Business Wire | Apr 29, 2021 06:55AM EDT

Sonic Automotive Reports Record First Quarter Revenues and Earnings Per Share

Apr. 29, 2021

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 29, 2021--Sonic Automotive, Inc. ("Sonic" or the "Company") (NYSE:SAH), one of the nation's largest automotive retailers, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. The financial measures discussed below are results for the first quarter of 2021 with comparisons made to the first quarter of 2020, unless otherwise noted. Certain metrics are also compared to the first quarter of 2019 to exclude the effects of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic on comparative results.

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Sonic Automotive Financial Snapshot Infographic. (Graphic: Business Wire)

First Quarter Highlights

* Record first quarter revenues of $2.8 billion, up 20.7%, and record first quarter income from continuing operations before taxes of $72.6 million, compared to a loss before taxes of $243.2 million in the first quarter of 2020, which included a $268.0 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge (excluding the effect of this prior year goodwill impairment charge, pre-tax earnings increased 193.1%) * Record first quarter reported earnings from continuing operations of $53.7 million ($1.23 per diluted share), compared to a loss of $199.1 million (loss of $4.67 per diluted share) and adjusted earnings from continuing operations* of $17.6 million ($0.40 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2020 * Record first quarter selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses as a percentage of gross profit of 72.2%, a decrease of 830 basis points from 80.5% in the first quarter of 2020 * All-time record quarterly total Finance & Insurance ("F&I") gross profit per retail unit of $2,045, up 8.5% * Reported EchoPark results include: All-time record quarterly EchoPark revenues of $507.1 million, up 52.9% All-time record quarterly EchoPark retail sales volume of 19,670, up 40.6% EchoPark pre-tax earnings of $2.0 million and Adjusted EBITDA* of $6.2 million * Same store Franchised Dealerships Segment operating results include: Revenues up 16.4%, gross profit up 11.1% (up 13.9% and 12.3%, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2019) New vehicle unit sales volume up 13.8% (up 7.5% compared to the first quarter of 2019); new vehicle gross profit per unit up 34.3%, to $2,831 (up 25.4% compared to the first quarter of 2019) Retail used vehicle unit sales volume up 6.2% (up 8.6% compared to the first quarter of 2019); retail used vehicle gross profit per unit down 11.3%, to $1,111 (down 13.0% compared to the first quarter of 2019) Parts, service and collision repair gross profit down 1.8% (up 0.1% compared to the first quarter of 2019); customer pay gross profit up 1.6% (up 6.8% compared to the first quarter of 2019); gross margin up 150 basis points, to 50.2% (up 180 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2019) F&I gross profit up 18.7% (up 27.4% compared to the first quarter of 2019); reported Franchised Dealerships Segment F&I gross profit per retail unit of $1,910, up 8.5% (up 24.1% compared to the first quarter of 2019) * Sonic's Board of Directors approved a 20% increase to the Company's quarterly cash dividend, to $0.12 per share, payable on July 15, 2021 to all stockholders of record on June 15, 2021 * Sonic's Board of Directors increased the Company's share repurchase authorization by $250.0 million, to a total of $277.3 million of available authorization

Commentary

David Smith, Sonic's and EchoPark's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Fiscal 2020 was a record-setting year from an adjusted earnings perspective, and this momentum has continued into 2021, where we generated record first quarter revenues and earnings driven by strong performance in both our franchised dealerships and EchoPark segments. EchoPark continues to set new records, achieving better than projected all-time record quarterly revenues and retail sales volume. The first quarter results at both our franchised dealerships and EchoPark stores reflect a strong demand environment which has persisted into the second quarter of 2021 to date. We remain confident in our goal of more than doubling total revenues to $25.0 billion by 2025, while also substantially improving our expected profitability as we continue to apply the efficiencies we have realized over the past year."

