Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ:SONC) today responded to remarks in the press
yesterday concerning the company’s
franchisees, who were used to illustrate the problems of a tightening
credit market. As the company pointed out last week in clarifying a
national news story about GE Capital, Sonic has not been informed of any
cut-back in franchisee financing and continues to have other financing
sources beyond GE Capital, which represents less than 10% of the lending
to Sonic franchisees. Sonic’s franchisees, in
fact, ordinarily rely on multiple lending sources for their capital
needs. As such, the company believes the brand remains poised to
continue its expansion into new markets and that Sonic franchisees
remain on course to complete more drive-in retrofits in the coming year.
Sonic concurs that the current state of the economy is challenging and
could become more challenging in the future. Nevertheless, Sonic and its
franchisees, who comprise some of the most successful small businesses
in America, are positioned for future growth and increased development.
To see the actual news release Sonic distributed last week, please visit www.sonicdrivein.com
and go to the Newsroom under the Strictly Business tab.
About Sonic
Sonic, America's Drive-In, originally started as a hamburger and root
beer stand in 1953 in Shawnee, Okla., called Top Hat Drive-In, and then
changed its name to Sonic in 1959. The first drive-in to adopt the Sonic
name is still serving customers in Stillwater, Okla. Sonic has more than
3,400 drive-ins coast to coast, where more than a million customers eat
every day. For more information about Sonic Corp. and its subsidiaries,
visit Sonic at www.sonicdrivein.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements
reflect management's expectations regarding future events and operating
performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking
statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in,
or underlying, these forward-looking statements are detailed in the
company's annual and quarterly report filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly
release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of
unforeseen events, except as required to be reported under the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SONC-G