EXHIBIT 99.1
AutoZone Fourth Quarter Sales Up 2.5%; Adjusted EPS Up 7.3%
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Sept. 21, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO) today reported sales of $1.882 billion for its fiscal fourth quarter (16 weeks) ended August 27, 2005, up 2.5% from fiscal fourth quarter 2004. Same store sales, or sales for domestic stores open at least one year, were down 1% for the quarter. Operating margin decreased 116 basis points from last year to 18.7%, while operating profit decreased 3.5% over the prior year.
Net income for the quarter decreased 1.3% over the same period last year to $206.6 million, while diluted earnings per share, reflecting net income and the benefit of the Company's share repurchase program, increased 5.4% to $2.66 per share from $2.53 per share reported in the year-ago quarter.
For the quarter, gross profit, as a percentage of sales, was 48.7% (versus 49.2% last year). Last year's gross margin reflected $15.5 million of pre-tax gain from warranty credits. On a comparable basis, gross profit, for the quarter, as a percentage of sales, was 48.7% versus 48.3% last year. The improvement in comparable gross margin was largely due to the Company's ongoing category management initiatives as well as reduced sales of non-core, lower-margin, merchandise. Operating expenses, as a percentage of sales, were 30.0% (versus 29.4% last year). The increase in operating expenses reflected efforts to improve the customer shopping experience, from expanding hours of operation to ensuring stores were properly merchandised and well presented. Excluding last year's warranty credit, operating profit was up 0.8%.
Additionally, for this year's quarter there was a discrete income tax benefit of $6 million. Therefore, on a comparable basis, diluted earnings per share increased 7.3% to $2.59 versus the year-ago quarter of $2.41.
Under its ongoing share repurchase program, AutoZone repurchased 1.3 million shares of its common stock for $118.3 million during the fourth quarter, at an average price of $93 per share. Since 1998 cumulative share repurchases have totaled $4.1 billion, or 87.0 million shares at an average price of $47 per share.
The Company's gross per store inventory level (the reported balance sheet inventory, which is total inventory less supplier owned pay-on-scan) as of August 27, 2005, was $453 thousand versus $448 thousand last year. Net inventory, defined as gross inventory less accounts payable, decreased on a per store level to $34 thousand from $38 thousand last year reflecting an increase in accounts payable to 92.5% of inventory from 91.5% of inventory in the prior year. The increase in gross inventory levels reflects the Company's efforts to invest in the right part at the right place to further enhance its industry-leading brand in the eyes of its customers.
"Our operating margin this quarter reflects actions we took to improve the in-store customer experience. We increased training, placed additional focus on improving the appearance of our stores, and we intensified efforts to drive our unique and powerful culture. We are encouraged by our customers' and AutoZoners' initial response to these new initiatives. We will maintain our disciplined approach to growing operating earnings and utilizing our capital effectively, while looking to leverage our industry-leading position," said Bill Rhodes, President and Chief Executive Officer.
During the quarter ended August 27, 2005, AutoZone opened 87 new stores and replaced 3 stores in the U.S. while additionally opening 8 new stores in Mexico. As of August 27, 2005, the Company had 3,592 domestic stores and 81 stores in Mexico.
AutoZone is the nation's leading retailer of automotive parts and accessories. Each store carries an extensive product line for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Many domestic stores also have a commercial sales program that provides commercial credit and prompt delivery of parts and other products to local, regional and national repair garages, dealers, and service stations. AutoZone also sells the ALLDATA brand diagnostic and repair software. On the web, AutoZone sells diagnostic and repair information, and auto and light truck parts through www.autozone.com. AutoZone does not derive revenue from automotive repair or installation.
