AutoZone(AZO) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]