Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (AAP) AI Stock Analysis

NYSE: AAPAI research summary: business, growth, valuation, analysts, bull and bear case.

AAP AI stock analysis summary

AI Research

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (AAP) is an automotive aftermarket parts provider serving professional installers and retail consumers. The company generated $8.62B in trailing twelve-month revenue, but sales have contracted at a 5-year CAGR of -3.2% through FY2025. Although quarterly earnings grew 260.0% year-over-year in the quarter ended June 30, 2026, free cash flow was -$298.0M in FY2025.

Market cap
$2.68B
Revenue (TTM)
$8.62B
P/E
24.7x
fwd 10.8x
1Y return
-15.3%
S&P 500 16.8%
Avg. target
$49.95
12.4% vs last close

Bull case

  • Forward valuation is relatively low, with a forward P/E of 10.8x and EV to EBITDA of 7.7x both below the US-listed Consumer Cyclical peer medians of 14.1x and 11.1x.
  • Earnings momentum has improved, evidenced by quarterly earnings growth of 260.0% year-over-year in the latest quarter and 4 consecutive quarters of EPS beats.
  • Analysts expect profit recovery to continue, projecting current fiscal year EPS growth of 32.3% to $2.99 and next fiscal year EPS of $3.89.

Bear case

  • Top-line growth has remained negative, highlighted by a 5-year revenue CAGR of -3.2% and a 0.5% year-over-year revenue decline in the latest quarter.
  • Cash flow generation was negative in FY2025, with free cash flow of -$298.0M and operating cash flow of -$46.0M.
  • The stock carries elevated short interest, with short percent of float standing at 30.0% alongside a 5-year return of -76.7%.

What Advance Auto Parts does

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. provides automotive replacement parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance products for domestic and imported vehicles. Its inventory includes battery accessories, brakes, engines, exhaust systems, steering components, chemicals, electronics, tools, and cleaning supplies. The company also offers services such as battery and wiper installation, engine light scanning, electrical system testing, oil and battery recycling programs, and a loaner tool program. Advance Auto Parts operates retail stores and branches under the Advance Auto Parts, Autopart International, Carquest, and Worldpac brands across the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada, alongside independently owned Carquest stores in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Growth and profitability

Advance Auto Parts generated $8.60B in revenue in FY2025, representing a decline of 5.4% following sales of $9.09B in FY2024 and $9.21B in FY2023. Operating margin improved to 1.9% in FY2025 from -4.4% in FY2024, helping net income return to positive territory at $44.0M compared to -$336.0M in FY2024. Over five years from FY2020 to FY2025, revenue contracted at a CAGR of -3.2%. For the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2026, revenue stood at $8.62B with an operating margin of 5.5% and a net profit margin of 1.0%. In the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue fell 0.5% year-over-year, while quarterly earnings grew 260.0%.

AAP income statement →

Balance sheet and cash flow

As of June 30, 2026, Advance Auto Parts held $3.12B in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $5.21B, resulting in net debt of $2.09B. Shareholders' equity was $2.26B, yielding a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.31 and a current ratio of 1.75. In FY2025, operating cash flow was -$46.0M and capital expenditures totaled $252.0M, generating free cash flow of -$298.0M. During FY2025, the company paid $60.0M in dividends, while its 5-year share count change was -2.9%.

AAP balance sheet →

Valuation and performance

Advance Auto Parts trades at a trailing P/E of 24.7x, which sits above the 18.0x median of its US-listed Consumer Cyclical peers. However, its forward P/E of 10.8x and EV to EBITDA of 7.7x are lower than the peer group medians of 14.1x and 11.1x, respectively. The stock trades at a price-to-sales multiple of 0.3x compared to the peer median of 0.7x. Over the past year, the stock fell 15.3%, trailing the S&P 500 (SPY) return of 16.8%, and its 5-year return of -76.7% substantially lagged the index return of 83.0%.

AAP key metrics →

AAP dividend

Advance Auto Parts pays an annual forward dividend of $1.00 per share, delivering a dividend yield of 2.25%. The dividend payout ratio stands at 27.9%, and the company distributes payments on a quarterly schedule. Advance Auto Parts has maintained consecutive dividend payments for 21 years, though its 5-year annualized dividend growth rate is 0.0%. Its most recent ex-dividend date was October 9, 2026.

AAP dividend history →

What analysts expect

Wall Street analysts hold 2 Strong Buy, 0 Buy, 20 Hold, 2 Sell, and 1 Strong Sell ratings on the stock. The mean price target is $49.95, which is 12.4% above the last close of $44.45. For the current fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, consensus estimates project EPS of $2.99, an increase of 32.3%, on revenue of $8.53B. The company has beaten EPS expectations in each of the last 4 quarters, and its next earnings date is November 5, 2026.

AAP forecast and price target →

Key risks and what to watch

  • Total debt of $5.21B and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.31 may limit financial flexibility if cash flow does not recover from FY2025 free cash flow of -$298.0M.
  • A high short interest of 30.0% reflects significant market skepticism regarding the company's operational turnaround.
  • Operating margin of 5.5% over the trailing twelve months remains below the US-listed Consumer Cyclical peer median of 8.8%.

AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer

About this AAP AI stock analysis

This page is an AI-written research summary of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (AAP). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.

Related: AAP income statement, AAP balance sheet, AAP key metrics, AAP analyst forecast, AAP chart. See the AAP stock overview for the latest quote and news.

AAP AI stock analysis FAQ

What is Advance Auto Parts' dividend yield?

Advance Auto Parts has a forward dividend yield of 2.25%, paying an annual dividend of $1.00 per share. The company has paid dividends for 21 consecutive years with a payout ratio of 27.9%.

What is the consensus analyst price target for AAP?

The mean analyst price target is $49.95, representing an upside of 12.4% from the last close of $44.45. Analyst recommendations include 2 Strong Buy, 20 Hold, 2 Sell, and 1 Strong Sell ratings.

How much debt does Advance Auto Parts carry?

As of June 30, 2026, Advance Auto Parts held total debt of $5.21B and cash and short-term investments of $3.12B, resulting in net debt of $2.09B and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.31.

When is Advance Auto Parts' next earnings release?

The company's next earnings report is scheduled for November 5, 2026. Consensus estimates anticipate current fiscal year revenue of $8.53B and EPS of $2.99.

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