AutoZone, Inc. AZO will release earnings for the fourth quarter, before the opening bell on Tuesday, Sept. 23.Analysts expect the Memphis, Tennessee-based company to report quarterly earnings at $50.95 per share. That's down from $51.58 per share in the year-ago period. AutoZone projects quarterly revenue of $6.25 billion, compared to $6.21 billion a year earlier, according to data from Benzinga Pro.On May 27, the company reported third-quarter earnings per share of $35.36, missing the analyst consensus est ...

Q2 2025 Results - Net sales were $20 billion, a decrease of 77% year-over-year[36] - Comparable store sales growth was +01% year-over-year[36] - Adjusted gross margin was 438%[36] - Adjusted SG&A margin was 407%, a decrease of 3 bps year-over-year[42] - Adjusted operating income margin was 30%, an increase of 19 bps year-over-year[42] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $069[39] - Net leverage ratio was 27x[41] Strategic Initiatives - Store availability reached the mid-90%s, an increase of 100 bps quarter-over-quarter[18, 21] - Distribution center consolidation is expected to result in 16 DCs by the end of 2025, compared to 28 at the end of 2024 and 38 at the end of 2023[26] - Market hub locations are expected to expand to 29 by the end of 2025, compared to 19 at the end of 2024, with an average 100 bps comp sales uplift[26] FY2025 Guidance - Net sales are projected to be between $84 billion and $86 billion[49] - Comparable store sales (52 weeks) are expected to grow by 050% - 150%[49] - Adjusted operating income margin is projected to be between 200% and 300%[49] - Adjusted diluted EPS is projected to be between $120 and $220[49]

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. AAP will release earnings results for the second quarter before the opening bell on Thursday, Aug. 14. Analysts expect the Raleigh, North Carolina-based company to report quarterly earnings at 58 cents per share, down from 75 cents per share in the year-ago period. Advance Auto Parts projects to report quarterly revenue of $1.97 billion, compared to $2.68 billion a year earlier, according to data from Benzinga Pro. On July 28, Advance Auto Parts announced the pricing of upsized $1.9 ...

Core Insights - CarParts.com, Inc. reported a net sales increase of 5% to $151.9 million for the second quarter of 2025 compared to $144.3 million in the same quarter last year, driven by higher consumer demand through its primary eCommerce sales channel [5][11] - The company is actively exploring strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value, including a potential sale and strategic investments, with management expressing confidence that this process is nearing completion [3][9] - The company achieved positive Adjusted EBITDA in June 2025, indicating that strategic initiatives are beginning to yield tangible results, with expected annualized cost savings of approximately $10 million from investments in AI and automation [4][11] Financial Performance - Gross profit for the second quarter was $49.8 million, up from $48.4 million year-over-year, but gross margin decreased by 70 basis points to 32.8% due to product mix and tariffs [6][11] - Total operating expenses rose to $62.2 million from $57.1 million in the prior year, with operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increasing to 40.9% [7][11] - The net loss for the quarter was $12.7 million, compared to a net loss of $8.7 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to lower gross margin and higher marketing expenses [8][11] Cash and Balance Sheet - As of June 28, 2025, the company had a cash balance of $19.8 million and a revolving loan balance of $10 million, compared to no revolver debt and a cash balance of $36.4 million at the end of the previous fiscal year [8][25] - Inventory stood at $94 million, reflecting an increase from $90.4 million at the end of the previous fiscal year [25] - Total assets decreased to $189.6 million from $210.6 million, while total liabilities increased slightly to $127.1 million [25][26] Market Position and Strategy - CarParts.com operates over 1 million quality automotive parts and accessories, positioning itself as a leading eCommerce provider in the automotive sector [13] - The company is focused on enhancing its fulfillment network and investing in technology to improve operational efficiency and customer experience [4][11] - The mobile app has achieved approximately 1 million cumulative downloads, indicating a growing digital presence [11]

