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Advance Auto Parts Reports Record Second Quarter Results

Gross Margin Climbed 140 Basis Points to 45.4% Compared to 44.0% Last Year

Comparable Store Sales Rose 2.0% Compared to 5.0% Last Year

ROANOKE, Va., Aug. 6 -- Advance Auto Parts, Inc. today announced it achieved earnings per diluted share of $1.16 for the second quarter ended July 12, 2003, after non-recurring expenses of $0.05 per diluted share associated with the Discount Auto Parts' integration. Year-to-date earnings per diluted share rose to $1.31, after non-recurring expenses of $0.79 per diluted share resulting from the early redemption of outstanding notes and debentures and $0.10 per diluted share in integration expenses.

Comparable earnings per diluted share rose by 57.1% to $1.21 in the second quarter from $0.77 last year. Year-to-date comparable earnings per diluted share rose 65.4% to $2.20 compared to $1.33 last year. Comparable results do not include the non-recurring expenses associated with the Discount Auto Parts' integration and the early redemption of notes and debentures, as reconciled on the accompanying statements. The Company uses these non-GAAP- comparable measures as an indication of its earnings from recurring operations and believes it is important to the Company's stockholders due to the non- recurring nature and significance of the excluded expenses.

Sales increased 5.9% in the second quarter to $839.2 million compared to $792.7 million last year. Same store sales grew 2.0% in the second quarter on top of 5.0% in the same quarter last year. The Discount Auto Parts stores, which are in the comparable store base this year, produced a comparable store sales increase of 6.6% during the second quarter compared to 3.7% last year. Year-to-date sales increased 4.2% to $1,872.7 million compared to $1,796.8 million last year as same store sales rose 1.5% compared to 6.5% during the same period last year.

During the second quarter, gross margin increased 140 basis points to 45.4% compared to 44.0% last year as the Company reaped the benefits of its category management initiatives and leveraged its logistics expenses. Year- to-date, gross margin improved 160 basis points to 45.3% from 43.7% last year.

As a result of the strong gross margin improvement, comparable operating income increased 24.6% in the second quarter to $80.9 million from $64.9 million in the same quarter last year, generating an operating margin increase of 140 basis points to 9.6%. On a GAAP basis, operating income increased 36.2% to $78.0 million.

Comparable net income rose 60.2% in the second quarter to $45.2 million from $28.2 million in the second quarter last year. On a GAAP basis, net income increased 172.6% to $43.5 million in the second quarter, which included $1.8 million of after-tax non-recurring integration expenses associated with the Discount Auto Parts' acquisition. Year-to-date comparable net income increased 70.7% to $81.2 million compared to $47.6 million last year. On a GAAP basis, net income increased 73.0% to $48.5 million, which included $3.9 million of after-tax non-recurring integration expenses associated with the Discount Auto Parts' acquisition and $28.8 million of after-tax non-recurring expenses related to the early redemption of outstanding notes and debentures in the first quarter.

Commenting on the second quarter results, Larry Castellani, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our team proved this quarter that even in a challenging sales environment we can achieve our goal of expanding our operating margins. Our category management initiatives are running ahead of plan. We have developed a game plan to expand our sales growth and we see tremendous opportunities for the future."

Year-to-date, the Company generated $234.3 million in free cash flow, including $140.2 million in the second quarter. These results do not include the non-recurring cash expenses of $36.9 million associated with the early redemption of the Company's high interest bearing notes and debentures in the first quarter of 2003. Including these non-recurring expenses, year-to-date the Company generated $197.4 million in free cash flow. Free cash flow is calculated as cash provided by operating activities reduced by cash used in investing activities. The Company expects to be a slight user of cash in the second half of the year and raised its 2003 fiscal year guidance for free cash flow to $170 million.

During the quarter 27 new stores were opened, six stores were relocated, and one store was closed resulting in an ending store count of 2,482. Year- to-date, the Company has opened 60 new stores, relocated 18 stores, and closed 13 stores. The Company expects to open 125 stores this year, relocate approximately 40 stores, and close 25 stores.

