10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission files number 1-13395

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	56-2010790
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

4401 Colwick Road Charlotte, North Carolina	28211
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(704) 566-2400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such file).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one).

Large Accelerated Filer	¨	Accelerated Filer	x
Non-Accelerated Filer	¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller Reporting Company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of July 18, 2013, there were 40,767,025 shares of Class A Common Stock and 12,029,375 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

		Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		3
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income – Second Quarter and Six-month Periods Ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012		3
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Second Quarter and Six-month Periods Ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012		4
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012		5
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity – Six-month Period Ended June 30, 2013		6
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six-month Periods Ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012		7
	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		8
ITEM 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		20
ITEM 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		35
ITEM 4.	Controls and Procedures		37
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	Legal Proceedings		38
ITEM 1A.	Risk Factors		39
ITEM 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		40
ITEM 6.	Exhibits		41
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32.1
EX-32.2
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

2

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1: Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

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

	Second Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Revenues:
New vehicles	$	1,247,161		$	1,185,654		$	2,390,217		$	2,217,044
Used vehicles		538,977			534,637			1,065,158			1,036,501
Wholesale vehicles		40,032			42,552			91,825			86,225
Total vehicles		1,826,170			1,762,843			3,547,200			3,339,770
Parts, service and collision repair		307,046			295,340			603,689			587,895
Finance, insurance and other		69,220			63,763			134,714			121,347
Total revenues		2,202,436			2,121,946			4,285,603			4,049,012
Cost of Sales:
New vehicles		(1,179,371	)		(1,115,715	)		(2,255,958	)		(2,083,387	)
Used vehicles		(501,368	)		(498,918	)		(989,519	)		(961,384	)
Wholesale vehicles		(41,975	)		(43,791	)		(94,970	)		(87,231	)
Total vehicles		(1,722,714	)		(1,658,424	)		(3,340,447	)		(3,132,002	)
Parts, service and collision repair		(155,916	)		(150,670	)		(308,330	)		(300,404	)
Total cost of sales		(1,878,630	)		(1,809,094	)		(3,648,777	)		(3,432,406	)
Gross profit		323,806			312,852			636,826			616,606
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(248,090	)		(239,751	)		(493,914	)		(476,900	)
Impairment charges		(36	)		(33	)		(51	)		(34	)
Depreciation and amortization		(13,144	)		(11,210	)		(25,278	)		(22,105	)
Operating income (loss)		62,536			61,858			117,583			117,567
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan		(5,591	)		(4,857	)		(10,804	)		(9,120	)
Interest expense, other, net		(14,390	)		(13,835	)		(28,749	)		(30,244	)
Other income (expense), net		(28,265	)		(2,553	)		(28,170	)		(2,533	)
Total other income (expense)		(48,246	)		(21,245	)		(67,723	)		(41,897	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes		14,290			40,613			49,860			75,670
Provision for income taxes - benefit (expense)		(5,573	)		(11,615	)		(19,445	)		(25,527	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		8,717			28,998			30,415			50,143
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships		361			(1,089	)		(377	)		(2,265	)
Income tax benefit (expense)		(162	)		270			169			799
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		199			(819	)		(208	)		(1,466	)
Net income (loss)	$	8,916		$	28,179		$	30,207		$	48,677
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	0.16		$	0.54		$	0.57		$	0.94
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations		0.01			(0.01	)		-			(0.03	)
Earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.17		$	0.53		$	0.57		$	0.91
Weighted average common shares outstanding		52,597			52,593			52,591			52,409
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	0.16		$	0.48		$	0.57		$	0.83
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations		0.01			(0.01	)		-			(0.02	)
Earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.17		$	0.47		$	0.57		$	0.81
Weighted average common shares outstanding		52,942			63,506			52,937			63,963
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.025		$	0.025		$	0.05		$	0.05

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollars in thousands)

	Second Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Net income (loss)	$	8,916		$	28,179		$	30,207		$	48,677
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements		10,146			(2,746	)		13,027			61
Provision for income tax benefit (expense) related to:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements		(3,856	)		1,044			(4,950	)		(22	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		6,290			(1,702	)		8,077			39
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	15,206		$	26,477		$	38,284		$	48,716

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)

	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,190		$	3,371
Receivables, net		295,523			345,294
Inventories		1,249,817			1,177,966
Other current assets		81,914			84,402
Total current assets		1,630,444			1,611,033
Property and Equipment, net		659,920			595,124
Goodwill		454,224			454,224
Other Intangible Assets, net		69,744			70,521
Other Assets		57,148			45,820
Total Assets	$	2,871,480		$	2,776,722
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	$	667,327		$	655,195
Notes payable - floor plan - non-trade		521,449			524,023
Trade accounts payable		99,554			120,981
Accrued interest		12,717			16,643
Other accrued liabilities		164,683			188,726
Current maturities of long-term debt		20,363			18,587
Total current liabilities		1,486,093			1,524,155
Long-Term Debt		713,087			610,798
Other Long-Term Liabilities		94,336			104,456
Deferred Income Taxes		25,114			10,768
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity:
Class A convertible preferred stock, none issued		—			—
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 61,535,416 shares issued and 40,767,025 shares outstanding at June 30, 2013; 61,352,134 shares issued and 41,210,507 shares outstanding at December 31, 2012		615			614
Class B common stock; $0.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 12,029,375 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012		121			121
Paid-in capital		674,159			669,324
Retained earnings		235,601			208,048
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(11,886	)		(19,963	)
Treasury stock, at cost 20,768,391 Class A shares held at June 30, 2013 and 20,141,627 Class A shares held at December 31, 2012)		(345,760	)		(331,599	)
Total stockholders’ equity		552,850			526,545
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	2,871,480		$	2,776,722

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars and shares in thousands)

	Class A Common Stock				Class A Treasury Stock						Class B Common Stock				Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings / (Accumulated Deficit)			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares		Amount		Shares			Amount			Shares		Amount
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2012		61,352	$	614		(20,142	)	$	(331,599	)		12,029	$	121	$	669,324	$	208,048		$	(19,963	)	$	526,545
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans		163		1		—			—			—		—		1,017		—			—			1,018
Purchases of treasury stock		—		—		(626	)		(14,161	)		—		—		—		—			—			(14,161	)
Income tax benefit associated with stock compensation plans		—		—		—			—			—		—		562		—			—			562
Fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax expense of $4,950		—		—		—			—			—		—		—		—			8,077			8,077
Restricted stock amortization		—		—		—			—			—		—		3,256		—			—			3,256
Other		20		—		—			—			—		—		—		—			—			—
Net income (loss)		—		—		—			—			—		—		—		30,207			—			30,207
Dividends ($0.05 per share)		—		—		—			—			—		—		—		(2,654	)		—			(2,654	)
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2013		61,535	$	615		(20,768	)	$	(345,760	)		12,029	$	121	$	674,159	$	235,601		$	(11,886	)	$	552,850

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2013			2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	30,207		$	48,677
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment		25,275			22,542
Provision for bad debt expense		66			301
Other amortization		780			780
Debt issuance cost amortization		1,527			1,519
Debt discount amortization, net of premium amortization		(60	)		2,441
Stock - based compensation expense		3,256			2,587
Deferred income taxes		9,394			13,671
Equity interest in earnings of investee		(203	)		(227	)
Asset impairment charges		51			34
Loss (gain) on disposal of dealerships and property and equipment		278			(5,577	)
Loss on exit of leased dealerships		1,605			1,450
(Gain) loss on retirement of debt		28,235			2,578
Changes in assets and liabilities that relate to operations:
Receivables		57,671			39,245
Inventories		(71,772	)		(180,750	)
Other assets		(5,181	)		(7,269	)
Notes payable - floor plan - trade		12,132			34,126
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities		(62,935	)		(24,028	)
Total adjustments		119			(96,577	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		30,326			(47,900	)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of land, property and equipment		(89,147	)		(34,504	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment		257			660
Proceeds from sales of dealerships		—			23,620
Distributions from equity investee		500			700
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(88,390	)		(9,524	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (repayments) borrowings on notes payable floor plan - non-trade		(2,574	)		88,324
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities		83,783			105,246
Repayments on revolving credit facilities		(89,959	)		(105,246	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		325,760			10,700
Debt issuance costs		(5,157	)		—
Principal payments on long-term debt		(6,471	)		(5,162	)
Repurchase of debt securities		(233,566	)		(29,995	)
Purchases of treasury stock		(14,161	)		(1,830	)
Income tax benefit (expense) associated with stock compensation plans		562			1,573
Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans		1,018			482
Dividends paid		(1,352	)		(2,673	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		57,883			61,419
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		(181	)		3,995
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR		3,371			1,913
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR	$	3,190		$	5,908
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments (net of tax expense of $4,950 and $22 in the six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	$	8,077		$	39
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
Interest, including amount capitalized	$	46,450		$	40,408
Income taxes	$	28,305		$	24,755

See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

7

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. These Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all material normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year, because the first quarter normally contributes less operating profit than the second, third and fourth quarters. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic” or the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2012, which were included in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Reclassifications – The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 reflect the reclassification of amounts from continuing operations to discontinued operations from the prior year presentation for additional dealerships sold or terminated subsequent to June 30, 2012.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued an accounting standard update that amended the reporting requirements for amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. An entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes to the financial statements, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. The amendments in this accounting standard update are to be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012. See Note 10, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),” for the impact of this accounting standard update on Sonic’s required disclosures.

Lease Exit Accruals – Lease exit accruals relate to facilities Sonic has ceased using in its operations. The accruals represent the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated or actual sublease proceeds, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord. A summary of the activity of these operating lease exit accruals consists of the following:

	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	32,983
Lease exit expense (1)		1,605
Payments (2)		(4,391	)
Balance, June 30, 2013	$	30,197

(1) Expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in interest expense, other, net, expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in SG&A, and expense of approximately $1.4 million is recorded to income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2) Amount is recorded as an offet to rent expense in selling, general and administrative expenses, with approximately $0.6 million in continuing operations and $3.8 million in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Income Tax Expense – The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 39.0% for both the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, and 28.6% and 33.7% for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively. The effective rates for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 were lower than the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 primarily due to a $3.6 million tax benefit in the second quarter ended June 30, 2012 related to the settlement of a state tax examination. We expect the effective tax rate for continuing operations in future periods to fall within a range of 38.0% to 40.0%.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. Discontinued Operations

Dispositions – The operating results of disposed dealerships are included in the income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. As of June 30, 2013, there were no dealerships held for sale.

Revenues and other activities associated with dealerships classified as discontinued operations were as follows:

	Second Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
Income (loss) from operations	$	1,400		$	(2,827	)	$	1,366		$	(6,500	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		(341	)		(146	)		(378	)		5,514
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges		(698	)		1,884			(1,365	)		(1,279	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	361		$	(1,089	)	$	(377	)	$	(2,265	)
Total revenues	$	—		$	63,257		$	—		$	134,326

Lease exit charges recorded during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 relate to interest charges and the revision of estimates on previously established lease exit accruals. The lease exit accruals represent the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated or actual sublease proceeds, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord.

3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

(In thousands)	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
New vehicles	$	901,407	$	866,442
Used vehicles		196,382		175,957
Service loaners		93,192		81,384
Parts and accessories		58,515		53,723
Other		321		460
Inventories	$	1,249,817	$	1,177,966

4. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

(In thousands)	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Land	$	161,731		$	142,730
Building and improvements		516,450			476,846
Office equipment and fixtures		122,986			115,509
Parts and service equipment		66,621			62,678
Company vehicles		8,062			7,750
Construction in progress		58,167			39,139
Total, at cost		934,017			844,652
Less accumulated depreciation		(274,097	)		(249,528	)
Property and equipment, net	$	659,920		$	595,124

In the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, capital expenditures were approximately $29.8 million and $89.1 million, respectively, and for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, capital expenditures were approximately $22.5 million and $34.5 million, respectively. Capital expenditures were primarily related to real estate acquisitions, construction of new dealerships, building improvements and equipment purchased for use in Sonic’s dealerships.

9

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

(In thousands)	Franchise Agreements		Net Goodwill
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	60,635	$	454,224	(1)
Reductions from dispositions		—		—
Balance, June 30, 2013	$	60,635	$	454,224	(1)

(1) Net of accumulated impairment losses of $796,725.

At December 31, 2012, Sonic had approximately $9.9 million of definite life intangibles recorded related to favorable lease agreements. After the effect of amortization of the definite life intangibles, the balance recorded at June 30, 2013 was approximately $9.1 million and was included in other intangible assets, net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

6. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

(In thousands)	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
2011 Revolving Credit Facility (1)	$	—		$	6,176
9.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 (the “9.0% Notes”)		—			210,000
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 (the “7.0% Notes”)		200,000			200,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “5.0% Notes”)		300,000			—
Notes payable to a finance company bearing interest from 9.52% to 10.52% (with a weighted average of 10.19%)		9,137			10,572
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, bearing interest from 3.51% to 7.03%		141,373			137,791
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, bearing interest at 1.25 to 3.50 percentage points above one-month LIBOR		79,485			62,229
Net debt discount and premium (2)		(1,806	)		(2,814	)
Other		5,261			5,431
Total debt	$	733,450		$	629,385
Less current maturities		(20,363	)		(18,587	)
Long-term debt	$	713,087		$	610,798

(1) The interest rate on the revolving credit facility was 2.00% above LIBOR at June 30, 2013 and 2.25% above LIBOR at December 31, 2012.

(2) June 30, 2013 includes $1.7 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes, $0.5 million premium associated with notes payable to a finance company and $0.6 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable. December 31, 2012 includes $1.1 million discount associated with the 9.0% Notes, $1.7 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes, $0.7 million premium associated with notes payable to a finance company and $0.7 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable.

2011 Credit Facilities

Sonic has a syndicated revolving credit agreement (the “2011 Revolving Credit Facility”) and a syndicated floor plan credit facility (the “2011 Floor Plan Facilities”). The 2011 Revolving Credit Facility and 2011 Floor Plan Facilities (collectively the “2011 Credit Facilities”) are scheduled to mature on August 15, 2016. On March 14, 2013, Sonic finalized an amendment to its 2011 Credit Facilities that, among other things, removed the pledge of 5,000,000 shares of common stock of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (“SMI”) that were previously pledged as collateral to the 2011 Credit Facilities.

Availability under the 2011 Revolving Credit Facility is calculated as the lesser of $175.0 million or a borrowing base calculated based on certain eligible assets, less the aggregate face amount of any outstanding letters of credit under the 2011 Revolving Credit Facility (the “2011 Revolving Borrowing Base”). The 2011 Revolving Credit Facility may be increased at Sonic’s option to $225.0 million upon satisfaction of certain conditions.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Based on balances as of June 30, 2013, the 2011 Revolving Borrowing Base was approximately $139.3 million and Sonic had approximately $32.3 million in outstanding letters of credit resulting in total borrowing availability of approximately $107.0 million under the 2011 Revolving Credit Facility.

Covenants

Sonic was in compliance with the covenants under the 2011 Credit Facilities as of June 30, 2013. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2011 Credit Facilities) of:

	Covenant
	Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio		Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio		Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio
Required ratio		1.05		1.20		5.50
June 30, 2013 actual		1.17		1.71		4.07

The 2011 Credit Facilities contain events of default, including cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, change of control events and events of default customary for syndicated commercial credit facilities. Upon the future occurrence of an event of default, Sonic could be required to immediately repay all outstanding amounts under the 2011 Credit Facilities.

In addition, many of Sonic’s facility leases are governed by a guarantee agreement between the landlord and Sonic that contains financial and operating covenants. The financial covenants are identical to those under the 2011 Credit Facilities with the exception of one financial covenant related to the ratio of EBTDAR to Rent (as defined in the lease agreements) with a required ratio of no less than 1.50 to 1.00. As of June 30, 2013, the ratio was 3.36 to 1.00.

5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes

On May 9, 2013, Sonic issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes which mature on May 15, 2023 (the “5.0% Notes”). The 5.0% Notes were issued at 100.0% of the principal amount thereof (the “Issue Price”). Sonic used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 5.0% Notes to repurchase all of its outstanding 9.0% Notes. Remaining proceeds from the issuance of the 5.0% Notes will be used for general corporate purposes. The 5.0% Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of Sonic that mature on May 15, 2023 and are guaranteed by Sonic’s domestic operating subsidiaries. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year. Sonic may redeem the 5.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after May 15, 2018 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on May 15, 2018		102.500	%
Beginning on May 15, 2019		101.667	%
Beginning on May 15, 2020		100.833	%
Beginning on May 15, 2021 and thereafter		100.000	%

In addition, on or before May 15, 2016, Sonic may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 5.0% Notes at 105% of the par value of the 5.0% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest with proceeds from certain equity offerings. On or before May 15, 2018, Sonic may redeem all or a part of the aggregate principal amount of the 5.0% Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.0% Notes redeemed plus an applicable premium (as defined in the Indenture) and any accrued and unpaid interest as of the redemption date. The indenture also provides that holders of the 5.0% Notes may require Sonic to repurchase the 5.0% Notes at 101% of the par value of the 5.0% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if Sonic undergoes a change of control, as defined in the indenture.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The indenture governing the 5.0% Notes contains certain specified restrictive covenants. Sonic has agreed not to pledge any assets to any third party lender of senior subordinated debt except under certain limited circumstances. Sonic also has agreed to certain other limitations or prohibitions concerning the incurrence of other indebtedness, guarantees, liens, certain types of investments, certain transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, issuance of preferred stock, cash dividends to stockholders, distributions, redemptions and the sale, assignment, lease, conveyance or disposal of certain assets. Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic’s 5.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of June 30, 2013.

