Advance Auto Parts Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2011 Diluted EPS Increase of 26% to $1.46; Operating Income Rate Expands to 12.8%

ROANOKE, Va.--()--Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE: AAP), a leading retailer of automotive aftermarket parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items, today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended July 16, 2011. Second quarter earnings per diluted share (EPS) were $1.46 which was a 26% increase over the second quarter last year.

                   
Second Quarter Performance Summary
         
Twelve Weeks Ended Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended
July 16, 2011 July 17, 2010 July 16, 2011 July 17, 2010
 
Sales (in millions) $ 1,479.8 $ 1,418.0 $ 3,377.9 $ 3,248.6
 
Comp Store Sales % 2.5 % 5.8 % 1.9 % 6.9 %
 
Gross Profit % 49.7 % 50.4 % 50.2 % 50.1 %
 
SG&A % 37.0 % 38.3 % 39.1 % 39.2 %
 
Operating Income % 12.8 % 12.1 % 11.1 % 10.9 %
 
Diluted EPS $ 1.46 $ 1.16 $ 2.79 $ 2.34
 
Avg Diluted Shares (in thousands) 77,426 86,410 79,484 89,303

“We are very pleased with our second quarter results that include double-digit comparable store sales growth in commercial and incremental improvements in DIY,” said Darren R. Jackson, Chief Executive Officer. “Our teams have done a terrific job retooling our operations and financial plans without compromising our core strategic investments to adapt to the reality of the current business environment. We are pleased with the solid start to our third quarter and we remain on track to deliver our financial and strategic objectives for the year.”

Second Quarter and Year-to-Date Highlights

Total sales for the second quarter increased 4.4% to $1.48 billion, compared with total sales of $1.42 billion during the second quarter of fiscal 2010. The sales increase reflects the net addition of 130 new stores during the past 12 months and a comparable store sales gain of 2.5% on top of a 5.8% comparable store sales gain during the second quarter of fiscal 2010. Year-to-date, comparable store sales increased 1.9% which was on top of a 6.9% increase over the same period in fiscal 2010.

The Company’s gross profit rate was 49.7% of sales during the second quarter as compared to 50.4% during the second quarter last year. The 72 basis-point decline in the gross profit rate was driven by increased shrink expense, supply chain expense deleverage due to investments in HUBs and higher fuel costs, and increased product acquisition costs, partially offset by continued improvements in merchandising and pricing capabilities. Year-to-date, the Company’s gross profit rate was 50.2%, or 10 basis points favorable over the same period in fiscal 2010.

The Company’s SG&A rate was 37.0% of sales during the second quarter as compared to 38.3% during the same period last year. This 138 basis point decrease was primarily due to reduced incentive compensation, benefits from the Company’s new variable customer driven labor model which includes the anniversary of investment rollout expenses, as well as a significant decrease in support costs. Partially offsetting the expense reductions were increased strategic investments in support of the Company’s Service Leadership and Superior Availability strategies as well as higher fuel costs associated with the Company’s commercial delivery program. Year-to-date, the Company’s SG&A rate was 39.1% versus 39.2% during the same period last year.

The Company’s operating income during the second quarter of $188.9 million increased 10.1%, or 66 basis points, to 12.8% of total sales as compared to 12.1% during the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

Operating cash flow through the second quarter was $469.6 million versus $495.5 million last year. Free cash flow through the second quarter decreased 29.5% to $287.3 million from $407.6 million last year. Capital expenditures were $151.6 million through the second quarter as compared to $99.3 million through the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

“We are pleased with our 26% increase in EPS and our 66 basis-point improvement in the second quarter operating income rate to 12.8%,” said Mike Norona, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “This profit growth was driven by the 138 basis points of cost leverage that our team delivered through our efforts to build a more competitive cost structure. While we are still in the early stages, this work is enabling us to continue to invest in areas such as commercial, e-commerce and our DIY business. These investments and favorable industry dynamics give us confidence in our ability to grow and improve our profitability.”

