aap10q.htm

 

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q

(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended October 6, 2007
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________.

Commission file number 001-16797


 
 
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

 
 
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
54-2049910
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
5008 Airport Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24012
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(540) 362-4911
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer p Non-accelerated filer p
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes p No x

As of November 12, 2007, the registrant had outstanding 100,149,491 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the only class of common stock of the registrant outstanding).
 

 
 

 
       
Page
       
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
       
  Item 1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries (unaudited):   
       
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 6, 2007 and December 30, 2006 
 1
       
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Twelve and Forty-Week Periods Ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006  
 2
       
 
 3
       
    Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 
 5
       
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
17
       
  Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
28
       
  Item 4.  Controls and Procedures 
28
       
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION 
       
  Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
29
       
  Item 6. Exhibits 
29
       
SIGNATURE     
S-1
 
 
i


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
October 6, 2007 and December 30, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
   
October 6,
   
December 30,
 
Assets
 
2007
   
2006
 
             
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $
14,836
    $
11,128
 
Receivables, net
   
76,982
     
97,046
 
Inventories, net
   
1,540,666
     
1,463,340
 
Other current assets
   
43,805
     
40,459
 
          Total current assets
   
1,676,289
     
1,611,973
 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of
               
$736,489 and $670,571
   
1,016,712
     
994,977
 
Assets held for sale
   
2,390
     
1,548
 
Goodwill
   
33,718
     
33,718
 
Intangible assets, net
   
27,095
     
27,926
 
Other assets, net
   
10,362
     
12,539
 
    $
2,766,566
    $
2,682,681
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Bank overdrafts
  $
349
    $
34,206
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
661
     
67
 
Financed vendor accounts payable
   
153,324
     
127,543
 
Accounts payable
   
708,095
     
651,587
 
Accrued expenses
   
304,810
     
252,975
 
Other current liabilities
   
40,121
     
47,042
 
          Total current liabilities
   
1,207,360
     
1,113,420
 
Long-term debt
   
433,774
     
477,173
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
60,042
     
61,234
 
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock, nonvoting, $0.0001 par value,
               
   10,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding
   
-
     
-
 
Common stock, voting, $0.0001 par value, 200,000
               
   shares authorized; 100,927 shares issued and outstanding
               
   in 2007 and 105,351 issued and outstanding in 2006
   
10
     
11
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
267,396
     
414,153
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
2,308
     
3,472
 
Retained earnings
   
795,676
     
613,218
 
          Total stockholders' equity
   
1,065,390
     
1,030,854
 
    $
2,766,566
    $
2,682,681
 
                 
 
The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.
 
1

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended
October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
   
Twelve Week Periods Ended
   
Forty Week Periods Ended
 
   
October 6,
   
October 7,
   
October 6,
   
October 7,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
                         
Net sales
  $
1,158,043
    $
1,099,486
    $
3,796,022
    $
3,600,353
 
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs
   
602,930
     
569,280
     
1,968,645
     
1,877,620
 
         Gross profit
   
555,113
     
530,206
     
1,827,377
     
1,722,733
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
454,734
     
427,685
     
1,474,495
     
1,383,468
 
         Operating income
   
100,379
     
102,521
     
352,882
     
339,265
 
Other, net:
                               
     Interest expense
    (7,968 )     (9,232 )     (26,634 )     (28,147 )
     Gain on extinguishment of debt, net
   
-
     
986
     
-
     
986
 
     Other income, net
   
353
     
154
     
1,203
     
753
 
         Total other, net
    (7,615 )     (8,092 )     (25,431 )     (26,408 )
Income before provision for income taxes
   
92,764
     
94,429
     
327,451
     
312,857
 
Provision for income taxes
   
33,724
     
35,482
     
123,886
     
116,893
 
Net income
  $
59,040
    $
58,947
    $
203,565
    $
195,964
 
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $
0.58
    $
0.56
    $
1.94
    $
1.84
 
                                 
Diluted earnings per share
  $
0.57
    $
0.56
    $
1.92
    $
1.82
 
                                 
Average common shares outstanding
   
102,546
     
105,112
     
104,987
     
106,380
 
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation
   
635
     
939
     
866
     
1,175
 
Average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution
   
103,181
     
106,051
     
105,853
     
107,555
 
                                 
 
The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.
 
2

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Forty Week Periods Ended
October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
   
Forty Week Periods Ended
 
   
October 6,
   
October 7,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $
203,565
    $
195,964
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
               
operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
113,404
     
104,156
 
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs
   
173
     
482
 
Share-based compensation
   
14,318
     
14,473
 
Loss on disposal of property and equipment, net
   
9,074
     
1,520
 
Benefit for deferred income taxes
    (21,141 )     (2,332 )
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
    (11,133 )     (4,398 )
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
-
     
1,887
 
Net decrease (increase) in:
               
Receivables, net
   
14,317
     
10,995
 
Inventories, net
    (77,326 )     (90,966 )
Other assets
    (985 )    
9,031
 
Net increase (decrease) in:
               
Accounts payable
   
56,508
     
40,472
 
Accrued expenses
   
71,708
     
17,056
 
Other liabilities
   
5,296
      (1,337 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
377,778
     
297,003
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (146,520 )     (200,784 )
Insurance proceeds related to damaged property
   
6,636
     
-
 
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
   
-
      (12,500 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
   
1,761
     
8,726
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (138,123 )     (204,558 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Decrease in bank overdrafts
    (33,857 )     (13,481 )
Increase in financed vendor accounts payable
   
25,781
     
21,385
 
Early extinguishment of debt
   
-
      (433,775 )
Dividends paid
    (25,152 )     (19,153 )
Net borrowings (payments) on note payable
   
4,395
      (49 )
Borrowings under credit facilities
   
258,100
     
580,575
 
Payments on credit facilities
    (305,300 )     (134,625 )
Payment of debt related costs
   
-
      (1,078 )
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise
               
   of stock options
   
39,711
     
14,100
 
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
   
11,133
     
4,398
 
Repurchase of common stock
    (211,225 )     (137,560 )
Other
   
467
     
22
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (235,947 )     (119,241 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
3,708
      (26,796 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
11,128
     
40,783
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $
14,836
    $
13,987
 
                 
 
The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.
 
3

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - (Continued)
For the Forty Week Periods Ended
October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
   
Forty Week Periods Ended
 
   
October 6,
   
October 7,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Supplemental cash flow information:
           
Interest paid
  $
23,523
    $
23,415
 
Income tax payments, net
   
123,156
     
101,322
 
Non-cash transactions:
               
Accrued purchases of property and equipment
   
24,107
     
31,958
 
Retirement of common stock
   
211,225
     
192,339
 
Reclassification of other comprehensive income
    (1,164 )     (2,428 )
Adoption of FIN No. 48, net of tax
   
2,275
     
-
 
                 
 
The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.
 
4

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
1.
Basis of Presentation:
 
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, or the Company.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The condensed consolidated balance sheets as of October 6, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the twelve and forty-week periods ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the forty-week periods ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006, have been prepared by the Company.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of the Company, the results of its operations and cash flows have been made.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006.

The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The following table illustrates the primary costs classified in each major expense category:
 
Cost of Sales 
 
SG&A 
               
Total cost of merchandise sold including:
 
Payroll and benefit costs for retail and corporate
 
Freight expenses associated with moving
   
team members;
   
merchandise inventories from our vendors to
 
Occupancy costs of retail and corporate facilities;
   
our distribution center,
 
Depreciation related to retail and corporate assets;
 
Vendor incentives, and
 
Advertising;
 
Cash discounts on payments to vendors;
 
Costs associated with our commercial delivery
Inventory shrinkage;
   
program, including payroll and benefit costs,
Warranty costs;
   
and transportation expenses associated with moving
Costs associated with operating our distribution
   
merchandise inventories from our retail stores to
 
network, including payroll and benefit costs,
   
our customer locations;
 
occupancy costs and depreciation; and
 
Freight expenses associated with moving
Freight expenses associated with moving
   
merchandise inventories from our Local Area
 
merchandise inventories from our distribution
 
Warehouses, or LAWs, and Parts Delivered Quickly
  center to our retail stores.       
warehouses, or PDQs, to our retail stores after the
           
customer has special-ordered the merchandise;
         
Self-insurance costs;
         
Professional services; and
         
Other administrative costs, such as credit card
           
service fees, supplies, travel and lodging.
               
