O'Reilly Auto Parts vs AutoZone
This page compares O'Reilly Auto Parts and AutoZone, examining business models, financial performance, and market context in a neutral, accessible way. It outlines how each company operates, earns revenue, and positions itself within the automotive parts sector for readers seeking informational context. Educational content, not financial advice.
This page compares O'Reilly Auto Parts and AutoZone, examining business models, financial performance, and market context in a neutral, accessible way. It outlines how each company operates, earns rev...
Why It's Moving
Arrowstreet Capital Bolsters ORLY Stake as Revenue Strength Fuels Analyst Optimism for 2026
- Revenue surged to $4.41 billion, beating estimates by $20 million and up 7.8% year-over-year, highlighting resilient consumer spending on vehicle maintenance.
- Arrowstreet Capital increased its ORLY shares on March 13, joining 85% institutional ownership and reflecting belief in long-term growth potential.
- Analysts maintain a 'Moderate Buy' consensus, with recent upgrades like Wolfe Research's 'strong-buy,' driven by solid margins and FY2026 guidance.
AutoZone Posts Mixed Q1 Earnings, but Analysts See Strong Recovery Ahead with 8.1% Revenue Growth Expected
- Revenue missed analyst estimates by $40 million, but adjusted EBITDA beat expectations with a healthy 20% margin, showing operational efficiency despite top-line pressure
- Operating margins compressed to 16.3% from 17.9% year-over-year, while free cash flow margin fell to 0.3% from 7.4%, suggesting temporary strains from seasonal disruptions and inventory management
- Same-store sales accelerated to 3.3% growth from 0.5% in the prior year quarter, with management citing strong performance in both DIY and Commercial channels despite January-February winter weather disruptions
Arrowstreet Capital Bolsters ORLY Stake as Revenue Strength Fuels Analyst Optimism for 2026
- Revenue surged to $4.41 billion, beating estimates by $20 million and up 7.8% year-over-year, highlighting resilient consumer spending on vehicle maintenance.
- Arrowstreet Capital increased its ORLY shares on March 13, joining 85% institutional ownership and reflecting belief in long-term growth potential.
- Analysts maintain a 'Moderate Buy' consensus, with recent upgrades like Wolfe Research's 'strong-buy,' driven by solid margins and FY2026 guidance.
AutoZone Posts Mixed Q1 Earnings, but Analysts See Strong Recovery Ahead with 8.1% Revenue Growth Expected
- Revenue missed analyst estimates by $40 million, but adjusted EBITDA beat expectations with a healthy 20% margin, showing operational efficiency despite top-line pressure
- Operating margins compressed to 16.3% from 17.9% year-over-year, while free cash flow margin fell to 0.3% from 7.4%, suggesting temporary strains from seasonal disruptions and inventory management
- Same-store sales accelerated to 3.3% growth from 0.5% in the prior year quarter, with management citing strong performance in both DIY and Commercial channels despite January-February winter weather disruptions
Investment Analysis
Pros
- O'Reilly Auto Parts has shown consistent earnings growth, reporting a 4% increase in the current year with an average annual growth rate of 6% over the past five years.
- The company maintains a broad product offering including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, appealing to both professional installers and DIY customers.
- Employee and customer sentiment ratings are relatively strong, with competitive CEO and culture ratings compared to peers.
Considerations
- Inventory availability issues have been noted, with some customers reporting the need to wait for parts to be ordered, potentially impacting service speed.
- Despite steady growth, stock price movements have been relatively quiet recently, suggesting limited near-term catalysts driving significant investor interest.
- Competition from other auto parts retailers with strong private label brands and pricing strategies may pressure O'Reilly's market position.
AutoZone
AZO
Pros
- AutoZone has differentiated itself through competitive pricing and a well-known private label brand, Duralast, which supports customer loyalty.
- The company has a reputation for a cleaner, more organized store experience, which attracts a loyal customer base.
- AutoZone benefits from focused retail execution, leveraging its founder's background to enhance store-level operations and customer satisfaction.
Considerations
- Employee and customer sentiment ratings are lower compared to O'Reilly Auto Parts, indicating potential challenges in culture or service perception.
- Product quality concerns with some private label parts have been reported, which may affect customer trust and repeat business.
- AutoZone faces strong competitive pressure from retailers like O'Reilly who balance professional and DIY customer segments more evenly.
Related Market Insights
The Great Automotive Shift: Why Legacy Carmakers Are Finally Getting Serious
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Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst
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Related Market Insights
The Great Automotive Shift: Why Legacy Carmakers Are Finally Getting Serious
Explore the automotive industry's shift to EVs & autonomous tech. Invest in leading carmakers like GM, Ford, Tesla via Nemo's thematic Neme. Start investing from $1.
Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst
July 25, 2025
O'Reilly Auto Parts (ORLY) Next Earnings Date
O'Reilly Automotive's next earnings release is estimated to occur between April 22-29, 2026, with sources indicating dates ranging from April 21 to April 29 based on historical reporting patterns. The report will cover the company's first quarter of 2026 results. The company has not yet officially confirmed the exact announcement date, though April 22-23 represents the most commonly cited estimate across financial platforms. Investors should monitor O'Reilly's investor relations website for the official confirmation as the date approaches.
AutoZone (AZO) Next Earnings Date
AutoZone's next earnings announcement is estimated for May 26, 2026, though the company has not yet officially confirmed this date. This report will cover the company's fiscal Q3 2026 results. The estimated date is based on AutoZone's historical earnings release patterns, which typically occur in late May. Investors should monitor the company's official investor relations channels for confirmation of the exact announcement time and date.
O'Reilly Auto Parts (ORLY) Next Earnings Date
O'Reilly Automotive's next earnings release is estimated to occur between April 22-29, 2026, with sources indicating dates ranging from April 21 to April 29 based on historical reporting patterns. The report will cover the company's first quarter of 2026 results. The company has not yet officially confirmed the exact announcement date, though April 22-23 represents the most commonly cited estimate across financial platforms. Investors should monitor O'Reilly's investor relations website for the official confirmation as the date approaches.
AutoZone (AZO) Next Earnings Date
AutoZone's next earnings announcement is estimated for May 26, 2026, though the company has not yet officially confirmed this date. This report will cover the company's fiscal Q3 2026 results. The estimated date is based on AutoZone's historical earnings release patterns, which typically occur in late May. Investors should monitor the company's official investor relations channels for confirmation of the exact announcement time and date.
Which Baskets Do They Appear In?
Automotive
Find a car stock to fuel your investment strategy 🏎. This collection brings together carefully selected automotive companies, from traditional manufacturers to electric vehicle pioneers, curated by professional analysts to help you navigate this transformative industry.
Published: May 14, 2025
Explore BasketWhich Baskets Do They Appear In?
Automotive
Find a car stock to fuel your investment strategy 🏎. This collection brings together carefully selected automotive companies, from traditional manufacturers to electric vehicle pioneers, curated by professional analysts to help you navigate this transformative industry.
Published: May 14, 2025
Explore BasketBuy ORLY or AZO in Nemo
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