8-K

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC (SAH)

8-K 2020-07-30 For: 2020-07-30
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): July 30, 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 July 30, 2020, Sonic Automotive, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for its fiscal second quarter ended June 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 July 30, 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 July 30, 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.
July 30, 2020 By: /s/ STEPHEN K. COSS
Stephen K. Coss
Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Document

Exhibit 99.1

Sonic Automotive Reports 2^nd^ Quarter 2020 EPS Growth

Accelerated EchoPark Expansion Expected To Generate Over $10 Billion In Incremental Revenue By 2025

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

Second Quarter Highlights

•Earnings per diluted share from continuing operations of $0.71 for the second quarter of 2020, compared to $0.62 for the second quarter of 2019 (included in the results for the second quarter of 2020 is a non-recurring tax benefit of $3.2 million, or $0.07 per share)

•SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit were 74.9% for the second quarter of 2020, compared to 77.2% for the second quarter of 2019, a 230-basis point improvement (total SG&A expenses for the second quarter of 2020 decreased $64.2 million, or 22%, compared to the second quarter of 2019)

•Total Sonic consolidated second quarter 2020 revenues of $2.1 billion and gross profit of $307.4 million

•EchoPark second quarter 2020 revenues of $315.3 million, up 8% from the second quarter of 2019

•EchoPark second quarter 2020 retail sales volume of 13,207 units, up 5% from the second quarter of 2019

•EchoPark segment income of $2.6 million, up 52% from the second quarter of 2019

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

◦Revenues down 19%, gross profit down 19%

◦New vehicle unit sales volume down 25%; new vehicle gross profit per unit up 9%, to $2,218

◦Retail used vehicle unit sales volume down 12%; retail used vehicle gross profit per unit down 14%, to $1,122

◦Parts, service and collision repair gross profit down 24%; customer pay gross profit down 16%

◦Finance and insurance (“F&I”) gross profit down 8% (all-time record quarterly F&I gross profit per retail unit of $1,946, up 14%, on a total Sonic consolidated basis)

Commentary

David Smith, Sonic’s and EchoPark’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Our second quarter results reflect not only a dramatic operating improvement since the onset of COVID-19, but also an all-time record monthly profit in June. The record-setting momentum we saw during the month of June has continued throughout July to date.”

Mr. Smith continued, “We continue to offer our guests a transparent, guest-centric vehicle purchase experience, meeting their individual needs by offering an integrated online and on-site sales experience. To enable guests to choose their preferred buying approach, we are proud to announce an historic strategic partnership with Cox Automotive and Darwin Automotive to develop a first of its kind proprietary e-commerce platform and user interface. This digital retailing partnership will accelerate our EchoPark expansion plans and elevate the online retail guest experience on our franchised dealership websites and EchoPark.com beginning in the fourth quarter of 2020.”

Jeff Dyke, Sonic’s and EchoPark’s President, commented, “I am extremely proud of the way our team has responded to the challenges of the past few months and the positive impact they have had on our business. EchoPark has continued to see a v-shaped recovery in sales volume and improved profitability, surpassing our original pre-pandemic forecasts for the month of June. For the second quarter, EchoPark segment income increased 52%, demonstrating the leverage and profit potential of this model. Based on the significant success of EchoPark, we are accelerating EchoPark’s expansion. We expect EchoPark to sell over half a million vehicles annually by 2025, through a 140-point nationwide distribution network and expanded e-commerce capabilities, generating incremental revenue in excess of $10 billion annually.”

Heath Byrd, Sonic’s and EchoPark’s Chief Financial Officer, commented, “We continue to manage expenses and capital expenditure levels in the short term to bolster our financial flexibility and address the challenges of COVID-19. These actions have been extremely successful in improving operational efficiencies and enhancing our overall profitability. Longer term, we remain committed to increasing revenues and maximizing profitability through further expansion of EchoPark, strategic growth of our franchised dealerships and more aggressive pursuit of new avenues for sales growth through omni-channel selling, including online, on-site and hybrid channels. In addition, we remain committed to reducing SG&A expenses by $84 million annualized, on a go-forward basis, as compared to pre-COVID-19 levels.”

Financial Position

As of June 30, 2020, Sonic’s total available liquidity increased to $455.1 million, up from $311.5 million as of March 31, 2020. Sonic’s liquidity as of June 30, 2020 consists of $115.7 million of cash on hand, $83.9 million of floor plan deposit balances and $255.5 million of availability under our credit facilities. From a debt perspective, Sonic has no significant near-term debt maturities.

Dividend

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

Outlook

Sonic expects to provide the next mid-quarter update to its 2020 outlook during the week of September 14^th^. The COVID-19 pandemic could impact both our outlook and future results depending on its continued evolution.

