10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2008

O REILLY AUTOMOTIVE INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2008

Filed May 9, 2008For Securities:ORLY

Summary

O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. (ORLY) reported its first-quarter 2008 results, showing a slight increase in sales to $646.2 million, up 5.4% year-over-year. This growth was primarily driven by the addition of new stores and ongoing sales from existing ones. However, net income saw a decrease to $46.3 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, down from $48.4 million ($0.42 per diluted share) in the prior year's first quarter. This decline was attributed to increased selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses and a dip in comparable store sales, which fell by 0.4% due to a challenging macroeconomic environment and strong prior-year comparisons. A significant development announced post-quarter was the definitive merger agreement with CSK Auto Corporation, valued at approximately $1.0 billion. This acquisition is expected to close in the summer of 2008 and is being financed through a newly committed $1.2 billion credit facility. Despite current economic headwinds impacting consumer spending, O'Reilly remains confident in the long-term drivers of the automotive aftermarket, focusing on market share expansion through new stores and its dual strategy of serving both DIY and professional installer customers.

Key Highlights

  • 1Sales increased by 5.4% to $646.2 million for the first quarter of 2008, driven by new store openings and existing store performance.
  • 2Net income decreased by 4.4% to $46.3 million, with diluted EPS falling to $0.40 from $0.42 in the prior year's first quarter.
  • 3Comparable store sales declined by 0.4%, impacted by a challenging macroeconomic environment and strong prior-year comparisons.
  • 4Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 33.2% from 31.3% in the prior year's first quarter, impacting profitability.
  • 5The company announced a significant agreement to acquire CSK Auto Corporation for approximately $1.0 billion, expected to close in summer 2008, to be financed by a new $1.2 billion credit facility.
  • 6Cash flow from operations decreased to $118.9 million from $128.6 million, primarily due to lower net income and less favorable changes in working capital compared to the prior year.
  • 7Inventory levels increased, and the company continues to invest in its store expansion program, with plans for approximately 113 additional stores in the remainder of 2008, although this growth rate is below historical levels due to the CSK acquisition.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the first quarter ended March 31, 2008, O'Reilly Automotive reported a 5.4% increase in sales to $646.2 million. However, net income decreased by 4.4% to $46.3 million, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $0.40, down from $0.42 in the same period last year. This decline was mainly due to increased operating expenses and a slight decrease in comparable store sales.

Key long-term drivers for O'Reilly include the number of miles driven, the number of registered vehicles, and the increasing average age of vehicles on the road, which necessitates more maintenance. Challenges in the first quarter of 2008 included a difficult macroeconomic environment leading to weakened consumer demand and unperformed maintenance, as well as strong comparable store sales from the prior year, which resulted in a 0.4% decrease in comparable store sales for the current quarter.

The proposed acquisition of CSK Auto Corporation for approximately $1.0 billion is a major strategic move expected to be completed in the summer of 2008. This acquisition will expand O'Reilly's market presence and is being financed through a $1.2 billion asset-based revolving credit facility, indicating a significant growth initiative for the company. The FTC has granted early termination of the waiting period for antitrust approval.

O'Reilly Automotive generated $118.9 million in cash from operating activities in Q1 2008, though this was lower than the prior year. Capital expenditures for new stores and the planned CSK acquisition are substantial. The company has access to a $100 million revolving credit facility and has committed to a new $1.2 billion credit facility to support the acquisition and ongoing liquidity needs. Management believes these resources are sufficient to fund both short-term and long-term capital requirements.