Academy Sports + Outdoors vs Advance Auto Parts

Academy Sports + Outdoors and Advance Auto Parts are compared on this page. It covers how each company approaches business models, financial performance, and market context within their retail and auto parts sectors, in a neutral, accessible way. The aim is to inform readers without offering investment or purchasing advice. Educational content, not financial advice.

Academy Sports + Outdoors and Advance Auto Parts are compared on this page. It covers how each company approaches business models, financial performance, and market context within their retail and aut...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

ASO

Metric

AAP

$3.75B

Market Cap

$2.48B

2.79%

Potential Profit

15.64%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Hold

Investment Analysis

Academy Sports + Outdoors

ASO

Pros

Revenue has grown significantly from $4.8 billion in 2019 to $5.9 billion in 2024, reflecting strong expansion and market penetration.
The company has retired approximately $1 billion in debt, improving its balance sheet and financial flexibility.
E-commerce sales surged 17.7% year-on-year, supported by new partnerships and technological investments.

Considerations

Net income declined 12.1% in Q2 2025 due to rising SG&A expenses and margin compression from expansion and digital transformation costs.
Inventory levels increased 16.2% year-on-year, raising concerns about inventory management and potential markdowns.
The business remains highly sensitive to discretionary spending trends, making it vulnerable to macroeconomic shifts and consumer confidence.

Advance Auto Parts

AAP

Pros

Advance Auto Parts maintains a solid current ratio above 1.2, indicating reasonable short-term liquidity and financial stability.
The company operates a large network of stores, providing broad geographic reach and customer access across the US.
Focus on core automotive aftermarket products offers some insulation from broader consumer discretionary spending volatility.

Considerations

Comparable sales have been under pressure due to intense competition from larger rivals and online retailers.
Profit margins have been squeezed by rising costs and pricing pressures in the automotive parts sector.
The business faces ongoing challenges from industry consolidation and shifting consumer preferences toward DIY automotive solutions.

About The Companies

Academy Sports + Outdoors (ASO)

Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. (ASO) is a US-based speciality retailer focused on sporting goods, outdoor equipment and lifestyle apparel. The company operates a network of brick-and-mortar stores complemented by e-commerce channels, targeting value-conscious consumers with a broad assortment across categories such as team sports, fishing, hunting, camping and fitness. For investors, key considerations include the company’s ability to grow comparable-store sales, expand or optimise its store footprint, and scale online fulfilment while managing inventory and seasonal demand. Profitability is influenced by merchandise margins, private-label penetration and operating leverage across stores and distribution. As a mid-cap retailer (market cap around $3.36bn), ASO faces typical retail risks — cyclicality of consumer discretionary spending, competition from national chains and online platforms, and supply-chain pressures. This summary is educational only and not personalised advice; values can rise or fall and past performance does not guarantee future returns.

Advance Auto Parts (AAP)

Advance Auto Parts Inc. is a leading provider of automotive aftermarket parts in North America. The company serves a wide customer base, including both 'do-it-yourself' (DIY) individuals and professional installers. Its extensive network comprises thousands of stores operating primarily under the Advance Auto Parts and Carquest brand names. These outlets offer a broad selection of replacement parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items for a variety of vehicles, from domestic cars to light and heavy-duty trucks. The company's reach extends across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and other territories through a combination of company-operated stores and independently owned locations. Investors may be interested in its significant footprint in the automotive repair market, a sector that often experiences steady demand as vehicle owners focus on maintenance and upkeep. Of course, past performance is not an indicator of future results.

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Comparison Snapshot