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Jul 17, 2021

Advance Auto Parts Q2 2021 Earnings Report

Advance Auto Parts' Q2 2021 performance was highlighted by a 5.9% increase in net sales, driven by a strong recovery in the professional business, and an adjusted diluted EPS increase of 15.3%.

Key Takeaways

Advance Auto Parts reported a 5.9% increase in net sales to $2.6 billion, with comparable store sales up by 5.8%. Adjusted diluted EPS increased by 15.3% to $3.40. The company returned $457.9 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.

Net sales increased 5.9% to $2.6 billion.

Comparable store sales increased 5.8%, with a 13.3% increase on a two-year stack.

Diluted EPS was $2.74, flat compared to Q2 2020; adjusted diluted EPS increased 15.3% to $3.40.

The company returned $457.9 million to shareholders through share repurchases and quarterly cash dividends.

Total Revenue
$2.65B
Previous year: $2.5B
+5.9%
EPS
$3.4
Previous year: $2.92
+16.4%
Comp store sales
5.8%
Previous year: 7.5%
-22.7%
Gross Profit
$1.19B
Previous year: $1.1B
+8.4%
Cash and Equivalents
$809M
Previous year: $1.14B
-29.1%
Free Cash Flow
$647M
Previous year: $308M
+109.9%
Total Assets
$11.8B
Previous year: $11.9B
-0.8%

Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts

Forward Guidance

Advance Auto Parts updated its full-year 2021 financial guidance to reflect positive first-half results, while acknowledging potential volatility in the second half of the year.

Positive Outlook

  • Net sales are projected to be between $10.6 billion and $10.8 billion.
  • Comparable store sales are expected to increase by 6.0% to 8.0%.
  • Adjusted operating income margin is anticipated to be between 9.2% and 9.4%.
  • Minimum free cash flow is projected to be $700 million.
  • Share repurchases are expected to be between $700 million and $900 million.

Challenges Ahead

  • The guidance acknowledges the potential for volatility in the back half of the year.
  • The company is cognizant of potential impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Guidance assumes an income tax rate between 24% and 26%.
  • Capital expenditures are projected to be between $300 million and $350 million.
  • New store openings are projected to be between 80 and 120.