S-1 1 ds1.htm FORM S-1 Prepared by R.R. Donnelley Financial -- Form S-1
Table of Contents
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2002
Registration No. 333-                

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 

 
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 

 
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

 
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
5531
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)
 
54-2049910
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
5673 Airport Road, NW
Roanoke, Virginia 24012
(540) 362-4911
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
 
JIMMIE L. WADE
President and Chief Financial Officer
5673 Airport Road, NW
Roanoke, Virginia 24012
(540) 362-4911
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
 

 
Copies to:
 
THOMAS M. CLEARY
Riordan & Mc Kinzie
300 South Grand Avenue, Suite 2900
Los Angeles, California 90071
(213) 629-4824
 
ERIC M. MARGOLIN
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
5673 Airport Road, NW
Roanoke, Virginia 24012
(540) 362-4911
 
JOHN J. KELLEY III
King & Spalding
191 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1763
(404) 572-4600
 
 
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:    As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.  ¨
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨             
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨             
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨             
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box.  ¨
 

 
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 

Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered
  
Amount to be Registered(1)
    
Proposed Maximum Offering Price per Share(2)
 
Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(2)
    
Amount of Registration
Fee









Common Stock, $.0001 par value
  
10,350,000
    
$46.00
 
$476,100,000
    
$43,802










(1)
 
Includes 1,350,000 shares in the aggregate that the underwriters have the option to purchase from one of the selling stockholders to cover over-allotments, if any.
(2)
 
Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(c) for purposes of calculating the registration fee.

 
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
 


Table of Contents

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 6, 2002
 
9,000,000 Shares
 
LOGO
 
Common Stock
 

 
We are selling 2,250,000 shares of common stock and the selling stockholders are selling 6,750,000 shares of common stock.
 
Our common stock is listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AAP.” The last reported sale price on February 5, 2002 was $45.89 per share.
 
The underwriters have an option to purchase a maximum of 1,350,000 additional shares from one of the selling stockholders to cover over-allotments of shares.
 
Investing in our common stock involves risks. See “Risk Factors” on page 8.
 
    
Price to
Public

  
Underwriting Discounts and Commissions

  
Proceeds to Advance Auto Parts

  
Proceeds to Selling Stockholders

Per Share
  
$                  
  
$                
  
$                
  
$                
Total
  
$                        
  
$                        
  
$                        
  
$                        
 
Delivery of the shares of common stock will be made on or about                                 , 2002.
 
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
Joint Book-Running Managers
 
Credit Suisse First Boston
 
Merrill Lynch & Co.
 
 
JPMorgan
Lehman Brothers
Morgan Stanley
Salomon Smith Barney
 
The date of this prospectus is                         , 2002.


Table of Contents
LOGO


Table of Contents
 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
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48
    
F-1
 

 
You should rely only on the information contained in this document or to which we have referred you. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. This document may only be used where it is legal to sell these securities. The information in this document may only be accurate on the date of this document.


Table of Contents
 
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
You should read this together with the more detailed information regarding us and the common stock being sold in this offering and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. This prospectus includes the specific terms of the common stock we are offering, as well as information regarding our business, certain recent transactions entered into by us and risk factors. Because this is only a summary, it may not contain all of the information important to you or that you should consider before deciding to invest in our common stock. Therefore, we urge you to read this prospectus in its entirety.
 
On November 28, 2001, we acquired Discount Auto Parts, Inc. Upon consummation of the acquisition, Discount became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Advance. We filed a registration statement with respect to the shares of our common stock issued in the Discount acquisition. As a result, we became a publicly traded company on November 29, 2001.
 
Unless the context otherwise requires, “Advance,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to Advance Auto Parts, Inc., its predecessor, its subsidiaries and their respective operations. When we refer to information on a historical basis, we are presenting that information before giving effect to the Discount acquisition, unless otherwise specified. Our fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to December 31 of each year.
 
Our Business
 
We are the second largest specialty retailer of automotive parts, accessories and maintenance items primarily to “do-it-yourself,” or DIY, customers in the United States, based on store count and sales. We are the largest specialty retailer of automotive products in the majority of the states in which we currently operate, based on store count. We had 1,775 stores operating under the “Advance Auto Parts” tradename in 37 states in the Northeastern, Southeastern and Midwestern regions of the United States at December 29, 2001. In addition, as of that date, we had 40 stores operating under the “Western Auto” tradename located primarily in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Our stores offer a broad selection of brand name and private label automotive products for domestic and imported cars and light trucks. In addition to our DIY business, we serve “do-it-for-me,” or DIFM, customers via sales to commercial accounts. Sales to DIFM customers represented approximately 15% of our retail sales for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001.
 
On November 28, 2001, we acquired Discount, which was the fifth largest specialty retailer of automotive parts, accessories and maintenance items in the United States, based on store count. At the time of the acquisition, Discount had 671 stores in six states, including the leading market position in Florida with 437 stores. On a pro forma basis, we would have had approximately 2,400 stores at October 6, 2001 and our net sales and EBITDA, as adjusted, for the twelve months ended October 6, 2001 would have been $3.1 billion and $258.0 million. The $258.0 million of EBITDA, as adjusted, does not reflect ongoing purchasing, distribution and administrative savings that we expect to achieve as a result of the acquisition. During 2002, we expect these savings to result in approximately $30 million of incremental EBITDA, excluding one-time integration expenses.
 
Since 1996, we have achieved significant growth through a combination of comparable store sales growth, new store openings, increased penetration of our commercial delivery program and strategic acquisitions. We believe that our sales growth has exceeded the industry average as a result of our industry leading selection of quality brand name and private label products, our strong name recognition and our high levels of customer service. From 1996 through 2000, we:
 
 
Ÿ
 
grew from the fourth largest to the second largest specialty retailer of automotive parts in the United States and increased our store count at year-end from 649 to 2,387 (pro forma for the Discount acquisition);

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Ÿ
 
achieved positive comparable store sales growth in every quarter, averaging 6.1% annually;
 
 
Ÿ
 
increased our net sales at a compound annual growth rate of 42.7%, from $706.0 million to $2.9 billion (pro forma for the Discount acquisition); and
 
Ÿ
 
increased our EBITDA at a compound annual growth rate of 40.5%, from $60.2 million to $235.0 million (pro forma for the Discount acquisition).
 
For the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001, our comparable store sales growth was 6.5%, not including Discount. In addition, our EBITDA for this period increased 21.9%, to $163.2 million from $133.9 million for the same forty weeks in 2000.
 
We operate within the large and growing automotive aftermarket industry, which includes replacement parts, accessories, maintenance items, batteries and automotive fluids for cars and light trucks. Between 1991 and 2000, this industry grew at a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%, from approximately $58 billion to $98 billion. We believe the automotive aftermarket industry benefits from several important trends, including the: (1) increasing number and age of vehicles in the United States; (2) increasing number of miles driven annually; (3) increasing number of cars coming off of warranty, particularly leased vehicles; (4) increasing number of light trucks and sport utility vehicles that require more expensive parts, resulting in higher average sales per customer; (5) consolidation of automotive aftermarket retailers, resulting in a reduction in the number of stores in the marketplace; and (6) continued market share expansion of specialty automotive parts retailers, like us, primarily by taking market share from discount stores and mass merchandisers. We believe these trends will continue to support strong comparable store sales growth in the industry.
 
Benefits of the Discount Acquisition
 
As a result of our successful integration of prior acquisitions, we believe that we have established a proven model that will enable us to successfully integrate Discount and realize the following benefits:
 
Strengthened Position within Target Markets.    The Discount acquisition has provided us with the leading market position in Florida, which is especially attractive due to that state’s strong DIY customer demographics. The Discount acquisition has also further solidified our leading position throughout the Southeast.
 
Improved Purchasing, Distribution and Administrative Efficiencies.    We expect to achieve ongoing purchasing savings as a result of the Discount acquisition, primarily through economies of scale. We also expect to achieve significant savings from the optimization of our combined distribution network and the reduction of overlapping administrative functions.
 
Opportunity to Increase Discount’s Store Sales.    We plan to increase Discount’s store sales by, among other things, (1) re-merchandising stores to increase parts availability and in-stock position, (2) increasing customer service and improving store execution through staffing and training initiatives, (3) enhancing existing commercial delivery programs and selectively adding new programs and (4) refurbishing store layout and appearance.
 
Competitive Strengths
 
We believe our competitive strengths include the following:
 
Leading Market Position.    We enjoy significant competitive advantages over smaller retail chains and independent operators. We believe we have strong brand recognition and customer traffic in our stores as a result of our number one position in the majority of our markets, based on store count, and our significant marketing activities. In addition, we have purchasing, distribution and marketing efficiencies due to our economies of scale.
 
Industry Leading Selection of Quality Products.    We offer one of the largest selections of brand name and private label automotive parts, accessories and maintenance items in the automotive aftermarket industry. Our stores carry between 16,000 and 21,000 in-store stock keeping units, or SKUs. We also offer approximately

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105,000 additional SKUs that are available on a same-day or overnight basis through our Parts Delivered Quickly, or PDQ®, distribution systems, including harder-to-find replacement parts, which typically carry a higher gross margin. We believe that our ability to deliver an aggregate of approximately 120,000 SKUs, as well as the capabilities provided by our electronic parts catalog, are highly valued by our customers and differentiate us from our competitors, particularly mass merchandisers.
 
Superior Customer Service.    We believe that our customers place significant value on our well-trained sales associates, who offer knowledgeable assistance in product selection and installation. We invest substantial resources in the recruiting and training of our employees, which we believe differentiates us from mass merchandisers and has led to higher employee retention levels, increased customer satisfaction and higher sales.
 
Experienced Management Team with Proven Track Record.    The 18 members of our senior management team have an average of 15 years experience with us and 17 years in the industry and have successfully grown our company to the second largest specialty retailer of automotive products in the United States. Our management team has accomplished this using a disciplined strategy of growing comparable store sales, opening new stores and making selective acquisitions. Through the 545-store acquisition of Western Auto Supply Company in November 1998 and the 30-store acquisition of Carport Auto Parts, Inc. in April 2001, this team has demonstrated its ability to efficiently and successfully integrate both large and small acquisitions. We intend to leverage this experience as we integrate Discount.
 
Growth Strategy
 
Our growth strategy consists of the following:
 
Increase Our Comparable Store Sales.    We have been an industry leader in comparable store sales over the last five years, averaging 6.1% annually. We plan to increase our comparable store sales in both the DIY and DIFM categories by, among other things, (1) implementing merchandising and marketing initiatives, (2) investing in store-level systems to enhance our ability to recommend complementary products in order to increase sales per customer, (3) refining our store selection and in-stock availability through customized assortments and other supply chain initiatives, (4) continuing to increase customer service through store staffing and retention initiatives and (5) increasing our commercial delivery sales by focusing on key customers to grow average sales per truck.
 
Continue to Enhance Our Margins.    We have improved our EBITDA margin by 233 basis points from 5.5% in 1999 to 7.8% for the twelve months ended October 6, 2001. In addition to driving operating margin expansion via improved comparable store sales, we will continue to focus on increasing margins by: (1) improving our purchasing efficiencies with vendors; (2) utilizing our supply chain infrastructure and existing distribution network to optimize our inventory mix and maximize distribution capacity; and (3) leveraging our overall scale to reduce other operating expenses as a percentage of sales.
 
Increase Return on Capital.    We believe we can successfully increase our return on capital by (1) leveraging our supply chain initiatives to increase inventory turns, (2) further extending payment terms with our vendors and (3) generating strong comparable store sales as well as increasing our margins. In addition, we believe we can drive return on capital by selectively expanding our store base in existing markets. Based on our experience, such in-market openings provide higher returns on our invested capital by enabling us to leverage our distribution infrastructure, marketing expenditures and local management resources. We intend to add stores in existing markets, including 105 to 125 stores in 2002 through new store openings and selective acquisitions.
 
Successfully Integrate Discount.    Our management team has developed a detailed strategy to integrate Discount, including: (1) re-merchandising stores to increase parts availability and in-stock position; (2) increasing purchasing efficiencies; (3) leveraging distribution and administrative costs; and (4) enhancing existing commercial delivery programs and selectively adding programs to Discount stores.

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Recent Developments
 
For the twelve weeks ended December 29, 2001, our comparable store sales growth was 5.2%, compared with 6.1% for the comparable period of the prior year. In addition, for the year ended December 29, 2001, our comparable store sales growth was 6.2%, compared with 4.4% for the prior year. This comparable store sales growth does not include sales from Discount stores.
 
Sales for the twelve weeks ended December 29, 2001 increased 16.2%, to $582.0 million from $500.7 million for the same period of the prior year. Retail segment sales for the twelve weeks ended December 29, 2001 increased 17.6%, to $564.1 million from $479.6 million for the comparable period of the prior year. Each of these 2001 amounts includes four weeks of sales from Discount. Excluding the effect of the sales from Discount, sales and retail segment sales for the twelve weeks ended December 29, 2001 increased 6.6% and 7.5%.
 
Sales for the year ended December 29, 2001 increased 10.0%, to $2,517.6 million from $2,288.0 million for the prior year. Retail segment sales for the year ended December 29, 2001 increased 11.6%, to $2,419.7 million from $2,167.3 million for the prior year. Each of these 2001 amounts includes four weeks of sales from Discount. Excluding the effect of the sales from Discount, sales and retail segment sales for 2001 increased 7.9% and 9.4%.
 
We also anticipate that EBITDA, as adjusted, for 2001 will be in line with the high end of the previously published expectations of $190 million to $195 million. This number is before anticipated one-time expenses of $23.0 million (net of taxes) and excludes the positive impact of four weeks of Discount’s operations. The one-time expenses include $6.3 million relating to supply chain initiatives, a $6.5 million reduction in book value of property held for sale, $5.2 million in compensation charges related to variable provisions of stock option plans that have since been eliminated, $2.9 million in expenses associated with the Discount acquisition and $2.1 million resulting from the accounting change discussed below.
 
During the fourth quarter of 2001, we changed our method of accounting for cooperative advertising funds received from vendors. Previously, we accounted for these funds as a reduction to advertising expense as the advertising expenses were incurred. In order to better align the reporting of these payments with the sale of the associated product, we decided to recognize these payments as a reduction to the cost of inventory acquired from vendors, which results in a lower cost of sales for the products sold. We believe this is a preferable method of accounting that will result in a slightly more conservative recognition of income in future periods. This change in accounting principle will be applied in our 2001 financial statements as if the change occurred at the beginning of our 2001 fiscal year and will be recognized as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. We have not yet determined the amount of the cumulative effect of this change, but estimate that it will result in a reduction in net income of approximately $2.1 million on an after-tax basis. Subsequent to its adoption, the change will result in lower cost of sales with corresponding increases in selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
General
 
Our principal executive offices are located at 5673 Airport Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24012, and our telephone number is (540) 362-4911. Our website is located at “www.advanceautoparts.com.” Information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus.
 
All brand names and trademarks appearing in this prospectus, including “Advance,” are the property of their respective holders.

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THE OFFERING
 
Common stock offered by us
  
2,250,000 shares
Common stock offered by the selling stockholders
  
6,750,000 shares
Common stock to be outstanding after this offering
  
34,945,735 shares
Use of proceeds

  
We intend to use the net proceeds we receive to repay outstanding indebtedness.
 
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the shares sold by the selling stockholders.
NYSE Symbol
  
AAP
 
Unless otherwise indicated, all share information in this prospectus is based on the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of January 31, 2002, and excludes 3,521,947 shares subject to options at a weighted average exercise price of $21.53 per share.
 
Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.
 
In addition, at the closing of this offering, we will grant options to purchase an aggregate of up to 500,000 shares of our common stock, at a price per share equal to the public offering price, to key employees and certain independent directors.
 

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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
 
The following table is a summary of our consolidated financial and other data for the periods presented, as well as our pro forma financial data, after giving effect to the Discount acquisition and related financing transactions, the offering contemplated by this prospectus and the application of the proceeds received by us to repay outstanding indebtedness. The summary consolidated financial and other data for the three years ended December 30, 2000 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary consolidated financial and other data at October 6, 2001 and for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2000 and October 6, 2001 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The results of operations for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full year. You should read this data along with the sections of this prospectus titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes of Advance and Discount included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations data does not purport to represent what our results of operations would have been if the transactions had occurred as of the date indicated or what the results will be for future periods. The results include the activities of the following acquired businesses since their respective dates of acquisition, Western Auto Supply Company (November 1998) and Carport Auto Parts, Inc. (April 2001).
 
   
Fiscal Year(1)

   
Forty Weeks Ended

 
   
1998

   
1999

   
2000

   
Pro Forma 
2000

   
October 7, 
2000

   
October 6, 
2001

   
Pro Forma 
October 6, 
2001

 
                     
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
   
(in thousands, except per share and selected store data)
Statement of Operations Data:
     
Net sales
 
$
1,220,759
 
 
$
2,206,945
 
 
$
2,288,022
 
 
$
2,928,036
 
 
$
1,787,370
 
 
$
1,935,630
 
 
$
2,442,704
 
Gross profit
 
 
454,561
 
 
 
802,832
 
 
 
895,895
 
 
 
1,147,684
 
 
 
699,411
 
 
 
784,343
 
 
 
983,765
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses(2)
 
 
391,913
 
 
 
739,080
 
 
 
800,845
 
 
 
1,003,359
 
 
 
616,155
 
 
 
674,758
 
 
 
843,678
 
Operating income(2)
 
 
31,829
 
 
 
20,235
 
 
 
92,789
 
 
 
144,325
 
 
 
81,544
 
 
 
105,504
 
 
 
140,087
 
Interest expense
 
 
35,038
 
 
 
62,792
 
 
 
66,640
 
 
 
89,689
 
 
 
51,784
 
 
 
45,195
 
 
 
71,088
 
Income (loss) before extraordinary item(2)(3)
 
 
(2,182
)
 
 
(25,326
)
 
 
16,626
 
 
 
35,946
 
 
 
18,932
 
 
 
36,909
 
 
 
47,365
 
Net income (loss)(2)
 
 
(2,182
)
 
 
(25,326
)
 
 
19,559
 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
21,865
 
 
 
36,909
 
 
 
—  
 
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item per basic share(3)
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.90
)
 
$
0.59
 
 
$
1.03
 
 
$
0.67
 
 
$
1.30
 
 
$
1.36
 
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item per diluted share(3)
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.90
)
 
$
0.58
 
 
$
1.02
 
 
$
0.67
 
 
$
1.29
 
 
$
1.35
 
Net income (loss) per basic share
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.90
)
 
$
0.69
 
 
 
—  
 
 
$
0.77
 
 
$
1.30
 
 
 
—  
 
Net income (loss) per diluted share
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.90
)
 
$
0.68
 
 
 
—  
 
 
$
0.77
 
 
$
1.29
 
 
 
—  
 
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
 
 
18,606
 
 
 
28,269
 
 
 
28,296
 
 
 
34,856
 
 
 
28,282
 
 
 
28,295
 
 
 
34,855
 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
 
 
18,606
 
 
 
28,269
 
 
 
28,611
 
 
 
35,171
 
 
 
28,332
 
 
 
28,642
 
 
 
35,202
 
Other Financial Data:
                                                       
EBITDA, as adjusted(4)
 
$
92,612
 
 
$
121,899
 
 
$
161,876
 
 
$
234,957
 
 
$
133,870
 
 
$
163,214
 
 
$
214,259
 
Capital expenditures(5)
 
