ("EG") Headcount N/A 25 50 Average Retail Unit Sales Per EG Per Month N/A 30.0 30.0 Target Inventory Days' Supply N/A 30 Days 30 Days Working Capital Investment $ - $ 15,000,000 $ 31,000,000 Inventory Floor Plan Financing $ - $ (15,000,000) $ (31,000,000) Capital Expenditures, Including Land (Varies By Market) $1-$2 Million $7-$12 Million $20-$25 Million Estimated Months to Breakeven 3-6 Months 6-9 Months 6-9 Months Pre-Tax Return On Investment 55%+ 35% - 50% 28% - 33% Note: Estimate average pre-tax losses of $1.5 to $2.0 million per new medium or large retail hub opening (~40% incurred in 3 months prior to opening, ~60% incurred post- opening prior to targeted breakeven). Pre-tax losses for new delivery & buy center locations are expected to be approximately $0.2 million per location. Note: Amounts are estimates of future results used for comparative modeling purposes. Actual store results may differ. 16


EchoPark – Delivery & Buy Center Rollout Delivery & Buy Center Model • Tremendous Operating Leverage Utilizing Existing Physical Store For Inventory Reconditioning • Advertise Inventory In Surrounding Markets • Complete E-Commerce Sales Into New Markets • Inspect & Buy Vehicles From Guests After Appraisal With Car Cash App • Arrange Next-To-Last-Mile Transit To EchoPark Delivery & Buy Center • Guest Picks Up Vehicle At EchoPark Delivery & Buy Center Near Their Home Strategic Advantages • Quick Entry Into New Markets With Minimal Capital Expenditures Or Overhead Costs • Same Guest-Centric Purchase Experience And Convenience • Efficient Blend Of Brick And Mortar And E-Commerce Distribution Network 2020 Delivery & Buy Center Openings • Greenville, SC (Opened July 2020) • Knoxville, TN Prospective New Market With Existing Retail Hub Delivery & Buy Center 17


EchoPark – 5-Year Accelerated Growth Forecast Total Revenues (In Billions) $14.0 Pre-Tax Profit (In Millions) EBITDA (In Millions) Retail Unit Sales Volume $261.0 $221.0 575,000 $17.3 59,000 $5.4 55% 2020E 2025E 2020E 2025E 2020E 2025E CAGR Rate Of Expansion Total Addressable Market • Expect to Open 25 Locations • ~20 Million 0-4 Year Old Per Year From 2021-2025 Vehicle Transactions Annually • 20 Delivery & Buy Centers • Existing 10 Stores Generate $1.5 • 5 Medium Or Large Retail >300,000 Unique Leads On An Hubs Annualized Basis • See 4-Wall Model On Prior • Rapid Expansion To Meet Slide Current Demand And Considerable Upside Opportunity 2020E 2025E Note: Amounts are estimates of future results used for modeling purposes. Actual results may differ materially. 18


EchoPark Accelerated Expansion Plan Enablers 19


EchoPark – Brand Promise Price. Quality. Convenience. Up To 40% Below Up To 10% Below High Quality, Low Transparent New Vehicle Price Used Vehicle Market Mileage Vehicle With Guest-Centric Price Existing Warranty Experience New Car Feel Zero Reported Buy & Sell Complete Purchase Without The New Accidents On Your Way – In Under An Hour Car Price CARFAX On-Site Or Online The Full Omni - Channel Option 20


EchoPark – Full Omni-Channel Infrastructure Buy & Sell Your Way ON-SITE ONLINE Proprietary EchoPark E-Commerce User Interface Developed By Cox Automotive Customer Appraise & Sell Us Your Old Car Buy Your Nearly New Car Facing Technology Darwin Automotive – Bridging Online And On-Site Purchase Experience People Guest Centralized Appraisals, Centralized Centralized Centralized Experience Inventory Sourcing, Call Support F&I Marketing Managers Pricing Proprietary Technology Utilize SIMS, Python Analytics, Robotic Process Automation, Hyper-Intelligence Technology 21


