Core Insights - AutoZone reported earnings per share (EPS) of $48.71, which was below the estimated $50.52, and revenue of approximately $6.24 billion, slightly missing the estimated $6.25 billion [2][6] - The company's gross profit margin decreased to 51.5%, impacted by a non-cash LIFO charge of $80 million, although higher merchandise margins partially offset this decline [3][6] - Total same-store sales increased by 5.1%, with domestic same-store sales rising by 4.8%, supported by stable sales and store expansion [4] Financial Performance - AutoZone's market capitalization is $71 billion, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 26.92 and a price-to-sales ratio of about 3.65 [5] - The enterprise value to sales ratio is around 4.28, and the earnings yield is about 3.71% [5] - The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately -3.07, indicating a higher level of debt compared to its equity, and a current ratio of approximately 0.84 [5] Operational Insights - Operating expenses increased to 32.4% of sales, up from 31.6% last year, driven by investments in growth initiatives [3] - Margin pressures are a concern due to increased inventory shrink, a higher proportion of commercial sales, and costs related to new distribution center startups [4]

Core Viewpoint - AutoZone Inc. reported fourth-quarter earnings that fell short of Wall Street expectations, primarily due to a significant LIFO charge, despite achieving solid sales growth [1]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share were $48.71, missing the consensus estimate of $50.93 [2]. - Revenue reached $6.24 billion, aligning with analyst forecasts, while sales increased 6.9% year-over-year when excluding the impact of an additional week in the previous year's quarter [2]. - Same-store sales rose 5.1% on a constant currency basis, with a 4.8% increase in domestic stores [2]. Profitability Metrics - Gross profit margin decreased by 98 basis points to 51.5%, impacted by an $80 million non-cash LIFO charge compared to none in the prior-year quarter [3]. - Operating expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 32.4% from 31.6%, reflecting investments in growth initiatives [3]. Growth and Expansion - AutoZone added 141 net new stores globally, bringing the total store count to 7,657 [4]. - Inventory rose by 14.1% year-over-year [4]. - For fiscal 2025, net sales were reported at $18.9 billion, up 2.4% from the previous year, while annual EPS decreased by 3.1% to $144.87 from $149.55 [4].

Group 1 - The core focus of Quad 7 Capital is to provide investment opportunities through their BAD BEAT Investing platform, emphasizing both long and short trades [1] - The team consists of 7 analysts with diverse expertise in business, policy, economics, mathematics, game theory, and sciences, aiming to educate investors on proficient trading [1] - Since May 2020, the company has maintained an average position of 95% long and 5% short, showcasing a strategic approach to market conditions [1] Group 2 - BAD BEAT Investing offers various benefits, including weekly well-researched trade ideas, access to multiple chat rooms, and daily summaries of key analyst upgrades and downgrades [2] - The platform also provides education on basic options trading and extensive trading tools to enhance investor knowledge and skills [2]

Group 1 - The core focus of Quad 7 Capital is to provide investment opportunities through a team of 7 analysts with diverse expertise, emphasizing both long and short trades [1] - The company has a notable track record, particularly highlighted by their February 2020 recommendation to sell everything and go short, maintaining an average position of 95% long and 5% short since May 2020 [1] - BAD BEAT Investing aims to educate investors on trading proficiency, offering in-depth research with clear entry and exit targets to save time for investors [1] Group 2 - Benefits of BAD BEAT Investing include understanding market dynamics, receiving well-researched trade ideas weekly, and access to multiple chat rooms for discussions [2] - Members receive daily summaries of key analyst upgrades and downgrades, along with learning opportunities in basic options trading and access to extensive trading tools [2]

Core Insights - AutoZone Inc (NYSE:AZO) shares fell 2.9% to $3,990 after missing fiscal fourth-quarter earnings expectations, although revenue exceeded estimates and same-store sales growth was strong [1] Financial Performance - Revenue surpassed expectations despite the earnings miss, indicating strong operational performance [1] - The stock is experiencing a pullback from its all-time high of $4,388.11 on September 11, and has dropped to its lowest level since mid-August, yet still shows a 33.4% year-over-year increase [2] Market Sentiment - The brokerage community remains largely bullish on AutoZone, with 23 out of 27 firms rating it a "buy" or better, while the remainder holds a "hold" rating [2] - Trading activity has increased, with 300 calls and 284 puts exchanged, which is double the typical volume, indicating heightened interest in options [2] Volatility Considerations - The stock has shown a tendency to underperform expectations in