Form 4: Sonic Automotive CFO Heath Byrd Executes Stock Transaction

EVP and CFO Heath Byrd reported the vesting and cash settlement of 5,872 performance-based restricted stock units.

Summary

• Heath Byrd, EVP and CFO of Sonic Automotive, Inc., reported the vesting of 5,872 performance-based restricted stock units (PSUs) on March 31, 2026.
• The vested units were settled in cash at a price of $68.57 per share.
• Following the transaction, the reporting person holds 148,539 shares directly and 12,129 shares indirectly through Bucknell Avenue, LLC.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a routine administrative filing regarding executive compensation and does not indicate a change in company outlook.

Positives

• The transaction reflects the successful achievement of performance criteria associated with previously granted equity compensation.

Negatives

• The transaction resulted in a reduction of direct share ownership by 5,872 shares, though this was a planned settlement of vested units.

Risks

• Future vesting of remaining performance-based restricted stock units is contingent upon meeting ongoing performance criteria.

Future Outlook

The remaining performance-based restricted stock units are scheduled to vest in two future installments: 30% on February 5, 2027, and 45% on February 5, 2028, subject to performance criteria.

Management Comments

• The reporting person disclaims beneficial ownership of shares held by Bucknell Avenue, LLC, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that executive equity vesting and cash settlements are standard components of executive compensation packages in the automotive retail sector, reflecting alignment between management performance and shareholder value.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The use of performance-based restricted stock units is consistent with compensation structures at peer automotive retailers like AutoNation and Group 1 Automotive.

Related Party Transactions

• The reporting person holds an indirect interest in 12,129 shares through Bucknell Avenue, LLC.

Stakeholder Impact

• Minimal impact on shareholders as this is a standard executive compensation settlement.

Next Steps

• Vesting of 30% of the original grant on February 5, 2027.
• Vesting of 45% of the original grant on February 5, 2028.

Key Dates

Keywords

Sonic Automotive, SAH, Insider Trading, Form 4, CFO, Equity Compensation