Buy & Sell Your Way Buy & Sell Buy Begin Online, Buy Your Way On-Site Finish On-Site Online • Our Blend Of Brick And • Complete A Traditional • Research Online, Utilize • Complete An E- Mortar And E- Vehicle Purchase Chat, Text, Phone, Zoom Commerce Transaction Commerce Strategies Experience With A To Reduce In-Person In Minutes Allows Guests To Modern, Technology- Process Choose Their Preferred Enabled Approach • Select Insurance Buying Approach • Includes Online Trade-In Products And Arrange • Can Be Completed In Appraisal & Review Of Financing • A Flexible, Guest- Under An Hour Financing Options Centric Experience • Pick Up Vehicle At The with Options • Pick Up And Finalize Store Or Curbside At Deal At A Dealership Or Our Delivery & Buy • Car Cash App Delivery & Buy Center Center Appraisal Technology Puts The Right Price Represents ~15% Of Q3 2020 Vehicle On Trade-In Vehicle Sales Transactions 22


EchoPark Segment Historical Data 23


EchoPark – Growth Path $450 16,000 15,127 13,986 $400 13,206 13,207 14,000 12,587 12,676 $350 12,000 11,051 $300 10,000 8,762 $250 7,459 7,698 8,000 (In Millions) (In $200 5,518 6,000 $150 4,496 4,000 $100 2,400 2,049 1,585 1,685 1,673 2,000 $50 941 1,136 660 881 920 764 212 $- - Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 2014 2015 2015 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2017 2017 2017 2017 2018 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2020 2020 2020 Quarterly Retail Units Quarterly Revenue Post-COVID-19, We Expect To Return To High Rate Of Revenue And Unit Sales Volume Growth From Maturity Of Existing Markets And New Market Openings 24


EchoPark – Adjusted EBITDA Trend $6,352 $6,000 $5,569 $5,299 $5,169 $4,957 $4,792 $4,000 $3,149 $2,000 (In (In Thousands) $- Q3 2017 Q4 2017 Q1 2018 Q2 2018 Q3 2018 Q4 2018 Q1 2019 Q2 2019 Q3 2019 Q4 2019 Q1 2020 Q2 2020 Q3 2020 ($1,115) Newly Opened & Future Stores $(2,000) Reduced Adjusted EBITDA By ($2,059) ($2,168) $0.9 Million in Q1 2020, ($2,802) ($3,029) $1.0 Million in Q2 2020, and ($3,353) $1.8 Million in Q3 2020 $(4,000) Note: Refer To Appendix For Calculation And Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA (A Non-GAAP Measure) 25


EchoPark – Market Maturity Comparison Average Monthly Retail Unit Volume - 150 300 450 600 750 900 1,050 1,200 1,350 1,500 1,650 1,800 Denver/Colorado Springs Opened Q4 2014 * Dallas Acquired Q3 2017 Houston Retail Hub Opened Q4 2018 nd 2 Retail Hub Opened September 2020 Newer Markets Continue To Charlotte Grow Sales Volume In Line Retail Hub Opened Q4 2018 Delivery & Buy Center Opened July 2020 With Model Long Beach Opened December 2019 Tampa Opened April 2020 San Antonio Opened Q1 2018 ** Q3 2020 Q3 2019 * This Market Converted To Current EchoPark 1-4 Year Old Vehicle Inventory And Pricing Model In Q2 2018 ** This Market Began To Pilot An Outlet Model Selling 1-8 Year Old Vehicles In November 2019 26


Franchised Dealerships Segment 27


Franchised Dealerships Franchised Brands, Luxury 84 Dealerships 20+ Weighted NewNew & & Used Used VehicleVehicle Sales Sales PartsParts & & ServiceService (P&S) (P&S) FinanceFinance && Insurance (F&I) (F&I) Major Collision Metropolitan Repair Centers 14 20 Markets Focused On Inventory Mix and Attractive Pricing to Drive Growth and Profitability 28


Franchised Dealerships – Geographic Footprint Headquartered in 84 Stores, 20+ Brands, Platforms in Major Charlotte, NC 14 Collision Repair Centers Metro Markets 29