recent months, as indicated by a low Schaeffer's Volatility Scorecard (SVS) rating of 1 out of 100 [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for the quarter were $6.2 billion, up 0.6% compared to the previous year, and up 6.9% on a 16-week basis [20][8] - Earnings per share (EPS) decreased by 5.6% for the quarter, but adjusted EPS would have increased by 8.7% on a 16-week basis excluding an $80 million LIFO charge [8][9] - Gross margin was 51.5%, down 103 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to the LIFO charge [26][20] - Net income for the quarter was $837 million, down 0.5% year-over-year, while diluted EPS was $48.71, up 1.3% on a 16-week basis [31][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic commercial sales grew 12.5% on a 16-week basis, representing 33% of domestic auto part sales [20][22] - Domestic DIY same-store sales increased by 2.2%, with average ticket growth of 3.9% [12][24] - International same-store sales grew 7.2% on a constant currency basis, with a reported growth of 2.1% due to currency headwinds [9][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic same-store sales growth was 4.8%, with a positive sales cadence observed throughout the quarter [10][11] - The international market remains a focus, with 1,030 international stores and plans for accelerated openings [17][18] - The company opened 90 net domestic stores and 51 international stores during the quarter, totaling 304 new stores for the year, the highest since 1996 [15][38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue investing in customer service, product assortment, and supply chain improvements to drive long-term growth [17][18] - Plans to open 325 to 350 new stores in the Americas in FY26, with a focus on hubs and megahubs to enhance inventory availability [35][18] - The strategic focus for FY26 includes growing share in the domestic commercial business and maintaining momentum in international markets [39][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about sales acceleration and market share growth, despite challenges from inflation and currency fluctuations [9][20] - The company anticipates continued inflationary pressures but believes it can maintain gross margins through disciplined pricing strategies [56][68] - Management highlighted the importance of customer service and execution in achieving growth targets for the upcoming fiscal year [36][39] Other Important Information - The company invested approximately $1.4 billion in capital expenditures for growth initiatives and plans to maintain a similar investment level in the next fiscal year [18][20] - Free cash flow generated for the quarter was $511 million, contributing to a total of $1.8 billion for FY2025 [31][20] - The company repurchased $447 million of its stock during the quarter, with $632 million remaining under its buyback authorization [32][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inflation expectations and pricing strategy - Management expects inflation to be at least 3% and may increase, using pricing strategies to cover costs while remaining competitive [46][56] Question: Growth in discretionary categories - Management noted recent growth in discretionary categories, attributing it to improved consumer sentiment but cautioned that the lower-end consumer remains under pressure [47][46] Question: LIFO charges outlook - Management anticipates LIFO charges of approximately $120 million in Q1, with potential for $80 to $85 million in subsequent quarters [52][54] Question: SG&A growth and its implications - SG&A growth is expected to remain elevated due to investments in new stores, with a focus on leveraging SG&A as stores mature [57][58] Question: Growth opportunities in Mexico - Management sees significant growth potential in Mexico, with plans to accelerate store openings and capitalize on an aging car park [74][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for the quarter were $6.2 billion, up 0.6% compared to the previous year, with a 6.9% increase on a 16-week basis [19][7] - Earnings per share (EPS) decreased by 5.6%, but adjusted for the previous year's extra week, EPS grew by 1.3% [7][19] - Excluding an $80 million LIFO charge, EPS would have increased by 8.7% on a 16-week basis [8][19] - Net income for the quarter was $837 million, down 0.5% year-over-year on a 16-week basis [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic commercial sales grew by 12.5% on a 16-week basis, with same-store sales growth of 4.8% [5][19] - Domestic DIY same-store sales increased by 2.2%, with a positive average ticket growth of 3.9% [11][23] - International same-store sales were up 7.2% on a constant currency basis, but faced a 5-point currency headwind, resulting in a 2.1% unadjusted comp [8][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic same-store sales showed a positive trend with a cadence of 4.4%, 2.4%, 6%, and 6.4% over the four segments of the quarter [10] - The company opened 90 net new domestic stores and 51 international stores during the quarter, totaling 304 net new stores for the year, the highest since 1996 [14][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to continue aggressive