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While constant velocity (CV) joints are the most popular type of driveline joint in use today, universal or “U” joints are still in use on the driveshaft of many larger SUVs, trucks and vans. U-joints can handle a lot of torque, making them popular for these applications, but why did the CV joint rise in popularity? The question can be answered by looking at the operational aspects of a U-joint.

The basics are this: U-joints are located on the ends of a driveshaft, mounted between the driveshaft and a front and rear yoke. The front yoke attaches to the transmission and the rear yoke attaches to rear differential. As the engine moves from the effects of torque and as the suspension of a vehicle travels up and down, the angle of the driveshaft changes.

A U-joint does two things. First, it transfers the motion between the yoke(s) and driveshaft and, second, it does this at different angles, allowing for driveline movement. Here’s where the fun begins. When a yoke and the driveshaft are in perfect alignment, the velocity from one is transferred to the other at the same rate. However, when there is an angle between the two, the velocity of the driven member fluctuates continuously during rotation.

It can be hard to visualize, but the reason this happens is that as the angle of the U-joint changes, the two halves of the U-joint cross are forced to rotate on a different axis. The drive axis remains at a constant velocity, and the ends of the U-joint connected to it rotate in a consistent circular path at the same velocity.

The driven axis, however, rotates in a path which causes the distance of travel at the outer ends of the U-joint cross to increase or decrease in relation to the consistent points of the drive axis.

This effect results in the continuous fluctuation of velocity between the input and output sides of the U-joint. While the input remains at a consistent speed, the output speeds up and slows down as the points of the driven axis continuously alter between a long and short path of travel.

So, why don’t we feel that on a vehicle with a traditional driveshaft? Because there are two U-joints and the fluctuation on each end balances out, effectively allowing the driveshaft to provide a consistent output speed to the rear differential. The angle of the two joints must be the same, however, and it doesn’t take much wear in one for the angles to differ, and subsequently cause a vibration.

U-joints are known for their propensity to cause vibration, and an inherent disadvantage they have is the greater the angle of the U-joint, the greater the fluctuation in velocity. Anything over 30 degrees and the fluctuation dramatically increases.

The driveshaft I’ve described here represents the majority, but U-joints have also been used frequently in the past on the end of the front axles for a 4WD vehicle, and in the rear of independent rear suspension vehicles on the ends of short driveshafts, known as half-shafts.  Have you ever noticed how jittery an old 4WD truck feels in the front when the hubs are locked, and you turn a corner? Now that you understand how the fluctuation in velocity of a U-joint changes as the angle increases, you know why.  

You may have heard of a Double-Cardan U-joint. It is basically two joints side-by side with a common link-yoke in between. This is one of the original concepts for a true CV joint, and they are often referred to as this. The advantage they have is they offer smoother operation at greater angles, and they are common on 4WD trucks, and a common upgrade for lifted trucks where the driveshaft angle is altered considerably.

The drawback to a Double-Cardan joint is they are bulky, and they can still suffer from limitations due to operating angle. The operating limitations of a U-joint ultimately brought about the popularity of the modern CV joint, but the durability of U-joints means we’ll still be seeing them in certain applications.

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        Adjusted Operating Income Margin is a non-GAAP measure. For a better understanding of the company’s non-GAAP adjustments, refer to the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures in the accompanying financial tables.
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      Comparable store sales (1)
       
      Approx. (1.0%)
      Adjusted operating income margin from continuing operations
       
       
      0.25
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      0.75
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      Adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations
       
      $
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      $
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      $
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      30 new stores
       
      50 to 70 new stores
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      $
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      609,528
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      6,377,021
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      $
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      616,067
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      396,408
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      768,851
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      1,786,361
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      2,039,908
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      355,635
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      83,538
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      2,519,728
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      $
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      Forty Weeks Ended
       
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      $
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      $
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      $
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      1,240,093
       
       
       
      1,400,638
       
       
       
      4,036,898
       
       
       
      4,154,190
       
      Gross profit
         
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      817,567
       
       
       
      3,061,404
       
       
       
      3,040,480
       
      Selling, general and administrative expenses
         
      907,495
       
       
       
      896,145
       
       
       
      2,954,707
       
       
       
      2,959,238
       
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      403
       
       
       
      (78,578
      )
       
       
      106,697
       
       
       
      81,242
       
      Other, net:
         
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Interest expense
         
      (18,805
      )
       