 
5

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Vendor Incentives

The Company receives incentives in the form of reductions to amounts owed and/or payments from vendors related to cooperative advertising allowances, volume rebates and other promotional considerations. The Company accounts for vendor incentives in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force, or EITF, No. 02-16, “Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor.” Many of the incentives are under long-term agreements (terms in excess of one year), while others are negotiated on an annual basis. Cooperative advertising allowances and volume rebates are earned based on inventory purchases and initially recorded as a reduction to inventory. The deferred amounts are included as a reduction to cost of sales as the inventory is sold.

The Company recognizes other promotional incentives earned under long-term agreements as a reduction to cost of sales. These incentives are recognized based on the cumulative net purchases as a percentage of total estimated net purchases over the life of the agreement. The Company's margins could be impacted positively or negatively if actual purchases or results from any one year differ from its estimates; however, the impact over the life of the agreement would be the same. Short-term incentives (terms less than one year) are recognized as a reduction to cost of sales over the course of the agreements.

Amounts received or receivable from vendors that are not yet earned are reflected as deferred revenue in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.  Management's estimate of the portion of deferred revenue that will be realized within one year of the balance sheet date has been included in other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Earned amounts that are receivable from vendors are included in receivables, net on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, except for that portion expected to be received after one year, which is included in other assets, net on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Preopening Expenses

Preopening expenses, which consist primarily of payroll and occupancy costs, are expensed as incurred.

Warranty Costs

The Company's vendors are primarily responsible for warranty claims. Warranty costs relating to merchandise (primarily batteries) sold under warranty, which are not covered by vendors' warranties, are estimated based on the Company's historical experience and are recorded in the period the product is sold. The following table presents changes in the Company’s warranty reserves.
 
6

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
   
October 6, 
2007
   
December 30,
2006
   
   
(40 weeks ended)
   
(52 weeks ended)
   
               
Warranty reserve, beginning of period
  $
13,069
    $
11,352
   
Reserves established
   
17,630
     
17,352
   
Reserves utilized
    (14,550 )     (15,635 )  
                   
Warranty reserve, end of period
  $
16,149
    $
13,069
   
 
Sales Returns and Allowances

The Company’s accounting policy for sales returns and allowances consists of establishing reserves for estimated returns at the time of sale. The Company anticipates returns based on current sales levels and the Company’s historical return experience on a specific product basis.

Earnings Per Share of Common Stock

Basic earnings per share of common stock has been computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, less stock held in treasury and shares of non-vested restricted stock, during the period.  Diluted earnings per share of common stock reflects the increase in the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding, outstanding deferred stock units and the impact of outstanding stock options, stock appreciation rights and shares of non-vested restricted stock, calculated on the treasury stock method.

Hedge Activities
 
The Company utilizes interest rate swaps to limit its cash flow risk on its variable rate debt. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” the fair value of the Company’s outstanding hedges is recorded as an asset or liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at October 6, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively. The Company uses the “matched terms” accounting method as provided by Derivative Implementation Group Issue No. G9, “Assuming No Ineffectiveness When Critical Terms of the Hedging Instrument and the Hedge Transaction Match in a Cash Flow Hedge” for the interest rate swaps.  Accordingly, the Company has matched the critical terms of each hedge instrument to the hedged debt. The Company uses the 90-day, adjusted LIBOR interest rate and has the intent and ability to continue to use this rate on its hedged borrowings. Therefore, the Company has recorded all adjustments to the fair value of the hedge instruments in accumulated other comprehensive income through the maturity date of the applicable hedge arrangement.

The fair value of the interest rate swaps at October 6, 2007 and December 30, 2006 was a liability of $1,208 and an asset of $251, respectively. Any amounts received or paid under these hedges will be recorded in the statement of operations as earned or incurred.

Based on the estimated current and future fair values of the hedge arrangements at October 6, 2007, the Company estimates amounts currently included in accumulated other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to earnings in the next 12 months will consist of a loss of $126 associated with the interest rate swaps.
 
7

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
Financed Vendor Accounts Payable

The Company is party to a short-term financing program with a bank allowing it to extend its payment terms on certain merchandise purchases. The substance of the program is for the Company to borrow money from the bank to finance purchases from vendors. The Company records any discount given by the vendor to the value of its inventory and accretes this discount to the resulting short-term payable to the bank through interest expense over the extended term. At October 6, 2007 and December 30, 2006, $153,324 and $127,543, respectively, was payable to the bank by the Company under this program and is included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as Financed Vendor Accounts Payable.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting SFAS No. 159.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).” SFAS No. 158 requires recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit postretirement plans as an asset or liability in the statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. SFAS No. 158 also requires measurement of the funded status of a plan as of the date of the statement of financial position. The Company adopted the recognition provisions of SFAS No. 158 on December 30, 2006. SFAS No. 158 is effective for the measurement date provisions for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the measurement date provisions of SFAS No. 158.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the disclosures on fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting SFAS No. 157.
 
2.
Income Taxes:
 
On December 31, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” or FIN 48.  FIN 48 clarifies the accounting and reporting for income taxes recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” The interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns.

As a result of the adoption of FIN 48 on December 31, 2006, the Company recorded an increase of $2,275 to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and a corresponding decrease in its balance of retained earnings. As of December 31, 2006, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $16,453.  The entire amount, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate.  The amount of unrecognized tax benefits did not materially change from December 31, 2006 to October 6, 2007.

Prior to December 31, 2006, the Company classified interest associated with tax contingencies in interest expense.  The Company has not previously provided for any penalties associated with tax contingencies unless considered probable.  With the adoption of FIN 48, the Company provides for interest and penalties as a part of
 
8

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
income tax expense. As of December 31, 2006, the gross amount of accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits was $4,172, of which $2,946 was attributed to interest.

During the next 12 months, it is possible that the Company could conclude on $2,000 to $3,000 of the contingencies associated with unrecognized tax uncertainties (including tax benefits, interest and penalties).  The majority of these resolutions would be achieved through the completion of current income tax examinations.

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and state returns, some of which are on a consolidated basis, in the 40 states which have retail operations, plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  Numerous localities require income tax returns.  The examination of the Company’s U.S. federal tax returns for the 3-year period ending 2003 was completed in March 2006.  With respect to state and local jurisdictions, the Company and its subsidiaries are generally not subject to exam for any years prior to 2001.
 
3.
Share-Based Compensation:
 
The Company accounts for its share-based compensation plans in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment.” Historically, the Company has granted fixed stock options and deferred stock units, or DSUs, to its employees under these plans. During the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, the Company granted stock appreciation rights, or SARs, and shares of restricted stock as allowed under the Company’s long-term incentive plan.  The Company also granted stock options and DSUs to members of its Board of Directors and interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Total share-based compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 was $3,906 and $14,318, respectively. Total share-based compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 7, 2006 was $4,581 and $14,473, respectively.

SARs

During the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, the Company granted 1,451 SARs to employees at a weighted average conversion price of $38.05. The Company calculated the fair value of the granted SARs using the Black-Scholes pricing model and will amortize the fair value compensation over the requisite service period using the straight-line method. The SARs vest over a three-year period in equal installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date and contain no post-vesting restrictions other than normal trading black-out periods prescribed by the Company’s corporate governance policies. Additionally, the SARs expire on the seventh anniversary of the grant date.