Jeff Dyke, Sonic's and EchoPark's President, commented, "We believe EchoPark's swift growth demonstrates the long-term value proposition of this unique, pre-owned vehicle shopping concept, as a growing number of guests visit us in-store and online at EchoPark.com for the exceptional pricing, diverse inventory selection and guest-centric buying experience we offer. At the same time, we continue to develop our digital retail and delivery model, enabling consumers to purchase their next vehicle in an efficient way best tailored to their needs. With recent store openings in Phoenix, Arizona and Birmingham, Alabama, in addition to opening our latest delivery center in Charleston, South Carolina just last week, we remain committed to reaching a 140-point nationwide distribution network by 2025, which we expect to retail over half a million pre-owned vehicles annually by that time. With our progress to date, we believe we are well on track to reach $14.0 billion in EchoPark revenues by 2025."

Heath Byrd, Sonic's and EchoPark's Chief Financial Officer, commented, "During the first quarter, we continued our commitment to fundamentally improving operating efficiencies and managing expenses throughout our entire organization, reducing SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit by 830 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2020. At the same time, we took steps to further strengthen our balance sheet position by replacing our existing revolving and floor plan facilities with a new four-year, $1.8 billion revolving and floor plan credit facility. The credit facility was substantially oversubscribed, with strong support from both new and incumbent financial institutions. We are very pleased with this transaction, which has extended our debt maturities, improved our borrowing costs and increased our total available liquidity and floor plan capacity to facilitate our growth plans."

*Adjusted earnings from continuing operations, adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. The tables included in this press release reconcile these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

Dividend

Sonic's Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share payable on July 15, 2021 to all stockholders of record on June 15, 2021.

First Quarter 2021 Earnings Conference Call

Senior management will hold a conference call on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. (Eastern). Investor presentation and earnings press release materials will be accessible beginning the morning of the conference call on the Company's website at ir.sonicautomotive.com.

To access the live webcast, please go to ir.sonicautomotive.com. For telephone access to this conference call, please register in advance using this link: http://www.directeventreg.com/registration/event/1090549. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email that includes dial-in numbers and unique conference call and registrant passcodes for entry. Registration remains available through the live call, however, to ensure you are connected for the full call we suggest registering at least 10 minutes before the start of the call.

A conference call replay will be available one hour following the call for 14 days at ir.sonicautomotive.com.

About Sonic Automotive

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

About EchoPark Automotive

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

Forward-Looking Statements

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

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release and the attached financial tables contain certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined under SEC rules, such as adjusted earnings from continuing operations, adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations, and Adjusted EBITDA. As required by SEC rules, the Company has provided reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the schedules included in this press release. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures improve the transparency of the Company's disclosures and provide a meaningful presentation of the Company's results.

Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Results of Operations (Unaudited)

Results of Operations - Consolidated

Three Months Ended March 31, Better / (Worse)

2021 2020 % Change

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenues:

New vehicles $ 1,156,317 $ 959,489 20.5 %

Used vehicles 1,090,097 850,052 28.2 %

Wholesale vehicles 74,809 48,543 54.1 %

Total vehicles 2,321,223 1,858,084 24.9 %

Parts, service and collision repair 320,914 334,680 (4.1) %

Finance, insurance and other, net 144,661 115,292 25.5 %

Total revenues 2,786,798 2,308,056 20.7 %

Cost of sales:

New vehicles (1,086,852) (914,074) (18.9) %

Used vehicles (1,059,229) (817,922) (29.5) %

Wholesale vehicles (73,960) (48,700) (51.9) %

Total vehicles (2,220,041) (1,780,696) (24.7) %

Parts, service and collision repair (165,864) (176,782) 6.2 %

Total cost of sales (2,385,905) (1,957,478) (21.9) %

Gross profit 400,893 350,578 14.4 %

Selling, general and administrative (289,356) (282,156) (2.6) %expenses

Impairment charges - (268,000) 100.0 %

Depreciation and amortization (23,687) (22,297) (6.2) %

Operating income (loss) 87,850 (221,875) 139.6 %

Other income (expense):

