Autozone Inc
Q3 2026 Earnings
Market Reaction
S&P 500 over the same 30 days: −2.88%.
Did AZO Beat Earnings? Q3 2026 Results
AutoZone posted a strong fiscal third quarter for 2026, with diluted earnings per share of $38.07 clearing the consensus estimate of $36.17 by 5.26%, even as revenue of $4.84 billion came in just shy of the $4.86 billion Wall Street expected, a gap of 0.44%. Net sales still grew 8.4% year over year, supported by domestic same-store sales growth of 4.1% and total company constant-currency comparable growth of 3.9%. The standout driver was the domestic commercial segment, where total sales climbed 10.4% to $1.40 billion and average weekly sales per commercial program rose to $18,500 from $17,700 a year ago. Operating profit grew 6.6% to $923.76 million, helped by improved expense leverage even as gross margin contracted 57 basis points, partly due to a 77 basis point LIFO impact. The company opened 82 new stores in the quarter and reiterated its full-year target of approximately 355 to 365 new openings, signaling continued confidence in its long-term expansion strategy despite ongoing currency headwinds in international markets.
- Domestic same-store sales growth of 4.1%
- Domestic commercial sales growth of 10.4%
- Strong expense management driving operating leverage
- 82 new store openings in the quarter
- Both DIY and Commercial sales grew domestically
“I want to thank our AutoZoners across the globe for delivering on our promise of "WOW" customer service and strong financial results this past quarter. Along with strong domestic sales results, we managed our expenses well and returned to an operating margin north of 19% for the quarter. We continue to execute well on our growth strategies behind strong execution. Domestically, both DIY and Commercial sales grew impressively this past quarter, while our international sales, in constant currency, continued to be challenged as both Mexico and Brazil performed similarly to last quarter. While international performance has been below our plan, we believe our market share continues to grow as we outpace our competition in both international marketplaces. We were also pleased to have opened 82 new stores globally in the quarter, in line with our current expectations to open approximately 355-365 stores for the full fiscal year. As we remain focused on gaining market share in our industry, we will stay committed to a disciplined approach of increasing earnings and cash flows to drive shareholder value.”
AutoZone CEO, on the earnings call
Forward Guidance & Outlook
AutoZone expects to open approximately 355-365 new stores for the full fiscal year 2026. The company remains focused on gaining market share and is committed to a disciplined approach of increasing earnings and cash flows to drive shareholder value.
AZO YoY Financials
AZO Revenue by Segment
Figures from SEC filings and company reports. Not investment advice.