The weighted average grant-date fair value of each SAR was $11.37.  At October 6, 2007, the remaining compensation expense to be recognized for this grant, net of estimated forfeitures, is $9,458. The Company used the following Black-Scholes option-pricing assumptions to determine the fair value of each SAR and stock option during the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007:
 
Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions (1)
 
October 6,
2007
     
Risk-free interest rate (2)
 
4.8%
Expected dividend yield (3)
 
0.6%
Expected stock price volatility (4)
 
29.0%
Expected life of stock options and SARs (in months) (5)
 
               51
 
9

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
(1)   Forfeitures are based on historical experience.
(2)   The risk-free interest rate is based on a U.S. Treasury constant maturity interest rate whose term is consistent with the expected life of the Company’s stock options.
(3)   The Company declared its first ever cash dividend beginning in its first quarter of 2006.
(4)   Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock for the period consistent with the expected life of the Company’s stock options and SARs.
(5)   The expected life of the Company’s stock options and SARs represents the estimated period of time until exercise and is based on the Company’s historical experience of such stock options.
 
Restricted Stock

During the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, the Company granted 154 shares of restricted stock to employees.  These shares vest at the end of a three-year period. During this period, holders of the restricted stock are entitled to dividend and voting rights. Shares of the restricted stock are restricted until they vest and cannot be sold by the recipient until the restriction has lapsed at the end of the three-year period.

The weighted average grant-date fair value of each share of restricted stock was $38.28, the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. At October 6, 2007, the remaining compensation expense to be recognized for this grant, net of estimated forfeitures, is $3,481. As the compensation is amortized over the vesting period, additional paid-in capital is recognized accordingly. Shares of restricted stock are not included as shares outstanding in the calculation of basic earnings per share, but are included in the number of shares used to calculate diluted earnings per share, if dilutive.

Stock Options and DSUs

During the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, the Company granted 75 stock options and 8 DSU’s to members of its Board of Directors, including its interim Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. The exercise price of the options is $41.64, the market price of the Company’s underlying common stock on the date of grant. The options vest over a three-year period and expire on the seventh anniversary of the date of grant. The Company determined the fair value of each stock option using the same Black-Scholes option-pricing assumptions as were used to value the SARs. The grant-date fair value of each stock option was $12.22.

The DSUs were awarded at a price of $41.64, the market price of the Company’s underlying common stock on the date of grant. The DSUs are immediately vested upon issuance but are held on behalf of the director until he or she ceases to be a director. The DSUs are then distributed to the director following his or her last date of service.
 
10

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
4.
Receivables:
 
Receivables consist of the following:
 
   
October 6, 
2007
   
December 30,
2006
   
               
Trade
  $
16,742
    $
13,149
   
Vendor
   
60,412
     
73,724
   
Installment
   
-
      2,336    
Insurance recovery
   
-
       9,676    
Other
   
4,807
      2,801    
Total receivables
   
81,961
        101,686    
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (4,979      (4,640  
Receivables, net
  $
76,982
    $
97,046
   
 
5.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets:
 
The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets as of October 6, 2007 include:
 
   
As of October 6, 2007   
   
Acquired intangible assets
 
Gross Carrying
   
Accumulated
   
Net Book
   
subject to amortization:
 
Amount
   
Amortization
   
Value
   
                     
Customer relationships
  $
9,600
    $ (1,915 )   $
7,685
   
Other
   
885
      (275 )    
610
   
     Total
  $
10,485
    $ (2,190 )   $
8,295
   
                           
Acquired intangible assets
                         
not subject to amortization:
                         
                           
Trademark and tradenames
  $
18,800
    $
-
    $
18,800
   
                           
Intangible assets, net
  $
29,285
    $ (2,190 )   $
27,095
   
 
The Company recorded amortization expense of $250 and $831 for acquired intangible assets for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, respectively. The table below shows expected amortization expense for the next five years for acquired intangible assets recorded as of October 6, 2007.
 
2007
  $
        256
2008
  $
     1,087
2009
  $
     1,087
2010
  $
     1,059
2011
  $
        967
 
11

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 are as follows:
 
   
AAP Segment
   
AI Segment
   
Total
 
                   
Balance at December 30, 2006
  $
16,093
    $
17,625
    $
33,718
 
Fiscal 2007 activity
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Balance at October 6, 2007
  $
16,093
    $
17,625
    $
33,718
 
 
6.
Inventories, net:
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method for approximately 93% of inventories at both October 6, 2007 and December 30, 2006. Under the LIFO method, the Company’s cost of sales reflects the costs of the most currently purchased inventories while the inventory carrying balance represents the costs relating to prices paid in prior years. The Company’s costs to acquire inventory have been generally decreasing in recent years as a result of the Company’s significant growth. Accordingly, the cost to replace inventory is less than the LIFO balances carried for similar product. As a result of the LIFO method and the ability to obtain lower product costs, the Company recorded reductions to cost of sales of $13,254 and $8,967 for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006, respectively.

An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each fiscal year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time.  Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations must be based on management’s estimates of expected fiscal year-end inventory levels and costs.

The remaining inventories are comprised of product cores, which consist of the non-consumable portion of certain parts and batteries and are valued under the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method.  Core values are included as part of the Company’s merchandise costs and are either passed on to the customer or returned to the vendor.  Additionally, these products are not subject to the frequent cost changes like the Company’s other merchandise inventory, thus there is no material difference from applying either the LIFO or FIFO valuation methods.

The Company capitalizes certain purchasing and warehousing costs into inventory.  Purchasing and warehousing costs included in inventory, at FIFO, at October 6, 2007 and December 30, 2006, were $100,121 and $95,576, respectively.  Inventories consist of the following:
 
   
October 6, 
2007
   
December 30,
2006
   
               
Inventories at FIFO
  $
1,444,644
    $
1,380,573
   
Adjustments to state inventories at LIFO
   
96,022
     
82,767
   
Inventories at LIFO
  $
1,540,666
    $
1,463,340
   
                   
 
Replacement cost approximated FIFO cost at October 6, 2007, and December 30, 2006.
 
Inventory quantities are tracked through a perpetual inventory system.  The Company uses a cycle counting program in all distribution centers, PDQs, LAWs and retail stores to ensure the accuracy of the perpetual inventory quantities of both merchandise and core inventory.
 
12

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
The Company establishes reserves for estimated shrink based on historical accuracy and effectiveness of the cycle counting program. The Company also establishes reserves for potentially excess and obsolete inventories based on current inventory levels and the historical analysis of product sales and current market conditions. The nature of the Company’s inventory is such that the risk of obsolescence is minimal and excess inventory has historically been returned to the Company’s vendors for credit. The Company provides reserves when less than full credit is expected from a vendor or when liquidating product will result in retail prices below recorded costs. The Company’s reserves against inventory for these matters were $34,015 and $31,376 at October 6, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively.
 
7.
Long-term Debt:
 
Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
   
October 6, 
2007
   
December 30, 
2006
   
Senior Debt:
             
Revolving facility at variable interest rates (6.23% and 6.13% at October 6, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively) due October 2011
  $
429,600
    $
476,800
   
Other
   
4,835
     
440
   
     
434,435
     
477,240
   
Less: Current portion of long-term debt
    (661 )     (67 )  
Long-term debt, excluding current portion
  $
433,774
    $
477,173
   
 
As of October 6, 2007, the Company had outstanding $429,600 under its revolving credit facility, $4,835 under an economic development note and $84,951 in letters of credit outstanding, which reduced availability under the revolving credit facility to $235,449. In addition to the letters of credit, the Company maintains approximately $2,229 in surety bonds issued by its insurance provider primarily to utility providers and the departments of revenue for certain states. These letters of credit and surety bonds generally have a term of one year or less.

The Company entered into its current $750,000 unsecured five-year revolving credit facility in October 2006 with Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, a subsidiary of the Company, serving as the borrower. The revolver replaced the Company’s term loans and revolver under the previous credit facility. The revolving credit facility provides for the issuance of letters of credit with a sub limit of $300,000 and swingline loans in an amount not to exceed $50,000. The Company may also request, subject to certain lender consent, that the total revolving commitment be increased by an amount not exceeding $250,000 during the term of the credit agreement. Voluntary prepayments and voluntary reductions of the revolving balance are permitted in whole or in part, at the Company’s option, in minimum principal amounts as specified in the revolving credit facility.

