Advance Auto Profits Up 58% - Analyst Blog
February 23 2012 - 11:25AM
Zacks
Advance Auto Parts Inc. (AAP) reported a 58%
rise in profit to 90 cents per share in the fourth quarter fiscal
2011 ended December 31, 2011 from 57 cents in the comparable
quarter ended January 1, 2011. The profit exceeded the Zacks
Consensus Estimate by a considerable margin of 16 cents per share.
The increase in profit was driven by the company’s aggressive store
expansion strategy, enabling better availability of parts to its
customers.
Sales in the quarter grew 4.5% to $1.33 billion from $1.27
billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. The increase in sales
reflects the net addition of 99 new stores during the past 12
months and a comparable store sales gain of 2.9% compared with 8.9%
during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.
However, the company’s gross margin deteriorated 39 basis points
to 49% from 49.4% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. The decline
was attributable to higher supply chain expenses due to investments
in hub stores and increased shrink expenses.
The company’s selling, general and administrative (SG&A)
rate fell 221 basis points to 40.6% of sales from 42.8% a year ago.
The decrease was driven by productivity improvements from the
company’s variable customer-driven labor model, occupancy cost
leverage and a significant decrease in overall administrative
costs. These were partially offset by continued strategic
investments in support of the company’s Service Leadership and
Superior Availability strategies.
Operating income rose 33.3% to $111.9 million (8.4% of sales)
from $83.9 million (6.6%) in the year-ago period. Operating income
per store increased to $184 from $168 in the corresponding quarter
of fiscal 2010.
Annual Results
For fiscal 2011, Advance Auto Parts recorded a 29% rise in
profit to $5.11 per share from $3.95 per share in the prior fiscal
year. Sales in the year rose 4% to $6.2 billion, reflecting
comparable store sales gain of 2.2% from $5.9 billion or comparable
store sales gain of 8.0% in the prior fiscal year.
Gross margin dipped 24 basis points to 49.7% from the prior
fiscal year. The company’s SG&A rate fell 114 basis points to
39.0% versus 40.1% in fiscal 2010. The company’s operating margin
increased 90 basis points to 10.8% compared with fiscal 2010.
Store Openings
During the quarter, Advance Auto Parts opened 19 stores, closed
1 Advance store and 1 Autopart International store. In fiscal 2011,
the company has opened 104 stores, including 9 Autopart
International stores, and closed 4 Advance stores and 1 Autopart
International store. As of December 31, 2011, the company’s total
store count was 3,662, including 202 Autopart International
stores.
Share Repurchase
During fiscal 2011, Advance Auto Parts repurchased 9.9 million
shares of its common stock for $609.7 million, reflecting an
average price of $61.51. At the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal
2011, the company had $200.0 million remaining under the $300.0
million share repurchase authorization approved by the Board of
Directors in August 2011.
Financials
Advance Auto Parts had cash and cash equivalents of $57.9
million as of December 31, 2011 compared with $59.2 million as of
January 1, 2011. Long-term debt stood at $416.0 million as of
December 31, 2011, reflecting a long-term debt-to-capitalization
ratio of 33%.
In the 52-week period ended December 31, 2011, operating cash
flow improved to $828.9 million from $666.2 million in the year-ago
period. Capital expenditures (net) increased to $266.8 million from
$199.3 million a year ago. As a result, free cash flow rose 9% to
$507.2 million from $466.4 million a year ago.
Fiscal 2011 Guidance
For fiscal 2012, Advance Auto Parts anticipates earnings in the
range of $5.55 to $5.75 per share, assuming an average diluted
share count of 74 million. The company also expects comparable
store sales gain of low to mid single digits.
The automotive retailer has projected to open 120–140 stores
during the year. This includes 110–120 Advance Auto Parts stores
and 10–20 Autopart International stores.
Capital expenditures are expected to lie in the range of $275
million to $300 million. Meanwhile, the company expects to generate
free cash flow of at least $400 million for the fiscal year.
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. operates in the U.S. automotive
aftermarket industry and is primarily engaged in selling
replacement parts (excluding tires), accessories, maintenance
items, batteries and automotive fluids for cars and light
trucks.
The company is the second leading retailer catering to the DIY
and DIFM (or Commercial) customers. It competes with
AutoZone Inc. (AZO), O’Reilly Automotive
Inc. (ORLY) and Pep Boys-Manny, Moe &
Jack (PBY).
Based on the improved results and guidance, the company retains
Zacks #2 Rank on its stock, which translates into a short-term (1–3
months) rating of Buy.
ADVANCE AUTO PT (AAP): Free Stock Analysis Report
AUTOZONE INC (AZO): Free Stock Analysis Report
O REILLY AUTO (ORLY): Free Stock Analysis Report
PEP BOYS M M &J (PBY): Free Stock Analysis Report
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