10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2007

O REILLY AUTOMOTIVE INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2007

Filed November 9, 2007For Securities:ORLY

Summary

O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. (ORLY) reported solid financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, demonstrating continued growth and operational efficiency. Sales increased by 11.2% to $1.92 billion, driven by a 4.3% increase in comparable store sales and the opening of 134 net new stores. This growth was supported by improved product mix, lower acquisition costs, and distribution system enhancements, which led to a healthy increase in gross profit margin to 44.3% from 43.9% in the prior year period. The company also reported strong operating income growth and a net income of $153.4 million, a 11.0% increase year-over-year. Liquidity remains robust, with net cash provided by operating activities increasing significantly to $281.9 million. While investing activities saw higher outflows due to store expansion and technology upgrades, the company maintained ample borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility and expressed confidence in its ability to fund future growth and operational needs through a combination of cash flow, existing balances, and credit facilities.

Key Highlights

  • 1Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, increased 11.2% to $1.92 billion, compared to $1.72 billion in the same period of 2006.
  • 2Comparable store sales increased by 4.3% for both the three and nine-month periods, indicating healthy organic growth.
  • 3Gross profit margin improved to 44.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, up from 43.9% in the prior year period, attributed to better product mix, lower acquisition costs, and distribution efficiencies.
  • 4Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, grew by 11.0% to $153.4 million, from $137.7 million in the comparable 2006 period.
  • 5Operating cash flow significantly increased by 76.4% to $281.9 million for the first nine months of 2007, demonstrating strong cash generation.
  • 6The company expanded its store base, operating 1,744 stores at the end of the third quarter of 2007, an increase from 1,596 stores in the prior year.
  • 7O'Reilly Automotive maintains a strong liquidity position with $109.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and $68.4 million in available borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. demonstrated strong performance with a notable increase in sales and net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Sales grew by 11.2% to $1.92 billion, supported by a 4.3% rise in comparable store sales. Net income increased by 11.0% to $153.4 million, reflecting improved operational efficiencies and gross profit margins. The company also saw a substantial increase in operating cash flow, indicating robust financial health.

The company is actively managing its inventory and vendor relationships, which contributed to an increase in operating cash flow. This includes extending payment terms with vendors and optimizing inventory levels. These efforts, combined with improved product mix and distribution system enhancements, have also contributed to a rise in gross profit margins.

O'Reilly's growth strategy centers on expanding its store footprint, evidenced by the opening of 134 net new stores in the first nine months of 2007. The company plans to finance its ongoing expansion program through cash generated from operations, existing cash balances, and available credit facilities. They believe these sources are sufficient to meet both short-term and long-term capital needs.

The report indicates that the primary market risk the company faces is interest rate risk related to its revolving credit facility, which currently has no outstanding borrowings. Management notes they would likely take actions to mitigate exposure if borrowing levels increase significantly. Other risks are detailed in the company's annual report on Form 10-K. The company also discusses the adoption of FIN 48 regarding uncertain tax positions, noting an accrued gross exposure for unrecognized tax benefits.