SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC
For the period ended Mar 31, 2024. Filed Apr 25, 2024.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2024 · Filed Apr 25, 2024
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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation– The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Sonic Automotive, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as “Sonic,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (the “U.S.”) (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all material normal, recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements– Please refer to Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for further discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” The amendments require the disclosure of significant segment expenses as well as expanded interim disclosures, along with other changes to segment disclosure requirements. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation– All of our dealership and non-dealership subsidiaries are wholly owned and consolidated in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, except for one 50%-owned dealership that is accounted for under the equity method. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Certain amounts and percentages may not compute due to rounding.
Revenue Recognition –Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. We do not include the cost of obtaining contracts within the related revenue streams since we elected the practical expedient to expense the costs to obtain a contract when incurred.
Management has evaluated our established business processes, revenue transaction streams and accounting policies, and identified our material revenue streams to be: (1) the sale of new vehicles; (2) the sale of used vehicles to retail customers; (3) the sale of wholesale used vehicles at third-party auctions; (4) the arrangement of third-party vehicle financing and the sale of third-party service, warranty and other insurance contracts; and (5) the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services and the sale of related parts and accessories. The transaction price for a retail vehicle sale is specified in the contract with the customer and encompasses both cash and non-cash considerations. In the context of a retail vehicle sale, customers frequently trade in their existing vehicles. The value of this trade-in is determined based on its stand-alone selling price as specified in the contract, utilizing various third-party pricing sources. There are no other non-cash forms of consideration associated with retail vehicle sales, and sales are reported net of sales tax and other similar assets. Generally, performance obligations are satisfied when the associated vehicle is delivered to a customer and customer acceptance has occurred, over time as the maintenance and repair services are performed, or at the time of wholesale and retail parts sales. We do not have any revenue streams with significant financing components, as payments are typically received within a short period of time following completion of the performance obligation(s).
Retrospective finance and insurance revenues (“F&I retro revenues”) are recognized when the product contract has been executed with the end customer and the transaction price is estimated each reporting period based on the expected value method using historical and projected data. F&I retro revenues can vary based on a variety of factors, including number of contracts and history of cancellations and claims. Accordingly, we utilize this historical and projected data to constrain the consideration to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.
We record revenue when vehicles are delivered to customers, as vehicle service work is performed and when parts are delivered. Conditions for completing a sale include having an agreement with the customer, including pricing, and it being probable that the proceeds from the sale will be collected.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 include approximately $3.7 million and $31.8 million, respectively, related to contract assets from F&I retro revenues recognition, which are recorded in receivables, net. In addition, we recorded approximately $19.8 million related to contract assets from F&I retro revenues recognition in other assets as of March 31, 2024. Changes in contract assets from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024 were primarily due to ordinary business activity, including the receipt of cash for amounts earned and recognized in prior periods. Please refer to Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for further discussion of our revenue recognition policies and processes.
Earnings Per Share– The calculation of diluted earnings per share considers the potential dilutive effect of outstanding restricted stock units, restricted stock and stock options granted under Sonic’s stock compensation plans (and any non-forfeitable dividends paid on such awards).
- Business Acquisitions and Dispositions
We did not acquire any businesses during the three months ended March 31, 2024. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we acquiredone business (consisting offive locations) in our Powersports Segment (as defined below) for an aggregate gross purchase price (including inventory acquired and subsequently funded by floor plan notes payable) of approximately $75.1 million. The allocation of the approximately $75.1 million aggregate gross purchase price included inventory of approximately $11.1 million, property and equipment of approximately $0.7 million, franchise assets of approximately $22.6 million, goodwill of approximately $11.9 million, real estate of approximately $29.0 million, other assets of approximately $0.1 million, and other liabilities of approximately $0.3 million.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we terminatedtwo luxury franchises, in addition toclosing the remaining seven Northwest Motorsport stores within the EchoPark Segment (as defined below). We did not dispose of any businesses during thethree months ended March 31, 2023.