The interest rates on borrowings under the revolving credit facility will be based, at the Company’s option, on an adjusted LIBOR rate, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The current margin is 0.75% and 0.0% per annum for the adjusted LIBOR and alternate base rate borrowings, respectively. The Company has elected to use the 90-day adjusted LIBOR rate and has the ability and intent to continue to use this rate on its hedged borrowings. A commitment fee will be charged on the unused portion of the revolver, payable in arrears. The current commitment fee rate is 0.150% per annum. Under the terms of the revolving credit facility, the interest rate spread and commitment fee will be based on the Company’s credit rating. The revolving facility terminates on October 5, 2011.
 
13

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
The revolving credit facility is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Advance Auto Parts, Inc. The facility contains covenants restricting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, (1) create, incur or assume additional debt (including hedging arrangements), (2) incur liens or engage in sale-leaseback transactions, (3) make loans and investments, (4) guarantee obligations, (5) engage in certain mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (6) engage in transactions with affiliates, (7) change the nature of the Company’s business and the business conducted by its subsidiaries and (8) change the holding company status of the Company. The Company is required to comply with financial covenants with respect to a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated coverage ratio. The revolving credit facility also provides for customary events of default, including non-payment defaults, covenant defaults and cross-defaults to the Company’s other material indebtedness.

The Company was in compliance with the above covenants under the revolving credit facility at October 6, 2007.
 
8.
Comprehensive Income:
 
The Company includes in comprehensive income the changes in fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps and the amortization of prior service credits related to its postretirement plan as a result of adopting of SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” at December 30, 2006.

Comprehensive income for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006 is as follows:
 
   
Twelve Weeks Ended
   
Forty Weeks Ended
 
   
October 6, 
2007
   
October 7, 
2006
   
October 6, 
2007
   
October 7, 
2006
 
                         
Net income
  $
59,040
    $
58,947
    $
203,565
    $
195,964
 
Unrealized (loss) gain on hedge
                               
arrangements, net of tax
    (3,044 )     (1,468 )     (889 )    
445
 
Reclassification of net gain on hedge
                               
arrangements into earnings, before tax
   
-
      (2,873 )    
-
      (2,873 )
Amortization of negative prior service cost, net of tax
     (83      -        (275    
-
 
Comprehensive income
  $
55,913
    $
54,606
    $
202,401
    $
193,536
 
 
9.
Stock Repurchase Program:
 
During the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program of up to $500,000 of the Company's common stock plus related expenses. The new program cancelled and replaced the remaining portion of the previous $300,000 stock repurchase program. The program allows the Company to repurchase its common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. During the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007, the Company repurchased 6,233 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $207,327, or an average price of $33.26 per share, of which 1,235 shares of common stock were repurchased under the previous $300,000 stock repurchase program. During the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, the Company repurchased 6,328 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $211,225, or an average price of $33.38 per share, of which 1,330 shares of common stock were repurchased under the previous $300,000 stock repurchase program. 
 
14

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
During the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007, the Company retired all 6,328 shares repurchased under the stock repurchase programs. At October 6, 2007, the Company had $335,151 remaining under the current stock repurchase program. Subsequent to October 6, 2007, the Company repurchased 841 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $29,997, or an average price of $35.66 per share.
 
10.
Postretirement Plan:
 
The Company provides certain health and life insurance benefits for eligible retired team members through a postretirement plan, or the Plan. These benefits are subject to deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations. The Plan has no assets and is funded on a cash basis as benefits are paid.  The Company’s postretirement liability is calculated annually by a third-party actuary.  The discount rate utilized at December 30, 2006 was 5.5%, and remained unchanged through the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007. The Company expects fiscal 2007 plan contributions to completely offset benefits paid, consistent with fiscal 2006.

The components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, and October 7, 2006 respectively, are as follows:
 
   
Twelve Weeks Ended
   
Forty Weeks Ended
 
   
October 6, 2007
   
October 7, 2006
   
October 6, 2007
   
October 7, 2006
 
                         
Interest cost
  $
127
    $
167
    $
423
    $
558
 
Amortization of negative prior service cost
    (134 )     (134 )     (447 )     (447 )
Amortization of unrecognized net losses
   
-
     
49
     
-
     
162
 
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost
  $ (7 )   $
82
    $ (24 )   $
273
 
 
11.
Segment and Related Information:
 
The Company has the following two reportable segments: Advance Auto Parts, or AAP, and Autopart International, or AI. The AAP segment is comprised of store operations within the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands which operate under the trade names “Advance Auto Parts,” “Advance Discount Auto Parts” and “Western Auto.” These stores offer a broad selection of brand name and proprietary automotive replacement parts, accessories and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars and light trucks, with no significant concentration in any specific product area.

The AI segment consists solely of the operations of Autopart International, which operates as an independent, wholly-owned subsidiary. AI’s business serves the commercial market in addition to warehouse distributors and jobbers located throughout the Northeastern region of the United States.

The Company evaluates each of its segment’s financial performance based on net sales and operating profit for purposes of making decisions and allocating resources. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1.

The following table summarizes financial information for each of the Company's business segments for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006, respectively.
 
15

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2007 and October 7, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
   
Twelve Week Periods Ended     
 
October 6, 2007
 
AAP
   
AI
   
Eliminations
   
Totals
 
                         
Net sales
  $
1,124,110
    $
33,933
    $
-
    $
1,158,043
 
Operating income
   
99,801
     
578
     
-
     
100,379
 
Segment assets
   
2,623,256
     
143,310
     
-
     
2,766,566
 
                                 
October 7, 2006
 
AAP
   
AI
   
Eliminations
   
Totals
 
                                 
Net sales
  $
1,071,698
    $
27,788
    $
-
    $
1,099,486
 
Operating income
   
102,054
     
467
     
-
     
102,521
 
Segment assets
   
2,550,896
     
110,689
     
-
     
2,661,585
 
                                 
   
Forty Week Periods Ended
 
October 6, 2007
 
AAP
   
AI
   
Eliminations
   
Totals
 
                                 
Net sales
  $
3,692,208
    $
103,814
    $
-
    $
3,796,022
 
Operating income (loss)
   
352,906
      (24 )    
-
     
352,882
 
Segment assets
   
2,623,256
     
143,310
     
-
     
2,766,566
 
                                 
October 7, 2006
 
AAP
   
AI
   
Eliminations
   
Totals
 
                                 
Net sales
  $
3,514,692
    $
85,661
    $
-
    $
3,600,353
 
Operating income
   
336,724
     
2,541
     
-
     
339,265
 
Segment assets
   
2,550,896
     
110,689
     
-
     
2,661,585
 
 
 
16

 
ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of our consolidated historical results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.  Our first quarter consists of 16 weeks and our other three quarters consist of 12 weeks each.

Certain statements in this report are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are usually identified by the use of words such as "will," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "forecasts," "plans," "intends," "should" or similar expressions.  We intend those forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are included in this statement for purposes of complying with these safe harbor provisions.

These forward-looking statements reflect current views about our plans, strategies and prospects, which are based on the information currently available and on current assumptions.

Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations as reflected in or suggested by those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved.  Listed below and discussed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006 are some important risks, uncertainties and contingencies which could cause our actual results, performances or achievements to be materially different from the forward-looking statements made in this report.  These risks, uncertainties and contingencies include, but are not limited to, the following:

·  the implementation of our business strategies and goals;
·  our ability to expand our business;
·  competitive pricing and other competitive pressures;
·  a decrease in demand for our products;
·  the occurrence of natural disasters and/or extended periods of unfavorable weather;
·  our ability to obtain affordable insurance against the financial impacts of natural disasters;
·  the availability of suitable real estate locations;
·  our overall credit rating;
·  deterioration in general economic conditions;
·  our ability to attract and retain qualified team members;
·  integration of acquisitions;
·  our relationship with our vendors;
·  our involvement as a defendant in litigation or incurrence of judgments, fines or legal costs;
·  adherence to the restrictions and covenants imposed under our revolving credit facility; and
·  acts of terrorism.