Franchised Dealerships – Strategic Levers Grow Parts and Service Acquire Potential High Maximize Return Stores F&I Penetration Divest Multiple Growth Underperforming Used Vehicle or Capital-Intensive Drivers Volume Stores Throughput SG&A Expense Inventory Discipline Sourcing Omni-Channel Apply Platform EchoPark Learnings 30


Q3 2020 Financial Snapshot 31


Q3 2020 – Consolidated Continuing Operations Better/(Worse) than Q3 2019 (In millions, except per share data) Q3 2020 $ % Revenues $2,548.5 ($154.2) (5.7%) Gross profit $376.6 ($10.2) (2.6%) SG&A expenses(1) $257.2 $39.7 13.4% SG&A expenses as % of gross profit(1) 68.3% 840 bps Earnings from continuing operations before taxes(1) $80.7 $40.1 99.0% Continuing Ops: Net income(2) $60.0 $30.8 105.7% Diluted earnings per share(2) $1.35 $0.69 104.5% Revenues & Gross Profit Lower Due To The Effect Of Franchise Disposals ($99 Million Of Revenue, $13 Million Of Gross Profit Change From Q3 2019) And Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic SG&A Expense Reductions Continue To Drive Profit And EPS Growth In Q3 2020 (1) Q3 2020 Includes $3.2 Million Pre-Tax Benefit, Worth 80 Basis Points As A % Of Gross Profit, Related To Gain On Franchise Disposals (2) Q3 2020 Includes $2.3 Million After-Tax Benefit, Worth $0.06 Per Share, Related To Gain On Franchise Disposals 32


Q3 2020 – Consolidated SG&A Expenses As % Of Gross Profit Expect To Reduce SG&A Expenses By Approximately $84 Million Annualized On Go- Forward Basis At 17 Million SAAR Levels, Compared To Pre-COVID-19 Levels 840 bps Better 68.3% 76.7% 21.7% 17.2% 3.3% 3.7% 47.6% 44.9% 2.5% 4.1% Q3 2020 Q3 2019 Advertising Comp Rent Other Excluding $3.2 Million Pre-Tax Gain on Franchise Disposals, Q3 2020 SG&A Expenses As % Of Gross Profit Were 69.1%, Down 760 Basis Points From Q3 2019 Refer To Appendix For Calculation And Reconciliation of Adjusted SG&A Expenses As % Of Gross Profit (A Non-GAAP Measure) 33


Strong Balance Sheet And Liquidity September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In Millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 125.7 $ 29.1 Availability under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility 189.1 230.7 Availability under our used vehicle floor plan facilities(1) - 17.1 Availability under the 2019 Mortgage Facility 5.8 3.1 Availability under the 2020 Line Of Credit Facility 57.0 - Floor plan deposit balance 73.2 - Total available liquidity resources $ 450.8 $ 280.0 Covenant Requirement* September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Liquidity ratio >= 1.05 1.17 1.11 Fixed charge coverage ratio >= 1.20 1.85 1.60 Total lease adjusted leverage ratio <= 5.75 2.94 3.21 Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio(2) 1.55 2.20 Strategic Management Actions Have Increased Available Liquidity During The COVID-19 Pandemic * As Defined In The 2016 Revolving Credit Facility and 2019 Mortgage Facility (1) During Q2 2020 Sonic Converted Its Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facilities From A Borrowing Base To A VIN-Specific Floor Plan Line. The September 30, 2020 Availability Under This Line Was $91.7 Million. (2) Refer To Appendix For Calculation And Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA (A Non-GAAP Measure) and Net Debt To Adjusted EBITDA Ratio (A Non-GAAP Measure) 34


Capital Expenditure Discipline Gross Capital Expenditures (In Millions) $234.2 $163.6 $125.6 $137.8 $84.7 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020E FY 2020E (Less Mortgage Proceeds) Strict Capital Allocation Strategy Prioritizes Highest Return On Investment Actual YTD Q3 2020 Gross Capital Expenditures Of $92.1 Million, $38.9 Million Net Of Mortgage Proceeds 35


