DEFA14A

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ☐

 

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    Preliminary Proxy Statement              

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    Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

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    Definitive Proxy Statement              

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    Definitive Additional Materials              

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    Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12              

 

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

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*** Exercise Your Right to Vote ***

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the

Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on April 18, 2017

 

 

   
   
  SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
   
   
   
   
   
LOGO  

 

    

    

    

    

    

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
   
                             
       

 

   Meeting Information

    
       

 

Meeting Type: Annual Meeting

    
        For holders as of: February 21, 2017    
        Date: April 18, 2017            Time: 2:00 PM EDT    
        Location:   Sonic Automotive, Inc.    
          4401 Colwick Road    
          Charlotte, NC 28211    
                 
                           
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
   

 

You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the above named company.

 

  
   

This is not a ballot. You cannot use this notice to vote these shares. This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. You may view the proxy materials online at www.proxyvote.com or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side).

 

We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting.

 

  
      See the reverse side of this notice to obtain proxy materials and voting instructions.  
 

        

—  Before You Vote  —

How to Access the Proxy Materials

 

  
         Proxy Materials Available to VIEW or RECEIVE:    
        

1. Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement         2. Annual Report

How to View Online:

Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow    LOGO    (located on the following page) and visit: www.proxyvote.com.

How to Request and Receive a PAPER or E-MAIL Copy:

If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your request:

    
            1) BY INTERNET:    www.proxyvote.com    
            2) BY TELEPHONE:     1-800-579-1639    
            3) BY E-MAIL*:    sendmaterial@proxyvote.com    
        

*   If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow    LOGO    (located on the following page) in the subject line.

Requests, instructions and other inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before April 04, 2017 to facilitate timely delivery.

 

    
                  
                  
                  
                  
                  
        

 

—  How To Vote  —

  
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Please Choose One of the Following Voting Methods

 

  
                        
        

Vote In Person: If you choose to vote these shares in person at the meeting, you must request a “legal proxy.” To do so, please follow the instructions at www.proxyvote.com or request a paper copy of the materials, which will contain the appropriate instructions. Many shareholder meetings have attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance.

 

Vote By Internet: To vote now by Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow    LOGO    available and follow the instructions.

 

Vote By Mail: You can vote by mail by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a voting instruction form.

 

    
                  
                  
                  
                  
                  

    Voting items  
 

 

 The Board of Directors recommends that you

 

  vote FOR the following:

 

   1.   Election of Directors          
    Nominees          
   01   O. Bruton Smith   02     B. Scott Smith   03     David Bruton Smith   04     William I. Belk   05     William R. Brooks
   06   Victor H. Doolan   07     John W. Harris III   08     Robert Heller   09     R. Eugene Taylor  
 

 

 The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal (s):

 

   2.   Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as Sonic’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2017.
 

 

 3.

  

 

Approval of the amendment to Sonic’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to add trusts to the definition of a Family Controlled Entity.

 

 

 4.

  

 

Advisory vote to approve Sonic’s named executive officer compensation.

 

 

 The Board of Directors recommends you vote 1 YEAR on the following proposal:

 

   5.   Advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes to approve Sonic’s named executive officer compensation.
 

 

 The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal (s):

 

   6.   Approval of the amendment and restatement of the Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Formula Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

 

LOGO

             

    Voting items Continued  

 

  

 

NOTE:    In their discretion, the proxy holders are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

  

 

 

    Voting Instructions  

 

 

 

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