10 Stocks Taking Care of Investors: No. 2 AutoZone (AZO)
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These 10 stocks have been rewarding investors with share buybacks, strong dividends, sales/earnings and stock performance and are worthy cornerstones of any portfolio. You can track the entire series here.
Number 2. AutoZone (NYSE: AZO)
AutoZone is the nation's leading specialty retailer and a leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories. AutoZone has 4,172 stores in the US and Puerto Rico, and 168 in Mexico. The company's commercial sales program operates in a highly fragmented market and is one of the leading distributors of automotive parts and other products to local, regional and national repair garages, dealers, service stations and government agencies.
Shares Buybacks: AutoZone has authorized share repurchases of $7.9 billion since 1998. In fact, just yesterday AutoZone added an additional $500 million to the ongoing share repurchase program.
Dividends: AutoZone does not currently have a dividend policy.
Revenue/Profit: Net sales at AutoZone have grown from $5.64 billion in 2004 to $6.5 billion in 2008. Net Income in that time has grown from $566 million to $641.6 million. EPS in that time has grown from $6.56 to $10.04. In its latest quarter, AutoZone reported EPS of $3.13, 24 cents better than Street estimates. For the year, AutoZone is expected to earn $11.69 per share. Next year, analysts sees EPS of $13.12 from AutoZone.
Stock Performance: Year-to-date shares of AutoZone are up 13%, versus a 2% rise in the S&P 500. Over the last year, shares of AutoZone are up 34% versus a 31% slide in the S&P 500. Over the last 5-years, shares of AutoZone are up 77% versus a 19% slide in the S&P 500.
With car owners hanging on to their cars longer, AutoZone is clearly in the right place at the right time. In addition, with billions in past share repurchases, solid revenue/earnings growth, and market-beating stock performance, AZO is "taking care of investors."
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