AutoZone Inc. (NYSE:AZO) is one of the stocks to invest in before they split next. On September 11, Barclays analyst Seth Sigman raised the firm’s price target on AutoZone to $4,510 from $3,916, while keeping an Overweight rating on the shares as part of a FQ4 2025 earnings preview. Barclays expects earnings estimates for AutoZone to move higher post the earnings report. Earlier in FQ3 2025, the company reported total sales of $4.5 billion, which was a 5.4% increase from the previous year. Domestic same-s ...

AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer highlighted recently. Cramer called its buyback “legendary” and said: “But let’s cut to one that I am predisposed to, AutoZone, AZO, the auto parts chain, which does very well in a slowdown because more people want to fix up their old cars, saves them money rather than have to go buy a new one. AutoZone’s got a legendary buyback. I checked out the share count over the last decade, and it’s astounding. 10 years ago, it had roughly 31 million shares. ...

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on AutoZone. Our analysis of options history for AutoZone AZO revealed 16 unusual trades.Delving into the details, we found 25% of traders were bullish, while 62% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 4 were puts, with a value of $178,690, and 12 were calls, valued at $579,001.Expected Price MovementsBased on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $2600.0 to ...

With a market cap of $71.2 billion, AutoZone, Inc. (AZO) is the nation’s leading retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories. Operating across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, Brazil, and with sourcing offices in Shanghai, the company serves both Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and Do-It-for-Me (DIFM) markets. Companies worth more than $10 billion are generally labeled as “large-cap” stocks and AutoZone fits this criterion perfectly. AutoZone provides a wide range of automotive hard parts, ...

Company Overview - AutoZone, Inc. is the leading retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the Americas [3] - As of May 10, 2025, the company operates a total of 7,516 stores, with 6,537 in the U.S., 838 in Mexico, and 141 in Brazil [2] Financial Information - AutoZone will release its fourth quarter results for the period ending August 30, 2025, before market open on September 23, 2025 [1] - A conference call to discuss the quarterly results will take place on September 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (ET) [1] Product and Service Offerings - Each AutoZone store carries a wide range of products for cars, SUVs, vans, and light-duty trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, and accessories [3] - The company has a commercial sales program that provides credit and delivery services to various automotive businesses [3] - AutoZone also sells products online through its websites, including automotive diagnostic and repair software under the ALLDATA brand [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the reliability of brokerage recommendations, particularly focusing on AutoZone (AZO), and emphasizes the importance of using these recommendations in conjunction with other analytical tools like the Zacks Rank for making informed investment decisions [1][5][10]. Brokerage Recommendations for AutoZone - AutoZone has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.35, indicating a consensus between Strong Buy and Buy, based on recommendations from 27 brokerage firms [2]. - Out of the 27 recommendations, 21 are Strong Buy and 2 are Buy, which represent 77.8% and 7.4% of all recommendations respectively [2]. Limitations of Brokerage Recommendations - The article highlights that brokerage recommendations may not be reliable indicators of stock performance due to analysts' biases stemming from their firms' vested interests, leading to an overrepresentation of positive ratings [6][10]. - Research indicates that brokerage firms issue five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell," suggesting a lack of alignment with retail investors' interests [6][7]. Zacks Rank as an Alternative - The Zacks Rank is presented as a more effective tool for predicting stock price movements, based on earnings estimate revisions rather than brokerage recommendations [8][11]. - The Zacks Rank categorizes stocks into five groups, with a strong correlation between near-term stock price movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions [11]. Current Earnings Estimates for AutoZone - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AutoZone's current year earnings remains unchanged at $147.67, indicating steady analyst views on the company's earnings prospects [13]. - Due to the unchanged consensus estimate and other factors, AutoZone currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting caution despite the positive ABR [14].

Core Insights - The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and stock splits are significant trends boosting equity valuations on Wall Street [1][2] Company Analysis: O'Reilly Automotive - O'Reilly Automotive announced a 15-for-1 forward stock split in 2025, following a significant stock price increase of approximately 65,000% since its IPO in 1993 [6][7] - The average age of cars and light trucks in the U.S. reached an all-time high of 12.8 years in 2025, driving demand for auto parts as consumers keep their vehicles longer [9] - O'Reilly's refined distribution network includes 31 regional distribution centers and over 6,000 retail locations, allowing for efficient inventory replenishment [10] - The company has executed a substantial share repurchase program, spending about $26.6 billion to buy back nearly 60% of its outstanding shares since 2011, enhancing its earnings per share (EPS) [11] Competitor Analysis: AutoZone - AutoZone's shares have increased by over 14,000% since its IPO in 1991, but it has only completed two forward splits [13] - Similar macroeconomic factors benefiting O'Reilly also support AutoZone, as consumers are retaining their vehicles longer [14] - AutoZone is developing over 200 megahubs to improve inventory management, akin to O'Reilly's hub stores [15] - AutoZone has spent approximately $38.1 billion on share repurchases since 1998, retiring 90.3% of its outstanding shares, positively impacting its EPS [17] - Despite strong fundamentals, AutoZone's low percentage of non-institutional investors (9.4%) suggests a lower likelihood of a stock split in the near future [19]