                           

Comparable Key Financial Metrics and Statistics (1)

           
Twelve Weeks Ended Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended Fifty-Two Weeks Ended
July 16, 2011 July 17, 2010 July 16, 2011 July 17, 2010 FY 2010 FY 2009
 
Sales Growth % 4.4 % 7.2 % 4.0 % 8.1 % 9.5 % 7.1 %
 
Sales per Store $ 1,700 $ 1,638 $ 1,700 $ 1,638 $ 1,697 $ 1,595
 
Operating Income per Store $ 170 $ 153 $ 170 $ 153 $ 168 $ 142
 
Return on Invested Capital 18.5 % 16.5 % 18.5 % 16.5 % 17.5 % 15.1 %
 
Gross Margin Return on Inventory $ 5.89 $ 4.70 $ 5.89 $ 4.70 $ 5.05 $ 3.98
 
Total Store Square Footage, end of period 26,400 25,543 26,400 25,543 25,950 24,973
 
Total Team Members, end of period 52,141 50,961 52,141 50,961 51,017 48,771
 
       

(1)

 

In thousands except for gross margin return on inventory and total Team Members. The financial metrics have been reported on a comparable basis to exclude the impact of store divestiture expenses in fiscal 2009. The financial metrics presented are calculated on an annual basis and accordingly reflect the last four quarters completed, except for Sales Growth % and where noted. Refer to the presentation of the financial metrics on a GAAP basis, definitions of the financial metrics and reconciliation of the financial results reported on a comparable basis to the GAAP basis in the accompanying financial statements in this press release.

Store Information

During the second quarter, the Company opened 28 stores, and closed 1 store. As of July 16, 2011, the Company’s total store count was 3,627 including 203 Autopart International stores.

Share Repurchases

During the second quarter, the Company repurchased 4.0 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $239.7 million, or an average price of $60.31 per share. Through the second quarter the Company has repurchased 8.2 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $509.7 million, or an average price of $62.07 per share.

Share Repurchase Authorization

On August 9, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $300 million share repurchase program. This new authorization replaces the Company’s $500 million share repurchase program authorized in February 2011, which had $112 million remaining.

Dividend

On August 9, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share to be paid on October 7, 2011 to stockholders of record as of September 23, 2011.

Investor Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to discuss its quarterly results. To listen to the live call, please log on to the Company’s website, www.AdvanceAutoParts.com, or dial (866) 908-1AAP. The call will be archived on the Company’s website until August 12, 2012.

About Advance Auto Parts

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts, Inc., a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. As of July 16, 2011, the Company operated 3,627 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services, and online shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company’s website at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.

Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements, as that statement is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements address future events or developments, and typically use words such as believe, anticipate, expect, intend, plan, forecast, outlook or estimate. These statements discuss, among other things, expected growth and future performance, including store growth, capital expenditures, comparable store sales, SG&A, operating income, gross profit rate, free cash flow, profitability and earnings per diluted share for fiscal year 2011. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, but not limited to, competitive pressures, demand for the Company’s products, the market for auto parts, the economy in general, inflation, consumer debt levels, the weather, business interruptions, acts of terrorism, availability of suitable real estate, dependence on foreign suppliers and other factors disclosed in the Company’s 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2011 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results described in these forward-looking statements. The Company intends these forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of this news release and does not undertake to update or revise them as more information becomes available.

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
         
July 16, January 1, July 17,
2011 2011 2010
 

Assets

 
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 68,820 $ 59,209 $ 160,818
Receivables, net 122,188 124,227 114,885
Inventories, net 2,091,913 1,863,870 1,816,998
Other current assets   59,245   76,965   48,669
Total current assets 2,342,166 2,124,271 2,141,370
 
Property and equipment, net 1,172,132 1,143,170 1,098,901
Assets held for sale 707 1,472 1,472
Goodwill 34,387 34,387 34,387
Intangible assets, net 24,839 25,360 25,834
Other assets, net   29,237   25,557   26,763
$ 3,603,468 $ 3,354,217 $ 3,328,727
 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 991 $ 973 $ 1,075
Financed vendor accounts payable - 31,648 43,442
Accounts payable 1,570,320 1,292,113 1,266,244
Accrued expenses (a) 396,187 404,086 452,490
Other current liabilities (a)   118,537   119,229   82,963
Total current liabilities 2,086,035 1,848,049 1,846,214
 
Long-term debt 565,420 300,851 301,254
Other long-term liabilities (a) 187,735 165,943 114,809
Total stockholders' equity   764,278   1,039,374   1,066,450
$ 3,603,468 $ 3,354,217 $ 3,328,727
 
(a)  

Effective January 1, 2011, the Company reclassified $50.3 million of its self-insurance liability from Accrued expenses to Other long-term liabilities because the timing of future payments had become predictable based on historical patterns. Due to the maturity of the program, the Company can now rely upon these historical patterns in determining the current portion of these liabilities. This reclassification was partially offset by the related income tax impact.

 

NOTE: These preliminary condensed consolidated balance sheets have been prepared on a basis consistent with our previously prepared balance sheets filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for our prior quarter and annual report, but do not include the footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, for complete financial statements.