store openings, targeting 325 to 350 new stores in the Americas for FY26 [34][81] - Focus areas for FY26 include growing share in the domestic commercial business and maintaining momentum in international markets [35][38] - Investments in technology, customer service, and supply chain improvements are prioritized to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience [17][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about sales growth and market share gains, particularly in the domestic commercial segment [9][15] - The company anticipates continued inflationary pressures but remains confident in maintaining gross margins through disciplined pricing strategies [55][85] - Management highlighted the importance of customer service and execution as key drivers for future growth [35][39] Other Important Information - The company invested approximately $1.4 billion in capital expenditures for strategic growth priorities, with plans for similar investments in the upcoming year [17][30] - Free cash flow generated for the quarter was $511 million, contributing to a total of $1.8 billion for FY2025 [30][31] - The liquidity position remains strong, with a leverage ratio of 2.5 times EBITDA [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inflation expectations and pricing strategy - Management expects inflation to be at least 3% and possibly higher, using pricing strategies to cover costs while remaining competitive [45][55] Question: Growth in discretionary categories - Recent growth in discretionary categories is noted, but management cautions that the lower-end consumer remains under pressure [46] Question: LIFO charges outlook - LIFO charges are expected to be around $120 million in Q1, with potential pressure in subsequent quarters [51][53] Question: SG&A growth dynamics - SG&A growth is primarily due to investments in new stores, with expectations for mid-single-digit growth moving forward [56][58] Question: Growth opportunities in Mexico - Management sees significant growth potential in Mexico, with plans to accelerate store openings and expand market share [73][77]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for the quarter were $6.2 billion, up 0.6% compared to the previous year on a 17-week basis, and up 6.9% on a 16-week basis [20] - Earnings per share (EPS) decreased by 5.6% for the quarter, but adjusted for the previous year's extra week, EPS grew by 1.3% [7][20] - The company faced a non-cash $80 million LIFO charge, which negatively impacted gross margin and EPS [7][27] - Excluding the LIFO charge, EPS would have increased by 8.7% on a 16-week basis [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic commercial sales grew by 12.5% on a 16-week basis, while domestic retail same-store sales increased by 2.2% [5][8] - International same-store sales were up 7.2% on a constant currency basis, but faced a currency headwind resulting in a lower unadjusted comp of 2.1% [8][20] - DIY average ticket growth was 3.9%, while traffic count decreased by 1.9% [11][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic same-store sales growth was 4.8%, with a sales cadence showing improvement throughout the quarter [9][10] - The company opened 90 net new domestic stores and 51 international stores during the quarter [15][16] - The international store count reached 1,030, with plans for continued expansion [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue aggressive store openings, targeting 325-350 new stores in FY 2026 [36][84] - Focus areas for FY 2026 include growing share in the domestic commercial business and maintaining momentum in international markets [39][41] - Investments in technology and supply chain improvements are prioritized to enhance customer service and operational efficiency [18][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about sales growth and market share gains, particularly in the domestic commercial sector [9][16] - The company anticipates continued inflationary pressures but remains committed to maintaining gross margins [57][88] - Management highlighted the importance of customer service and execution in driving future growth [39][41] Other Important Information - The company generated $511 million in free cash flow for the quarter and $1.8 billion for FY 2025 [32] - The liquidity position remains strong, with a leverage ratio of 2.5x EBITDA [33] - The company repurchased $447 million of its stock during the quarter, with $632 million remaining under its buyback authorization [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inflation expectations for the fiscal first quarter - Management expects inflation to be at least 3% and possibly higher, depending on market conditions and tariffs [47] Question: Growth in discretionary categories - Management noted that discretionary categories have shown growth for the first time in a while, indicating potential consumer recovery [48] Question: LIFO charge projections - Management anticipates a LIFO charge of approximately $120 million for the first quarter, with subsequent quarters expected to be around $80 million to $85 million [54][56] Question: SG&A growth dynamics - Management clarified that SG&A growth is primarily