Revenues and other activities associated with disposed stores, terminated franchises or closed stores that remain in continuing operations were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Income (loss) from operations | $(4.9) | $(13.5) |
| Gain (loss) on disposal, termination and closure charges | (1.7) | — |
| Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges | 2.4 | (1.7) |
| Pre-tax income (loss) | (4.2) | (15.2) |
| Total Revenues | $13.2 | $203.2 |
- Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| (In millions) | ||
| New vehicles | $938.5 | $799.6 |
| Used vehicles | 481.5 | 505.7 |
| Service loaners (1) | 177.8 | 172.7 |
| Parts, accessories and other | 102.7 | 100.3 |
| Inventories | $1,700.5 | $1,578.3 |
(1)Service loaner inventory includes approximately $31.6 million and $22.7 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, related to vehicles that are leased directly from the manufacturer on a short-term basis. A corresponding liability is included within notes payable - floor plan - trade on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
- Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net consists of the following:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| (In millions) | ||
| Land | $491.9 | $493.0 |
| Buildings and improvements | 1,426.3 | 1,425.8 |
| Furniture, fixtures and equipment | 550.5 | 563.3 |
| Construction in progress | 83.5 | 61.4 |
| Total, at cost | 2,552.2 | 2,543.5 |
| Less accumulated depreciation | (929.2) | (927.8) |
| Subtotal | 1,623.0 | 1,615.7 |
| Less assets held for sale (1) | (24.2) | (14.7) |
| Property and equipment, net | $1,598.8 | $1,601.0 |
(1)Classified in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Capital expenditures were approximately $43.8 million and $37.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Capital expenditures in all periods were primarily related to construction of new franchised dealerships and EchoPark and powersports stores, building improvements and equipment purchased for use in our franchised dealerships and EchoPark and powersports stores. Certain capital expenditures are recognized in the Franchised Dealerships Segment to better monitor project development costs prior to transferring the capitalized asset balance to the appropriate entity or operating segment upon project completion. Assets held for sale as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consisted of real property not currently used in operations that we expect to dispose of in the next 12 months.
Fixed asset impairment charges for the three months ended March 31, 2024 were approximately $1.0 million, which related to capitalized IT project write-off costs associated with our decision to close the remaining Northwest Motorsport stores in January 2024. There were no fixed asset impairment charges for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
- Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the three months ended March 31, 2024 were as follows:
| Franchised Dealerships Segment | EchoPark Segment | Powersports Segment | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In millions) | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 (1) | $221.8 | $— | $9.2 | $231.0 |
| Additions through current year acquisitions | — | — | 11.9 | 11.9 |
| Reductions from dispositions | (1.8) | — | — | (1.8) |
| Prior year acquisition allocations | 9.8 | — | 2.9 | 12.7 |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 (1) | $229.8 | $— | $24.0 | $253.8 |
| Additions through current year acquisitions | — | — | — | — |
| Reductions from dispositions | — | — | — | — |
| Reductions from impairment | — | — | — | — |
| Prior year acquisition allocations | — | — | — | — |
| Balance at March 31, 2024 (1) | $229.8 | $— | $24.0 | $253.8 |
(1)Net of accumulated impairment losses of $1.1 billion and $202.9 million related to the Franchised Dealerships Segment and the EchoPark Segment, respectively.
The changes in the carrying amount of franchise assets for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the three months ended March 31, 2024 were as follows:
| Franchised Dealerships Segment | EchoPark Segment | Powersports Segment | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In millions) | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $371.7 | $1.9 | $23.1 | $396.7 |
| Additions through current year acquisitions | — | — | 22.6 | 22.6 |
| Reductions from dispositions | — | (1.9) | — | (1.9) |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $371.7 | $— | $45.7 | $417.4 |
| Additions through current year acquisitions | — | — | — | — |
| Reductions from dispositions | — | — | — | — |
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | $371.7 | $— | $45.7 | $417.4 |
- Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| (In millions) | ||
| Revolving Credit Facility (1) | $— | $— |
| 4.625% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “4.625% Notes”) | 650.0 | 650.0 |
| 4.875% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “4.875% Notes”) | 500.0 | 500.0 |
| Mortgage Facility (2) | 307.0 | 311.0 |
| Mortgage notes to finance companies - fixed rate, bearing interest from 2.05% to 7.03% | 152.8 | 163.0 |
| Mortgage notes to finance companies - variable rate, bearing interest at 1.50% to 2.90% above one-month or three-month SOFR | 67.9 | 75.6 |
| Subtotal | $1,677.7 | $1,699.6 |
| Debt issuance costs | (26.3) | (23.0) |
| Total debt | 1,651.4 | 1,676.6 |
| Less current maturities | (68.0) | (60.1) |
| Long-term debt | $1,583.4 | $1,616.5 |
(1)The interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) was 125 basis points above one-month Adjusted Term SOFR (as defined in the Credit Facilities) at March 31, 2024 and 125 basis points above one-month Term SOFR (as defined in the Credit Facilities) at December 31, 2023.