Second Quarter 2020 Earnings Conference Call

Senior management will host a conference call today 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: 8236339

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: 8236339

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 an 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. 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, anticipated future growth in our EchoPark Segment, expected incremental EchoPark revenues, anticipated future EchoPark unit sales volume, expected SG&A expense reductions, economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, new and used vehicle industry sales volume, anticipated liquidity position, expected future capital expenditures, 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, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 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 segment income. As required by SEC rules, the Company provides reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. 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

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 June 30, Better / (Worse) Six Months Ended June 30, Better / (Worse)
2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues:
New vehicles $ 900,003 $ 1,204,754 (25.3) % $ 1,859,492 $ 2,271,088 (18.1) %
Used vehicles 808,877 885,627 (8.7) % 1,658,930 1,705,992 (2.8) %
Wholesale vehicles 33,175 50,039 (33.7) % 81,718 104,810 (22.0) %
Total vehicles 1,742,055 2,140,420 (18.6) % 3,600,140 4,081,890 (11.8) %
Parts, service and collision repair 259,058 355,312 (27.1) % 593,738 696,742 (14.8) %
Finance, insurance and other, net 110,773 118,349 (6.4) % 226,064 224,587 0.7 %
Total revenues 2,111,886 2,614,081 (19.2) % 4,419,942 5,003,219 (11.7) %
Cost of Sales:
New vehicles (854,617) (1,148,354) 25.6 % (1,768,690) (2,160,892) 18.2 %
Used vehicles (781,506) (848,898) 7.9 % (1,599,428) (1,632,256) 2.0 %
Wholesale vehicles (33,601) (50,752) 33.8 % (82,303) (106,789) 22.9 %
Total vehicles (1,669,724) (2,048,004) 18.5 % (3,450,421) (3,899,937) 11.5 %
Parts, service and collision repair (134,779) (184,766) 27.1 % (311,560) (362,960) 14.2 %
Total cost of sales (1,804,503) (2,232,770) 19.2 % (3,761,981) (4,262,897) 11.8 %
Gross profit 307,383 381,311 (19.4) % 657,961 740,322 (11.1) %
Selling, general and administrative expenses (230,359) (294,532) 21.8 % (512,515) (541,626) 5.4 %
Impairment charges (833) (100.0) % (268,833) (1,952) (13,672.2) %
Depreciation and amortization (22,647) (23,806) 4.9 % (44,944) (46,456) 3.3 %
Operating income (loss) 53,544 62,973 (15.0) % (168,331) 150,288 (212.0) %
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan (6,314) (12,518) 49.6 % (16,822) (25,744) 34.7 %
Interest expense, other, net (9,797) (13,628) 28.1 % (20,762) (26,481) 21.6 %
Other income (expense), net (5) 100.0 % 100 95 (5.3) %
Total other income (expense) (16,111) (26,151) 38.4 % (37,484) (52,130) 28.1 %
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 37,433 36,822 1.7 % (205,815) 98,158 (309.7) %
Provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense) (6,437) (10,071) 36.1 % 37,680 (29,058) 229.7 %
Income (loss) from continuing operations 30,996 26,751 15.9 % (168,135) 69,100 (343.3) %
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes (289) (213) (35.7) % (573) (393) (45.8) %
Provision for income taxes for discontinued operations - benefit (expense) 84 61 37.7 % 166 114 45.6 %
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (205) (152) (34.9) % (407) (279) (45.9) %
Net income (loss) $ 30,791 $ 26,599 15.8 % $ (168,542) $ 68,821 (344.9) %
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $ 0.72 $ 0.62 16.1 % $ (3.93) $ 1.61 (344.1) %
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations % (0.01) (0.01) %
Earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.72 $ 0.62 16.1 % $ (3.94) $ 1.60 (346.3) %
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 42,940 43,066 0.3 % 42,779 42,953 0.4 %
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $ 0.71 $ 0.62 14.5 % $ (3.93) $ 1.60 (345.6) %
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations (0.01) 100.0 % (0.01) (100.0) %
Earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.71 $ 0.61 16.4 % $ (3.94) $ 1.60 (346.3) %
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 43,575 43,230 (0.8) % 42,779 43,060 0.7 %
Dividends declared per common share $ 0.10 $ 0.10 % $ 0.20 $ 0.20 %