Sonic’s obligations under the 5.0% Notes may be accelerated by the holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the 5.0% Notes then outstanding if certain events of default occur, including: (1) defaults in the payment of principal or interest when due; (2) defaults in the performance, or breach, of Sonic’s covenants under the 5.0% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which Sonic or its subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $50.0 million.

7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes

The 7.0% Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of Sonic that mature on July 15, 2022 and are guaranteed by Sonic’s domestic operating subsidiaries. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. Sonic may redeem the 7.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after July 15, 2017 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on July 15, 2017		103.500	%
Beginning on July 15, 2018		102.333	%
Beginning on July 15, 2019		101.167	%
Beginning on July 15, 2020 and thereafter		100.000	%

In addition, on or before July 15, 2015, Sonic may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.0% Notes at 107% of the par value of the 7.0% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest with proceeds from certain equity offerings. On or before July 15, 2017, Sonic may redeem all or a part of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.0% Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 7.0% Notes redeemed plus an applicable premium (as defined in the Indenture) and any accrued and unpaid interest as of the redemption date. The indenture also provides that holders of the 7.0% Notes may require Sonic to repurchase the 7.0% Notes at 101% of the par value of the 7.0% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if Sonic undergoes a change of control, as defined in the indenture.

The indenture governing the 7.0% Notes contains certain specified restrictive covenants. Sonic has agreed not to pledge any assets to any third party lender of senior subordinated debt except under certain limited circumstances. Sonic also has agreed to certain other limitations or prohibitions concerning the incurrence of other indebtedness, guarantees, liens, certain types of investments, certain transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, issuance of preferred stock, cash dividends to stockholders, distributions, redemptions and the sale, assignment, lease, conveyance or disposal of certain assets. Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic’s 7.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 7.0% Notes. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of June 30, 2013.

Sonic’s obligations under the 7.0% Notes may be accelerated by the holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the 7.0% Notes then outstanding if certain events of default occur, including: (1) defaults in the payment of principal or interest when due; (2) defaults in the performance, or breach, of Sonic’s covenants under the 7.0% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which Sonic or its subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $35.0 million.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9.0% Senior Subordinated Notes

During the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, Sonic repurchased all of its outstanding 9.0% Notes using net proceeds from the issuance of the 5.0% Notes. Sonic paid approximately $237.2 million in cash, including accrued and unpaid interest, to extinguish the 9.0% Notes and recognized a loss of approximately $28.2 million on the repurchase of the 9.0% Notes, recorded in other income (expense), net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition to the loss on debt extinguishment, Sonic incurred a charge of approximately $0.8 million recorded in interest expense, other, net, related to the incremental interest incurred while both the 9.0% Notes and the 5.0% Notes were outstanding.

Mortgage Notes

Sonic has mortgage financing totaling approximately $220.9 million in aggregate, related to 23 of its dealership properties. These mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest through maturity and are secured by the underlying properties. Maturity dates range between August 2014 and March 2031. The weighted average interest rate was 4.10% at June 30, 2013.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Sonic has interest rate cash flow swap agreements (the “Cash Flow Swaps”) to effectively convert a portion of its LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. The fair value of these swap positions at June 30, 2013 was a net liability of approximately $20.7 million, with $11.9 million included in other accrued liabilities and $12.8 million included in other long-term liabilities, offset partially by an asset of approximately $4.0 million included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these swap positions at December 31, 2012 was a liability of approximately $34.3 million, with $12.1 million included in other accrued liabilities and $22.2 million included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Under the terms of these Cash Flow Swaps, Sonic will receive and pay interest based on the following:

Notional Amount			Pay Rate			Receive Rate (1)	Maturing Date
(In millions)
$	3.1			7.100	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.50%	July 10, 2017
$	9.6			4.655	%	one-month LIBOR	December 10, 2017
$	7.9	(2)		6.860	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	August 1, 2017
$	5.9			4.330	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2013
$	100.0			3.280	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0			3.300	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	6.7	(2)		6.410	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	September 12, 2017
$	50.0			2.767	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.240	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	50.0			2.610	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.070	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0	(3)		2.065	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	100.0	(3)		2.015	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	200.0	(3)		0.788	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2016
$	50.0	(4)		1.320	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2017
$	250.0	(5)		1.887	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2018

(1) The one-month LIBOR rate was 0.195% at June 30, 2013.

(2) Changes in fair value are recorded through earnings.

(3) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 1, 2015.

(4) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 1, 2016.

(5) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 3, 2017.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

During the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, Sonic entered into three forward-starting interest rate cash flow swap agreements with notional amounts of $200.0 million, $50.0 million and $250.0 million. These swap agreements become effective in July 2015, July 2016 and July 2017, respectively, and terminate in July 2016, July 2017 and June 2018, respectively. These interest rate swaps have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges and, as a result, changes in the fair value of these swaps are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

For the Cash Flow Swaps that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of these swaps have been recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and are disclosed in the supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The incremental interest expense (the difference between interest paid and interest received) related to these Cash Flow Swaps was approximately $2.9 million and $5.8 million in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively and $2.5 million and $6.9 million in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and is included in interest expense, other, net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The estimated expense (net of tax) expected to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into results of operations during the next twelve months is approximately $7.4 million. See Note 10, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),” for further discussion of the impact of the Cash Flow Swaps on accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

7. Per Share Data and Stockholders’ Equity

The calculation of diluted earnings per share considers the potential dilutive effect of options and shares under Sonic’s stock compensation plans and the 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (the “5.0% Convertible Notes”), which were extinguished in August 2012. Sonic’s non-vested restricted stock and certain of its non-vested restricted stock units contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends, and thus, are considered participating securities and are included in the two-class method of computing earnings per share. The following table illustrates the dilutive effect of such items on earnings per share for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012:

	Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2013
			Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations					Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations				Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount		Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,597	$	8,717				$	199			$	8,916
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(71	)				—				(71	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,597	$	8,646		$	0.16	$	199	$	0.01	$	8,845		$	0.17
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		345
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		52,942	$	8,646		$	0.16	$	199	$	0.01	$	8,845		$	0.17

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

	Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2012
			Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations					Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations						Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount			Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,593	$	28,998				$	(819	)				$	28,179
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(452	)				—						(452	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,593	$	28,546		$	0.54	$	(819	)	$	(0.01	)	$	27,727		$	0.53
Effect of dilutive securities:
Contingently convertible debt (5.0% Convertible Notes)		10,535		1,856					33						1,889
Stock compensation plans		378
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		63,506	$	30,402		$	0.48	$	(786	)	$	(0.01	)	$	29,616		$	0.47

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
			Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations					Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations					Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,591	$	30,415				$	(208	)			$	30,207
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(237	)				—					(237	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,591	$	30,178		$	0.57	$	(208	)	$	—	$	29,970		$	0.57
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		346
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		52,937	$	30,178		$	0.57	$	(208	)	$	—	$	29,970		$	0.57

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
			Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations					Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations						Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount			Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,409	$	50,143				$	(1,466	)				$	48,677
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(777	)				—						(777	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,409	$	49,366		$	0.94	$	(1,466	)	$	(0.03	)	$	47,900		$	0.91
Effect of dilutive securities:
Contingently convertible debt (5.0% Convertible Notes)		11,106		3,981					80						4,061
Stock compensation plans		448
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		63,963	$	53,347		$	0.83	$	(1,386	)	$	(0.02	)	$	51,961		$	0.81

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In addition to the stock options included in the table above, options to purchase approximately 0.9 million shares and 1.6 million shares of Class A common stock were outstanding at June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options were not dilutive.

8. Contingencies

Legal and Other Proceedings

Sonic is involved, and expects to continue to be involved, in numerous 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 vigorously defends itself in all legal and administrative proceedings, the outcomes of pending and future proceedings arising out of the conduct of Sonic’s business, including litigation with customers, employment related lawsuits, contractual disputes, class actions, purported class actions and actions brought by governmental authorities, cannot be predicted. An unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on Sonic’s business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects.

Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities at June 30, 2013 was approximately $0.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, in reserves for pending proceedings. Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2012 was approximately $2.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively, in reserves for pending proceedings. Except as reflected in such reserves, Sonic is currently unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss, or a range of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, for pending proceedings.

Guarantees and Indemnification Obligations

In accordance with the terms of Sonic’s operating lease agreements, Sonic’s 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, Sonic has generally agreed to indemnify the lessor in the event of a breach of the lease by the lessee.

In connection with dealership dispositions, certain of Sonic’s dealership 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 sub-lessee does not perform. In the event the sub-lessees do not perform under their obligations Sonic remains liable for the lease payments. Please see Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for further discussion.

In accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of Sonic’s franchises, Sonic generally agrees to indemnify the buyer from certain exposure 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 agreement. While Sonic’s exposure with respect to environmental remediation and repairs is difficult to quantify, Sonic’s maximum exposure associated with these general indemnifications was approximately $19.0 million at both June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. These indemnifications expire within a period of 12 to 24 months 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 June 30, 2013. Sonic also guarantees the floor plan commitments of its 50% owned joint venture, the amount of which was approximately $2.8 million at both June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

9. Fair Value Measurements

In determining fair value, Sonic uses various valuation approaches including market, income and/or cost approaches. “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” in the ASC establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of Sonic. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect Sonic’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Sonic has the ability to access. Assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include marketable securities that are actively traded.

Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include cash flow swap instruments and deferred compensation plan balances.

Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Asset and liability measurements utilizing Level 3 inputs include those used in estimating fair value of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities in purchase acquisitions, those used in assessing impairment of property, plant and equipment and other intangibles and those used in the reporting unit valuation in the annual goodwill impairment evaluation.

The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment required by Sonic in determining fair value is greatest for assets and liabilities categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is disclosed is determined based on the lowest level input (Level 3 being the lowest level) that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, Sonic’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Sonic uses inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods when the market may be abnormally high or abnormally low. Accordingly, fair value measurements can be volatile based on various factors that may or may not be within Sonic’s control.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there were no Level 1 or Level 3 assets or liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Level 2 assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:

(In millions)	Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)	$	24.3	$	21.4
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (1)		4.0		—
Total assets	$	28.3	$	21.4
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (2)	$	22.4	$	31.4
Cash flow swaps not designated as hedges (3)		2.3		2.9
Deferred compensation plan (4)		15.0		13.8
Total liabilities	$	39.7	$	48.1

(1) Included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2) As of June 30, 2013, approximately $11.2 million was included in both other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2012, approximately $11.4 million and $20.0 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3) As of June 30, 2013, approximately $0.7 million and $1.6 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2012, approximately $0.7 million and $2.2 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

There were no instances in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 which required a fair value measurement of assets ordinarily measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Therefore, the carrying value of assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2013 have not changed since December 31, 2012.

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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 approximate their carrying values due either to length of maturity or existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s fixed rate long-term debt was as follows:

	June 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
(In thousands)	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
9.0% Notes (1)	$	—	$	—	$	231,525	$	208,923
7.0% Notes (1)	$	222,000	$	198,347	$	222,000	$	198,282
5.0% Notes (1)	$	268,142	$	300,000	$	—	$	—
Mortgage Notes (2)	$	151,174	$	141,373	$	148,244	$	137,791
Assumed Notes (2)	$	9,150	$	9,643	$	10,592	$	11,289
Other (2)	$	4,875	$	5,227	$	4,971	$	5,341

(1) As determined by market quotations as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively (Level 1).

(2) As determined by discounted cash flows (Level 3).

10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 are as follows:

	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
	Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Pension Plan			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance at December 31, 2012	$	(19,488	)	$	(475	)	$	(19,963	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1)		4,440			—			4,440
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2)		3,637			—			3,637
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		8,077			—			8,077
Ending balance at June 30, 2013	$	(11,411	)	$	(475	)	$	(11,886	)

(1) Net of tax expense of $2,721.

(2) Net of tax expense of $2,229.

See the heading “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” in Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” for further discussion of Sonic’s cash flow hedges. For further discussion of Sonic’s defined benefit pension plan, see Note 10, “Employee Benefit Plans,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

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Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the Sonic Automotive, Inc. and Subsidiaries Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report, as well as the audited financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Overview

We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States. As of June 30, 2013, we operated 111 dealerships in 14 states (representing 25 different brands of cars and light trucks) and 20 collision repair centers. For management and operational reporting purposes, we group certain dealerships together that share management and inventory (principally used vehicles) into “stores.” As of June 30, 2013, we operated 100 stores. As a result of the way we manage our business, we have a single operating segment for purposes of reporting financial condition and results of operations. Our dealerships provide comprehensive services including (1) sales of both new and used cars and light trucks; (2) sales of replacement parts, performance of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repairs, paint and collision repair services (collectively, “Fixed Operations”); and (3) arrangement of extended service contracts, financing, insurance and other aftermarket products (collectively, “F&I”) for our customers.

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The following is a detail of our new vehicle revenues by brand for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012:

	Percentage of New Vehicle Revenue (1)						Percentage of New Vehicle Revenue (1)
	Second Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
Brand	2013			2012			2013			2012
Luxury
BMW		19.2	%		17.5	%		19.6	%		17.3	%
Mercedes		7.9	%		8.4	%		8.1	%		8.5	%
Lexus		4.5	%		4.8	%		4.5	%		4.7	%
Audi		4.4	%		3.9	%		4.1	%		4.0	%
Cadillac		4.3	%		4.2	%		4.4	%		4.5	%
Mini		2.8	%		3.0	%		2.6	%		2.9	%
Land Rover		2.2	%		2.1	%		2.3	%		2.2	%
Porsche		2.0	%		1.8	%		2.1	%		1.6	%
Volvo		0.9	%		1.2	%		0.9	%		1.1	%
Infiniti		0.9	%		1.2	%		0.9	%		1.1	%
Acura		0.7	%		0.9	%		0.7	%		0.9	%
Jaguar		0.7	%		0.7	%		0.6	%		0.8	%
Total Luxury		50.5	%		49.7	%		50.8	%		49.6	%
Mid-line Import
Honda		16.2	%		16.5	%		15.7	%		16.2	%
Toyota		10.4	%		10.7	%		10.2	%		10.4	%
Volkswagen		2.6	%		3.2	%		2.7	%		3.2	%
Hyundai		2.0	%		2.3	%		2.0	%		2.3	%
Other (2)		1.6	%		1.8	%		1.6	%		1.9	%
Nissan		1.1	%		0.8	%		1.1	%		0.9	%
Total Mid-line Import		33.9	%		35.3	%		33.3	%		34.9	%
Domestic
Ford		8.9	%		7.6	%		8.9	%		7.9	%
General Motors (3)		6.7	%		7.4	%		7.0	%		7.6	%
Total Domestic		15.6	%		15.0	%		15.9	%		15.5	%
Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

(1) In accordance with the provisions of “Presentation of Financial Statements” in the Accounting Standards Codification (the “ASC”), prior period income statement data reflects reclassifications to (i) exclude franchises sold, identified for sale, or terminated subsequent to June 30, 2012 that had not been included in discontinued operations as of that date or (ii) include franchises previously held for sale that subsequently were reclassified to held and used. See Note 1 to our accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of these and other factors that affect the comparability of the information for the periods presented.

(2) Includes Kia, Scion and Subaru.

(3) Includes Buick, Chevrolet and GMC.

Results of Operations

The following discussions are based on reported figures. Same store amounts do not vary significantly from reported totals since we have not made any significant dealership acquisitions since March 31, 2008. All discussion of increases or decreases for the second quarter or six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 is compared to the appropriate second quarter or six-month period ended June 30, 2012, unless otherwise noted.

New Vehicles

The automobile retail industry uses the Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (“SAAR”) to measure the annual amount of expected new vehicle unit sales activity within the United States market. The SAAR averages below reflect a blended average of all brands marketed or sold in the United States market. The SAAR includes brands we do not sell and markets in which we do not operate, therefore, our new vehicle sales may not trend directly with the SAAR.

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	Second Quarter Ended June 30,							Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions of vehicles)	2013		2012		% Change			2013		2012		% Change
SAAR		15.3		14.1		8.5	%		15.3		14.1		8.5	%

Source: Bloomberg Financial Markets, via Stephens Inc.