 
65,790
 
 
 
105,017
 
 
 
70,566
 
 
 
123,411
 
 
 
46,883
 
 
 
49,550
 
 
 
78,168
 
Cash flows provided by (used in):
                                                       
Operating activities
 
$
44,022
 
 
$
(20,976
)
 
$
103,951
 
 
 
—  
 
 
$
100,800
 
 
$
126,294
 
 
 
 
Investing activities
 
 
(230,672
)
 
 
(113,824
)
 
 
(64,940
)
 
 
—  
 
 
 
(42,106
)
 
 
(68,705
)
 
 
 
Financing activities
 
 
207,302
 
 
 
121,262
 
 
 
(43,579
)
 
 
—  
 
 
 
(64,918
)
 
 
(63,680
)
 
 
 
Selected Store Data:
                                                       
Comparable store sales growth(6)
 
 
7.8
%
 
 
10.3
%
 
 
4.4
%
 
 
— 
 
 
 
3.8
%
 
 
6.5
%
 
 
— 
 
Net new stores(7)
 
 
753
 
 
 
50
 
 
 
112
 
 
 
765
 
 
 
85
 
 
 
62
 
 
 
733
 
Number of stores, end of period
 
 
1,567
 
 
 
1,617
 
 
 
1,729
 
 
 
2,387
 
 
 
1,702
 
 
 
1,791
 
 
 
2,459
 
Stores with commercial delivery program, end of period
 
 
532
 
 
 
1,094
 
 
 
1,210
 
 
 
1,385
 
 
 
1,216
 
 
 
1,195
 
 
 
1,363
 
Total commercial delivery sales, as a percentage of total sales
 
 
8.8
%
 
 
9.0
%
 
 
13.4
%
 
 
11.7
%
 
 
13.2
%
 
 
13.8
%
 
 
10.1
%
Total retail store square footage, end of period (in thousands)
 
 
12,084
 
 
 
12,476
 
 
 
13,325
 
 
 
18,011
 
 
 
13,122
 
 
 
13,782
 
 
 
18,548
 
Average net retail sales per store (in thousands)(8)
 
$
1,270
 
 
$
1,267
 
 
$
1,295
 
 
$
1,219
 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
— 
 
Average net retail sales per square foot(9)
 
$
172
 
 
$
164
 
 
$
168
 
 
$
170
 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
— 
 

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At

    
October 6, 
2001

  
Pro Forma 
Acquisition 
October 6, 
2001

  
Pro Forma 
Acquisition 
and Offering 
October 6, 
2001

    
(unaudited)
  
(unaudited)
  
(unaudited)
Balance Sheet Data (in thousands):
                    
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
11,918
  
$
19,604
  
$
19,604
Net working capital
  
 
318,078
  
 
469,408
  
 
469,408
Total assets
  
 
1,375,392
  
 
2,000,043
  
 
1,996,879
Total net debt
  
 
531,010
  
 
933,625
  
 
838,684
Total stockholders’ equity
  
 
196,373
  
 
295,839
  
 
387,616

(1)
 
Our fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday nearest to December 31. All fiscal years presented are 52 weeks.
(2)
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses exclude certain non-recurring charges, which consist of expenses associated with our recapitalization in April 1998, restructuring expenses associated with the Western merger, private company expenses, non-cash and other employee compensation, and merger and integration expenses. The effect of these items are included in Operating income, Net income (loss) before extraordinary item and Net income (loss).
(3)
 
Net income (loss) and net income (loss) per basic and diluted shares presented for pro forma 2000 and the pro forma forty weeks ended October 6, 2001 represent income (loss) from continuing operations.
(4)
 
EBITDA, as adjusted, represents operating income plus depreciation and amortization, non-cash and other employee compensation expenses and certain one-time expenses and gains, as described below, included in operating income. EBITDA, as adjusted, is not intended to represent cash flow from operations as defined by generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and should not be considered as a substitute for net income as an indicator of operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow (as measured by GAAP) as a measure of liquidity. We have included EBITDA, as adjusted, herein because our management believes this information is useful to investors, as such measure provides additional information with respect to our ability to meet our future debt service, capital expenditures and working capital requirements and, in addition, certain covenants in our indentures and credit facility are based upon an EBITDA calculation. Our method for calculating EBITDA, as adjusted, may differ from similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Our management believes certain one-time expenses and gains, recapitalization expenses, restructuring expenses, private company expenses, non-cash and other employee compensation expenses, and merger and integration expenses should be eliminated from the EBITDA calculation to evaluate our operating performance, and we have done so in our calculation of EBITDA, as adjusted.
(5)
 
Capital expenditures for the pro forma forty weeks ended October 6, 2001 exclude $34.4 million for our November 2001 purchase of Discount’s Gallman, Mississippi distribution facility from the lessor in connection with the Discount acquisition.
(6)
 
Comparable store sales growth is calculated based on the change in net sales starting once a store has been opened for thirteen complete accounting periods (each period represents four weeks). Relocations are included in comparable store sales from the original date of opening. Additionally, the Parts America stores acquired in the Western merger and subsequently converted to Advance Auto Parts stores are included in the comparable store sales calculation after thirteen complete accounting periods following their physical conversion. Comparable store sales do not include sales from the Western Auto stores.
(7)
 
Net new stores represents new stores opened and acquired less stores closed.
(8)
 
Average net retail sales per store is based on the average of beginning and ending number of stores for the respective period. The 1998 amounts were calculated giving effect to the Parts America retail net sales and number of stores for the period from November 1, 1998 through January 2, 1999.
(9)
 
Average net retail sales per square foot is based on the average of beginning and ending total store square footage for the respective period. The 1998 amounts were calculated giving effect to the Parts America retail net sales and square footage for the period from November 1, 1998 through January 2, 1999.

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RISK FACTORS
 
The value of an investment in us will be subject to significant risks inherent in our business. You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus, before purchasing our common stock. If any of the following risks and uncertainties actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. This could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
 
Risk Factors Relating to Our Business
 
We will not be able to expand our business if our growth strategy is not successful.
 
We have significantly increased our store count from 649 stores at the end of 1996 to 2,484 stores at December 29, 2001. We intend to continue to expand our base of stores as part of our growth strategy, primarily by opening new stores. There can be no assurance that this strategy will be successful. The actual number of new stores to be opened and their success will depend on a number of factors, including, among other things, our ability to manage the expansion and hire, train and retain qualified sales associates, the availability of potential store locations in highly visible, well-trafficked areas and the negotiation of acceptable lease terms for new locations. There can be no assurance that we will be able to open and operate new stores on a timely or profitable basis or that opening new stores in markets we already serve will not harm existing store profitability or comparable store sales. The newly opened and existing stores’ profitability will depend on our ability to properly merchandise, market and price the products required in their respective markets.
 
Furthermore, we may acquire or try to acquire stores or businesses from, make investments in, or enter into strategic alliances with, companies that have stores or distribution networks in our current markets or in areas into which we intend to expand our presence. Any future acquisitions, investments, strategic alliances or related efforts will be accompanied by risks, including:
 
 
Ÿ
 
the difficulty of identifying appropriate acquisition candidates;
 
 
Ÿ
 
the difficulty of assimilating and integrating the operations of the respective entities;
 
 
Ÿ
 
the potential disruption to our ongoing business and diversion of our management’s attention;
 
 
Ÿ
 
the inability to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies; and
 
 
Ÿ
 
the impairment of relationships with employees and customers as a result of changes in management.
 
We cannot assure you that we will be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered with these acquisitions, investments, strategic alliances or related efforts.
 
We may not be able to successfully implement our business strategy, including increasing comparable store sales, enhancing our margins and increasing our return on capital, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We have implemented numerous initiatives to increase comparable store sales, enhance our margins and increase our return on capital in order to increase our earnings and cash flow. If these initiatives are unsuccessful, or if we are unable to efficiently and effectively implement the initiatives, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
 
Successful implementation of our growth strategy also depends on factors specific to the retail automotive parts industry and numerous other factors that may be beyond our control. These include adverse changes in:
 
 
Ÿ
 
general economic conditions and conditions in local markets, which could reduce our sales;
 
 
Ÿ
 
the competitive environment in the automotive aftermarket parts and accessories retail sector that may force us to reduce prices or increase spending;
 
 
Ÿ
 
the automotive aftermarket parts manufacturing industry, such as consolidation, which may disrupt or sever one or more of our vendor relationships;

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Ÿ
 
our ability to anticipate and meet changes in consumer preferences for automotive products, accessories and services in a timely manner; and
 
 
Ÿ
 
our continued ability to hire and retain qualified personnel, which depends in part on the types of recruiting, training and benefit programs we adopt.
 
We may not be able to successfully integrate Discount, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We acquired Discount to capitalize on its leading market position in Florida, to increase our store base in our Southeastern markets and to create the opportunity for potential cost savings through operational synergies. Achieving the expected benefits of the Discount acquisition will depend in large part on integrating Discount’s operations and personnel in a timely and efficient manner. Some of the difficulties we will have to overcome include:
 
 
Ÿ
 
successfully converting Discount’s information and accounting systems to ours;
 
 
Ÿ
 
integrating our distribution operations with Discount’s distribution operations;
 
 
Ÿ
 
implementing and maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies on a company-wide basis;
 
 
Ÿ
 
properly identifying and closing unnecessary stores, operations and facilities; and
 
 
Ÿ
 
maintaining good and profitable relationships with suppliers.
 
If we cannot overcome the challenges we face integrating Discount, our ability to effectively and profitably manage Discount’s business could suffer. In addition, key employees may leave, supplier relationships may be disrupted and customer service standards could deteriorate. Moreover, the integration process itself may be disruptive to our business and Discount’s business as it will divert the attention of management from its normal operational responsibilities and duties.
 
Consequently, we cannot assure you that Discount can be successfully integrated with our business or that any of the anticipated efficiencies or cost savings will be realized, or realized within the expected time frame, or that revenues will not be lower than expected, any of which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If demand for products sold by our stores slows, our business and results of operations will suffer.
 
Demand for products sold by our stores depends on many factors and may slow for a number of reasons, including:
 
 
Ÿ
 
the weather, as vehicle maintenance may be deferred during periods of inclement weather; and
 
 
Ÿ
 
the economy, as during periods of good economic conditions, more of our DIY customers may pay others to repair and maintain their cars instead of working on their own cars. In periods of declining economic conditions, both DIY and DIFM customers may defer vehicle maintenance or repair.
 
If any of these factors cause demand for the products we sell to decline, our business, financial condition and results of operations will suffer.
 
We depend on the services of our existing management team and may not be able to attract and retain additional qualified management personnel.
 
Our success depends to a significant extent on the continued services and experience of our executive officers and senior management team. If for any reason our senior executives do not continue to be active in management, our business could suffer. We have entered into employment agreements with some of our executive officers and senior management, however, these agreements do not ensure their continued employment with us. Additionally, we cannot assure you that we will be able to attract and retain additional qualified senior executives as needed in the future, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

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If we are unable to compete successfully against other companies in the retail automotive parts industry, we could lose customers and our revenues may decline.
 
The retail sale of automotive parts, accessories and maintenance items is highly competitive in many areas, including price, name recognition, customer service and location. We compete primarily with national and regional retail automotive parts chains, wholesalers or jobber stores, independent operators, automobile dealers that supply parts, discount stores and mass merchandisers that carry automotive replacement parts, accessories and maintenance items. Some of our competitors possess advantages over us, including substantially greater financial and marketing resources, a larger number of stores, longer operating histories, greater name recognition, larger and more established customer bases and more established vendor relationships. Our response to these competitive disadvantages may require us to reduce our prices or increase our spending, which would lower revenue and profitability. Competitive disadvantages may also prevent us from introducing new product lines or require us to discontinue current product offerings or change some of our current operating strategies. If we do not have the resources or expertise or otherwise fail to develop successful strategies to address these competitive disadvantages, we could lose customers and our revenues may decline.
 
Disruptions in our relationships with vendors or in our vendors’ operations could increase our cost of goods sold.
 
Our business depends on developing and maintaining close relationships with our vendors and upon the vendors’ ability or willingness to sell products to us at favorable prices and other terms. Many factors outside of our control may harm these relationships and the ability or willingness of these vendors to sell us products on favorable terms. For example, financial or operational difficulties that some of our vendors may face may increase the cost of the products we purchase from them. In addition, the trend towards consolidation among automotive parts suppliers may disrupt or sever our relationship with some vendors, and could lead to less competition and, consequently, higher prices.
 
Risks Relating to Our Financial Condition
 
Our level of debt and restrictions in our debt instruments may limit our ability to take certain actions, including obtaining additional financing in the future, that we would otherwise consider in our best interest.
 
We currently have a significant amount of debt. At October 6, 2001, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Discount acquisition, the related financings, this offering and the application of the net proceeds to be received by us to repay outstanding indebtedness, we would have had total debt of approximately $847.7 million. Our high level of debt could have important consequences to you. For example, it could:
 
 
Ÿ
 
impair our ability to implement our growth strategy;
 
 
Ÿ
 
impair our ability to obtain additional financing, if needed, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes in the future;
 
 
Ÿ
 
place us at a disadvantage compared to competitors that have less debt;
 
 
Ÿ
 
restrict our ability to adjust rapidly to changing market conditions;
 
 
Ÿ
 
increase our vulnerability to adverse economic, industry and business conditions; or
 
 
Ÿ
 
cause our interest expense to increase if interest rates in general were to increase because a portion of our indebtedness bears interest at a floating rate.
 
Our ability to service our debt will require a significant amount of cash and our operations may not generate the amount of cash we need.
 
We will need a significant amount of cash to service our debt. Our ability to generate cash depends on our successful financial and operating performance. We cannot assure you that we will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that we will be able to obtain sufficient funding to satisfy all of our obligations. Our financial and operational performance also depends upon a number of other factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include:
 
 
Ÿ
 
economic and competitive conditions in the automotive aftermarket industry; and
 

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Ÿ
 
operating difficulties, operating costs or pricing pressures we may experience.
 
If we are unable to service our debt, we will be required to pursue one or more alternative strategies, such as selling assets, refinancing or restructuring our debt or raising additional equity capital. However, we cannot assure you that any alternative strategies will be feasible or prove adequate. Also, some alternative strategies would require the consent of at least a majority in interest of the lenders under the senior credit facility, the holders of our senior subordinated notes and the holders of our discount notes, and we can provide no assurances that we would be able to obtain this consent. If we are unable to meet our debt service obligations and alternative strategies are unsuccessful or unavailable, our lenders would be entitled to exercise various remedies, including foreclosing on our assets. Under those circumstances, you may lose all or a portion of your investment.
 
The covenants governing our debt impose significant restrictions on us.
 
The terms of our senior credit facility and the indentures for our senior subordinated notes and discount notes impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us and our subsidiaries and require us to meet certain financial tests. These restrictions may also have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations by significantly limiting or prohibiting us from engaging in certain transactions, including:
 
 
Ÿ
 
incurring or guaranteeing additional indebtedness;
 
 
Ÿ
 
paying dividends or making distributions or certain other restricted payments;
 
 
Ÿ
 
making capital expenditures and other investments;
 
 
Ÿ
 
creating liens on our assets;
 
 
Ÿ
 
issuing or selling capital stock of our subsidiaries;
 
 
Ÿ
 
transferring or selling assets currently held by us;
 
 
Ÿ
 
repurchasing stock and certain indebtedness;
 
 
Ÿ
 
engaging in transactions with affiliates;
 
 
Ÿ
 
entering into any agreements that restrict dividends from our subsidiaries; and
 
 
Ÿ
 
engaging in mergers or consolidations.
 
The failure to comply with any of these covenants would cause a default under our indentures and other debt agreements. Furthermore, our senior credit facility contains certain financial covenants, including establishing a maximum leverage ratio and requiring us to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and a funded senior debt to current assets ratio, which, if not maintained by us, will cause us to be in default under our senior credit facility. Any of these defaults, if not waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debt, in which case the debt would become immediately due and payable. If this occurs, we may not be able to repay our debt or borrow sufficient funds to refinance it. Even if new financing were available, it may not be on terms that are acceptable to us.
 

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Risks Related to Our Offering
 
Our stock price may be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
 
The market for equity securities has been extremely volatile. The following factors could cause the price of our common stock in the public market to fluctuate significantly from the price you will pay in this offering:
 
 
Ÿ
 
actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly results of operations;
 
 
Ÿ
 
changes in market valuations of companies in the retail automotive parts industry;
 
 
Ÿ
 
changes in expectations of future financial performance or changes in estimates of securities analysts;
 
 
Ÿ
 
fluctuations in stock market prices and volumes;
 
 
Ÿ
 
issuances of common stock or other securities in the future;
 
 
Ÿ
 
the addition or departure of key personnel; and
 
 
Ÿ
 
announcements by us or our competitors of acquisitions, investments or strategic alliances.
 
Volatility in the market price of our common stock may prevent investors from being able to sell their common stock at or above the public offering price. In the past, class action litigation has often been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of those companies’ common stock. We may become involved in this type of litigation in the future. Litigation is often expensive and diverts management’s attention and company resources and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
 
The sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock after this offering may cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
 
If our existing stockholders sell shares of common stock in the public market following this offering, including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, or if the market perceives that these sales could occur, the market price of our common stock could decline. These sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate, or to use equity as consideration for future acquisitions.
 
Upon completion of this offering, we will have outstanding 34,945,735 shares of common stock, assuming no exercise of outstanding options. After this offering, approximately 11,569,662 shares, including the shares to be sold in this offering, will be freely tradeable. 22,281,876 shares and 1,899,000 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options are subject to lock-up agreements in which the holders have agreed not to sell any shares for 90 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation. The shares and shares subject to options that are subject to lock-up agreements generally will be available for sale after the end of the lock-up period.
 
We also are a party to a registration rights agreement that obligates us, after completion of this offering, to register for public resale an aggregate of 21,723,276 shares of common stock, at the option of the shareholders who are parties to that agreement. However, under the lock-up agreements described above, the holders of all registrable shares have agreed not to exercise their registration rights for 90 days following this offering without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation. If, upon the expiration of the lock-up agreements, all or a portion of these shareholders exercise their right to require us to register their shares for resale and sell shares of common stock in the public market, the market price of our common stock could decline.
 
Our major stockholders have substantial control over us, including control over a majority of the board of directors and the ability to limit amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and could limit your ability to influence the outcome of matters requiring stockholder approval.
 
Following this offering, the holders of 21,723,276 shares of our common stock, or 62.2% of our outstanding common stock, will continue to be parties to a stockholders’ agreement that provides, among other things, that  

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such stockholders, will nominate and vote in favor of up to 9 of the 12 (or up to 14 after the addition of independent directors) members of our board of directors, ensuring their election. The stockholders’ agreement also provides that, without the approval of Nicholas Taubman, we may not amend our certificate of incorporation or bylaws or the stockholders’ agreement if it would adversely affect the rights and obligations of Mr. Taubman, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, Freeman Spogli & Co., Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Ripplewood Partners together with one of its affiliates will own 23.2%, 24.1% and 6.1% of the shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering. If the directors nominated by the parties to the stockholders’ agreement, or holders of a majority of our common stock, agree amongst themselves to take or refrain from taking any course of action, the effect may be to act against the wishes of the stockholders who are not a party to the stockholders’ agreement.
 