(2)The interest rate on the Mortgage Facility (as defined below) was 150 basis points above one-month Adjusted Term SOFR at March 31, 2024 and 150 basis points above one-month Term SOFR at December 31, 2023.
Credit Facilities
On April 14, 2021, we amended and restated our syndicated revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and our syndicated new and used vehicle floor plan credit facilities (the “Floor Plan Facilities” and, together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Credit Facilities”). The amendment and restatement of the Credit Facilities extended the scheduled maturity dates to April 14, 2025. On October 8, 2021, we amended the Credit Facilities to, among other things: (1) increase the aggregate commitments; and (2) permit the issuance of the 4.625% Notes and the 4.875% Notes. On October 7, 2022, we amended the Credit Facilities to, among other things: (i) replace the Credit Facilities’ London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”)-based Eurodollar reference interest rate option with Term SOFR (as defined in the Credit Facilities, inclusive of a 10-basis point credit spread adjustment); (ii) amend the provisions relating to the basis for inclusion of real property owned by the Company or certain of its subsidiaries in the borrowing base for the Revolving Credit Facility; (iii) amend the minimum amount of commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility and the proportion that such commitments may compose of the total Credit Facility commitments made by the lenders; and (iv) adjust aspects of the offset account used for voluntary reductions to interest under the Floor Plan Facilities.
On March 13, 2024, we amended the Credit Facilities (the “Sixth Credit Facility Amendment”) to extend the maturity date to March 13, 2029, with a permitted one-year extension option thereafter, and reduce the aggregate commitments to $2.4 billion. The commitment under the new vehicle revolving floor plan facility was increased to $1.35 billion, the commitment under the used vehicle revolving floor plan facility was reduced to $700.0 million and the commitment under the revolving credit facility remained at $350.0 million. The Sixth Credit Facility Amendment also includes an accordion feature in which the aggregate commitments may be increased at the Company’s option up to $450.0 million allocated between the three facilities on a pro rata basis. The Sixth Credit Facility Amendment also contains the provision indicating that the Revolving Credit Facility commitments cannot be reduced below $50.0 million and may not consist of more than 40% of total commitments.
In addition, the Sixth Credit Facility Amendment (i) increased the basket for quarterly dividends from $0.12 to $0.18 per share of qualified capital stock; (ii) provided additional flexibility for the Company to make asset sales and repurchases of its qualified capital stock; (iii) removed the covenant requiring the Company to maintain a specified consolidated liquidity ratio; and (iv) amended the definition of “Adjusted Term SOFR” to clarify that it is inclusive of a 10-basis point credit spread adjustment. Amounts outstanding under the Credit Facilities bear interest at rates based upon specified credit spreads above Adjusted Term SOFR.
Availability under the Revolving Credit Facility is calculated as the lesser of the current $350.0 million commitment or a borrowing base (the “Revolving Borrowing Base”) collateralized by certain eligible assets, less any outstanding letters of credit and borrowings. As of March 31, 2024, the Revolving Borrowing Base was $350.0 million and we had $11.5 million in outstanding letters of credit andno borrowings, resulting in $338.5 million of availability under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Our obligations under the Credit Facilities are guaranteed by the Company and certain subsidiaries and are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the assets of the guarantors. We have agreed under the Credit Facilities not to pledge any assets to any third parties (other than those explicitly allowed to be pledged by the amended terms of the Credit Facilities), including other lenders, subject to certain stated exceptions, including floor plan financing arrangements. In addition, the Credit Facilities contain certain negative covenants, including covenants which could restrict or prohibit indebtedness, liens, the payment of dividends and other stockholder distributions, capital expenditures and material dispositions and acquisitions of assets, as well as other customary covenants and default provisions. Specifically, the Credit Facilities permit quarterly cash dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock up to $0.18 per share so long as no Event of Default (as defined in the Credit Facilities) has occurred and is continuing and provided that we remain in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Facilities. Dividends greater than $0.18 per share are permitted subject to limitations on restricted payments set forth in the Credit Facilities.