AutoZone will host a one-hour conference call this morning, Wednesday, September 21, 2005, beginning at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) to discuss the fourth quarter results. Investors may listen to the conference call live and review supporting slides on the AutoZone corporate website, www.autozoneinc.com by clicking "Investor Relations," "Conference Calls." The call will also be available by dialing (210) 839-8923. A replay of the call and slides will be available on AutoZone's website. In addition, a replay of the call will be available by dialing (402) 220-4124 through Wednesday, September 28, 2005, at 11:59 p.m. (EDT).
This release includes certain financial information not derived in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). This information should not be considered a substitute for any measures derived in accordance with GAAP. The Company believes that this information is useful to investors as it indicates more clearly the Company's comparative year-to-year operating results. Management manages the Company's debt levels to a ratio of adjusted debt to EBITDAR, as shown on the attached tables. This is important information for the Company's management of its debt levels. We have included a reconciliation of this information to the most comparable GAAP measures in the accompanying reconciliation tables.
The AutoZone logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1759
Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements typically use words such as "believe," "anticipate," "should," "intend," "plan," "will," "expect," "estimate," "project," "positioned," "strategy," and similar expressions. These are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors that we believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: competition; product demand; the economy; the ability to hire and retain qualified employees; consumer debt levels; inflation; weather; raw material costs of our suppliers; gasoline prices; war and the prospect of war, including terrorist activity; availability of consumer transportation; construction delays; access to available and feasible financing; and our ability to continue to negotia te pay-on-scan and other arrangements with our vendors. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results; developments and business decisions may differ from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements, and such events could materially and adversely affect our business. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Actual results may materially differ from anticipated results. Please refer to the Risk Factors section of AutoZone's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2004, for more information related to those risks.
AutoZone's 4th Quarter Highlights - Fiscal 2005
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
4th Quarter
(in thousands, except per share data)
GAAP Results Adjustments
---------------------- ----------------------
16 Weeks Ended 16 Weeks Ended
8/27/05 8/28/04 8/27/05(a) 8/28/04(b)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net sales $1,882,236 $1,835,728 $ -- $ --
Cost of sales 965,963 932,737 -- 15,469
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit 916,273 902,991 -- (15,469)
Operating, SG&A
expenses 565,103 539,236 -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit
(EBIT) 351,170 363,755 -- (15,469)
Interest expense,
net 32,785 28,713 -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income before taxes 318,385 335,042 -- (15,469)
Income taxes 111,770 125,650 6,029 (5,801)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income $ 206,615 $ 209,392 $ (6,029) $ (9,668)
========== ========== ========== ==========
Net income per share:
Basic $ 2.69 $ 2.56 $ (0.08) $ (0.12)
Diluted $ 2.66 $ 2.53 $ (0.08) $ (0.12)
Weighted average
shares outstanding:
Basic 76,778 81,755
Diluted 77,574 82,887
Adjusted
---------------------------
16 Weeks Ended
8/27/05(a) 8/28/04(b)
---------- ----------
Net sales $1,882,236 $1,835,728
Cost of sales 965,963 948,206
---------- ----------
Gross profit 916,273 887,522
Operating, SG&A expenses 565,103 539,236
---------- ----------
Operating profit (EBIT) 351,170 348,286
Interest expense, net 32,785 28,713
---------- ----------
Income before taxes 318,385 319,573
Income taxes 117,799 119,849
---------- ----------
Net income $ 200,586 $ 199,724
========== ==========
Net income per share:
Basic $ 2.61 $ 2.44
Diluted $ 2.59 $ 2.41
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 76,778 81,755
Diluted 77,574 82,887
(a) Fiscal 2005 income taxes include a discrete tax benefit of $6.0
million.
(b) Fiscal 2004 cost of sales includes a $15.5 million pre-tax gain
($9.7 million after-tax) from warranty.