Franchised Dealerships Segment - Reported

Three Months Ended June 30, Better / (Worse) Six Months Ended June 30, Better / (Worse)
2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Revenues:
New vehicles $ 900,003 $ 1,204,754 (25.3) % $ 1,859,492 $ 2,271,088 (18.1) %
Used vehicles 535,699 637,090 (15.9) % 1,102,587 1,241,039 (11.2) %
Wholesale vehicles 28,509 43,720 (34.8) % 70,948 96,253 (26.3) %
Total vehicles 1,464,211 1,885,564 (22.3) % 3,033,027 3,608,380 (15.9) %
Parts, service and collision repair 251,998 347,337 (27.4) % 576,499 683,563 (15.7) %
Finance, insurance and other, net 80,401 89,507 (10.2) % 163,429 170,028 (3.9) %
Total revenues 1,796,610 2,322,408 (22.6) % 3,772,955 4,461,971 (15.4) %
Gross Profit:
New vehicles 45,386 56,400 (19.5) % 90,802 110,196 (17.6) %
Used vehicles 30,416 37,454 (18.8) % 62,730 74,191 (15.4) %
Wholesale vehicles (357) (670) 46.7 % (440) (1,874) 76.5 %
Total vehicles 75,445 93,184 (19.0) % 153,092 182,513 (16.1) %
Parts, service and collision repair 124,466 170,707 (27.1) % 282,562 334,154 (15.4) %
Finance, insurance and other, net 80,401 89,507 (10.2) % 163,429 170,028 (3.9) %
Total gross profit 280,312 353,398 (20.7) % 599,083 686,695 (12.8) %
Selling, general and administrative expenses (209,496) (272,331) 23.1 % (465,914) (499,330) 6.7 %
Impairment charges (833) (100.0) % (268,833) (26) NM
Depreciation and amortization (19,895) (21,144) 5.9 % (39,484) (41,381) 4.6 %
Operating income (loss) 50,088 59,923 (16.4) % (175,148) 145,958 (220.0) %
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan (5,675) (11,597) 51.1 % (15,283) (24,102) 36.6 %
Interest expense, other, net (9,557) (13,192) 27.6 % (20,156) (25,606) 21.3 %
Other income (expense), net (5) 100.0 % 100 34 194.1 %
Total other income (expense) (15,232) (24,794) 38.6 % (35,339) (49,674) 28.9 %
Income (loss) before taxes 34,856 35,129 (0.8) % (210,487) 96,284 (318.6) %
Add: impairment charges 833 (100.0) % 268,833 26 NM
Segment income (loss) $ 35,689 $ 35,129 (1.6) % $ 58,346 $ 96,310 (39.4) %
Unit Sales Volume:
New vehicles 19,891 28,196 (29.5) % 41,615 53,393 (22.1) %
Used vehicles 23,973 28,871 (17.0) % 50,011 56,283 (11.1) %
Wholesale vehicles 4,827 6,960 (30.6) % 11,737 15,108 (22.3) %
Retail new & used vehicles 43,864 57,067 (23.1) % 91,626 109,676 (16.5) %
Used:New Ratio 1.21 1.02 17.7 % 1.20 1.05 14.0 %
Gross Profit Per Unit:
New vehicles $ 2,282 $ 2,000 14.1 % $ 2,182 $ 2,064 5.7 %
Used vehicles $ 1,269 $ 1,297 (2.2) % $ 1,254 $ 1,318 (4.9) %
Finance, insurance and other, net $ 1,839 $ 1,581 16.3 % $ 1,798 $ 1,561 15.2 %

NM = Not Meaningful

Franchised Dealerships Segment - Same Store

Three Months Ended June 30, Better / (Worse) Six Months Ended June 30, Better / (Worse)
2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Revenues:
New vehicles $ 899,655 $ 1,150,601 (21.8) % $ 1,857,489 $ 2,155,333 (13.8) %
Used vehicles 535,252 609,567 (12.2) % 1,099,852 1,183,279 (7.1) %
Wholesale vehicles 28,407 41,795 (32.0) % 70,720 91,383 (22.6) %
Total vehicles 1,463,314 1,801,963 (18.8) % 3,028,061 3,429,995 (11.7) %
Parts, service and collision repair 252,330 334,300 (24.5) % 576,297 653,890 (11.9) %
Finance, insurance and other, net 75,558 82,399 (8.3) % 154,149 155,819 (1.1) %
Total revenues $ 1,791,202 $ 2,218,662 (19.3) % $ 3,758,507 $ 4,239,704 (11.3) %
Gross Profit:
New vehicles $ 44,111 $ 53,834 (18.1) % $ 89,519 $ 105,455 (15.1) %
Used vehicles 26,874 35,182 (23.6) % 59,153 67,640 (12.5) %
Wholesale vehicles (317) (421) 24.7 % (375) (1,421) 73.6 %
Total vehicles 70,668 88,595 (20.2) % 148,297 171,674 (13.6) %
Parts, service and collision repair 124,019 164,061 (24.4) % 281,803 318,774 (11.6) %
Finance, insurance and other, net 75,558 82,399 (8.3) % 154,149 155,819 (1.1) %
Total gross profit $ 270,245 $ 335,055 (19.3) % $ 584,249 $ 646,267 (9.6) %
Unit Sales Volume:
New vehicles 19,884 26,359 (24.6) % 41,575 49,450 (15.9) %
Used vehicles 23,949 27,110 (11.7) % 49,871 52,601 (5.2) %
Wholesale vehicles 4,811 6,362 (24.4) % 11,703 13,807 (15.2) %
Retail new & used vehicles 43,833 53,469 (18.0) % 91,446 102,051 (10.4) %
Used:New Ratio 1.20 1.03 17.1 % 1.20 1.06 12.8 %
Gross Profit Per Unit:
New vehicles $ 2,218 $ 2,042 8.6 % $ 2,153 $ 2,133 0.9 %
Used vehicles $ 1,122 $ 1,298 (13.6) % $ 1,186 $ 1,286 (7.8) %
Finance, insurance and other, net $ 1,730 $ 1,554 11.3 % $ 1,699 $ 1,538 10.5 %

