Sonic Automotive, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: SAH), one of the nation's largest automotive retailers, today reported financial results for the third quarter of 2018.

    --  Third quarter revenue and gross profit of $2.5 billion and $360.5
        million, respectively
    --  Record third quarter pre-owned retail unit sales of 34,952 units
    --  Record third quarter F&I gross profit per retail unit of $1,505
    --  Record third quarter F&I gross of $98.1 million
    --  EchoPark stores retailed 7,698 units during the quarter, up 221% from
        the third quarter of 2017
    --  GAAP continuing operations earnings per diluted share of $0.36 per
        diluted share in the third quarter of 2018
    --  Adjusted continuing operations earnings per diluted share of $0.43 per
        diluted share in the third quarter of 2018

Third Quarter 2018 Results

GAAP Basis

Net income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2018 was $15.3 million, or $0.36 per diluted share. Comparatively, net income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2017 was $19.7 million, or $0.45 per diluted share.

Adjusted Basis

Adjusted net income from continuing operations and related earnings per diluted share are non-GAAP financial measures. The schedules included in this press release reconcile these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

Adjusted net income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2018 was $18.3 million, or $0.43 per diluted share. The adjustments in the third quarter of 2018 relate to storm damage, executive transition costs and charges related to the disposal of franchises. Adjusted net income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2017 was $17.4 million, or $0.40 per diluted share. The adjustments in the third quarter of 2017 relate to a gain from the disposal of a franchise and charges related to fixed asset impairments, storm damage and legal matters.

Commentary

David Bruton Smith, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, noted, "Our EchoPark strategy to grow our pre-owned business continued according to plan in the third quarter of 2018. Revenues grew by nearly $130 million, or 226%, compared to the prior year quarter and we anticipate this upward trajectory to continue into the fourth quarter of 2018 with the opening of two additional EchoPark locations. On October 8, 2018, we opened an EchoPark store in Charlotte, North Carolina, and we expect to open another EchoPark Store in Houston, Texas by the end of 2018. On the franchise side of the business, revenues declined 1.7% on a same store basis primarily due to the strong third quarter comparison in 2017 containing the rebound effects of Hurricane Harvey. Despite this headwind, the franchised dealerships increased total gross profit by 1.1% during the quarter with strong performances in used vehicles and fixed operations. We look forward to a robust selling environment in the fourth quarter."

Jeff Dyke, the Company's President, noted, "We continue to work with our manufacturer partners to improve our margins at the store level and to make facility investments that provide the appropriate return for all parties. I am pleased with the progress we are making but believe we have more opportunity for improvement with certain brands. As David mentioned, we are very excited about the performance of EchoPark and our expansion plans."

Dividend

Sonic's Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share payable in cash for our stockholders of record on December 14, 2018. The dividend will be payable on January 15, 2019.

Third Quarter 2018 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 go to: www.sonicautomotive.com, then click on "Our Company," then "Investor Relations," then the "Earnings Conference Calls" link at the bottom of the page.

Presentation materials for the conference call will be accessible beginning the morning of the conference call on the Company's website at www.sonicautomotive.com by clicking on the "Investor Relations" tab under "Our Company" and choosing the "Webcasts & Presentations" link at the bottom of the page.

The conference call will also be available live by dialing in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call at:

Domestic: (877) 450-3867
International: (706) 643-0958
Conference ID: 9177697

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

Domestic: (855) 859-2056
International: (404) 537-3406
Conference ID: 9177697

About Sonic Automotive

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 500 company based in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the nation's largest automotive retailers. Sonic can be reached on the web at www.sonicautomotive.com. More information about EchoPark Automotive can be found at www.echopark.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Included herein are forward-looking statements, including statements with respect to our EchoPark brand expansion and our performance in the fourth quarter of 2018. 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, the success of our operational strategies, the rate and timing of overall economic recovery or decline, and the risk factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the Company's other periodic 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 and related earnings per diluted share, which exclude certain items disclosed in the attached financial tables. 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 disclosure, provide a meaningful presentation of the Company's results from its core business operations excluding the impact of items not related to the Company's ongoing core business operations, and improve the period-to-period comparability of the Company's results from its core business operations.


                                                                                   
       
           Sonic Automotive, Inc.

                                                                                 
       
       Results of Operations (Unaudited)





     
              
                Results of Operations




                                                                                                                                 Three Months Ended September 30,                                    Nine Months Ended September 30,


                                                                                                                     2018                                2017                                2018                       2017


                                                                                                                                          (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)



     Revenues:



     New vehicles                                                                                                         $
            1,235,094                               $
            1,362,301                              $
          3,654,510 $
          3,809,302



     Used vehicles                                                                                               745,998                             659,724                           2,217,616                  1,936,088



     Wholesale vehicles                                                                                           48,578                              43,098                             167,726                    130,174



     Total vehicles                                                                                            2,029,670                           2,065,123                           6,039,852                  5,875,564



     Parts, service and collision repair                                                                         343,118                             347,717                           1,041,630                  1,060,873



     Finance, insurance and other, net                                                                            98,061                              92,861                             295,890                    262,832



     Total revenues                                                                                            2,470,849                           2,505,701                           7,377,372                  7,199,269



     Cost of Sales:



     New vehicles                                                                                            (1,173,453)                         (1,296,063)                         (3,478,802)               (3,622,264)



     Used vehicles                                                                                             (710,681)                          (620,579)                        (2,108,219)               (1,816,076)



