Advance Auto Parts announced on August 22 that it would be selling its Worldpac unit for $1.5 billion to private equity firm Carlyle Group. This move is part of the company’s efforts to streamline operations and focus on its core business. Despite this strategic decision, Advance Auto Parts also cut its annual results forecast, which led to a significant drop in its shares.
The decision to sell Worldpac comes after pressure from activist investors who had been urging Advance to divest this wholesale parts distribution business. Worldpac, which was acquired by Advance in 2014 as part of the General Parts International purchase, generated $2.1 billion in revenue for the year ended June 30. The sale of Worldpac will allow Advance to concentrate on its retail operations and potentially improve its financial performance.
CEO Shane O’Kelly acknowledged the challenging macro environment and the impact on retailers‘ expectations. However, he expressed confidence in the company’s ability to navigate these challenges, noting that Advance is starting from a lower baseline compared to the industry. O’Kelly, who took charge last year to lead the company through a turnaround, emphasized the importance of focusing on the professional market and repair shops, which he believes have long-term growth potential.
Carlyle Group’s Wes Bieligk highlighted the attractiveness of Worldpac’s professional market segment and expressed optimism about supporting the business going forward. The sale of Worldpac aligns with Carlyle’s strategy of unlocking value in businesses that are underutilized within corporate structures. This acquisition represents an opportunity for Carlyle to leverage its expertise in the industrial sector and drive growth in the professional parts distribution market.
Despite the sale of Worldpac, Advance Auto Parts revised its annual sales and profit forecasts downward due to challenges in the auto parts industry. The company cited bumpy demand for auto parts, maintenance deferrals, and lower discretionary spending as factors contributing to the revised outlook. Analysts at Wedbush noted that Advance may be facing higher costs related to retaining and attracting employees, which could impact its profitability.
In light of the revised forecasts, Advance now expects its net sales for 2024 to be between $11.15 billion and $11.25 billion, down from previous expectations. The company also adjusted its annual profit per share projection to a range of $2 to $2.50, compared to the earlier forecast. These adjustments reflect the ongoing challenges in the industry and the need for Advance to adapt its business strategy to remain competitive.
The financial performance of Advance Auto Parts has lagged behind its rivals, such as AutoZone and O’Reilly Automotive, leading to a decline in its stock price. The company’s stock experienced a significant drop around the time when S&P Global Ratings downgraded its debt to „junk.“ This downgrade may have further impacted investor confidence in Advance’s ability to deliver strong financial results.
In conclusion, Advance Auto Parts‘ decision to sell its Worldpac unit reflects its commitment to streamlining operations and focusing on its core business. While the sale presents an opportunity for the company to enhance its retail operations, the revised forecasts underscore the challenges facing the auto parts industry. By addressing these challenges and leveraging its strengths, Advance Auto Parts aims to position itself for long-term success in a competitive market.