Company Performance - O'Reilly Automotive and AutoZone, Inc. have shown strong performance over the last decade by consolidating the auto parts industry, expanding their network, and returning capital to shareholders [1] Investment Strategy - Triba Research aims to identify high-quality businesses capable of delivering sustainable, double-digit returns over the long term, focusing on companies with strong competitive advantages, operating in growing markets, maintaining low debt levels, and led by skilled management teams [2]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the auto parts retailing sector, highlighting it as a favorite for both offensive and defensive investment strategies [4]. Core Insights - The auto parts market is projected to grow to $170 billion, with an annual growth rate of 3-5% expected through 2025, supported by macroeconomic factors, vehicle parc dynamics, and weather conditions [4][21]. - AutoZone (AZO) is identified as a top pick at current prices, while O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY) is noted for its disciplined buying approach. Advance Auto Parts (AAP) is advised to be approached with caution due to potential share loss, and Genuine Parts Company (GPC) is expected to face challenges [4][12]. - The report emphasizes the importance of parts availability, service quality, and pricing in driving success within the sector [5]. Market Dynamics - The auto parts retail market is characterized by a significant number of SKUs (over 125,000), leading to a low inventory turnover rate of approximately 1.5 times per year. This creates a competitive advantage for larger players like the Big 4 [6]. - The report notes that the competitive landscape is shifting, with well-capitalized public companies gaining market share from smaller independents, aided by advancements in technology and inventory management [6][54]. - The report anticipates that artificial intelligence will further enhance market share for AZO and ORLY, while AAP and GPC work on resolving foundational issues [6]. Financial Projections - The report provides a detailed breakdown of the total addressable market (TAM) for auto parts, with retail sales projected to grow from $76.6 billion in 2022 to $77.6 billion in 2025, reflecting a modest growth trajectory [12]. - The commercial segment is expected to grow from $86.5 billion in 2022 to $97.3 billion by 2026, indicating a stronger performance compared to the retail segment [12]. - The report highlights that the Big 4 collectively hold a market share of approximately 30.4%, with AZO and ORLY showing significant gains in their respective shares [12]. Competitive Positioning - ORLY is recognized as the distribution gold standard, with superior parts availability driven by its extensive distribution center (DC) network and fulfillment strategies [54]. - AZO is closing the gap with ORLY through its Megahub strategy, which aims to enhance inventory density and improve service levels [55]. - AAP is attempting to replicate AZO's model but currently lags behind in terms of inventory per store and distribution efficiency [55]. Consumer Trends - The report discusses the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on the auto parts market, suggesting that while EVs will comprise about 25% of new vehicle sales by 2030, their effect on maintenance demand will be limited in the medium term [8][68]. - Factors such as range anxiety, the need for a national charging network, and the cost of battery replacement are identified as significant hurdles to EV adoption [71]. Economic Indicators - The report outlines various economic indicators that influence the auto parts market, including real GDP growth, miles driven, and disposable income trends, all of which are expected to support market growth in the coming years [21].

Core Viewpoint - Jami Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, warns of a potential "cracking" in the bond market due to excessive deficit spending and high debt levels, with the 10-year yield at levels not seen since 2007 [1] Group 1: Companies Resilient to Bond Market Cracking - Philip Morris International is well-positioned to thrive regardless of bond market conditions, primarily due to its international market focus and recession-proof tobacco products [4][5] - The next-gen products, including Zyn and IQOS, now account for over 40% of Philip Morris's revenue and gross profit, indicating growth potential despite a mature market [6] Group 2: AutoZone's Performance in Weak Economies - AutoZone demonstrates resilience in recessionary environments, benefiting from consumers opting for repairs over new car purchases [7] - The company's hub-and-spoke store model enhances its market performance by ensuring all stores are well-stocked, supporting its ability to thrive if bond markets weaken [8] Group 3: Dollar General's Economic Resilience - Dollar General is positioned to perform well during economic downturns as consumers tend to "trade down" to more affordable shopping options [9][10] - The company has a strong track record of success during past recessions, with a revenue model focused on consumer staples and a vast network of over 20,000 stores [11]