We have anti-takeover defense provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and provisions in our debt instruments, that may deter potential acquirors and depress the price of our common stock.
 
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, control of us. These provisions:
 
 
Ÿ
 
authorize our board of directors to issue “blank check” preferred stock and determine the powers, preferences and privileges of those shares without prior stockholder approval;
 
 
Ÿ
 
prohibit the right of our stockholders to act by written consent;
 
 
Ÿ
 
limit the calling of special meetings of stockholders; and
 
 
Ÿ
 
impose a requirement that holders of 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of common stock are required to amend the provisions relating to actions by written consent of stockholders and the limitations of calling special meetings.
 
Our debt instruments also contain provisions that could have the effect of making it more difficult or less attractive for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, control of us. Specifically, the terms of our senior subordinated notes and senior discount debentures require that they be redeemed at a premium over their principal amount in the event that we undergo a change of control. In addition, our senior credit facility contains a covenant that prohibits us from undergoing a change of control, and provides that a change of control constitutes an event of default under that facility and will cause the related indebtedness to become immediately due. The need to repay all of this indebtedness may deter potential third parties from acquiring us.
 
Under these various provisions in our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and debt instruments, a takeover attempt or third-party acquisition of us, including a takeover attempt that may result in a premium over the market price for shares of our common stock, could be delayed, deterred or prevented. In addition, these provisions may prevent the market price of our common stock from increasing in response to actual or rumored takeover attempts and may also prevent changes in our management. As a result, these anti-takeover and change of control provisions may limit the price investors are willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain statements in this prospectus are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are usually identified by the use of words such as “will,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “should” or similar expressions. We intend those forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are included in this statement for purposes of complying with these safe harbor provisions.
 
These forward-looking statements reflect current views about our plans, strategies and prospects, which are based on the information currently available and on current assumptions.
 
Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations as reflected in or suggested by those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. Listed below and discussed elsewhere in this prospectus are some important risks, uncertainties and contingencies which could cause our actual results, performances or achievements to be materially different from the forward-looking statements made in this prospectus. These risks, uncertainties and contingencies include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
 
Ÿ
 
our ability to expand our business;
 
 
Ÿ
 
the implementation of our business strategies and goals;
 
 
Ÿ
 
our future sources of revenues and potential for growth and profitability;
 
 
Ÿ
 
a decrease in demand for our products;
 
 
Ÿ
 
deterioration in general economic conditions;
 
 
Ÿ
 
integration of our previous and future acquisitions;
 
 
Ÿ
 
competitive pricing and other competitive pressures;
 
 
Ÿ
 
our relationships with our vendors;
 
 
Ÿ
 
our ability to meet debt obligations and adhere to the restrictions and covenants imposed under our debt instruments; and
 
 
Ÿ
 
other statements that are not of historical fact made throughout this prospectus, including in the sections entitled “Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Use of Proceeds,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business.”
 
We assume no obligations to update publicly any forwarded-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In evaluating forward-looking statements, you should consider these risks and uncertainties, together with the other risks described from time to time in our reports and documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and you should not place undue reliance on those statements.

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USE OF PROCEEDS
 
We expect to receive approximately $94.9 million in net proceeds, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders and will not participate in any over-allotment option.
 
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to prepay, on a pro rata basis, borrowings outstanding under the tranche A and tranche B term loans of our senior credit facility (borrowings which mature in November 2006 and November 2007, bore interest at 5.4% and 7.0% at December 29, 2001, and were incurred to fund a portion of the cash paid in connection with the Discount acquisition). In addition, although our 10.25% senior subordinated notes due 2008 (a portion of which were incurred in connection with the Discount acquisition) are non-callable until April 15, 2003, our senior credit facility provides that we can buy back up to $25.0 million of such notes at any time (provided that we are in compliance with certain covenants), as well as additional notes using up to 25% of the net proceeds received by us from this offering, if we use the proceeds within 30 days of their receipt. Our determination of whether to repurchase any of the senior subordinated notes will depend on prevailing market prices, and would reduce the amount of the net proceeds that we would use to prepay borrowings outstanding under the term loans of our senior credit facility.
 
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
 
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol “AAP.” The table below sets forth, for the fiscal periods indicated, the high and low sale prices per share for our common stock, as reported by the NYSE. Our common stock has been listed on the NYSE since November 29, 2001, the closing date of the Discount acquisition. Prior to that date, there was no public market for our common stock.
 
    
High

    
Low

 
Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2001
                 
Fourth Quarter from November 29
  
$
47.65
 
  
$
39.70
 
Fiscal Year Ending December 28, 2002
                 
First Quarter (through February 5)
  
$
49.75
 
  
$
39.85
 
 
The closing sale price of our common stock on February 5, 2002 was $45.89. As of January 31, 2002, there were 360 holders of record of our common stock.
 
DIVIDEND POLICY
 
We have not declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock in the last two years. We anticipate that we will retain all of our earnings in the foreseeable future to finance the expansion of our business and, therefore, do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock. In addition, the terms of our senior credit facility and the indentures governing our senior subordinated notes and senior discount debentures currently prohibit us from declaring or paying any dividends or other distributions on any shares of our capital stock. Any payments of dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our results of operations, earnings, capital requirements, contractual restrictions contained in our senior credit facility and notes indentures, or other agreements, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, which provides that dividends are only payable out of surplus or current net profits, and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.

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CAPITALIZATION
 
The following table sets forth our cash and capitalization at October 6, 2001:
 
 
Ÿ
 
on a historical actual basis;
 
 
Ÿ
 
on a pro forma basis, which gives effect to our acquisition of Discount and the related financings; and
 
 
Ÿ
 
on a pro forma as adjusted basis, which gives effect to our acquisition of Discount and the related financings, the sale of 2,250,000 shares or our common stock by us in this offering and the use of the proceeds of that sale, net of underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, to repay approximately $94.9 million of borrowings outstanding under the term loans of our senior credit facility.
 
You should read this table in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” our “Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes and the other financial information included in this prospectus.
 
    
At October 6, 2001

 
    
Historical 
Actual

    
Pro Forma 
for the 
Discount 
Acquisition

    
Pro Forma, 
as adjusted

 
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
 
    
(dollars in thousands)
 
Cash and cash equivalents, net of bank overdrafts
  
$
1,372
 
  
$
9,058
 
  
$
9,058
 
    


  


  


Total debt:
                          
Prior credit facility(1)
  
$
260,299
 
  
$
—  
 
  
$
— 
 
Senior Credit Facility:(1)
                          
Revolving credit facility
  
 
— 
 
  
 
— 
 
  
 
— 
 
Tranche A term loan facility
  
 
— 
 
  
 
180,000
 
  
 
144,764
 
Tranche B term loan facility
  
 
— 
 
  
 
305,000
 
  
 
245,295
 
Industrial revenue bonds
  
 
10,000
 
  
 
10,000
 
  
 
10,000
 
10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008
  
 
169,450
 
  
 
355,050
 
  
 
355,050
 
12.875% Senior Discount Debentures due 2009
  
 
92,633
 
  
 
92,633
 
  
 
92,633
 
    


  


  


Total debt
  
 
532,382
 
  
 
942,683
 
  
 
847,742
 
    


  


  


Stockholders’ equity:
                          
Common stock, $.0001 par value; authorized—100,000,000; 28,320,150; 32,630,120; 34,880,120 issued and outstanding
  
 
3
 
  
 
3
 
  
 
3
 
Capital in excess of par value
  
 
373,234
 
  
 
472,700
 
  
 
567,641
 
Other
  
 
2,925
 
  
 
2,925
 
  
 
2,925
 
Accumulated deficit
  
 
(179,789
)
  
 
(179,789
)
  
 
(182,953
)
    


  


  


Stockholders’ equity
  
 
196,373
 
  
 
295,839
 
  
 
387,616
 
    


  


  


Total capitalization
  
$
728,755
 
  
$
1,238,522
 
  
$
1,235,358
 
    


  


  



(1)
 
In November 2001, in connection with the Discount acquisition, we replaced our prior credit facility with the senior credit facility. The senior credit facility provides for (i) $485 million in term loans, consisting of a $180 million tranche A term loan facility with a maturity of five years and a $305 million tranche B term loan facility with a maturity of six years and (ii) a revolving credit facility of $160 million (a portion of which can be used for the issuance of letters of credit), with a maturity of five years. At the closing of the Discount acquisition, we borrowed the $485 million available under the tranche A and tranche B term loan facilities to fund the acquisition and did not make any initial borrowings under the $160 million revolving credit facility. However, we have approximately $17.4 million in letters of credit outstanding and have borrowed approximately $30 million under the revolving credit facility at February 1, 2002, which has reduced availability under the revolving credit facility to approximately $112.6 million.

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Table of Contents
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
 
The following table sets forth our selected historical consolidated statement of operations, balance sheet and other operating data. The selected historical consolidated financial and other data at January 1 and December 30, 2000 and for the three years ended December 30, 2000 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The historical consolidated financial and other data at December 28, 1996, January 3, 1998 and January 2, 1999 and for the years ended December 28, 1996 and January 3, 1998 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes that have not been included in this prospectus. The historical consolidated financial and other data at October 6, 2001 and for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2000 and October 6, 2001 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. In the opinion of our management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, the results of our operations and cash flows have been made. The results of operations for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full year. You should read this data along with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data” and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes of Advance and Discount included elsewhere in this prospectus. The following financial data includes certain expenses related to the integration of the Western merger and Parts America conversion incurred in 1998 and 1999 and certain private company expenses that were eliminated in our 1998 recapitalization. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for a detailed discussion of the 1998 recapitalization and these expenses.
 
   
Fiscal Year(1)

 
Forty Weeks Ended

   
1996

 
1997

   
1998

   
1999

   
2000

 
October 7, 
2000

 
October 6, 
2001

                             
(unaudited)
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
 
(in thousands, except per share and selected store data)
Net sales
 
$
705,983
 
$
848,108
 
 
$
1,220,759
 
 
$
2,206,945
 
 
$
2,288,022
 
$
1,787,370
 
$
1,935,630
Cost of sales
 
 
437,615
 
 
524,586
 
 
 
766,198
 
 
 
1,404,113
 
 
 
1,392,127
 
 
1,087,959
 
 
1,151,287
   

 


 


 


 

 

 

Gross profit
 
 
268,368
 
 
323,522
 
 
 
454,561
 
 
 
802,832
 
 
 
895,895
 
 
699,411
 
 
784,343
Selling, general and administrative expenses(2)
 
 
225,631
 
 
277,844
 
 
 
391,913
 
 
 
739,080
 
 
 
800,845
 
 
616,155
 
 
674,758
Expenses associated with the recapitalization(3)
 
 
— 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
14,277
 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
— 
 
 
— 
 
 
— 
Expenses associated with the restructuring in conjunction with the Western merger(4)
 
 
— 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
6,774
 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
— 
 
 
— 
 
 
— 
Expenses associated with merger and integration(5)
 
 
— 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
7,788
 
 
 
41,034
 
 
 
— 
 
 
— 
 
 
— 
Expenses associated with private company(6)
 
 
2,482
 
 
3,056
 
 
 
845
 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
— 
 
 
— 
 
 
— 
Non-cash and other employee compensation(7)
 
 
113
 
 
195
 
 
 
1,135
 
 
 
2,483
 
 
 
2,261
 
 
1,712
 
 
4,081
   

 


 


 


 

 

 

Operating income
 
 
40,142
 
 
42,427
 
 
 
31,829
 
 
 
20,235
 
 
 
92,789
 
 
81,544
 
 
105,504
Interest expense
 
 
4,891
 
 
6,086
 
 
 
35,038
 
 
 
62,792
 
 
 
66,640
 
 
51,784
 
 
45,195
Other income (expense), net
 
 
187
 
 
(321
)
 
 
943
 
 
 
4,647
 
 
 
1,012
 
 
1,059
 
 
879
   

 


 


 


 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary items
 
 
35,438
 
 
36,020
 
 
 
(2,266
)
 
 
(37,910
)
 
 
27,161
 
 
30,819
 
 
61,188
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
 
14,174
 
 
14,733
 
 
 
(84
)
 
 
(12,584
)
 
 
10,535
 
 
11,887
 
 
24,279
   

 


 


 


 

 

 

Income (loss) before extraordinary item
 
 
21,264
 
 
21,287
 
 
 
(2,182
)
 
 
(25,326
)
 
 
16,626
 
 
18,932
 
 
36,909
Extraordinary item, gain on debt extinguishment, net of $1,759 income taxes
 
 
— 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
2,933
 
 
2,933
 
 
— 
   

 


 


 


 

 

 

Net income (loss)
 
$
21,264
 
$
21,287
 
 
$
(2,182
)
 
$
(25,326
)
 
$
19,559
 
$
21,865
 
$
36,909
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item per basic share
 
$
0.87
 
$
0.87
 
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.90
)
 
$
0.59
 
$
0.67
 
$
1.30
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item per diluted share
 
$
0.87
 
$
0.87
 
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.90
 
$
0.58
 
$
0.67
 
$
1.29

17


Table of Contents
    
Fiscal Year(1)

   
Forty Weeks Ended

 
    
1996

   
1997

   
1998

   
1999

   
2000

   
October 7, 
2000

   
October 6, 
2001

 
                                  
(unaudited)
 
    
(in thousands, except per share and selected store data)
 
Net income (loss) per basic share
  
$
0.87
 
 
$
0.87
 
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.90
)
 
$
0.69
 
 
$
0.77
 
 
$
1.30
 
Net income (loss) per diluted share
  
$
0.87
 
 
$
0.87
 
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.90
)
 
$
0.68
 
 
$
0.77
 
 
$
1.29
 
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
  
 
24,288
 
 
 
24,288
 
 
 
18,606
 
 
 
28,269
 
 
 
28,296
 
 
 
28,282
 
 
 
28,295
 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
  
 
24,288
 
 
 
24,288
 
 
 
18,606
 
 
 
28,269
 
 
 
28,611
 
 
 
28,332
 
 
 
28,642
 
Other Financial Data:
                                                        
EBITDA, as adjusted(8)
  
$
60,236
 
 
$
68,361
 
 
$
92,612
 
 
$
121,899
 
 
$
161,876
 
 
$
133,870
 
 
$
163,214
 
Capital expenditures
  
 
44,264
 
 
 
48,864
 
 
 
65,790
 
 
 
105,017
 
 
 
70,566
 
 
 
46,883
 
 
 
49,550
 
Cash flows provided by (used in):
                                                        
Operating activities
  
$
26,518
 
 
$
42,478
 
 
$
44,022
 
 
$
(20,976
)
 
$
103,951
 
 
$
100,800
 
 
$
126,294
 
Investing activities
  
 
(44,121
)
 
 
(48,607
)
 
 
(230,672
)
 
 
(113,824
)
 
 
(64,940
)
 
 
(42,106
)
 
 
(68,705
)
Financing activities
  
 
12,548
 
 
 
6,759
 
 
 
207,302
 
 
 
121,262
 
 
 
(43,579
)
 
 
(64,918
)
 
 
(63,680
)
Selected Store Data:
                                                        
Comparable store sales growth(9)
  
 
2.1
%
 
 
5.7
%
 
 
7.8
%
 
 
10.3
%
 
 
4.4
%
 
 
3.8
%
 
 
6.5
%
Net new stores(10)
  
 
113
 
 
 
165
 
 
 
753
 
 
 
50
 
 
 
112
 
 
 
85
 
 
 
62
 
Number of stores, end of period
  
 
649
 
 
 
814
 
 
 
1,567
 
 
 
1,617
 
 
 
1,729
 
 
 
1,702
 
 
 
1,791
 
Stores with commercial delivery program, end of period
  
 
213
 
 
 
421
 
 
 
532
 
 
 
1,094
 
 
 
1,210
 
 
 
1,216
 
 
 
1,195
 
Total commercial delivery sales, as a percentage of total sales
  
 
1.6
%
 
 
7.4
%
 
 
8.8
%
 
 
9.0
%
 
 
13.4
%
 
 
13.2
%
 
 
13.8
%
Total retail store square footage, end of period (in thousands)
  
 
4,710
 
 
 
5,857
 
 
 
12,084
 
 
 
12,476
 
 
 
13,325
 
 
 
13,122
 
 
 
13,782
 
Average net retail sales per store (in thousands)(11)
  
$
1,191
 
 
$
1,159
 
 
$
1,270
 
 
$
1,267
 
 
$
1,295
 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
— 
 
Average net retail sales per square foot(12)
  
$
163
 
 
$
161
 
 
$
172
 
 
$
164
 
 
$
168
 
 
 
— 
 
 
 
— 
 
Balance Sheet Data:
                                                        
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
14,833
 
 
$
15,463
 
 
$
36,115
 
 
$
22,577
 
 
 
$     18,009
 
 
$
16,353
 
 
$
11,918
 
Net working capital
  
 
110,080
 
 
 
121,140
 
 
 
310,113
 
 
 
355,608
 
 
 
321,540
 
 
 
335,305
 
 
 
318,078
 
Total assets
  
 
394,395
 
 
 
461,257
 
 
 
1,265,355
 
 
 
1,348,629
 
 
 
1,356,360
 
 
 
1,381,945
 
 
 
1,375,392
 
Total net debt
  
 
91,028
 
 
 
95,633
 
 
 
485,476
 
 
 
627,467
 
 
 
582,539
 
 
 
559,333
 
 
 
531,010
 
Total stockholders’ equity
  
 
122,323
 
 
 
143,548
 
 
 
159,091
 
 
 
133,954
 
 
 
156,271
 
 
 
158,382
 
 
 
196,373
 

(1)
 
Our fiscal year consisted of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday nearest to December 31. All fiscal years presented are 52 weeks except for 1997, which consisted of 53 weeks.
(2)
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses exclude certain non-recurring charges discussed in notes (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) below. The 1997 amount includes an unusual medical claim that exceeded our stop loss insurance coverage. The pre-tax amount of this claim, net of related increased insurance costs, was $882. We have increased our stop loss coverage effective January 1, 1998 to a level that would provide insurance coverage for a medical claim of this magnitude.
(3)
 
Represents expenses incurred in our 1998 recapitalization related primarily to non-recurring bonuses paid to certain employees and to fees for professional services.
(4)
 
Represents expenses related primarily to lease costs associated with 31 of our stores closed in overlapping markets in connection with the Western merger.
(5)
 
Represents certain expenses related to the Western merger and integration and conversion of the Parts America stores.
(6)
 
Reflects our estimate of expenses eliminated after the recapitalization that related primarily to compensation and other benefits of our chairman, who prior to our recapitalization was our principal stockholder.
 

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Table of Contents
(7)
 
Represents interest component of net periodic postretirement benefit cost related to our unfunded post retirement benefit obligation and non-cash compensation expenses related to stock options granted to certain of our employees.
(8)
 
EBITDA, as adjusted, represents operating income plus depreciation and amortization, non-cash and other employee compensation expenses and certain one-time expenses and gains, as scheduled below, included in operating income. EBITDA, as adjusted, is not intended to represent cash flow from operations as defined by GAAP, and should not be considered as a substitute for net income as an indicator of operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow (as measured by GAAP) as a measure of liquidity. We have included EBITDA, as adjusted, herein because our management believes this information is useful to investors, as such measure provides additional information with respect to our ability to meet our future debt service, capital expenditures and working capital requirements and, in addition, certain covenants in our indentures and credit facility are based upon an EBITDA calculation. Our method for calculating EBITDA, as adjusted, may differ from similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Our management believes certain recapitalization expenses, restructuring expenses, private company expenses, non-cash and other employee compensation expenses, and merger and integration expenses should be eliminated from the EBITDA calculation to evaluate our operating performance, and we have done so in our calculation of EBITDA, as adjusted.
 