     Wholesale vehicles                                                                                         (49,877)                           (46,390)                          (176,806)                 (136,555)



     Total vehicles                                                                                          (1,934,011)                         (1,963,032)                         (5,763,827)               (5,574,895)



     Parts, service and collision repair                                                                       (176,302)                          (180,047)                          (538,135)                 (550,788)



     Total cost of sales                                                                                     (2,110,313)                         (2,143,079)                         (6,301,962)               (6,125,683)



     Gross profit                                                                                                360,536                             362,622                           1,075,410                  1,073,586



     Selling, general and administrative expenses                                                              (289,022)                          (283,974)                          (871,410)                 (870,139)



     Impairment charges                                                                                                -                              (200)                           (13,961)                   (3,315)



     Depreciation and amortization                                                                              (23,377)                           (22,686)                           (71,067)                  (65,751)



     Operating income (loss)                                                                                      48,137                              55,762                             118,972                    134,381



     Other income (expense):



     Interest expense, floor plan                                                                               (12,192)                            (8,882)                           (34,815)                  (26,413)



     Interest expense, other, net                                                                               (13,313)                           (13,028)                           (40,144)                  (39,200)



     Other income (expense), net                                                                                       -                                  4                                 107                   (14,490)



     Total other income (expense)                                                                               (25,505)                           (21,906)                           (74,852)                  (80,103)



     Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes                                                        22,632                              33,856                              44,120                     54,278



     Provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense)                                    (7,331)                           (14,126)                           (13,711)                  (22,254)



     Income (loss) from continuing operations                                                                     15,301                              19,730                              30,409                     32,024



     Discontinued operations:



     Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes                                                       (252)                              (481)                              (797)                   (1,650)



     Provision for income taxes for discontinued operations - benefit (expense)                                       69                                 191                                 218                        657



     Income (loss) from discontinued operations                                                                    (183)                              (290)                              (579)                     (993)



     Net income (loss)                                                                                                       $
            15,118                                  $
            19,440                                 $
          29,830    $
          31,031



     Basic earnings (loss) per common share:



     Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations                                                                      $
            0.36                                    $
            0.45                                   $
          0.71      $
          0.72



     Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations                                                       (0.01)                                                                (0.01)                    (0.02)



     Earnings (loss) per common share                                                                                          $
            0.35                                    $
            0.45                                   $
          0.70      $
          0.70



     Weighted average common shares outstanding                                                                   42,673                              43,496                              42,708                     44,281



     Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:



     Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations                                                                      $
            0.36                                    $
            0.45                                   $
          0.71      $
          0.72



     Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations                                                       (0.01)                             (0.01)                             (0.02)                    (0.02)



     Earnings (loss) per common share                                                                                          $
            0.35                                    $
            0.44                                   $
          0.69      $
          0.70



     Weighted average common shares outstanding                                                                   42,994                              43,811                              42,964                     44,585



     Dividends declared per common share                                                                                       $
            0.06                                    $
            0.05                                   $
          0.18      $
          0.15


                                                                                                                                                                                              
           
                Sonic Automotive, Inc.

                                                                                                                                                                                          
         
                Results of Operations (Unaudited)





     
                
                  Per Share Data




                                                                                                                                                                                    
           
           Three Months Ended September 30, 2018


                                                                                                                                                                  Income (Loss) From                                                             Income (Loss) From                              Net Income (Loss)
                                                                                                                                                           Continuing                                                                   Discontinued
                                                                                                                                                           Operations                                                                    Operations


                                                                                                                                        Weighted                            Amount                                       Per Share                                    Amount                    Per Share                        Amount                     Per Share
                                                                                                                                Average                                                            Amount                                                                          Amount                                                      Amount
                                                                                                                                 Shares


                                                                                                                                                                                  
           
           (In thousands, except per share amounts)



     
                Reported:



     Earnings (loss) and shares                                                                                              42,673                    $
             15,301                                                                                              $
        (183)                                                                  $
     15,118



     Effect of participating securities:



     Non-vested restricted stock                                                                                                                                (14)                                                                                                                                                  (14)



     Basic earnings (loss) and shares                                                                                        42,673                    $
             15,287                                                    $
              0.36                                             $
     (183)                                 $
       (0.01)                               $
           15,104         $
     0.35



     Effect of dilutive securities:



     Stock compensation plans                                                                                                   321



     Diluted earnings (loss) and shares                                                                                      42,994                    $
             15,287                                                    $
              0.36                                             $
     (183)                                 $
       (0.01)                               $
           15,104         $
     0.35





     
                Adjustments:



     Storm damage charges                                                                                                                                              $
              1,185                                                                               
        $                                                                                            $
        1,185



     Loss on disposal of franchises                                                                                                                              346                                                                                                                                                    346



     Executive transition costs                                                                                                                                1,581                                                                                                                                                  1,581



     Total adjustments before taxes                                                                                                                            3,112                                                                                                                                                  3,112



     Income tax effect of adjustments                                                                                                                          (848)                                                                                                                                                 (848)



     Non-recurring tax items                                                                                                                                     763                                                                                                                                                    763



     Effect of adjustments, net of income taxes                                                                                          $
          3,027                                                  $
              0.07                                         
     $                               
              $                                                 $
        3,027                 $
     0.07





     
                Adjusted:



     Earnings (loss) and diluted earnings (loss) per share (1)                                                                          $
          18,328                                                  $
              0.43                                              $
        (183)                                 $
         (0.01)                                $
        18,145                 $
     0.42






     (1)   Net loss attributable to EchoPark was $0.09 per fully diluted share in the three months ended September 30, 2018.