APPENDIX 36


Non-GAAP Reconciliation – Segment Income Franchised Dealerships EchoPark Segment Segment Consolidated (In millions, except unit data) Q3 2020 Q3 2019 Q3 2020 Q3 2019 Q3 2020 Q3 2019 Revenues $ 2,163.5 $ 2,390.5 $ 385.1 $ 312.2 $ 2,548.5 $ 2,702.7 Gross profit $ 347.4 $ 357.3 $ 29.2 $ 29.6 $ 376.6 $ 386.8 SG&A expenses $ 231.9 $ 274.6 $ 25.3 $ 22.2 $ 257.2 $ 296.8 Adjusted segment income $ 77.2 $ 38.4 $ 0.2 $ 3.2 $ 77.4 $ 41.6 Gain on franchise disposals 3.2 - - - 3.2 - Segment income $ 80.4 $ 38.4 $ 0.2 $ 3.2 $ 80.6 $ 41.6 Impairment charges - - - (1.1) - (1.1) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before taxes $ 80.4 $ 38.4 $ 0.2 $ 2.1 $ 80.6 $ 40.5 Adjusted earnings (loss) from continuing operations before taxes $ 77.2 $ 38.4 $ 0.2 $ 3.2 $ 77.4 $ 41.6 Gain on franchise disposals 3.2 - - - 3.2 - Impairment charges - - - (1.1) - (1.1) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before taxes $ 80.4 $ 38.4 $ 0.2 $ 2.1 $ 80.6 $ 40.5 Adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 57.7 $ 29.2 Gain on franchise disposals (before taxes) 3.2 - Tax effect of items of interest (0.9) - Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 60.0 $ 29.2 New vehicle unit sales volume 24,100 30,147 - - 24,100 30,147 Retail used vehicle unit sales volume 26,363 29,247 15,127 13,206 41,490 42,453 Note: Segment Income (Loss) Defined As Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Taxes And Impairment Charges 37


Non-GAAP Reconciliation – Adjusted Earnings Per Share Q3 2020 Q3 2019 Weighted- Per Weighted- Per Average Share Average Share (In thousands, except per share amounts) Shares Amount Amount Shares Amount Amount Diluted earnings (loss) and shares from continuing operations 44,577 $ 59,988 $ 1.35 44,203 $ 29,168 $ 0.66 Items of interest: Gain on franchise disposals (3,150) - Total pre-tax items of interest $ (3,150) $ - Tax effect of items of interest 827 - Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) and shares from continuing operations 44,577 $ 57,665 $ 1.29 44,203 $ 29,168 $ 0.66 38


Non-GAAP Reconciliation – Adjusted SG&A Expenses Better / (Worse) Q3 2020 Q3 2019 Change % Change Reported : (In thousands) Compensation $ 169,097 $ 184,089 $ 14,992 8.1 % Advertising 9,455 15,856 6,401 40.4 % Rent 13,846 12,721 (1,125) (8.8)% Other 64,776 84,160 19,384 23.0 % Total SG&A expenses $ 257,174 $ 296,826 $ 39,652 13.4 % Items of interest: Gain on franchise disposals 3,150 - Total SG&A Adjustments $ 3,150 $ - Adjusted : Total adjusted SG&A expenses $ 260,324 $ 296,826 $ 36,502 12.3 % Reported SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit: Compensation 44.9% 47.6% 270 bps Advertising 2.5% 4.1% 160 bps Rent 3.7% 3.3% (40) bps Other 17.2% 21.7% 450 bps Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit 68.3% 76.7% 840 bps Items of interest: Gain on franchise disposals 0.8 % - % Total effect of adjustments 0.8 % - % Adjusted Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit 69.1% 76.7% 760 bps 39