New vehicle revenues include the sale of new vehicles to retail customers, as well as the sale of fleet vehicles. New vehicle revenues can be influenced by manufacturer incentives for consumers, which vary from cash-back incentives to low interest rate financing. New vehicle revenues are also dependent on manufacturers providing adequate vehicle allocations to our dealerships to meet customer demands and the availability of consumer credit. Our reported new vehicle (including fleet) results are as follows:

	Second Quarter Ended June 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2013			2012			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except units and per unit data)
Revenue	$	1,247,161		$	1,185,654		$	61,507			5.2	%
Gross profit	$	67,790		$	69,939		$	(2,149	)		(3.1	%)
Unit sales		35,402			34,723			679			2.0	%
Revenue per unit	$	35,229		$	34,146		$	1,083			3.2	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,915		$	2,014		$	(99	)		(4.9	%)
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.4	%		5.9	%		(50	)		bps

	Six Months Ended June 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2013			2012			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except units and per unit data)
Revenue	$	2,390,217		$	2,217,044		$	173,173			7.8	%
Gross profit	$	134,259		$	133,657		$	602			0.5	%
Unit sales		67,485			64,896			2,589			4.0	%
Revenue per unit	$	35,418		$	34,163		$	1,255			3.7	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,989		$	2,060		$	(71	)		(3.4	%)
Gross profit as a % of revenue		5.6	%		6.0	%		(40	)		bps

The increases in new vehicle revenue during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, were primarily driven by new unit sales volume increases of 2.0% and 4.0%, respectively, and new vehicle price per unit increases of 3.2% and 3.7% during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Excluding fleet volume, our retail new unit sales volume increased 1.7% and 4.3% during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively.

The incremental new vehicle unit sales volume growth experienced in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 contributed to additional F&I gross profit, discussed under the heading “Finance, Insurance and Other (“F&I”)” below.

Our Ford, BMW and Audi dealerships led our new unit sales volume growth with increases of 20.6%, 17.1% and 12.1%, respectively, in the second quarter ended June 30, 2013. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, our Ford, BMW and Audi dealerships experienced new unit sales volume increases of 16.5%, 24.1% and 9.7%, respectively. Combined, these dealerships contributed $1.8 million and $4.4 million of additional new vehicle gross profit for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively.

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Total new vehicle gross profit dollars decreased $2.1 million, or 3.1%, during the second quarter ended June 30, 2013 and increased $0.6 million, or 0.5%, in the six-month period ended June 30, 2013. Gross profit per new unit decreased 4.9% and 3.4% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, primarily due to declines in gross profit per new unit at our Honda and Lexus dealerships. Our Honda and Lexus dealerships experienced higher gross profit per unit in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 due to a lack of available inventory as a result of the natural disasters in Japan during 2011. Since new vehicle inventory returned to normal levels in these brands, gross profit per unit returned to normal levels resulting in the decrease in our gross profit per new unit during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013.

Implementation of our True Price strategy continued during the second quarter of 2013. True Price provides consumers with market-based pricing to create transparency and limit negotiation. This strategy requires different processes to be followed in order to price our vehicles to increase our retail vehicle unit volume and gross profit. We believe that the initial transition to this new strategy contributed to lower retail vehicle unit sales volume and gross profit (as compared to the industry results) in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013.

Our luxury dealerships (which include Cadillac) experienced new vehicle revenue increases of 6.8% and 10.6% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, primarily due to new unit sales volume increases of 4.5% and 8.4% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Luxury dealership new vehicle gross profit increased 2.6% and 6.3%, primarily due to new unit sales volume increases at our BMW, Audi and Cadillac dealerships. Luxury dealership gross profit per new unit decreased 1.8% and 2.0% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, driven primarily by decreases in gross profit per new unit at our Lexus and BMW dealerships.

Our mid-line import dealerships experienced new vehicle revenue increases of 0.9% and 2.4% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, despite a 1.8% and 0.4% decrease in new unit volume for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. The new vehicle revenue increase was driven primarily by a 2.8% increase in revenue per new unit in both the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, driven primarily by new vehicle model mix and price levels at our Honda dealerships. Mid-line import gross profit per new unit decreased 13.2% and 13.0% during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, and total mid-line import new vehicle gross profit decreased 14.8% and 13.4% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. These decreases were due in part to higher gross profit per unit in the prior year periods due to reduced inventory availability in our Japanese brands, resulting in comparative declines in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013.

Including fleet sales, our domestic dealerships experienced new vehicle revenue increases of 9.9% and 11.2% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, driven by new unit sales volume increases of 7.8% and 7.5% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Domestic fleet unit sales volume increased 15.7% and 2.5% in the second quarter and six month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, driving total fleet revenue increases of 8.0% and 0.1% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively.

Excluding fleet sales, our domestic dealerships experienced new retail vehicle revenue increases of 7.8% and 13.5% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, driven by new retail unit sales volume increases of 5.0% and 9.5%, respectively. Our domestic dealerships experienced a 3.2% decrease in new retail vehicle gross profit for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013 and a 2.7% increase in new retail vehicle gross profit for the six-month period ended June 30, 2013. New retail unit sales volume at our Ford dealerships increased 19.6% and 20.9% during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, driving new vehicle gross profit increases at our Ford dealerships of 19.9% and 19.6% during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Our GM dealerships (excluding Cadillac) experienced decreases of 10.0% and 2.3% in new retail unit sales volume during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, contributing to decreases of 23.3% and 12.5% in new retail vehicle gross profit during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Used Vehicles

Used vehicle revenues are directly affected by a number of factors including the level of manufacturer incentives on new vehicles, the number and quality of trade-ins and lease turn-ins, the availability and pricing of used vehicles acquired at auction and the availability of consumer credit. Following is information related to our used vehicle sales:

	Second Quarter Ended June 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2013			2012			Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except units and per unit data)
Revenue	$	538,977		$	534,637		$	4,340		0.8	%
Gross profit	$	37,609		$	35,719		$	1,890		5.3	%
Unit sales		26,599			26,525			74		0.3	%
Revenue per unit	$	20,263		$	20,156		$	107		0.5	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,414		$	1,347		$	67		5.0	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue		7.0	%		6.7	%		30		bps

	Six Months Ended June 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2013			2012			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except units and per unit data)
Revenue	$	1,065,158		$	1,036,501		$	28,657			2.8	%
Gross profit	$	75,639		$	75,117		$	522			0.7	%
Unit sales		53,068			52,003			1,065			2.0	%
Revenue per unit	$	20,072		$	19,932		$	140			0.7	%
Gross profit per unit	$	1,425		$	1,444		$	(19	)		(1.3	%)
Gross profit as a % of revenue		7.1	%		7.2	%		(10	)		bps

In the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, our used vehicle unit volume increased 0.3% and 2.0%, respectively. Gross profit per used unit increased 5.0% in the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, while gross profit per used unit decreased 1.3% in the six-month period ended June 30, 2013. Used vehicle gross profit per unit was higher in the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 as a result of supply shortages resulting from the natural disasters in Japan during 2011, the effects of which continued to impact used vehicle pricing through the first quarter of 2012.

Implementation of our True Price strategy continued during the second quarter of 2013. True Price provides consumers with market-based pricing to create transparency and limit negotiation. This strategy requires different processes to be followed in order to price our vehicles to increase our retail vehicle unit volume and gross profit. We believe that the initial transition to this new strategy contributed to lower retail vehicle unit sales volume and gross profit (as compared to the industry results) in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013.

Although we experienced a decline in used vehicle gross profit per unit for the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, the incremental used vehicle unit sales volume contributed to higher gross profit in our F&I and Fixed Operations business.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Wholesale Vehicles

Wholesale vehicle revenues are highly correlated with new and used vehicle retail sales and the associated trade-in volume and are also significantly affected by our corporate inventory management policies, which are designed to optimize our total used vehicle inventory. Following is information related to wholesale vehicle sales:

	Second Quarter Ended June 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2013			2012			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except units and per unit data)
Revenue	$	40,032		$	42,552		$	(2,520	)		(5.9	%)
Gross profit (loss)	$	(1,943	)	$	(1,239	)	$	(704	)		(56.8	%)
Unit sales		7,257			7,630			(373	)		(4.9	%)
Revenue per unit	$	5,516		$	5,577		$	(61	)		(1.1	%)
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(268	)	$	(162	)	$	(106	)		(65.4	%)
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(4.9	%)		(2.9	%)		(200	)		bps

	Six Months Ended June 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2013			2012			Change			% Change
	(In thousands, except units and per unit data)
Revenue	$	91,825		$	86,225		$	5,600			6.5	%
Gross profit (loss)	$	(3,145	)	$	(1,006	)	$	(2,139	)		(212.6	%)
Unit sales		15,650			14,805			845			5.7	%
Revenue per unit	$	5,867		$	5,824		$	43			0.7	%
Gross profit (loss) per unit	$	(201	)	$	(68	)	$	(133	)		(195.6	%)
Gross profit (loss) as a % of revenue		(3.4	%)		(1.2	%)		(220	)		bps

Wholesale vehicle revenue and unit sales fluctuations are typically a result of new and used retail vehicle unit volumes that generate additional trade-in vehicle volume that we are not always able to sell as retail used vehicles and choose to sell at auction. Wholesale vehicle revenue and unit sales volume decreased in the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, while gross loss on wholesale vehicles increased as a result of a $106 per unit increase in gross loss per wholesale unit. Wholesale vehicle revenue, unit sales volume and gross loss increased in the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 due to higher levels of new and used retail sales activity in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013. Gross loss per unit was lower than historical levels during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 as a result of the impact of Japanese inventory shortages on the new, used retail and wholesale markets.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Parts, Service and Collision Repair (“Fixed Operations”)

Parts and service revenue consists of customer requested repairs (“customer pay”), warranty repairs, retail parts, wholesale parts and collision repairs. Parts and service revenue is driven by the mix of warranty repairs versus customer pay repairs, available service capacity, vehicle quality, customer loyalty and manufacturer warranty programs. Our reported Fixed Operations results are as follows:

	Second Quarter Ended June 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2013			2012			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Revenue
Parts	$	160,536		$	156,170		$	4,366			2.8	%
Service		134,838			126,672			8,166			6.4	%
Collision repair		11,672			12,498			(826	)		(6.6	%)
Total	$	307,046		$	295,340		$	11,706			4.0	%
Gross profit
Parts	$	51,388		$	50,319		$	1,069			2.1	%
Service		93,320			87,453			5,867			6.7	%
Collision repair		6,422			6,898			(476	)		(6.9	%)
Total	$	151,130		$	144,670		$	6,460			4.5	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Parts		32.0	%		32.2	%		(20	)		bps
Service		69.2	%		69.0	%		20			bps
Collision repair		55.0	%		55.2	%		(20	)		bps
Total		49.2	%		49.0	%		20			bps
	Six Months Ended June 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2013			2012			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Revenue
Parts	$	318,028		$	311,669		$	6,359			2.0	%
Service		262,513			251,552			10,961			4.4	%
Collision repair		23,148			24,674			(1,526	)		(6.2	%)
Total	$	603,689		$	587,895		$	15,794			2.7	%
Gross profit
Parts	$	101,017		$	99,793		$	1,224			1.2	%
Service		181,575			174,055			7,520			4.3	%
Collision repair		12,767			13,643			(876	)		(6.4	%)
Total	$	295,359		$	287,491		$	7,868			2.7	%
Gross profit as a % of revenue
Parts		31.8	%		32.0	%		(20	)		bps
Service		69.2	%		69.2	%		0			bps
Collision repair		55.2	%		55.3	%		(10	)		bps
Total		48.9	%		48.9	%		0			bps

Overall Fixed Operations customer pay revenue increased 3.2% and 2.3% during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Warranty revenue increased 12.5% and 7.4% during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, and wholesale parts revenue increased 5.3% and 4.7% during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Overall used vehicle reconditioning revenue decreased 0.2% and 1.2% during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Fixed Operations customer pay revenue at our domestic, mid-line import and luxury dealerships increased 6.7%, 6.5%, 15.0%, respectively, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, and 4.0%, 7.5%, 15.4%, respectively, for the six month period ended June 30, 2013.

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In the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, the increase in Fixed Operations revenue contributed approximately $5.8 million and $7.7 million, respectively, in additional gross profit.

As of June 30, 2013, we operated 20 collision repair centers. Collision repair revenues decreased 6.6% and 6.2% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, and related customer pay revenues decreased 3.3% and 3.7% during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, primarily due to the closure of one collision center during the first quarter of 2013. Decreases in sublet revenues of 25.2% and 20.4% during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, also contributed to the decline in collision repair revenues.

Finance, Insurance and Other (“F&I”)

Finance, insurance and other revenues include commissions for arranging vehicle financing and insurance, sales of third-party extended service contracts for vehicles and other aftermarket products. In connection with vehicle financing, service contracts, other aftermarket products and insurance contracts, we receive commissions from the providers for originating contracts. Our reported F&I results are as follows:

	Second Quarter Ended June 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2013		2012		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Revenue	$	69,220	$	63,763	$	5,457		8.6	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	1,148	$	1,069	$	79		7.4	%
	Six Months Ended June 30,				Better / (Worse)
	2013		2012		Change		% Change
	(In thousands, except per unit data)
Revenue	$	134,714	$	121,347	$	13,367		11.0	%
Gross profit per retail unit (excludes fleet)	$	1,148	$	1,068	$	80		7.5	%

F&I revenues and F&I gross profit per unit improved during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, primarily due to improved penetration rates on service contracts and aftermarket products as a result of increased visibility into performance drivers provided by our proprietary internal software applications. In addition, F&I revenues improved due to increases in total new and used retail (excluding fleet) unit volume of 644 units, or 1.1%, and 3,735 units, or 3.3%, for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Finance contract revenue improved 10.3% and 11.6% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, driven primarily by increases in gross profit per contract of 8.7% and 9.1%, respectively. Finance contract revenue may experience compression if manufacturers offer attractive financing rates from their captive finance affiliates because we tend to earn lower commissions under these programs. Service contract revenue increased 13.6% and 17.8% during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Total service contract volume increased 11.0% and 14.1% for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, driven by a service contract penetration rate increase of 280 basis points and 300 basis points for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Aftermarket contract revenue increased 2.4% and 4.6% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Aftermarket contract volume increased 3.0% and 5.7% for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, driven by an aftermarket contract penetration rate increase of 240 basis points and 280 basis points for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses

SG&A expenses are comprised of four major groups: compensation expense, advertising expense, rent and rent related expense and other expense. Compensation expense primarily relates to dealership personnel who are paid a commission or a modest salary plus commission and support personnel who are paid a fixed salary. Commissions paid to dealership personnel typically vary depending on gross profits realized. Due to the salary component for certain dealership

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and corporate personnel, gross profits and compensation expense do not change in direct proportion to one another. Advertising expense and other expenses vary based on the level of actual or anticipated business activity and number of dealerships owned. Rent and rent related expense typically varies with the number of dealerships owned, investments made for facility improvements and interest rates. Although not completely correlated, we believe the best way to measure SG&A expenses are as a percentage of gross profit. Following is information related to our SG&A expenses:

	Second Quarter Ended June 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2013			2012			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Compensation	$	149,528		$	143,508		$	(6,020	)		(4.2	%)
Advertising		13,718			12,554			(1,164	)		(9.3	%)
Rent and rent related		25,927			26,707			780			2.9	%
Other		58,917			56,982			(1,935	)		(3.4	%)
Total	$	248,090		$	239,751		$	(8,339	)		(3.5	%)
SG&A as a % of gross profit
Compensation		46.2	%		45.9	%		(30	)		bps
Advertising		4.2	%		4.0	%		(20	)		bps
Rent and rent related		8.0	%		8.5	%		50			bps
Other		18.2	%		18.2	%		0			bps
Total		76.6	%		76.6	%		0			bps
	Six Months Ended June 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2013			2012			Change			% Change
	(In thousands)
Compensation	$	298,108		$	285,692		$	(12,416	)		(4.3	%)
Advertising		27,150			24,609			(2,541	)		(10.3	%)
Rent and rent related		52,324			53,493			1,169			2.2	%
Other		116,332			113,106			(3,226	)		(2.9	%)
Total	$	493,914		$	476,900		$	(17,014	)		(3.6	%)
SG&A as a % of gross profit
Compensation		46.8	%		46.3	%		(50	)		bps
Advertising		4.3	%		4.0	%		(30	)		bps
Rent and rent related		8.2	%		8.7	%		50			bps
Other		18.3	%		18.3	%		0			bps
Total		77.6	%		77.3	%		(30	)		bps

Overall SG&A expense dollars increased in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, primarily due to increases in revenue, gross profit and unit sales volume driving higher variable compensation costs and the other SG&A expenses discussed below. Overall SG&A expense as a percentage of gross profit was flat for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013 and increased 30 basis points during the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, respectively, due partially to lower overall gross margins.