Interest expense, floor plan (5,113) (10,508) 51.3 %

Interest expense, other, net (10,285) (10,965) 6.2 %

Other income (expense), net 101 100 1.0 %

Total other income (expense) (15,297) (21,373) 28.4 %

Income (loss) from continuing 72,553 (243,248) 129.8 %operations before taxes

Provision for income taxes forcontinuing operations - benefit (18,864) 44,117 (142.8) %(expense)

Income (loss) from continuing 53,689 (199,131) 127.0 %operations

Discontinued operations:

Income (loss) from discontinued 720 (285) 352.6 %operations before taxes

Provision for income taxes fordiscontinued operations - benefit (187) 83 (325.3) %(expense)

Income (loss) from discontinued 533 (202) 363.9 %operations

Net income (loss) $ 54,222 $ (199,333) 127.2 %

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:

Earnings (loss) per share from $ 1.29 $ (4.67) 127.6 %continuing operations

Earnings (loss) per share from 0.02 (0.01) 300.0 %discontinued operations

Earnings (loss) per common share $ 1.31 $ (4.68) 128.0 %

Weighted-average common shares 41,541 42,615 2.5 %outstanding

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

Earnings (loss) per share from $ 1.23 $ (4.67) 126.3 %continuing operations

Earnings (loss) per share from 0.02 (0.01) 300.0 %discontinued operations

Earnings (loss) per common share $ 1.25 $ (4.68) 126.7 %

Weighted-average common shares 43,542 42,615 (2.2) %outstanding

Dividends declared per common share $ 0.10 $ 0.10 - %

Franchised Dealerships Segment - Reported

Three Months Ended March Better / 31, (Worse)

2021 2020 % Change

(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)

Revenues:

New vehicles $ 1,156,317 $ 959,489 20.5 %

Used vehicles 661,534 566,888 16.7 %

Wholesale vehicles 56,204 42,440 32.4 %

Total vehicles 1,874,055 1,568,817 19.5 %

Parts, service and collision repair 308,077 324,501 (5.1) %

Finance, insurance and other, net 97,525 83,029 17.5 %

Total revenues 2,279,657 1,976,347 15.3 %

Gross Profit:

New vehicles 69,465 45,415 53.0 %

Used vehicles 31,996 32,314 (1.0) %

Wholesale vehicles 736 (83) 986.7 %

Total vehicles 102,197 77,646 31.6 %

Parts, service and collision repair 155,265 158,096 (1.8) %

Finance, insurance and other, net 97,525 83,029 17.5 %

Total gross profit 354,987 318,771 11.4 %

Selling, general and administrative (250,076) (256,418) 2.5 %expenses

Impairment charges - (268,000) NM

Depreciation and amortization (20,376) (19,589) (4.0) %

Operating income (loss) 84,535 (225,236) 137.5 %

Other income (expense):

Interest expense, floor plan (4,117) (9,608) 57.2 %

Interest expense, other, net (9,958) (10,599) 6.0 %

Other income (expense), net 83 99 (16.2) %

Total other income (expense) (13,992) (20,108) 30.4 %

Income (loss) before taxes 70,543 (245,344) 128.8 %

Add: impairment charges - 268,000 NM

Segment income (loss) $ 70,543 $ 22,656 211.4 %



Unit Sales Volume:

New vehicles 24,358 21,724 12.1 %

Used vehicles 27,236 26,038 4.6 %

Wholesale vehicles 6,832 6,910 (1.1) %

Retail new & used vehicles 51,594 47,762 8.0 %

Used-to-New Ratio 1.12 1.20 (6.7) %



Gross Profit Per Unit:

New vehicles $ 2,852 $ 2,091 36.4 %

Used vehicles $ 1,175 $ 1,241 (5.3) %

Finance, insurance and other, net $ 1,910 $ 1,760 8.5 %

NM = Not Meaningful

Franchised Dealerships Segment - Same Store

Three Months Ended March 31, Better / (Worse)

2021 2020 % Change

(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)

Revenues:

New vehicles $ 1,156,317 $ 950,589 21.6 %

Used vehicles 661,534 560,796 18.0 %

Wholesale vehicles 56,204 42,103 33.5 %

Total vehicles 1,874,055 1,553,488 20.6 %

Parts, service and collision repair 306,190 321,295 (4.7) %

Finance, insurance and other, net 92,246 77,692 18.7 %

Total revenues $ 2,272,491 $ 1,952,475 16.4 %

Gross Profit:

New vehicles $ 68,956 $ 45,115 52.8 %

Used vehicles 30,273 32,141 (5.8) %

Wholesale vehicles 736 (49) 1,602.0 %

Total vehicles 99,965 77,207 29.5 %

Parts, service and collision repair 153,682 156,465 (1.8) %

Finance, insurance and other, net 92,246 77,692 18.7 %

Total gross profit $ 345,893 $ 311,364 11.1 %



Unit Sales Volume:

New vehicles 24,358 21,410 13.8 %

Used vehicles 27,236 25,635 6.2 %

Wholesale vehicles 6,832 6,838 (0.1) %

Retail new & used vehicles 51,594 47,045 9.7 %

Used-to-New Ratio 1.12 1.20 (6.6) %



Gross Profit Per Unit:

New vehicles $ 2,831 $ 2,107 34.4 %

Used vehicles $ 1,112 $ 1,254 (11.3) %

Finance, insurance and other, net $ 1,807 $ 1,672 8.1 %

Note: All currently operating franchised dealership stores are included withinthe same store group as of the first full month following the first anniversaryof the store's opening or acquisition.

EchoPark Segment - Reported

Three Months Ended March Better / 31, (Worse)

2021 2020 % Change

(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)

Revenues:

Used vehicles $ 428,563 $ 283,164 51.3 %

Wholesale vehicles 18,605 6,103 204.9 %

Total vehicles 447,168 289,267 54.6 %

Parts, service and collision repair 12,837 10,179 26.1 %

Finance, insurance and other, net 47,136 32,263 46.1 %

Total revenues 507,141 331,709 52.9 %

Gross Profit:

Used vehicles (1,128) (184) (513.0) %

Wholesale vehicles 113 (74) 252.7 %

Total vehicles (1,015) (258) (293.4) %

Parts, service and collision repair (215) (198) (8.6) %

Finance, insurance and other, net 47,136 32,263 46.1 %

Total gross profit 45,906 31,807 44.3 %

Selling, general and administrative (39,280) (25,738) (52.6) %expenses

Impairment charges - - - %

Depreciation and amortization (3,311) (2,708) (22.3) %

Operating income (loss) 3,315 3,361 (1.4) %

Other income (expense):

Interest expense, floor plan (996) (900) (10.7) %

Interest expense, other, net (327) (366) 10.7 %

Other income (expense), net 18 1 1,700.0 %

Total other income (expense) (1,305) (1,265) (3.2) %

Income (loss) before taxes 2,010 2,096 (4.1) %

Add: impairment charges - - NM

Segment income (loss) $ 2,010 $ 2,096 (4.1) %



Unit Sales Volume:

Used vehicles 19,670 13,986 40.6 %

Wholesale vehicles 2,861 1,765 62.1 %



Gross Profit Per Unit:

Total used vehicle and F&I $ 2,339 $ 2,294 2.0 %

NM = Not Meaningful

EchoPark Segment - Same Market

Three Months Ended March Better / 31, (Worse)

2021 2020 % Change

(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)

Revenues:

Used vehicles $ 333,577 $ 283,164 17.8 %

Wholesale vehicles 15,555 6,103 154.9 %

Total vehicles 349,132 289,267 20.7 %

Parts, service and collision repair 10,103 10,145 (0.4) %

Finance, insurance and other, net 36,823 32,263 14.1 %

Total revenues $ 396,058 $ 331,675 19.4 %

Gross Profit:

Used vehicles $ (1,485) $ (184) (707.1) %

Wholesale vehicles 122 (74) 264.9 %

Total vehicles (1,363) (258) (428.3) %

Parts, service and collision repair 7 (197) 103.6 %

Finance, insurance and other, net 36,823 32,263 14.1 %

Total gross profit $ 35,467 $ 31,808 11.5 %



Unit Sales Volume:

Used vehicles 15,128 13,986 8.2 %

Wholesale vehicles 2,230 1,765 26.3 %



Gross Profit Per Unit:

Total used vehicle and F&I $ 2,336 $ 2,294 1.8 %

Note: All currently operating EchoPark stores in a local geographic market areincluded within the same market group as of the first full month following thefirst anniversary of the market's opening.