       
      (19,375
      )
       
       
      (62,127
      )
       
       
      (69,948
      )
      Other income (expense), net
         
      2,393
       
       
       
      (305
      )
       
       
      12,769
       
       
       
      232
       
      Total other, net
         
      (16,412
      )
       
       
      (19,680
      )
       
       
      (49,358
      )
       
       
      (69,716
      )
      (Loss) income before provision for income taxes
         
      (16,009
      )
       
       
      (98,258
      )
       
       
      57,339
       
       
       
      11,526
       
      Provision for income taxes
         
      9,354
       
       
       
      (24,072
      )
       
       
      34,763
       
       
       
      6,360
       
      Net (loss) income from continuing operations
         
      (25,363
      )
       
       
      (74,186
      )
       
       
      22,576
       
       
       
      5,166
       
      Net income from discontinued operations
         
      19,349
       
       
       
      12,149
       
       
       
      56,413
       
       
       
      59,696
       
      Net (loss) income
        $
      (6,014
      )
       
      $
      (62,037
      )
       
      $
      78,989
       
       
      $
      64,862
       
       
         
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Basic (loss) earnings per common share from continuing operations
        $
      (0.42
      )
       
      $
      (1.25
      )
       
      $
      0.38
       
       
      $
      0.09
       
      Basic earnings per common share from discontinued operations
         
      0.32
       
       
       
      0.20
       
       
       
      0.95
       
       
       
      1.00
       
      Basic (loss) earnings per common share
        $
      (0.10
      )
       
      $
      (1.05
      )
       
      $
      1.33
       
       
      $
      1.09
       
      Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
         
      59,684
       
       
       
      59,474
       
       
       
      59,618
       
       
       
      59,411
       
       
         
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Diluted (loss) earnings per common share from continuing operations
        $
      (0.42
      )
       
      $
      (1.24
      )
       
      $
      0.38
       
       
      $
      0.09
       
      Diluted earnings per common share from discontinued operations
         
      0.32
       
       
       
      0.20
       
       
       
      0.94
       
       
       
      1.00
       
      Diluted (loss) earnings per common share
        $
      (0.10
      )
       
      $
      (1.04
      )
       
      $
      1.32
       
       
      $
      1.09
       
      Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding
         
      59,902
       
       
       
      59,630
       
       
       
      59,878
       
       
       
      59,588
       
      (1)
        The condensed consolidated statement of operations for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 7, 2023, reflects the correction of non-material errors the company discovered in previously reported results.
      Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
      (In thousands) (unaudited)
       
         
       
       
       
        Forty Weeks Ended
       
        October 5, 2024
       
      October 7, 2023
      Cash flows from operating activities:
         
       
       
      Net income
        $
      78,989
       
       
      $
      64,862
       
      Net income from discontinued operations
         
      56,413
       
       
       
      59,696
       
      Net income from continuing operations
         
      22,576
       
       
       
      5,166
       
      Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
         
       
       
      Depreciation and amortization
         
      217,197
       
       
       
      206,658
       
      Share-based compensation
         
      33,810
       
       
       
      33,777
       
      (Gain) Loss on sale and impairment of long-lived assets
         
      (14,273
      )
       
       
      1,886
       
      Provision for deferred income taxes
         
      24,289
       
       
       
      (27,811
      )
      Other, net
         
      2,986
       
       
       
      2,436
       
      Net change in:
         
       
       
      Receivables, net
         
      (60,383
      )
       
       
      (161,629
      )
      Inventories, net
         
      (152,229
      )
       
       
      (110,871
      )
      Accounts payable
         
      (25,225
      )
       
       
      (77,336
      )
      Accrued expenses
         
      30,794
       
       
       
      171,117
       
      Other assets and liabilities, net
         
      1,477
       
       
       
      (71,707
      )
      Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations
         
      81,019
       
       
       
      (28,314
      )
      Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations
         
      76,917
       
       
       
      57,148
       
      Net cash provided by operating activities
         
      157,936
       
       
       
      28,834
       
      Cash flows from investing activities:
         
       
       
      Purchases of property and equipment
         
      (129,714
      )
       
       
      (174,186
      )
      Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
         
      13,232
       
       
       
      2,001
       
      Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations
         
      (116,482
      )
       
       
      (172,185
      )
      Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations
         
      (7,988
      )
       
       
      (13,015
      )
      Net cash used in investing activities
         
      (124,470
      )
       