                                                                                                                                                                                   
           
       Three Months Ended September 30, 2017


                                                                                                                                                                     Income (Loss) From                                                        Income (Loss) From                               Net Income (Loss)
                                                                                                                                                              Continuing                                                              Discontinued
                                                                                                                                                              Operations                                                               Operations


                                                                                                                                          Weighted                           Amount                                 Per Share                                       Amount                  Per Share                              Amount                        Per Share
                                                                                                                                  Average                                                        Amount                                                                          Amount                                                              Amount
                                                                                                                                 Shares


                                                                                                                                                                                 
           
       (In thousands, except per share amounts)



     
                Reported:



     Earnings (loss) and shares                                                                                              43,496                       $
           19,730                                                                                           $
        (290)                                                                       $
       19,440



     Effect of participating securities:



     Non-vested restricted stock                                                                                                                                 (18)                                                                                                                                                  (18)



     Basic earnings (loss) and shares                                                                                        43,496                       $
           19,712                                              $
              0.45                                              $
     (290)                        
              $                                                     $
         19,422                 $
     0.45



     Effect of dilutive securities:



     Stock compensation plans                                                                                                   315



     Diluted earnings (loss) and shares                                                                                      43,811                       $
           19,712                                              $
              0.45                                              $
     (290)                                       $
           (0.01)                                   $
         19,422                 $
     0.44





     
                Adjustments:



     Impairment charges                                                                                                                                                 $
              198                                                                              
        $                                                                                                        $
        198



     Legal and storm damage charges                                                                                                                             3,930                                                                                                                                                  3,930



     Gain on disposal of franchises                                                                                                                           (8,489)                                                                                                                                               (8,489)



     Total adjustments before taxes                                                                                                                           (4,361)                                                                                                                                               (4,361)



     Income tax effect of adjustments                                                                                                                           2,065                                                                                                                                                           $
           2,065



     Effect of adjustments, net of income taxes                                                                                           $
          (2,296)                                       $
              (0.05)                                        
          $                           
              $                                                         $
          (2,296)                   $
        (0.05)





     
                Adjusted:



     Earnings (loss) and diluted earnings (loss) per share (2)                                                                             $
          17,434                                          $
              0.40                                                 $
        (290)                                  $
           (0.01)                                     $
          17,144                    $
          0.39





     (2)   Net loss attributable to EchoPark was $0.07 per fully diluted share in the three months ended September 30, 2017.


                                                                                                                                                                                   
            
       Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018


                                                                                                                                                                     Income (Loss) From                                                          Income (Loss) From                              Net Income (Loss)
                                                                                                                                                             Continuing                                                                 Discontinued
                                                                                                                                                             Operations                                                                  Operations


                                                                                                                                         Weighted                          Amount                                     Per Share                                       Amount                 Per Share                              Amount                    Per Share
                                                                                                                                 Average                                                           Amount                                                                          Amount                                                         Amount
                                                                                                                                Shares


                                                                                                                                                                                 
            
       (In thousands, except per share amounts)



     
                Reported:



     Earnings (loss) and shares                                                                                             42,708                      $
           30,409                                                                                               $
        (579)                                                                  $
       29,830



     Effect of participating securities:



     Non-vested restricted stock                                                                                                                               (29)                                                                                                                                                      (29)



     Basic earnings (loss) and shares                                                                                       42,708                      $
           30,380                                                  $
              0.71                                             $
     (579)                                       $
       (0.01)                              $
            29,801         $
     0.70



     Effect of dilutive securities:



     Stock compensation plans                                                                                                  256



     Diluted earnings (loss) and shares                                                                                     42,964                      $
           30,380                                                  $
              0.71                                             $
     (579)                                       $
       (0.02)                              $
            29,801         $
     0.69





     
                Adjustments:



     Impairment charges                                                                                                                                               $
              13,958                                                                               
        $                                                                                             $
         13,958



     Legal and storm damage charges                                                                                                                           5,749                                                                                                                                                      5,749



     Lease exit adjustments                                                                                                                                   2,235                                                                                                                                                      2,235



     Gain on disposal of franchises                                                                                                                        (38,893)                                                                                                                                                  (38,893)



     Long-term compensation-related charges                                                                                                                  32,522                                                                                                                                                     32,522



     Executive transition costs                                                                                                                               1,581                                                                                                                                                      1,581



     Total adjustments before taxes                                                                                                                          17,152                                                                                                                                                     17,152



     Income tax effect of adjustments                                                                                                                       (4,674)                                                                                                                                                   (4,674)



     Non-recurring tax items                                                                                                                                  1,313                                                                                                                                                      1,313



     Effect of adjustments, net of income taxes                                                                                          $
          13,791                                              $
              0.32                                         
        $                            
              $                                                     $
        13,791                  $
     0.32





     
                Adjusted:



     Earnings (loss) and diluted earnings (loss) per share (3)                                                                           $
          44,200                                              $
              1.03                                                 $
        (579)                                 $
            (0.02)                               $
        43,621                  $
     1.01






     (3)   Net loss attributable to EchoPark was $0.26 per fully diluted share in the nine months ended September 30, 2018.


