Sonic Automotive (SAH) 10-K 2017 FY Annual report

Exhibit 12.1

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Fixed charges:
Interest expense, including floor plan interest (1)	$	89,466		$	78,694		$	73,539		$	73,805		$	79,842
Capitalized interest		2,172			2,750			1,912			1,921			2,484
Rent expense (interest factor)		24,341			24,634			24,514			24,569			24,659
Total fixed charges		115,979			106,078			99,965			100,295			106,985
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle		108,124			155,212			145,156			161,727			129,021
Add: Fixed charges		115,979			106,078			99,965			100,295			106,985
Less: Capitalized interest		(2,172	)		(2,750	)		(1,912	)		(1,921	)		(2,484	)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle & fixed charges	$	221,931		$	258,540		$	243,209		$	260,101		$	233,522
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges	1.9 x			2.4 x			2.4 x			2.6 x			2.2 x

(1) Includes interest expense associated with discontinued operations.