       
      (185,200
      )
      Cash flows from financing activities:
         
       
       
      Borrowings under credit facilities
         

       
       
       
      4,805,000
       
      Payments on credit facilities
         

       
       
       
      (4,990,000
      )
      Borrowings on senior unsecured notes
         

       
       
       
      599,571
       
      Dividends paid
         
      (44,882
      )
       
       
      (194,322
      )
      Purchases of noncontrolling interests
         
      (9,101
      )
       
       

       
      Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
         
      2,995
       
       
       
      3,045
       
      Repurchases of common stock
         
      (5,601
      )
       
       
      (14,237
      )
      Other, net
         
      (1,143
      )
       
       
      (5,010
      )
      Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
         
      (57,732
      )
       
       
      204,047
       
       
        Forty Weeks Ended
       
        October 5, 2024
       
      October 7, 2023
      Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
         
      11,766
       
       
       
      (1,932
      )
       
         
       
       
      Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
         
      (12,500
      )
       
       
      45,749
       
      Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
         
      503,471
       
       
       
      270,805
       
      Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
        $
      490,971
       
       
      $
      316,554
       
       
         
       
       
      Summary of cash and cash equivalents:
         
       
       
      Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations, end of period
        $
      464,492
       
       
      $
      308,804
       
      Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, end of period
         
      26,479
       
       
       
      7,750
       
      Cash and cash equivalents , end of period
        $
      490,971
       
       
      $
      316,554
       
      (1)
        The condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2023, reflects the correction of non-material errors the company discovered in previously reported results.
      Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements
      During the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, the company identified errors primarily impacting cost of sales, selling, general and administrative costs and other income/expenses, net, incurred in prior years but not previously recognized. The company evaluated the errors and determined that the related impacts were not material to the previously issued consolidated financial statements for any prior period. A summary of the corrections to the impacted financial statement line items in the company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 7, 2023, and the company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2023, included in the company's previously filed Annual Report on Form 10-K are presented below:
      Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
      October 7, 2023
       
        Twelve Weeks Ended
      (in thousands)
        As Previously Reported
       
      Adjustments
       
      As Corrected
       
      Discontinued Operations
       
      As Corrected, after Discontinued Operations
      Cost of sales
        $
      1,732,420
       
       
      $
      16,379
       
       
      $
      1,748,799
       
       
      $
      348,161
       
      $
      1,400,638
       
      Gross profit
         
      986,659
       
       
       
      (16,379
      )
       
       
      970,280
       
       
       
      152,713
       
       
      817,567
       
      Selling, general and administrative expenses
         
      1,030,355
       
       
       
      878
       
       
       
      1,031,233
       
       
       
      135,088
       
       
      896,145
       
      Operating (loss) income
         
      (43,696
      )
       
       
      (17,257
      )
       
       
      (60,953
      )
       
       
      17,625
       
       
      (78,578
      )
      (Loss) Income before provision for income taxes
         
      (64,319
      )
       
       
      (17,257
      )
       
       
      (81,576
      )
       
       
      16,682
       
       
      (98,258
      )
      Provision for income taxes
         
      (15,686
      )
       
       
      (3,853
      )
       
       
      (19,539
      )
       
       
      4,533
       
       
      (24,072
      )
      Net (loss) income
        $
      (48,633
      )
       
      $
      (13,404
      )
       
      $
      (62,037
      )
       
      $
      12,149
       
      $
      (74,186
      )
       
         
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Basic (loss) earnings per share
        $
      (0.82
      )
       
      $
      (0.23
      )
       
      $
      (1.05
      )
       
      $
      0.20
       
      $
      (1.25
      )
      Diluted (loss) earnings per common share
        $
      (0.82
      )
       
      $
      (0.22
      )
       
      $
      (1.04
      )
       
      $
      0.20
       
      $
      (1.24
      )
      Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
      October 7, 2023
       
        Forty Weeks Ended
      (in thousands)
        As Previously Reported
       
      Adjustments
       
      As Corrected
       
      Discontinued Operations
       
      As Corrected, after Discontinued Operations
      Cost of sales
        $
      5,220,200
       
      $
      29,877
       
       
      $
      5,250,077
       
      $
      1,095,887
       
      $
      4,154,190
      Gross profit
         
      3,602,538
       
       
      (29,877
      )
       
       
      3,572,661
       
       
      532,181
       
       
      3,040,480
      Selling, general and administrative expenses
         
      3,407,445
       
       
      2,272
       
       
       