due to investments in new stores, which typically mature over four to five years [59][60] Question: Price elasticity concerns - Management believes that while there may be some price elasticity, the essential nature of their products means customers will continue to purchase despite price increases [68][88] Question: Growth opportunities in Mexico - Management sees significant growth potential in Mexico, with plans to accelerate store openings and expand market share [75][79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for the quarter were $6.2 billion, up 0.6% compared to the previous year, and up 6.9% on a 16-week basis [18] - Earnings per share (EPS) decreased by 5.6% for the quarter, but would have increased by 8.7% when excluding an $80 million LIFO charge [6][7] - Net income for the quarter was $837 million, down 0.5% on a 16-week basis, while for the full year, net income was $2.5 billion, down 6.2% [29][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic commercial sales grew by 12.5% on a 16-week basis, while domestic DIY same-store sales increased by 2.2% [5][14] - International same-store sales were up 7.2% on a constant currency basis, but faced a 5-point currency headwind, resulting in a lower unadjusted comp of 2.1% [7][16] - The average weekly sales per commercial program were approximately $18,200, up 9% year-over-year [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic same-store sales grew by 4.8%, with a sales cadence showing positive trends throughout the quarter [10][18] - The company opened 90 net domestic stores and 51 international stores during the quarter, totaling 304 net new stores for the year, the most since 1996 [14][15] - The international store base now comprises over 13% of total stores, with plans for continued expansion [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue investing in customer service, product assortment, and supply chain improvements to drive long-term growth [16][17] - Plans for FY26 include opening 325 to 350 new stores in the Americas, with a focus on hubs and megahubs to enhance inventory availability [33][34] - The company is committed to maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation while returning cash to shareholders through buybacks [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about sales growth in FY26, driven by strong DIY and commercial sales trends [15][34] - The company anticipates continued inflationary pressures but believes it can manage pricing effectively without significantly impacting demand [72] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining gross margins while expanding the commercial business [75] Other Important Information - The company invested approximately $1.4 billion in capital expenditures for growth initiatives and plans to invest a similar amount in the upcoming year [17] - The gross margin for the quarter was 51.5%, down 103 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to the LIFO charge [25] - Free cash flow generated for the quarter was $511 million, contributing to a total of $1.8 billion for FY2025 [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inflation expectations for the fiscal first quarter - Management expects inflation to be at least 3% and possibly higher, indicating a disciplined approach to pricing to cover costs [43][53] Question: Growth in discretionary categories - Management noted that discretionary categories have shown growth for the first time in a while, but the lower-end consumer remains under pressure [44][45] Question: LIFO charges outlook - Management anticipates LIFO charges of approximately $120 million in Q1, with potential pressure in subsequent quarters [50][51] Question: SG&A growth dynamics - SG&A growth is expected to remain elevated due to investments in new stores, with a plan to manage it in line with sales growth [54][55] Question: Growth opportunities in Mexico - Management sees significant growth potential in Mexico, with plans to accelerate store openings and expand market share [64][66]

Financial Performance - For the quarter ended August 2025, AutoZone reported revenue of $6.24 billion, reflecting a 0.6% increase year-over-year [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) were $48.71, up from $48.11 in the same quarter last year [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.22 billion by 0.35%, while the EPS fell short of the consensus estimate of $50.52 by 3.58% [1] Key Metrics - Domestic same-store sales increased by 4.8%, surpassing the six-analyst average estimate of 3.2% [4] - Total same-store sales in constant currency were up 5.1%, compared to the estimated 4.7% by five analysts [4] - The total square footage of stores was 51,818.00 Ksq ft, slightly below the average estimate of 51,899.48 Ksq ft [4] - The number of domestic stores reached 6,627, exceeding the three-analyst average estimate of 6,591 [4] - International same-store sales grew by 2.1%, significantly better than the -0.8% estimated by two analysts [4] Stock Performance - AutoZone shares returned -0.5% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite increased by 3.6% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market [3]