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Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
1. | Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization and Business — Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic” or the “Company”) is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States (as measured by total revenue), operating 119 dealerships and 23 collision repair centers throughout the United States as of December 31, 2011. Sonic sells new and used cars and light trucks, sells replacement parts, provides vehicle maintenance, warranty repair, paint and collision repair services, and arranges related financing and insurance for its automotive customers. As of December 31, 2011, Sonic sold a total of 30 foreign and domestic brands of new vehicles. Principles of Consolidation — All of Sonic’s dealership and non-dealership subsidiaries are wholly owned and consolidated in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements except for one fifty-percent owned dealership that is accounted for under the equity method. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Reclassifications — Individual dealerships sold, terminated or classified as held for sale are reported as discontinued operations. The results of operations of these dealerships for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Determining whether a dealership will be reported as continuing or discontinued operations involves judgments such as whether a dealership will be sold or terminated, the period required to complete the disposition and the likelihood of changes to a plan for sale. If in future periods Sonic determines that a dealership should be either reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations or from discontinued operations to continuing operations, previously reported Consolidated Statements of Income are reclassified in order to reflect the current classification. Recent Accounting Pronouncements — In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standard update that amends the accounting guidance on goodwill impairment testing. The amendments in this accounting standard update allow an entity to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of a reporting unit. The amendments also improve previous guidance by expanding upon the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider between annual impairment tests in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The amendments in this accounting standard update are effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The early adoption of this accounting standard update did not have an impact on Sonic’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, as it was intended to simplify the assessment for goodwill impairment. In September 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that requires employers that participate in multiemployer pension plans to provide additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures. The amended disclosures provide users with more detailed information about an employer’s involvement in multiemployer pension plans and are effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2011. Six of Sonic’s dealerships participate in multiemployer pension plans. The adoption of this accounting standard update did not have an impact on Sonic’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, as it only required certain additional disclosures (see Note 10, “Employee Benefit Plans,” for discussion). In June 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which requires the presentation of components of other comprehensive income with the components of net income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income that contains two sections: net income and other comprehensive income; or (2) two separate but consecutive statements. This accounting standard update eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders’ equity, and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The early adoption of this accounting standard update did not have an impact on Sonic’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, as it only required a change in the format of Sonic’s current presentation of comprehensive income. In May 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that amends the accounting standard on fair value measurements. The accounting standard update provides for a consistent definition and measurement of fair value, as well as similar disclosure requirements between U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards. The accounting standard update changes certain fair value measurement principles, clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement, and expands the fair value measurement disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendments in this accounting standard update are to be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 (early adoption is not permitted for public companies). The adoption of this accounting standard update will not have a material effect on Sonic’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures. Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires Sonic’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates particularly related to allowance for credit loss, realization of inventory, intangible asset and deferred tax asset values, reserves for tax contingencies, legal matters, reserves for future chargebacks, results reported as continuing and discontinued operations, insurance reserves, lease exit accruals and certain accrued expenses. Cash and Cash Equivalents — Sonic classifies cash and all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase, including short-term time deposits and government agency and corporate obligations, as cash and cash equivalents. Revenue Recognition — Sonic records revenue when vehicles are delivered to customers, when vehicle service work is performed and when parts are delivered. Conditions for completing a sale include having an agreement with the customer, including pricing, and the sales price must be reasonably expected to be collected. Sonic arranges financing for customers through various financial institutions and receives a commission from the financial institution either in a flat fee amount or in an amount equal to the difference between the interest rates charged to customers over the predetermined interest rates set by the financial institution. Sonic also receives commissions from the sale of various insurance contracts to customers. Sonic may be assessed a chargeback fee in the event of early cancellation of a loan or insurance contract by the customer. Finance and insurance commission revenue is recorded net of estimated chargebacks at the time the related contract is placed with the financial institution. Sonic also receives commissions from the sale of non-recourse third party extended service contracts to customers. Under these contracts, the applicable manufacturer or third party warranty company is directly liable for all warranties provided within the contract. Commission revenue from the sale of these third party extended service contracts is recorded net of estimated chargebacks at the time of sale. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the amounts recorded as allowances for commission chargeback reserves were $11.1 million and $11.3 million, respectively, and were classified as other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Floor Plan Assistance — Sonic receives floor plan assistance payments from certain manufacturers. This assistance reduces the carrying value of Sonic’s new vehicle inventory and is recognized as a reduction of cost of sales at the time the vehicle is sold. Amounts recognized as a reduction of cost of sales for continuing operations were $26.7 million, $23.6 million and $21.