                                                                                                                                                                                 
           
       Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017


                                                                                                                                                                  Income (Loss) From                                                         Income (Loss) From                              Net Income (Loss)
                                                                                                                                                           Continuing                                                               Discontinued
                                                                                                                                                           Operations                                                                Operations


                                                                                                                                        Weighted                         Amount                                   Per Share                                       Amount                 Per Share                             Amount                           Per Share
                                                                                                                                Average                                                        Amount                                                                          Amount                                                               Amount
                                                                                                                               Shares


                                                                                                                                                                               
           
       (In thousands, except per share amounts)



     
                Reported:



     Earnings (loss) and shares                                                                                            44,281                      $
          32,024                                                                                             $
        (993)                                                                        $
       31,031



     Effect of participating securities:



     Non-vested restricted stock                                                                                                                             (28)                                                                                                                                                   (28)



     Basic earnings (loss) and shares                                                                                      44,281                      $
          31,996                                                $
              0.72                                             $
     (993)                                       $
             (0.02)                              $
           31,003         $
     0.70



     Effect of dilutive securities:



     Stock compensation plans                                                                                                 304



     Diluted earnings (loss) and shares                                                                                    44,585                      $
          31,996                                                $
              0.72                                             $
     (993)                                       $
             (0.02)                              $
           31,003         $
     0.70





     
                Adjustments:



     Impairment charges                                                                                                                                             $
              3,313                                                                              
        $                                                                                                    $
        3,313



     Legal and storm damage charges                                                                                                                        10,781                                                                                                                                                  10,781



     Lease exit adjustments                                                                                                                                   992                                                                                                                                                     992



     Loss on debt extinguishment                                                                                                                           15,268                                                                                                                                                  15,268



     Gain on disposal of franchises                                                                                                                       (8,489)                                                                                                                                                (8,489)



     Total adjustments before taxes                                                                                                                        21,865                                                                                                                                                  21,865



     Income tax effect of adjustments                                                                                                                     (8,229)                                                                                                                                                          $
            (8,229)



     Effect of adjustments, net of income taxes                                                                                         $
          13,636                                           $
              0.30                                         
        $                            
              $                                                           $
        13,636                 $
     0.30





     
                Adjusted:



     Earnings (loss) and diluted earnings (loss) per share (4)                                                                          $
          45,660                                           $
              1.02                                                 $
        (993)                                 $
           (0.02)                                      $
        44,667                 $
     1.00






     (4)  Net loss attributable to EchoPark was $0.22 per fully diluted share in the nine months ended September 30, 2017.


                                                                                    
              
                Sonic Automotive, Inc.

                                                                              
              
                Results of Operations (Unaudited)





     
                
                  New Vehicles




                                                               Three Months Ended September 30,                                           Better /(Worse)


                                                 2018                                 2017                                           Change               % Change


                                                    
            
                (In thousands, except unit and per unit data)



     Reported new vehicle:



     Revenue                                         $
              1,235,094                                          $
              1,362,301                         $
            (127,207)      (9.3)

                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Gross profit                                       $
              61,641                                             $
              66,238                           $
            (4,597)      (6.9)

                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Unit sales                               31,009                               35,489                                          (4,480)                 (12.6)
                                                                                                                                                               %



     Revenue per unit                                   $
              39,830                                             $
              38,387                             $
            1,443         3.8
                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Gross profit per unit                               $
              1,988                                              $
              1,866                               $
            122         6.5
                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Gross profit as a % of revenue              5.0                                                 4.9
                                                    %                                                  %                                                      10                        bps




                                                               Nine Months Ended September 30,                                           Better /(Worse)


                                                 2018                                 2017                                           Change               % Change


                                                    
            
                (In thousands, except unit and per unit data)



     Reported new vehicle:



     Revenue                                         $
              3,654,510                                          $
              3,809,302                         $
            (154,792)      (4.1)

                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Gross profit                                      $
              175,708                                            $
              187,038                          $
            (11,330)      (6.1)

                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Unit sales                               91,386                               99,132                                          (7,746)                  (7.8)

                                                                                                                                                               %



     Revenue per unit                                   $
              39,990                                             $
              38,427                             $
            1,563         4.1
                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Gross profit per unit                               $
              1,923                                              $
              1,887                                $
            36         1.9
                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Gross profit as a % of revenue              4.8                                                 4.9
                                                    %                                                  %                                                    (10)                       bps




                                                               Three Months Ended September 30,                                           Better /(Worse)


                                                 2018                                 2017                                           Change               % Change


                                                    
            
                (In thousands, except unit and per unit data)



     Same store new vehicle:



     Revenue                                         $
              1,235,103                                          $
              1,288,932                          $
            (53,829)      (4.2)

                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Gross profit                                       $
              61,106                                             $
              63,590                           $
            (2,484)      (3.9)

                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Unit sales                               31,010                               33,162                                          (2,152)                  (6.5)

                                                                                                                                                               %



     Revenue per unit                                   $
              39,829                                             $
              38,868                               $
            961         2.5
                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Gross profit per unit                               $
              1,971                                              $
              1,918                                $
            53         2.8
                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Gross profit as a % of revenue              4.9                                                 4.9
                                                    %                                                  %                                                                               bps




                                                               Nine Months Ended September 30,                                           Better /(Worse)


                                                 2018                                 2017                                           Change               % Change


                                                    
            
                (In thousands, except unit and per unit data)



     Same store new vehicle:



     Revenue                                         $
              3,588,102                                          $
              3,590,192                           $
            (2,090)      (0.1)

                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Gross profit                                      $
              173,825                                            $
              180,889                           $
            (7,064)      (3.9)

                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Unit sales                               89,414                               92,135                                          (2,721)                  (3.0)

                                                                                                                                                               %



     Revenue per unit                                   $
              40,129                                             $
              38,967                             $
            1,162         3.0
                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Gross profit per unit                               $
              1,944                                              $
              1,963                              $
            (19)      (1.0)

                                                                                                                                                                                              %



     Gross profit as a % of revenue              4.8                                                 5.0
                                                    %                                                  %                                                    (20)                       bps


                                                                                    
              
                Sonic Automotive, Inc.