Core Insights - Advance Auto Parts reported a fiscal first-quarter 2025 net sales of $2.6 billion, a 7% decrease year-over-year, while reaffirming full-year guidance for comp sales growth of 0.5% to 1.5% [1][9] Group 1: Store Optimization and Expansion - The company completed a store footprint optimization program, concentrating approximately 75% of its stores in markets where it ranks No. 1 or No. 2 in store density, supporting plans for over 100 new stores in the next three years [2][3] - This strategic shift is expected to enhance resource efficiency and support future same-store sales growth [3] Group 2: Supply Chain and Merchandising Improvements - The introduction of a new assortment framework led to a 200-basis point improvement in store availability, with plans to cover the 50 largest markets by the end of fiscal 2025, accelerating the timeline from fiscal 2026 [4][5] - Supply chain consolidation is set to reduce distribution centers from 38 to 12 by the end of 2026, which is expected to uplift comparable sales in serviced regions by 100 basis points [4] Group 3: Pro Channel Performance - The pro business segment experienced low single-digit percentage growth, outperforming the declining DIY channel, with 8 consecutive weeks of positive comp sales [6][7] - Improvements in delivery times and transaction metrics in the pro channel are aimed at capturing greater wallet share from large-scale installer accounts [6] Group 4: Financial Guidance and Outlook - Management reaffirmed fiscal-year guidance projecting net sales between $8.4 billion and $8.6 billion, with an adjusted operating income margin of 2% to 3% [9] - Comparable sales are expected to grow by 50 to 150 basis points, primarily driven by the pro channel, while DIY sales are anticipated to remain soft due to inflationary pressures [9]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts project that Advance Auto Parts (AAP) will report a quarterly loss of $0.82 per share, a decline of 222.4% year over year, with revenues expected to reach $2.5 billion, down 26.6% from the same quarter last year [1]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 3.6% lower over the last 30 days, indicating a collective reevaluation by analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3]. Key Metrics Projections - Analysts predict the total number of retail stores for AAP will reach 4,452, down from 5,097 in the same quarter last year [5]. - The average estimate for the number of AAP stores is 4,174, compared to 4,483 a year ago [5]. - The consensus estimate for the number of stores opened is 4, a decrease from 7 in the same quarter last year [5]. - For CARQUEST, the estimated number of stores is 277, down from 294 a year ago [6]. Stock Performance - AAP shares have increased by 9.9% in the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has risen by 13.1% [7]. - AAP holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating expectations of outperforming the overall market in the near term [7].

Core Insights - CarParts.com, Inc. reported a decline in net sales of 11% year-over-year, totaling $147.4 million for Q1 2025, down from $166.3 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to soft consumer demand and adverse weather conditions [5][10] - The company experienced a gross profit of $47.3 million, with a gross margin of 32.1%, a decrease of 30 basis points compared to the previous year [6][10] - A net loss of $15.3 million was reported, compared to a net loss of $6.5 million in the same quarter last year, attributed to higher marketing costs and lower gross margins [7][10] Financial Performance - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $147.4 million, down from $166.3 million in Q1 2024 [5][21] - Gross profit decreased to $47.3 million from $53.9 million, with a gross margin of 32.1% compared to 32.4% in the prior year [6][21] - Total operating expenses rose to $62.5 million from $60.4 million, leading to an operating expense percentage of 42.4% of net sales, up from 36.3% [7][21] - Adjusted EBITDA was reported at ($6.2) million, a significant decline from $1.1 million in the previous year [8][21] Management Commentary - Management emphasized the need to upgrade the customer base to target higher-income, less price-sensitive customers and diversify acquisition strategies [3] - The CEO noted that early Q2 results showed double-digit revenue growth year-over-year, despite lower marketing spend, indicating a positive trend in repeat customers and mobile app traffic [4] Strategic Outlook - The company is currently evaluating various strategic alternatives and is not providing guidance for 2025 [9] - The focus remains on enhancing customer lifetime value through the mobile app and increasing high-margin fee income [3][4] Cash Position - As of March 29, 2025, the company had a cash balance of $38.5 million, an increase from $36.4 million at the end of the previous fiscal year [8][10]