EchoPark Segment - Reported

Three Months Ended June 30, Better / (Worse) Six Months Ended June 30, Better / (Worse)
2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Revenues:
Used vehicles $ 273,178 $ 248,537 9.9 % $ 556,343 $ 464,953 19.7 %
Wholesale vehicles 4,666 6,319 (26.2) % 10,770 8,557 25.9 %
Total vehicles 277,844 254,856 9.0 % 567,113 473,510 19.8 %
Parts, service and collision repair 7,060 7,975 (11.5) % 17,239 13,179 30.8 %
Finance, insurance and other, net 30,372 28,842 5.3 % 62,635 54,559 14.8 %
Total revenues 315,276 291,673 8.1 % 646,987 541,248 19.5 %
Gross Profit:
Used vehicles (3,045) (725) (320.0) % (3,228) (455) (609.5) %
Wholesale vehicles (70) (42) (60.5) % (146) (105) (38.1) %
Total vehicles (3,115) (767) 306.1 % (3,374) (560) 502.5 %
Parts, service and collision repair (186) (162) (14.8) % (383) (372) (3.0) %
Finance, insurance and other, net 30,372 28,842 5.3 % 62,635 54,559 14.8 %
Total gross profit 27,071 27,913 (3.0) % 58,878 53,627 9.8 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses (20,863) (22,201) 6.0 % (46,601) (42,296) (10.2) %
Impairment charges % (1,926) 100.0 %
Depreciation and amortization (2,752) (2,662) (3.4) % (5,460) (5,075) (7.6) %
Operating income (loss) 3,456 3,050 13.3 % 6,817 4,330 57.4 %
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan (639) (921) 30.6 % (1,539) (1,642) 6.3 %
Interest expense, other, net (240) (436) 45.0 % (606) (875) 30.7 %
Other income (expense), net % 61 (100.0) %
Total other income (expense) (879) (1,357) 35.2 % (2,145) (2,456) 12.7 %
Income (loss) before taxes 2,577 1,693 52.2 % 4,672 1,874 149.3 %
Add: impairment charges % (1,926) 100.0 %
Segment income (loss) $ 2,577 $ 1,693 52.2 % $ 4,672 $ 3,800 22.9 %
Unit Sales Volume:
Used vehicles 13,207 12,587 4.9 % 27,193 23,638 15.0 %
Wholesale vehicles 1,454 1,686 4.8 % 3,219 2,185 47.3 %
Gross Profit Per Unit:
Total used vehicle and F&I $ 2,069 $ 2,234 (7.4) % $ 2,185 $ 2,289 (4.5) %

EchoPark Segment - Same Store

Three Months Ended June 30, Better / (Worse) Six Months Ended June 30, Better / (Worse)
2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
Revenues:
Used vehicles $ 243,043 $ 248,536 (2.2) % $ 508,343 $ 464,953 9.3 %
Wholesale vehicles 4,349 6,320 (31.2) % 10,223 8,556 19.5 %
Total vehicles 247,392 254,856 (2.9) % 518,566 473,509 9.5 %
Parts, service and collision repair 6,277 7,974 (21.3) % 15,852 13,179 20.3 %
Finance, insurance and other, net 27,049 28,605 (5.4) % 57,273 54,252 5.6 %
Total revenues $ 280,718 $ 291,435 (3.7) % $ 591,691 $ 540,940 9.4 %
Gross Profit:
Used vehicles $ (3,988) $ (2,464) (61.9) % $ (5,832) $ (2,721) (114.3) %
Wholesale vehicles (69) (42) (64.3) % (139) (105) (32.4) %
Total vehicles (4,057) (2,506) 61.9 % (5,971) (2,826) 111.3 %
Parts, service and collision repair (141) (141) % (299) (351) 14.8 %
Finance, insurance and other, net 27,049 28,605 (5.4) % 57,273 54,252 5.6 %
Total gross profit $ 22,851 $ 25,958 (12.0) % $ 51,003 $ 51,075 (0.1) %
Unit Sales Volume:
Used vehicles 11,716 12,587 (6.9) % 24,783 23,638 4.8 %
Wholesale vehicles 1,319 1,686 (21.8) % 2,995 2,185 37.1 %
Gross Profit Per Unit:
Total used vehicle and F&I $ 1,968 $ 2,077 (5.2) % $ 2,076 $ 2,180 (4.8) %

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

Three Months Ended June 30, Better / (Worse)
2020 2019 Change % Change
(In thousands)
Reported:
Compensation $ 140,266 $ 181,197 $ 40,931 22.6 %
Advertising 8,087 15,402 7,315 47.5 %
Rent 13,223 13,336 113 0.8 %
Other 68,783 84,597 15,814 18.7 %
Total SG&A expenses $ 230,359 $ 294,532 $ 64,173 21.8 %
Reported:
SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit:
Compensation 45.6 % 47.5 % 190 bps
Advertising 2.6 % 4.0 % 140 bps
Rent 4.3 % 3.5 % (80) bps
Other 22.4 % 22.2 % (20) bps
Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit 74.9 % 77.2 % 230 bps
Six Months Ended June 30, Better / (Worse)
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
2020 2019 Change % Change
(In thousands)
Reported:
Compensation $ 314,688 $ 365,381 $ 50,693 13.9 %
Advertising 22,222 30,453 8,231 27.0 %
Rent 27,088 28,586 1,498 5.2 %
Other 148,517 117,206 (31,311) (26.7) %
Total SG&A expenses $ 512,515 $ 541,626 $ 29,111 5.4 %
Reported:
SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit:
Compensation 47.8 % 49.4 % 160 bps
Advertising 3.4 % 4.1 % 70 bps
Rent 4.1 % 3.9 % (20) bps
Other 22.6 % 15.8 % (680) bps
Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit 77.9 % 73.2 % (470) bps