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Twelve Week Periods Ended
July 16, 2011 and July 17, 2010
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
July 16, July 17,
2011 2010
 
Net sales $ 1,479,839 $ 1,417,956
 
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs   743,991     702,688  
 
Gross profit 735,848 715,268
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   546,921     543,666  
 
Operating income   188,927     171,602  
 
Other, net:
Interest expense (8,007 ) (7,176 )
Other expense, net   (212 )   (1,702 )
Total other, net   (8,219 )   (8,878 )
 
Income before provision for income taxes 180,708 162,724
 
Provision for income taxes   67,601     61,813  
 
 
Net income $ 113,107   $ 100,911  
 
Basic earnings per share (a) $ 1.48 $ 1.18
Diluted earnings per share (a) $ 1.46 $ 1.16
 
Average common shares outstanding (a) 75,979 85,394
Average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution (a) 77,426 86,410
 

(a)

  Average common shares outstanding is calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the quarter. At July 16, 2011 and July 17, 2010, we had 74,072 and 84,198 shares outstanding, respectively.
NOTE: These preliminary condensed consolidated statements of operations have been prepared on a basis consistent with our previously prepared statements of operations filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for our prior quarter and annual report, but do not include the footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Twenty-Eight Week Periods Ended
July 16, 2011 and July 17, 2010
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
   
July 16, July 17,
2011 2010
 
Net sales $ 3,377,902 $ 3,248,562
 
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs   1,683,853     1,622,517  
 
Gross profit 1,694,049 1,626,045
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   1,319,145     1,272,271  
 
Operating income   374,904     353,774  
 
Other, net:
Interest expense (17,726 ) (13,132 )
Other expense, net   (157 )   (1,178 )
Total other, net   (17,883 )   (14,310 )
 
Income before provision for income taxes 357,021 339,464
 
Provision for income taxes   134,331     129,122  
 
 
Net income $ 222,690   $ 210,342  
 
Basic earnings per share (a) $ 2.85 $ 2.37
Diluted earnings per share (a) $ 2.79 $ 2.34
 
Average common shares outstanding (a) 77,973 88,433
Average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution (a) 79,484 89,303
 

(a)

  Average common shares outstanding is calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year-to-date period. At July 16, 2011 and July 17, 2010, we had 74,072 and 84,198 shares outstanding, respectively.
NOTE: These preliminary condensed consolidated statements of operations have been prepared on a basis consistent with our previously prepared statements of operations filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for our prior quarter and annual report, but do not include the footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Twenty-Eight Week Periods Ended
July 16, 2011 and July 17, 2010
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
   
July 16, July 17,
2011 2010
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 222,690 $ 210,342
Depreciation and amortization 92,973 86,933
Share-based compensation 9,992 11,343
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes 25,962 (2,118 )
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation (4,780 ) (2,809 )
Other non-cash adjustments to net income 2,674 3,860
Decrease (increase) in:
Receivables, net 2,057 (22,325 )
Inventories, net (228,043 ) (185,131 )
Other assets 17,162 14,229
Increase in:
Accounts payable 278,207 299,970
Accrued expenses 41,922 78,094
Other liabilities   8,734     3,112  
Net cash provided by operating activities 469,550 495,500
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment (151,595 ) (99,327 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment   1,028     104  
Net cash used in investing activities (150,567 ) (99,223 )
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
(Decrease) increase in bank overdrafts (7,820 ) 3,099
(Decrease) increase in financed vendor accounts payable (31,648 ) 11,350
Issuance of senior unsecured notes - 298,761
Early extinguishment of debt - (200,000 )
Net borrowings (payments) on credit facilities 265,000 -
Payment of debt related costs (3,561 ) (4,530 )
Dividends paid (14,155 ) (16,010 )

Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise
of stock options

7,673 27,142
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation 4,780 2,809
Repurchase of common stock (529,176 ) (457,371 )
Other   (465 )   (727 )
Net cash used in financing activities   (309,372 )   (335,477 )
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 9,611 60,800
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   59,209     100,018  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 68,820   $ 160,818  
 
NOTE: These preliminary condensed consolidated statements of cash flows have been prepared on a consistent basis with previously prepared statements of cash flows filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for our prior quarter and annual report, but do not include the footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Financial Schedules
Twenty-Eight Week Periods Ended
July 16, 2011 and July 17, 2010
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
     

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow:

July 16, July 17,
2011 2010
 
Cash flows from operating activities $ 469,550 $ 495,500
Cash flows used in investing activities   (150,567 )   (99,223 )
318,983 396,277
 