We assume no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  In evaluating forward-looking statements, you should consider these risks and uncertainties, together with the other risks described from time to time in our other reports and documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and you should not place undue reliance on those statements.

Management Overview

During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, we recorded earnings per diluted share of $0.57 compared to $0.56 for the same quarter of fiscal 2006. Our third quarter operating results included expenses of $0.04 per diluted share related to severance and asset write-off costs associated with our strategic plan.  We continue to generate significant operating cash flow to allow us to invest in business initiatives and return capital to shareholders through cash dividends and share repurchases.  We remain focused on increasing our sales, earnings and return on invested capital and believe our initiatives introduced in the second quarter are beginning to have a positive impact on these goals.
 
17

 
Specific updates on these initiatives, among other recent developments, during our third quarter are discussed below:

Sales Initiatives – We began implementing our plan to increase “do-it-yourself,” or DIY, and “do-it-for-me,” or DIFM, sales through improving parts availability with an emphasis on late model and foreign vehicles. Our enhanced parts availability will be funded partially from available working capital as we transition from other less productive inventory. We believe our DIFM business has started to improve although we continue to face a challenging macroeconomic environment, including higher fuel and insurance costs. In order to structure our DIFM business for further growth, we continue to examine store staffing and training, compensation policies and truck utilization.  Commercial sales represented approximately 27% of our total sales for the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007 as compared to approximately 25% for the same quarter last year.  At October 6, 2007, we operated commercial programs in 83% of our total stores compared to approximately 82% for the prior year quarter. Lastly, we began improving the productivity and efficiency of our sales floor in our stores by aligning functions performed by our sales associates with our increased parts focus.

SG&A Reductions – We took significant steps towards reducing our selling, general and administrative expense structure during the third quarter.  We eliminated 250 positions at our store support center and other field support areas and terminated our Advance TV network, which together resulted in $6.3 million of expense recognized in our third quarter operating results.  Additionally, we reduced our real estate development through opening fewer new stores, relocating fewer stores and stopping the store remodel program.  Lastly, we completed the further reduction and reallocation of certain advertising expenditures.

Return on Invested Capital Improvements – We eliminated certain information technology, logistics and other investments that did not demonstrate acceptable returns. During the third quarter, we stopped our store remodel program while we more closely examine the sales results and overall return from these remodels. Additionally, we have delayed the opening of our ninth distribution center to the beginning of 2010 as a result of fewer new stores openings planned through 2008.

Stock Repurchase Program – During the third quarter, our Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program of up to $500 million of our common stock plus related expenses.  The program, which became effective August 8, 2007, replaced the remaining portion of a $300 million stock repurchase program. During the third quarter, we repurchased 6.2 million shares of common stock for $207 million. As of October 6, 2007, we had $335 million remaining on the current share repurchase program.

Consolidated Operating Results and Key Metrics

The following table highlights certain consolidated operating results and key metrics for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, and October 7, 2006.
 
   
Twelve Weeks Ended
   
Forty Weeks Ended   
 
   
October 6, 2007
   
October 7, 2006
   
October 6, 2007
   
October 7, 2006
 
                         
Total net sales  (in thousands)
   
$1,158,043
     
$1,099,486
     
$3,796,022
     
$3,600,353
 
Total commercial net sales  (in thousands)
   
$314,052
     
$277,894
     
$1,002,498
     
$900,483
 
Comparable store net sales growth
    1.1%       1.4%       1.2%       2.3%  
   DIY comparable store net sales growth
    (1.0%)       (0.6%)       (0.4%)       (0.3%)  
   DIFM comparable store net sales growth
    8.0%       8.7%       6.2%       11.7%  
Average net sales per store (in thousands)
   
$1,542
     
$1,561
     
$1,542
     
$1,561
 
Inventory per store (in thousands)
   
$477
     
$483
     
$477
     
$483
 
Inventory turnover
   
1.67
     
1.69
     
1.67
     
1.69
 
Gross margin
    47.9%       48.2%       48.1%       47.8%  
Operating margin
    8.7%       9.3%       9.3%       9.4%  
 
Note:  These metrics should be reviewed along with the footnotes to the table setting forth our selected store data in Item 6. "Selected Financial Data" in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006, which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2007. The footnotes contain descriptions regarding the calculation of
 
18

 
these metrics.  Average net sales per store and inventory turnover for the interim periods presented above were calculated using results of operations from the last 13 accounting periods.

Operating Segments

We conduct our operations in two reportable segments: Advance Auto Parts, or AAP, and Autopart International, or AI.  The AAP segment is comprised of our store operations within the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, which operate under the trade names “Advance Auto Parts,” “Advance Discount Auto Parts” and “Western Auto.” The AI segment consists solely of the operations of Autopart International, which operates as an independent, wholly-owned subsidiary.

AAP Segment

At October 6, 2007, we operated 3,124 stores within the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. We operated 3,091 stores throughout 40 states in the Northeastern, Southeastern and Midwestern regions of the United States.  These stores operated under the “Advance Auto Parts” trade name except for certain stores in the state of Florida, which operated under the “Advance Discount Auto Parts” trade name. These stores offer a broad selection of brand name and proprietary automotive replacement parts, accessories and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars and light trucks, with no significant concentration in any specific product area. In addition, we operated 33 stores under the “Western Auto” and “Advance Auto Parts” trade names, located primarily in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, or Offshore. The Western Auto stores offer automotive tires and service in addition to automotive parts, accessories and maintenance items.

The following table sets forth information about our stores, including the number of new, closed and relocated stores, during the twelve and forty weeks ended October 6, 2007. We lease approximately 81% of our stores.
 
   
Twelve Weeks
Ended 
October 6, 2007
   
Forty Weeks
Ended
 October 6, 2007
 
Number of stores at beginning of period
   
3,087
     
2,995
 
New Stores
   
39
     
139
 
Closed Stores
    (2 )     (10 )
Number of stores, end of period
   
3,124
     
3,124
 
Relocated stores
   
5
     
24
 
Stores with commercial programs
   
2,571
     
2,571
 
 
AI Segment

At October 6, 2007, we operated 104 stores throughout New England and New York. These stores operated under the “Autopart International” trade name. These stores offer a broad selection of brand name and proprietary automotive replacement parts, accessories and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars and light trucks, with a greater focus on imported parts. AI primarily serves the commercial market from its retail locations and additionally through a wholesale distribution network.

The following table sets forth information about our stores, including the number of new and closed stores, during the twelve and forty weeks ended October 6, 2007.
 
 
19

 
   
Twelve Weeks
Ended 
October 6, 2007
   
Forty Weeks
Ended 
October 6, 2007
 
Number of stores at beginning of period
   
100
     
87
 
New Stores
   
4
     
17
 
Closed Stores
   
-
     
-
 
Number of stores, end of period
   
104
     
104
 
Stores with commercial programs
   
104
     
104
 
                 
 
We anticipate that we will add a total of approximately 190 to 200 new AAP and AI stores during 2007 primarily through new store openings.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting policies generally accepted in the United States of America. Our discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on these financial statements. The preparation of these financial statements requires the application of accounting policies in addition to certain estimates and judgments by our management. Our estimates and judgments are based on currently available information, historical results and other assumptions we believe are reasonable. Actual results could differ from these estimates. During the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, we consistently applied the critical accounting policies discussed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006. For a complete discussion regarding these critical accounting policies, refer to this annual report on Form 10-K.

Components of Statement of Operations

Net Sales

Net sales consist primarily of comparable store sales and new store net sales. We calculate comparable store sales based on the change in net sales starting once a store has been open for 13 complete accounting periods. We include relocations in comparable store sales from the original date of opening. We exclude from comparable store sales the net sales from the Offshore and AI stores.