exhibit992

Exhibit 99.2 Sonic Automotive – Investor Presentation July 2020 Updated July 30, 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 March 31, 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 Our Core Franchised Dealerships Segment is a 95 15 Full-Service Automotive Dealerships Collision Centers Retailer, Selling New and Used Vehicles, Arranging F&I Product Sales, and (NYSE: SAH) Providing Parts, Service a Fortune 500 and Collision Repair 20+ 12 Automotive Brands States Company and One of the Nation’s Largest Automotive Our High Growth Retailers EchoPark Segment Offers $10.5B $1.5B Revenue Gross Profit a Unique Approach to Pre- Owned Vehicle and F&I Sales Below-Market Pricing with a No Haggle Purchase 114K 162K Experience Drives New Vehicles Sold Used Vehicles Sold Industry-Leading Used Vehicle Volume Throughput Note: Revenue, Gross Profit, New and 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 Plan To Grow Total Revenue To Over $20 Billion 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 • Profitable Through 2008 Economic Experience Downturn - Relatively Low Fixed Costs And Multiple Operational Levers • If Pre-Owned Vehicle Valuations Decline, EchoPark Should: • Further Growth Opportunities:  Benefit From Rapid Inventory  Parts and Service Business Turns, Creating An Even Greater  Used Vehicles Pricing Advantage Over  F&I Penetration Competitors To Drive Additional Volume 10


Industry-Leading Used Vehicle Volume Throughput Retail Used Vehicle Unit Sales Per Store Per Month 518 440 Sold 561 Units Per Store In June 2020 205 101 94 77 Sold 110 Units Per Store In June 2020 Peer Average* Sonic Franchised Sonic Franchised CarMax** EchoPark EchoPark (Q1 2020) (Q2 2020) (Q1 2020) (Q2 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 March 31, 2020 (Q2 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 May 31, 2020 Note: Data Source – Company Filings, Company Websites 11


Inventory Management Expertise Used Vehicle Inventory Days’ Supply 59 52 Days Supply = 31 Days As Of June 30, 2020 On Trailing One-Month Cost of Sales Basis Days Supply = 22 Days As Of June 30, 38 2020 On Trailing 34 One-Month Cost of Sales Basis 29 25 Peer Average* Sonic Franchised Sonic Franchised CarMax** EchoPark EchoPark (March 31, 2020) (June 30, 2020) (March 31, 2020) (June 30, 2020) Low Inventory Days’ Supply Reduces Risk Of 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 Includes ABG, AN, GPI, LAD And PAG As Of March 31, 2020 (June 30, 2020 Data Not Available As Of Date Of This Report) ** CarMax Data Is As Of May 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 3 Additional Retail Already Strong Growth Opportunity In Parts & Hub Locations And 3 Delivery Service, F&I & Buy Centers By The End Of Continue To Monitor 2020 Franchised Dealership Ongoing Profitability Acquisition Opportunities As Enhancement Through Accelerated Growth Plan For Market Evolves SG&A Expense Control, 140+ Point Distribution Inventory Management Network Delivering Over 500,000 Incremental Unit Sales Annually By 2025 13


EchoPark Accelerated Expansion Plan 14


EchoPark – Developing Nationwide Distribution Network 140+ Point Distribution Network By 2025 Existing Planned Retail Planned Retail Delivery & Buy Center Retail Hub Hub In 2020 Hub 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% Average Monthly Pre-Tax Profit $ 175,000 $ 600,000 $ 1,200,000 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 Vehicle Floor Plan Financing $ - $ (15,000,000) $ (31,000,000) Capital Expenditures (Varies By Market) $1-$2 Million $7-$12 Million $20-$25 Million Total Capital Investment $1-$2 Million $7-$12 Million $20-$25 Million Pre-Tax Return On Investment 55%+ 35% - 50% 28% - 33% Note: Estimate average pre-tax losses of $2 million per new medium or large retail hub opening including hiring, training and other pre-opening expenses, plus operating losses incurred 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) • Columbia, SC New Market With Existing Charlotte Store • Austin, TX Delivery & Buy Center 17


EchoPark – Delivery & Buy Center Rollout Greenville, SC Opened July 24 18


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 $28.0 $16.0 65,000 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 $1.6 • 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. 19


EchoPark Accelerated Expansion Plan Enablers 20


EchoPark – Brand Promise Price. Quality. Convenience. Up To 40% Below 10% Below Used High Quality, Low Transparent New Vehicle Price Vehicle Market Price Mileage Vehicle With Guest-Centric 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 21


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 Your Old Car Buy Your Nearly New Car Facing Technology Darwin Automotive – Bridging Online And On-Site 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 22


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, • Complete An E- Mortar And E- Vehicle Purchase Utilize Web Chat, Text, Commerce Transaction Commerce Strategies Experience With A Phone, Zoom To In Minutes Allows Guests To Modern, Technology- Reduce In-Person Choose Their Preferred Enabled Approach Process • Select Insurance Buying Approach Products And Arrange • Can Be Completed In • Pick Up And Finalize Financing • A Flexible, Guest- Under An Hour Deal At A Dealership Centric Experience Or Delivery & Buy • Pick Up Vehicle At The Center with Options Store Or Curbside At Our Delivery & Buy • Car Cash App Center Appraisal Technology Puts The Right Price Represents 15% Of Q2 2020 Vehicle On Trade-In Vehicle Sales Transactions 23