4.625% Notes
On October 27, 2021, we issued $650.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Notes, which will mature on November 15, 2029. Sonic used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 4.625% Notes, along with the net proceeds of the 4.875% Notes, to fund the acquisition of RFJ Auto Partners, Inc. and its subsidiaries completed in December 2021 (“RFJ Acquisition”) and to repay existing debt.
The 4.625% Notes were issued under an Indenture, dated as of October 27, 2021 (the “2029 Indenture”), by and among the Company, certain subsidiary guarantors named therein (collectively, the “Guarantors”) and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “trustee”). The 4.625% Notes are unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis initially by all of the Company’s domestic operating subsidiaries. The parent company has no independent assets or operations. The non-domestic operating subsidiary that is not a guarantor is considered minor. Under certain circumstances set forth in the 2029 Indenture, the guarantees of the certain subsidiaries of the Company comprising the EchoPark Business (as defined in the 2029 Indenture) may be released. The 2029 Indenture also provides substantial flexibility for the Company to enter into fundamental transactions involving the EchoPark Business. The 2029 Indenture provides that interest on the 4.625% Notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year beginning May 15, 2022. The 2029 Indenture also contains other restrictive covenants and default provisions common for an issue of senior notes of this nature. The 4.625% Notes are redeemable by the Company under certain circumstances. For further discussion of the 4.625% Notes, see Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
4.875% Notes
On October 27, 2021, we issued $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Notes, which will mature on November 15, 2031. Sonic used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 4.875% Notes, along with the net proceeds of the 4.625% Notes, to fund the RFJ Acquisition and to repay existing debt.
The 4.875% Notes were issued under an Indenture, dated as of October 27, 2021 (the “2031 Indenture”), by and among the Company, the Guarantors and the trustee. The 4.875% Notes are unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis initially by all of the Company’s domestic operating subsidiaries. The parent company has no independent assets or operations. The non-domestic operating subsidiary that is not a guarantor is considered minor. Under certain circumstances set forth in the 2031 Indenture, the guarantees of the certain subsidiaries of the Company comprising the EchoPark Business (as defined in the 2031 Indenture) may be released. The 2031 Indenture also provides substantial flexibility for the Company to enter into fundamental transactions involving the Echo-Park Business. The 2031 Indenture provides that interest on the 4.875% Notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year beginning May 15, 2022. The 2031 Indenture also contains other restrictive covenants and default provisions common for an issue of senior notes of this nature. The 4.875% Notes are redeemable by the Company under certain circumstances. For further discussion of the 4.875% Notes, see Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Mortgage Facility
On November 22, 2019, we entered into a delayed draw-term loan credit agreement, which was scheduled to mature on November 22, 2024 (the “Mortgage Facility”). On October 11, 2021, we entered into an amendment to the Mortgage Facility to permit the consummation of the RFJ Acquisition and the issuance of the 4.625% Notes and the 4.875% Notes. On November 17, 2022, we entered into an amendment to the Mortgage Facility to, among other things, extend the scheduled maturity date to November 17, 2027.
On November 17, 2022, in connection with the closing of the Fourth Mortgage Facility Amendment, the Company incurred a $320.0 million term loan, with a portion of the proceeds used to repay the entire $77.6 million principal amount of a prior term loan. The $320.0 million borrowing amortizes on a fixed schedule through the maturity date. In addition, the lenders under the Mortgage Facility committed to providing, upon the terms set forth in the Fourth Mortgage Facility Amendment and upon the pledging of sufficient collateral by the Company, delayed draw-term loans in an aggregate principal amount up to $85.0 million (the “Delayed Draw Credit Facility”) and revolving loans in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $95.0 million. Based on this, the aggregate commitments of the lenders under the Mortgage Facility equaled a total of $500.0 million, after satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Mortgage Facility, including the appraisal and pledging of collateral of a specified value. The Fourth Mortgage Facility Amendment also (i) replaced the Mortgage Facility’s LIBOR-based Eurodollar reference interest rate option one-month Term SOFR (as defined in the Mortgage Facility); and (ii) made changes to the pricing grid for loans incurred under the Mortgage Facility, specifying credit spreads based on the Company’s Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Mortgage Facility). As permitted by this amendment, the Company incurred a term loan under the Delayed Draw Credit Facility with a principal amount of $7.0 million on November 18, 2022.