The Company also issued comparable earnings per diluted share guidance for the third quarter in the range of $1.18 to $1.22 compared to $0.92 last year, a 28% to 33% increase. Due to its strong earnings growth during the first half of 2003, the Company's comparable earnings per diluted share guidance for the full year has increased to a range of $4.01 to $4.11 compared to its previous guidance of $3.85 to $3.95 per diluted share. This guidance excludes the non-recurring expenses of the redemption of notes and debentures, integration expenses, and the positive effect of the 53rd week in the fourth quarter. On a GAAP basis, the Company raised its earnings per diluted share guidance to $3.14 to $3.22, which includes the non-recurring expenses associated with the redemption of bonds and debentures in the first quarter and integration expenses related to the Discount Auto Parts acquisition.

The Company will host a conference call this evening, August 6, 2003, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time to discuss its second quarter results. To listen to the live webcast please log on to http://www.advanceautoparts.com/. The call will be archived on the Company's website: http://www.advanceautoparts.com/ until August 6, 2004.

Advance Auto Parts, Inc., based in Roanoke, Va., is the second largest retailer of automotive parts in the United States. At July 12, 2003, the Company had 2,482 stores in 37 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets.

Certain statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements. These statements discuss, among other things, expected growth, store development and expansion strategy, business strategies, future revenues and future performance, including our future free cash flow and earnings per share. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, but not limited to, competitive pressures, demand for the Company's products, the market for auto parts, the economy in general, inflation, consumer debt levels, the weather, and other risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may materially differ from anticipated results described in these forward-looking statements. The Company intends these forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of the news release and does not undertake to update or revise them, as more information becomes available.

                  Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                         Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                (in thousands)

                                           July 12,  December 28,  July 13,
                                             2003        2002        2002

                  Assets

  Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents              $46,074     $13,885     $39,544
     Receivables, net                        93,350     102,574     118,101
     Inventories, net                     1,079,884   1,048,803   1,074,653
     Other current assets                    34,664      20,210      49,970
        Total current assets              1,253,972   1,185,472   1,282,268

     Property and equipment, net            711,222     728,432     715,697
     Assets held for sale                    24,897      28,346      46,200
     Other assets, net                       11,997      22,975      25,933
                                         $2,002,088  $1,965,225  $2,070,098

         Liabilities and Stockholders'
                  Equity

  Current liabilities:
     Bank overdrafts                        $14,372        $869        $-
     Current portion of long-term debt        4,577      10,690      11,549
     Accounts payable                       591,827     470,740     585,119
     Accrued expenses                       207,055     208,176     209,192
     Other current liabilities               44,068      32,101      39,676
        Total current liabilities           861,899     722,576     845,536

     Long-term debt                         531,512     724,832     762,270
     Other long-term liabilities             67,698      49,461      35,400
     Total stockholders' equity             540,979     468,356     426,892
                                         $2,002,088  $1,965,225  $2,070,098

  NOTE: These balance sheets do not include the footnotes required by
        generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial
        statements.

                  Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                    Consolidated Statements of Operations
                          Twelve Week Periods Ended
                    (in thousands, except per share data)

                                                   July 12, 2003
                                                 Adjustment for
                                                  Non-recurring   Comparable
                                           GAAP       Items          2003

  Net sales                               $839,168      $-         $839,168

  Cost of sales, including purchasing
   and warehousing costs                   457,881       -          457,881

     Gross profit                          381,287       -          381,287

  Selling, general and administrative
   expenses                                303,310    (2,890) (a)   300,420

     Operating income                       77,977     2,890         80,867

  Other, net:
     Interest expense                       (7,182)      -           (7,182)
     Loss on extinguishment of debt           (254)      -             (254)
     Other income, net                         121       -              121
        Total other, net                    (7,315)      -           (7,315)

  Income before provision for income
   taxes                                    70,662     2,890         73,552

  Provision for income taxes                27,204     1,113 (b)     28,317

  Net income                               $43,458    $1,777        $45,235

  Net income per share:
     Basic                                   $1.19     $0.05          $1.24
     Diluted                                  1.16      0.05           1.21

  Average common shares outstanding (c)     36,546    36,546         36,546
  Dilutive effect of stock options             869       869            869
  Average common shares outstanding -
   assuming dilution                        37,415    37,415         37,415

  (a) Represents the non-recurring merger and integration expenses
      associated with the integration of the Discount Auto Parts operations.
  (b) This adjustment reflects the tax impact for the non-recurring items
      discussed above at a 38.5% effective tax rate.
  (c) Average common shares outstanding is calculated based on the weighted
      average number of shares outstanding for the quarter.  At July 12,
      2003, we had 36,686 shares outstanding.

