On Dec. 5, auto-parts retailer AutoZone (NYSE:AZO) released fiscal first-quarter 2007 earnings for the period ended Nov. 18, 2006. Here are the quick and dirty details for the quarter.

  • Sales grew 4.1% to $1.4 billion for the quarter, while same-store sales advanced a meager 0.3%.
  • Net income advanced 8.3%, but earnings per share advanced 16.9% as the company maintained its steady repurchase program.
  • Inventory grew 12% quarter over quarter.

(Figures in thousands, except per-share data)

Income Statement Highlights

Q1 2007

Q1 2006

Change

Sales

$1,393,069

$1,338,076

4.1%

Net Profit

$123,889

$114,374

8.3%

EPS

$1.73

$1.48

16.9%

Diluted Shares

71,813

77,152

(6.9%)

*12 weeks ended Nov. 18, 2006 and Nov. 19, 2005.

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

Margin Checkup

Q1 2007

Q1 2006

Change*

Gross Margin

49.2%

49.0%

0.2

Operating Margin

16.0%

15.3%

0.7

Net Margin

8.9%

8.6%

0.3

*Expressed in percentage points.

Margins are the earnings engine. See how they work.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Assets

Q1 2007

Q1 2006

Change

Inventory

$1,883,348

$1,681,015

12.0%



Liabilities

Q1 2007

Q1 2006

Change

Accounts Payable

$1,649,632

$1,514,571

8.9%

Long-Term Debt

$1,858,921

$1,789,775

3.9%

Learn the ways of the balance sheet.

Cash Flow Highlights
AutoZone did not issue a cash flow statement with the press release.

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Related companies:

  • Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP)
  • Pep Boys (NYSE:PBY)
  • O'Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ:ORLY)

Related Foolishness:

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Fool contributor Ryan Fuhrmann has no financial interest in any company mentioned. Feel free to email him with feedback or to discuss any companies mentioned further. The Fool has an ironclad disclosure policy.