10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

AUTOZONE INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended May 4, 2002

Filed June 7, 2002For Securities:AZO

Summary

AutoZone Inc. reported strong performance for the third quarter of fiscal year 2002, ending May 4, 2002. The company demonstrated robust sales growth, with net sales increasing by 7.4% year-over-year for the twelve-week period, driven by a healthy 9% increase in comparable store sales. This growth was attributed to a higher customer count and increased average transaction value. The company also achieved significant gross margin improvement to 44.3% from 42.3% in the prior year's comparable quarter, benefiting from lower product costs, supply chain efficiencies, and strategic pricing. Operating expenses, as a percentage of net sales, also decreased due to expense leverage and operating savings from prior restructuring efforts. Financially, AutoZone's net income surged by over 61% to $102.3 million for the quarter, with diluted earnings per share rising to $0.96 from $0.56 in the prior year. The company generated substantial operating cash flow and continued to prioritize capital allocation towards share repurchases, underscoring a commitment to returning value to shareholders. Management remains optimistic about future growth, planning to open approximately 100 new domestic stores in fiscal year 2002.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 7.4% to $1.22 billion for the twelve weeks ended May 4, 2002, driven by a 9% increase in comparable store sales.
  • 2Gross margin improved to 44.3% from 42.3% in the prior year's comparable period, attributed to lower product costs, supply chain leverage, and strategic pricing.
  • 3Operating, selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of net sales to 29.4% from 30.7% due to expense leverage and restructuring savings.
  • 4Net income for the quarter significantly increased by 61.1% to $102.3 million, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $0.96, up from $0.56 in the prior year.
  • 5Operating cash flow for the 36 weeks ended May 4, 2002, was $388.9 million, a substantial increase from $206.2 million in the prior year period.
  • 6AutoZone repurchased approximately $412.4 million of common stock during the 36-week period, demonstrating a strong commitment to shareholder returns.
  • 7The company plans to open approximately 100 new domestic auto parts stores during fiscal year 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sales growth was primarily driven by a 9% increase in comparable store sales, attributed to a higher customer count and an increase in the average dollars spent per customer. Excluding the impact of the divested TruckPro business, net sales increased by 11.0%.

Profitability improved due to a higher gross margin (44.3% vs. 42.3%), resulting from lower product costs, improved supply chain efficiency, and better pricing strategies. Additionally, operating expenses decreased as a percentage of sales due to expense leverage from higher sales and ongoing savings from prior restructuring initiatives.

AutoZone generated strong operating cash flow and continues to prioritize returning capital to shareholders through significant share repurchases. While debt levels remain substantial, interest coverage has improved, and the company anticipates being able to fund future capital expenditures and working capital requirements through internally generated funds and potential borrowings.

The company is involved in a significant lawsuit regarding the Robinson-Patman Act, which it believes is without merit and will ultimately prevail in. Restructuring charges from previous periods continue to be managed, with progress made in closing stores and selling excess properties, though some adjustments and writedowns were made related to these ongoing efforts.