Compensation costs as a percentage of gross profit increased 30 and 50 basis points in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, primarily due to increases in sales compensation expense, driven by higher sales commissions associated with higher unit sales volume as well as an increase in the Company’s matching portion of employee 401(k) contributions. Lower overall gross profit per retail unit compounded the effect of the increase in sales compensation expense on compensation costs as a percentage of gross profit.

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Total advertising expense in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 increased both in dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit as a result of our retail advertising strategy to increase traffic and sales activity at our dealerships.

In the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, rent and rent related expenses decreased in dollar amount and as a percentage of gross profit, primarily due to the higher gross profit levels and the purchase of certain properties that were previously leased.

Other SG&A expenses increased in dollar amount and were flat as a percentage of gross profit during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, primarily due to customer related costs as a result of the higher level of sales activity, IT spending, increased services by outside contractors and higher professional fees.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense increased approximately $1.9 million, or 17.3%, and $3.2 million, or 14.4% during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. The increase is primarily related to completed construction projects that were placed in service subsequent to June 30, 2012 and the purchase of dealership properties that were previously leased.

Interest Expense, Floor Plan

Interest expense, floor plan for new vehicles incurred by continuing operations increased approximately $0.9 million, or 21.0%, and $1.8 million, or 23.1%, in the second quarter and six month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. The average new vehicle floor plan notes payable balance for continuing operations increased approximately $235.1 million and $273.2 million in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, resulting in an increase in new vehicle floor plan interest expense of approximately $1.2 million and $3.0 million in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. The average new vehicle floor plan interest rate incurred by continuing dealerships was 1.93% and 2.01% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, compared to 2.05% and 2.26% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively, which resulted in a decrease in interest expense of approximately $0.3 million and $1.2 million during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, partially offsetting the increases due to higher average floor plan notes payable balances discussed above.

Interest expense, floor plan for used vehicles incurred by continuing operations decreased approximately $0.2 million, or 24.2%, and $0.1 million, or 14.3%, in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. The average used vehicle floor plan notes payable balance for continuing operations decreased approximately $23.8 million and $21.9 million in the second quarter and six-months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, resulting in a decrease in used vehicle floor plan interest expense of approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. The average used vehicle floor plan interest rate incurred by continuing dealerships was 2.50% in the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, compared to 2.52% in the second quarter ended June 30, 2012, which resulted in a decrease in interest expense of approximately $0.1 million, further contributing to the decrease due to the lower average floor plan notes payable balance discussed above. The average used vehicle floor plan interest rate incurred by continuing dealerships was 2.80% in the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, compared 2.50% in the six-month period ended June 30, 2012, which resulted in an increase in interest expense of approximately $0.1 million during the six-month period ended June 30, 3013, partially offsetting the decrease due to the lower average floor plan notes payable balance discussed above.

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Interest Expense, Other, Net

Interest expense, other, net, includes both cash and non-cash interest charges, and is summarized in the schedule below:

(In thousands)	Second Quarter Ended June 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2013			2012			Change			% Change
Stated/coupon interest	$	11,553		$	9,473		$	(2,080	)		(22.0	%)
Discount/premium amortization		57			1,245			1,188			95.4	%
Deferred loan cost amortization		678			754			76			10.1	%
Cash flow swap interest		2,461			2,413			(48	)		(2.0	%)
Interest allocated to discontinued operations		—			(189	)		(189	)		(100.0	%)
Capitalized interest		(572	)		(130	)		442			340.0	%
Other interest		213			269			56			20.8	%
Total	$	14,390		$	13,835		$	(555	)		(4.0	%)

(In thousands)	Six Months Ended June 30,						Better / (Worse)
	2013			2012			Change			% Change
Stated/coupon interest	$	22,815		$	19,310		$	(3,505	)		(18.2	%)
Discount/premium amortization		130			2,676			2,546			95.1	%
Deferred loan cost amortization		1,354			1,519			165			10.9	%
Cash flow swap interest		5,164			6,791			1,627			24.0	%
Interest allocated to discontinued operations		—			(479	)		(479	)		(100.0	%)
Capitalized interest		(1,115	)		(162	)		953			588.3	%
Other interest		401			589			188			31.9	%
Total	$	28,749		$	30,244		$	1,495			4.9	%

Interest expense, other, net, increased approximately $0.6 million during the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, primarily due to a $2.1 million increase in coupon interest related to the net impact of the issuance of the 5.0% Notes in May 2013 and the 7.0% Notes in July 2012 and the extinguishment of the 9.0% Notes in May 2013 and the 5.0% Convertible Notes in August 2012, including $0.8 million of double-carry interest while both the 5.0% Notes and 9.0% Notes were outstanding in May 2013. The increase in coupon interest was offset partially by a $1.2 million decrease in discount amortization related to the extinguishment of the 5.0% Convertible Notes.

Interest expense, other, net decreased $1.5 million during the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 due to a $2.5 million decrease in discount amortization related to the extinguishment of the 5.0% Convertible Notes and a $1.6 million reduction in cash flow swap interest related to the expiration of several Cash Flow Swaps and the replacement of those swaps with Cash Flow Swaps at a lower fixed rate, offset by a $3.5 million increase in coupon interest related to the net impact of the issuance of the 5.0% Notes and the 7.0% Notes and the extinguishment of the 9.0% Notes and the 5.0% Convertible Notes.

Other Income (Expense), Net

Other expense, net, increased approximately $25.7 million and $25.6 million during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, primarily due to a charge of approximately $28.2 million related to the extinguishment of the 9.0% Notes in the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, offset partially by a charge of approximately $2.6 million related to the redemption of approximately $20.2 million in aggregate principal amount of the 5.0% Convertible Notes in the second quarter ended June 30, 2012.

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Income Taxes

The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 39.0% for both the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, and 28.6% and 33.7% for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively. The effective rates for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 were lower than the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, primarily due to a $3.6 million tax benefit in the second quarter ended June 30, 2012 related to the settlement of a state tax examination. We expect the effective tax rate for continuing operations in future periods to fall within a range of 38.0% to 40.0%.

Discontinued Operations

Significant components of results from discontinued operations were as follows:

	Second Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
Income (loss) from operations	$	1,400		$	(2,827	)	$	1,366		$	(6,500	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		(341	)		(146	)		(378	)		5,514
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges		(698	)		1,884			(1,365	)		(1,279	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	361		$	(1,089	)	$	(377	)	$	(2,265	)
Total revenues	$	—		$	63,257		$	—		$	134,326

Income (loss) from discontinued operations improved in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 primarily due to the disposal of under-performing dealerships in 2012 that incurred significant operating losses prior to their disposal. In addition, we recognized a gain of $1.4 million from business interruption insurance proceeds received in the second quarter ended June 30, 2013 related to a dealership that was sold in 2012. No dealerships were disposed of during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013. A gain of approximately $5.8 million was recorded on the disposition of five dealerships during the six-month period ended June 30, 2012. Lease exit charges recorded in the second quarter and six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 relate to interest charges and the revision of estimates on previously established lease exit accruals. The lease exit accruals represent the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated or actual sublease proceeds, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We require cash to fund debt service, operating lease obligations, working capital requirements, facility improvements and other capital improvements, dividends on our common stock and to finance acquisitions and otherwise invest in our business. We rely on cash flows from operations, borrowings under our revolving credit and floor plan borrowing arrangements, real estate mortgage financing, asset sales and offerings of debt and equity securities to meet these requirements. We closely monitor our available liquidity and projected future operating results in order to remain in compliance with restrictive covenants under our 2011 Credit Facilities and other debt obligations and lease arrangements. Nevertheless, our liquidity could be negatively affected if we fail to comply with the financial covenants in our existing debt or lease arrangements. Cash flows provided by our dealerships are derived from various sources. The primary sources include individual consumers, automobile manufacturers, automobile manufacturers’ captive finance subsidiaries and finance companies. Disruptions in these cash flows can have a material and adverse impact on our operations and overall liquidity.

Because the majority of our consolidated assets are held by our dealership subsidiaries, the majority of our cash flows from operations are generated by these subsidiaries. As a result, our cash flows and ability to service our obligations depends to a substantial degree on the cash generated from the operations of these dealership subsidiaries.

During the fourth quarter of 2012, we entered into a program with one of our manufacturer-affiliated finance companies wherein we maintain a deposit balance with the lender that earns interest based on the lowest interest rate charged on new vehicle floor plan balances held with the lender. This deposit balance is not designated as a pre-payment of notes payable – floor plan, nor is it our intent to use this amount to offset principal amounts owed under notes payable – floor plan in the future, although we have the right and ability to do so. The deposit balance of $55.0 million and $60.0 million as of

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June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, is classified in other current assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, because there are restrictions on our availability to withdraw these funds under certain circumstances. Changes in this deposit balance are classified as changes in other assets in the cash flows from operating activities section of the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The interest rebate as a result of this deposit balance is classified as a reduction of interest expense, floor plan, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, the reduction in interest expense, floor plan, was approximately $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

Floor Plan Facilities

We finance our new and certain of our used vehicle inventory through standardized floor plan facilities with manufacturer captive finance companies and a syndicate of manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and commercial banks. These floor plan facilities are due on demand and bear interest at variable rates based on LIBOR and the prime rate. The weighted average interest rate for our new and used floor plan facilities for continuing operations was 1.97% and 2.06% in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, and 2.11% and 2.28% for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively.

We receive floor plan assistance from certain manufacturers. Floor plan assistance received is capitalized in inventory and charged against cost of sales when the associated inventory is sold. We received approximately $10.3 million and $17.7 million in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, and $8.9 and $16.9 in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively. We recognized manufacturer floor plan assistance in cost of sales for continuing operations of approximately $9.7 million and $17.8 million in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, and $8.1 million and $14.8 million in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively. Interest payments under each of our floor plan facilities are due monthly and we are not required to make principal repayments prior to the sale of the vehicles.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of our long-term debt and credit facilities and compliance with debt covenants.

Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures include the purchase of land and buildings, construction of new dealerships and collision repair centers, building improvements and equipment purchased for use in our dealerships. We selectively construct or improve new dealership facilities to maintain compliance with manufacturers’ image requirements. We typically finance these projects through new mortgages, or, alternatively, through our credit facilities. We also fund these improvements through cash flows from operations.

Capital expenditures in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 were approximately $29.8 million and $89.1 million, respectively. Of this amount, approximately $23.4 million and $45.7 million was related to facility construction projects in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Real estate acquisitions accounted for $32.7 million of capital expenditures in the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, and fixed assets utilized in our dealership operations accounted for the remaining $6.4 million and $10.7 million for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively.

Of the capital expenditures in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, approximately $6.6 million and $25.8 million, respectively, were funded through mortgage financing and the remainder was funded through cash from operations and use of our credit facilities. As of June 30, 2013, commitments for facilities construction projects totaled approximately $22.4 million. We expect investments related to capital expenditures to be partly dependent upon the availability of mortgage financing to fund significant capital projects.

Stock Repurchase Program

Our Board of Directors has authorized us to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock. Historically, we have used our share repurchase authorization to offset dilution caused by the exercise of stock options or the vesting of equity

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compensation awards and to maintain our desired capital structure. During the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, we repurchased approximately 0.2 million shares and 0.6 million shares, respectively, of our Class A common stock for approximately $5.0 million and $14.2 million, respectively, in open-market transactions and in connection with tax withholdings on the vesting of equity compensation awards. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2012, we repurchased approximately 0.1 million shares of our Class A common stock for approximately $1.8 million in open-market transactions and in connection with tax withholdings on the vesting of equity compensation awards. During the first quarter of 2013, our Board of Directors authorized an additional $100.0 million to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock. As of June 30, 2013, our total remaining repurchase authorization was approximately $135.4 million. Under our 2011 Credit Facilities, share repurchases are permitted to the extent that no event of default exists and we have the pro forma liquidity amount required by the repurchase test (as defined in the 2011 Credit Facilities) and the result of such test has been accepted by the administrative agent.

Our share repurchase activity is subject to the business judgment of management and our Board of Directors, taking into consideration our historical and projected results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, covenant compliance and economic and other factors considered relevant. These factors are considered each quarter and will be scrutinized as management and our Board of Directors determines our share repurchase policy in the future.

Dividends

During the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.025 per share on all outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock as of June 14, 2013 to be paid on July 15, 2013. Subsequent to June 30, 2013, our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend on all outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock of $0.025 per share for stockholders of record on September 13, 2013 to be paid on October 15, 2013. Under our 2011 Credit Facilities, dividends are permitted to the extent that no event of default exists and we are in compliance with the financial covenants, including pro forma liquidity requirements, contained therein. The indentures governing our outstanding 5.0% Notes and 7.0% Notes contain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. The payment of any future dividend is subject to the business judgment of our Board of Directors, taking into consideration our historic and projected results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, covenant compliance, share repurchases, current economic environment and other factors considered relevant. These factors are considered each quarter and will be scrutinized as our Board of Directors determines our future dividend policy. There is no guarantee that additional dividends will be declared and paid at any time in the future. See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” to the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of restrictions on the payment of dividends.

Cash Flows

In the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $30.3 million. This provision of cash was comprised primarily of cash inflows related to operating profits, decreases in receivables and increases in notes payable – floor plan – trade, offset partially by increases in inventories. In the six-month period ended June 30, 2012, net cash used in operating activities was approximately $47.9 million. This use of cash was comprised primarily of cash outflows related to the purchase of inventories, offset partially by operating profits, an increase in notes payable – floor plan – trade and decreases in receivables.

Net cash used in investing activities in the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 was approximately $88.4 million. This use of cash was primarily comprised of purchases of land, property and equipment, including the purchase of four dealership facilities that were previously leased. Net cash used in investing activities in the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 was approximately $9.5 million. This use of cash was primarily comprised of purchases of land, property and equipment, offset partially by proceeds from the sale of dealerships.

Net cash provided by financing activities in the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 was approximately $57.9 million. This provision of cash was primarily related to proceeds from issuance of long-term debt offset partially by repurchase of debt securities and purchases of treasury stock. Net cash provided by financing activities in the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 was approximately $61.4 million. This provision of cash was primarily related to increase in notes payable – floor plan – non-trade, offset partially by the repurchase of debt securities.

We arrange our inventory floor plan financing through both manufacturer captive finance companies and a syndicate of manufacturer captive finance companies and commercial banks. Our floor plan financed with manufacturer captives is

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recorded as trade floor plan liabilities (with the resulting change being reflected as operating cash flows). Our dealerships that obtain floor plan financing from a syndicate of manufacturer captives and commercial banks record their obligation as non-trade floor plan liabilities (with the resulting change being reflected as financing cash flows).

Due to the presentation differences for changes in trade floor plan and non-trade floor plan in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, decisions made by us to move dealership floor plan financing arrangements from one finance source to another may cause significant variations in operating and financing cash flows without affecting our overall liquidity, working capital or cash flow. Net cash provided by combined trade and non-trade floor plan financing was approximately $9.6 million and $122.5 million in the six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Accordingly, if all changes in floor plan notes payable were classified as an operating activity, the result would have been net cash provided by operating activities of approximately $27.8 million and $40.4 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Guarantees and Indemnification Obligations

In connection with the operation and disposition of dealership franchises, we have entered into various guarantees and indemnification obligations. See Note 8, “Contingencies,” to the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. See also “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Future Liquidity Outlook

We believe our best source of liquidity for operations and debt service remains cash flows generated from operations combined with our availability of borrowings under our floor plan facilities (or any replacements thereof), our 2011 Credit Facilities, real estate mortgage financing, selected dealership and other asset sales and our ability to raise funds in the capital markets through offerings of debt or equity securities. Because the majority of our consolidated assets are held by our dealership subsidiaries, the majority of our cash flows from operations are generated by these subsidiaries. As a result, our cash flows and ability to service debt depends to a substantial degree on the results of operations of these subsidiaries and their ability to provide us with cash. We expect to generate sufficient cash flow to fund our debt service, working capital requirements and operating requirements for the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Seasonality

Our operations are subject to seasonal variations. The first quarter normally contributes less operating profit than the second, third and fourth quarters. Weather conditions, the timing of manufacturer incentive programs and model changeovers cause seasonality and may adversely affect vehicle demand, and consequently, our profitability. Comparatively, parts and service demand remains stable throughout the year.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Our variable rate floor plan facilities, 2011 Revolving Credit Facility borrowings and other variable rate notes expose us to risks caused by fluctuations in the applicable interest rates. The total outstanding balance of such variable instruments after considering the effect of our interest rate swaps (see below) was approximately $835.0 million at June 30, 2013 and approximately $813.5 million at December 31, 2012. A change of 100 basis points in the underlying interest rate would have caused a change in interest expense of approximately $3.6 million in the six-month period ended June 30, 2013. Of the total change in interest expense, approximately $3.4 million would have resulted from the floor plan facilities.