(Decrease) increase in financed vendor accounts payable

  (31,648 )   11,350  
 
Free cash flow $ 287,335   $ 407,627  
 
Note: Management uses free cash flow as a measure of our liquidity and believes it is a useful indicator to stockholders of our ability to implement our growth strategies and service our debt. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure and should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, information contained in our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
           

Key Financial Metrics and Statistics(1):

    Twelve Weeks Ended Twenty-Eight Weeks Ended

Fifty-Two Weeks Ended

July 16, 2011 July 17, 2010 July 16, 2011 July 17, 2010 FY 2010 FY 2009
 
Sales Growth % 4.4 % 7.2 % 4.0 % 8.1 % 9.5 % 5.3 %
 
Sales per Store (2)(3) $ 1,700 $ 1,638 $ 1,700 $ 1,638 $ 1,697 $ 1,595
 
Operating Income per Store (2)(4) $ 170 $ 149 $ 170 $ 149 $ 168 $ 134
 
Return on Invested Capital (2)(5) 18.5 % 16.4 % 18.5 % 16.4 % 17.5 % 14.6 %
 
Gross Margin Return on Inventory (2)(6) $ 5.89 $ 4.70 $ 5.89 $ 4.70 $ 5.05 $ 3.98
 
Total Store Square Footage, end of period 26,400 25,543 26,400 25,543 25,950 24,973
 
Total Team Members, end of period 52,141 50,961 52,141 50,961 51,017 48,771
 
(1)   In thousands except for gross margin return on inventory and total Team Members. These financial metrics have been reported on a GAAP basis which include the impact of store divestiture expenses in fiscal 2009. These financial metrics should be read in conjunction with our financial metrics presented on a comparable basis earlier in this press release. Refer to the “Selected Consolidated Data” on page 18 of our 2010 Form 10-K for further explanation of these items.
 
(2) The financial metrics presented are calculated on an annual basis and accordingly reflect the last four quarters completed.
 
(3) Sales per store is calculated as net sales divided by an average of beginning and ending store count.
 
(4) Operating income per store is calculated as operating income divided by an average of beginning and ending store count.
 
(5) Return on invested capital (ROIC) is calculated in detail in these supplemental financial schedules.
 
(6) Gross margin return on inventory is calculated as gross profit divided by an average of beginning and ending inventory, net of accounts payable and financed vendor accounts payable.
     

Detail of Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) Calculation:

  Last Four Quarters Ended
July 16, 2011 July 17, 2010
As Reported As Reported

Comparable
Adjustments (a)

  Comparable
 
Net income $ 358,401 $ 306,800 $ 6,919 $ 313,719
Add:
After-tax interest expense and other, net 19,619 15,050 - 15,050
After-tax rent expense   190,984     187,323     -     187,323  
After-Tax Operating Earnings 569,004 509,173 6,919 516,092
 
Average assets (less cash) 3,351,278 3,043,245 13,029 3,056,274
Less: Average liabilities (excluding total debt) (2,116,364 ) (1,731,120 ) (4,936 ) (1,736,056 )
Add: Capitalized lease obligation (rent expense * 6) (b)   1,837,002     1,798,878     -     1,798,878  
Total Invested Capital 3,071,916 3,111,003 8,093 3,119,096
 
ROIC 18.5 % 16.4 % - 16.5 %
 
Rent expense $ 306,167 $ 299,813 $ - $ 299,813
Interest expense and other, net $ 31,451 $ 24,096 $ - $ 24,096
 

(a)

  The Company has also presented its ROIC calculation on a comparable basis which excludes the impact of store divestiture expenses in fiscal 2009. Refer to the “Selected Consolidated Data” on page 18 of our 2010 Form 10-K for further explanation of these items.
 

(b)

Capitalized lease obligation is estimated as annualized rent expense for the applicable period times six years.
Note: Management uses ROIC to evaluate return on investments to the business and believes it is a useful indicator to stockholders given the future investments the Company plans to make in areas including information technology, supply chain and stores. ROIC is a non-GAAP measure and should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, information contained in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Management believes our comparable results of operations are a useful indicator to stockholders for consistency purposes.

Contacts

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
Media Contact:
Shelly Whitaker, APR
Direct 540-561-8452
shelly.whitaker@advanceautoparts.com
or
Investor Contact:
Joshua Moore
Direct 952-715-5076
Joshua.moore@advanceautoparts.com

Contacts

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
Media Contact:
Shelly Whitaker, APR
Direct 540-561-8452
shelly.whitaker@advanceautoparts.com
or
Investor Contact:
Joshua Moore
Direct 952-715-5076
Joshua.moore@advanceautoparts.com