Non-GAAP Reconciliation – Adjusted EBITDA LTM* (In thousands) FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 Q3 2020 Net Income (Loss) $ 86,311 $ 93,193 $ 92,983 $ 51,650 $ 144,137 $ (62,418) Provision For Income Taxes 55,962 59,899 13,198 22,645 54,954 (2,522) Income (Loss) Before Taxes $ 142,273 $ 153,092 $ 106,181 $ 74,295 $ 199,091 $ (64,940) Non-Floor Plan Interest 49,524 48,034 50,531 52,049 50,475 42,278 Depreciation and Amortization 72,130 81,034 92,127 96,652 95,646 93,631 Stock-Based Compensation Expense 9,814 11,165 11,119 11,853 10,797 11,241 Loss (Gain) On Exit Of Leased Dealerships 1,848 1,386 2,157 1,709 (170) - Impairment Charges 17,955 8,063 9,394 29,514 20,768 286,551 Loss (Gain) On Debt Extinguishment - (6) 14,607 - 6,690 6,690 Long-Term Compensation Charges - - - 32,522 - - Loss (Gain) on Franchise Disposals (2,748) 48 (9,980) (39,307) (74,812) (31,514) Adjusted EBITDA $ 290,796 $ 302,816 $ 276,136 $ 259,287 $ 308,485 $ 343,937 Long-Term Debt (Including Current Portion) $ 814,581 $ 882,678 $ 1,024,703 $ 945,083 $ 706,886 $ 733,597 Cash and Equivalents (3,625) (3,108) (6,352) (5,854) (29,103) (125,739) Floor Plan Deposit Balance (74,000) (10,000) (3,000) - - (73,180) Net Debt $ 736,956 $ 869,570 $ 1,015,351 $ 939,229 $ 677,783 $ 534,678 Net Debt To Adjusted EBITDA Ratio 2.53 2.87 3.68 3.62 2.20 1.55 * LTM Q3 2020 Is For The Twelve Month Period Ended September 30, 2020. Balance Sheet Amounts For LTM Q3 2020 Are As Of September 30, 2020. 40


Non-GAAP Reconciliation – Adjusted EBITDA Q3 2020 Q3 2019 Franchised Franchised Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Segment Segment Operations Total Segment Segment Operations Total (In thousands) (In thousands) Net Income (Loss) $ 59,818 $ 29,010 Provision For Income Taxes 20,620 11,307 Income (Loss) Before Taxes $ 80,434 $ 239 $ (235) $ 80,438 $ 38,417 $ 2,123 $ (223) $ 40,317 Non-Floor Plan Interest 9,781 147 - 9,928 12,011 402 - 12,413 Depreciation And Amortization 21,004 2,763 - 23,767 21,561 2,703 - 24,264 Stock-Based Compensation Expense 3,153 - - 3,153 2,681 - - 2,681 Impairment Charges 26 - - 26 - 1,124 - 1,124 Gain On Franchise Disposals (3,388) - - (3,388) 823 - - 823 Adjusted EBITDA $ 111,010 $ 3,149 $ (235) $ 113,924 $ 75,493 $ 6,352 $ (223) $ 81,622 Q2 2020 Q2 2019 Franchised Franchised Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Segment Segment Operations Total Segment Segment Operations Total (In thousands) (In thousands) Net Income (Loss) $ 30,791 $ 26,599 Provision For Income Taxes 6,353 10,009 Income (Loss) Before Taxes $ 34,856 $ 2,577 $ (289) $ 37,144 $ 35,129 $ 1,693 $ (213) $ 36,608 Non-Floor Plan Interest 8,938 234 - 9,172 12,599 431 - 13,030 Depreciation And Amortization 20,514 2,758 - 23,272 21,736 2,668 - 24,404 Stock-Based Compensation Expense 2,971 - - 2,971 2,612 - - 2,612 Impairment Charges 833 - - 833 - - - - Gain On Franchise Disposals 1,117 - - 1,117 356 - - 356 Adjusted EBITDA $ 69,229 $ 5,569 $ (289) $ 74,509 $ 72,432 $ 4,792 $ (213) $ 77,010 41


