Advance Auto Parts Q1 2026 Earnings Report with Strong Comparable Sales Growth

Advance Auto Parts reported first quarter 2026 financial results showing significant operational improvement. The company achieved 3.5% comparable store sales growth, its strongest performance in five years, driven by mid-single-digit growth in professional sales and low-single-digit growth in DIY sales. Net sales totaled $2.6 billion, consistent with the prior year. Adjusted operating income margin expanded 410 basis points year-over-year to 3.8%, with adjusted operating income of $99 million compared to an $8 million loss in Q1 2025. Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.77 versus a loss of $(0.22) in the prior year. The company reaffirmed full-year 2026 guidance, projecting net sales of $8.485-$8.575 billion, comparable store sales growth of 1-2%, adjusted operating income margin of 3.8-4.5%, and adjusted diluted EPS of $2.40-$3.10. The company also declared a regular cash dividend of $0.25 per share.