Advance Auto Parts(US:AAP)2025-05-22 13:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter, net sales from continuing operations were $2.6 billion, a 7% decrease compared to the previous year, primarily due to store optimization activities [25] - Comparable store sales declined by 60 basis points during the quarter, excluding locations closed which generated $51 million in liquidation sales [25] - Gross profit from continuing operations was $1.11 billion, representing 42.9% of net sales, resulting in a gross margin contraction of 50 basis points year-over-year [28] - Adjusted diluted loss per share from continuing operations was $0.22 compared to earnings per share of $0.33 in the prior year [30] - Free cash flow was negative $198 million, compared to negative $49 million in the prior year, influenced by cash expenses related to store optimization and additional inventory investments [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Pro business grew in the low single-digit range, with eight consecutive weeks of positive comparable sales growth in the U.S. [5][26] - The DIY channel declined in the low single-digit range, indicating ongoing challenges in that segment [27] - Strength was observed in categories such as batteries, wipers, and fluids and chemicals [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 75% of the store footprint is now concentrated in markets where the company holds the number one or two position based on store density [8] - The company plans to open more than 100 new stores over the next three years to capture share in a total addressable market exceeding $150 billion [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing operational performance through strategic pillars of merchandising, supply chain, and stores [8] - A new assortment framework has been piloted to improve parts coverage at the store level, leading to an estimated uplift of nearly 50 basis points in comparable sales growth in targeted markets [10] - The company aims to establish 60 market hubs by mid-2027 to strengthen its competitive position [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about navigating through a volatile environment due to the aging vehicle fleet and nondiscretionary nature of auto parts spending [7] - The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 guidance, considering the impacts of tariffs and planned mitigation strategies [6][30] - Management acknowledged the challenges in the DIY segment but emphasized efforts to improve customer engagement and service levels [23] Other Important Information - The company is on track to close 12 distribution centers this year, with six completed to date, aiming to operate 12 large DCs by the end of 2026 [15] - The company has visibility to greater than 50 basis points of annualized cost reductions expected to start flowing in the second half of the year [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insights on the comp expectations for DIY versus DIFM? - Management indicated that DIFM is expected to drive performance while DIY remains pressured, with no significant changes in trends observed [42][44] Question: How do you view the guidance regarding gross margin and SG&A? - Management confirmed that gross profit growth will be the main driver of operating income, with SG&A expected to decrease year-over-year due to store closures and productivity improvements [48][49] Question: What are the expectations for non-GAAP adjustments for the rest of the year? - Management noted that while they are not guiding GAAP specifically, they expect to see a significant portion of cash expenses related to store optimization already accounted for [103] Question: How is the company managing tariff impacts on pricing? - Management explained that they are pushing back on cost increases from vendors and exploring alternative sources of supply, with a blended tariff rate of about 30% currently in effect [66][68]