Full Year
(in thousands, except per share data)
GAAP Results Adjustments
---------------------- -----------------------
52 Weeks Ended 52 Weeks Ended
8/27/05 8/28/04 8/27/05(a) 8/28/04(b)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net sales $5,710,882 $5,637,025 $ -- $ --
Cost of Sales 2,918,334 2,880,446 -- 42,094
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit 2,792,548 2,756,579 -- (42,094)
Operating SG&A
expenses 1,816,884 1,757,873 (40,321) 0
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit
(EBIT) 975,664 998,706 40,321 (42,094)
Interest expense,
net 102,443 92,804 -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income before
taxes 873,221 905,902 40,321 (42,094)
Taxes 302,202 339,700 36,248 (15,784)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income $ 571,019 $ 566,202 $ 4,073 $ (26,310)
========== ========== ========== ==========
Net income
per share:
Basic $ 7.27 $ 6.66 $ 0.05 $ (0.31)
Diluted $ 7.18 $ 6.56 $ 0.05 $ (0.30)
Weighted average
shares outstanding:
Basic 78,530 84,993
Diluted 79,508 86,350
Adjusted
--------------------------
52 Weeks Ended
8/27/05(a) 8/28/04(b)
---------- ----------
Net sales $5,710,882 $5,637,025
Cost of Sales 2,918,334 2,922,540
---------- ----------
Gross profit 2,792,548 2,714,485
Operating SG&A expenses 1,776,563 1,757,873
---------- ----------
Operating profit (EBIT) 1,015,985 956,612
Interest expense, net 102,443 92,804
---------- ----------
Income before taxes 913,542 863,808
Taxes 338,450 323,916
---------- ----------
Net income $ 575,092 $ 539,892
========== ==========
Net income per share:
Basic $ 7.32 $ 6.35
Diluted $ 7.23 $ 6.25
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 78,530 84,993
Diluted 79,508 86,350
(a) Fiscal year 2005 includes a ($40.3 million pre-tax or $25.4
million net of tax) non-cash adjustment, substantially all of
which relates to prior years, associated with accounting for
leases and leasehold improvements. Additionally, fiscal year 2005
income taxes include a $21.3 million benefit primarily from the
planned one-time repatriation from foreign subsidiaries, and
discrete tax benefits.
(b) Fiscal 2004 cost of sales includes a $42.1 million pre-tax
gain ($26.3 million after tax) from warranty.
Selected Balance Sheet Information
(in thousands)
August 27, August 28,
2005 2004
----------- -----------
Merchandise inventories $ 1,663,860 $ 1,561,479
Current assets 1,929,459 1,755,757
Property and equipment, net 1,937,615 1,790,089
Total assets 4,245,257 3,912,565
Accounts payable 1,539,776 1,429,128
Current liabilities 1,811,159 1,751,051
Debt 1,861,850 1,869,250
Stockholders' equity 391,007 171,393
Working capital 118,300 4,706
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted Debt/EBITDAR August 27, August 28,
(Trailing 4 Qtrs) 2005 2004
--------------------- ----------- -----------
Net income $ 571,019 $ 566,202
Add: Interest 102,443 92,804
Taxes 302,202 339,700
----------- -----------
EBIT 975,664 998,706
Add: Depreciation 135,597 106,891
Rent expense 150,645 116,937
----------- -----------
EBITDAR $ 1,261,906 $ 1,222,534
Debt $ 1,861,850 $ 1,869,250
Add: Rent x 6(a) 774,708 701,622
----------- -----------
Adjusted debt $ 2,636,558 $ 2,570,872
Adjusted debt to EBITDAR 2.1 2.1
(a) Excludes the impact from the cumulative lease accounting
adjustment recorded in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005.