In addition to our variable rate debt, as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 approximately 20% of our dealership lease facilities have monthly lease payments that fluctuate based on LIBOR interest rates. An increase in interest rates of 100 basis points would not have had a significant impact on rent expense in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 due to the leases containing LIBOR floors which were above the LIBOR rate during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013.

We also have various Cash Flow Swaps to effectively convert a portion of our LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. Under the terms of these Cash Flow Swaps, interest rates reset monthly. The fair value of these swap positions at June 30, 2013 was a net liability of approximately $20.7 million, with $11.9 million included in other accrued liabilities and $12.8 million included in other long-term liabilities, offset partially by an asset of approximately $4.0 million included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these swap positions at December 31, 2012 was a liability of approximately $34.3 million, with $12.1 million included in other accrued liabilities and $22.2 million included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Under the terms of these Cash Flow Swaps, Sonic will receive and pay interest based on the following:

Notional Amount			Pay Rate			Receive Rate (1)	Maturing Date
(In millions)
$	3.1			7.100	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.50%	July 10, 2017
$	9.6			4.655	%	one-month LIBOR	December 10, 2017
$	7.9	(2)		6.860	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	August 1, 2017
$	5.9			4.330	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2013
$	100.0			3.280	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0			3.300	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	6.7	(2)		6.410	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	September 12, 2017
$	50.0			2.767	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.240	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	50.0			2.610	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.070	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0	(3)		2.065	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	100.0	(3)		2.015	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	200.0	(3)		0.788	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2016
$	50.0	(4)		1.320	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2017
$	250.0	(5)		1.887	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2018

(1) The one-month LIBOR rate was 0.195% at June 30, 2013.

(2) Changes in fair value are recorded through earnings.

(3) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 1, 2015.

(4) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 1, 2016.

(5) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 3, 2017.

Foreign Currency Risk

We purchase certain of our new vehicle and parts inventories from foreign manufacturers. Although we purchase our inventories in U.S. Dollars, our business is subject to foreign exchange rate risk that may influence automobile

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

manufacturers’ ability to provide their products at competitive prices in the United States. To the extent that we cannot recapture this volatility in prices charged to customers or if this volatility negatively impacts consumer demand for our products, this volatility could adversely affect our future operating results.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 4: Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures – Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of June 30, 2013. Based upon that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of June 30, 2013, because of the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described in Item 9A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Notwithstanding the material weakness that existed as of December 31, 2012, our CEO and CFO have each concluded that the consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries in conformity with U.S. GAAP. We are in the process of remediating such material weakness as described below.

Remediation of Material Weakness – Management is in the process of remediating the internal control deficiencies described in Item 9A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the audit committee of the Company’s Board of Directors will continue to monitor the remediation plan and progress. Management’s remediation efforts include hiring additional personnel, implementing training programs for existing accounting and reporting personnel, revising the Company’s policies and providing appropriate training on the policies.

In addition, under the direction of the audit committee, management will continue to review and make necessary changes to the overall design of the Company’s internal control environment, as well as to policies and procedures to improve the overall effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. As the Company continues to evaluate and improve its internal control over financial reporting, management may decide to take additional measures to address control deficiencies.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting – Except as discussed above, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the control system are met and may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting in future periods is subject to risk that those internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1: Legal Proceedings.

We are involved, and expect to continue to be involved, in numerous legal and administrative proceedings arising out of the conduct of our 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 we vigorously defend ourselves in all legal and administrative proceedings, the outcomes of pending and future proceedings arising out of the conduct of our business, including litigation with customers, employment related lawsuits, contractual disputes, class actions, purported class actions and actions brought by governmental authorities, cannot be predicted with certainty. Similarly, except as reflected in reserves we have provided for in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, we are currently unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss, or a range of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, for pending proceedings. An unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, at June 30, 2013, was approximately $0.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, in reserves for pending proceedings. Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, at December 31, 2012, was approximately $2.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively, in reserves for pending proceedings. Except as reflected in such reserves, we are currently unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss, or a range of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, for pending proceedings.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RISK FACTORS

Item 1A: Risk Factors

In addition to the information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table sets forth information about the shares of Class A Common Stock we repurchased during the second quarter ended June 30, 2013:

	(In thousands, except per share data)
	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)		Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
April 2013		196	$	21.63		196	$	136,240
May 2013		—		—		—		136,240
June 2013		40		20.03		40		135,439
Total		236	$	21.36		236	$	135,439

(1) All shares repurchased were part of publicly announced share repurchase programs.

(2) Our active publicly announced Class A common stock repurchase authorization plans and current remaining availability are as follows:

	(amounts in thousands)
July 2012 authorization	$	100,000
February 2013 authorization		100,000
Total authorization		200,000
Total active plan repurchases prior to June 30, 2013		(64,561	)
Current remaining availability as of June 30, 2013	$	135,439

See Note 6, “Long-term Debt,” to the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 2: “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for additional discussion of restrictions on share repurchases and payment of dividends.

40

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 6: Exhibits.

(a) Exhibits:

Exhibit No.	Description
4.1*	Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 9, 2013, by and among Sonic Automotive, Inc., the Guarantors set forth on the signature page thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the several initial purchasers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Sonic’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 13, 2013).
4.2*	Indenture dated as of May 9, 2013 by and among Sonic Automotive, Inc., the Guarantors named therein, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Sonic’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 13, 2013).
4.3*	Form of 5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Sonic’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 13, 2013).
31.1	Certification of Mr. Heath R. Byrd pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
31.2	Certification of Mr. O. Bruton Smith pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
32.1	Certification of Mr. Heath R. Byrd pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2	Certification of Mr. O. Bruton Smith pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS**	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**	XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

* Filed previously

** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

41

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains, and written or oral statements made from time to time by us or by our authorized officers may contain, numerous “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements address our future objectives, plans and goals, as well as our intent, beliefs and current expectations regarding future operating performance, results and events, and can generally be identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee” and other similar words or phrases. Specific events addressed by these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

• vehicle sales rates and same store sales growth;

• future liquidity trends or needs;

• our business and growth strategies;

• future covenant compliance;

• industry trends;

• our financing plans and our ability to repay or refinance existing debt when due;

• future acquisitions or dispositions;

• level of fuel prices;

• general economic trends, including employment rates and consumer confidence levels; and

• remediation plans related to our internal control over financial reporting.

These forward-looking statements are based on our current estimates and assumptions and involve various risks and uncertainties. As a result, you are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from our projections include those risks described in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and elsewhere in this report, as well as:

• the number of new and used cars sold in the United States as compared to our expectations and the expectations of the market;

• our ability to generate sufficient cash flows or obtain additional financing to fund capital expenditures, our share repurchase program, dividends on our common stock, acquisitions and general operating activities;

• the reputation and financial condition of vehicle manufacturers whose brands we represent, the financial incentives vehicle manufacturers offer and their ability to design, manufacture, deliver and market their vehicles successfully;

• our relationships with manufacturers, which may affect our ability to obtain desirable new vehicle models in inventory or complete additional acquisitions;

• adverse resolutions of one or more significant legal proceedings against us or our dealerships;

• changes in laws and regulations governing the operation of automobile franchises, accounting standards, taxation requirements and environmental laws;

• general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, including fluctuations in interest rates, employment levels, the level of consumer spending and consumer credit availability;

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

• high competition in the automotive retailing industry, which not only creates pricing pressures on the products and services we offer, but also on businesses we may seek to acquire;

• our ability to successfully integrate potential future acquisitions; and

• the rate and timing of overall economic recovery or decline.

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or when made, and we undertake no obligation to revise or update these statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SIGNATURES

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

	SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
Date: July 26, 2013	By:	/s/    O. BRUTON SMITH
		O. Bruton Smith
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Date: July 26, 2013	By:	/s/    HEATH R. BYRD
		Heath R. Byrd
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Description
4.1*	Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 9, 2013, by and among Sonic Automotive, Inc., the Guarantors set forth on the signature page thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the several initial purchasers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Sonic’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 13, 2013).
4.2*	Indenture dated as of May 9, 2013 by and among Sonic Automotive, Inc., the Guarantors named therein, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Sonic’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 13, 2013).
4.3*	Form of 5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Sonic’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 13, 2013).
31.1	Certification of Mr. Heath R. Byrd pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
31.2	Certification of Mr. O. Bruton Smith pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
32.1	Certification of Mr. Heath R. Byrd pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2	Certification of Mr. O. Bruton Smith pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS**	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**	XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

* Filed previously

** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

45

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Heath R. Byrd, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Sonic Automotive, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 26, 2013
By:	/s/ HEATH R. BYRD
	Heath R. Byrd
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, O. Bruton Smith, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Sonic Automotive, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 26, 2013

By:	/s/ O. BRUTON SMITH
	O. Bruton Smith
	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Heath R. Byrd, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ HEATH R. BYRD

Heath R. Byrd

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

July 26, 2013

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, O. Bruton Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ O. BRUTON SMITH

O. Bruton Smith

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

July 26, 2013

XML

Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Contingencies [Abstract]

Contingencies

8. Contingencies

Legal and Other Proceedings

Sonic is involved, and expects to continue to be involved, in numerous 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 vigorously defends itself in all legal and administrative proceedings, the outcomes of pending and future proceedings arising out of the conduct of Sonic’s business, including litigation with customers, employment related lawsuits, contractual disputes, class actions, purported class actions and actions brought by governmental authorities, cannot be predicted. An unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on Sonic’s business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects.

Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities at June 30, 2013 was approximately $0.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, in reserves for pending proceedings. Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2012 was approximately $2.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively, in reserves for pending proceedings. Except as reflected in such reserves, Sonic is currently unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss, or a range of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, for pending proceedings.

Guarantees and Indemnification Obligations

In accordance with the terms of Sonic’s operating lease agreements, Sonic’s 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, Sonic has generally agreed to indemnify the lessor in the event of a breach of the lease by the lessee.

In connection with dealership dispositions, certain of Sonic’s dealership 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 sub-lessee does not perform. In the event the sub-lessees do not perform under their obligations Sonic remains liable for the lease payments. Please see Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for further discussion.

In accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of Sonic’s franchises, Sonic generally agrees to indemnify the buyer from certain exposure 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 agreement. While Sonic’s exposure with respect to environmental remediation and repairs is difficult to quantify, Sonic’s maximum exposure associated with these general indemnifications was approximately $19.0 million at both June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. These indemnifications expire within a period of 12 to 24 months 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 June 30, 2013. Sonic also guarantees the floor plan commitments of its 50% owned joint venture, the amount of which was approximately $2.8 million at both June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,190	$ 3,371
Receivables, net	295,523	345,294
Inventories	1,249,817	1,177,966
Other current assets	81,914	84,402
Total current assets	1,630,444	1,611,033
Property and Equipment, net	659,920	595,124
Goodwill	454,224	454,224
Other Intangible Assets, net	69,744	70,521
Other Assets	57,148	45,820
Total Assets	2,871,480	2,776,722
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	667,327	655,195
Notes payable - floor plan - non-trade	521,449	524,023
Trade accounts payable	99,554	120,981
Accrued interest	12,717	16,643
Other accrued liabilities	164,683	188,726
Current maturities of long-term debt	20,363	18,587
Total current liabilities	1,486,093	1,524,155
Long-Term Debt	713,087	610,798
Other Long-Term Liabilities	94,336	104,456
Deferred Income Taxes	25,114	10,768
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
Class A convertible preferred stock, none issued
Paid-in capital	674,159	669,324
Retained earnings	235,601	208,048
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,886)	(19,963)
Treasury stock, at cost 20,768,391 Class A shares held at June 30, 2013 and 20,141,627 Class A shares held at December 31, 2012)	(345,760)	(331,599)
Total stockholders' equity	552,850	526,545
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	2,871,480	2,776,722
Common Class A
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, value	615	614
Total stockholders' equity	615	614
Common Class B
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, value	121	121
Total stockholders' equity	$ 121	$ 121

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. These Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all material normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year, because the first quarter normally contributes less operating profit than the second, third and fourth quarters. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic” or the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2012, which were included in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Reclassifications – The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 reflect the reclassification of amounts from continuing operations to discontinued operations from the prior year presentation for additional dealerships sold or terminated subsequent to June 30, 2012.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued an accounting standard update that amended the reporting requirements for amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. An entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes to the financial statements, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. The amendments in this accounting standard update are to be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012. See Note 10, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),” for the impact of this accounting standard update on Sonic’s required disclosures.

Lease Exit Accruals – Lease exit accruals relate to facilities Sonic has ceased using in its operations. The accruals represent the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated or actual sublease proceeds, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord. A summary of the activity of these operating lease exit accruals consists of the following:

	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	32,983
Lease exit expense (1)		1,605
Payments (2)		(4,391	)
Balance, June 30, 2013	$	30,197

(1) Expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in interest expense, other, net, expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in SG&A, and expense of approximately $1.4 million is recorded to income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2) Amount is recorded as an offet to rent expense in selling, general and administrative expenses, with approximately $0.6 million in continuing operations and $3.8 million in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Income Tax Expense – The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 39.0% for both the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, and 28.6% and 33.7% for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively. The effective rates for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 were lower than the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 primarily due to a $3.6 million tax benefit in the second quarter ended June 30, 2012 related to the settlement of a state tax examination. We expect the effective tax rate for continuing operations in future periods to fall within a range of 38.0% to 40.0%.

XML

Property and Equipment (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Property and Equipment [Abstract]

Components of property and equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

(In thousands)	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Land	$	161,731		$	142,730
Building and improvements		516,450			476,846
Office equipment and fixtures		122,986			115,509
Parts and service equipment		66,621			62,678
Company vehicles		8,062			7,750
Construction in progress		58,167			39,139
Total, at cost		934,017			844,652
Less accumulated depreciation		(274,097	)		(249,528	)
Property and equipment, net	$	659,920		$	595,124

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Fair Value Measurements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

9. Fair Value Measurements

In determining fair value, Sonic uses various valuation approaches including market, income and/or cost approaches. “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” in the ASC establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of Sonic. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect Sonic’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Sonic has the ability to access. Assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include marketable securities that are actively traded.

Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include cash flow swap instruments and deferred compensation plan balances.

Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Asset and liability measurements utilizing Level 3 inputs include those used in estimating fair value of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities in purchase acquisitions, those used in assessing impairment of property, plant and equipment and other intangibles and those used in the reporting unit valuation in the annual goodwill impairment evaluation.

The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment required by Sonic in determining fair value is greatest for assets and liabilities categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is disclosed is determined based on the lowest level input (Level 3 being the lowest level) that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, Sonic’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Sonic uses inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods when the market may be abnormally high or abnormally low. Accordingly, fair value measurements can be volatile based on various factors that may or may not be within Sonic’s control.

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there were no Level 1 or Level 3 assets or liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Level 2 assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:

(In millions)	Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)	$	24.3	$	21.4
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (1)		4.0		—
Total assets	$	28.3	$	21.4
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (2)	$	22.4	$	31.4
Cash flow swaps not designated as hedges (3)		2.3		2.9
Deferred compensation plan (4)		15.0		13.8
Total liabilities	$	39.7	$	48.1

(1) Included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2) As of June 30, 2013, approximately $11.2 million was included in both other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2012, approximately $11.4 million and $20.0 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3) As of June 30, 2013, approximately $0.7 million and $1.6 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2012, approximately $0.7 million and $2.2 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

There were no instances in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 which required a fair value measurement of assets ordinarily measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Therefore, the carrying value of assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2013 have not changed since December 31, 2012.

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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 approximate their carrying values due either to length of maturity or existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates.

The fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s fixed rate long-term debt was as follows:

	June 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
(In thousands)	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
9.0% Notes (1)	$	—	$	—	$	231,525	$	208,923
7.0% Notes (1)	$	222,000	$	198,347	$	222,000	$	198,282
5.0% Notes (1)	$	268,142	$	300,000	$	—	$	—
Mortgage Notes (2)	$	151,174	$	141,373	$	148,244	$	137,791
Assumed Notes (2)	$	9,150	$	9,643	$	10,592	$	11,289
Other (2)	$	4,875	$	5,227	$	4,971	$	5,341

(1) As determined by market quotations as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively (Level 1).

(2) As determined by discounted cash flows (Level 3).