Cost of Sales

Our cost of sales consists of merchandise costs, net of incentives under vendor programs, inventory shrinkage and warehouse and distribution expenses. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales may be affected by variations in our product mix, price changes in response to competitive factors and fluctuations in merchandise costs and vendor programs.  We seek to avoid fluctuation in merchandise costs and instability of supply by entering into long-term purchase agreements with vendors when we believe it is advantageous. Our gross profit may not be comparable to those of our competitors due to differences in industry practice regarding the classification of certain costs. See Note 1 in our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of these costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of store payroll, store occupancy (including rent), advertising expenses, other store expenses and general and administrative expenses, including salaries and related benefits of store support center team members, share-based compensation expense, store support center administrative office expenses, data processing, professional expenses and other related expenses.
 
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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain of our operating data expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated.
 
   
Twelve Week Periods Ended
   
Forty Week Periods Ended
 
   
(unaudited)   
   
(unaudited)   
 
   
October 6, 2007
   
October 7, 2006
   
October 6, 2007
   
October 7, 2006
 
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs
   
52.1
     
51.8
     
51.9
     
52.2
 
Gross profit
   
47.9
     
48.2
     
48.1
     
47.8
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
39.3
     
38.9
     
38.8
     
38.4
 
Operating income
   
8.7
     
9.3
     
9.3
     
9.4
 
Interest expense
    (0.7 )     (0.8 )     (0.6 )     (0.8 )
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net
   
0.0
     
0.1
     
0.0
     
0.0
 
Other income (expense), net
   
0.0
     
0.0
     
0.0
     
0.0
 
Provision for income taxes
   
2.9
     
3.2
     
3.3
     
3.2
 
Net income
    5.1 %     5.4 %     5.4 %     5.4 %
 
Twelve Weeks Ended October 6, 2007 Compared to Twelve Weeks Ended October 7, 2006

Net sales for the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007 were $1,158.0 million, an increase of $58.6 million, or 5.3%, as compared to net sales for the twelve weeks ended October 7, 2006. The net sales increase was due to an increase in comparable store sales of 1.1% and contributions from our new AAP and AI stores opened within the last year.  The comparable store sales increase was driven by an increase in average ticket sales and customer traffic in our DIFM business and an increase in average ticket sales by our DIY customers offset by a decrease in DIY customer count. AI produced sales of $33.9 million, an increase of $6.1 million, or 22.1%.  AI’s sales increase was primarily driven by our acceleration of new-store growth throughout 2006 and forty weeks ended October 6, 2007.

Gross profit for the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007 was $555.1 million, or 47.9% of net sales, as compared to $530.2 million, or 48.2% of net sales, for the twelve weeks ended October 7, 2006. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was due primarily to a less favorable merchandise sales mix as compared to the prior year and less vendor incentives recognized as a result of lower inventory purchases. We continue to closely manage our overall inventory levels to our recent sales trends while maintaining adequate levels of inventory to support our parts initiative as discussed in the Management Overview. Additionally, commercial sales represented a 2% higher portion of our consolidated sales for the third quarter relative to the prior year, which generate a slightly lower gross profit as compared to our DIY sales.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $454.7 million, or 39.3% of net sales, for the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007, from $427.7 million, or 38.9% of net sales, for the twelve weeks ended October 7, 2006. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses included 0.5% of severance and asset write-off costs associated with our SG&A reduction initiatives. We also experienced an increase in certain fixed occupancy costs, as a percentage of net sales during the third quarter, offset by reduced advertising expense.

Operating income for the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007 was $100.4 million, or 8.7% of net sales, as compared to $102.5 million, or 9.3% of net sales, for the twelve weeks ended October 7, 2006. This decrease in operating income, as a percentage of net sales, was reflective of a decrease in gross profit and higher selling, general and administrative expenses as previously discussed. AAP produced operating income of $99.8 million, or 8.9% of net sales, for the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007 as compared to $102.1 million, or 9.5% of net sales, for the twelve weeks ended October 7, 2006. AI generated operating income of $0.6 million for the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007 as compared to operating income of $0.5 million for the same period last year. Operating income increased only slightly due to less than anticipated sales and the reinvestment of resources to accelerate AI’s store growth and roll out of certain AI branded product.
 
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Interest expense for the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007 was $8.0 million, or 0.7% of net sales, as compared to $9.2 million, or 0.8% of net sales, for the twelve weeks ended October 7, 2006. The decrease in interest expense is a result of lower average outstanding borrowings and lower average borrowing rates during the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007 compared to the same period ended October 7, 2006.

Income tax expense for the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007 was $33.7 million, as compared to $35.5 million for the twelve weeks ended October 7, 2006. Our effective income tax rate was 36.4% for the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007 compared to 37.6% for the same period ended October 7, 2006. This lower rate was primarily reflective of adjustments made in connection with the filing of our consolidated income tax return and the completion of certain state income tax audits.

We generated net income of $59.0 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, for the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007, as compared to $58.9 million, or $0.56 per diluted share, for the twelve weeks ended October 7, 2006. As a percentage of net sales, net income for the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007 was 5.1%, as compared to 5.4% for the twelve weeks ended October 7, 2006.

Forty Weeks Ended October 6, 2007 Compared to Forty Weeks Ended October 7, 2006

Net sales for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 were $3,796.0 million, an increase of $195.7 million, or 5.4%, as compared to net sales for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2006. The net sales increase was due to an increase in comparable store sales of 1.2% and contributions from our new AAP and AI stores opened within the last year.  The comparable store sales increase was driven by an increase in average ticket sales and customer traffic in our DIFM business and an increase in average ticket sales by our DIY customers offset by a decrease in DIY customer count.  AI produced sales of $103.8 million, an increase of $18.2 million, or 21.2%.  AI’s sales increase was primarily driven by our acceleration of new-store growth throughout 2006 and forty weeks ended October 6, 2007.

Gross profit for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 was $1,827.4 million, or 48.1% of net sales, as compared to $1,722.7 million, or 47.8% of net sales, for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2006. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales reflects favorable results achieved through category management throughout most of the 40-week period, including improved procurement costs and a positive shift in sales mix, and lower logistics expense.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $1,474.5 million, or 38.8% of net sales, for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, from $1,383.5 million, or 38.4% of net sales, for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2006. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses included 0.2% of severance and asset write-off costs associated with our SG&A reduction initiatives. We also experienced an increase in certain fixed occupancy costs, as a percentage of net sales during the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, offset by reduced advertising expense.

Operating income for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 was $352.9 million, or 9.3% of net sales, as compared to $339.3 million, or 9.4% of net sales, for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2006. This decrease in operating income, as a percentage of net sales, was reflective of higher selling, general and administrative expenses as previously discussed partially offset by an increase in gross profit. AAP produced operating income of $352.9 million, or 9.6% of net sales, for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 as compared to $336.7 million, or 9.6% of net sales, for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2006. AI generated no operating income for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 as compared to operating income of $2.5 million for the same period last year. This decrease in operating income was primarily driven by less than anticipated sales, additional expenses associated with the transition to AI’s new distribution center earlier in 2007 and the reinvestment of resources to accelerate AI’s store growth and roll out of certain AI branded product.

Interest expense for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 was $26.6 million, or 0.6% of net sales, as compared to $28.1 million, or 0.8% of net sales, for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2006. The decrease in interest
 
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expense is a result of lower average outstanding borrowings and lower average borrowing rates during the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 compared to the same period ended October 7, 2006.

Income tax expense for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 was $123.9 million, as compared to $116.9 million for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2006. Our effective income tax rate was 37.8% for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 compared to 37.4% for the same period ended October 7, 2006.