The following table reflects the effect of these items:
 
    
Fiscal Year(a)

  
Forty Weeks Ended

    
1996

  
1997

    
1998

  
1999

  
2000

  
October 7,
2000

  
October 6,
2001

    
(dollars in thousands)
                               
(unaudited)
Other Data:
                                                  
EBITDA
  
$
57,641
  
$
65,110
(a)
  
$
61,793
  
$
78,382
  
$
159,615
  
$
132,158
  
$
159,133
Recapitalization expenses (see note 3 above)
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
 
  
 
14,277
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
Restructuring expenses in conjunction with the Western merger (see note 4 above)
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
 
  
 
6,774
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
Merger and integration expenses (see note 5 above)
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
 
  
 
7,788
  
 
41,034
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
Private company expenses (see note 6 above)
  
 
2,482
  
 
3,056
 
  
 
845
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
Non-cash and other employee compensation (see note 7 above)
  
 
113
  
 
195
 
  
 
1,135
  
 
2,483
  
 
2,261
  
 
1,712
  
 
4,081
    

  


  

  

  

  

  

EBITDA, as adjusted(b)
  
$
60,236
  
$
68,361
 
  
$
92,612
  
$
121,899
  
$
161,876
  
$
133,870
  
$
163,214
    

  


  

  

  

  

  


 
(a)
 
The 1997 EBITDA amount excludes an unusual medical claim that exceeded our stop-loss insurance coverage. The pre-tax amount of this claim, net of related increased insurance costs, was $882. We have increased our stop-loss coverage effective January 1, 1998 to a level that would provide insurance coverage for a medical claim of this magnitude.
 
(b)
 
EBITDA, as adjusted, for 2000 includes a non-recurring net gain of $3.3 million, which represents a portion of a cash settlement received in connection with a lawsuit against a supplier. EBITDA, as adjusted, for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001 includes a non-recurring net gain of $3.2 million, which represents a portion of the cash settlement received in connection with the lawsuit against a supplier, partially offset by nonrecurring closed store expenses and the write-down of an administrative facility.
 
(9)
 
Comparable store sales growth is calculated based on the change in net sales starting once a store has been opened for thirteen complete accounting periods (each period represents four weeks). Relocations are included in comparable store sales from the original date of opening. Additionally, the Parts America stores acquired in the Western merger and subsequently converted to Advance Auto Parts stores are included in the comparable store sales calculation after thirteen complete accounting periods following their physical conversion. Comparable store sales do not include sales from the Western Auto stores.

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Table of Contents
 
(10)
 
Net new stores represent new stores opened and acquired, less stores closed.
(11)
 
Average net retail sales per store is based on the average of beginning and ending number of stores for the respective period. The 1998 amounts were calculated giving effect to the Parts America retail net sales and number of stores for the period from November 1, 1998 through January 2, 1999.
(12)
 
Average net retail sales per square foot is based on the average of beginning and ending total store square footage for the respective period. The 1998 amounts were calculated giving effect to the Parts America retail net sales and square footage for the period from November 1, 1998 through January 2, 1999.

20


Table of Contents
 
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The following pro forma consolidated financial data has been prepared by our management by applying pro forma adjustments to the historical consolidated financial statements of us and Discount Auto Parts, Inc. and the related notes thereto after giving effect to the Discount acquisition and related financing transactions, the offering contemplated by this prospectus and the application of the net proceeds to be received by us to repay outstanding indebtedness. The pro forma adjustments, which are based upon available information and upon certain assumptions that our management believes are reasonable, are described in the accompanying notes. The unaudited pro forma balance sheet at October 6, 2001 was prepared as if the Discount acquisition and related financing transactions, the offering contemplated by this prospectus and the application of the net proceeds to be received by us to repay outstanding indebtedness had occurred on such date. The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations combine our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 30, 2000 (comprising fifty-two weeks) and for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001 with the Discount unaudited consolidated income statements for the twelve month period ended November 28, 2000 (comprising fifty-two weeks) and for the nine-month period ended August 28, 2001 (comprising thirty-nine weeks), respectively, to reflect the Discount acquisition and related financing transactions, the offering contemplated by this prospectus and the application of the net proceeds to be received by us to repay outstanding indebtedness as if such transactions had been consummated and were effective as of January 2, 2000. Our year ends on the Saturday closest to December 31 of each year, while Discount’s year ends on the Tuesday closest to May 31 of each year. Accordingly, for purposes of the pro forma consolidated statements of operations, comparable annual and nine month period results for the respective companies have been combined in order to provide comparable results for the periods presented.
 
Our acquisition of Discount has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet at October 6, 2001 reflects a pro forma allocation of purchase price for the acquisition to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired. The final allocation of such purchase price, and the resulting depreciation and amortization expense, will differ from the estimates contained herein due to the final allocation being based on (a) the actual amounts of assets and liabilities on the closing date, (b) final purchase price adjustments, including reserves that may be recognized for possible exit costs, and (c) the final determination of values of property and equipment and intangible and other assets. The actual allocation of the purchase price, and the resulting effect on income from operations, may differ significantly from the pro forma amounts included herein.
 
The financial effects to us of the Discount acquisition as presented in the pro forma consolidated financial data are not necessarily indicative of our consolidated financial position or results of operations which would have been obtained had the Discount acquisition actually occurred on the date described above, nor are they necessarily indicative of the results of future operations. The pro forma consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the notes hereto, which are an integral part hereof, the consolidated historical financial statements of us and Discount and the notes thereto.
 
We expect to achieve ongoing purchasing, distribution and administrative savings as a result of the acquisition. During 2002, we expect these savings to result in approximately $30 million of incremental EBITDA, excluding certain one-time integration expenses. We expect these one-time integration expenses to total approximately $53 million from the close of the acquisition through the end of 2003, approximately $41 million of which we expect to incur in 2002. Neither the incremental EBITDA nor the one-time integration expenses have been reflected in the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data.

21


Table of Contents
 
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
    
Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2000

    
Forty Weeks Ended October 6, 2001

 
Statements of Operations Data:
                 
Net sales
  
$
2,928,036
 
  
$
2,442,704
 
Cost of sales
  
 
1,780,352
 
  
 
1,458,939
 
    


  


Gross profit
  
 
1,147,684
 
  
 
983,765
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  
 
1,003,359
 
  
 
843,678
 
    


  


Operating income
  
 
144,325
 
  
 
140,087
 
Interest expense
  
 
(89,689
)
  
 
(71,088
)
Other income, net
  
 
3,091
 
  
 
7,816
 
    


  


Income before provision for taxes
  
 
57,727
 
  
 
76,815
 
Provision for income taxes
  
 
21,781
 
  
 
29,450
 
    


  


Net income from continuing operations
  
$
35,946
 
  
$
47,365
 
    


  


Net income per share from continuing operations:
                 
Basic
  
$
1.03
 
  
$
1.36
 
Diluted
  
$
1.02
 
  
$
1.35
 
    


  


Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                 
Basic
  
 
34,856
 
  
 
34,855
 
Diluted
  
 
35,171
 
  
 
35,202
 
    


  


           
At October 6, 2001

 
Balance Sheet Data:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
           
$
19,604
 
Net working capital
           
 
469,408
 
Total assets
           
 
1,996,879
 
Total net debt
           
 
838,684
 
Total Stockholders’ equity
           
 
387,616
 

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Table of Contents
 
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2000

 
   
Advance Historical

    
Discount Historical

    
Acquisition
Adjustments

    
Pro Forma
for Discount
Acquisition

    
Offering Adjustments

    
Total Pro Forma

 
Net sales
 
$
2,288,022
 
  
$
640,014
 
  
$
—  
 
  
$
2,928,036
 
  
$
—  
 
  
$
2,928,036
 
Cost of sales
 
 
1,392,127
 
  
 
388,225
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
1,780,352
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
1,780,352
 
   


  


  


  


  


  


Gross profit
 
 
895,895
 
  
 
251,789
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
1,147,684
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
1,147,684
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 
803,106
 
  
 
202,401
 
  
 
(2,148
)(1)
  
 
1,003,359
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
1,003,359
 
   


  


  


  


  


  


Operating income
 
 
92,789
 
  
 
49,388
 
  
 
2,148
 
  
 
144,325
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
144,325
 
Interest expense
 
 
(66,640
)
  
 
(21,812
)
  
 
(4,717
)(2)
  
 
(93,169
)
  
 
3,480
(3)
  
 
(89,689
)
Other income, net
 
 
1,012
 
  
 
2,079
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
3,091
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
3,091
 
   


  


  


  


  


  


Income (loss) before income taxes
 
 
27,161
 
  
 
29,655
 
  
 
(2,569
)
  
 
54,247
 
  
 
3,480
 
  
 
57,727
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
 
10,535
 
  
 
10,882
 
  
 
(1,028
)(4)
  
 
20,389
 
  
 
1,392
(4)
  
 
21,781
 
   


  


  


  


  


  


Net income from continuing operations
 
$
16,626
 
  
$
18,773
 
  
$
(1,541
)
  
$
33,858
 
  
$
2,088
 
  
$
35,946
 
   


  


  


  


  


  


Net income per share from continuing operations:
                                                    
Basic
 
$
0.59
 
  
$
1.12
 
           
$
1.04
 
           
$
1.03
 
Diluted
 
$
0.58
 
  
$
1.12
 
           
$
1.03
 
           
$
1.02
 
   


  


           


           


Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                                                    
Basic
 
 
28,296
 
  
 
16,698
 
           
 
32,606
 
           
 
34,856
 
Diluted
 
 
28,611
 
  
 
16,698
 
           
 
32,921
 
           
 
35,171
 
   


  


           


           


 
 
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations

23


Table of Contents
 
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Forty Weeks Ended October 6, 2001

 
   
Advance Historical

    
Discount Historical

    
Acquisition
Adjustments

    
Pro Forma
for Discount
Acquisition

    
Offering Adjustments

    
Total Pro Forma

 
Net sales
 
$
1,935,630
 
  
$
507,074
 
  
$
—  
 
  
$
2,442,704
 
  
$
—  
 
  
$
2,442,704
 
Cost of sales
 
 
1,151,287
 
  
 
307,652
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
1,458,939
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
1,458,939
 
   


  


  


  


  


  


Gross profit
 
 
784,343
 
  
 
199,422
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
983,765
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
983,765
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 
678,839
 
  
 
166,399
 
  
 
(1,560
)(1)
  
 
843,678
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
843,678
 
   


  


  


  


  


  


Operating income
 
 
105,504
 
  
 
33,023
 
  
 
1,560
 
  
 
140,087
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
140,087
 
Interest expense
 
 
(45,195
)
  
 
(13,411
)
  
 
(14,430
)(2)
  
 
(73,036
)
  
 
1,948
(3)
  
 
(71,088
)
Other income, net
 
 
879
 
  
 
6,937
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
7,816
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
7,816
 
   


  


  


  


  


  


Income (loss) before income taxes
 
 
61,188
 
  
 
26,549
 
  
 
(12,870
)
  
 
74,867
 
  
 
1,948
 
  
 
76,815
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
 
24,279
 
  
 
9,540
 
  
 
(5,148
)(4)
  
 
28,671
 
  
 
779
(4)
  
 
29,450
 
   


  


  


  


  


  


Net income from continuing operations
 
$
36,909
 
  
$
17,009
 
  
$
(7,722
)
  
$
46,196
 
  
$
1,169
 
  
$
47,365
 
   


  


  


  


  


  


Net income per share from continuing operations:
                                                    
Basic
 
$
1.30
 
  
$
1.02
 
           
$
1.42
 
           
$
1.36
 
Diluted
 
$
1.29
 
  
$
1.01
 
           
$
1.40
 
           
$
1.35
 
   


  


           


           


Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                                                    
Basic
 
 
28,295
 
  
 
16,705
 
           
 
32,605
 
           
 
34,855
 
Diluted
 
 
28,642
 
  
 
16,761
 
           
 
32,952
 
           
 
35,202
 
   


  


           


           


 
 
 
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations

24


Table of Contents
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands)
 
    
Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2000

    
Forty Weeks Ended October 6, 2001

 
(1)  Reflects the following:
                 
Reduction in depreciation as a result of pro forma purchase price allocation based on an average useful lives of 12 years(a)
  
$
(1,612
)
  
$
(1,240
)
Less:  Amortization of debt issuance costs and goodwill included in selling, general and administrative expenses in historical statement of operations of Discount
  
 
(536
)
  
 
(481
)
Elimination of amortization of deferred gain on sale leaseback
  
 
 
  
 
161
 
    


  


Net decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses
  
$
(2,148
)
  
$
(1,560
)
    


  


(2)  Gives effect to the increase in estimated interest expense from the use of borrowings to finance the Discount acquisition(b):
                 
Commitment fees on unused borrowings related to the revolving credit facility
  
$
(710
)
  
$
(546
)
Interest related to the tranche A term loan facility
  
 
(9,900
)
  
 
(7,616
)
Interest related to the tranche B term loan facility
  
 
(21,350
)
  
 
(16,423
)
Interest related to the new senior subordinated notes
  
 
(20,500
)
  
 
(15,769
)
Amortization of original issuance discount related to the senior subordinated notes amortized over 6 years
  
 
(1,540
)
  
 
(1,185
)
Amortization of debt issuance costs related to the senior credit facility and the new senior subordinated notes amortized over 6 years
  
 
(3,725
)
  
 
(2,865
)
Less:  Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs in historical statement of operations related to debt extinguished in connection with the Discount acquisition
  
 
53,008
 
  
 
29,974
 
    


  


Net increase in interest expense
  
$
(4,717
)
  
$
(14,430
)
    


  


(3)  Gives effect to the net decrease in interest expense as a result of applying the proceeds from this offering as follows:
                 
Reduced interest related to the tranche A term loan facility
  
$
1,938
 
  
$
1,491
 
Reduced interest related to the tranche B term loan facility
  
 
4,179
 
  
 
3,215
 
To write-off debt issuance costs capitalized at the Discount acquisition, net of $527 and $406 amortized in the acquisition adjustments
  
 
(2,637
)
  
 
(2,758
)
    


  


Net decrease in interest expense
  
$
3,480
 
  
$
1,948
 
    


  



 
(a)
 
We have not yet completed valuations of the fair values of Discount’s tangible and intangible assets. We believe that Discount has intangible assets related to trade names, trade dress, customer contracts and related customer relationships that may ultimately be assigned fair market value in the final purchase price allocation; however, the amounts to be assigned to these intangible assets cannot be estimated currently. Accordingly, the net decrease to book value of property and equipment and intangible assets that results from the purchase price allocation has been allocated in its entirety to property and equipment for purposes of this pro forma presentation and depreciated based on an

25


Table of Contents
 
assumed average useful life of 12 years. The allocation of the net decrease to book value of property and equipment and intangible assets may differ significantly from the pro forma allocation and, as a result, the final related reduction in depreciation expense and increase to amortization expense for intangible assets may differ significantly from the pro forma presentation.
 
 
(b)
 
Reflects pro forma interest expenses calculated assuming (i) a LIBOR rate of 2.0% plus a spread of 3.5% for the tranche A term loan and a LIBOR rate of 3.0% (the established floor) plus a spread of 4.0% for the tranche B term loan portions of our senior credit facility, respectively, (ii) a yield to maturity of 11.875% on the senior subordinated notes, which includes a cash interest component based on a coupon rate of 10.25%, and (iii) commitment fees on unused borrowings on our senior credit facility using a rate of 0.5% per annum. The interest rates on the senior credit facility are variable. A change in the rates of 1/8 of 1% on these borrowings would change the pro forma interest expense for the year ended December 30, 2000 by $488 and for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001 by $375.
 
(4)
 
Estimated tax effects of the pro forma adjustments at a statutory rate of approximately 40%.

26


Table of Contents
 
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
Advance Historical October 6, 2001

 
Discount Historical August 28, 2001

 
Acquisition Adjustments

      
Pro Forma for Discount Acquisition

  
Offering Adjustments

      
Total Pro Forma

Assets:
                                              
Current Assets:
                                              
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
11,918
 
$
6,372
 
$
1,314
(1)
    
$
19,604
  
$
—  
 
    
$
19,604
Receivables, net
 
 
89,632
 
 
—  
 
 
—  
 
    
 
89,632
  
 
—  
 
    
 
89,632
Inventories
 
 
805,392
 
 
243,053
 
 
(20,049
)(2)
    
 
1,028,396
  
 
—  
 
    
 
1,028,396
Other current assets
 
 
18,462
 
 
18,734
 
 
8,814
(3)
    
 
46,010
  
 
—  
 
    
 
46,010
   

 

 


    

  


    

Total current assets
 
 
925,404
 
 
268,159
 
 
(9,921
)
    
 
1,183,642
  
 
—  
 
    
 
1,183,642
Property and equipment, net
 
 
406,531
 
 
384,463
 
 
(44,212
)(4)
    
 
746,782
  
 
—  
 
    
 
746,782
Assets held for sale
 
 
22,388
 
 
—  
 
 
—  
 
    
 
22,388
  
 
—  
 
    
 
22,388
Other assets, net
 
 
21,069
 
 
4,431
 
 
21,731
(5)
    
 
47,231
  
 
(3,164
)(12)
    
 
44,067
   

 

 


    

  


    

Total Assets
 
$
1,375,392
 
$
657,053
 
$
(32,402
)
    
$
2,000,043
  
$
(3,164
)
    
$
1,996,879
   

 

 


    

  


    

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                                              
Current Liabilities:
                                              
Bank overdrafts
 
$
10,546
 
$
—  
 
$
—  
 
    
$
10,546
  
$
—  
 
    
$
10,546
Current portion of long-term debt
 
 
—  
 
 
1,200
 
 
(1,200
)(6)
    
 
—  
  
 
—  
 
    
 
—  
Accounts payable
 
 
403,668
 
 
75,609
 
 
  —
 
    
 
479,277
  
 
—  
 
    
 
479,277
Accrued expenses
 
 
142,310
 
 
23,092
 
 
8,600
(7)
    
 
174,002
  
 
—  
 
    
 
174,002
Other current liabilities
 
 
50,802
 
 
2,013
 
 
(2,406
)(8)
    
 
50,409
  
 
—  
 
    
 
50,409
   

 

 


    

  


    

Total current liabilities
 
 
607,326
 
 
101,914
 
 
4,994
 
    
 
714,234
  
 
—  
 
    
 
714,234
Long term debt, excluding current portion
 
 
532,382
 
 
209,608
 
 
200,693
(6)
    
 
942,683
  
 
(94,941
)(11)
    
 
847,742
Other long-term liabilities
 
 
39,311
 
 
19,207
 
 
(11,231
)(9)
    
 
47,287
             
 
47,287
Total Stockholders’ equity
 
 
196,373
 
 
326,324
 
 
(226,858
)(10)
    
 
295,839
  
 
91,777
(11)(12)
    
 
387,616
   

 

 


    

  


    

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
$
1,375,392
 
$
657,053
 
$
(32,402
)
    
$
2,000,043
  
$
(3,164
)
    
$
1,996,879
   

 

 


    

  


    

 
 
 
See Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet

27


Table of Contents
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
(1)  Reflects
 
increases and decreases in cash resulting from the pro forma adjustments:
 
Cash increases:
        
Proceeds from the issuance of the following: (See note (6) below)
        
Revolving credit facility
  
$
—  
 
Tranche A term loan facility
  
 
180,000
 
Tranche B term loan facility
  
 
305,000
 
New senior subordinated notes
  
 
185,600
 
    


Total cash inflows
  
 
670,600
 
    


 
Cash decreases:
        
Cash portion of purchase price for acquisition(a)
  
 
(128,479
)
Repayment of Discount’s existing long-term debt(b)
  
 
(216,608
)
Repayment of our senior debt under the deferred term loan, delayed draw, revolving credit and tranche B facilities of our prior credit facility (See note (6) below)
  
 
(260,299
)
Purchase of Discount’s Gallman distribution facility from the lessor
  
 
(34,400
)
Estimated debt issuance costs (See note (5) below)
  
 
(20,200
)
Estimated stock issuance costs (See note (10) below)
  
 
(700
)
Estimated acquisition related costs (See note (2) below)
  
 
(8,600
)
    


Total cash outflows
  
 
(669,286
)
    


Net impact on cash
  
$
1,314
 
    



 
(a)
 
Amount includes $125,436 to purchase approximately 16,724,756 shares of Discount’s common stock at $7.50 per share and $3,043 to purchase outstanding in-the-money options to acquire Discount common stock.
 
