Earnings Preview: Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts (AAP) is expected to report Q3 earnings Wednesday, November 11 after market close, with a conference call scheduled for Thursday, November 12 at 10am ET.

Guidance

Analysts are looking for EPS of 66c on revenue of $1.26B. The consensus range is 60c-74c for EPS, and $1.23B-$1.28B for revenue, according to First Call. The overriding positive for the company is the increasing average age of vehicles due to the inability of consumers to buy new cars. Also positive for Advance Auto is the addition of 30 new Advance stores and 30 new Autopart International stores in FY09. Negatives for this quarters earnings results could come from a lower rate of sales in the "do it yourself", or DIY, category.

Analyst Views

On November 11, Morgan Stanley named Advance Auto Parts a long research tactical idea and expects shares to rise near term. Wedbush lowered its target on Advance Auto Parts to $43 from $50 after channel checks indicated a moderation in business trends. The firm keeps a Neutral rating on the stock.