We generated net income of $203.6 million, or $1.92 per diluted share, for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, as compared to $196.0 million, or $1.82 per diluted share, for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2006. As a percentage of net sales, net income was 5.4% for both the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 and the forty weeks ended October 7, 2006.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our primary cash requirements include the purchase of inventory, capital expenditures, payment of cash dividends and contractual obligations. In addition, we have used available funds to repurchase shares of common stock under our stock repurchase program and to pay quarterly cash dividends. We have funded these requirements primarily through cash generated from operations supplemented by borrowings under our credit facilities as needed. We believe funds generated from our expected results of operations, available cash and cash equivalents and available borrowings under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our primary obligations for the next year.

At October 6, 2007, our cash and cash equivalents balance was $14.8 million, an increase of $3.7 million compared to December 30, 2006. This increase resulted from an increase in cash flow from operations and proceeds from the exercise of stock options partially offset by the continued investment in property and equipment, reduction in our revolving credit facility balance and return of capital to our shareholders through the payment of dividends and repurchase of common stock during the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007. At October 6, 2007, we had outstanding indebtedness primarily consisting of borrowings of $429.6 million under our revolving credit facility. Additionally, we had $85.0 million in letters of credit outstanding, which reduced our total availability under the revolving credit facility to $235.4 million.

During the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, we paid $25.2 million in quarterly cash dividends. Subsequent to October 6, 2007, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share to be paid on January 4, 2008 to all common stockholders of record as of December 21, 2007.

Capital Expenditures

Our primary capital requirements have been the funding of our continued store expansion program, including new store openings and store acquisitions, store relocations and remodels, inventory requirements, the construction and upgrading of distribution centers, the development and implementation of proprietary information systems and our acquisitions.

Our capital expenditures were $146.5 million for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007. These amounts included costs related to new store openings, the upgrade of our information systems, and remodels and relocations of existing stores. During the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, we opened an aggregate of 156 AAP and AI stores, remodeled 73 AAP stores and relocated 24 AAP stores. In 2007, we anticipate that our capital expenditures will be approximately $215 to $225 million, including an estimated $25 million for our ninth distribution center we expect to open in early 2010.

Our future capital requirements will depend in large part on the number of and timing for new stores we open or acquire within a given year and the number of stores we relocate or remodel.  We anticipate adding an aggregate of approximately 190 to 200 new AAP and AI stores and relocating 30 AAP stores during 2007. During the third quarter, we stopped our store remodel program while we more closely examine the sales results and overall return from these remodels. We have also eliminated certain information technology, logistics and other investments that did not demonstrate acceptable returns. Additionally, we have delayed the opening of our ninth distribution
 
23

 
center to the beginning of 2010 as a result of fewer new stores openings planned through 2008.

Vendor Financing Program

Historically, we have negotiated extended payment terms from suppliers that help finance inventory growth, and we believe that we will be able to continue financing much of our inventory growth through such extended payment terms. We have a short-term financing program with a bank for certain merchandise purchases. In substance, the program allows us to borrow money from the bank to finance purchases from our vendors. This program allows us to reduce further our working capital invested in current inventory levels and finance future inventory growth. Our revolving credit facility does not restrict availability under this program. At October 6, 2007, $153.3 million was payable to the bank by us under this program.

Stock Repurchase Program

During the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program of up to $500 million of our common stock plus related expenses. The new program cancelled and replaced the remaining portion of the previous $300 million stock repurchase program. The program allows us to repurchase our common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

During the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007, we repurchased 6.2 million shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $207.3 million, or an average price of $33.26 per share, of which 1.2 million shares of common stock were repurchased under the previous $300 million stock repurchase program. During the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, we repurchased 6.3 million shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $211.2 million, or an average price of $33.38 per share, of which 1.3 million shares of common stock were repurchased under the previous $300 million stock repurchase program.

During the twelve weeks ended October 6, 2007, we retired all 6.3 million shares repurchased under the stock repurchase programs. At October 6, 2007, we had $335.2 million remaining under the current stock repurchase program. Subsequent to October 6, 2007, we repurchased 0.8 million shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $30.0 million, or an average price of $35.66 per share.

Analysis of Cash Flows

An analysis of our cash flows for the forty-week period ended October 6, 2007 as compared to the forty-week period ended October 7, 2006 is included below.
 
   
Forty Week Periods Ended
 
   
October 6, 2007
   
October 7, 2006
 
   
(in millions)
 
             
Cash flows from operating activities
  $
377.8
    $
297.0
 
Cash flows from investing activities
    (138.1 )     (204.6 )
Cash flows from financing activities
    (236.0 )     (119.2 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
               
   cash equivalents
  $
3.7
    $ (26.8 )
 
Operating Activities

For the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, net cash provided by operating activities increased $80.8 million to $377.8 million, as compared to the forty weeks ended October 7, 2006. Net income increased by $7.6 million during the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007 as compared to the comparable period in 2006. Significant changes in working capital resulted in the following sources of cash:
 
24

 
 
·
a $29.7 million increase in cash flows from inventory, net of accounts payable, reflective of our slow down of inventory growth in line with our current sales trends; and
 
·
a $54.6 million increase in cash flows comprised of other movements in working capital, primarily including an increase in accrued operating expenses and the payment of a $6.3 million cash dividend accrued at December 30, 2006.
 
Investing Activities

For the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, net cash used in investing activities decreased by $66.5 million to $138.1 million, as compared to the forty weeks ended October 7, 2006. Significant components of this decrease consisted of:
 
 
·
a decrease in capital expenditures of $54.3 million resulting primarily from less spending on capital assets in our store locations, impact of the reduced scope in remodels and fewer relocations as compared to the comparable periods in the prior year; and
 
·
the decrease of a $12.5 million business acquisition payment in 2006.
 
Financing Activities

For the forty weeks ended October 6, 2007, net cash used in financing activities increased by $116.8 million to $236.0 million, as compared to the forty weeks ended October 7, 2006.

Cash flows from financing activities increased as result of:
 
 
·
an increase of $25.6 million from the issuance of common stock, primarily resulting from the increase in exercise of stock options; and
 
·
a $6.7 million cash inflow from excess tax benefits realized from the increase in exercise of stock options.
 
Cash flows from financing activities decreased as result of:
 
 
·
a $20.4 million cash outflow resulting from the timing of bank overdrafts;
 
·
an increase in net borrowings under our credit facility of $59.4 million;
 
·
an additional $73.7 million of common stock repurchases; and
 
·
$6.0 million of additional cash dividends paid due primarily to the timing in payments.
 
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements

As of October 6, 2007, we had no off-balance-sheet arrangements as defined in S-K Item 303 of the SEC regulations. We include other off-balance-sheet arrangements in our contractual obligation table including operating lease payments, interest payments on our credit facility and letters of credit outstanding.

Contractual Obligations

In addition to our revolving credit facility, we also utilize operating leases as another source of financing. The amounts payable under these operating leases are included in our schedule of contractual obligations.  Our future contractual obligations related to long-term debt, operating leases and other contractual obligations at October 6, 2007 were as follows:
 
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Contractual Obligations
 
Total
 
Fiscal
2007 
 
Fiscal
2008 
 
Fiscal
2009 
 
Fiscal
2010 
 
Fiscal
2011 
 
Thereafter 
 
(in thousands)
                                           
Long-term debt
  $
434,435
  $
109
  $
721
  $
684
  $
704
  $
430,262
  $
1,955
 
Interest payments
  $
100,697
  $
5,866
  $
24,172
  $
23,988
  $
24,616
  $
22,052
  $
3
 
Letters of credit
  $
84,951
  $
-
 
$
84,951
  $
-
  $
-
  $
-
  $
-
 
Operating leases (1)
  $
2,127,130
  $
44,043
  $
260,430
  $
231,338
  $
213,182
  $
191,102
  $
1,187,035
 