                                                                              
              
                Results of Operations (Unaudited)





     
                
                  Used Vehicles




                                                                 Three Months Ended September 30,                                           Better /(Worse)


                                                   2018                                 2017                                           Change               % Change


                                                      
            
                (In thousands, except unit and per unit data)



     Reported used vehicle:



     Revenue                                             $
              745,998                                            $
              659,724                            $
           86,274        13.1
                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Gross profit                                         $
              35,317                                             $
              39,145                           $
           (3,828)      (9.8)

                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Unit sales                                 34,952                               30,841                                            4,111                    13.3
                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Revenue per unit                                     $
              21,343                                             $
              21,391                              $
           (48)      (0.2)

                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Gross profit per unit                                 $
              1,010                                              $
              1,269                             $
           (259)     (20.4)
                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Gross profit as a % of revenue                4.7                                                 5.9
                                                      %                                                  %                                                   (120)                      bps




                                                                 Nine Months Ended September 30,                                           Better /(Worse)


                                                   2018                                 2017                                           Change               % Change


                                                      
            
                (In thousands, except unit and per unit data)



     Reported used vehicle:



     Revenue                                           $
              2,217,616                                          $
              1,936,088                           $
           281,528        14.5
                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Gross profit                                        $
              109,397                                            $
              120,012                          $
           (10,615)      (8.8)

                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Unit sales                                104,470                               91,749                                           12,721                    13.9
                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Revenue per unit                                     $
              21,227                                             $
              21,102                               $
           125         0.6
                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Gross profit per unit                                 $
              1,047                                              $
              1,308                             $
           (261)     (20.0)
                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Gross profit as a % of revenue                4.9                                                 6.2
                                                      %                                                  %                                                   (130)                      bps




                                                                 Three Months Ended September 30,                                           Better /(Worse)


                                                   2018                                 2017                                           Change               % Change


                                                      
            
                (In thousands, except unit and per unit data)



     Same store used vehicle:



     Revenue                                             $
              653,793                                            $
              614,894                            $
           38,899         6.3
                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Gross profit                                         $
              35,302                                             $
              35,270                                $
           32         0.1
                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Unit sales                                 30,527                               28,328                                            2,199                     7.8
                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Revenue per unit                                     $
              21,417                                             $
              21,706                             $
           (289)      (1.3)

                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Gross profit per unit                                 $
              1,156                                              $
              1,245                              $
           (89)      (7.1)

                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Gross profit as a % of revenue                5.4                                                 5.7
                                                      %                                                  %                                                    (30)                      bps




                                                                 Nine Months Ended September 30,                                           Better /(Worse)


                                                   2018                                 2017                                           Change               % Change


                                                      
            
                (In thousands, except unit and per unit data)



     Same store used vehicle:



     Revenue                                           $
              1,913,815                                          $
              1,795,568                           $
           118,247         6.6
                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Gross profit                                        $
              104,945                                            $
              107,503                           $
           (2,558)      (2.4)

                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Unit sales                                 89,311                               83,873                                            5,438                     6.5
                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Revenue per unit                                     $
              21,429                                             $
              21,408                                $
           21         0.1
                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Gross profit per unit                                 $
              1,175                                              $
              1,282                             $
           (107)      (8.3)

                                                                                                                                                                                               %



     Gross profit as a % of revenue                5.5                                                 6.0
                                                      %                                                  %                                                    (50)                      bps


                                                                               
              
                Sonic Automotive, Inc.

                                                                         
              
                Results of Operations (Unaudited)





     
                
                  Wholesale Vehicles




                                                                 Three Months Ended September 30,                                          Better /(Worse)


                                                       2018                         2017                                           Change                  % Change


                                                                          (In thousands, except unit and per unit data)



     Reported wholesale vehicle:



     Revenue                                                $
        48,578                                             $
              43,098                                $
           5,480           12.7
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit                                          $
        (1,299)                                           $
              (3,292)                               $
           1,993           60.5
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Unit sales                                      7,831                        7,832                                              (1)                                     %



     Revenue per unit                                        $
        6,203                                              $
              5,503                                  $
           700           12.7
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit per unit                                   $
        (166)                                             $
              (420)                                 $
           254           60.5
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit as a % of revenue                  (2.7)                                      (7.6)
                                                          %                                          %                                                        490                       bps




                                                                 Nine Months Ended September 30,                                          Better /(Worse)


                                                       2018                         2017                                           Change                  % Change


                                                                          (In thousands, except unit and per unit data)



     Reported wholesale vehicle:



     Revenue                                               $
        167,726                                            $
              130,174                               $
           37,552           28.8
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit                                          $
        (9,080)                                           $
              (6,381)                             $
           (2,699)        (42.3)
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Unit sales                                     25,953                       23,922                                            2,031                        8.5
                                                                                                                                                                %



