Forbes magazine profiles Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ: SONC) in its 200 Best Small Companies in America list, ranking the nation’s largest drive-in chain restaurant at No. 47 – a jump from last year’s rank at No. 122. One of only three companies profiled in the October 28, 2002 issue, Forbes provides a detailed report of Sonic, summarizing its history and success through the eyes of the company’s top executive duo: Clifford Hudson, chief executive officer, and Pattye Moore, president.

Sonic is one of only three companies recognized on the list for at least nine or more consecutive years. As reported by Forbes, for
the past five years Sonic Corp. has achieved 17 percent and 28
percent annual average sales and profit growth, respectively; and
earned $39 million on $330 million in sales in 2001.

“Forbes’ requirements make repeat appearances on the 200 Best
list difficult,” said Hudson. “Our continued and long-standing
progress in the rankings can be attributed to our crew members and
partners who are dedicated to delivering our fresh, unique menu and
customer service philosophies every day.”

To build its Best list, Forbes only considers publicly traded
companies with 12-month sales of $5 million to $600 million, a stock
price above $5 per share, a five-year average return on equity of at
least 5 percent, a net profit margin of at least 5 percent, and its
latest measuring tool, relative stock price strength among industry
and market competitors.