On Nov. 2, Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP) released third-quarter earnings for the period ended Oct. 7.

  • Same-store sales increased 1.4%, primarily because of an 8.7% increase in the do-it-for-me (DIFM) segment, offset by an 0.6% decrease in the do-it-yourself (DIY) segment.
  • A rise of 200 basis points in selling, general, and administrative expenses negated the increase in gross margins and caused the operating margin to fall 102 basis points.
  • Free cash flow declined by 42.7% to $96 million, largely due to higher capital spending.

(Figures in millions, except per-share data)

Income Statement Highlights

Avg. Est.

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change

Sales

$1,092

$1,099

$1,020

7.8%

Net Profit

--

$59

$61

(3%)

EPS

$0.53

$0.56

$0.55

1.8%

Diluted Shares

--

106

111

(4.4%)



Get back to basics with a look at the income statement.

Margin Checkup

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change*

Gross Margin

48.22%

47.21%

1.01

Operating Margin

9.32%

10.34%

(1.02)

Net Margin

5.36%

5.96%

(0.60)

*Expressed in percentage points.

Margins are the earnings engine. See how they work.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Assets

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change

Cash + ST Invest.

$14

$113

(87.6%)

Accounts Rec.

$84

$84

(0.2%)

Inventory

$1,462

$1,375

6.3%



Liabilities

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change

Accounts Payable

$670

$661

1.3%

Long-Term Debt

$451

$414

9%



Learn the ways of the balance sheet.

Cash Flow Highlights

YTD 2006

YTD 2005

Change

Cash From Ops.

$297

$327

(9.3%)

Capital Expenditures

$201

$159

26%

Free Cash Flow

$96

$168

(42.7%)



Find out why Fools always follow the money.

Related Companies:

  • AutoZone (NYSE:AZO)
  • O'Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ:ORLY)
  • Pep Boys (NYSE:PBY)

Related Foolishness:

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