On March 22, 2024, we entered into an amendment to the Mortgage Facility (the “Fifth Mortgage Facility Amendment”) to conform to the terms of the Sixth Credit Facility Amendment including (i) adding certain specified share exchange transactions as permitted restricted payments and dispositions; (ii) removing the requirement that the Company maintain a specified consolidated liquidity ratio; and (iii) increasing the basket for quarterly dividends from $0.12 to $0.18 per share of qualified capital stock.
As of March 31, 2024, we had $307.0 million of outstanding borrowings and $173.0 million available under the Mortgage Facility.
Interest on the Mortgage Facility is paid monthly in arrears. Amortizing principal payments are scheduled to be $4.0 million per quarter from the quarter ending March 31, 2023 through the quarter ending December 31, 2024 and $6.0 million per quarter from the quarter ending March 31, 2025 through the quarter ending September 30, 2027 with the remaining balance due on the November 17, 2027 maturity date. The Company has the right to prepay outstanding principal at any time without premium or penalty provided the prepayment amount exceeds $0.5 million.
For further discussion of the Mortgage Facility, see Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Mortgage Notes to Finance Companies
As of March 31, 2024, the weighted-average interest rate of our other outstanding mortgage notes (excluding the Mortgage Facility) was 5.20% and the total outstanding mortgage principal balance of these notes (excluding the Mortgage Facility) was approximately $220.8 million. These mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest through their respective maturities, are secured by the underlying properties and contain certain cross-default provisions. Maturity dates for these mortgage notes range from 2024 to 2033.
Covenants
The Credit Facilities and the Mortgage Facility contain certain negative covenants, including covenants which could restrict or prohibit indebtedness, liens, the payment of dividends and other restricted payments, capital expenditures and material dispositions and acquisitions of assets, as well as other customary covenants and default provisions. The Credit Facilities and the Mortgage Facility also contain limitations on our ability to pledge assets to third parties, subject to certain stated exceptions.
We were in compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Facilities and the Mortgage Facility as of March 31, 2024. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the Credit Facilities and the Mortgage Facility) of:
| Covenant | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio | Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio | |
| Required ratio | 1.20 | 5.75 |
| March 31, 2024 actual | 1.94 | 3.10 |
The Credit Facilities and the Mortgage Facility contain events of default, including cross defaults to other material indebtedness, change of control events and other events of default customary for syndicated commercial credit facilities. Upon the future occurrence of an event of default, we could be required to immediately repay all outstanding amounts under the Credit Facilities and the Mortgage Facility.
After giving effect to the applicable restrictions on the payment of dividends under our debt agreements, as of March 31, 2024, we had approximately $264.1 million of net income and retained earnings free of such restrictions. We were in compliance with all restrictive covenants under our debt agreements as of March 31, 2024.
In addition, many of our facility leases are governed by a guarantee agreement between the landlord and us that contains financial and operating covenants. The financial covenants under the guarantee agreement are identical to those under the Credit Facilities and the Mortgage Facility with the exception of one additional financial covenant related to the ratio of EBITDAR to Rent (as defined in the guarantee agreement) with a required ratio of no less than 1.50 to 1.00. As of March 31, 2024, the ratio was 11.70 to 1.00.
- Commitments and Contingencies
Guarantees and Indemnification Obligations
In accordance with the terms of our operating lease agreements, our dealership subsidiaries, acting as lessees, generally agree to indemnify the lessor from certain exposure arising as a result of the use of the leased premises, including environmental exposure and repairs to leased property upon termination of the lease. In addition, we have generally agreed to indemnify the lessor in the event of a breach of the lease by the lessee.