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Sonic recognized an additional $0.4 million and $1.6 million in floor plan assistance related to discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Contracts in Transit — Contracts in transit represent customer finance contracts evidencing loan agreements or lease agreements between Sonic, as creditor, and the customer, as borrower, to acquire or lease a vehicle in situations where a third-party finance source has given Sonic initial, non-binding approval to assume Sonic’s position as creditor. Funding and final approval from the finance source is provided upon the finance source’s review of the loan or lease agreement and related documentation executed by the customer at the dealership. These finance contracts are typically funded within ten days of the initial approval of the finance transaction given by the third-party finance source. The finance source is not contractually obligated to make the loan or lease to the customer until it gives its final approval and funds the transaction, and until such final approval is given, the contracts in transit represent amounts due from the customer to Sonic. Contracts in transit are included in receivables on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and totaled $148.3 million at December 31, 2011 and $109.0 million at December 31, 2010. Accounts Receivable — In addition to contracts in transit, Sonic’s accounts receivable consist of amounts due from the manufacturers for repair services performed on vehicles with a remaining factory warranty and amounts due from third parties from the sale of parts. Sonic evaluates receivables for collectability based on the age of the receivable, the credit history of the customer and past collection experience. The allowance for doubtful accounts receivable is not significant. Inventories — Inventories of new vehicles, recorded net of manufacturer credits, and used vehicles, including demonstrators, are stated at the lower of specific cost or market. Inventories of parts and accessories are accounted for using the “first-in, first-out” (“FIFO”) method of inventory accounting and are stated at the lower of FIFO cost or market. Other inventories are primarily service loaner vehicles and, to a lesser extent, vehicle chassis, other supplies and capitalized customer work-in-progress (open customer vehicle repair orders). Other inventories are stated at the lower of specific cost (depreciated cost for service loaner vehicles) or market. Sonic assesses the valuation of all its vehicle and parts inventories and maintains a reserve where the cost basis exceeds the fair market value. In making this assessment for new vehicles, used vehicles and parts inventory, Sonic considers recent internal and external market data and the age of the vehicles to estimate the inventory’s fair market value. The risk with vehicle inventory is minimized by the fact that vehicles can be transferred within Sonic’s network of stores. The risk with parts inventories is minimized by the fact that excess or obsolete parts can also be transferred within Sonic’s network of stores or can usually be returned to the manufacturer. Recorded inventory reserves are not significant. Property and Equipment — Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Sonic amortizes leasehold improvements over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease life. This lease life includes renewal options if a renewal has been determined to be reasonably assured. The range of estimated useful lives is as follows:
Leasehold and land improvements |  |  | 10-30 years |
Buildings |  |  | 10-30 years |
Parts and service equipment |  |  | 7-10 years |
Office equipment and fixtures |  |  | 3-10 years |
Company vehicles |  |  | 3-5 years |
Sonic reviews the carrying value of property and equipment and other long-term assets (other than goodwill and franchise assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If such an indication is present, Sonic compares the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated undiscounted cash flows related to those assets. Sonic concludes that an asset is impaired if the sum of such expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the related asset. If Sonic determines an asset is impaired, the impairment loss would be the amount by which the carrying amount of the related asset exceeds its fair value. The fair value of the asset would be determined based on the quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, Sonic determines fair value by using a discounted cash flow model. See Note 4, “Property and Equipment,” for a discussion of impairment charges. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — Sonic utilizes derivative financial instruments for the purpose of hedging the risks of certain identifiable and anticipated transactions and the fair value of certain obligations classified as long-term debt on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Commonly, the types of risks being hedged are those relating to the variability of cash flows and long-term debt fair values caused by fluctuations in interest rates. Sonic documents its risk management strategy and hedge effectiveness at the inception of and during the term of each hedge. As of December 31, 2011, Sonic utilizes interest rate swap agreements to effectively convert a portion of its LIBOR-based variable rate debt to a fixed rate. See Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” for further discussion of derivative instruments and hedging activities. Goodwill — Goodwill is recognized to the extent that the purchase price of the acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, including other identifiable intangible assets. In accordance with “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other,” in the Accounting Standards Codification (the “ASC”), goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that impairment might have occurred. The ASC also states that if an entity determines, based on an assessment of certain qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the first and second steps of the goodwill impairment test are unnecessary. As of December 31, 2011, Sonic concluded based on qualitative factors that it was more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit was greater than its carrying value. Accordingly, a step one evaluation was not required in conjunction with Sonic’s annual impairment evaluation in the year ended December 31, 2011. In evaluating goodwill for impairment, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, Sonic is then required to proceed to the second step of the impairment test. The second step involves allocating the calculated fair value to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if the calculated fair value was the purchase price in a business combination. This allocation would include assigning value to any previously unrecognized identifiable assets (including franchise assets) which means the remaining fair value that would be allocated to goodwill would be significantly reduced. See discussion regarding franchise and dealer agreements acquired prior to July 1, 2001 under the heading “Other Intangible Assets” below. Sonic would