 
(b)
 
Amount includes $210,808 to retire long-term debt outstanding and $5,800 in debt prepayment penalties.

28


Table of Contents

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET—(Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 

 
(2)  The
 
acquisition was accounted for as a purchase in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations.” The purchase price was allocated first to the tangible assets and liabilities of Discount based upon preliminary estimates of their fair market values, assuming the acquisition had occurred on October 6, 2001, with the excess of the estimated fair market value of the net assets acquired over the purchase price allocated on a pro rata basis to reduce property and equipment and intangible assets for pro forma purposes, as follows:
 
Components of purchase price:
      
Cash to Discount shareholders (see note (1) above)
  
$
128,479
Our common stock issued to Discount shareholders (4,309,970 shares valued at $24.60 per share)(a)
  
 
106,025
Prepayment penalties associated with the extinguishment of Discount’s existing long-term debt (see note (1) above)
  
 
5,800
Accrual for our obligation to purchase continuing insurance coverage for Discount’s directors and officers for pre-merger time periods as required by the merger agreement (see note (7) below)
  
 
600
Fair value of outstanding options to purchase 1,115,182 shares of Discount common stock that were converted to options to purchase 574,765 shares of our common stock, valued at $1.92 per option(b)
  
 
1,104
Estimated acquisition related costs
  
 
8,600
    

Total purchase price
  
$
250,608
    


 
(a)
 
Assumes a $13.84 per share value for Discount common stock (inclusive of $7.50 in cash) based on the historical trading value of Discount’s common stock on the approximate announcement date of the acquisition.
 
 
(b)
 
The fair value of the options to purchase shares of our common stock was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: (i) risk-free interest rate of 3.92%; (ii) an expected life of two years; (iii) a volatility factor of .40; (iv) a fair value of our common stock of $24.60; and (v) expected dividend yield of zero.

29


Table of Contents

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET—(Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 

 
Derivation of book value:
        
Historical book value of Discount’s net assets
  
$
(326,324
)
Adjustments to recognize (assets) liabilities in purchase accounting:
        
Reserve for severance payments related to change in control agreements
  
 
10,900
 
Purchase accounting adjustments to conform Discount’s accrual for self-insured liabilities, based on an estimated case-by-case basis and amounts incurred but not reported to our policy of utilizing actuarially developed accruals for such liabilities (See note (7) below)
  
 
1,000
 
Purchase accounting adjustment to increase Discount’s warranty accrual on pre-acquisition sales of certain Discount merchandise to conform with our merchandise return policies (See note (7) below)
  
 
3,000
 
Purchase accounting adjustment to accrue for the settlement of certain consulting agreements as required by the merger agreement (See note (7) below)
  
 
1,000
 
Deferred tax impact of pro forma adjustments (See note (8) below)
  
 
(36,545
)
Adjustments to reflect fair market value of net assets acquired:
        
Elimination of net book value of goodwill and deferred financing costs acquired (See note (5) below)
  
 
3,100
 
Elimination of deferred gain related to a sale-leaseback transaction previously consummated by Discount (See note (9) below)
  
 
(5,800
)
Decrease in book value of receivables to the amount required given our historical acquisition receivables collection experience ($400) and inventory ($20,049) arising primarily due to our management’s plans for disposal at sales prices less than book value
  
 
20,449
 
    


Net decrease to book value of property and equipment and intangible assets
  
$
(78,612
)
    


 
The foregoing pro forma purchase price allocation is based on available information and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable. We are currently evaluating certain exit costs that may be incurred in connection with the acquisition and may establish additional reserves, not reflected in the accompanying pro forma consolidated financial data, based on the results of our evaluation. Any reserves established will result in a pro rata increase in property and equipment, resulting in additional provisions for depreciation expense. The final purchase price allocation will be based on the outcome of the matters referred to above, final determination of the fair values of the tangible and intangible assets acquired at the date of the acquisition as determined by appraisal or other methods, and actual amounts of assets and liabilities on the closing date. The final purchase price allocation may differ significantly from the pro forma allocation.
 
(3)  Reflects
 
the following:
 
Current deferred tax impact of pro forma adjustments (See note (8) below)
  
$
11,620
 
Reclassification of current deferred tax liability to a current deferred tax asset (See note (8) below)
  
 
(2,406
)
Decrease in book value of receivables to the amount required given our historical acquisition receivables collection experience (See note (2) above)
  
 
(400
)
    


    
$
8,814
 
    


30


Table of Contents

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET—(Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 

 
(4)  Reflects
 
the following:
 
Purchase of Discount’s Gallman distribution facility from the lessor (See note (1) above)
  
$
34,400
 
Purchase accounting adjustment (See note (2) above)(a)
  
 
(78,612
)
    


    
$
(44,212
)
    



 
(a)
 
We have not yet completed valuations of the fair values of Discount’s tangible and intangible assets. We believe that Discount has intangible assets related to trade names, trade dress, customer contracts and related customer relationships that may ultimately be assigned fair market values in the final purchase price allocation; however, the amounts to be assigned to these intangible assets cannot be estimated currently. Accordingly, the net decrease to book value of property and equipment and intangible assets determined in note (1) above has been allocated in its entirety to property and equipment for purposes of this pro forma presentation. The final allocation of the net decrease to book value of property and equipment and intangible assets may differ significantly from the pro forma allocation.
 
(5)
 
Reflects the following(a):
 
Purchase accounting adjustment (See note (2) above)
  
$
(3,100
)
Estimated deferred debt issuance costs (See note (1) above)
  
 
20,200
 
Noncurrent deferred tax impact of pro forma adjustments (See note (8) below)
  
 
24,925
 
Reclassification of noncurrent deferred tax liability to a noncurrent deferred tax asset (See note (8) below)
  
 
(13,331
)
Elimination of deferred debt issuance costs related to our debt that was refinanced (See note (10) below)
  
 
(6,963
)
    


    
$
21,731
 
    



 
(a)
 
See note (a) to note (4) above.
 
(6)  Reflects
 
the following:
 
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt under the senior credit facility and the new senior subordinated notes (See note (1) above)
  
$
670,600
 
 
Repayment of Discount’s existing debt:
        
Current portion of long-term debt
  
 
(1,200
)
Long-term debt
  
 
(209,608
)
Repayment of our senior debt under the deferred term loan, delayed draw, revolving credit and tranche B facilities of our prior credit facility (See note (1) above)
  
 
(260,299
)
    


Subtotal
  
 
199,493
 
Current portion of Discount’s long-term debt repaid
  
 
1,200
 
    


    
$
200,693
 
    


31


Table of Contents

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET—(Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 

 
(7)  Reflects
 
the following:
 
Current portion of the purchase accounting adjustment to accrue for severance payments related to change in control agreements (See note (2) above)
  
$
3,000
Purchase accounting adjustment to conform Discount’s accrual for self-insured liabilities, based on an estimated case-by-case basis and amounts incurred but not reported to our policy of utilizing actuarially developed accruals for such liabilities (See note (2) above)
  
 
1,000
Purchase accounting adjustment to increase Discount’s warranty accrual to reflect our expanded return policy on pre-acquisition sales of certain Discount merchandise (See note (2) above)
  
 
3,000
Purchase accounting adjustment to accrue for the settlement of certain consulting agreements as required by the merger agreement (See note (2) above)
  
 
1,000
Accrual for our obligation to purchase continuing insurance coverage for Discount’s directors and officers (see note (2) above)
  
 
600
    

    
$
8,600
    

 
(8)  We
 
anticipate that the Discount acquisition will be accounted for as a tax-free transaction resulting in the tax bases of assets and liabilities being carried over from Discount. Components of the net pro forma change in deferred taxes related to changes in amounts allocated to assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and other purchase accounting adjustments:
 
Current deferred tax asset
  
$
11,620
 
Noncurrent deferred tax asset
  
 
24,925
 
    


    
 
36,545
 
Reclassification of current deferred tax liability to current deferred tax asset
  
 
(2,406
)
Reclassification of noncurrent deferred tax liability to noncurrent deferred tax asset
  
 
(13,331
)
    


    
$
20,808
 
    


 
(9)  Reflects
 
the following:
 
Long-term portion of the purchase accounting adjustment to reserve for severance payments related to change in control agreements (See note (2) above)
  
$
7,900
 
Reclassification of noncurrent deferred tax liability to noncurrent deferred tax asset (See note (8) above)
  
 
(13,331
)
Elimination of deferred gain related to a sale-leaseback transaction previously consummated by Discount (See note (2) above)
  
 
(5,800
)
    


    
$
(11,231
)
    


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Table of Contents

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET—(Continued)
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 

 
(10)  Reflects
 
the following:
 
Issuance of 4,309,970 shares of our common stock valued at $24.60 per share to Discount shareholders (See note (2) above)
  
$
106,025
 
Estimated stock issuance costs (See note (1) above)
  
 
(700
)
Fair value of outstanding options to purchase 1,115,182 shares of Discount common stock that were converted to options to purchase 574,765 shares of our common stock, valued at $1.92 per option (See note (2) above)
  
 
1,104
 
Elimination of historical Discount stockholders’ equity (See note (2) above)
  
 
(326,324
)
Elimination of deferred debt issuance costs related to our debt that was refinanced (See note (5) above)
  
 
(6,963
)
    


    
$
(226,858
)
    


 
(11)  Reflects
 
the following issuance of shares and repayment of debt:
 
Issuance of 2,250,000 shares of our common stock valued at $45.00 per share in this offering
  
$
101,250
 
Estimated stock issuance costs
  
 
(6,309
)
    


Total proceeds applied proratably to tranche A and tranche B term loans under the credit facility
  
$
94,941
 
    


 
(12)  Reflects
 
the following:
 
The write-off of estimated debt issuance costs related to the reduction of borrowings under the tranche A and tranche B term loans of the credit facility from the proceeds in note (11) above
  
$
(3,164
)
    


33


Table of Contents
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with “Selected Consolidated Historical Financial and Other Data,” the consolidated historical financial statements of us and Discount, the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information of us and Discount, and the notes to those statements that appear elsewhere in this prospectus. Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest December 31 of each year. Our first quarter consists of 16 weeks, and the other three quarters consist of 12 weeks. Our discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and “Business” and elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
General
 
We conduct all of our operations through our wholly owned subsidiary, Advance Stores Company, Incorporated and its subsidiaries. We were formed in 1929 and operated as a retailer of general merchandise until the 1980s. In the 1980s, we sharpened our marketing focus to target sales of automotive parts and accessories to “do-it-yourself”, or DIY, customers and accelerated our growth strategy. From the 1980s through the present, we have grown significantly through new store openings, strong comparable store sales growth and strategic acquisitions. Additionally, in 1996, we began to aggressively expand our sales to “do-it-for-me”, or DIFM, customers by implementing a commercial delivery program that supplies parts and accessories to third party professional installers and repair providers.
 
At December 29, 2001, we had 1,775 stores operating under the “Advance Auto Parts” trade name, in 37 states in the Northeastern, Southeastern and Midwestern regions of the United States. In addition, we had 40 stores operating under the “Western Auto” trade name primarily located in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. We are the second largest specialty retailer of automotive parts, accessories and maintenance items to DIY customers in the United States, based on store count and sales. We currently are the largest retailer of automotive products in the majority of the states in which we operate, based on store count.
 
Our combined operations are conducted in two operating segments, retail and wholesale. The retail segment consists of our retail operations operating under the trade names “Advance Auto Parts” in the United States and “Western Auto” in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and one store in California. We also operate a wholesale distribution network which includes distribution services of automotive parts and accessories to approximately 470 independently owned dealer stores in 44 states operating under the “Western Auto” trade name. Our wholesale operations accounted for approximately 4.1% of our net sales for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001. The discussion for all periods presented in this section has been restated to reflect our Western Auto store located in California in the retail segment.
 
Acquisitions and Recapitalization
 
Discount Acquisition.    On November 28, 2001, we acquired Discount in a transaction in which Discount’s shareholders received $7.50 per share in cash plus 0.2577 shares of our common stock for each share of Discount common stock. We issued approximately 4.3 million shares of our common stock to the former Discount shareholders, which represented 13.2% of our total shares outstanding immediately following the acquisition.
 
In connection with the Discount acquisition, we issued an additional $200 million face value of 10.25% senior subordinated notes and entered into a new senior credit facility that provides for (1) a $180 million tranche A term loan facility and a $305 million tranche B term loan facility and (2) a $160 million revolving credit facility (including a letter of credit sub-facility). Upon the closing of the Discount acquisition, we used $485 million of borrowings under the new senior credit facility and net proceeds of $185.6 million from the sale of the senior subordinated notes to, among other things, pay the cash portion of the acquisition consideration, repay all amounts outstanding under our then-existing credit facility, and repay all outstanding indebtedness of Discount.

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At November 28, 2001, Discount had 671 stores in six states, including the leading market position in Florida, with 437 stores. On a pro forma basis, we would have had approximately 2,400 stores and our net sales and EBITDA, as adjusted, for the twelve months ended October 6, 2001 would have been $3.1 billion and $258.0 million. We expect to achieve ongoing purchasing savings as a result of the acquisition. In addition, we expect to achieve significant savings from the optimization of our combined distribution network, including more efficient capacity utilization at Discount’s Mississippi distribution center, as well as from the reduction of overlapping administrative functions. During 2002, we expect these savings to result in approximately $30 million of incremental EBITDA, excluding certain one-time integration expenses. We expect these one-time integration expenses to total approximately $53 million from the close of the acquisition through the end of 2003, approximately $41 million of which we expect to incur in 2002. The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
 
Carport Acquisition.    On April 23, 2001, we completed our acquisition of the assets used in the operation of Carport Auto Parts, Inc. retail auto parts stores located throughout Alabama and Mississippi. Based upon store count, this made us the largest retailer of automotive parts in this market. Upon the closing of the acquisition, we decided to close 21 Carport stores not expected to meet long-term profitability objectives. The remaining 30 Carport locations were converted to the Advance Auto Parts store format within six weeks of the acquisition. The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the results of operations of Carport for the periods from April 23, 2001 are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The purchase price of $21.5 million has been allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. This allocation resulted in the recognition of $3.2 million in goodwill.
 
Western Auto Acquisition.    On November 2, 1998, we acquired Western Auto Supply Company from Sears. The purchase price included the payment of 11,474,606 shares of our common stock and $185.0 million in cash. Certain of our stockholders invested an additional $70.0 million in equity to fund a portion of the cash portion of the purchase price, the remainder of which was funded through additional borrowings under our prior credit facility, and cash on hand. The Western merger was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the results of operations of Western for the periods from November 2, 1998 are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The purchase price has been allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values. The final purchase price allocation resulted in total excess fair value over the purchase price of $4.7 million and was allocated to non-current assets, primarily property and equipment.
 
We have achieved significant benefits from the combination with Western through improved purchasing efficiencies from vendors, consolidated advertising, distribution and corporate support efficiencies. The Western merger resulted in the addition of a net 545 Advance Auto Parts stores, 39 Western Auto stores, and the wholesale operations.
 
Recapitalization.    On April 15, 1998, we consummated a recapitalization in which Freeman Spogli & Co. and Ripplewood Partners, L.P. purchased approximately $80.5 million and $20 million of our common stock, respectively, representing approximately 64% and 16% of our outstanding common stock immediately following the recapitalization. In connection with the recapitalization, management purchased approximately $8.0 million, or approximately 6%, of our outstanding common stock. The purchase of common stock by management resulted in stockholder subscription receivables. The notes are full recourse and provide for annual interest payments, at the prime rate, with the entire principal amount due on April 15, 2003. In addition, on April 15, 1998, we entered into our prior credit facility and also issued $200 million of senior subordinated notes and approximately $112 million in face amount of senior discount debentures. In connection with these transactions, we extinguished a substantial portion of its existing notes payable and long-term debt. These transactions collectively represent the “recapitalization.” We have accounted for the recapitalization for financial reporting purposes as the sale of common stock, the issuance of debt, the redemption of common and preferred stock and the repayment of notes

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payable and long-term debt. In connection with the Discount acquisition, we repaid all amounts outstanding under our prior credit facility and entered into our senior credit facility.
 
Recent Developments
 
For the twelve weeks ended December 29, 2001, our comparable store sales growth was 5.2%, compared with 6.1% for the comparable period of the prior year. In addition, for the year ended December 29, 2001, our comparable store sales growth was 6.2%, compared with 4.4% for the prior year. This comparable store sales growth does not include sales from Discount stores.
 
Sales for the twelve weeks ended December 29, 2001 increased 16.2%, to $582.0 million from $500.7 million for the same period of the prior year. Retail segment sales for the twelve weeks ended December 29, 2001 increased 17.6%, to $564.1 million from $479.6 million for the comparable period of the prior year. Each of these 2001 amounts includes the impact of four weeks of sales from Discount. Excluding the effect of the sales from Discount, sales and retail segment sales for the twelve weeks ended December 29, 2001 increased 6.6% and 7.5%.
 
Sales for the year ended December 29, 2001 increased 10.0%, to $2,517.6 million from $2,288.0 million for the prior year. Retail segment sales for the year ended December 29, 2001 increased 11.6%, to $2,419.7 million from $2,167.3 million for the prior year. Each of these 2001 amounts includes four weeks of sales from Discount. Excluding the effect of the sales from Discount, sales and retail segment sales for 2001 increased 7.9% and 9.4%.
 
We anticipate that our diluted income per share before one-time expenses will be in line with current analyst estimates, which are $0.03 for the twelve weeks ended December 29, 2001 and $1.31 for 2001, before one-time expenses of approximately $23 million (net of tax), or $0.77 per diluted share, to be incurred in the twelve weeks ended December 29, 2001. In addition, we anticipate that EBITDA, as adjusted, for 2001 will be in line with the high end of the previously published expectations of $190 million to $195 million. This amount excludes one-time expenses disclosed below and the positive impact of four weeks of Discount’s operations.
 