  NOTE:  These preliminary statements of operations have been prepared on a
         consistent basis with previously presented statements of operations
         and do not include the footnotes required by generally accepted
         accounting principles for complete financial statements.

                  Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                    Consolidated Statements of Operations
                       Twenty-Eight Week Periods Ended
                    (in thousands, except per share data)

                                                  July 12, 2003
                                                 Adjustment for
                                                  Non-recurring  Comparable
                                           GAAP      Items          2003

  Net sales                             $1,872,705     $-       $1,872,705

  Cost of sales, including purchasing
   and warehousing costs                 1,023,609      -        1,023,609

     Gross profit                          849,096      -          849,096

  Selling, general and administrative
   expenses                                696,586   (6,271) (a)   690,315

     Operating income                      152,510    6,271        158,781

  Other, net:
     Interest expense                      (26,749)     -          (26,749)
     Loss on extinguishment of debt        (47,141)  46,887 (b)       (254)
     Other income, net                         239      -              239
        Total other, net                   (73,651)  46,887        (26,764)

  Income before provision for income
   taxes                                    78,859   53,158        132,017

  Provision for income taxes                30,360   20,466 (c)     50,826

  Net income                               $48,499  $32,692        $81,191

  Net income per share:
     Basic                                   $1.34    $0.90          $2.24
     Diluted                                  1.31     0.89           2.20

  Average common shares outstanding (d)     36,178   36,178         36,178
  Dilutive effect of stock options             782      782            782
  Average common shares outstanding -
   assuming dilution                        36,960   36,960         36,960

  (a) Represents the non-recurring merger and integration expenses
      associated with the integration of the Discount Auto Parts operations.
  (b) This adjustment reflects the deferred loan costs, unamortized
      discounts and the premiums paid upon the complete repurchase and
      retirement of our outstanding bonds during the first quarter of 2003.
  (c) This adjustment reflects the tax impact for the non-recurring items
      discussed above at a 38.5% effective tax rate.
  (d) Average common shares outstanding is calculated based on the weighted
      average number of shares outstanding for the quarter.  At July 12,
      2003, we had 36,686 shares outstanding.

  NOTE:  These preliminary statements of operations have been prepared on a
         consistent basis with previously presented statements of operations
         and do not include the footnotes required by generally accepted
         accounting principles for complete financial statements.

                 Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                   Consolidated Statements of Operations
                         Twelve Week Periods Ended
                   (in thousands, except per share data)

                                                  July 13, 2002
                                                 Adjustment for
                                                 Non-recurring  Comparable
                                          GAAP       Items         2002

  Net sales                              $792,717      $-        $792,717

  Cost of sales, including purchasing
   and warehousing costs                  443,703       -         443,703

     Gross profit                         349,014       -         349,014

  Selling, general and administrative
   expenses                               291,764    (7,629) (a)  284,135

     Operating income                      57,250     7,629        64,879

  Other, net:
     Interest expense                     (19,120)      -         (19,120)
     Loss on extinguishment of debt       (12,458)   12,458 (b)       -
     Other income, net                        377       -             377
        Total other, net                  (31,201)   12,458       (18,743)

  Income before provision for income
   taxes                                   26,049    20,087        46,136

  Provision for income taxes               10,108     7,794 (c)    17,902

  Net income                              $15,941   $12,293       $28,234

  Net income per share:
     Basic                                  $0.45     $0.35         $0.80
     Diluted                                 0.44      0.33          0.77

  Average common shares outstanding (d)    35,386    35,386        35,386
  Dilutive effect of stock options          1,156     1,156         1,156
  Average common shares outstanding -
   assuming dilution                       36,542    36,542        36,542

  (a) Represents the non-recurring merger and integration expenses
      associated with the integration of the Discount Auto Parts operations.
  (b) This adjustment reflects the current and deferred loan costs
      associated with the Company's refinancing of the tranche B term loan
      under its senior credit facility and reflects the ratable portion of
      deferred loan costs and the premium paid upon the repurchase and
      retirement of outstanding bonds.
  (c) This adjustment reflects the tax impact for the non-recurring items
      discussed above at a 38.8% effective tax rate.
  (d) Average common shares outstanding is calculated based on the weighted
      average number of shares outstanding for the quarter.  At July 13,
      2002, we had 35,665 shares outstanding.

