AutoZone’s stock climbed on Tuesday following the release of stronger-than-anticipated financial results for its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter ended August 29. The automotive replacement parts and accessories distributor posted net sales of $6.6 billion, representing 5.6% growth compared to the same period a year earlier.
The company expanded its retail footprint during the quarter, opening 175 locations and bringing its total store count to 8,031 across multiple markets. The U.S. represented the largest portion with 6,863 stores, followed by 1,001 locations in Mexico and 167 in Brazil. Over the trailing 12 months, AutoZone opened 374 stores, which the company’s chief executive described as the most new locations added in a single year. Same-store sales, a key metric tracking revenue from established locations, increased 2.7%, or 1.5% when excluding the impact of foreign exchange movements.
Profitability metrics showed significant expansion. Operating profit climbed 10% to $1.3 billion, while net income grew 11% to $931.6 million. Earnings per share surged 15% to $56.05, aided by the company’s ongoing stock repurchase program and tariff-related refunds. The per-share result exceeded Wall Street consensus expectations of $53.89.
AutozOne’s leadership attributed the company’s performance to improvements in inventory management, expanded product assortment, and investments in customer service systems. Despite acknowledging headwinds from higher gas prices and a challenging macroeconomic backdrop, company management indicated optimism about future prospects, noting that sales momentum strengthened during the final eight weeks of the quarter. The outlook suggested the company expects additional growth in fiscal 2027.
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