then compare the fair value of the goodwill resulting from this allocation process to the carrying value of the goodwill with the difference representing the amount of impairment. The purpose of this second step is only to determine the amount of goodwill that should be recorded on the balance sheet. The recorded amounts of other items on the balance sheet are not adjusted. Sonic uses a discounted cash flow model to estimate its reporting unit’s fair value in evaluating goodwill for impairment. The significant assumptions include projected earnings, weighted average cost of capital (and estimates in the weighted average cost of capital inputs) and residual growth rates. Sonic also considers a control premium that represents the estimated amount an investor would pay for Sonic’s equity securities to obtain a controlling interest and other factors. See Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill,” for further discussion. Other Intangible Assets — The principal identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill acquired in an acquisition are rights under franchise or dealer agreements with manufacturers. Sonic classifies franchise and dealer agreements as indefinite lived intangible assets as it has been Sonic’s experience that renewals have occurred without substantial cost or material modifications to the underlying agreements. As such, Sonic believes that its franchise and dealer agreements will contribute to cash flows for an indefinite period, therefore the carrying amount of franchise rights is not amortized. Franchise and dealer agreements acquired after July 1, 2001 have been included in other intangible assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Prior to July 1, 2001, franchise and dealer agreements were recorded and amortized as part of goodwill and remain as part of goodwill on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Other intangible assets acquired in acquisitions include favorable lease agreements with definite lives which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term. Sonic tests other intangible assets for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate possible impairment. See Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill,” regarding impairment charges on franchise and dealer agreements. Insurance Reserves — Sonic has various self-insured and high deductible casualty and other insurance programs which require the Company to make estimates in determining the ultimate liability it may incur for claims arising under these programs. These insurance reserves are estimated by management using actuarial evaluations based on historical claims experience, claims processing procedures, medical cost trends and, in certain cases, a discount factor. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, Sonic had $22.2 million and $21.0 million, respectively, reserved for such programs. Lease Exit Accruals — The majority of Sonic’s dealership properties are leased under long-term operating lease arrangements. When situations arise where the leased properties are no longer utilized in operations, Sonic records accruals for the present value of the lease payments, net of estimated sublease rentals, for the remaining life of the operating leases and other accruals necessary to satisfy the lease commitment to the landlord. These situations could include the relocation of an existing facility or the sale of a dealership whereby the buyer will not be subleasing the property for either the remaining term of the lease or for an amount of rent equal to Sonic’s obligation under the lease. See Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for further discussion. Income Taxes — Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes. Deferred taxes are provided at enacted tax rates for the tax effects of carryforward items and temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. As a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by various taxing authorities and from time to time, these audits result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution may result in the Company owing additional taxes. Sonic’s management believes that the Company’s tax positions comply with applicable tax law and that the Company has adequately provided for any reasonably foreseeable outcome related to these matters. From time to time, Sonic engages in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. Sonic determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, Sonic presumes that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Sonic adjusts its estimates periodically because of ongoing examinations by and settlements with the various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and precedent. See Note 7, “Income Taxes,” for further discussion of Sonic’s uncertain tax positions. Concentrations of Credit and Business Risk — Financial instruments that potentially subject Sonic to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash on deposit with financial institutions. At times, amounts invested with financial institutions exceed FDIC insurance limits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited primarily to automobile manufacturers and financial institutions. Credit risk arising from trade receivables from commercial customers is reduced by the large number of customers comprising the trade receivables balances. The counterparties to Sonic’s swap transactions consist of four large financial institutions. Sonic could be exposed to loss in the event of non-performance by any of these counterparties. Financial Instruments and Market Risks — As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, 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. See Note 11, “Fair Value Measurements,” for further discussion of the fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s fixed rate long-term debt. Sonic has variable rate notes payable — floor plan, revolving credit facilities and other variable rate notes that expose Sonic to risks caused by fluctuations in the underlying interest rates. The total outstanding balance of such facilities before the effects of interest rate swaps was approximately $934.0 million at December 31, 2011 and approximately $907.6 million at December 31, 2010. Advertising — Sonic expenses advertising costs in the period incurred, net of earned cooperative manufacturer credits that represent reimbursements for specific, identifiable and incremental advertising costs. Advertising expense amounted to approximately $53.3 million, $46.9 million and $44.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and has been classified as selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Sonic has cooperative advertising reimbursement agreements with certain automobile manufacturers it represents. These cooperative programs require Sonic to provide the manufacturer with support for qualified, actual advertising expenditures in order to receive reimbursement under these cooperative agreements. It is uncertain whether or not Sonic would maintain the same level of advertising expenditures if these manufacturers discontinued their cooperative programs. Cooperative manufacturer credits classified as an offset to advertising expenses were approximately $18.8 million, $13.7 million and $9.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Segment Information — Sonic has determined it has a single segment for purposes of reporting financial condition and results of operations.

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