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Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets:
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges	$ 4.0
Total assets	28.3	21.4
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	24.3	21.4
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan	15.0	13.8
Total liabilities	39.7	48.1
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps	22.4	31.4
Cash flow swaps not designated as hedges [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps	$ 2.3	$ 2.9

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details Textual) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Net of accumulated impairment losses	$ 796,725
Lease Agreements [Member]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Definite life intangibles	$ 9,100,000	$ 9,900,000

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Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Dilutive effect on earnings per share

The following table illustrates the dilutive effect of such items on earnings per share for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012:

	Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2013
			Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations					Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations				Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount		Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,597	$	8,717				$	199			$	8,916
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(71	)				—				(71	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,597	$	8,646		$	0.16	$	199	$	0.01	$	8,845		$	0.17
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		345
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		52,942	$	8,646		$	0.16	$	199	$	0.01	$	8,845		$	0.17

	Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2012
			Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations					Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations						Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount			Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,593	$	28,998				$	(819	)				$	28,179
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(452	)				—						(452	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,593	$	28,546		$	0.54	$	(819	)	$	(0.01	)	$	27,727		$	0.53
Effect of dilutive securities:
Contingently convertible debt (5.0% Convertible Notes)		10,535		1,856					33						1,889
Stock compensation plans		378
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		63,506	$	30,402		$	0.48	$	(786	)	$	(0.01	)	$	29,616		$	0.47

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
			Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations					Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations					Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,591	$	30,415				$	(208	)			$	30,207
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(237	)				—					(237	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,591	$	30,178		$	0.57	$	(208	)	$	—	$	29,970		$	0.57
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		346
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		52,937	$	30,178		$	0.57	$	(208	)	$	—	$	29,970		$	0.57

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
			Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations					Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations						Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount			Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,409	$	50,143				$	(1,466	)				$	48,677
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(777	)				—						(777	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,409	$	49,366		$	0.94	$	(1,466	)	$	(0.03	)	$	47,900		$	0.91
Effect of dilutive securities:
Contingently convertible debt (5.0% Convertible Notes)		11,106		3,981					80						4,061
Stock compensation plans		448
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		63,963	$	53,347		$	0.83	$	(1,386	)	$	(0.02	)	$	51,961		$	0.81

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Long-Term Debt (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Long-term debt

Long-term debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

(In thousands)	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
2011 Revolving Credit Facility (1)	$	—		$	6,176
9.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 (the “9.0% Notes”)		—			210,000
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 (the “7.0% Notes”)		200,000			200,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “5.0% Notes”)		300,000			—
Notes payable to a finance company bearing interest from 9.52% to 10.52% (with a weighted average of 10.19%)		9,137			10,572
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, bearing interest from 3.51% to 7.03%		141,373			137,791
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, bearing interest at 1.25 to 3.50 percentage points above one-month LIBOR		79,485			62,229
Net debt discount and premium (2)		(1,806	)		(2,814	)
Other		5,261			5,431
Total debt	$	733,450		$	629,385
Less current maturities		(20,363	)		(18,587	)
Long-term debt	$	713,087		$	610,798

(1) The interest rate on the revolving credit facility was 2.00% above LIBOR at June 30, 2013 and 2.25% above LIBOR at December 31, 2012.

(2) June 30, 2013 includes $1.7 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes, $0.5 million premium associated with notes payable to a finance company and $0.6 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable. December 31, 2012 includes $1.1 million discount associated with the 9.0% Notes, $1.7 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes, $0.7 million premium associated with notes payable to a finance company and $0.7 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable.

Financial covenants include required specified ratios

Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2011 Credit Facilities) of:

	Covenant
	Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio		Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio		Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio
Required ratio		1.05		1.20		5.50
June 30, 2013 actual		1.17		1.71		4.07

Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap

Under the terms of these Cash Flow Swaps, Sonic will receive and pay interest based on the following:

Notional Amount			Pay Rate			Receive Rate (1)	Maturing Date
(In millions)
$	3.1			7.100	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.50%	July 10, 2017
$	9.6			4.655	%	one-month LIBOR	December 10, 2017
$	7.9	(2)		6.860	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	August 1, 2017
$	5.9			4.330	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2013
$	100.0			3.280	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0			3.300	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	6.7	(2)		6.410	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	September 12, 2017
$	50.0			2.767	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.240	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	50.0			2.610	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.070	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0	(3)		2.065	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	100.0	(3)		2.015	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	200.0	(3)		0.788	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2016
$	50.0	(4)		1.320	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2017
$	250.0	(5)		1.887	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2018

(1) The one-month LIBOR rate was 0.195% at June 30, 2013.

(2) Changes in fair value are recorded through earnings.

(3) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 1, 2015.

(4) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 1, 2016.

(5) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 3, 2017.

5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]

Long-term debt

Redemption price, percentage

Sonic may redeem the 5.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after May 15, 2018 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on May 15, 2018		102.500	%
Beginning on May 15, 2019		101.667	%
Beginning on May 15, 2020		100.833	%
Beginning on May 15, 2021 and thereafter		100.000	%

7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 [Member]

Long-term debt

Redemption price, percentage

Sonic may redeem the 7.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after July 15, 2017 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on July 15, 2017		103.500	%
Beginning on July 15, 2018		102.333	%
Beginning on July 15, 2019		101.167	%
Beginning on July 15, 2020 and thereafter		100.000	%

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Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	Aug. 31, 2012 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Common Class A [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Common Class A [Member]
Capital Structure and Per Share Data (Textual) [Abstract]
Stated Interest rate on debt agreement		5.00%
Antidilutive stock options excluded in computation of diluted earnings per share			0.9	1.6
Convertible senior notes maturity Year	2029

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Inventories (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components of Inventories
New vehicles	$ 901,407	$ 866,442
Used vehicles	196,382	175,957
Service loaners	93,192	81,384
Parts and accessories	58,515	53,723
Other	321	460
Inventories	$ 1,249,817	$ 1,177,966

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Long-Term Debt (Details 1)	Jun. 30, 2013
Financial covenants include required specified ratios
Required consolidated liquidity ratio	1.05
Required consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio	1.20
Required Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio	5.50
Actual consolidated liquidity ratio	1.17
Actual consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio	1.71
Actual consolidated lease adjusted leverage ratio	4.07

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Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
9.0% Notes [Member]
Fair value and carrying value of fixed rate long-term debt
Long-term Debt, Fair Value		$ 231,525
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value		208,923
7.0% Notes [Member]
Fair value and carrying value of fixed rate long-term debt
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	222,000	222,000
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	198,347	198,282
5.0% Notes [Member]
Fair value and carrying value of fixed rate long-term debt
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	268,142
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	300,000
Mortgage Notes [Member]
Fair value and carrying value of fixed rate long-term debt
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	151,174	148,244
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	141,373	137,791
Assumed Notes [Member]
Fair value and carrying value of fixed rate long-term debt
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	9,150	10,592
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	9,643	11,289
Other [Member]
Fair value and carrying value of fixed rate long-term debt
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	4,875	4,971
Long-term Debt, Carrying Value	$ 5,227	$ 5,341

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Component of lease exit expense in interest expense, other, net			$ 0.1
Component of lease exit expense in selling, general and administrative expenses			0.1
Component of lease exit expense in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships			1.4
Component of lease exit payments in selling, general and administrative expenses			0.6
Component of lease exit payments in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships			3.8
Effective tax rate from continuing operations	39.00%	28.60%	39.00%	33.70%
Tax Benefit From State Tax Settlement	$ 3.6		$ 3.6
Minimum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Expected effective tax rate for continuing operations Range			38.00%
Maximum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Expected effective tax rate for continuing operations Range			40.00%

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Long-Term Debt (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Variable Interest Rate	0.195%
Cash Flow Swap [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	$ 3.1
Pay Rate	7.10%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR + 1.50%
Variable Interest Rate	1.50%
Maturing Date	Jul. 10, 2017
Cash Flow Swap 1 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	9.6
Pay Rate	4.655%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Dec. 10, 2017
Cash Flow Swap 2 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	7.9
Pay Rate	6.86%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%
Variable Interest Rate	1.25%
Maturing Date	Aug. 01, 2017
Cash Flow Swap 3 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	5.9
Pay Rate	4.33%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2013
Cash Flow Swap 4 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	100.0
Pay Rate	3.28%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2015
Cash Flow Swap 5 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	100.0
Pay Rate	3.30%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2015
Cash Flow Swap 6 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	6.7
Pay Rate	6.41%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%
Variable Interest Rate	1.25%
Maturing Date	Sep. 12, 2017
Cash Flow Swap 7 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	50.0
Pay Rate	2.767%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2014
Cash Flow Swap 8 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	50.0
Pay Rate	3.24%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2015
Cash Flow Swap 9 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	50.0
Pay Rate	2.61%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2014
Cash Flow Swap 10 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	50.0
Pay Rate	3.07%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2015
Cash Flow Swap 11 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	100.0
Pay Rate	2.065%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jun. 30, 2017
Cash Flow Swap 12 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	100.0
Pay Rate	2.015%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jun. 30, 2017
Cash Flow Swap 13 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	200.0
Pay Rate	0.788%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2016
Cash Flow Swap 14 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	50.0
Pay Rate	1.32%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jul. 01, 2017
Cash Flow Swap 15 [Member]
Summary of interest received and paid under term of cash flow swap
Notional Amount	$ 250.0
Pay Rate	1.887%
Receive Rate	one-month LIBOR
Maturing Date	Jun. 30, 2018

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Changes in carrying amount of franchise assets and goodwill

(In thousands)	Franchise Agreements		Net Goodwill
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	60,635	$	454,224	(1)
Reductions from dispositions		—		—
Balance, June 30, 2013	$	60,635	$	454,224	(1)

(1) Net of accumulated impairment losses of $796,725.

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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings/ (Accumulated Deficit)	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Common Class A	Common Class B
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 526,545	$ 669,324	$ 208,048	$ (331,599)	$ (19,963)	$ 614	$ 121
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012				(20,142)		61,352	12,029
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans, shares						163
Shares awarded under stock compensation plans	1,018	1,017				1
Purchases of treasury stock	(14,161)			(14,161)
Purchases of treasury stock, shares				(626)
Income tax benefit associated with stock compensation plans	562	562
Fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax expense of $4,950	8,077				8,077
Restricted stock amortization	3,256	3,256
Other						20
Net income (loss)	30,207		30,207
Dividends ($0.05 per share)	(2,654)		(2,654)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2013	$ 552,850	$ 674,159	$ 235,601	$ (345,760)	$ (11,886)	$ 615	$ 121
Ending balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2013				(20,768)		61,535	12,029

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ 30,207	$ 48,677
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment	25,275	22,542
Provision for bad debt expense	66	301
Other amortization	780	780
Debt issuance cost amortization	1,527	1,519
Debt discount amortization, net of premium amortization	(60)	2,441
Stock - based compensation expense	3,256	2,587
Deferred income taxes	9,394	13,671
Equity interest in earnings of investee	(203)	(227)
Asset impairment charges	51	34
Loss (gain) on disposal of dealerships and property and equipment	278	(5,577)
Loss on exit of leased dealerships	1,605	1,450
(Gain) loss on retirement of debt	28,235	2,578
Changes in assets and liabilities that relate to operations:
Receivables	57,671	39,245
Inventories	(71,772)	(180,750)
Other assets	(5,181)	(7,269)
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	12,132	34,126
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities	(62,935)	(24,028)
Total adjustments	119	(96,577)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	30,326	(47,900)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of land, property and equipment	(89,147)	(34,504)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	257	660
Proceeds from sales of dealerships		23,620
Distributions from equity investee	500	700
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(88,390)	(9,524)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (repayments) borrowings on notes payable floor plan - non-trade	(2,574)	88,324
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	83,783	105,246
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	(89,959)	(105,246)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	325,760	10,700
Debt issuance costs	(5,157)
Principal payments on long-term debt	(6,471)	(5,162)
Repurchase of debt securities	(233,566)	(29,995)
Purchases of treasury stock	(14,161)	(1,830)
Income tax benefit (expense) associated with stock compensation plans	562	1,573
Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans	1,018	482
Dividends paid	(1,352)	(2,673)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	57,883	61,419
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(181)	3,995
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR	3,371	1,913
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR	3,190	5,908
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments (net of tax expense of $4,950 and $22 in the six-month periods ended June 30,2013 and 2012, respectively)	8,077	39
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
Interest, including amount capitalized	46,450	40,408
Income taxes	$ 28,305	$ 24,755

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Discontinued Operations

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

2. Discontinued Operations

Dispositions – The operating results of disposed dealerships are included in the income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. As of June 30, 2013, there were no dealerships held for sale.

Revenues and other activities associated with dealerships classified as discontinued operations were as follows:

	Second Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
Income (loss) from operations	$	1,400		$	(2,827	)	$	1,366		$	(6,500	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		(341	)		(146	)		(378	)		5,514
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges		(698	)		1,884			(1,365	)		(1,279	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	361		$	(1,089	)	$	(377	)	$	(2,265	)
Total revenues	$	—		$	63,257		$	—		$	134,326

Lease exit charges recorded during the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 relate to interest charges and the revision of estimates on previously established lease exit accruals. The lease exit accruals represent the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated or actual sublease proceeds, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord.

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Tax effect of change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements	$ 3,856	$ (1,044)	$ 4,950	$ 22

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Long-Term Debt (Details 2) (5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member])	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Beginning on May 15, 2018 [Member]
Redemption price, percentage
Redemption Price	102.50%
Beginning on May 15, 2019 [Member]
Redemption price, percentage
Redemption Price	101.667%
Beginning on May 15, 2020 [Member]
Redemption price, percentage
Redemption Price	100.833%
Beginning on May 15, 2021 and thereafter [Member]
Redemption price, percentage
Redemption Price	100.00%

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Assets or liabilities recorded at fair value

Level 2 assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:

(In millions)	Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)	$	24.3	$	21.4
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (1)		4.0		—
Total assets	$	28.3	$	21.4
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges (2)	$	22.4	$	31.4
Cash flow swaps not designated as hedges (3)		2.3		2.9
Deferred compensation plan (4)		15.0		13.8
Total liabilities	$	39.7	$	48.1

(1) Included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2) As of June 30, 2013, approximately $11.2 million was included in both other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2012, approximately $11.4 million and $20.0 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3) As of June 30, 2013, approximately $0.7 million and $1.6 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2012, approximately $0.7 million and $2.2 million were included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fair value and carrying value of fixed rate long-term debt

The fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s fixed rate long-term debt was as follows:

	June 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
(In thousands)	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
9.0% Notes (1)	$	—	$	—	$	231,525	$	208,923
7.0% Notes (1)	$	222,000	$	198,347	$	222,000	$	198,282
5.0% Notes (1)	$	268,142	$	300,000	$	—	$	—
Mortgage Notes (2)	$	151,174	$	141,373	$	148,244	$	137,791
Assumed Notes (2)	$	9,150	$	9,643	$	10,592	$	11,289
Other (2)	$	4,875	$	5,227	$	4,971	$	5,341

(1) As determined by market quotations as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively (Level 1).

(2) As determined by discounted cash flows (Level 3).

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Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Results associated with dealerships classified as discontinued operations
Income (loss) from operations	$ 1,400	$ (2,827)	$ 1,366	$ (6,500)
Gain (loss) on disposal	(341)	(146)	(378)	5,514
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges	(698)	1,884	(1,365)	(1,279)
Pre-tax income (loss)	361	(1,089)	(377)	(2,265)
Total revenues		$ 63,257		$ 134,326

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Changes in carrying amount of franchise assets and goodwill
Net Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 454,224
Reductions from dispositions on Net Goodwill
Net Goodwill, Ending Balance	454,224
Franchise Agreements [Member]
Changes in carrying amount of franchise assets and goodwill
Beginning Balance, Franchise agreements	60,635
Reductions from dispositions
Ending Balance, Franchise agreements	$ 60,635

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Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Assets recorded at fair value	$ 28.3	$ 21.4
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Assets recorded at fair value	0	0
Liabilities recorded at fair value	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Assets recorded at fair value	0	0
Liabilities recorded at fair value	0	0
9.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Stated Interest rate on debt agreement	9.00%
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Stated Interest rate on debt agreement	7.00%
5.0% Convertible Senior Note due 2023 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Stated Interest rate on debt agreement	5.00%
Cash flow swaps designated as hedges [Member]
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Amount included in other accrued liabilities	11.2	11.4
Amount included in other long-term liabilities	11.2	20.0
Cash flow swaps not designated as hedges [Member]
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Amount included in other accrued liabilities	0.7	0.7
Amount included in other long-term liabilities	$ 1.6	$ 2.2

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Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Dilutive effect on earnings per share
Weighted Average Share Earning (Loss)	52,597	52,593	52,591	52,409
Income (loss) From Continuing Operations, Amount	$ 8,717	$ 28,998	$ 30,415	$ 50,143
Dilutive effect on earnings per share	199	(819)	(208)	(1,466)
Net income (loss), Amount	8,916	28,179	30,207	48,677
Effect of participating securities:
Participating securities income (loss) from continuing operations non-vested restricted stock and stock units	(71)	(452)	(237)	(777)
Participating securities net income (loss) attributable to parent non-vested restricted stock and stock units	(71)	(452)	(237)	(777)
Income (loss) from Continuing Operations Basic	8,646	28,546	30,178	49,366
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Basic earnings (loss), Per Share Amount	$ 0.16	$ 0.54	$ 0.57	$ 0.94
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Basic earnings (loss), Amount	199	(819)	(208)	(1,466)
Income (Loss) From Discontinuing Operations, Basic earnings (loss), Per Share Amount	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)		$ (0.03)
Net Income (Loss), Amount	8,845	27,727	29,970	47,900
Net Income (Loss), Per Share Amount	$ 0.17	$ 0.53	$ 0.57	$ 0.91
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted Average Shares, Contingently convertible debt		10,535		11,106
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Contingently Convertible debt, Amount		1,856		3,981
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Contingently Convertible debt, Amount		33		80
Net Income (Loss), Contingently Convertible debt, Amount		1,889		4,061
Weighted Average Share, Stock compensation plans	345	378	346	448
Weighted Average Shares, Diluted earnings (loss) and shares	52,942	63,506	52,937	63,963
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Diluted, Amount	8,646	30,402	30,178	53,347
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Diluted, Per Share Amount	$ 0.16	$ 0.48	$ 0.57	$ 0.83
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations Diluted, Amount	199	(786)	(208)	(1,386)
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations Diluted, Per Share Amount	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)		$ (0.02)
Net Income (Loss) Diluted, Amount	$ 8,845	$ 29,616	$ 29,970	$ 51,961
Net Income (Loss) Diluted, Per Share Amount	$ 0.17	$ 0.47	$ 0.57	$ 0.81

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 8,916	$ 28,179	$ 30,207	$ 48,677
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements	10,146	(2,746)	13,027	61
Provision for income tax benefit (expense) related to:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements	(3,856)	1,044	(4,950)	(22)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,290	(1,702)	8,077	39
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 15,206	$ 26,477	$ 38,284	$ 48,716

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

(In thousands)	Franchise Agreements		Net Goodwill
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	60,635	$	454,224	(1)
Reductions from dispositions		—		—
Balance, June 30, 2013	$	60,635	$	454,224	(1)

(1) Net of accumulated impairment losses of $796,725.

