O REILLY AUTOMOTIVE INC annual report, Q4 FY2005

Business Context and Reporting Period

Company: O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.
Filing Type: Form 10-K (Annual Report)
Period Ended: December 31, 2005
Business Overview: One of the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, and accessories in the United States. The company serves both do-it-yourself (DIY) customers and professional installers through a network of 1,470 stores across 25 states as of year-end 2005. The company does not sell tires or perform repairs.

Key Financial Metrics

Metric 2005 2004 Change
Product Sales $2,045.3 million $1,721.2 million +18.8%
Gross Profit $892.5 million $743.2 million +20.1%
Gross Margin 43.6% 43.2% +40 bps
Operating Income $252.5 million $190.5 million +32.6%
Net Income $164.3 million $139.6 million +17.7%
Diluted EPS $1.45 $1.25 +16.0%
Operating Cash Flow $213.3 million $226.5 million -5.8%
Capital Expenditures $205.2 million $173.5 million +18.3%
Total Debt (Current + Long-term) $100.8 million $100.9 million ~0%
Working Capital $425.0 million $479.7 million -11.4%

Material Changes vs. Prior Period

  • Store Expansion: The company added 221 net new stores in 2005, increasing the total count to 1,470. This aggressive expansion was the primary driver of revenue growth.
  • Same-Store Sales: Same-store product sales increased by 7.5%, attributed to broader product selection, improved store layouts, and increased promotional efforts.
  • Acquisition: In May 2005, the company acquired Midwest Auto Parts Distributors, Inc. (Midwest) for approximately $63 million, adding 72 stores and distribution centers in Minnesota and Montana.
  • Stock Split: A 2-for-1 stock split was effected in June 2005. All share and per-share data in the filing have been restated to reflect this split.
  • Profitability: Operating income margin improved to 12.3% from 11.1% in 2004, driven by economies of scale and improved distribution costs.

Guidance, Outlook, and Risks

Guidance and Outlook

  • Store Openings: Management plans to open approximately 170-175 new stores in 2006 and 185-190 in 2007.
  • Capital Expenditures: Estimated at $210 million to $220 million for 2006 to support store openings and renovations.
  • Financing: Expansion is expected to be funded by operating cash flows and available borrowings under a $100 million credit facility (with an option to increase to $200 million).
  • Debt Maturity: $75 million in private placement notes are due in May 2006; management anticipates repayment via operating cash or refinancing.

Risks and Contingencies

  • Regional Sensitivity: Approximately 27% of stores are located in Texas; the business is sensitive to regional economic conditions and weather.
  • Competition: Highly competitive market with national chains (e.g., AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts) and mass merchandisers.
  • Key Personnel: Success depends on key management, including the O'Reilly family and senior executives.
  • Accounting Changes: The company adopted SFAS No. 123R (Share-Based Payment) in 2006, which is expected to increase non-cash compensation expense by approximately $2 million annually.

Investor Verification Checklist

  • Store Count Accuracy: Verify the 1,470 store count and the 221 net additions against the state-by-state breakdown in the filing.
  • Acquisition Integration: Monitor the integration progress and financial performance of the Midwest Auto Parts acquisition.
  • Debt Refinancing: Confirm the repayment or refinancing of the $75 million note due in May 2006.
  • Stock-Based Compensation: Review the impact of the new SFAS 123R standard on 2006 net income and EPS.
  • Vendor Concentration: Note that the five largest vendors accounted for 34% of total purchases in 2005, with the largest at 17%.