Non-GAAP Reconciliation – Adjusted EBITDA Q1 2020 Q1 2019 Franchised Franchised Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Segment Segment Operations Total Segment Segment Operations Total (In thousands) Net Income (Loss) $ (199,333) $ 42,221 Provision For Income Taxes (44,200) 18,935 Income (Loss) Before Taxes $ (245,344) $ 2,096 $ (285) $ (243,533) $ 61,156 $ 180 $ (180) $ 61,156 Non-Floor Plan Interest 10,043 365 - 10,408 11,829 433 - 12,262 Depreciation And Amortization 20,144 2,708 - 22,852 20,824 2,418 - 23,242 Stock-Based Compensation Expense 2,427 - - 2,427 2,814 - - 2,814 Loss (Gain) On Exit Of Leased Dealerships - - - - (170) - - (170) Impairment Charges 268,000 - - 268,000 26 1,926 - 1,952 Gain On Franchise Disposals - - - - (46,750) - - (46,750) Adjusted EBITDA $ 55,270 $ 5,169 $ (285) $ 60,154 $ 49,729 $ 4,957 $ (180) $ 54,506 Q4 2019 Q4 2018 Franchised Franchised Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Segment Segment Operations Total Segment Segment Operations Total (In thousands) Net Income (Loss) $ 46,307 $ 21,821 Provision For Income Taxes 14,703 9,150 Income (Loss) Before Taxes $ 75,466 $ (14,518) $ 62 $ 61,010 $ 37,388 $ (6,196) $ (221) $ 30,971 Non-Floor Plan Interest 12,335 435 - 12,770 12,902 423 89 13,414 Depreciation And Amortization 20,972 2,765 - 23,737 21,086 2,211 - 23,297 Stock-Based Compensation Expense 2,690 - - 2,690 1,264 - - 1,264 Loss (Gain) On Exit Of Leased Dealerships - - - - (1,080) 3 89 (988) Impairment Charges 1,075 16,617 - 17,692 14,053 1,500 - 15,553 Loss On Debt Extinguishment 6,690 - - 6,690 - - - - Gain On Franchise Disposals (29,242) - - (29,242) (158) - - (158) Adjusted EBITDA $ 89,986 $ 5,299 $ 62 $ 95,347 $ 85,455 $ (2,059) $ (43) $ 83,353 42


Non-GAAP Reconciliation – Adjusted EBITDA Q3 2019 Q3 2018 Franchised Franchised Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Segment Segment Operations Total Segment Segment Operations Total (In thousands) Net Income (Loss) $ 29,010 $ 15,118 Provision For Income Taxes 11,307 7,262 Income (Loss) Before Taxes $ 38,417 $ 2,123 $ (223) $ 40,317 $ 28,087 $ (5,455) $ (252) $ 22,380 Non-Floor Plan Interest 12,011 402 - 12,413 12,279 423 98 12,800 Depreciation And Amortization 21,561 2,703 - 24,264 22,140 1,999 - 24,139 Stock-Based Compensation Expense 2,681 - - 2,681 4,578 - - 4,578 Loss (Gain) On Exit Of Leased Dealerships - - - - 24 4 103 131 Impairment Charges - 1,124 - 1,124 - - - - Gain On Franchise Disposals 823 - - 823 88 - - 88 Adjusted EBITDA $ 75,493 $ 6,352 $ (223) $ 81,622 $ 67,196 $ (3,029) $ (51) $ 64,116 Q2 2019 Q2 2018 Franchised Franchised Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Segment Segment Operations Total Segment Segment Operations Total (In thousands) Net Income (Loss) $ 26,599 $ 16,905 Provision For Income Taxes 10,009 8,142 Income (Loss) Before Taxes $ 35,129 $ 1,693 $ (213) $ 36,608 $ 53,176 $ (27,832) $ (297) $ 25,047 Non-Floor Plan Interest 12,599 431 - 13,030 12,349 406 106 12,861 Depreciation And Amortization 21,736 2,668 - 24,404 22,801 1,919 - 24,720 Stock-Based Compensation Expense 2,612 - - 2,612 3,049 - - 3,049 Loss (Gain) On Exit Of Leased Dealerships - - - - (2,618) 6 106 (2,506) Impairment Charges - - - - 10,317 - - 10,317 Long-Term Compensation Charges - - - - - 23,333 - 23,333 Gain On Franchise Disposals 356 - - 356 (38,047) - - (38,047) Adjusted EBITDA $ 72,432 $ 4,792 $ (213) $ 77,010 $ 61,027 $ (2,168) $ (85) $ 58,774 43