      3,409,717
       
       
      450,479
       
       
      2,959,238
      Operating income (loss)
         
      195,093
       
       
      (32,149
      )
       
       
      162,944
       
       
      81,702
       
       
      81,242
      Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
         
      124,894
       
       
      (32,149
      )
       
       
      92,745
       
       
      81,219
       
       
      11,526
      Provision for income taxes
         
      34,649
       
       
      (6,766
      )
       
       
      27,883
       
       
      21,523
       
       
      6,360
      Net income (loss)
        $
      90,245
       
      $
      (25,383
      )
       
      $
      64,862
       
      $
      59,696
       
      $
      5,166
       
         
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Basic earnings (loss) per share
        $
      1.52
       
      $
      (0.43
      )
       
      $
      1.09
       
      $
      1.00
       
      $
      0.09
      Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
        $
      1.51
       
      $
      (0.42
      )
       
      $
      1.09
       
      $
      1.00
       
      $
      0.09
      Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
      Forty Weeks Ended October 7, 2023
      (in thousands)
        As Previously Reported
       
      Adjustments
       
      As Corrected
       
      Discontinued Operations
       
      As Corrected, after Discontinued Operations
      Net income
        $
      90,245
       
       
      $
      (25,383
      )
       
      $
      64,862
       
       
      $
      59,696
       
       
      $
      5,166
       
      Provision for deferred income taxes
         
      (33,059
      )
       
       
      5,248
       
       
       
      (27,811
      )
       
       

       
       
       
      (27,811
      )
      Other, net
         
      1,499
       
       
       
      937
       
       
       
      2,436
       
       
       

       
       
       
      2,436
       
      Net change in:
         
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Receivables, net
         
      (170,371
      )
       
       
      (9,519
      )
       
       
      (179,890
      )
       
       
      (18,261
      )
       
       
      (161,629
      )
      Inventories, net
         
      (41,025
      )
       
       
      15,442
       
       
       
      (25,583
      )
       
       
      85,288
       
       
       
      (110,871
      )
      Accounts payable
         
      (191,871
      )
       
       
      28,500
       
       
       
      (163,371
      )
       
       
      (86,035
      )
       
       
      (77,336
      )
      Accrued expenses
         
      145,704
       
       
       
      21,521
       
       
       
      167,225
       
       
       
      (3,892
      )
       
       
      171,117
       
      Other assets and liabilities, net
         
      (45,015
      )
       
       
      (38,316
      )
       
       
      (83,331
      )
       
       
      (11,624
      )
       
       
      (71,707
      )
      Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
         
      30,404
       
       
       
      (1,570
      )
       
       
      28,834
       
       
       
      57,148
       
       
       
      (28,314
      )
      Other, net (1)
         
      (4,073
      )
       
       
      (937
      )
       
       
      (5,010
      )
       
       

       
       
       
      (5,010
      )
      Net cash provided by financing activities
         
      204,984
       
       
       
      (937
      )
       
       
      204,047
       
       
       
       
       
      Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
         
      (1,942
      )
       
       
      10
       
       
       
      (1,932
      )
       
       
       
       
      Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
         
      48,246
       
       
       
      (2,497
      )
       
       
      45,749
       
       
       
       
       
      Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
         
      269,282
       
       
       
      1,523
       
       
       
      270,805
       
       
       
      50,670
       
       
       
      220,135
       
      Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
        $
      317,528
       
       
      $
      (974
      )
       