  NOTE:  These preliminary statements of operations have been prepared on a
         consistent basis with previously presented statements of operations
         and do not include the footnotes required by generally accepted
         accounting principles for complete financial statements.

                  Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                    Consolidated Statements of Operations
                       Twenty-Eight Week Periods Ended
                    (in thousands, except per share data)

                                                   July 13, 2002
                                                  Adjustment for
                                                   Non-recurring  Comparable
                                            GAAP       Items         2002

  Net sales                              $1,796,804     $-       $1,796,804

  Cost of sales, including purchasing
   and warehousing costs                  1,011,282      -        1,011,282

     Gross profit                           785,522      -          785,522

  Selling, general and administrative
   expenses                                 679,918  (18,194) (a)   661,724

     Operating income                       105,604   18,194        123,798

  Other, net:
     Interest expense                       (46,718)     -          (46,718)
     Loss on extinguishment of debt         (13,724)  13,724 (b)        -
     Other income, net                          650      -              650
        Total other, net                    (59,792)  13,724        (46,068)

  Income before provision for income
   taxes                                     45,812   31,918         77,730

  Provision for income taxes                 17,775   12,384 (c)     30,159

  Net income                                $28,037  $19,534        $47,571

  Net income per share:
     Basic                                    $0.81    $0.57          $1.38
     Diluted                                   0.79     0.54           1.33

  Average common shares outstanding (d)      34,498   34,498         34,498
  Dilutive effect of stock options            1,212    1,212          1,212
  Average common shares outstanding -
   assuming dilution                         35,710   35,710         35,710

  (a) Represents the non-recurring merger and integration expenses
      associated with the integration of the Discount Auto Parts operations.
  (b) This adjustment reflects the current and deferred loan costs
      associated with the Company's refinancing of the tranche B term loan
      under its senior credit facility and reflects the ratable portion of
      deferred loan costs and the premium paid upon the repurchase and
      retirement of outstanding bonds.
  (c) This adjustment reflects the tax impact for the non-recurring items
      discussed above at a 38.8% effective tax rate.
  (d) Average common shares outstanding is calculated based on the weighted
      average number of shares outstanding for the quarter.  At July 13,
      2002, we had 35,665 shares outstanding.

  NOTE:  These preliminary statements of operations have been prepared on a
         consistent basis with previously presented statements of operations
         and do not include the footnotes required by generally accepted
         accounting principles for complete financial statements.

                  Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                       Twenty-Eight Week Periods Ended
                    (in thousands, except per share data)

                                                 July 12,          July 13,
                                                   2003              2002

  Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net income                                    $48,499           $28,037
   Depreciation                                   53,807            48,983
   Loss on extinguishment of debt                 47,141            13,724
   Provision for deferred income taxes            30,142            17,706
   Other non-cash adjustments to net income       10,742            15,764
   Decrease (increase) in:
     Receivables, net                              9,224           (24,397)
     Inventories, net                            (31,081)         (101,427)
     Other assets                                (18,609)          (18,005)
   Increase (decrease) in:
     Accounts payable                            121,087           156,078
     Accrued expenses                              6,687            40,589
     Other liabilities                            (1,707)            4,852
       Net cash provided by operating
        activities                               275,932           181,904

  Cash flows from investing activities:
   Purchases of property and equipment           (50,595)          (46,638)
   Proceeds from sales of property and
    equipment                                      8,974             9,410
       Net cash used in investing activities     (41,621)          (37,228)

  Cash flows from financing activities:
   Increase in bank overdrafts                    13,503           (34,748)
   Early extinguishment of debt,
    including debt related costs                (551,374)         (429,214)
   Net borrowings under the credit facility      348,300           240,000
   Payment of debt related costs                 (36,895)           (8,098)
   Proceeds from the exercise of stock options    18,824            16,089
   Proceeds from the issuance of common stock        -              88,695
   Other net financing activities                  5,520             4,027
       Net cash used in financing activities    (202,122)         (123,249)

  Increase in cash and cash equivalents           32,189            21,427
  Cash and cash equivalents, beginning
   of period                                      13,885            18,117
  Cash and cash equivalents, end of period       $46,074           $39,544

   NOTE:  These preliminary statements of cash flows have been prepared on
          a consistent basis with previously presented statements of cash
          flows and do not include the footnotes required by generally
          accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.