Core Viewpoint - O'Reilly Automotive reported mixed financial results for Q3 2024, with earnings and revenues missing consensus estimates, while showing year-over-year growth in net income and revenues [2][4]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 2024 were $11.41, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $11.53, but up from $10.72 in the prior-year quarter [2] - Quarterly revenues reached $4.36 billion, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.43 billion, but representing a 3.8% increase year over year [2] - Comparable store sales grew by 1.5% during the quarter [3] - Selling, general and administrative expenses rose by 7% year over year to $1.35 billion [4] - Operating income remained flat at $897 million year over year [4] - Net income increased to $665 million from $650 million in the year-ago quarter [4] Share Repurchase and Cash Flow - O'Reilly repurchased 0.5 million shares for $541 million at an average price of $1,084.28 per share during the quarter [5] - An additional 0.1 million shares were repurchased post-quarter for $70 million at an average price of $1,170.55 per share [5] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $115.6 million from $279.1 million at the end of 2023 [6] - Long-term debt was reduced to $5.36 billion from $5.57 billion as of December 31, 2023 [6] - Cash generated from operating activities was $772 million, down from $2.43 billion in the prior year [7] - Free cash flow was reported at $500 million, a decline of 69.8% year over year [7] 2024 Outlook - O'Reilly revised its 2024 revenue guidance to a range of $16.6-$16.8 billion, down from $16.6-$16.9 billion [8] - EPS guidance was adjusted to $40.60-$41.10, down from $40.75-$41.25 [8] - Comparable store sales growth outlook was revised to 2-3% from 2-4% [8] - Free cash flow guidance remained unchanged at $1.8-$2.1 billion [8] - Capital expenditure guidance remained at $900 million to $1 billion, with plans to open 190-200 stores this year [8] Estimate Trends - There has been a downward trend in estimates revisions for O'Reilly Automotive over the past month [9][11] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating an expectation of in-line returns in the coming months [11] VGM Scores - O'Reilly Automotive has an average Growth Score of C, a Momentum Score of D, and a Value Score of D, placing it in the bottom 40% for the value investment strategy [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for the quarter were $4 billion, an increase of 2.4% year-over-year, while earnings per share (EPS) decreased by 2.1% [39][40] - Domestic same-store sales grew by 1.9%, and international same-store sales increased by 9.5% on a constant currency basis [39][40] - Total company EBIT was down 4.9%, with a significant foreign exchange headwind impacting results [40][58] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic Commercial sales increased by 7.3%, compared to 3.2% growth in the first quarter [12][26] - DIY same-store sales showed a slight improvement, with a 0.1% increase for the quarter [19][47] - The Domestic retail business experienced volatility, particularly in the last week of the quarter, with DIY comps down nearly 7% due to severe weather [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Northeast and Rust Belt regions showed weaker performance compared to other domestic markets, particularly in the last week of the quarter [24][27] - International business in Mexico and Brazil opened 17 new stores, with same-store sales up 9.5% on a constant currency basis [32][50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its store base, particularly through the opening of Hubs and Mega-Hubs, with plans to open at least 19 more Mega-Hubs in the second half of the fiscal year [30][76] - Investments in technology and supply chain improvements are aimed at enhancing customer service and operational efficiency [35][37] - The strategy includes maintaining a strong focus on the Domestic Commercial business and continuing growth in international markets [73][74] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the second half of the fiscal year, citing improved execution and favorable weather conditions as contributing factors to sales growth [31][68] - The company anticipates continued challenges from inflation and foreign exchange rates but remains confident in its ability to maintain margins and drive growth [55][96] Other Important Information - The company generated $291 million in free cash flow for the quarter, up from $179 million in the previous year [63] - A total of 28 net new domestic stores were opened during the quarter, with a commitment to aggressive store growth [30][37] - The company repurchased $330 million of its stock during the quarter, maintaining a strong capital allocation strategy [66] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on operating expense deleverage and investments - Management highlighted investments in IT and technology as key drivers for growth in both DIY and Commercial segments, enhancing speed and productivity [81][82] Question: Impact of store growth in Mexico on profitability - Management noted that investments in distribution capabilities are expected to support profitability as the store base grows [84][85] Question: Context of the 1.9% domestic comp growth - Management attributed the growth to a combination of better weather, improved execution, and strategic initiatives in both DIY and Commercial businesses [88][89] Question: Expectations for gross margins amid inflation - Management indicated that while there may be some drag from the accelerating Commercial business, merchandising margin improvements are expected to offset this [95][96] Question: Potential impact of tariffs on margins - Management expressed confidence in maintaining margin profiles despite tariffs, citing various strategies to manage costs [119][120] Question: Future SG&A growth normalization - Management expects to invest at an accelerated pace in the coming quarters, with a disciplined approach to managing SG&A in line with sales growth [123][124] Question: Performance of the Domestic DIFM side of the business - Management reported broad-based growth across regions and categories, with expectations of gaining market share due to competitor store closures [127][128]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter net sales from continuing operations were $2 billion, a 1% decrease compared to Q4 last year, with comparable stores also declining by 1% [43] - Adjusted gross profit from continuing operations was $779 million, representing 39% of net sales, resulting in a gross margin contraction of 170 basis points compared to last year [46] - Adjusted operating loss from continuing operations was $99 million, or negative 5% of net sales, with adjusted diluted loss per share from continuing operations at $1.18 compared to a loss of $0.45 per share in the prior year [47] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable sales performance was stronger in the second half of Q4, particularly in December, driven by demand for failure-related items such as batteries [44] - Pro channel performance was slightly negative but outperformed the DIY channel, which declined in the low single-digit range [44] - Average ticket grew in the low single-digit range and was positive in both channels, with strength seen in filters and fluids while discretionary categories remained pressured [45] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full year net sales from continuing operations were $9.1 billion, a 1% decrease compared to last year, with full year comparable store sales declining by 70 basis points [49] - Pro channel performance for the full year was positive, while DIY declined in the low single-digit range [50] - The consumer spending environment showed overall softness, impacting maintenance item spending across the industry in 2024 [50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company introduced a three-year strategic plan focused on executing the basics to achieve adjusted operating margins of approximately 7% by 2027 [9] - Key strategic pillars include merchandising, supply chain, and store operations, with specific plans implemented to drive progress over the next three years [16] - The company is committed to improving operational efficiency through store closures and optimizing its asset base for growth [8][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future opportunities for value creation despite a challenging year [9] - The company expects results to gradually improve as strategic initiatives take hold, with a focus on improving parts availability and customer service levels [61] - Management acknowledged the impact of external factors such as consumer spending pressures and weather on sales performance [132] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with approximately $1.9 billion in cash, bolstered by proceeds from the Worldpac sale [57] - The company plans to open 30 new stores in 2025, contributing to net sales growth [62] - A significant focus is placed on improving supply chain efficiency and reducing costs associated with store closures [64] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the new merchandise assortment impacting 70% of your volume? - The company is focusing on store-based availability and ensuring the right parts are in stock based on the vehicles in operation, rather than relying on self-solved inventory across stores [84][85] Question: Can you discuss the reporting dynamics of one-time versus not one-time costs? - Atypical items are those that occur within the quarter but are not expected to reflect ongoing business, while adjustments to non-GAAP results are tied to strategic initiatives [92] Question: Can you elaborate on the 7% EBIT margin goal for 2027? - The target is based on achieving mid-40s gross margin and below 40% SG&A as a percentage of sales, with significant improvements expected from merchandising and supply chain initiatives [101][102] Question: How much progress is being made in improving costs with vendors? - The company is seeing positive movement in both cost improvements and promotional pricing, with benefits expected to materialize throughout the year [112][113] Question: What is driving the volatility in the first quarter? - Weather conditions and delayed tax refunds are contributing to sales volatility, alongside pressures on consumer spending [131][132]