EchoPark Segment Historical Data 24


EchoPark – Historical Growth Path $350 16,000 13,986 $300 13,206 13,207 14,000 Q2 2020 Volume % Change 12,587 12,676 By Month Vs. 2019 12,000 $250 11,051 April 2020 (30%) 10,000 $200 May 2020 9% 8,762 June 2020 35% 7,459 7,698 8,000 (In Millions) (In $150 5,518 6,000 4,496 $100 4,000 2,400 2,049 $50 1,585 1,685 1,673 2,000 941 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 2014 2015 2015 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2017 2017 2017 2017 2018 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 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 25


EchoPark – Adjusted EBITDA Trend $6,352 $6,000 $5,569 $5,299 $5,169 $4,957 $4,792 $4,000 FY 2019 Adjusted EBITDA of $21.4 Million, Up 302% From FY 2018 $2,000 (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 ($1,115) Q1 & Q2 2020 Negatively Impacted $(2,000) By COVID-19 ($2,168) ($2,059) ($2,802) New Store Openings Reduced ($3,029) ($3,353) EBITDA By $0.9 Million in Q1 2020, $(4,000) $1.0 Million in Q2 2020 Note: Refer To Appendix For Calculation And Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA (A Non-GAAP Measure) 26


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 Market Particularly Affected By Dallas COVID-19 In Early Q2 Acquired Q3 2017 2020, Rebounded To Sell 1,371 Units In Houston June 2020 Opened Q4 2018 Charlotte Opened Q4 2018 All Markets Were Cash Flow Positive In June 2020 – Long Beach Tampa Near Breakeven In Its Opened December 2019 Second Full Month Of Operation In June 2020 Tampa Opened April 2020 San Antonio Opened Q1 2018 ** Q2 2020 Q2 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 27


Franchised Dealerships Segment 28


Franchised Dealerships Franchised Brands, Luxury 85 Dealerships 20+ Weighted New & Used Vehicle Sales Parts & Service (P&S) Finance & Insurance (F&I) Major Collision Metropolitan Repair Centers 15 20 Markets Focused On Inventory Mix and Attractive Pricing to Drive Growth and Profitability 29


Franchised Dealerships – Geographic Footprint Headquartered in 85 Stores, 20+ Brands, Platforms in Major Charlotte, NC 15 Collision Repair Centers Metro Markets 30


Franchised Dealerships – Strategic Levers Grow Parts and Service Acquire Potential High Maximize Return Stores F&I Penetration Divest Multiple Growth Underperforming Used Vehicle or Cap Ex Volume Intensive Stores Drivers Throughput SG&A Expense Inventory Discipline Sourcing Omni-Channel Selling EchoPark Learnings 31


Updated 2020 Outlook 32


YTD 2020 By Month Versus Prior Year % Change Better (Worse) From Comparable Prior Year Period January February March April May June July(1) Franchised dealerships segment same store: New vehicle unit sales volume 12% 11% (34%) (40%) (20%) (15%) (18%) Used vehicle unit sales volume 18% 24% (30%) (32%) (8%) 5% (3%) Parts, service and collision repair gross profit 7% 12% (8%) (43%) (27%) (2%) (5%) EchoPark segment same store: Used vehicle unit sales volume 35% 50% (19%) (36%) (3%) 18% 6% EchoPark segment all stores: Used vehicle unit sales volume 45% 60% (14%) (30%) 9% 35% 22% Consolidated Sonic: Total revenues 11% 14% (30%) (39%) (17%) (3%) (10%) Total gross profit 6% 14% (23%) (47%) (19%) 7% (2%) SG&A expenses(2) (1%) (5%) 12% 32% 23% 11% 14% Pre-tax income(2) 1736% 3752% (82%) (241%) 20% 146% 141% January February March April May June July(1) SG&A expenses as % of gross profit - 2020 80.9% 79.1% 81.6% 100.6% 74.1% 63.2% 69.3% SG&A expenses(2) as % of gross profit - 2019 85.3% 85.4% 71.4% 78.5% 77.8% 75.5% 78.8% Last Month Of Quarter Historically Stronger Than First Two Months (1) July 2020 Are Forecast Amounts (2) 2019 Amounts Are Adjusted – Refer To Appendix For Reconciliation of Adjusted SG&A Expenses, Adjusted Pre-tax Income, And Adjusted SG&A Expenses As % Of Gross Profit (Non-GAAP Measures) 33


Illustrative Impact Of SG&A Expense Reductions $4.07 $84 Million Annualized $2.65 Expense Reductions All-Time Record Adjusted Annualized SG&A Pro Forma Illustrative EPS (FY 2019)(1) Expense Reduction Adjusted EPS (FY 2019) 7% Reduction In SG&A Expenses Modeled To Increase EPS By 54% (1) Amounts Are Adjusted – Refer To Appendix For Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP Measures) Note: Amounts Are Estimates Of Future Results Used For Comparative Modeling Purposes – Actual Results May Differ 34


Outlook – Franchised New Vehicles Franchised Dealerships New Vehicle Unit Sales Volume 14,000 Production Constraints Driving Inventory Shortages In Certain Makes/Models 12,000 Expected To Impact Sales In Second Half Of 2020 10,000 8,000 Expect Higher New 6,000 June Actuals Vehicle GPU To Continue 3% Better Than To Offset Lower Volume Previous 4,000 Forecast 2,000 - Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Original Forecast June 16th Forecast Current Forecast Due To Uncertainty Related To The COVID-19 Pandemic And The Resulting Economic Impact, Actual Results May Differ Materially From Management’s Forecast 35