     Revenue per unit                                        $
        6,463                                              $
              5,442                                $
           1,021           18.8
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit per unit                                   $
        (350)                                             $
              (267)                                $
           (83)        (31.1)
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit as a % of revenue                  (5.4)                                      (4.9)
                                                          %                                          %                                                       (50)                      bps




                                                                 Three Months Ended September 30,                                          Better /(Worse)


                                                       2018                         2017                                           Change                  % Change


                                                                          (In thousands, except unit and per unit data)



     Same store wholesale vehicle:



     Revenue                                                $
        46,238                                             $
              40,254                                $
           5,984           14.9
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit                                          $
        (1,212)                                           $
              (2,912)                               $
           1,700           58.4
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Unit sales                                      7,377                        7,180                                              197                        2.7
                                                                                                                                                                %



     Revenue per unit                                        $
        6,268                                              $
              5,606                                  $
           662           11.8
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit per unit                                   $
        (164)                                             $
              (406)                                 $
           242           59.6
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit as a % of revenue                  (2.6)                                      (7.2)
                                                          %                                          %                                                        460                       bps




                                                                 Nine Months Ended September 30,                                          Better /(Worse)


                                                       2018                         2017                                           Change                  % Change


                                                                          (In thousands, except unit and per unit data)



     Same store wholesale vehicle:



     Revenue                                               $
        155,463                                            $
              121,102                               $
           34,361           28.4
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit                                          $
        (9,118)                                           $
              (5,539)                             $
           (3,579)        (64.6)
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Unit sales                                     23,817                       21,799                                            2,018                        9.3
                                                                                                                                                                %



     Revenue per unit                                        $
        6,527                                              $
              5,555                                  $
           972           17.5
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit per unit                                   $
        (383)                                             $
              (254)                               $
           (129)        (50.8)
                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit as a % of revenue                  (5.9)                                      (4.6)
                                                          %                                          %                                                      (130)                      bps


                                                                                                                           
              
                Sonic Automotive, Inc.

                                                                                                                      
              
                Results of Operations (Unaudited)





     
                
                  Parts, Service and Collision Repair ("Fixed Operations")




                                                                                                         Three Months Ended September 30,                                           Better /(Worse)


                                                                                              2018                              2017                                           Change               % Change


                                                                                                            
              
                (In thousands)



     
                Reported:



     Revenue



     Customer pay                                                                                   $
           139,642                                            $
              137,850                              $
             1,792    1.3
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     %



     Warranty                                                                              66,730                            70,575                                          (3,845)                  (5.4)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Wholesale parts                                                                       39,419                            40,927                                          (1,508)                  (3.7)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Internal, sublet and other                                                            97,327                            98,365                                          (1,038)                  (1.1)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Total                                                                                          $
           343,118                                            $
              347,717                            $
             (4,599) (1.3)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     %





     Gross profit



     Customer pay                                                                                    $
           74,994                                             $
              74,302                                $
             692    0.9
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     %



     Warranty                                                                              38,563                            38,821                                            (258)                  (0.7)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Wholesale parts                                                                        6,784                             6,958                                            (174)                  (2.5)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Internal, sublet and other                                                            46,475                            47,589                                          (1,114)                  (2.3)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Total                                                                                          $
           166,816                                            $
              167,670                              $
             (854) (0.5)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     %





     Gross profit as a % of revenue



     Customer pay                                                                            53.7                                             53.9
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                    (20)   
             bps



     Warranty                                                                                57.8                                             55.0
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                     280    
             bps



     Wholesale parts                                                                         17.2                                             17.0
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                      20    
             bps



     Internal, sublet and other                                                              47.8                                             48.4
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                    (60)   
             bps



     Total                                                                                   48.6                                             48.2
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                      40    
             bps




                                                                                                         Nine Months Ended September 30,                                           Better /(Worse)


                                                                                              2018                              2017                                           Change               % Change


                                                                                                            
              
                (In thousands)



     
                Reported:



     Revenue



     Customer pay                                                                                   $
           422,348                                            $
              415,179                              $
             7,169    1.7
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     %



     Warranty                                                                             198,219                           213,155                                         (14,936)                  (7.0)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Wholesale parts                                                                      122,763                           127,014                                          (4,251)                  (3.3)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Internal, sublet and other                                                           298,300                           305,525                                          (7,225)                  (2.4)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Total                                                                                        $
           1,041,630                                          $
              1,060,873                           $
             (19,243) (1.8)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     %





     Gross profit



     Customer pay                                                                                   $
           226,443                                            $
              222,086                              $
             4,357    2.0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     %



     Warranty                                                                             112,335                           117,809                                          (5,474)                  (4.6)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Wholesale parts                                                                       20,949                            21,839                                            (890)                  (4.1)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Internal, sublet and other                                                           143,768                           148,351                                          (4,583)                  (3.1)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Total                                                                                          $
           503,495                                            $
              510,085                            $
             (6,590) (1.3)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     %





     Gross profit as a % of revenue



     Customer pay                                                                            53.6                                             53.5
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                      10    
             bps



     Warranty                                                                                56.7                                             55.3
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                     140    
             bps



     Wholesale parts                                                                         17.1                                             17.2
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                    (10)   
             bps



     Internal, sublet and other                                                              48.2                                             48.6
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                    (40)   
             bps



     Total                                                                                   48.3                                             48.1
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                      20    
             bps


                                                                                                                          
              
                Sonic Automotive, Inc.