      $
      316,554
       
       
      $
      7,750
       
       
      $
      308,804
       
      (1)
        The summary of corrections table above inadvertently omitted disclosure for proceeds from the issuance of common stock as follows: $3.0 million as previously reported, $0 adjustments and $3.0 million as corrected.
      Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
      The company's financial results include certain financial measures not derived in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted Net income, Adjusted EPS, Adjusted SG&A Margin, and Adjusted Operating Income, should not be used as a substitute for GAAP financial measures, or considered in isolation, for the purpose of analyzing our operating performance, financial position or cash flows.
      The company has presented these non-GAAP financial measures as the company believes that the presentation of the financial results that exclude (1) transformation expenses under the company’s turnaround plan, (2) other significant costs and (3) nonrecurring tax expense are useful and indicative of the company's base operations because the expenses vary from period to period in terms of size, nature and significance. These measures assist in comparing the company’s current operating results with past periods and with the operational performance of other companies in the industry. The disclosure of these measures allows investors to evaluate the company’s performance using the same measures management uses in developing internal budgets and forecasts and in evaluating management’s compensation. Included below is a description of the expenses the company has determined are not normal, recurring cash operating expenses necessary to operate the company’s business and the rationale for why providing these measures is useful to investors as a supplement to the GAAP measures.
      Transformation Expenses — Costs incurred in connection with the company's turnaround plan and specific transformative activities related to asset optimization that the company does not view to be normal cash operating expenses. These expenses primarily include:
      Distribution network optimization — Costs primarily relating to the conversion of the stores and DCs to market hubs, including temporary labor, team member severance, long-lived asset write off charges and incremental depreciation, as a result of accelerating depreciation of long-lived assets over a shorter useful life as a result of the optimization plans. Third-party professional services — Costs relating to non-recurring services rendered by third-party vendors assisting with the turnaround initiatives. Other Expenses — Costs incurred by the company that are not viewed as normal cash operating expenses and vary from period to period in terms of size, nature, and significance, including but not limited to executive turnover and incremental costs associated with remediating the company's previously-disclosed material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.
      Nonrecurring Tax Expense — Income tax incurred by the company from the book to tax basis difference in the Worldpac Canada stock directly resulting from the sale of Worldpac.
      The following tables include reconciliations of this information to the most comparable GAAP measures:
      Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS:
       
        Twelve Weeks Ended
       
      Forty Weeks Ended
      (in thousands, except per share data)
        October 5, 2024
       
      October 7, 2023
       
      October 5, 2024
       
      October 7, 2023
      Net (loss) income from continuing operations (GAAP)
        $
      (25,363
      )
       
      $
      (74,186
      )
       
      $
      22,576
       
       
      $
      5,166
       
      Selling, general and administrative
      adjustments:
         
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Transformation expenses:
         
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Distribution network optimization
         
      8,909
       
       
       

       
       
       
      13,943
       
       
       

       
      Third-party professional services
         
      3,582
       
       
       
      50
       
       
       
      5,301
       
       
       
      320
       
      Other charges:
         
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Executive turnover
         
      87
       
       
       
      3,799
       
       
       
      1,561
       
       
       
      5,360
       
      Material weakness remediation
         
      1,293
       
       
       
      429
       
       
       
      3,649
       
       
       
      429
       
      Other significant costs (1)
         
      2,394
       
       
       

       
       
       
      3,491
       
       
       

       
      Provision for income taxes on adjustments (2)
         
      (4,066
      )
       
       
      (1,070
      )
       
       
      (6,986
      )
       
       
      (1,527
      )
      Nonrecurring tax expense
         
      10,000
       
       
       

       
       
       
      10,000
       
       
       

       
      Adjusted net (loss) income (Non-GAAP)
        $
      (3,164
      )
       
      $
      (70,978
      )
       
      $
      53,535
       
       
      $
      9,748
       
       
         
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Diluted (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations (GAAP)
        $
      (0.42
      )
       
      $
      (1.24
      )
       
      $
      0.38
       
       
      $
      0.09
       
      Adjustments, net of tax
         
      0.38
       
       
       
      0.05
       
       
       
      0.52
       
       
       
      0.08
       
      Adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP)
        $
      (0.04
      )
       
      $
      (1.19
      )
       
      $
      0.90
       
       
      $
      0.17
        (1)
        During the twelve and forty weeks ended October 5, 2024, the Company recorded expense of $2.4 million and $3.5 million for costs incurred following a cybersecurity incident that occurred over these periods.
      (2)
        The income tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments is calculated using the estimated tax rate in effect for the respective non-GAAP adjustments.
      Reconciliation of Adjusted Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
       
        Twelve Weeks Ended
       
      Forty Weeks Ended
      (in thousands)
        October 5, 2024
       
      October 7, 2023
       
      October 5, 2024
       
      October 7, 2023
      SG&A (GAAP)
        $
      907,495
       
      $
      896,145
       
      $
      2,954,707
       
      $
      2,959,238
      SG&A adjustments
         
      16,265
       
       
      4,278
       
       
      27,945
       
       
      6,109
      Adjusted SG&A (Non-GAAP)
        $
      891,230
       
      $
      891,867
       
      $
      2,926,762
       
      $
      2,953,129
      Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income:
       