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

Three Months Ended March Better / (Worse) 31,

2021 2020 Change % Change

(In thousands)

Reported:

Compensation $ 188,492 $ 174,422 $ (14,070) (8.1) %

Advertising 12,169 14,135 1,966 13.9 %

Rent 13,744 13,865 121 0.9 %

Other 74,951 79,734 4,783 6.0 %

Total SG&A expenses $ 289,356 $ 282,156 $ (7,200) (2.6) %

Adjusted:

Total adjusted SG&A expenses $ 289,356 $ 282,156 $ (7,200) (2.6) %



Reported:

SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit:

Compensation 47.0 % 49.8 % 280 bps

Advertising 3.0 % 4.0 % 100 bps

Rent 3.4 % 4.0 % 60 bps

Other 18.8 % 22.7 % 390 bps

Total SG&A expenses as a % 72.2 % 80.5 % 830 bpsof gross profit

Adjusted:

Total adjusted SG&A expenses 72.2 % 80.5 % 830 bpsas a % of gross profit

Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations - Non-GAAP Reconciliation

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

Weighted- Per Weighted- Per

Average Amount Share Average Amount Share

Shares Amount Shares Amount

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Dilutedearnings(loss) andshares 43,542 $ 53,689 $ 1.23 42,615 $ (199,131) $ (4.67) fromcontinuingoperations^ (1)

Pre-taxitems of interest:

Impairment $ - $ 268,000 charges

Totalpre-tax $ - $ 268,000 items ofinterest

Tax effectof above $ - $ (51,295) items

Adjusteddilutedearnings(loss) andshares 43,542 $ 53,689 $ 1.23 43,432 $ 17,574 $ 0.40 fromcontinuing

operations

(1) Basic Weighted-Average Shares Used For Three Months Ended March 31, 2020Due To Net Loss On GAAP Basis

Adjusted EBITDA - Non-GAAP Reconciliation

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

Franchised EchoPark Discontinued Franchised EchoPark Discontinued Dealerships Segment Operations Total Dealerships Segment Operations Total Segment Segment

(In thousands)

Net income $ 54,222 $ (199,333) (loss)

Provisionfor income 19,051 (44,200) taxes

Income(loss) $ 70,543 $ 2,010 $ 720 $ 73,273 $ (245,344) $ 2,096 $ (285) $ (243,533) before taxes

Non-floorplan 9,127 334 - 9,461 10,043 365 - 10,408 interest

Depreciationand 21,206 3,304 - 24,510 20,144 2,708 - 22,852 amortization

Stock-basedcompensation 3,485 - - 3,485 2,427 - - 2,427 expense

Assetimpairment - - - - 268,000 - - 268,000 charges

Long-termcompensation - 500 - 500 - - - - charges

Loss (gain)on franchiseand real (21) 14 - (7) - - - -

estatedisposals

Adjusted $ 104,340 $ 6,162 $ 720 $ 111,222 $ 55,270 $ 5,169 $ (285) $ 60,154 EBITDA



View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210429005158/en/

CONTACT: Company Contacts Investor Inquiries: Heath Byrd, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (704) 566-2400 Danny Wieland, Vice President, Investor Relations & Financial Reporting (704) 927-3462 ir@sonicautomotive.com

CONTACT: Press Inquiries: Danielle DeVoren / Anthony Feldman 212-896-1272 / 347-487-6194 ddevoren@kcsa.com/afeldman@kcsa.com