                                                                                                                    
              
                Results of Operations (Unaudited)





     
                
                  Parts, Service and Collision Repair ("Fixed Operations")




                                                                                                         Three Months Ended September 30,                                           Better /(Worse)


                                                                                              2018                              2017                                           Change               % Change


                                                                                                            
              
                (In thousands)



     
                Same Store:



     Revenue



     Customer pay                                                                                   $
           137,848                                            $
              131,453                            $
         6,395  4.9

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             %



     Warranty                                                                              65,923                            67,182                                          (1,259)                  (1.9)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Wholesale parts                                                                       39,419                            38,961                                              458                     1.2

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Internal, sublet and other                                                            94,652                            92,429                                            2,223                     2.4

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Total                                                                                          $
           337,842                                            $
              330,025                            $
         7,817  2.4

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             %





     Gross profit



     Customer pay                                                                                    $
           74,047                                             $
              70,769                            $
         3,278  4.6

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             %



     Warranty                                                                              36,605                            36,949                                            (344)                  (0.9)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Wholesale parts                                                                        6,782                             6,634                                              148                     2.2

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Internal, sublet and other                                                            45,886                            44,529                                            1,357                     3.0

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Total                                                                                          $
           163,320                                            $
              158,881                            $
         4,439  2.8

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             %





     Gross profit as a % of revenue



     Customer pay                                                                            53.7                                             53.8
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                    (10)   
         bps



     Warranty                                                                                55.5                                             55.0
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                      50    
         bps



     Wholesale parts                                                                         17.2                                             17.0
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                      20    
         bps



     Internal, sublet and other                                                              48.5                                             48.2
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                      30    
         bps



     Total                                                                                   48.3                                             48.1
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                      20    
         bps




                                                                                                         Nine Months Ended September 30,                                           Better /(Worse)


                                                                                              2018                              2017                                           Change               % Change


                                                                                                            
              
                (In thousands)



     
                Same Store:



     Revenue



     Customer pay                                                                                   $
           413,920                                            $
              393,933                           $
         19,987  5.1

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             %



     Warranty                                                                             195,477                           202,223                                          (6,746)                  (3.3)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Wholesale parts                                                                      120,819                           120,731                                               88                     0.1

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Internal, sublet and other                                                           285,025                           286,474                                          (1,449)                  (0.5)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Total                                                                                        $
           1,015,241                                          $
              1,003,361                           $
         11,880  1.2

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             %





     Gross profit



     Customer pay                                                                                   $
           222,048                                            $
              210,369                           $
         11,679  5.6

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             %



     Warranty                                                                             109,107                           111,714                                          (2,607)                  (2.3)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Wholesale parts                                                                       20,654                            20,807                                            (153)                  (0.7)

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Internal, sublet and other                                                           138,948                           137,930                                            1,018                     0.7

                                                                                                                                                                                                         %



     Total                                                                                          $
           490,757                                            $
              480,820                            $
         9,937  2.1

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             %





     Gross profit as a % of revenue



     Customer pay                                                                            53.6                                             53.4
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                      20    
         bps



     Warranty                                                                                55.8                                             55.2
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                      60    
         bps



     Wholesale parts                                                                         17.1                                             17.2
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                    (10)   
         bps



     Internal, sublet and other                                                              48.7                                             48.1
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                      60    
         bps



     Total                                                                                   48.3                                             47.9
                                                                                                 %                                               %                                                      40    
         bps


                                                                              
             
           Sonic Automotive, Inc.

                                                                            
          
          Results of Operations (Unaudited)





     
                
                  Finance, Insurance and Other, Net ("F&I")




                                                                                           Three Months Ended September 30,                               Better /(Worse)


                                                                               2018                         2017                                  Change                  % Change


                                                                                       
         
                (In thousands, except per unit data)



     
                Reported:



     Revenue                                                                         $
         98,061                                         $
       92,861                             $
         5,200  5.6

                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)                                    $
         1,505                                          $
       1,408                                $
         97  6.9

                                                                                                                                                                                                 %




                                                                                           Nine Months Ended September 30,                               Better /(Worse)


                                                                               2018                         2017                                  Change                  % Change


                                                                                       
         
                (In thousands, except per unit data)



     
                Reported:



     Revenue                                                                        $
         295,890                                        $
       262,832                            $
         33,058 12.6

                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)                                    $
         1,523                                          $
       1,389                               $
         134  9.6

                                                                                                                                                                                                 %




                                                                                           Three Months Ended September 30,                               Better /(Worse)


                                                                               2018                         2017                                  Change                  % Change


                                                                                       
         
                (In thousands, except per unit data)



     
                Same Store:



     Revenue                                                                         $
         87,697                                         $
       85,928                             $
         1,769  2.1

                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)                                    $
         1,444                                          $
       1,405                                $
         39  2.8

                                                                                                                                                                                                 %




                                                                                           Nine Months Ended September 30,                               Better /(Worse)


                                                                               2018                         2017                                  Change                  % Change


                                                                                       
         
                (In thousands, except per unit data)



     
                Same Store:



     Revenue                                                                        $
         257,369                                        $
       241,018                            $
         16,351  6.8

                                                                                                                                                                                                 %



     Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)                                    $
         1,452                                          $
       1,381                                $
         71  5.1

                                                                                                                                                                                                 %


                                                                                                
         
                Sonic Automotive, Inc.