The anticipated one-time expenses include: $0.7 million in conversion expenses associated with the Discount acquisition; $2.2 million in lease termination expenses resulting from the planned closure of approximately 29 Advance Auto Parts stores that overlap with Discount stores; $5.2 million in stock option compensation charges described below; $6.3 million in supply chain initiatives described below; $6.5 million to reduce the book value of certain excess property currently held for sale described below; and approximately $2.1 million to implement an accounting change associated with the reclassification of cooperative income from selling, general and administrative expense to gross margin described below.
 
The $5.2 million, net of tax, in stock option compensation charges resulted from variable provisions of our employee stock option plans that were in place when we were a private company and that we since have eliminated. Under the modified plan, option exercise prices are fixed and therefore will not result in future compensation expense. No additional common shares or options were issued as a result of these modifications.
 
The estimated $6.3 million, net of tax, in expenses relating to supply change initiatives is related to our recent review of our supply chain and logistics operations, including our distribution costs and inventory stocking levels. As part of this review, we have identified a portion of our inventory and expect to identify additional inventory that we may offer in the future only in certain store locations or regions. The estimated expenses related to this initiative through the end of the fourth quarter of 2001 are primarily related to restocking and inventory handling charges. We may generate significant cash proceeds as a result of this initiative by reducing our inventory investment while continuing to maintain high levels of customer service and in-stock positions. In addition, we have closed and may explore the future possibility of closing additional distribution facilities and may write-down the value of such facilities in connection with our supply chain initiative.

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The estimated reduction of book value of certain properties of $6.5 million, net of tax, is related to the revaluation of certain excess properties currently held for sale. We expect to complete this review prior to the end of the first quarter of 2002 and would record any additional charges in our consolidated statements of operations when we identify that such charges would be required.
 
The estimated expense of $2.1 million, net of tax, to implement an accounting change results from a change in our method of accounting for cooperative advertising funds received from vendors. Previously, we accounted for these funds as a reduction to advertising expense as the advertising expenses were incurred. In order to better align the reporting of these payments with the sale of the associated product, we decided to recognize these payments as a reduction to the cost of inventory acquired from vendors, which results in a lower cost of sales for the products sold. We believe this is a preferable method of accounting that will result in a slightly more conservative recognition of income in future periods. This change in accounting principle will be applied in our 2001 financial statements as if the change occurred at the beginning of our 2001 fiscal year and will be recognized as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. We have not yet determined the amount of the cumulative effect of this change, but estimate that it will result in a reduction in net income of approximately $2.1 million on an after-tax basis. Subsequent to its adoption, the change will result in lower cost of sales with corresponding increases in selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth certain of our operating data expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated.
 
    
Fiscal Year

    
Forty Weeks Ended

 
    
1998

    
1999

    
2000

    
October 7, 2000

    
October 6, 2001

 
                         
(unaudited)
 
Net sales
  
100.0
%
  
100.0
%
  
100.0
%
  
100.0
%
  
100.0
%
Cost of sales
  
62.8
 
  
63.6
 
  
60.8
 
  
60.9
 
  
59.5
 
    

  

  

  

  

Gross profit
  
37.2
 
  
36.4
 
  
39.2
 
  
39.1
 
  
40.5
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses(1)
  
32.1
 
  
33.5
 
  
35.0
 
  
34.5
 
  
34.9
 
Expenses associated with the recapitalization
  
1.2
 
  
—  
 
  
—  
 
  
—  
 
  
—  
 
Expenses associated with the restructuring in conjunction with the Western merger
  
0.5
 
  
—  
 
  
—  
 
  
—  
 
  
—  
 
Expenses associated with merger and integration
  
0.6
 
  
1.9
 
  
—  
 
  
—  
 
  
—  
 
Expenses associated with private company
  
0.1
 
  
—  
 
  
—  
 
  
—  
 
      
Non-cash and other employee compensation
  
0.1
 
  
0.1
 
  
0.1
 
  
0.1
 
  
0.2
 
    

  

  

  

  

Operating income
  
2.6
 
  
0.9
 
  
4.1
 
  
4.5
 
  
5.4
 
Interest expense
  
(2.9
)
  
(2.8
)
  
(2.9
)
  
(2.9
)
  
(2.3
)
Other income, net
  
0.1
 
  
0.2
 
  
0.0
 
  
0.1
 
  
0.1
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
  
(0.0
)
  
(0.6
)
  
0.5
 
  
0.7
 
  
1.3
 
    

  

  

  

  

Income (loss) before extraordinary item
  
(0.2
)
  
(1.1
)
  
0.7
 
  
1.0
 
  
1.9
 
Extraordinary item, gain on debt extinguishment, net of $1,759 income taxes
  
—  
 
  
—  
 
  
0.1
 
  
0.2
 
  
—  
 
    

  

  

  

  

Net income (loss)
  
(0.2
)%
  
(1.1
)%
  
0.8
%
  
1.2
%
  
1.9
%
    

  

  

  

  


(1)
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses are adjusted for certain non-recurring and other items.

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Quarterly Financial Results (unaudited)
 
    
16-Weeks Ended 4/24/99

    
12-Weeks Ended 7/17/99

  
12-Weeks Ended 10/9/99

  
12-Weeks Ended 1/1/00

    
16-Weeks Ended 4/22/00

    
12-Weeks Ended 7/15/00

  
12-Weeks Ended 10/7/00

  
12-Weeks Ended 12/30/00

 
Net sales
  
$
670,453
 
  
$
542,320
  
$
522,846
  
$
471,326
 
  
$
677,582
 
  
$
557,650
  
$
552,138
  
$
500,652
 
Gross profit
  
 
226,361
 
  
 
196,526
  
 
199,637
  
 
180,308
 
  
 
258,975
 
  
 
216,533
  
 
223,903
  
 
196,484
 
(Loss) income before extraordinary item
  
 
(24,942
)
  
 
2,067
  
 
191
  
 
(2,642
)
  
 
(956
)
  
 
10,381
  
 
9,507
  
 
(2,306
)
Extraordinary item, gain on debt extinguishment, net of $1,759 income taxes
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
  
 
2,933
  
 
—  
 
    


  

  

  


  


  

  

  


Net (loss) income
  
$
(24,942
)
  
$
2,067
  
$
191
  
$
(2,642
)
  
$
(956
)
  
$
10,381
  
$
12,440
  
$
(2,306
)
    


  

  

  


  


  

  

  


Basic (loss) income per share:
                                                               
Before extraordinary item
  
$
(0.88
)
  
$
0.07
  
$
0.01
  
$
(0.09
)
  
$
(0.03
)  
  
  $
0.37
  
$
0.34
  
$
(0.08
)  
Extraordinary item, gain on debt extinguishment, net of $1,759 income taxes
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
  
 
0.10
  
 
—  
 
    


  

  

  


  


  

  

  


Net (loss) income
  
$
(0.88
)
  
$
0.07
  
$
0.01
  
$
(0.09
)
  
$
(0.03
)
  
$
0.37
  
$
0.44
  
$
(0.08
)
    


  

  

  


  


  

  

  


Diluted (loss) income per share:
                                                               
Before extraordinary item
  
$
(0.88
)
  
$
0.07
  
$
0.01
  
$
(0.09
)
  
$
(0.03
)
  
$
0.36
  
$
0.33
  
$
(0.08
)
Extraordinary item, gain on debt extinguishment, net of $1,759 income taxes
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
  
 
0.11
  
 
—  
 
    


  

  

  


  


  

  

  


Net (loss) income
  
$
(0.88
)
  
$
0.07
  
$
0.01
  
$
(0.09
)
  
$
(0.03
)
  
$
0.36
  
$
0.44
  
$
(0.08
)
    


  

  

  


  


  

  

  


 
    
16-Weeks Ended 4/21/01

  
12-Weeks Ended 7/14/01

  
12-Weeks Ended 10/6/01

Net sales
  
$
729,539
  
$
607,478
  
$
598,793
Gross profit
  
 
295,939
  
 
244,341
  
 
244,063
Income before extraordinary item
  
 
4,951
  
 
16,453
  
 
15,505
    

  

  

Net income
  
$
4,951
  
$
16,453
  
$
15,505
    

  

  

Basic income per share:
                    
Before extraordinary item
  
$
0.18
  
$
0.58
  
$
0.55
    

  

  

Net income
  
$
0.18
  
$
0.58
  
$
0.55
    

  

  

Diluted income per share:
                    
Before extraordinary item
  
$
0.17
  
$
0.57
  
$
0.54
    

  

  

Net income
  
$
0.17
  
$
0.57
  
$
0.54
    

  

  

 
 
Net Sales
 
Net sales consist primarily of comparable store sales, new store net sales, service net sales, net sales to the wholesale dealer network and finance charges on installment sales. Comparable store sales is calculated based on the change in net sales starting once a store has been opened for 13 complete accounting periods (each period represents four weeks). Relocations are included in comparable store sales from the original date of opening. Additionally, each converted Parts America store that was acquired in the Western merger and subsequently converted to an Advance Auto Parts store has been included in the comparable store sales calculation after 13 complete accounting periods following the completion of its physical conversion to an Advance Auto Parts store. We do not include net sales from the Western Auto retail stores in our comparable store sales calculation.

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Cost of Sales
 
Our cost of sales includes merchandise costs and warehouse and distribution expenses as well as service labor costs of our Western Auto stores. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales may be affected by variations in our product mix, price changes in response to competitive factors and fluctuations in merchandise costs and vendor programs. We seek to avoid fluctuation in merchandise costs by entering into long-term purchasing agreements with vendors in exchange for pricing certainty.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses are comprised of store payroll, store occupancy (including rent), net advertising expenses, other store expenses and general and administrative expenses, including salaries and related benefits of corporate employees, administrative office expenses, data processing, professional expenses and other related expenses. We lease substantially all of our stores.
 
Forty Weeks Ended October 6, 2001 Compared to Forty Weeks Ended October 7, 2000
 
Net sales for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001 were $1,935.6 million, an increase of $148.3 million, or 8.3%, over net sales of $1,787.4 million for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2000. Net sales for the retail segment increased $168.0 million, or 10.0%, to $1,855.7 million. The net sales increase for the retail segment was due to an increase in the comparable store sales of 6.5% and contributions from new stores opened within the last year. The comparable store sales increase of 6.5% was primarily a result of growth in both the DIY and DIFM customer base, as well as the continued maturation of new stores. Comparable store sales increased 3.8% for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2000. Net sales for the wholesale segment decreased $19.7 million, or 19.8%, to $79.9 million, reflecting the continued decline of this segment due to increased competition coupled with a decline in the number of independently owned dealer stores.
 
During the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001, we opened 83 new stores, relocated 15 stores and closed 21 stores, bringing the number of total retail stores to 1,791. As of October 6, 2001, we had 1,195 stores participating in our commercial delivery program, as a result of consolidating 15 stores during the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001. As of October 6, 2001, we supplied approximately 430 independent dealers through the wholesale dealer network.
 
Gross profit for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001 was $784.3 million, or 40.5% of net sales, as compared to $699.4 million, or 39.1% of net sales, for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2000. A portion of the increase in gross profit percentage reflects a positive shift in product mix. The remaining increase in the gross profit percentage reflects an $8.3 million net gain recorded as a reduction to cost of sales during the first quarter of 2001 as a result of a vendor settlement. The gross profit for the retail segment was $773.6 million, or 41.7% of net sales, for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001, as compared to $687.6 million, or 40.7% of net sales, for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2000.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses, before non-cash and other employee compensation expenses and certain one-time expenses and gains, increased to $674.8 million, or 34.9% of net sales, for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001, from $616.2 million, or 34.5% of net sales, for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2000. Selling, general and administrative expenses have increased due to expenses associated with the decision to close certain stores that did not meet profitability objectives and the write down of an administrative facility obtained in the Western merger totaling $5.1 million. Additionally, as a percentage of net sales, the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is attributable to the investment in store personnel since the prior year comparable period.
 
EBITDA (operating income plus depreciation and amortization, as adjusted for non-cash and other employee compensation expenses and certain one-time expenses and gains), was $163.2 million for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001, or 8.4% of net sales, as compared to $133.9 million, or 7.5% of net sales, for

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the forty weeks ended October 7, 2000. EDITDA is not intended to represent cash flow from operations as defined by GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for net income as an indicator of operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow (as measured by GAAP) as a measure of liquidity. Our method for calculating EBITDA may differ from similarly titled measures reported by other companies. We believe certain non-recurring charges, which consist of expenses associated with our recapitalization, restructuring expenses associated with the Western merger, private company expenses, non-cash and other employee compensation, and merger and integration expenses, should be eliminated from the EBITDA calculation to evaluate our operating performance.
 
Interest expense for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001 was $45.2 million, or 2.3% of net sales, as compared to $51.8 million, or 2.9% of net sales, for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2000. The decrease in interest expense is a result of the reduction in net outstanding borrowings as well as a decrease in interest rates over the forty weeks ended October 7, 2000.
 
Income tax expense for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001 was $24.3 million, as compared to $11.9 million in the forty weeks ended October 7, 2000. This increase was primarily due to an increase in income before taxes for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001 as compared to the forty weeks ended October 7, 2000.
 
As a result of the above factors, we recorded net income of $36.9 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001, as compared to $21.9 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2000. As a percentage of net sales, net income for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001 was 1.9%, as compared to 1.2% for the forty weeks ended October 7, 2000.
 
Fiscal Year 2000 Compared to Fiscal Year 1999
 
Net sales for 2000 were $2,288.0 million, an increase of $81.1 million, or 3.7%, over net sales of $2,206.9 million for 1999. Net sales for the retail segment increased $149.9 million, or 7.4%, to $2,167.3 million. The net sales increase for the retail segment was due to an increase in the comparable store sales of 4.4% and contributions from new stores that were acquired or were not yet included within the comparable stores sales base. The comparable store sales increase of 4.4% was primarily a result of growth in both the DIY and DIFM customer base, as well as the continued maturation of new stores and the converted Parts America stores. Comparable store sales increased 10.3% for 1999. Net sales for the wholesale segment decreased $68.8 million, or 36.3%, to $120.7 million due to a decline in the number of dealer stores serviced by Advance and lower average sales to each dealer.
 
During 2000, we opened 140 new stores, relocated ten stores and closed 28 stores, bringing the total retail segment store count to 1,729. At year end, we had 1,210 stores participating in commercial delivery, a result of adding 116 net stores to the program during 2000. Additionally, as of December 30, 2000, we supplied approximately 590 independent dealers through the wholesale dealer network.
 
Gross profit for 2000 was $895.9 million, or 39.2% of net sales, as compared to $802.8 million, or 36.4% of net sales, in 1999. The increase in the gross profit percentage was a result of an increase of 180 basis points due to the realization of certain purchasing synergies, fewer product liquidations and a decline in net sales of the lower margin wholesale segment. Additionally, lower inventory shrinkage of approximately 60 basis points and lower logistics costs of 30 basis points primarily contributed to the remainder of the increased margin. The higher shrinkage and logistics costs in 1999 were related to merchandise conversions and product liquidations resulting from the Western merger. The gross profit for the retail segment was $881.0 million, or 40.7% of net sales, for 2000, as compared to $792.0 million, or 39.3% of net sales, for 1999. During the fourth quarter of 2000, we recorded a gain as a reduction to cost of sales of $3.3 million related to a lawsuit against a supplier. The gain represents actual damages incurred under an interim supply agreement with the supplier, which provided for higher merchandise costs. Subsequent to December 30, 2000, we agreed to a cash settlement of $16.6 million from the supplier. The remainder of the cash settlement over the originally recorded gain, reduced by higher

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Table of Contents
product costs incurred under the interim supply agreement and fees and expenses related to the settlement of the matter, was recognized as an $8.3 million reduction of cost of sales during the first quarter of 2001.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses, before integration expenses and non-cash and other employee compensation expenses and certain one-time expenses and gains, increased to $800.8 million, or 35.0% of net sales, for 2000, from $739.1, or 33.5% of net sales, for 1999. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily attributable to the continued sales decline in the wholesale segment, which carries lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales as compared to the retail segment. Additionally, we have incurred higher than expected medical claims as well as higher payroll, insurance and depreciation expense, partially offset by a decrease in net advertising costs, as a percentage of sales, as compared to 1999. We have made certain investments in personnel and labor, which we believe are critical to our long-term success. We expect this commitment to increase the productivity of store personnel, which will positively impact store profitability and customer service. The increase in depreciation expense is primarily related to the change in an accounting estimate to reduce the depreciable lives of certain property and equipment on a prospective basis.
 
EBITDA (operating income plus depreciation and amortization, as adjusted for non-cash and other employee compensation expenses and certain one-time expenses and gains), was $161.9 million in 2000, or 7.1% of net sales, as compared to $121.9 million, or 5.5% of net sales, in 1999.
 
Interest expense for 2000 was $66.6 million, or 2.9% of net sales, as compared to $62.8 million, or 2.8% of net sales, in 1999. The increase in interest expense was a result of an increase in interest rates over 1999 offset by a decrease in net outstanding borrowings. During 2000, we repurchased $30.6 million of our senior subordinated notes on the open market for $25.0 million.
 
Our effective income tax rate was 38.8% of pre-tax income for 2000 and 33.2% of pre-tax loss for 1999. This increase is due to having pre-tax income in 2000 and pre-tax loss in 1999 and the resulting effect of permanent differences between book and tax reporting treatment on total income tax expense (benefit). Due to uncertainties related to the realization of deferred tax assets for certain net operating loss carryforwards, we recognized additional valuation allowances of $0.9 million during 2000.
 
We recorded net income of $19.6 million, or $0.69 per diluted share, on a consolidated basis for 2000, as compared to a net loss of $25.3 million, or $0.90 per diluted share for 1999. In addition to the items previously discussed, we also recorded an extraordinary gain related to the early extinguishment of debt of $2.9 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, net of $1.8 million provided for income taxes and $0.9 million for the write off of associated deferred debt issuance costs. As a percentage of sales, net income for 2000 was 0.8%, as compared to a net loss of 1.1% for 1999.
 
Fiscal Year 1999 Compared to Fiscal Year 1998
 
1999 results include a full year of the operations acquired in the Western merger as compared to 1998 results, which include Western results of operations from November 2, 1998.
 
Net sales for 1999 were $2,206.9 million, an increase of $986.2 million, or 80.8%, over net sales of $1,220.7 million for 1998. Net sales for the retail segment increased $831.3 million, or 70.1%, to $2,017.4 million. The net sales increase for the retail segment was a result of the Western merger, opening of new stores and a 10.3% increase in comparable store sales over 1998. Comparable store sales increased 7.8% for 1998. The comparable store sales increase was due to maturation of stores opened in 1997 and 1998, increased product availability, continued growth in the commercial sales program and the closure of Parts America and Advance Auto Parts stores in overlapping markets. Net sales for the wholesale segment increased $154.9 million, or 22.3%, to $189.5 million due to the inclusion of the wholesale segment for all of 1999 following the Western merger in November 1998.

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During 1999, we opened 99 new stores, reopened three closed locations, relocated 13 stores and closed 52 stores in addition to the stores closed due to relocations (33 of which were Parts America and Advance Auto Parts stores in overlapping markets closed in connection with the Western merger). We increased our commercial delivery program to 562 stores, bringing the total to 1,094 stores as of the end of 1999. As of January 1, 2000, we operated 1,617 stores in 38 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and supplied approximately 670 independent dealers through the wholesale dealer network.
 
