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Shares of AutoZone Inc (NYSE:AZO) were last seen down 2.9% to trade at $3,990, after the company missed fiscal fourth-quarter earnings expectations. Revenue came in above estimates, though, as the automotive parts and accessories retailer also reported strong same-store sales growth.AZO is extending a pullback from its Sept. 11, all-time high of $4,388.11 as it gaps further below the 20-day moving average. The equity earlier slipped to its lowest level since mid-August, but still carries a 33.4% year-over-y ...

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]

Market Overview - U.S. stocks showed mixed performance with the Dow Jones index gaining approximately 250 points on Monday, trading up 0.57% to 46,648.21 on Tuesday, while NASDAQ fell 0.33% to 22,714.37 and S&P 500 dropped 0.01% to 6,693.29 [1] - Energy shares increased by 2.2% on Tuesday, while consumer discretionary stocks decreased by 0.6% [1] Company Earnings - AutoZone, Inc. reported fourth-quarter earnings per share of $48.71, which was below the analyst consensus estimate of $50.91. Quarterly sales were $6.242 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 0.6%, but also missed the expected $6.245 billion [2] Commodity Market - In commodity trading, oil prices rose by 1.8% to $63.41, gold increased by 1.1% to $3,816.20, silver was up 1% to $44.660, and copper rose 0.2% to $4.6400 [4] European Market - European shares experienced gains, with the eurozone's STOXX 600 rising by 0.7%, Spain's IBEX 35 Index up 0.4%, London's FTSE 100 increasing by 0.4%, Germany's DAX 40 rising by 0.6%, and France's CAC 40 surging by 1.1% [5] Asian Market - Asian markets closed lower, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng down 0.70%, China's Shanghai Composite falling 0.18%, and India's BSE Sensex decreasing by 0.07% [6] Stock Movements - Super League Enterprise, Inc. shares surged 222% to $10.56 following a private placement financing announcement. Innovation Beverage Group Limited shares increased by 126% to $0.8299 after announcing a merger transaction with BlockFuel Energy. STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc. shares rose by 60% to $2.7103. Conversely, Boxlight Corporation shares dropped 37% to $3.00 after announcing a $4 million offering at $3.00 per share, while AtlasClear Holdings, Inc. shares fell 21% to $0.4556, and GDEV Inc. shares decreased by 20% to $25.07 [8] Economic Indicators - The S&P Global US services PMI declined to 53.9 in September from 54.5 in the previous month, and the manufacturing PMI fell to 52 in September from 53 in August. The U.S. current account deficit shrank by 42.9% to $251.3 billion in the second quarter [9]

Core Insights - AutoZone reported a weaker-than-expected profit for its fiscal fourth quarter, with net income dropping 7.2% to $837.0 million and diluted earnings per share at $48.71, missing analyst expectations [2][4] - Revenue increased by 0.6% to $6.24 billion, aligning closely with forecasts, while same-store sales grew by 4.5%, slightly exceeding estimates [2][3] Financial Performance - The company's operating, selling, general, and administrative expenses rose by 3.0% to $2.02 billion due to the addition of 141 new stores and a 14.1% increase in inventory [3] - Analysts had anticipated a net income of $867.5 million and earnings per share of $50.89, indicating a significant shortfall in performance [2] Strategic Outlook - CEO Phil Daniele indicated that AutoZone plans to continue its aggressive expansion strategy in the upcoming year, with expectations of increasing earnings and cash flow to enhance shareholder value [3][4] - The company's stock remained flat in morning trading but had previously increased by 29% year-to-date prior to the earnings announcement [3]

Core Viewpoint - AutoZone, Inc. reported fourth-quarter earnings and sales that fell short of Wall Street expectations, leading to an initial dip in share price, although the stock later recovered slightly. Financial Performance - The company reported fourth-quarter earnings per share of $48.71, missing the analyst consensus estimate of $50.91 [1] - Quarterly sales were $6.242 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 0.6%, but missed the expected $6.245 billion [1] - Adjusted sales, excluding an additional week from the previous year, increased by 6.9% [2] - Total same-store sales rose by 5.1%, with domestic same-store sales increasing by 4.8% [2] - Gross margin was 51.5%, down 98 basis points year-over-year, impacted by a non-cash LIFO headwind of 128 basis points from an $80 million charge [2] Profitability Metrics - Operating profit decreased by 7.8% to $1.2 billion [3] - Net income for the quarter was $837.0 million, compared to $902.2 million in the prior year [3] Shareholder Actions - AutoZone repurchased 117,000 shares in the fourth quarter at an average price of $3,821, totaling a buyback outlay of $446.7 million [3] Inventory and Expansion - The company's inventory increased by 14.1% year-over-year, primarily due to growth initiatives [3] - In the quarter ended August 30, 2025, AutoZone opened 91 U.S. stores, 45 in Mexico, and 6 in Brazil, totaling 141 net new stores [4] - The international unit reported constant-currency same-store sales growth of 7.2% [4] - AutoZone plans to accelerate store openings in the coming year to gain market share [4][5] Cash Position - The company exited the quarter with cash and equivalents amounting to $271.803 million [5]