                                                                                            
           
             Results of Operations (Unaudited)





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




                                                                                                       Three Months Ended September 30,                         Better /(Worse)


                                                                                           2018                           2017                           Change                 % Change


                                                                                                        
              
                (In thousands)



     
                Reported:



     Compensation                                                                               $
         175,393                                   $
       172,691                             $
          (2,702) (1.6)

                                                                                                                                                                                                             %



     Advertising                                                                        14,652                         15,846                            1,194                       7.5
                                                                                                                                                                                     %



     Rent                                                                               14,881                         17,711                            2,830                      16.0
                                                                                                                                                                                     %



     Other                                                                              84,096                         77,726                          (6,370)                    (8.2)

                                                                                                                                                                                     %



     Total SG&A expenses                                                                        $
         289,022                                   $
       283,974                             $
          (5,048) (1.8)

                                                                                                                                                                                                             %



     
                Adjustments:



     Legal and storm damage charges                                                             $
         (1,185)                                  $
       (3,930)



     Executive transition costs                                                        (1,581)



     Gain (loss) on disposal of franchises                                               (346)                         8,489



     Total SG&A adjustments                                                                     $
         (3,112)                                    $
       4,559



     
                Adjusted:



     Total adjusted SG&A expenses                                                               $
         285,910                                   $
       288,533                               $
          2,623    0.9
                                                                                                                                                                                                             %



     
                Reported:



     SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit:



     Compensation                                                                         48.6                                          47.6
                                                                                              %                                            %                                     (100)   
          bps



     Advertising                                                                           4.1                                           4.4
                                                                                              %                                            %                                        30    
          bps



     Rent                                                                                  4.1                                           4.9
                                                                                              %                                            %                                        80    
          bps



     Other                                                                                23.4                                          21.4
                                                                                              %                                            %                                     (200)   
          bps



     Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit                                           80.2                                          78.3
                                                                                              %                                            %                                     (190)   
          bps



     
                Adjustments:



     Legal and storm damage charges                                                      (0.3)                                        (1.1)
                                                                                              %                                            %



     Executive transition costs                                                          (0.5)
                                                                                              %                                                
     %



     Gain (loss) on disposal of franchises                                               (0.1)                                          2.4
                                                                                              %                                            %



     Total effect of adjustments                                                         (0.9)                                          1.3
                                                                                              %                                            %



     
                Adjusted:



     Total adjusted SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit                                  79.3                                          79.6
                                                                                              %                                            %                                        30    
          bps


                                                                                                 
        
                Sonic Automotive, Inc.

                                                                                              
         
             Results of Operations (Unaudited)





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




                                                                                                      Nine Months Ended September 30,                           Better /(Worse)


                                                                                            2018                         2017                            Change                 % Change


                                                                                                       
              
                (In thousands)



     
                Reported:



     Compensation                                                                               $
        558,071                                    $
       520,420                             $
         (37,651) (7.2)

                                                                                                                                                                                                             %



     Advertising                                                                         46,938                       46,448                             (490)                    (1.1)

                                                                                                                                                                                     %



     Rent                                                                                50,451                       55,309                             4,858                       8.8

                                                                                                                                                                                     %



     Other                                                                              215,950                      247,962                            32,012                      12.9

                                                                                                                                                                                     %



     Total SG&A expenses                                                                        $
        871,410                                    $
       870,139                              $
         (1,271) (0.1)

                                                                                                                                                                                                             %



     
                Adjustments:



     Legal and storm damage charges                                                             $
        (5,749)                                  $
       (10,781)



     Long-term compensation-related charges                                            (32,522)



     Executive transition costs                                                         (1,581)



     Lease exit adjustments                                                             (2,235)                       (992)



     Gain on disposal of franchises                                                      38,893                        8,489



     Total SG&A adjustments                                                                     $
        (3,194)                                   $
       (3,284)



     
                Adjusted:



     Total adjusted SG&A expenses                                                               $
        868,216                                    $
       866,855                              $
         (1,361) (0.2)

                                                                                                                                                                                                             %



     
                Reported:



     SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit:



     Compensation                                                                          51.9                                        48.5
                                                                                               %                                          %                                      (340)   
         bps



     Advertising                                                                            4.4                                         4.3
                                                                                               %                                          %                                       (10)   
         bps



     Rent                                                                                   4.7                                         5.2
                                                                                               %                                          %                                         50    
         bps



     Other                                                                                 20.0                                        23.0
                                                                                               %                                          %                                        300    
         bps



     Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit                                            81.0                                        81.0
                                                                                               %                                          %                                              
         bps



     
                Adjustments:



     Legal and storm damage charges                                                       (0.5)                                      (1.0)
                                                                                               %                                          %



     Long-term compensation-related charges                                               (3.1)
                                                                                               %                                              
      %



     Executive transition costs                                                           (0.1)
                                                                                               %                                              
      %



     Lease exit adjustments                                                               (0.2)                                      (0.1)
                                                                                               %                                          %



     Gain on disposal of franchises                                                         3.7                                         0.8
                                                                                               %                                          %



     Total effect of adjustments                                                          (0.3)                                      (0.3)
                                                                                               %                                          %



     
                Adjusted:



     Total adjusted SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit                                   80.7                                        80.7
                                                                                               %                                          %                                              
         bps

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sonic-automotive-inc-reports-third-quarter-results-300737516.html

SOURCE Sonic Automotive, Inc.