Gross profit for 1999 was $802.8 million, or 36.4% of net sales, compared with $454.6 million, or 37.2% of net sales, in 1998. The decrease in the gross profit percentage resulted largely from increased shrinkage and logistics costs of approximately 70 basis points associated with the conversion of Parts America stores and the liquidation of certain product lines related to the conversion of Parts America merchandise. Additionally, the lower margins associated with the Western operations, which realized a gross profit percentage of 22% as compared to the Advance retail store operation’s gross profit percentage of approximately 40%, contributed to the decrease in margin, offset slightly by better pricing from vendors in 1999 compared to 1998, due to vendor agreements entered into as a result of the Western merger. The better pricing will continue through the current term of these vendor agreements, generally three to five years.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses, before non-cash and other employee compensation expenses and certain one-time expenses and gains, increased to $739.1 million, or 33.5% of net sales, in 1999 from $391.9 million, or 32.1% of net sales, in 1998. The increase as a percentage of sales was due primarily to increased costs realized by the retail segment related to higher store labor, an increase in advertising and costs associated with our national manager’s conference.
 
EBITDA, as adjusted for non-cash and other employee compensation expenses and certain one-time expenses and gains, was $121.9 million for 1999, or 5.5% of net sales, as compared to $92.6 million, or 7.6% of net sales, for 1998.
 
Interest expense in 1999 was $62.8 million, or 2.8% of net sales, compared to $35.0 million, or 2.9% of net sales, in 1998. The increase in interest expense in 1999 was primarily due to the additional debt incurred in the Western merger, the increase in borrowings under our revolving and delayed draw credit facilities and higher interest rates.
 
Other income in 1999 was $4.6 million compared to $0.9 million in 1998. The increase in other income was primarily the result of the retail segment recognizing the settlement of a dispute between us and a vendor due to non-performance by the vendor under a supply agreement.
 
Income tax benefit for 1999 was $12.6 million as compared to a benefit of $0.1 million in 1998, with effective tax rates of 33.2% and 3.7%, respectively. In 1999, we recognized federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $22.1 million. We believe we will utilize these through a combination of the reversal of temporary differences, projected future taxable income during the net operating loss carryforward periods and available tax planning strategies. Due to uncertainties related to the realization of deferred tax assets for certain state net operating losses, we recorded a valuation allowance of $0.6 million as of January 1, 2000. The amount of deferred income tax assets realizable, however, could change in the near future if estimates of future taxable income are changed.
 
As a result of the above factors, we incurred a net loss of $25.3 million, or $0.90 per diluted share in 1999, as compared to a net loss of $2.2 million, or $0.12 per diluted share in 1998. As a percentage of net sales, net loss for 1999 was 1.1%, as compared to a net loss of 0.2% for 1998.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
At October 6, 2001, on a consolidated basis we had outstanding indebtedness consisting of $92.6 million of senior discount debentures, $169.5 million of senior subordinated notes, borrowings of $260.3 million under our

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prior bank credit facility, and $10.0 million of indebtedness under the McDuffie County Development Authority Taxable Industrial Bonds.
 
In connection with the Discount acquisition, we entered into the senior credit facility and issued $200.0 million in face amount of our senior subordinated notes. Upon consummation of the Discount acquisition, we used $485 million of borrowings under the new senior credit facility and net proceeds of $185.6 million from the sale of the senior subordinated notes to (1) fund the cash portion of the consideration to be paid to the Discount shareholders and in-the-money option holders, (2) repay $225.3 million in borrowings under Discount’s credit facility (plus repayment premiums of $6.3 million), (3) purchase Discount’s Gallman distribution facility from the lessor for $34.4 million, (4) repay $256.6 million of borrowings under our prior credit facility, and (5) pay approximately $30 million in related transaction fees and expenses. As a result, at October 6, 2001, on a pro forma consolidated basis, we had outstanding indebtedness consisting of $92.6 million of senior discount debentures, $355.1 million of senior subordinated notes, borrowings of $389.9 million under the new senior credit facility, and $10.0 million of indebtedness under the McDuffie County Development Authority Taxable Bonds. In addition, our senior credit facility provides for a revolving credit facility of $160 million (a portion of which can be used for the issuance of letters of credit), with a maturity of five years. At February 1, 2002, we had approximately $17.4 million in letters of credit outstanding and had borrowed approximately $30 million under the revolving credit facility, resulting in available borrowings of $112.6 million under the revolving credit facility.
 
For the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001, net cash provided by operating activities was $126.3 million. This amount consisted of $36.9 million in net income, depreciation and amortization of $53.6 million, amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and bond discount of $10.9 million, and a net increase of $24.9 million in working capital and other operating activities. Net cash used for investing activities was $68.7 million and was comprised of capital expenditures and the purchase of net assets related to the Carport acquisition. Net cash used in financing activities was $63.7 million and was comprised primarily of payments on the credit facility we had prior to the Discount acquisition.
 
In 2000, net cash provided by operating activities was $104.0 million. This amount consisted of $19.6 million in net income, depreciation and amortization of $66.8 million, amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and bond discount of $13.1 million and a decrease of $4.5 million in net working capital and other operating activities. Net cash used for investing activities was $65.0 million and was comprised primarily of capital expenditures. Net cash used in financing activities was $43.6 million and was comprised primarily of net repayments of long-term debts.
 
In 1999, net cash used in operating activities was $21.0 million. This amount consisted of a $25.3 million net loss, offset by depreciation and amortization of $58.1 million, amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and bond discount of $12.2 million, and an increase of $66.0 million in net working capital and other operating activities. Net cash used for investing activities was $113.8 million and was comprised primarily of capital expenditures of $105.0 million and cash consideration of $13.0 million in the Western merger. Net cash provided by financing activities was $121.3 million and was comprised primarily of net borrowings.
 
In 1998, net cash provided by operating activities was $44.0 million. This amount consisted of a $2.2 million net loss, offset by depreciation and amortization of $30.0 million, amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and bond discount of $7.7 million, and a decrease of $8.5 million of net working capital and other operating activities. Net cash used for investing activities was $230.7 million and was comprised primarily of capital expenditures of $65.8 million and cash consideration of $171.0 million in the Western merger. Net cash provided by financing activities was $207.3 million and was comprised primarily of net borrowings and issuance of equity.
 
Our primary capital requirements have been the funding of our continued store expansion program, store relocations and remodels, inventory requirements, the construction and upgrading of distribution centers, the development and implementation of proprietary information systems, the Discount acquisition, the Western merger and the Carport acquisition. We have financed our growth through a combination of internally generated funds, borrowings under the credit facility and issuances of equity.

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Our new stores, if leased, require capital expenditures of approximately $120,000 per store and an inventory investment of approximately $150,000 per store, net of vendor payables. A portion of the inventory investment is held at a distribution facility. Pre-opening expenses, consisting primarily of store set-up costs and training of new store employees, average approximately $25,000 per store and are expensed when incurred.
 
Our future capital requirements will depend on the number of new stores we open and the timing of those openings within a given year. We opened 140 new stores during 2000 and 110 new stores during 2001 (excluding stores acquired in the Discount acquisition). In addition, we anticipate adding approximately 105 to 125 new stores through new store openings and selective acquisitions during 2002. Our capital expenditures were approximately $63.4 million in 2001 (excluding the Carport and Discount acquisitions). These amounts related to the new store openings, the upgrade of our information systems (including our new point-of-sale and electronic parts catalog system), and remodels and relocations of existing stores. In 2002, we anticipate that our capital expenditures will be approximately $105 million, of which approximately $34 million will involve conversion and other integration related expenditures.
 
Historically, we have negotiated extended payment terms from suppliers that help finance inventory growth, and we believe that we will be able to continue financing much of our inventory growth through such extended payment terms. We anticipate that inventory levels will continue to increase primarily as a result of new store openings.
 
As part of normal operations, we continually monitor store performance, which results in our closing certain store locations that do not meet profitability objectives. During the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001, we closed three stores as part of 2000 restructuring activities and decided to close or relocate 33 additional stores that did not meet profitability objectives, 25 of which were closed or relocated at October 6, 2001. As a result of the Western merger and the Carport acquisition, we closed certain Advance Auto Parts stores that were in overlapping markets or did not meet profitability objectives. In addition, as part of our integration of Discount, we expect to close a number of Discount and Advance stores that are in overlapping markets, as well as Discount stores that do not meet profitability objectives.
 
The Western merger and Carport acquisition also resulted in restructuring reserves recorded in purchase accounting for the closure of certain stores, severance and relocation costs and other facility exit costs. In addition, we assumed certain restructuring and deferred compensation liabilities previously recorded by Western. At October 6, 2001, these reserves had a remaining balance of $9.6 million. At October 6, 2001, the total liability for the assumed restructuring and deferred compensation plans was $1.8 million and $4.3 million, respectively, of which $0.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively, is recorded as a current liability. The classification for deferred compensation is determined by payment terms elected by plan participants, primarily former Western employees, which can be changed upon 12 months’ notice.
 
We expect that funds provided from operations and available borrowings of approximately $112.6 million under our revolving credit facility at February 1, 2002, will provide sufficient funds to operate our business, make expected capital expenditures of approximately $105 million in 2002, finance our restructuring activities, redeem our industrial revenue bonds in November 2002 in an aggregate principal amount of $10 million and fund future debt service on our senior subordinated notes, our senior discount debentures and our senior credit facility over the next 12 months.
 
Long Term Debt
 
Senior Credit Facility.    In connection with the Discount acquisition, we entered into a new senior credit facility consisting of (1) a $180 million tranche A term loan facility due 2006 and a $305 million tranche B term loan facility due 2007 and (2) a $160 million revolving credit facility (including a letter of credit subfacility). The senior credit facility is jointly and severally guaranteed by all of our domestic subsidiaries (including Discount and its subsidiaries) and is secured by substantially all of our assets and the assets of our existing and future domestic subsidiaries (including Discount and its subsidiaries).

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The tranche A term loan facility matures on November 30, 2006 and provides for amortization of $11.0 million at the end of the first year, semi-annual amortization aggregating $27.4 million in year two, $43.6 million in year three and $49.0 million in each of years four and five. The tranche B term loan facility matures on November 30, 2007 and amortizes in semi-annual installments of $2.5 million for five years commencing on November 30, 2002, with a final payment of $280.0 million due in year six. The revolving credit facility matures on November 30, 2006. The interest rate on the tranche A term loan facility and the revolving credit facility is based, at our option, on either an adjusted LIBOR rate, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. From July 14, 2002, the interest rates under the tranche A term loan facility and the revolving credit facility will be subject to adjustment according to a pricing grid based upon our leverage ratio (as defined in the senior credit facility). The initial margins are 3.50% and 2.50% for the adjusted LIBOR rate and alternate base rate borrowings, respectively, and can step down incrementally to 2.25% and 1.25%, respectively, if our leverage ratio is less than 2.00 to 1.00. The interest rate on the tranche B term loan facility is based, at our option, on either an adjusted LIBOR rate with a floor of 3.00% plus 4.00% per annum or an alternate base rate plus 3.00% per annum. A commitment fee of 0.50% per annum will be charged on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility, payable quarterly in arrears.
 
Borrowings under the senior credit facility are required to be prepaid, subject to certain exceptions, in certain circumstances.
 
The senior credit facility contains covenants restricting our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among others things, (i) pay cash dividends on any class of capital stock or make any payment to purchase, redeem, retire, acquire, cancel or terminate capital stock, (ii) prepay, redeem, retire, acquire, cancel or terminate debt, (iii) incur liens or engage in sale-leaseback transactions, (iv) make loans, investments, advances or guarantees, (v) incur additional debt (including hedging arrangements), (vi) make capital expenditures, (vii) engage in mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (viii) engage in transactions with affiliates, (ix) enter into any agreement which restricts the ability to create liens on property or assets or the ability of subsidiaries to pay dividends or make payments on advances or loans to subsidiaries, (x) change the nature of the business conducted by us and our subsidiaries, (xi) change our passive holding company status and (xii) amend existing debt agreements or our certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other organizational documents. We are also required to comply with financial covenants in the credit facility with respect to (a) limits on annual aggregate capital expenditures, (b) a maximum leverage ratio, (c) a minimum interest coverage ratio and (d) a ratio of current assets to funded senior debt. We were in compliance with the above covenants under the senior credit facility as of December 29, 2001.
 
Senior Subordinated Notes.    On October 31, 2001, in connection with the Discount acquisition, we sold an additional $200.0 million in senior subordinated notes at an issue price of 92.802%, yielding gross proceeds of approximately $185.6 million, of which $185.9 million was outstanding as of December 29, 2001. These senior subordinated notes were an addition to the $200.0 million face amount of existing senior subordinated notes that we issued in connection with the recapitalization in April 1998, of which $169.5 million was outstanding as of December 29, 2001. All of the notes mature on April 15, 2008 and bear interest at 10.25%, payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15. The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a unsecured senior subordinated basis by each of our existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantees any indebtedness of us or any restricted subsidiary. The notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after April 15, 2003, in cash at certain redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidating damages, if any, at the redemption date. The indentures governing the notes also contain certain covenants that limit, among other things, our and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock, pay dividends or make certain other distributions, make certain investments, repurchase stock and certain indebtedness, create or incur liens, engage in transactions with affiliates, enter into new businesses, sell stock of restricted subsidiaries, redeem subordinated debt, sell assets, enter into any agreements that restrict dividends from restricted subsidiaries and enter into certain mergers or consolidations.

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Senior Discount Debentures and Industrial Reserve Bonds.    In April 1998, in connection with the recapitalization, we issued $112.0 million in face amount of senior discount debentures. The debentures accrete at a rate of 12.875%, compounded semi-annually, to an aggregate principal amount of $112.0 million by April 15, 2003. At December 29, 2001, $95.4 million principal amount was outstanding. Commencing April 15, 2003, cash interest on the debentures will accrue and be payable semi-annually at a rate of 12.875% per annum. The indenture governing the debentures contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to incur indebtedness and issue preferred stock, repurchase stock and certain indebtedness, engage in transactions with affiliates, create or incur certain liens, pay dividends or certain other distributions, make certain investments, enter into new businesses, sell stock of restricted subsidiaries, sell assets and engage in certain mergers and consolidations.
 
Our obligations relating to the industrial revenue bonds include an interest factor at a variable rate and will require no principal payments until maturity in November 2002.
 
Seasonality
 
Our business is somewhat seasonal in nature, with the highest sales occurring in the spring and summer months. In addition, our business can be affected by weather conditions. While unusually heavy precipitation tends to soften sales as elective maintenance is deferred during such periods, extremely hot or cold weather tends to enhance sales by causing automotive parts to fail.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks
 
We currently utilize no material derivative financial instruments that expose us to significant market risk. We are exposed to cash flow and fair value risk due to changes in interest rates with respect to our long-term debt. While we cannot predict the impact interest rate movements will have on our debt, exposure to rate changes is managed through the use of fixed and variable rate debt. Our future exposure to interest rate risk decreased during 2001 due to decreased interest rates and reduced variable rate debt.
 
Our fixed rate debt consists primarily of outstanding balances on our senior discount debentures and senior subordinated notes. Our variable rate debt relates to borrowings under the senior credit facility and the industrial revenue bonds. Our variable rate debt is primarily vulnerable to movements in the LIBOR, Prime, Federal Funds and Base CD rates.
 
The table below presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates on long-term debt we would have had outstanding as of October 6, 2001, on a pro forma basis to give effect to the Discount acquisition and related financings, by expected maturity dates. Expected maturity dates approximate contract terms. Fair values included herein have been determined based on quoted market prices. Weighted average variable rates are based on implied forward rates in the yield curve at October 6, 2001. Implied forward rates should not be considered a predictor of actual future interest rates.
 
    
Fiscal 2001

    
Fiscal 2002

    
Fiscal 2003

    
Fiscal 2004

    
Fiscal 2005

    
Thereafter

    
Total

    
Fair Market Value

    
(dollars in thousands)
Long-term debt:
                                                                   
Fixed rate
  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
$
481,450
 
  
$
481,450
 
  
$
424,120
Weighted average interest rate
  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
10.4
%
  
 
10.9
%
      
Variable rate
  
 
  
$
23,500
 
  
$
32,400
 
  
$
48,600
 
  
$
54,000
 
  
$
336,500
 
  
$
495,000
 
  
$
495,000
Weighted average interest rate
  
6.2
%
  
 
6.4
%
  
 
8.0
%
  
 
9.0
%
  
 
9.4
%
  
 
9.5
%
  
 
8.0
%
      

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 141, “Business Combinations” and No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 141 addresses accounting and reporting for all business combinations and requires the use of the purchase method for business combinations. SFAS No. 141 also requires recognition of intangible assets apart from goodwill if they meet certain criteria. SFAS No. 142 establishes accounting and reporting standards for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives are no longer amortized but are instead subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair-value based test. SFAS No. 141 applies to all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 142 became effective for existing goodwill and intangible assets beginning on December 30, 2001. SFAS No. 142 became effective immediately for goodwill and intangibles acquired after June 30, 2001. Although we are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS Nos. 141 and 142, management does not expect that the adoption of these statements will have a material impact on existing goodwill or intangibles. For the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001, we had amortization expense of approximately $0.3 million related to existing goodwill. This amortization expense will be eliminated upon adoption of SFAS No. 142. We had no goodwill expense during the years ended January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999.
 
In 2001, FASB issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” SFAS No. 143 establishes accounting standards for recognition and measurement of an asset retirement obligation and an associated asset retirement cost and is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. We do not expect SFAS No. 143 to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
 
In August 2001, FASB also issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” This statement replaces both SFAS No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of” and Accounting Principles Board, or APB, Opinion No. 30, “Reporting the Results of Operations—Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions.” SFAS No. 144 retains the basic provisions from both SFAS No. 121 and APB 30 but includes changes to improve financial reporting and comparability among entities. The provisions of SFAS No. 144 are effective for years beginning after December 15, 2001. We do not expect SFAS No. 144 to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
 
During the fourth quarter of 2001, we changed our method of accounting for cooperative advertising funds received from vendors. Previously, we accounted for these funds as a reduction to advertising expense as the advertising expenses were incurred. In order to better align the reporting of these payments with the sale of the associated product, we decided to recognize these payments as a reduction to the cost of inventory acquired from vendors, which results in a lower cost of sales for the products sold. We believe this is a preferable method of accounting that will result in a slightly more conservative recognition of income in future periods. This change in accounting principle will be applied in our 2001 financial statements as if the change occurred at the beginning of our 2001 fiscal year and will be recognized as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. We have not yet determined the amount of the cumulative effect of this change, but estimate that it will result in a reduction in net income of approximately $2.1 million on an after-tax basis. Subsequent to its adoption, the change will result in lower cost of sales with corresponding increases in selling, general and administrative expenses.

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BUSINESS
 
Overview
 
We are the second largest specialty retailer of automotive parts, accessories and maintenance items to DIY customers in the United States, based on store count and sales. We are the largest specialty retailer of automotive products in the majority of the states in which we currently operate, based on store count. We had 1,775 stores operating under the “Advance Auto Parts” tradename in 37 states in the Northeastern, Southeastern and Midwestern regions of the United States at December 29, 2001. In addition, as of that date, we had 40 stores operating under the “Western Auto” tradename located in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and California. Our stores offer a broad selection of brand name and private label automotive products for domestic and imported cars and light trucks. Our stores average approximately 7,500 square feet in size and carry between 16,000 and 21,000 stock keeping units, or SKUs. We also offer approximately 105,000 additional SKUs that are available on a same day or overnight basis through our Parts Delivered Quickly, or PDQ®, distribution systems. In addition to our DIY business, we serve DIFM customers via sales to commercial accounts. Sales to DIFM customers represented approximately 15% of our retail sales for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001. We also operate a wholesale distribution network, which offers automotive parts, accessories and certain other merchandise to approximately 470 independently-owned dealer stores in 44 states. Our wholesale operations accounted for approximately 4.1% of our net sales for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001.
 