Non-GAAP Reconciliation – Adjusted EBITDA Q1 2019 Q1 2018 Franchised Franchised Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Segment Segment Operations Total Segment Segment Operations Total (In thousands) Net Income (Loss) $ 42,221 $ (2,194) Provision For Income Taxes 18,935 (1,910) Income (Loss) Before Taxes $ 61,156 $ 180 $ (180) $ 61,156 $ 10,830 $ (14,686) $ (248) $ (4,104) Non-Floor Plan Interest 11,829 433 - 12,262 12,469 389 115 12,973 Depreciation And Amortization 20,824 2,418 - 23,242 22,830 1,666 - 24,496 Stock-Based Compensation Expense 2,814 - - 2,814 2,962 - - 2,962 Loss (Gain) On Exit Of Leased Dealerships (170) - - (170) 4,955 7 109 5,071 Impairment Charges 26 1,926 - 1,952 3,561 82 - 3,643 Long-Term Compensation Charges - - - - - 9,189 - 9,189 Gain On Franchise Disposals (46,750) - - (46,750) (1,190) - - (1,190) Adjusted EBITDA $ 49,729 $ 4,957 $ (180) $ 54,506 $ 56,417 $ (3,353) $ (24) $ 53,040 Q4 2018 Q4 2017 Franchised Franchised Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Segment Segment Operations Total Segment Segment Operations Total (In thousands) Net Income (Loss) $ 21,821 $ 61,952 Provision For Income Taxes 9,150 (8,399) Income (Loss) Before Taxes $ 37,388 $ (6,196) $ (221) $ 30,971 $ 57,822 $ (3,976) $ (293) $ 53,553 Non-Floor Plan Interest 12,902 423 89 13,414 12,449 276 123 12,848 Depreciation And Amortization 21,086 2,211 - 23,297 22,639 1,314 - 23,953 Stock-Based Compensation Expense 1,264 - - 1,264 2,217 - - 2,217 Loss (Gain) On Exit Of Leased Dealerships (1,080) 3 89 (988) 23 - 118 141 Impairment Charges 14,053 1,500 - 15,553 6,079 - - 6,079 Long-Term Compensation Charges - - - - - 1,271 - 1,271 Gain On Franchise Disposals (158) - - (158) (1,507) - (6) (1,513) Adjusted EBITDA $ 85,455 $ (2,059) $ (43) $ 83,353 $ 99,722 $ (1,115) $ (58) $ 98,549 44


Non-GAAP Reconciliation – Adjusted EBITDA Q3 2018 Q3 2017 Franchised Franchised Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Dealerships EchoPark Discontinued Segment Segment Operations Total Segment Segment Operations Total (In thousands) Net Income (Loss) $ 15,118 $ 19,440 Provision For Income Taxes 7,262 13,935 Income (Loss) Before Taxes $ 28,087 $ (5,455) $ (252) $ 22,380 $ 38,228 $ (4,372) $ (481) $ 33,375 Non-Floor Plan Interest 12,279 423 98 12,800 12,126 253 132 12,511 Depreciation And Amortization 22,140 1,999 - 24,139 22,179 1,317 - 23,496 Stock-Based Compensation Expense 4,578 - - 4,578 3,179 - - 3,179 Loss (Gain) On Exit Of Leased Dealerships 24 4 103 131 (173) - 362 189 Impairment Charges - - - - 200 - - 200 Gain On Franchise Disposals 88 - - 88 (8,490) - - (8,490) Adjusted EBITDA $ 67,196 $ (3,029) $ (51) $ 64,116 $ 67,249 $ (2,802) $ 13 $ 64,460 45


Relative Change In Wholesale Price & Retail Price 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% -5.00% -10.00% -15.00% Average Wholesale Price Average Retail Price 46



Investor Relations Contact: Sonic Automotive Inc. (NYSE: SAH) KCSA Strategic Communications Danny Wieland, Director of Financial Reporting David Hanover / Scott Eckstein ir@sonicautomotive.com sonic@kcsa.com (704) 927-3462 (212) 896-1220