Outlook – Franchised Used Vehicles Franchised Dealerships Retail Used Vehicle Unit Sales Volume 14,000 12,000 Back To Original Forecast in August 10,000 8,000 June Actuals 4% Better 6,000 Than Previous Forecast 4,000 2,000 - Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Original Forecast June 16th Forecast Current Forecast Due To Uncertainty Related To The COVID-19 Pandemic And The Resulting Economic Impact, Actual Results May Differ Materially From Management’s Forecast 36


Outlook – EchoPark Used Vehicles EchoPark Retail Used Vehicle Unit Sales Volume 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 Expect Continued Acceleration In Second Half 4,000 Of 2020 June Actuals 3% Better 3,000 Than Previous Forecast 2,000 1,000 - Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Original Forecast June 16th Forecast Current Forecast Due To Uncertainty Related To The COVID-19 Pandemic And The Resulting Economic Impact, Actual Results May Differ Materially From Management’s Forecast 37


Outlook – Franchised Fixed Operations Franchised Dealerships Fixed Operations Gross Profit $ $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 Uncertainty Related To $40,000 California Reopening (In Thousands) June Actuals 9% $30,000 Better Than Previous Forecast $20,000 $10,000 $- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Original Forecast June 16th Forecast Current Forecast Due To Uncertainty Related To The COVID-19 Pandemic And The Resulting Economic Impact, Actual Results May Differ Materially From Management’s Forecast 38


Q2 2020 Financial Snapshot 39


Q2 2020 – Consolidated Continuing Operations B/(W) than Q2 2019 (In millions, except per share data) Q2 2020 $ % Revenues $2,111.9 ($502.2) (19.2%) Gross profit $307.4 ($73.9) (19.4%) SG&A expenses $230.4 $64.2 21.8% SG&A expenses as % of gross profit 74.9% 230 bps Earnings from continuing operations before taxes $37.4 $0.6 1.7% Continuing Ops: Net income(1) $31.0 $4.2 15.9% Diluted earnings per share(1) $0.71 $0.09 14.5% Revenues & Gross Profit Lower Due To The Effect Of Franchise Disposals In 2019 ($100 Million Of Revenue In Q2 2019) And Impact Of COVID-19 In Q2 2020 Expense Reductions In Q2 2020 Drove Profit And EPS Growth (1) Q2 2020 Includes $3.2 Million, Or $0.07 Per Share, Benefit From Non-Recurring Tax Item 40


Q2 2020 – Consolidated SG&A Expenses As % Of Gross Profit Expect To Reduce SG&A Expenses By Approximately $84 Million Annualized On Go- Forward Basis, Compared To Pre-COVID-19 Levels 230 bps Better 74.9% 77.2% 22.2% 22.4% 3.5% 4.3% 47.5% 45.6% 2.6% 4.0% Q2 2020 Q2 2019 Advertising Comp Rent Other 41


Strong Balance Sheet And Liquidity June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In Millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 115.7 $ 29.1 Availability under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility 183.4 230.7 Availability under our used vehicle floor plan facilities(1) - 17.1 Availability under the 2019 Mortgage Facility 3.1 3.1 Availability under the 2020 Line Of Credit Facility 69.0 - Floor plan deposit balance 83.9 - Total available liquidity resources $ 455.1 $ 280.0 Covenant Requirement* June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Liquidity ratio >= 1.05 1.13 1.11 Fixed charge coverage ratio >= 1.20 2.10 1.60 Total lease adjusted leverage ratio <= 5.75 3.23 3.21 Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio(2) 1.76 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 June 30, 2020 Availability Under This Line Was $98.8 Million. (2) Refer To Appendix For Calculation And Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and Net Debt To Adjusted EBITDA Ratio (Non-GAAP Measures) 42


Capital Expenditure Discipline Gross Capital Expenditures (In Millions) $234.2 $163.6 $125.6 $133.1 $80.0 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020E FY 2020E (Less Mortgage Proceeds) Strict Capital Allocation Strategy Prioritizes Highest Return On Investment Actual YTD Q2 2020 Gross Capital Expenditures Of $61.7 Million, $27.5 Million Net Of Mortgage Proceeds 43


APPENDIX 44


Non-GAAP Reconciliation – Segment Income Franchised Dealerships EchoPark Segment Segment Consolidated (In millions, except unit data) Q2 2020 Q2 2019 Q2 2020 Q2 2019 Q2 2020 Q2 2019 Revenues $ 1,796.6 $ 2,322.4 $ 315.3 $ 291.7 $ 2,111.9 $ 2,614.1 Gross profit $ 280.3 $ 353.4 $ 27.1 $ 27.9 $ 307.4 $ 381.3 SG&A expenses $ 209.5 $ 272.3 $ 20.9 $ 22.2 $ 230.4 $ 294.5 Segment income $ 35.7 $ 35.1 $ 2.6 $ 1.7 $ 38.3 $ 36.8 Impairment charges (0.8) - - - (0.8) - Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before taxes $ 34.9 $ 35.1 $ 2.6 $ 1.7 $ 37.5 $ 36.8 Adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 27.8 $ 26.8 Non-recurring tax benefit 3.2 - Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 31.0 $ 26.8 New vehicle unit sales volume 19,891 28,196 - - 19,891 28,196 Retail used vehicle unit sales volume 23,973 28,871 13,207 12,587 37,180 41,458 Note: Segment Income (Loss) Defined As Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Taxes And Impairment Charges 45