At December 31, 2012, Sonic had approximately $9.9 million of definite life intangibles recorded related to favorable lease agreements. After the effect of amortization of the definite life intangibles, the balance recorded at June 30, 2013 was approximately $9.1 million and was included in other intangible assets, net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Convertible preferred stock issued	0	0
Common Class A
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	61,535,416	61,352,134
Common stock, shares outstanding	40,767,025	41,210,507
Treasury stock, shares	20,768,391	20,141,627
Common Class B
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	12,029,375	12,029,375
Common stock, shares outstanding	12,029,375	12,029,375

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Revenues:
New vehicles	$ 1,247,161	$ 1,185,654	$ 2,390,217	$ 2,217,044
Used vehicles	538,977	534,637	1,065,158	1,036,501
Wholesale vehicles	40,032	42,552	91,825	86,225
Total vehicles	1,826,170	1,762,843	3,547,200	3,339,770
Parts, service and collision repair	307,046	295,340	603,689	587,895
Finance, insurance and other	69,220	63,763	134,714	121,347
Total revenues	2,202,436	2,121,946	4,285,603	4,049,012
Cost of Sales:
New vehicles	(1,179,371)	(1,115,715)	(2,255,958)	(2,083,387)
Used vehicles	(501,368)	(498,918)	(989,519)	(961,384)
Wholesale vehicles	(41,975)	(43,791)	(94,970)	(87,231)
Total vehicles	(1,722,714)	(1,658,424)	(3,340,447)	(3,132,002)
Parts, service and collision repair	(155,916)	(150,670)	(308,330)	(300,404)
Total cost of sales	(1,878,630)	(1,809,094)	(3,648,777)	(3,432,406)
Gross profit	323,806	312,852	636,826	616,606
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(248,090)	(239,751)	(493,914)	(476,900)
Impairment charges	(36)	(33)	(51)	(34)
Depreciation and amortization	(13,144)	(11,210)	(25,278)	(22,105)
Operating income (loss)	62,536	61,858	117,583	117,567
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan	(5,591)	(4,857)	(10,804)	(9,120)
Interest expense, other, net	(14,390)	(13,835)	(28,749)	(30,244)
Other income (expense), net	(28,265)	(2,553)	(28,170)	(2,533)
Total other income (expense)	(48,246)	(21,245)	(67,723)	(41,897)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	14,290	40,613	49,860	75,670
Provision for income taxes - benefit (expense)	(5,573)	(11,615)	(19,445)	(25,527)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	8,717	28,998	30,415	50,143
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships	361	(1,089)	(377)	(2,265)
Income tax benefit (expense)	(162)	270	169	799
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	199	(819)	(208)	(1,466)
Net income (loss)	$ 8,916	$ 28,179	$ 30,207	$ 48,677
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ 0.16	$ 0.54	$ 0.57	$ 0.94
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)		$ (0.03)
Earnings (loss) per common share	$ 0.17	$ 0.53	$ 0.57	$ 0.91
Weighted average common shares outstanding	52,597	52,593	52,591	52,409
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$ 0.16	$ 0.48	$ 0.57	$ 0.83
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)		$ (0.02)
Earnings (loss) per common share	$ 0.17	$ 0.47	$ 0.57	$ 0.81
Weighted average common shares outstanding	52,942	63,506	52,937	63,963
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.025	$ 0.025	$ 0.05	$ 0.05

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Summary of Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance at December 31, 2012, Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges	$ (19,488)
Beginning balance at December 31, 2012, Defined Benefit Pension Plan	(475)
Beginning balance at December 31, 2012, Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(19,963)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges	4,440
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	4,440
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Gains and Losses on Cash Flow hedges	3,637
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3,637
Fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax expense of $4,950	8,077	39
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	8,077
Ending balance at June 30, 2013, Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges	(11,411)
Ending balance at June 30, 2013, Defined Benefit Pension Plan	(475)
Ending balance at June 30, 2013, Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ (11,886)

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]

Summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 are as follows:

	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
	Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Pension Plan			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance at December 31, 2012	$	(19,488	)	$	(475	)	$	(19,963	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1)		4,440			—			4,440
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2)		3,637			—			3,637
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		8,077			—			8,077
Ending balance at June 30, 2013	$	(11,411	)	$	(475	)	$	(11,886	)

(1) Net of tax expense of $2,721.

(2) Net of tax expense of $2,229.

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Inventories (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Inventories [Abstract]

Components of inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

(In thousands)	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
New vehicles	$	901,407	$	866,442
Used vehicles		196,382		175,957
Service loaners		93,192		81,384
Parts and accessories		58,515		53,723
Other		321		460
Inventories	$	1,249,817	$	1,177,966

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Long-Term Debt (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 Agreement	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013 Agreement	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Receive Rate			one-month LIBOR
Premium associated with notes	$ 500,000		$ 500,000		$ 700,000
Incremental interest expense	2,900,000	2,500,000	5,800,000	6,900,000
One-month LIBOR rate	0.195%		0.195%
Notional forward	3		3
Duration of Interest rate cash flow swap agreements			swap agreements become effective in July 2015, July 2016 and July 2017, respectively, and terminate in July 2016, July 2017 and June 2018, respectively.
Net expense expected to be reclassified	7,400,000		7,400,000
Outstanding principal amount of the 7.0% Notes			25.00%
Remaining unamortized premium balance	500,000		500,000		700,000
Loss on Extinguishment of Notes			(28,235,000)	(2,578,000)
Incremental Interest expense	14,390,000	13,835,000	28,749,000	30,244,000
Swap agreement effective date			Jul. 01, 2015
Cash Flow Swap 13 [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Receive Rate			one-month LIBOR
Interest rate cash flow swap agreements	200,000,000		200,000,000
Interest rate cash flow swap agreements maturing date			Jul. 01, 2016
Cash Flow Swap 14 [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Receive Rate			one-month LIBOR
Interest rate cash flow swap agreements	50,000,000		50,000,000
Interest rate cash flow swap agreements maturing date			Jul. 01, 2017
Swap agreement effective date			Jul. 01, 2016
Cash Flow Swap 15 [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Receive Rate			one-month LIBOR
Interest rate cash flow swap agreements	250,000,000		250,000,000
Interest rate cash flow swap agreements maturing date			Jun. 30, 2018
Swap agreement effective date			Jul. 03, 2017
9.0% Senior Subordinate Notes due 2018 [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest on notes	9.00%		9.00%
Discount associated with notes					1,100,000
Unsecured senior subordinated obligations, description			9.0% Notes
Loss on Extinguishment of Notes			28,200,000
Repayment Of Cash to Repurchase 9.0% Notes			237,200,000
Incremental Interest expense			800,000
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest on notes	7.00%		7.00%
Discount associated with notes	1,700,000		1,700,000		1,700,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest on notes	5.00%		5.00%
Notes Issued at a Price of principal Amount			100.00%
Notes maturity date			May 15, 2023
Principal amount	300,000,000		300,000,000
Interest payable description			semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year
Notes redeemed percentage of aggregate principal amount			35.00%
Notes redemption price percentage of the principal amount			100.00%
Notes redemption price percentage of the par value			105.00%
Notes redemption price percentage of the par value due to change of control			101.00%
Debt instrument maximum allowed dividends per share			$ 0.10
Outstanding principal amount of the 7.0% Notes			25.00%
Indebtedness with outstanding balance			50,000,000
Restrictive Covenants Under 2011 Credit facilities and 7 % Notes with 5% Notes			Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic’s 5.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes
Debt Default Description under 5% and 7% Notes			Sonic’s obligations under the 5.0% Notes may be accelerated by the holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the 5.0% Notes then outstanding if certain events of default occur, including: (1) defaults in the payment of principal or interest when due; (2) defaults in the performance, or breach, of Sonic’s covenants under the 5.0% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which Sonic or its subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $50.0 million.
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest on notes	7.00%		7.00%
Notes maturity date			Jul. 15, 2022
Interest payable description			Semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year
Notes redeemed percentage of aggregate principal amount			35.00%
Notes redemption price percentage of the principal amount			100.00%
Notes redemption price percentage of the par value			107.00%
Notes redemption price percentage of the par value due to change of control			101.00%
Debt instrument maximum allowed dividends per share			$ 0.10
Indebtedness with outstanding balance			35,000,000
Restrictive Covenants Under 2011 Credit facilities and 7 % Notes with 5% Notes			Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic’s 7.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 7.0% Notes.
Debt Default Description under 5% and 7% Notes			Sonic’s obligations under the 7.0% Notes may be accelerated by the holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the 7.0% Notes then outstanding if certain events of default occur, including: (1) defaults in the payment of principal or interest when due; (2) defaults in the performance, or breach, of Sonic’s covenants under the 7.0% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which Sonic or its subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $35.0 million.
Mortgage Notes Payable [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Discount associated with notes	600,000		600,000		700,000
Mortgage Notes [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Debt weighted average interest rate on note	4.10%		4.10%
Mortgage financing aggregate	220,900,000		220,900,000
Mortgage financing related to dealership properties			23
Notes payable due date			between August 2014 and March 2031
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Fair value of swap positions	20,700,000		20,700,000		34,300,000
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Other accrued liabilities [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Fair value of swap positions	11,900,000		11,900,000		12,100,000
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Other long-term liabilities [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Fair value of swap positions	12,800,000		12,800,000		22,200,000
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Fair value of swap positions included in other assets	4,000,000		4,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest on notes	10.52%		10.52%
Maximum [Member] | Mortgage Loan at Fix Interest Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest on notes	7.03%		7.03%
Maximum [Member] | Mortgage Loan at Variable Interest Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
One-month LIBOR rate	3.50%		3.50%
Minimum [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest on notes	9.52%		9.52%
Minimum [Member] | Mortgage Loan at Fix Interest Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest on notes	3.51%		3.51%
Minimum [Member] | Mortgage Loan at Variable Interest Rate [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
One-month LIBOR rate	1.25%		1.25%
Weighted Average [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest on notes	10.19%		10.19%
2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate	2.00%		2.00%		2.25%
2011 Credit facility, Amendment, Number of Common Stock Pledged As Collateral, Reductions	5,000,000		5,000,000
Increased Borrowing Capacity	225,000,000		225,000,000
Borrowing Base	139,300,000		139,300,000
Letters of credit outstanding amount	32,300,000		32,300,000
Borrowing Availability Amount	107,000,000		107,000,000
2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Increased Borrowing Capacity	175,000,000		175,000,000
2011 Credit Facility [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity date of 2011 Revolving credit facility and Floor plan facility			Aug. 15, 2016
Credit facilities amendment date			Mar. 14, 2013
2011 Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
EBTDAR to rent ratio	3.36		3.36
2011 Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Required ratio [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
EBTDAR to rent ratio	1.50		1.50
2011 Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
EBTDAR to rent ratio	1.00		1.00
2011 Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Required ratio [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
EBTDAR to rent ratio	1.00		1.00
Common Class A [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Estimated fair value of common stock issued	$ 615,000		$ 615,000		$ 614,000
Estimated fair value of common stock issued per share	$ 0.01		$ 0.01		$ 0.01

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Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Long-term debt
Total debt	$ 733,450	$ 629,385
Less current maturities	(20,363)	(18,587)
Long-term debt	713,087	610,798
9.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt		210,000
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	200,000	200,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	300,000
Notes payable to finance company [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	9,137	10,572
Mortgage Loan at Fix Interest Rate [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	141,373	137,791
Mortgage Loan at Variable Interest Rate [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	79,485	62,229
Debt discount and premium [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	(1,806)	(2,814)
Other Debt [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	5,261	5,431
2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt		$ 6,176

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Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components of property and equipment
Total, at cost	$ 934,017	$ 844,652
Less accumulated depreciation	(274,097)	(249,528)
Property and equipment, net	659,920	595,124
Land [Member]
Components of property and equipment
Total, at cost	161,731	142,730
Building and improvements [Member]
Components of property and equipment
Total, at cost	516,450	476,846
Office equipment and fixtures [Member]
Components of property and equipment
Total, at cost	122,986	115,509
Parts and service equipment [Member]
Components of property and equipment
Total, at cost	66,621	62,678
Company vehicles [Member]
Components of property and equipment
Total, at cost	8,062	7,750
Construction in progress [Member]
Components of property and equipment
Total, at cost	$ 58,167	$ 39,139

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Property and Equipment (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Property and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]
Capital Expenditure, Additions, During the period	$ 29.8	$ 22.5	$ 89.1	$ 34.5

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Property and Equipment

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Property and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment

4. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

(In thousands)	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Land	$	161,731		$	142,730
Building and improvements		516,450			476,846
Office equipment and fixtures		122,986			115,509
Parts and service equipment		66,621			62,678
Company vehicles		8,062			7,750
Construction in progress		58,167			39,139
Total, at cost		934,017			844,652
Less accumulated depreciation		(274,097	)		(249,528	)
Property and equipment, net	$	659,920		$	595,124

In the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, capital expenditures were approximately $29.8 million and $89.1 million, respectively, and for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, capital expenditures were approximately $22.5 million and $34.5 million, respectively. Capital expenditures were primarily related to real estate acquisitions, construction of new dealerships, building improvements and equipment purchased for use in Sonic’s dealerships.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Summary of lease exit accruals
Beginning, Balance	$ 32,983
Lease exit expense (1)	1,605
Payments (2)	(4,391)
Ending, Balance	$ 30,197

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Long-Term Debt (Details 3) (7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 [Member])	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Beginning on July 15, 2017 [Member]
Principal amount of redemption prices
Redemption Price	103.50%
Beginning on July 15, 2018 [Member]
Principal amount of redemption prices
Redemption Price	102.333%
Beginning on July 15, 2019 [Member]
Principal amount of redemption prices
Redemption Price	101.167%
Beginning on July 15, 2020 and thereafter [Member]
Principal amount of redemption prices
Redemption Price	100.00%

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Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity

7. Per Share Data and Stockholders’ Equity

The calculation of diluted earnings per share considers the potential dilutive effect of options and shares under Sonic’s stock compensation plans and the 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (the “5.0% Convertible Notes”), which were extinguished in August 2012. Sonic’s non-vested restricted stock and certain of its non-vested restricted stock units contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends, and thus, are considered participating securities and are included in the two-class method of computing earnings per share. The following table illustrates the dilutive effect of such items on earnings per share for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012:

	Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2013
			Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations					Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations				Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount		Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,597	$	8,717				$	199			$	8,916
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(71	)				—				(71	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,597	$	8,646		$	0.16	$	199	$	0.01	$	8,845		$	0.17
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		345
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		52,942	$	8,646		$	0.16	$	199	$	0.01	$	8,845		$	0.17

	Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2012
			Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations					Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations						Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount			Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,593	$	28,998				$	(819	)				$	28,179
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(452	)				—						(452	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,593	$	28,546		$	0.54	$	(819	)	$	(0.01	)	$	27,727		$	0.53
Effect of dilutive securities:
Contingently convertible debt (5.0% Convertible Notes)		10,535		1,856					33						1,889
Stock compensation plans		378
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		63,506	$	30,402		$	0.48	$	(786	)	$	(0.01	)	$	29,616		$	0.47

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
			Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations					Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations					Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,591	$	30,415				$	(208	)			$	30,207
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(237	)				—					(237	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,591	$	30,178		$	0.57	$	(208	)	$	—	$	29,970		$	0.57
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock compensation plans		346
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		52,937	$	30,178		$	0.57	$	(208	)	$	—	$	29,970		$	0.57

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
			Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations					Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations						Net Income (Loss)
	Weighted Average Shares		Amount			Per Share Amount		Amount			Per Share Amount			Amount			Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings (loss) and shares		52,409	$	50,143				$	(1,466	)				$	48,677
Effect of participating securities:
Non-vested restricted stock and stock units				(777	)				—						(777	)
Basic earnings (loss) and shares		52,409	$	49,366		$	0.94	$	(1,466	)	$	(0.03	)	$	47,900		$	0.91
Effect of dilutive securities:
Contingently convertible debt (5.0% Convertible Notes)		11,106		3,981					80						4,061
Stock compensation plans		448
Diluted earnings (loss) and shares		63,963	$	53,347		$	0.83	$	(1,386	)	$	(0.02	)	$	51,961		$	0.81

In addition to the stock options included in the table above, options to purchase approximately 0.9 million shares and 1.6 million shares of Class A common stock were outstanding at June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options were not dilutive.