        Twelve Weeks Ended
       
      Forty Weeks Ended
      (in thousands)
        October 5, 2024
       
      October 7, 2023
       
      October 5, 2024
       
      October 7, 2023
      Operating income (GAAP)
        $
      403
       
      $
      (78,578
      )
       
      $
      106,697
       
      $
      81,242
      SG&A adjustments
         
      16,265
       
       
      4,278
       
       
       
      27,945
       
       
      6,109
      Adjusted operating income (Non-GAAP)
        $
      16,668
       
      $
      (74,300
      )
       
      $
      134,642
       
      $
      87,351
      NOTE:
        Adjusted SG&A, Adjusted SG&A as a percentage of Net sales, Adjusted operating income and Adjusted operating income margin (calculated by dividing Adjusted operating income by Net sales) are non-GAAP measures. Management believes these non-GAAP measures are important metrics in assessing the overall performance of the business and utilizes these metrics in its ongoing reporting. On that basis, management believes it is useful to provide these metrics to investors and prospective investors to evaluate the company’s operating performance across periods adjusting for these items (refer to the reconciliations of non-GAAP adjustments above). These non-GAAP measures might not be calculated in the same manner as, and thus might not be comparable to, similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Non-GAAP measures should not be used by investors or third parties as the sole basis for formulating investment decisions, as they may exclude a number of important cash and non-cash recurring items.
      Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow: (1)
         
       
       
       
        Forty Weeks Ended
      (in thousands)
        October 5, 2024
       
      October 7, 2023
      Cash flows provided by operating activities of continuing operations
        $
      81,019
       
       
      $
      (28,314
      )
      Purchases of property and equipment
         
      (129,714
      )
       
       
      (174,186
      )
      Free cash flow
        $
      (48,695
      )
       
      $
      (202,500
      )
      Adjusted Debt to Adjusted EBITDAR: (1)
         
       
       
       
        Four Quarters Ended
      (In thousands, except adjusted debt to adjusted EBITDAR ratio)
        October 5, 2024
       
      December 30, 2023
      Total GAAP debt
        $
      1,788,513
       
       
      $
      1,786,361
       
      Add: Operating lease liabilities
         
      2,711,578
       
       
       
      2,660,827
       
      Adjusted debt
        $
      4,500,091
       
       
      $
      4,447,188
       
       
         
       
       
      GAAP Net income
        $
      50,819
       
       
      $
      29,735
       
      Depreciation and amortization
         
      309,566
       
       
       
      306,454
       
      Interest expense
         
      80,559
       
       
       
      88,055
       
      Other expense, net
         
      (16,174
      )
       
       
      (5,525
      )
      Provision for income taxes
         
      23,843
       
       
       
      2,112
       
      Rent expense
         
      638,232
       
       
       
      613,859
       
      Share-based compensation
         
      46,557
       
       
       
      45,647
       
      Other charges (2)
         
      40,091
       
       
       
      12,419
       
      Transformation related charges
         
      27,131
       
       
       
      29,719
       
      Adjusted EBITDAR
        $
      1,200,624
       
       
      $
      1,122,475
       
       
         
       
       
      Adjusted Debt to Adjusted EBITDAR
         
      3.7
       
       
       
      4.0
       
      (1)
        The four quarters ended October 5, 2024, includes the correction of non-material errors the company discovered in previously reported results.
      (2)
        The adjustments to the four quarters ended October 5, 2024, and December 30, 2023, include expenses associated with the company's material weakness remediation efforts and executive turnover.
       
         
      NOTE:
        Management believes its Adjusted Debt to Adjusted EBITDAR ratio (“leverage ratio”) is a key financial metric for debt securities, as reviewed by rating agencies, and believes its debt levels are best analyzed using this measure. The company’s goal is to maintain an investment grade rating. The company's credit rating directly impacts the interest rates on borrowings under its existing credit facility and could impact the company's ability to obtain additional funding. If the company was unable to maintain its investment grade rating, this could negatively impact future performance and limit growth opportunities. Similar measures are utilized in the calculation of the financial covenants and ratios contained in the company's financing arrangements. The leverage ratio calculated by the company is a non-GAAP measure and should not be considered a substitute for debt to net earnings, as determined in accordance with GAAP. The company adjusts the calculation to remove rent expense and to add back the company’s existing operating lease liabilities related to their right-of-use assets to provide a more meaningful comparison with the company’s peers and to account for differences in debt structures and leasing arrangements. The company’s calculation of its leverage ratio may not be calculated in the same manner as other companies, and thus may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
      Store Information
      During the forty weeks ended October 5, 2024, 23 stores were opened and 29 were closed, resulting in a total of 4,781 stores as of October 5, 2024, compared with a total of 4,786 stores as of December 30, 2023.
      The below table summarizes the changes in the number of company-operated stores during the twelve and forty weeks ended October 5, 2024:
       