Non-GAAP Reconciliation – Earnings Per Share Q2 2020 Q2 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 43,575 $ 30,996 $ 0.71 43,230 $ 26,751 $ 0.62 Items of interest: Non-recurring tax benefit (3,175) - Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) and shares from continuing operations 43,575 $ 27,821 $ 0.64 43,230 $ 26,751 $ 0.62 FY 2019 Weighted- Per Average Share (In thousands, except per share amounts) Shares Amount Amount Diluted earnings (loss) and shares from continuing operations 43,710 $ 144,537 $ 3.31 Pre-tax items of interest: Gain on franchise disposals $ (75,983) Executive transition costs 6,264 Impairment charges 19,618 Loss on extinguishment of debt 7,157 Total pre-tax items of interest $ (42,944) Tax effect of above items 14,193 Non-recurring tax items - Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) and shares from continuing operations 43,710 $ 115,786 $ 2.65 46


Non-GAAP Reconciliations – Adjusted Earnings (In millions) FY 2019 Gross profit $ 1,521.0 SG&A expenses $ 1,099.4 Items of interest: Gain on franchise disposals $ 76.0 Executive transition costs (6.3) Legal and storm damage charges - Long-term compensation charges - Lease exit adjustments - Adjusted SG&A expenses (excluding items of interest) $ 1,169.1 SG&A expenses as % of gross profit 72.3% Adjusted SG&A expenses (excluding items of interest) as % of gross profit 76.9% (In millions) FY 2019 GAAP pre-tax income $ 199.6 Gain on franchise disposals $ (76.0) Executive transition costs 6.3 Impairment charges 19.6 Loss on extinguishment of debt 7.2 Subtotal: Pre-tax items of interest $ (42.9) Adjusted pre-tax income $ 156.7 47


Non-GAAP Reconciliations – Adjusted Earnings 2019 (In millions) January February Marc h April May June July Gross profit $ 116.3 $ 108.0 $ 134.7 $ 123.9 $ 129.1 $ 128.3 $ 126.9 SG&A expenses $ 53.6 $ 92.2 $ 101.3 $ 97.7 $ 100.4 $ 96.4 $ 100.0 Items of interest: Gain on franchise disposals $ 45.6 $ - $ 1.1 $ (0.4) $ - $ 0.4 $ - Executive transition costs - - (6.3) - - - - Adjusted SG&A expenses (excluding items of interest) $ 99.2 $ 92.2 $ 96.1 $ 97.3 $ 100.4 $ 96.8 $ 100.0 SG&A expenses as % of gross profit 46.1% 85.4% 75.2% 78.9% 77.8% 75.2% 78.8% Adjusted SG&A expenses (excluding items of interest) as % of gross profit 85.3% 85.4% 71.4% 78.5% 77.8% 75.5% 78.8% 2019 (In millions) January February Marc h April May June July GAAP pre-tax income $ 46.1 $ 0.3 $ 14.9 $ 8.7 $ 12.1 $ 16.0 $ 10.6 Gain on franchise disposals $ (45.6) $ - $ (1.1) $ 1.0 $ - $ (1.0) $ - Executive transition costs - - 6.3 - - - - Impairment charges - - 1.9 - - - - Subtotal: Pre-tax items of interest $ (45.6) $ - $ 7.1 $ 1.0 $ - $ (1.0) $ - Adjusted pre-tax income (excluding items of interest) $ 0.5 $ 0.3 $ 22.0 $ 9.8 $ 12.1 $ 15.0 $ 10.6 48


Non-GAAP Reconciliation – Adjusted EBITDA LTM* (In thousands) FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 Q2 2020 Net Income (Loss) $ 86,311 $ 93,193 $ 92,983 $ 51,650 $ 144,137 $ (93,226) Provision For Income Taxes 55,962 59,899 13,198 22,645 54,954 (11,836) Income (Loss) Before Taxes $ 142,273 $ 153,092 $ 106,181 $ 74,295 $ 199,091 $(105,062) Non-Floor Plan Interest 49,524 48,034 50,531 52,049 50,475 44,763 Depreciation and Amortization 72,130 81,034 92,127 96,652 95,646 94,129 Stock-Based Compensation Expense 9,814 11,165 11,119 11,853 10,797 10,768 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 20,768 287,649 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) (27,302) Adjusted EBITDA $ 290,796 $ 302,816 $ 276,136 $ 259,287 $ 308,485 $ 311,635 Long-Term Debt (Including Current Portion) $ 814,581 $ 882,678 $ 1,024,703 $ 945,083 $ 706,886 $ 749,531 Cash and Equivalents (3,625) (3,108) (6,352) (5,854) (29,103) (115,724) Floor Plan Deposit Balance (74,000) (10,000) (3,000) - - (83,949) Net Debt $ 736,956 $ 869,570 $ 1,015,351 $ 939,229 $ 677,783 $ 549,858 Net Debt To Adjusted EBITDA Ratio 2.53 2.87 3.68 3.62 2.20 1.76 * LTM Q2 2020 Is For The Twelve Month Period Ended June 30, 2020. Balance Sheet Amounts For LTM Q2 2020 Are As Of June 30, 2020. 49


Non-GAAP Reconciliation – Adjusted EBITDA 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 50


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 51


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 52


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 53


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 54



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