In connection with dealership dispositions and facility relocations, certain of our subsidiaries have assigned or sublet to the buyer their interests in real property leases associated with such dealerships. In general, the subsidiaries retain responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases, including rent payments and repairs to leased property upon termination of the lease, to the extent that the assignee or the sublessee does not perform. In the event an assignee or a sublessee does not perform its obligations, Sonic remains liable for such obligations.
In accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of our dealerships, we generally agree to indemnify the buyer from certain liabilities and costs arising subsequent to the date of sale, including environmental exposure and exposure resulting from the breach of representations or warranties made in accordance with the agreements. While our exposure with respect to environmental remediation is difficult to quantify, our maximum exposure associated with these general indemnifications was approximately $8.0 million as of both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. These indemnifications typically expire within a period ofone tothree years following the date of sale. The estimated fair value of these indemnifications was not material and the amount recorded for this contingency was not significant at March 31, 2024.
We also guarantee the floor plan commitments of our 50%-owned joint venture, and the amount of such guarantee at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was approximately $4.3 million.
Legal Matters
Sonic is involved, and expects to continue to be involved, in various legal and administrative proceedings arising out of the conduct of its business, including regulatory investigations and private civil actions brought by plaintiffs purporting to represent a potential class or for which a class has been certified. Although Sonic is unable to predict with certainty the outcome of any litigation, regulatory investigation or inquiry, in the opinion of management, Sonic does not believe it is reasonably possible that its current and threatened legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on Sonic’s business, financial position or consolidated results of operations. Given the inherent unpredictability of these types of proceedings, however, it is possible that future adverse outcomes could have a material adverse effect on Sonic’s financial results.
There were no significant liabilities recorded related to legal matters as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
- Fair Value Measurements
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were as follows:
| Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | ||
|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
| (In millions) | ||
| Assets: | ||
| Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1) | $43.9 | $42.9 |
| Interest rate caps designated as hedges (2) | 1.1 | 1.0 |
| Total assets | $45.0 | $43.9 |
(1)Included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(2)As of March 31, 2024, approximately $1.1 million was included in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2023, approximately $1.0 million was included in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the fair values of Sonic’s financial instruments, including receivables, notes receivable from finance contracts, notes payable – floor plan, trade accounts payable, borrowings under the revolving credit facilities and certain mortgage notes, approximated their carrying values due either to length of maturity or existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates.
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the fair value and the carrying value of Sonic’s significant fixed rate long-term debt were as follows:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair Value | Carrying Value | Fair Value | Carrying Value | |
| (In millions) | ||||
| 4.875% Notes (1) | $435.0 | $500.0 | $447.5 | $500.0 |
| 4.625% Notes (1) | $578.5 | $650.0 | $591.5 | $650.0 |
| Mortgage Notes (2) | $147.1 | $152.8 | $156.6 | $163.0 |
(1)As determined by market quotations from similar securities as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively (Level 2).
(2)As determined by the discounted cash flow method (Level 2).
For further discussion of Sonic’s fair value measurements, see Note 11, “Fair Value Measurements,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
- Segment Information
As of March 31, 2024, Sonic hadthree operating segments: (1) retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles and buy and sell used vehicles, sell replacement parts, perform vehicle maintenance, warranty and repair services, and arrange finance and insurance products (the “Franchised Dealerships Segment”); (2) pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations that provide guests an opportunity to search our nationwide inventory, purchase a pre-owned vehicle, select finance and insurance products and sell their current vehicle to us (the “EchoPark Segment”); and (3) retail locations that sell new and used powersports vehicles, perform vehicle maintenance, warranty and repair services, and arrange finance and insurance products (the “Powersports Segment”). Sonic has determined that its operating segments also represent its reportable segments.
The reportable segments identified above are the business activities of Sonic for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by Sonic’s chief operating decision maker to assess operating performance and allocate resources. Sonic’s chief operating decision maker is a group of three individuals consisting of: (1) the Company’s Chief Executive Officer; (2) the Company’s President; and (3) the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.