       
      Twelve Weeks Ended
       
       
      AAP
       
      CARQUEST
       
      Total
      July 15, 2024
       
      4,484
       
       
      292
       
       
      4,776
       
      New
       
      9
       
       

       
       
      9
       
      Closed
       
      (2
      )
       
      (2
      )
       
      (4
      )
      Converted
       
      1
       
       
      (1
      )
       

       
      October 5, 2024
       
      4,492
       
       
      289
       
       
      4,781
       
       
       
      Forty Weeks Ended
       
       
      AAP
       
      CARQUEST
       
      Total
      December 30, 2023
       
      4,484
       
       
      302
       
       
      4,786
       
      New
       
      23
       
       

       
       
      23
       
      Closed
       
      (17
      )
       
      (12
      )
       
      (29
      )
      Converted
       
      2
       
       
      (1
      )
       
      1
       
      October 5, 2024
       
      4,492
       
       
      289
       
       
      4,781
       
       

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    • By Counterman
      Motion technology provider 
      link hidden, please login to view announced it entered into a partnership with ATSG to become its primary sponsor. Through this agreement, Schaeffler will provide ongoing technical education support to the members of ATSG, which has offered technical support and repair information for transmission technicians for almost 40 years. Through its LuK brand, Schaeffler’s partnership with ATSG will “bring significant educational benefits to technicians in the aftermarket transmission repair industry,” the company said. Schaeffler added it will deliver technical educational content to ATSG members via in-person and online training events focused on trouble shooting and repair best practices.
      “Having the opportunity to partner with ATSG demonstrates our commitment to providing both innovation and education to the aftermarket,” said Rob Steinmetz, product manager, Schaeffler. “As vehicles continue to become more complex, Schaeffler strives to support repair technicians with the resources they need to get the job done. We are thrilled to partner with ATSG and look forward to supporting its members.”
      Reed Trueblood, managing director of ATSG, added: “We are eagerly anticipating the value and important resources this partnership will bring to technicians; Schaeffer’s dedication to excellence aligns with ATSG’s vision of driving innovation and empowering our customers with cutting-edge solutions.”  
      Throughout 2024 and 2025, Schaeffler and ATSG will host a series of training events, offering a range of opportunities for technicians to connect and learn. To sign up for these events and learn more about this partnership, visit 
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    • By Counterman
      The Office of the United States Trade Representative has released a four-year review of the Section 301 tariffs on imports from China.
      link hidden, please login to view link hidden, please login to view link hidden, please login to view According to the report, the USTR has recommended that the products from China currently subject to Section 301 tariffs should remain tariffed.
      Modifications have been proposed to add or increase tariffs for certain products in strategic sectors.
      link hidden, please login to view Bill Hanvey, Auto Care Association president and CEO, reacted to the USTR four-year review of Section 301 China tariffs.
      “We commend the Biden Administration and the USTR for their thorough review of the Section 301 China tariffs that were implemented in 2018 as a way to address China’s unfair trade practices,” said Hanvey. “We applaud our members’ efforts in reducing their reliance on sourcing from China and investing in resilient U.S. supply chains. However, we want to reiterate that tariffs continue to negatively impact our members and the automotive aftermarket industry. Many products lack manufacturing alternatives outside of China due to infrastructure issues, significant investments in tooling and the knowledge to produce a high-quality safety product.
      “We do not believe the Section 301 tariffs have forced China to address their technology transfer-related practices. Additionally, tariffs are not paid for by China; they are passed on to the final consumer, drive up consumer prices, and disrupt vehicle maintenance and repair schedules.
      “As part of the USTR’s recommendations, we urge the USTR to establish a comprehensive and transparent exclusion process that encompasses all products while renewing the existing exclusions that are set to expire at the end of May. We eagerly anticipate ongoing collaboration to uphold fair trade practices and to safeguard the interests of American workers and businesses,” Hanvey said.
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    • By Dorman Products
      Technical Challenge: Wrong Answers Only #dashlightquiz #technicianchallenge
    • By Advance Auto Parts
      Advance Auto Parts Reports Third Quarter 2023 Results and Provides Updates on Strategic and Operational Review
      11/15/2023   Q3 Net Sales Increased 2.9% to $2.7 Billion; Comparable Store Sales Increased 1.2%
      Executing on New $150 Million Cost Reduction Program
      Initiates Sale Processes for Worldpac and Canadian Business
      RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE: AAP), a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider in North America, that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers, announced its financial results for the third quarter ended October 7, 2023.
      “Since joining Advance, I have partnered with the board and management team to move with speed in conducting a comprehensive review of the business,” said Shane O'Kelly, president and chief executive officer. “We are taking decisive actions to position Advance for long-term success and create meaningful value for our shareholders. Today we are announcing initial actions from our review process that will allow us to capitalize on significant opportunities ahead. First, we are launching a new cost reduction program that we expect will generate at least $150 million in savings on an annualized basis. We expect to reinvest up to $50 million of these savings in our team members with a clear focus on improving the retention of our frontline team members. At the same time, we have made a strategic decision to focus on our blended box business model and are therefore initiating separate sale processes for Worldpac as well as our Canadian business.
      “We are committed to stabilizing the company and returning Advance to profitable growth, and our frontline team’s passion and extensive knowledge is integral to how we succeed. Seeing our frontline team members in action delivering for customers, coupled with robust industry fundamentals and strong vendor relationships, has reaffirmed my optimism that by making rigorous strategic and operational decisions now, Advance will be well positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead and deliver value for shareholders.”
      Third Quarter 2023 Results (1)
      Third quarter 2023 Net sales totaled $2.7 billion, a 2.9% increase compared with the third quarter of the prior year. Comparable store sales increased to 1.2%.
      Gross profit decreased 16.3% to $1.0 billion. Gross profit margin was 36.3% of Net sales compared with 44.6% of Net sales in the third quarter of the prior year. This was primarily driven by a change in estimate for inventory reserves that resulted in a one-time impact of approximately $119 million. In addition, the company incurred higher product costs that were not fully covered by pricing actions and elevated supply chain costs. This was partially offset by a reduction in LIFO-related expenses.
      SG&A expenses were $1.0 billion, which were 37.9% of Net sales compared with 38.2% in the third quarter of the prior year.
      The company's Operating loss was $43.7 million, or (1.6)% of Net sales, compared with 6.5% in the third quarter of the prior year.
      The company's effective tax rate was 24.4%, compared with 24.7% in the third quarter of the prior year. The company's Diluted loss per share was $(0.82), compared with Diluted earnings per share of $1.92 in the third quarter of the prior year.
      Net cash provided by operating activities was $30.4 million through the third quarter of 2023 versus $483.1 million in the same period of the prior year. This was primarily driven by lower Net income and an increase in cash used in working capital. Through the third quarter of 2023, Free cash flow was an outflow of $156.8 million compared with an inflow of $149.5 million in the same period of the prior year.
      All comparisons are based on the corrected results of the same time period in the prior year as depicted in the financial tables herein, which include the correction of non-material errors the company discovered in previously reported results.
      Strategic Review Update
      The company has initiated separate sale processes for the potential divestiture of Worldpac and the company’s Canada business. Worldpac, a leading automotive wholesale distributor of original equipment and aftermarket parts for all makes/all models, is highly recognized for its world class technology, catalog, product brand assortment and training. The company's Canadian business, which predominantly serves commercial customers, goes to market under the Carquest banner.
      The company has engaged Centerview Partners to assist in the sale processes. The company has not set a timetable for the conclusion of the sale processes and does not intend to comment on or provide updates regarding these matters unless and until the processes are concluded or it determines that further disclosure is appropriate or required.
      (1) Comparable store sales include locations open for 13 complete accounting periods and excludes sales to independently owned Carquest locations.
      Capital Allocation
      On October 31, 2023, the company declared a regular cash dividend of $0.25 per share to be paid on January 26, 2024 to all common stockholders of record as of January 12, 2024.
      Full Year 2023 Guidance
      Tony Iskander, interim chief financial officer, said, “Based on our year-to-date results and current business trends, we are adjusting our previously provided full year outlook ranges. Our updates include the impact of non-recurring expenses in Q3 as well as continued pressure in Q4 from higher product costs that we do not expect to offset with price. We are taking significant steps to improve our cost structure and remain focused on returning the business to profitable growth.”

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