Selected Cash Flow Information
(in thousands)
16 Weeks Ended 52 Weeks Ended
-------------------- --------------------
August 27, August 28, August 27, August 28,
2005 2004 2005 2004
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Depreciation $ 38,928 $ 34,050 $ 135,597 $ 106,891
Capital spending $ 96,539 $ 72,692 $ 283,478 $ 184,870
Cash flow before
share repurchase:
Net decrease in cash
and cash equivalents $ (2,568) $ (10,951) $ (2,042) $ (16,250)
Subtract increase in debt (52,675) 70,333 (7,400) 322,405
Subtract share repurchases (118,294) (317,799) (426,852) (848,102)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash flow before share
repurchases and changes
in debt $ 168,401 $ 236,515 $ 432,210 $ 509,447
========= ========= ========= =========
Other Selected Financial Information
(in thousands)
August 27, 2005 August 28, 2004
--------------- ---------------
Cumulative share
repurchases ($) $4,101,766 $3,674,913
Cumulative share
repurchases (shares) 87,035 82,214
Shares outstanding,
end of quarter 76,539 79,628
--------------------------------------------------------------------
August 27, 2005 August 28, 2004
--------------- ---------------
Return on Equity (ROE)(a) 203.0% 207.7%
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Trailing 4 Quarters
August 27, 2005 August 28, 2004
--------------- ---------------
Return on Invested
Capital (ROIC)(a) 23.9% 25.1%
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Excludes the impact from the cumulative lease accounting
adjustment and the one-time income tax benefit from the
repatriation from foreign subsidiaries recorded in the second
quarter of fiscal year 2005.
AutoZone's 4th Quarter Fiscal 2005
Selected Operating Highlights
Store Count & Square Footage
----------------------------
16 Weeks Ended 52 Weeks Ended
Aug. 27, Aug. 28, Aug. 27, Aug. 28,
2005 2004 2005 2004
------- ------- ------- -------
Domestic stores:
Store count:
Stores opened 87 84 175 202
Stores closed -- 1 3 1
Replacement stores 3 2 7 4
Total domestic stores 3,592 3,420
Stores with commercial sales 2,104 2,209
Square footage
(in thousands): 22,808 21,689
Square footage per store 6,350 6,342
Stores in Mexico:
Stores opened 8 3 18 14
Total stores in Mexico 81 63
Total stores chainwide 3,673 3,483
Sales Statistics (Domestic Stores Only)
---------------------------------------
16 Weeks Ended Trailing 4 Quarters
August 27, August 28, August 27, August 28,
2005 2004 2005 2004
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total retail
sales ($ in
thousands) $1,586,339 $1,540,854 $4,795,648 $4,727,402
% Increase vs. LY
retail sales 3% (1%) 1% 2%
Total commercial
sales ($ in
thousands) $ 229,703 $ 239,715 $ 718,150 $ 740,480
% Increase vs. LY
commercial sales (4%) 5% (3%) 11%
Sales per average store
($ in thousands) $ 512 $ 527 $ 1,573 $ 1,647
Sales per average
square foot 81 83 248 259
16 Weeks Ended 52 Weeks Ended
August 27, August 28, August 27, August 28,
2005 2004 2005 2004
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Same store sales (1%) (3%) (2%) 0%
Inventory Statistics (Total Stores)
-----------------------------------
as of
August 27, August 28,
2005 2004
---------- ----------
Accounts payable/inventory 92.5% 91.5%
($ in thousands)
Gross inventory(a) $1,663,860 $1,561,479
Gross inventory(a) / store $ 453 $ 448
Net inventory (net of payables) $ 124,084 $ 132,351
Net inventory / store $ 34 $ 38
(a) Gross inventory excludes Pay On Scan inventory. This is the
reported balance sheet number.
Trailing 4 Quarters
August 27, August 28,
2005 2004
--------- ---------
Inventory turns:
Based on average inventories 1.8 x 1.9 x
Based on ending inventories 1.8 x 1.8 x
Inventory turns, net of payables:
Based on average inventories 9.7 x 9.7 x
Based on ending inventories 23.5 x 21.8 x
CONTACT: AutoZone, Inc.
Financial:
Brian Campbell
(901) 495-7005
brian.campbell@autozone.com
Media:
Ray Pohlman
(901) 495-7962
ray.pohlman@autozone.com
