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AutoZone Inc (AZO)
:AZO

AutoZone (AZO) AI Stock Analysis

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AZAutoZone
(NYSE:AZO)
71Outperform
AutoZone's stock is bolstered by strong profitability and cash flow performance, along with positive market momentum. However, high leverage poses financial risk, and valuation metrics suggest the stock might be overvalued. Earnings call insights highlight growth potential in international and commercial segments but also present challenges such as FX headwinds.
Positive Factors
Long-term Growth
Investments in IT and other areas are intended to position AutoZone for stronger long-term market share growth.
Market Share Growth
Strong DIFM acceleration indicates improved market share growth and better execution in areas like in-stock and delivery.
Negative Factors
Financial Performance
SG&A expenses were higher than expected, which may pressure short-term financial results.

AutoZone (AZO) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

AutoZone Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionIncorporated in 1979, Tennessee-based AutoZone, Inc. retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories.
How the Company Makes MoneyAutoZone generates revenue primarily through the sale of automotive replacement parts and accessories. The company's key revenue streams include retail sales to individual customers and commercial sales to professional automotive service providers. The retail segment targets DIY customers who purchase products in-store or online, often seeking advice from knowledgeable staff. The commercial segment caters to mechanics and repair shops with the need for reliable supply chains and timely delivery of parts. Additionally, AutoZone benefits from its extensive inventory and distribution network, ensuring product availability and efficient logistics. Partnerships with automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and technology providers also play a significant role in enhancing product offerings and customer experience, thereby contributing to the company's earnings.

AutoZone Financial Statement Overview

Summary
AutoZone's financial performance is characterized by strong profitability and cash flow metrics that support its operations. However, the balance sheet is highly leveraged with negative equity, raising concerns over financial risk. The company's financial health relies on maintaining cash flow and managing debt.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
AutoZone demonstrates strong profitability with a high gross profit margin of 53.1% and a solid net profit margin of 14.2% for TTM. The EBIT margin is robust at 20.3%, indicating efficient operational management. Revenue growth is modest at 0.5%, suggesting stable, albeit slow, top-line expansion. Overall, the company maintains strong profitability metrics in the retail industry.
Balance Sheet
45
Neutral
The balance sheet shows high leverage with a negative stockholders' equity of -$17.6 billion, resulting in an undefined debt-to-equity ratio. This indicates potential financial risk. The equity ratio is also negative at -100.9%, suggesting all assets are financed by debt, posing concerns over financial stability despite continued profitability.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
AutoZone's cash flow performance is robust, with an operating cash flow to net income ratio of 1.13, indicating strong cash generation relative to net income. The free cash flow to net income ratio stands at 0.72, supporting solid cash flow management. However, free cash flow growth is slightly negative at -1.6%, which might indicate a plateau in cash flow expansion.
Breakdown
TTMSep 2024
Income StatementTotal Revenue
18.58B18.49B
Gross Profit
9.87B9.82B
EBIT
3.78B3.79B
EBITDA
4.21B4.35B
Net Income Common Stockholders
2.63B2.66B
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
298.17M298.17M
Total Assets
17.18B17.18B
Total Debt
12.37B12.37B
Net Debt
12.07B12.07B
Total Liabilities
21.93B21.93B
Stockholders Equity
-4.75B-4.75B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
1.90B1.93B
Operating Cash Flow
2.99B3.00B
Investing Cash Flow
-1.28B-1.29B
Financing Cash Flow
-1.67B-1.68B

AutoZone Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price3473.66
Price Trends
50DMA
3340.29
Positive
100DMA
3251.42
Positive
200DMA
3128.03
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
31.65
Negative
RSI
59.14
Neutral
STOCH
75.04
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For AZO, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 3473.66 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 3435.99, above the 50-day MA of 3340.29, and above the 200-day MA of 3128.03, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 31.65 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 59.14 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 75.04 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for AZO.

AutoZone Risk Analysis

AutoZone disclosed 21 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. AutoZone reported the most risks in the “Legal & Regulatory” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

AutoZone Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
PAPAG
78
Outperform
$11.26B12.2817.64%2.63%3.14%-11.22%
72
Outperform
$77.71B33.37-174.09%5.67%5.40%
AZAZO
71
Outperform
$58.30B23.21-14.95%5.19%8.31%
LKLKQ
71
Outperform
$10.93B16.1411.38%2.86%3.53%-25.71%
GPGPC
67
Neutral
$17.33B19.2920.84%3.23%1.71%-30.78%
60
Neutral
$13.01B10.450.79%3.53%1.60%-22.47%
AAAAP
45
Neutral
$2.21B59.62-15.47%2.82%-9.34%-852.37%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
AZO
AutoZone
3,473.66
369.46
11.90%
AAP
Advance Auto Parts
34.58
-35.93
-50.96%
GPC
Genuine Parts Company
122.87
-23.65
-16.14%
LKQ
LKQ
42.08
-8.01
-15.99%
ORLY
O'Reilly Auto
1,356.77
275.12
25.44%
PAG
Penske Automotive Group
163.75
15.38
10.37%

AutoZone Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Mar 4, 2025 | % Change Since: -0.12% | Next Earnings Date: May 27, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflected a mixed performance. While there were significant achievements in commercial sales growth and international expansion, challenges such as foreign exchange headwinds, decreased earnings per share, and increased operating expenses weighed on the results.
Highlights
Domestic Commercial Sales Growth
Domestic Commercial sales grew 7.3% and were up 10% on a 2-year stack basis, indicating a strong performance in this segment.
Improved International Same-Store Sales
International same-store sales increased 9.5% on a constant currency basis, showing robust growth in international markets.
Mega-Hub Expansion
The company plans to open at least 19 more Mega-Hub locations over the next 2 quarters, enhancing parts availability and delivery speed.
Stable Gross Margins
Despite challenges, gross margin was maintained at 53.9%, indicating effective cost management.
Lowlights
Earnings Per Share Decrease
Earnings per share decreased 2.1%, impacted by currency headwinds and a competitive environment.
Foreign Exchange Headwinds
A 19% weakening of FX rates from Mexico versus the U.S. dollar resulted in a $91 million headwind to sales and $30 million to EBIT.
DIY Sales Challenges
Domestic DIY sales showed minimal growth with a 0.1% comp increase, impacted by discretionary sales declines and consumer spending caution.
Increased Operating Expenses
Operating expenses were up 6.4% versus last year, resulting in a 134 basis points deleverage as a percentage of sales.
Company Guidance
In the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, AutoZone reported a 2.4% increase in total sales and a 1.9% growth in domestic same-store sales. International same-store sales, on a constant currency basis, rose by 9.5%, although were negatively impacted by a 1,900 basis points currency headwind, leading to an unadjusted negative 8.2% International comp. Domestic commercial sales increased by 7.3%, with a two-year stack basis growth of 10%. The company opened 28 net domestic stores and 17 new international stores in Mexico and Brazil, bringing the total to 949 international locations. AutoZone faced a decrease in earnings per share by 2.1%, influenced by a $91 million sales headwind due to foreign exchange rates. Despite these challenges, the company remains optimistic, citing improved execution in the domestic commercial business and success in international markets as key drivers for anticipated growth in the latter half of the fiscal year.
Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.