AutoZone operates as a leading retailer of aftermarket automotive parts in the United States... Show more
AutoZone, Inc. (AZO) is a leading retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States. The company operates a vast network of stores catering primarily to do-it-yourself (DIY) customers and commercial clients, including repair shops. Its business model emphasizes efficient inventory management, store expansion, and share repurchases, generating high returns on capital. In the competitive automotive aftermarket industry, AutoZone holds a strong position against rivals like GPC and ORI, bolstered by brand recognition and market leadership in DIY sales. These fundamentals, including robust margins around 52%, help cushion volatility but expose the stock to shifts in vehicle age, repair demand, and economic conditions affecting recent price behavior.
Over the last 30 days, AutoZone stock fell sharply by about -11%, dropping from around $3,784 on February 24, 2026, to approximately $3,353 as of late March. The movement was volatile and trend-driven downward, with accelerated selling after peaking near $3,850 earlier in the period.
For the past quarter, AZO declined roughly -3%, starting from near $3,456 around late December 2025 and experiencing significant swings, including a climb to highs above $3,850 before retreating. The quarter featured range-bound action initially, followed by upward momentum in January and early February, then a pronounced pullback.
The primary catalyst for AZO's 30-day decline was the market's reaction to its fiscal Q2 2026 earnings release on March 3, 2026. While the company beat EPS estimates with $27.63 versus $27.10 expected and reported 8.1% sales growth to $4.3 billion, net EPS fell 2.3% year-over-year due to a $59 million non-cash LIFO charge. Investors focused on the revenue miss and profitability pressures from rising costs, triggering a sharp drop of over 6% that day. Subsequent weakness stemmed from sector sentiment amid softening consumer demand for auto repairs and broader market rotation away from cyclicals. However, a positive note emerged with Argus Research's upgrade to Buy on March 9, citing store expansion and earnings inflection, providing some stabilization but not enough to reverse the downtrend.
The quarter's modest -3% decline masked higher volatility, with shares rallying over 10% in January from December lows around $3,450, driven by strong commercial sales momentum and share buybacks totaling hundreds of millions. Peak performance came in mid-February near $3,858, supported by positive analyst sentiment ahead of earnings. The subsequent reversal post-Q2 results reflected cumulative concerns over inflation impacting margins, tariff-related LIFO charges lingering from prior quarters, and macroeconomic headwinds like elevated interest rates curbing discretionary DIY spending. Institutional buying persisted via repurchases, but broader industry trends—aging vehicle fleets boosting long-term demand yet pressured short-term by economic slowdown—dominated. Competitive positioning remained solid, with same-store sales up 3.3% in Q2.
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Investors should monitor upcoming Q3 fiscal 2026 earnings for updates on same-store sales, gross margins, and share repurchase activity. Industry trends like vehicle miles driven, aging U.S. fleet, and electric vehicle adoption could sway demand. Macro factors including interest rates, inflation, and consumer spending resilience remain key. Strategic developments such as store openings, commercial segment growth, and supply chain efficiencies warrant attention. Potential risks involve cost pressures or tariff impacts, while catalysts like further analyst upgrades or M&A could shift sentiment.
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AZO saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on April 01, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 73 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In of the 73 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at .
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where AZO's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, of 19 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are .
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for AZO just turned positive on April 01, 2026. Looking at past instances where AZO's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
Following a 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where AZO advanced for three days, in of 347 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
AZO moved below its 50-day moving average on March 12, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for AZO crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on March 17, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where AZO declined for three days, the price rose further in of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
AZO broke above its upper Bollinger Band on April 09, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for AZO entered a downward trend on March 31, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 85, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. AZO’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.000) is normal, around the industry mean (1.904). P/E Ratio (25.031) is within average values for comparable stocks, (47.067). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.948) is also within normal values, averaging (1.386). AZO's Dividend Yield (0.000) is considerably lower than the industry average of (0.027). P/S Ratio (3.117) is also within normal values, averaging (3.987).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The average fundamental analysis ratings, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, are as follows
a distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories
Industry AutoPartsOEM