Reportable segment financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| (In millions) | ||
| Segment Revenues: | ||
| Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues: | ||
| Retail new vehicles | $1,439.9 | $1,421.0 |
| Fleet new vehicles | 19.6 | 18.8 |
| Total new vehicles | 1,459.5 | 1,439.8 |
| Used vehicles | 729.3 | 767.6 |
| Wholesale vehicles | 48.6 | 58.4 |
| Parts, service and collision repair | 439.9 | 423.8 |
| Finance, insurance and other, net | 119.6 | 117.1 |
| Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues | $2,796.9 | $2,806.7 |
| EchoPark Segment revenues: | ||
| Retail new vehicles | $— | $1.0 |
| Used vehicles | 482.9 | 572.5 |
| Wholesale vehicles | 28.6 | 27.0 |
| Finance, insurance and other, net | 47.9 | 50.0 |
| EchoPark Segment revenues | $559.4 | $650.5 |
| Powersports Segment revenues: | ||
| Retail new vehicles | $15.9 | $20.8 |
| Used vehicles | 3.4 | 4.8 |
| Wholesale vehicles | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| Parts, service and collision repair | 6.8 | 6.7 |
| Finance, insurance and other, net | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Powersports Segment revenues | $27.7 | $34.0 |
| Total consolidated revenues | $3,384.0 | $3,491.2 |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| (In millions) | ||
| Segment Income (Loss) (1): | ||
| Franchised Dealerships Segment (2) | $62.7 | $109.8 |
| EchoPark Segment (3) | (2.9) | (46.8) |
| Powersports Segment | (2.3) | 0.6 |
| Total segment income | $57.5 | $63.6 |
| Impairment charges (4) | (1.0) | — |
| Income before taxes | $56.5 | $63.6 |
(1)Segment income (loss) for each segment is defined as income (loss) before taxes and impairment charges.
(2)For the three months ended March 31, 2024, amount includes approximately $2.2 million of pre-tax charges for severance and long-term compensation expense and approximately $1.0 million of pre-tax impairment charges related to property and equipment.
(3)For the three months ended March 31, 2024, amount includes approximately $2.1 million of pre-tax charges for severance and long-term compensation expense and approximately $2.1 million of pre-tax charges related to closed store accrued expenses related to the indefinite suspension of operations at certain EchoPark locations. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, amount includes approximately $2.0 million of pre-tax charges for long-term compensation expense.
(4)For the three months ended March 31, 2024, amount includes approximately $1.0 million of pre-tax property and equipment charges for the Franchised Dealerships Segment.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| (In millions) | ||
| Segment Impairment Charges: | ||
| Franchised Dealerships Segment | $1.0 | $— |
| EchoPark Segment | — | — |
| Powersports Segment | — | — |
| Total impairment charges | $1.0 | $— |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| (In millions) | ||
| Segment Depreciation and Amortization: | ||
| Franchised Dealerships Segment | $29.8 | $26.5 |
| EchoPark Segment | 5.5 | 7.0 |
| Powersports Segment | 1.0 | 0.8 |
| Total depreciation and amortization | $36.3 | $34.3 |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| (In millions) | ||
| Segment Floor Plan Interest Expense: | ||
| Franchised Dealerships Segment | $16.0 | $9.9 |
| EchoPark Segment | 3.8 | 4.6 |
| Powersports Segment | 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Total floor plan interest expense | $20.3 | $14.6 |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| (In millions) | ||
| Segment Interest Expense, Other, Net: | ||
| Franchised Dealerships Segment | $27.8 | $26.9 |
| EchoPark Segment | 0.7 | 0.9 |
| Powersports Segment | 0.5 | 0.6 |
| Total interest expense, other, net | $29.0 | $28.4 |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| (In millions) | ||
| Segment Capital Expenditures: | ||
| Franchised Dealerships Segment | $43.0 | $31.0 |
| EchoPark Segment | 0.4 | 5.7 |
| Powersports Segment | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| Total capital expenditures | $43.8 | $37.2 |
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| (In millions) | ||
| Segment Assets: | ||
| Franchised Dealerships Segment | $4,214.1 | $4,110.8 |
| EchoPark Segment | 638.2 | 667.9 |
| Powersports Segment | 220.2 | 212.0 |
| Corporate and other: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 15.1 | 28.9 |
| Floor plan deposit balance | 320.0 | 345.0 |
| Total assets | $5,407.6 | $5,364.6 |
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.