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Inventories

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

(In thousands)	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
New vehicles	$	901,407	$	866,442
Used vehicles		196,382		175,957
Service loaners		93,192		81,384
Parts and accessories		58,515		53,723
Other		321		460
Inventories	$	1,249,817	$	1,177,966

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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Dividends per share	$ 0.05
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap agreements	$ 4,950
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap agreements	$ 4,950
Retained Earnings/ (Accumulated Deficit)
Dividends per share	$ 0.05

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Textual) [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax expense	$ 2,721
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), tax expense	$ 2,229

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Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Contingencies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum exposure associated with general indemnifications	$ 19.0	$ 19.0
General indemnifications minimum expiration period	12 months
General indemnifications maximum expiration period	24 months
Joint Venture Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Contingent liability reserve balance after reduction	2.8	2.8
Other accrued liabilities [Member]
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Amount reserved for pending proceedings	0.5	2.1
Other long-term liabilities [Member]
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Amount reserved for pending proceedings	$ 0.9	$ 1.3

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Discontinued Operations (Details Textual)	Jun. 30, 2013 Dealership
Discontinued Operations (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of Dealerships held for sale	0

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 are as follows:

	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
	Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Pension Plan			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance at December 31, 2012	$	(19,488	)	$	(475	)	$	(19,963	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1)		4,440			—			4,440
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2)		3,637			—			3,637
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		8,077			—			8,077
Ending balance at June 30, 2013	$	(11,411	)	$	(475	)	$	(11,886	)

(1) Net of tax expense of $2,721.

(2) Net of tax expense of $2,229.

See the heading “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” in Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” for further discussion of Sonic’s cash flow hedges. For further discussion of Sonic’s defined benefit pension plan, see Note 10, “Employee Benefit Plans,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

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Long-Term Debt

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Long-Term Debt [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

6. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

(In thousands)	June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
2011 Revolving Credit Facility (1)	$	—		$	6,176
9.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 (the “9.0% Notes”)		—			210,000
7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2022 (the “7.0% Notes”)		200,000			200,000
5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “5.0% Notes”)		300,000			—
Notes payable to a finance company bearing interest from 9.52% to 10.52% (with a weighted average of 10.19%)		9,137			10,572
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, bearing interest from 3.51% to 7.03%		141,373			137,791
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, bearing interest at 1.25 to 3.50 percentage points above one-month LIBOR		79,485			62,229
Net debt discount and premium (2)		(1,806	)		(2,814	)
Other		5,261			5,431
Total debt	$	733,450		$	629,385
Less current maturities		(20,363	)		(18,587	)
Long-term debt	$	713,087		$	610,798

(1) The interest rate on the revolving credit facility was 2.00% above LIBOR at June 30, 2013 and 2.25% above LIBOR at December 31, 2012.

(2) June 30, 2013 includes $1.7 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes, $0.5 million premium associated with notes payable to a finance company and $0.6 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable. December 31, 2012 includes $1.1 million discount associated with the 9.0% Notes, $1.7 million discount associated with the 7.0% Notes, $0.7 million premium associated with notes payable to a finance company and $0.7 million discount associated with mortgage notes payable.

2011 Credit Facilities

Sonic has a syndicated revolving credit agreement (the “2011 Revolving Credit Facility”) and a syndicated floor plan credit facility (the “2011 Floor Plan Facilities”). The 2011 Revolving Credit Facility and 2011 Floor Plan Facilities (collectively the “2011 Credit Facilities”) are scheduled to mature on August 15, 2016. On March 14, 2013, Sonic finalized an amendment to its 2011 Credit Facilities that, among other things, removed the pledge of 5,000,000 shares of common stock of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (“SMI”) that were previously pledged as collateral to the 2011 Credit Facilities.

Availability under the 2011 Revolving Credit Facility is calculated as the lesser of $175.0 million or a borrowing base calculated based on certain eligible assets, less the aggregate face amount of any outstanding letters of credit under the 2011 Revolving Credit Facility (the “2011 Revolving Borrowing Base”). The 2011 Revolving Credit Facility may be increased at Sonic’s option to $225.0 million upon satisfaction of certain conditions.

Based on balances as of June 30, 2013, the 2011 Revolving Borrowing Base was approximately $139.3 million and Sonic had approximately $32.3 million in outstanding letters of credit resulting in total borrowing availability of approximately $107.0 million under the 2011 Revolving Credit Facility.

Covenants

Sonic was in compliance with the covenants under the 2011 Credit Facilities as of June 30, 2013. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2011 Credit Facilities) of:

	Covenant
	Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio		Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio		Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio
Required ratio		1.05		1.20		5.50
June 30, 2013 actual		1.17		1.71		4.07

The 2011 Credit Facilities contain events of default, including cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, change of control events and events of default customary for syndicated commercial credit facilities. Upon the future occurrence of an event of default, Sonic could be required to immediately repay all outstanding amounts under the 2011 Credit Facilities.

In addition, many of Sonic’s facility leases are governed by a guarantee agreement between the landlord and Sonic that contains financial and operating covenants. The financial covenants are identical to those under the 2011 Credit Facilities with the exception of one financial covenant related to the ratio of EBTDAR to Rent (as defined in the lease agreements) with a required ratio of no less than 1.50 to 1.00. As of June 30, 2013, the ratio was 3.36 to 1.00.

5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes

On May 9, 2013, Sonic issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.0% Senior Subordinated Notes which mature on May 15, 2023 (the “5.0% Notes”). The 5.0% Notes were issued at 100.0% of the principal amount thereof (the “Issue Price”). Sonic used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 5.0% Notes to repurchase all of its outstanding 9.0% Notes. Remaining proceeds from the issuance of the 5.0% Notes will be used for general corporate purposes. The 5.0% Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of Sonic that mature on May 15, 2023 and are guaranteed by Sonic’s domestic operating subsidiaries. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year. Sonic may redeem the 5.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after May 15, 2018 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on May 15, 2018		102.500	%
Beginning on May 15, 2019		101.667	%
Beginning on May 15, 2020		100.833	%
Beginning on May 15, 2021 and thereafter		100.000	%

In addition, on or before May 15, 2016, Sonic may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 5.0% Notes at 105% of the par value of the 5.0% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest with proceeds from certain equity offerings. On or before May 15, 2018, Sonic may redeem all or a part of the aggregate principal amount of the 5.0% Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.0% Notes redeemed plus an applicable premium (as defined in the Indenture) and any accrued and unpaid interest as of the redemption date. The indenture also provides that holders of the 5.0% Notes may require Sonic to repurchase the 5.0% Notes at 101% of the par value of the 5.0% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if Sonic undergoes a change of control, as defined in the indenture.

The indenture governing the 5.0% Notes contains certain specified restrictive covenants. Sonic has agreed not to pledge any assets to any third party lender of senior subordinated debt except under certain limited circumstances. Sonic also has agreed to certain other limitations or prohibitions concerning the incurrence of other indebtedness, guarantees, liens, certain types of investments, certain transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, issuance of preferred stock, cash dividends to stockholders, distributions, redemptions and the sale, assignment, lease, conveyance or disposal of certain assets. Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic’s 5.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 5.0% Notes. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of June 30, 2013.

Sonic’s obligations under the 5.0% Notes may be accelerated by the holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the 5.0% Notes then outstanding if certain events of default occur, including: (1) defaults in the payment of principal or interest when due; (2) defaults in the performance, or breach, of Sonic’s covenants under the 5.0% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which Sonic or its subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $50.0 million.

7.0% Senior Subordinated Notes

The 7.0% Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of Sonic that mature on July 15, 2022 and are guaranteed by Sonic’s domestic operating subsidiaries. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. Sonic may redeem the 7.0% Notes in whole or in part at any time after July 15, 2017 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount:

	Redemption Price
Beginning on July 15, 2017		103.500	%
Beginning on July 15, 2018		102.333	%
Beginning on July 15, 2019		101.167	%
Beginning on July 15, 2020 and thereafter		100.000	%

In addition, on or before July 15, 2015, Sonic may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.0% Notes at 107% of the par value of the 7.0% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest with proceeds from certain equity offerings. On or before July 15, 2017, Sonic may redeem all or a part of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.0% Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 7.0% Notes redeemed plus an applicable premium (as defined in the Indenture) and any accrued and unpaid interest as of the redemption date. The indenture also provides that holders of the 7.0% Notes may require Sonic to repurchase the 7.0% Notes at 101% of the par value of the 7.0% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if Sonic undergoes a change of control, as defined in the indenture.

The indenture governing the 7.0% Notes contains certain specified restrictive covenants. Sonic has agreed not to pledge any assets to any third party lender of senior subordinated debt except under certain limited circumstances. Sonic also has agreed to certain other limitations or prohibitions concerning the incurrence of other indebtedness, guarantees, liens, certain types of investments, certain transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, issuance of preferred stock, cash dividends to stockholders, distributions, redemptions and the sale, assignment, lease, conveyance or disposal of certain assets. Specifically, the indenture governing Sonic’s 7.0% Notes limits Sonic’s ability to pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock in excess of $0.10 per share. Sonic may only pay quarterly cash dividends on Sonic’s Class A and B common stock if Sonic complies with the terms of the indenture governing the 7.0% Notes. Sonic was in compliance with all restrictive covenants as of June 30, 2013.

Sonic’s obligations under the 7.0% Notes may be accelerated by the holders of 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the 7.0% Notes then outstanding if certain events of default occur, including: (1) defaults in the payment of principal or interest when due; (2) defaults in the performance, or breach, of Sonic’s covenants under the 7.0% Notes; and (3) certain defaults under other agreements under which Sonic or its subsidiaries have outstanding indebtedness in excess of $35.0 million.

9.0% Senior Subordinated Notes

During the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, Sonic repurchased all of its outstanding 9.0% Notes using net proceeds from the issuance of the 5.0% Notes. Sonic paid approximately $237.2 million in cash, including accrued and unpaid interest, to extinguish the 9.0% Notes and recognized a loss of approximately $28.2 million on the repurchase of the 9.0% Notes, recorded in other income (expense), net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition to the loss on debt extinguishment, Sonic incurred a charge of approximately $0.8 million recorded in interest expense, other, net, related to the incremental interest incurred while both the 9.0% Notes and the 5.0% Notes were outstanding.

Mortgage Notes

Sonic has mortgage financing totaling approximately $220.9 million in aggregate, related to 23 of its dealership properties. These mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest through maturity and are secured by the underlying properties. Maturity dates range between August 2014 and March 2031. The weighted average interest rate was 4.10% at June 30, 2013.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Sonic has interest rate cash flow swap agreements (the “Cash Flow Swaps”) to effectively convert a portion of its LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. The fair value of these swap positions at June 30, 2013 was a net liability of approximately $20.7 million, with $11.9 million included in other accrued liabilities and $12.8 million included in other long-term liabilities, offset partially by an asset of approximately $4.0 million included in other assets in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these swap positions at December 31, 2012 was a liability of approximately $34.3 million, with $12.1 million included in other accrued liabilities and $22.2 million included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Under the terms of these Cash Flow Swaps, Sonic will receive and pay interest based on the following:

Notional Amount			Pay Rate			Receive Rate (1)	Maturing Date
(In millions)
$	3.1			7.100	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.50%	July 10, 2017
$	9.6			4.655	%	one-month LIBOR	December 10, 2017
$	7.9	(2)		6.860	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	August 1, 2017
$	5.9			4.330	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2013
$	100.0			3.280	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0			3.300	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	6.7	(2)		6.410	%	one-month LIBOR + 1.25%	September 12, 2017
$	50.0			2.767	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.240	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	50.0			2.610	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2014
$	50.0			3.070	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2015
$	100.0	(3)		2.065	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	100.0	(3)		2.015	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2017
$	200.0	(3)		0.788	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2016
$	50.0	(4)		1.320	%	one-month LIBOR	July 1, 2017
$	250.0	(5)		1.887	%	one-month LIBOR	June 30, 2018

(1) The one-month LIBOR rate was 0.195% at June 30, 2013.

(2) Changes in fair value are recorded through earnings.

(3) The effective date of these forward-starting swaps is July 1, 2015.

(4) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 1, 2016.

(5) The effective date of this forward-starting swap is July 3, 2017.

During the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, Sonic entered into three forward-starting interest rate cash flow swap agreements with notional amounts of $200.0 million, $50.0 million and $250.0 million. These swap agreements become effective in July 2015, July 2016 and July 2017, respectively, and terminate in July 2016, July 2017 and June 2018, respectively. These interest rate swaps have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges and, as a result, changes in the fair value of these swaps are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

For the Cash Flow Swaps that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of these swaps have been recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and are disclosed in the supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The incremental interest expense (the difference between interest paid and interest received) related to these Cash Flow Swaps was approximately $2.9 million and $5.8 million in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively and $2.5 million and $6.9 million in the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and is included in interest expense, other, net, in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The estimated expense (net of tax) expected to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into results of operations during the next twelve months is approximately $7.4 million. See Note 10, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),” for further discussion of the impact of the Cash Flow Swaps on accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

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Discontinued Operations (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Results associated with dealerships classified as discontinued operations

Revenues and other activities associated with dealerships classified as discontinued operations were as follows:

	Second Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
Income (loss) from operations	$	1,400		$	(2,827	)	$	1,366		$	(6,500	)
Gain (loss) on disposal		(341	)		(146	)		(378	)		5,514
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges		(698	)		1,884			(1,365	)		(1,279	)
Pre-tax income (loss)	$	361		$	(1,089	)	$	(377	)	$	(2,265	)
Total revenues	$	—		$	63,257		$	—		$	134,326

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. These Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all material normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year, because the first quarter normally contributes less operating profit than the second, third and fourth quarters. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic” or the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2012, which were included in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications – The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 reflect the reclassification of amounts from continuing operations to discontinued operations from the prior year presentation for additional dealerships sold or terminated subsequent to June 30, 2012.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued an accounting standard update that amended the reporting requirements for amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. An entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes to the financial statements, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. The amendments in this accounting standard update are to be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012. See Note 10, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),” for the impact of this accounting standard update on Sonic’s required disclosures.

Lease Exit Accruals

Lease Exit Accruals – Lease exit accruals relate to facilities Sonic has ceased using in its operations. The accruals represent the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated or actual sublease proceeds, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord. A summary of the activity of these operating lease exit accruals consists of the following:

	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	32,983
Lease exit expense (1)		1,605
Payments (2)		(4,391	)
Balance, June 30, 2013	$	30,197

(1) Expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in interest expense, other, net, expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in SG&A, and expense of approximately $1.4 million is recorded to income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2) Amount is recorded as an offet to rent expense in selling, general and administrative expenses, with approximately $0.6 million in continuing operations and $3.8 million in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Income Tax Expense

Income Tax Expense – The overall effective tax rate from continuing operations was 39.0% for both the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, and 28.6% and 33.7% for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively. The effective rates for the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 were lower than the second quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 primarily due to a $3.6 million tax benefit in the second quarter ended June 30, 2012 related to the settlement of a state tax examination. We expect the effective tax rate for continuing operations in future periods to fall within a range of 38.0% to 40.0%.

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Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 18, 2013 Common Class A	Jul. 18, 2013 Common Class B
Entity Registrant Name	SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001043509
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2013
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		40,767,025	12,029,375

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of lease exit accruals

A summary of the activity of these operating lease exit accruals consists of the following:

	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	32,983
Lease exit expense (1)		1,605
Payments (2)		(4,391	)
Balance, June 30, 2013	$	30,197

(1) Expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in interest expense, other, net, expense of approximately $0.1 million is recorded in SG&A, and expense of approximately $1.4 million is recorded to income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2) Amount is recorded as an offet to rent expense in selling, general and administrative expenses, with approximately $0.6 million in continuing operations and $3.8 million in income (loss) from operations and the sale of dealerships in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.