Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider, has announced the sale of its wholesale operation, Worldpac, for a staggering $1.5 billion. The sale, to funds managed by the Carlyle Group, is expected to be finalized by the end of the year, as stated in a recent news release by Advance. This strategic move comes as Advance aims to sharpen its focus on turning around its blended box business and improving the productivity of its remaining assets.
CEO Shane O’Kelly expressed optimism about the sale, stating that the proceeds from the transaction will provide greater financial flexibility for the company. This will allow Advance to continue its strategic and operational review to enhance growth and value creation in the future. Worldpac, the wholesale operation being sold, has been a significant revenue generator for Advance, bringing in around $2.1 billion in revenue and approximately $100 million in EBITDA over the last 12 months.
The decision to sell Worldpac comes amidst pressure from activist investors for Advance to divest the wholesale operation in order to boost compensation and better compete with industry rivals like O’Reilly Automotive and AutoZone. According to a report by Bloomberg News, Worldpac is poised to benefit from the increasing complexity of automobiles and the aging car parc. As older vehicles accumulate mileage and consumers hold onto their cars for longer periods, the demand for aftermarket parts and services is expected to remain strong.
The automotive industry as a whole has seen a mix of successes and challenges in recent times. In the second quarter of 2024, major players in the industry experienced varying performances. Electric carmaker Tesla set new revenue records, driven by energy storage deployments and higher regulatory credit revenues. On the other hand, Stellantis faced a challenging quarter with a significant drop in net profit and revenue, along with declining U.S. sales.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares attributed the setbacks to excessive expenses, internal operational flaws, and ineffective marketing strategies. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve with rapid technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences, companies like Advance Auto Parts are making strategic moves to position themselves for future growth and success. The sale of Worldpac is just one step in Advance’s journey towards enhancing its overall business operations and driving value creation for its stakeholders.