Purchase obligations (2)
  $
10,683
  $
1,956
  $
8,727
  $
-
  $
-
  $
-
  $
-
 
Other long-term liabilities(3)
  $
60,042
  $
-
  $
-
  $
-
  $
-
  $
-
  $
-
 
 
(1)  
We lease certain store locations, distribution centers, office space, equipment and vehicles. Our property leases generally contain renewal and escalation clauses and other lease concessions. These provisions are considered in our calculation of our minimum lease payments which are recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term. In accordance with SFAS No. 13. “Accounting for Leases,” as amended by SFAS No. 29, “Determine Contingent Rental,” any lease payments that are based upon an existing index or rate are included in our minimum lease payment calculations.
(2)  
For the purposes of this table, purchase obligations are defined as agreements that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Our open purchase orders are based on current inventory or operational needs and are fulfilled by our vendors within short periods of time. We currently do not have minimum purchase commitments under our vendor supply agreements nor are our open purchase orders for goods and services binding agreements. Accordingly, we have excluded open purchase orders from this table. The purchase obligations consist of the amount of fuel required to be purchased by us under certain fixed price fuel supply agreements and certain commitments for training and development. All of these agreements expire by the end of 2008.
(3)  
Primarily includes employee benefit accruals, restructuring and closed store liabilities and deferred income taxes for which no contractual payment schedule exists and we expect the payments to occur beyond twelve months from October 6, 2007. Additionally, other long-term liabilities included $16.5 million of unrecognized income tax benefits as a result of our adoption of FIN 48 on December 31, 2006. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits did not materially change from December 31, 2006 to October 6, 2007. During the next 12 months, it is possible that we could conclude on $2 to $3 million of the contingencies associated with these tax uncertainties, a portion of which may be settled in cash. We do not anticipate any significant impact on our liquidity and capital resources due to the conclusion of these tax matters.
 
Long Term Debt
 
Our primary source of financing is a $750 million unsecured five-year revolving credit facility with our subsidiary, Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, serving as the borrower. This facility replaced the term loans and revolver under our previous credit facility. Additionally, the facility provides for the issuance of letters of credit with a sub limit of $300 million and swingline loans in an amount not to exceed $50 million. We may also request, subject to certain lender consent, that the total revolving commitment be increased by an amount not exceeding $250 million during the term of the credit agreement. Voluntary prepayments and voluntary reductions of the revolving balance are permitted in whole or in part, at our option, in minimum principal amounts as specified in the revolving credit facility.

As of October 6, 2007, we had outstanding $429.6 million under the revolver, $4.8 million under an economic development note payable and $85.0 million in letters of credit outstanding, which reduced availability under the revolver to $235.4 million. At October 6, 2007, we also have interest rate swaps in place that effectively fix our interest rate exposure on approximately 52% of our bank debt.

The interest rates on the borrowings under the revolving credit facility are based, at our option, on an adjusted LIBOR rate, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The current margin is 0.75% and 0.0% per annum for the adjusted LIBOR and alternate base rate borrowings, respectively. We have elected to use the 90-
 
26

 
day adjusted LIBOR rate and have the ability and intent to continue to use this rate on our hedged borrowings. A commitment fee will be charged on the unused portion of the revolver, payable in arrears. The current commitment fee rate is 0.150% per annum. Under the terms of the revolving credit facility, the interest rate spread and commitment fee will be based on our credit rating. The revolving facility terminates on October 5, 2011.

The revolving credit facility is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Advance Auto Parts, Inc. The facility contains covenants restricting the ability of us and our subsidiaries to, among other things, (1) create, incur or assume additional debt (including hedging arrangements), (2) incur liens or engage in sale-leaseback transactions, (3) make loans and investments, (4) guarantee obligations, (5) engage in certain mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (6) engage in transactions with affiliates, (7) change the nature of our business and the business conducted by its subsidiaries and (8) change our holding company status. The revolving credit facility also provides for customary events of default, including non-payment defaults, covenant defaults and cross-defaults to our other material indebtedness.

We are required to comply with financial covenants in the revolving credit facility with respect to (a) a maximum leverage ratio and (b) a minimum consolidated coverage ratio. We were in compliance with the above covenants under the revolving credit facility at October 6, 2007.

Credit Ratings

At October 6, 2007, we had a credit rating from Standard & Poor’s of BB+ and a credit rating of Ba1 from Moody’s Investor Service. The current pricing grid used to determine our borrowing rates under our revolving credit facility is based on such credit ratings. If these credit ratings decline, our interest expense may increase. Conversely, if these credit ratings improve, our interest expense may decrease.

Seasonality

Our business is somewhat seasonal in nature, with the highest sales occurring in the spring and summer months. In addition, our business can be affected by weather conditions. While unusually heavy precipitation tends to soften sales as elective maintenance is deferred during such periods, extremely hot or cold weather tends to enhance sales by causing automotive parts to fail at an accelerated rate.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Effective December 31, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48.  FIN 48 clarifies the accounting and reporting for income taxes recognized in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” The interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. As a result of the adoption of FIN 48 on December 31, 2006, we recorded an increase of $2.3 million to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and a corresponding decrease in our balance of retained earnings. For a complete discussion of the adoption of FIN 48, see Note 2 of our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting SFAS No. 159.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).” SFAS No. 158 requires recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit postretirement plans as an asset or liability in the statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. SFAS No. 158 also requires measurement of the funded status of a plan as of the date of the statement of financial position. We adopted the recognition provisions of SFAS No. 158 on December 30, 2006. SFAS No. 158 is effective for the measurement date provisions for fiscal years ending after
 
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December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting the measurement date provisions of SFAS No. 158.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the disclosures on fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting SFAS No. 157.
 
 
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
For information regarding market risk see “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006. At October 6, 2007, there had not been a material change to the information regarding market risk disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006.
 
 
 
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure controls and procedures are our controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management evaluated, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
During the quarter ended October 6, 2007, we upgraded the operating system we use to perform certain accounting and reporting functions, such as general ledger, procurement, accounts payable and fixed asset accounting.  Additionally, the application and associated infrastructure now resides off-site in a third-party data center.  Based on management’s evaluation, the necessary steps have been taken to monitor and maintain appropriate internal control over financial reporting during this period of change.

Other than as described above, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended October 6, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
The following table sets forth the information with respect to repurchases of our common stock for the quarter ended October 6, 2007 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
Period
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased
   
Average
Price Paid
per Share (1)
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)
   
Maximum Dollar
Value that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs
(2)(3)
 
                         
July 15, 2007, to August 11, 2007
   
1,235
    $
34.24
     
1,235
    $
57,801
 
August 12, 2007, to September 8, 2007
   
4,998
     
32.98
     
4,998
     
335,151
 
September 9, 2007, to October 6, 2007
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
335,151
 
                                 
Total
   
6,233
    $
33.23
     
6,233
    $
335,151
 
 
(1)   Average price paid per share excludes related expenses paid on previous repurchases.
(2)  
All of the above repurchases were made on the open market at prevailing market rates plus related expenses under our stock repurchase program, which authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million in common stock.  Our stock repurchase program was authorized by our Board of Directors and publicly announced on August 8, 2007 which replaced the remaining portion of the $300 million stock repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors and announced on August 17, 2005.
(3)   The maximum dollar value yet to be purchased under our stock repurchase program excludes related expenses paid on previous purchases or anticipated expenses on future purchases.
 
 
 
 EXHIBITS
 
 
3.1
(1)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. ("Advance Auto")(as amended on May 19, 2004).
 
 
   
 
3.2
(2)
Bylaws of Advance Auto (as amended on November 15, 2006).
       
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
(1)   Filed on May 20, 2004 as an exhibit to Current Report on Form 8-K of Advance Auto.
 
(2)   Filed on February 28, 2007 as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Advance Auto.
       
 
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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
     
  ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
November 15, 2007  By:  
/s/ Michael O. Moore
 

Michael O. Moore
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

 
 
 
S-1

 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Description
     
3.1
(1)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Advance Auto (as amended on May 19, 2004).
     
3.2
(2)
Bylaws of Advance Auto (as amended on November 15, 2006).
     
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
(1) Filed on May 20, 2004 as an exhibit to Current Report on Form 8-K of Advance Auto.
(2) Filed on February 28, 2007 as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Advance Auto.