Since 1996, we have achieved significant growth through a combination of comparable store sales growth, new store openings, increased penetration of our commercial delivery program and strategic acquisitions. From 1996 through 2000, we:
 
 
Ÿ
 
grew from the fourth largest to the second largest specialty retailer of automotive parts in the United States and increased our store count at year-end from 649 to 2,387 (pro forma for the Discount acquisition);
 
 
Ÿ
 
achieved positive comparable store sales growth in every quarter and averaged 6.1% annually;
 
 
Ÿ
 
increased our net sales at a compound annual growth rate of 42.7%, from $706.0 million to $2.9 billion (pro forma for the Discount acquisition); and
 
 
 
Ÿ
 
increased our EBITDA at a compound annual growth rate of 40.5%, from $60.2 million to $235.0 million (pro forma for the Discount acquisition).
 
For the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001, our comparable store sales growth was 6.5%, not including Discount. In addition, our EBITDA for this period increased 21.9%, to $163.2 million from $133.9 million for the same forty weeks in 2000.
 
We believe that our sales growth has exceeded the industry average as a result of our industry leading selection of quality brand name and private label products at competitive prices, our strong name recognition and our high levels of customer service. In addition, we believe our large size provides numerous competitive advantages over smaller retail chains and independent operators, which together generate the majority of the sales in the automotive aftermarket industry. These advantages include: (1) greater product availability; (2) purchasing, distribution and marketing efficiencies; (3) a greater number of convenient locations with longer store hours; and (4) the ability to invest heavily in employee training and information systems.
 
Industry
 
We operate within the large and growing U.S. automotive aftermarket industry, which includes replacement parts (excluding tires), accessories, maintenance items, batteries and automotive fluids for cars and light trucks (pickup trucks, vans, minivans and sport utility vehicles). Based on data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, sales in the automotive aftermarket industry (excluding tires and labor costs) increased at a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%, between 1991 and 2000 from approximately $58 billion to $98 billion.

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The automotive aftermarket industry is generally grouped into two major categories, “do-it-yourself”, or DIY, and “do-it-for-me”, or DIFM. From 1991 to 2000, the DIY category grew at a 5.8% compound annual growth rate from $22 billion to $36 billion. This category represents sales to consumers who maintain and repair vehicles themselves. We believe this category is characterized by stable, recession-resistant demand because the DIY customer is more likely to delay a new vehicle purchase during a recession. In addition, in difficult economic times, we believe people tend to drive more and use air travel less. From 1991 to 2000, the DIFM category grew at a 6.0% compound annual growth rate, from $36 billion to $62 billion. This category represents sales to professional installers, such as independent garages, service stations and auto dealers. DIFM parts and services are typically offered to vehicle owners who are less price sensitive or who are less inclined to repair their own vehicles.
 
We believe the U.S. automotive aftermarket industry will continue to benefit from several favorable trends, including the:
 
 
Ÿ
 
increasing number and age of vehicles in the United States, increasing number of miles driven annually, increasing number of cars coming off of warranty, particularly leased vehicles;
 
 
Ÿ
 
higher cost of replacement parts as a result of technological changes in recent models of vehicles and increasing number of light trucks and sport utility vehicles that require more expensive parts, resulting in higher average sales per customer; and
 
 
Ÿ
 
continued consolidation of automotive aftermarket retailers, resulting in a reduction in the number of stores in the marketplace and enhanced profitability and returns on capital.
 
We believe these trends will continue to support strong comparable store sales growth in the industry.
 
We compete in both the DIY and DIFM categories of the automotive aftermarket industry. Our primary competitors include national and regional retail automotive parts chains, wholesalers or jobber stores, independent operators, automobile dealers that supply parts, discount stores and mass merchandisers that carry automotive products. Although the number of competitors and level of competition vary by market, both the DIY and DIFM categories are highly fragmented and generally very competitive. However, as the number of automotive replacement parts has proliferated, we believe discount stores and mass merchandisers have had increasing difficulties in maintaining a broad inventory selection and providing the service levels that DIY customers demand. We believe this has created a strong competitive advantage for specialty automotive parts retailers, like us, that have the distribution capacity, sophisticated information systems and knowledgeable sales staff needed to offer a broad inventory selection to DIY customers. As a result, according to Lang Marketing Resources, a market research firm, specialty automotive parts retailers have significantly increased their market share of DIY sales from approximately 26% in 1990 to 41% in 2000, primarily by taking market share from discount stores and mass merchandisers.
 
History
 
We were formed in 1929 and operated as a retailer of general merchandise until the 1980s. During the 1980s, we sharpened our focus to target sales of automotive parts and accessories to DIY customers. From the 1980s to the present, we have grown significantly as a result of strong comparable store sales growth, new store openings and strategic acquisitions. In 1996, we began to aggressively expand our sales to DIFM customers by implementing a commercial delivery program. Our commercial delivery program includes marketing that is specifically designed to attract DIFM customers and consists of the delivery of automotive parts and accessories to professional installers, such as independent garages, service stations and auto dealers.
 
The Recapitalization.    In April 1998, Freeman Spogli & Co. and Ripplewood Partners, L.P. acquired a majority ownership interest in us through a recapitalization. Freeman Spogli & Co. and Ripplewood purchased an 80% ownership interest in us, and our management purchased a 6% ownership interest. In the recapitalization, Nicholas F. Taubman and the Arthur Taubman Trust, our existing shareholders, retained a 14% ownership interest in us.

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Western Acquisition.    In November 1998, we acquired Western from Sears, Roebuck and Co. Western operated over 600 stores under the “Parts America” and “Western Auto” trade names, as well as a wholesale distribution network. As consideration, Sears received approximately 11.5 million shares of our common stock, which was valued at $193 million, and $185 million in cash. In addition, Freeman Spogli & Co., Ripplewood, Nicholas F. Taubman and the Arthur Taubman Trust made an additional $70 million equity investment in us to fund a portion of the purchase price. The remaining cash portion of the purchase price was funded through additional borrowings under our then-existing credit facility.
 
Carport Acquisition.    In April 2001, we acquired the assets of Carport, including 30 stores, net of closures, in Alabama and Mississippi. The acquisition made us the market leader in Alabama and continued our new store development program in Alabama and Mississippi without adding new stores to the market.
 
Discount Acquisition.    In November 2001, we acquired Discount, which was the fifth largest specialty retailer of automotive products to both DIY and DIFM customers in the United States, based on store count. At November 28, 2001, Discount had 671 stores operating under the “Discount Auto Parts” trade name in six states, with 437 stores in Florida, 120 stores in Georgia, 46 stores in Louisiana, 42 stores in Mississippi, 19 stores in Alabama and seven stores in South Carolina. For 2001, Discount generated net sales and EBITDA of $661.7 million and $65.7 million. Since Discount’s inception in 1971, members of the Fontaine family, including Herman Fontaine, Denis L. Fontaine and Peter J. Fontaine, have managed Discount and played key roles in formulating and carrying out its business strategies. Peter J. Fontaine, who has been with Discount for over 26 years and previously served as Chief Operating Officer, was elected as President and Chief Executive Officer in 1994 and continued to hold the position of Chief Executive Officer until January 2002. At the closing of the Discount acquisition, Peter J. Fontaine became a member of our board of directors.
 
Benefits of the Discount Acquisition
 
As a result of our successful integration of prior acquisitions, we believe that we have established a proven model that will enable us to successfully integrate Discount. Our integration of Western included the conversion of the acquired stores, net of closures, to the Advance Auto Parts format and name, and the addition of 39 Western Auto stores located primarily in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and a wholesale distribution network that supplies independent dealer stores that license the “Western Auto” trade name. We successfully converted the 545 Parts America stores in 11 months, more than six months ahead of our schedule, including physical renovation, store systems conversions and inventory mix changes. Due largely to increasing economies of scale that we were able to obtain primarily from existing vendors following this acquisition, we increased our gross margin on a company-wide basis from 36.4% for 1999 to 39.2% for 2000. In April 2001, we acquired 30 Carport stores, net of closures, in Alabama and Mississippi. The Carport stores were converted to the Advance Auto Parts format and name in six weeks. Comparable store sales growth for these stores was 26.6% for the period from the end of the conversion on July 7, 2001 through December 29, 2001.
 
We expect to realize the following benefits from our acquisition of Discount:
 
Strengthened Position within Target Markets.    Our acquisition of Discount has provided us with the leading market position in Florida, where Discount had 437 stores at November 28, 2001, which is especially attractive due to the state’s strong DIY customer demographics. The Florida market has a favorable climate that allows for year-round maintenance and repair of vehicles, a population growth rate that exceeds the national average and is ranked third in the United States in terms of registrations of cars and light trucks. This acquisition also further solidified our leading position throughout the Southeast. At November 28, 2001, Discount had an additional 234 stores in five other Southeastern states in which we currently operate and which are part of our core markets.
 
Improved Purchasing, Distribution and Administrative Efficiencies.    We expect to achieve ongoing purchasing, distribution and administrative savings as a result of the Discount acquisition. Purchasing savings will be derived primarily through economies of scale. We also expect to achieve significant savings from the

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optimization of our combined distribution network, including more efficient capacity utilization at Discount’s Mississippi distribution center, and from the reduction of overlapping administrative functions. During 2002, we expect these savings to result in approximately $30 million of incremental EBITDA, excluding one-time integration expenses.
 
Opportunity to Increase Discount’s Store Sales.    We plan to increase Discount’s store sales by, among other things, (1) re-merchandising stores to increase parts availability and in-stock position, (2) increasing customer service and improving store execution through staffing and training initiatives, (3) enhancing existing commercial delivery programs and selectively adding new programs and (4) refurbishing the store layout and appearance.
 
Competitive Strengths
 
We believe our competitive strengths include the following:
 
Leading Market Position.    We are the second largest specialty retailer of automotive products to DIY customers in the United States, based on store count and sales. Our acquisition of Discount further solidified this position and provides us with additional critical mass in our existing markets, particularly in the rapidly growing Southeast. We enjoy significant competitive advantages over smaller retail chains and independent operators. We believe we have strong brand recognition and customer traffic in our stores as a result of our number one position in the majority of our markets, based on store count, and our significant marketing activities. In addition, we have purchasing, distribution and marketing efficiencies due to our economies of scale. As the number of makes and models of vehicles continues to increase, we believe we will continue to have a significant competitive advantage, as many of these competitors may not have the resources, including management information systems, purchasing power or distribution capabilities, required to stock and deliver a broad selection of brand name and private label automotive products at competitive prices.
 
Industry Leading Selection of Quality Products.    We offer one of the largest selections of brand name and private label automotive parts, accessories and maintenance items in the automotive aftermarket industry. Our stores carry between 16,000 and 21,000 in-store SKUs. We also offer approximately 105,000 additional SKUs that are available on a same-day or overnight basis through our PDQ® distribution systems, including harder-to-find replacement parts, which typically carry a higher gross margin. During 2000, we initiated a local area warehouse concept that utilizes existing space in selected stores to ensure the availability of certain PDQ items on a same-day basis. On average, a local area warehouse carries between 7,500 and 12,000 SKUs. In addition, our proprietary electronic parts catalog enables our sales associates to identify an extensive number of applications for the SKUs that we carry, as well as parts that are required for or complementary to these applications. We believe that our ability to deliver an aggregate of approximately 120,000 SKUs, as well as the capabilities provided by our electronic parts catalog, are highly valued by our customers and differentiate us from our competitors, particularly mass merchandisers.
 
Superior Customer Service.    We believe that our customers place significant value on our well-trained sales associates, who offer knowledgeable assistance in product selection and installation and that this differentiates us from mass merchandisers. We invest substantial resources in the recruiting and training of our employees and provide formal classroom workshops, seminars and Automotive Service Excellence certification to build technical, managerial and customer service skills. In addition, we enhanced our human resources management capabilities in 2000 by hiring an experienced senior vice president of human resources and by introducing new training programs and human resource systems in order to increase employee retention. As a result of these initiatives, our level of employee retention at December 29, 2001 increased 3.1% when compared with employee retention during 2000. We define employee retention as the ratio of the total number of employees who remain employed during the period to the average number of active employees during the same period. We believe that higher employee retention levels lead to increased customer satisfaction and higher sales, and differentiates us from mass merchandisers.

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Experienced Management Team with Proven Track Record.    The 18 members of our senior management team have an average of 15 years experience with us and 17 years in the industry and have successfully grown our company to the second largest specialty retailer of automotive products in the United States. Our management team has accomplished this using a disciplined strategy of growing comparable store sales, opening new stores and making selective acquisitions. Through the 545-store acquisition of Western Auto in November 1998 and the 30-store acquisition of Carport in April 2001, this team has demonstrated its ability to efficiently and successfully integrate both large and small acquisitions. We intend to leverage this experience as we integrate Discount. In addition, the Discount acquisition provided us with access to a pool of talented managers. In particular, Peter Fontaine, the Chairman and CEO of Discount, became a member of our board of directors upon the closing of the Discount acquisition.
 
Growth Strategy
 
Our growth strategy consists of the following:
 
Increase Our Comparable Store Sales.    We have been an industry leader in comparable store sales over the last five years, averaging 6.1% annually. We plan to increase our comparable store sales in both the DIY and DIFM categories by, among other things, (1) implementing merchandising and marketing initiatives, (2) investing in store-level systems to enhance our ability to recommend complementary products in order to increase sales per customer, (3) refining our store selection and in-stock availability through customized assortments and other supply chain initiatives, (4) continuing to increase customer service through store staffing and retention initiatives and (5) increasing our commercial delivery sales by focusing on key customers to grow average sales per truck. In particular, we intend to continue to make the necessary investments in several applications that are critical to improving our customer service and in-stock availability. We have established strong inventory management systems at the store and distribution center level and in 2001 began to implement a fully-integrated point-of-sale system and electronic parts catalog.
 
Continue to Enhance Our Margins.    We have improved our EBITDA margin by 233 basis points from 5.5% in 1999 to 7.8% for the twelve months ended October 6, 2001. In addition to driving operating margin expansion via improved comparable store sales, we will continue to focus on increasing margins by: (1) improving our purchasing efficiencies with vendors; (2) optimizing our supply chain infrastructure and existing distribution network; and (3) leveraging our overall scale to reduce other operating expenses as a percentage of sales. Following a comprehensive review of our supply chain infrastructure, we have identified specific cost savings and opportunities to improve inventory turns. As a result, we believe we can increase supply chain efficiencies through selective facility rationalization, such as our recent decision to close our Jeffersonville, Ohio facility, more efficient truck scheduling and routing and better utilization of custom inventory mixes.
 
Increase Return on Capital.    We believe we can successfully increase our return on capital by (1) leveraging our supply chain initiatives to increase inventory turns, (2) further extending payment terms with our vendors and (3) generating strong comparable store sales as well as increasing our margins. In addition, we believe we can drive return on capital by selectively expanding our store base in existing markets. Based on our experience, such in-market openings provide higher returns on our invested capital by enabling us to leverage our distribution infrastructure, marketing expenditures and local management resources. We intend to add stores in existing markets, including 105 to 125 stores in 2002 through new store openings and selective acquisitions.
 
Successfully Integrate Discount.    Our management team has developed a detailed strategy to integrate Discount, including: (1) re-merchandising stores to increase parts availability and in-stock position;
(2) increasing purchasing efficiencies; (3) leveraging distribution and administrative costs; and (4) enhancing existing commercial delivery programs and selectively adding programs to Discount stores. We plan to convert all of Discount’s stores to the Advance Auto Parts store format and name. We have prepared a systematic integration plan that includes separate timetables for stores located inside and outside of Florida. We plan to convert all Discount stores that are located outside of Florida to Advance Auto Parts stores within one year of the

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Discount acquisition. During this period, Discount stores that are located in Florida will be refurbished and converted to our systems and merchandising plans, with complete conversions to Advance Auto Parts stores, including name change and store format remodeling, phased in over the next three to four years. We believe that Discount’s geographic store concentration and our use of dedicated integration teams will result in minimal disruption of the combined business.
 
Store Operations
 
Advance Retail Operations.    The retail store is the focal point of our operations. Our stores generally are located in free-standing buildings in high traffic areas with good visibility and easy access to major roadways. Our stores typically range in size from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet with an average of approximately 7,500 square feet, and offer between 16,000 and 21,000 SKUs. We also offer approximately 105,000 additional SKUs that are available on a same day or overnight basis through our PDQ® and Master PDQ® systems, including harder-to-find replacement parts, which typically carry a higher gross margin. During 2000, we initiated a local area warehouse concept that utilizes existing space in selected stores to ensure the availability of certain PDQ® items on a same-day basis. On average, a local area warehouse carries between 7,500 and 12,000 SKUs. In addition, our proprietary electronic parts catalog enables our sales associates to identify an extensive number of applications for the SKUs that we carry, as well as parts that are required for or complementary to such applications. Replacement parts sold at our stores include brake shoes, brake pads, belts, hoses, starters, alternators, batteries, shock absorbers, struts, CV half shafts, carburetors, transmission parts, clutches, electronic components, suspension, chassis and engine parts.
 
At December 29, 2001, 1,370 of our retail stores, including Discount stores, participated in our commercial delivery program, which serves DIFM customers. We serve our DIFM customers from our existing retail store base.
 
Our retail stores are divided into five divisions, including the newly formed Florida division. Each division is managed by a senior vice president, who is supported by regional vice presidents. District managers report to the regional vice presidents and have direct responsibility for store operations in a specific district, which typically consists of 10 to 15 stores. Depending on store size and sales volume, each store is staffed by 8 to 30 employees under the leadership of a store manager. Stores generally are open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week.
 
Discount Store Operations.    Discount has developed three types of retail store formats: the mini-depot store, the full service store and the depot store format. The average mini-depot store has approximately 6,700 square feet and carries an average of 14,000 SKUs. The average full service store generally has the same footprint as a mini-depot store, but offers a wider selection of parts because it also provides commercial delivery service. On average, a full service store carries approximately 17,500 SKUs. The typical depot store has approximately 11,000 square feet on average and carries an average of approximately 21,000 SKUs.
 
In March 1998, Discount began the rollout of a commercial delivery program called “Pro2Call.” Under this program, commercial customers can establish commercial accounts and purchase and receive automotive parts. The automotive parts are either delivered or are available for pick up at nearby Discount stores. At November 28, 2001, 167 of Discount’s store locations provided commercial delivery service.

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Total stores.    Our retail stores were located in the following states and territories at December 29, 2001 (including stores acquired in the Discount acquisition):
 
Location

    
Number of Stores

  
Location

    
Number of Stores

  
Location

    
Number of Stores

Alabama
    
113
  
Maine
    
7
  
Puerto Rico
    
37
Arkansas
    
21
  
Maryland
    
30
  
Rhode Island
    
3
California
    
1
  
Massachusetts
    
20
  
South Carolina
    
100
Colorado
    
15
  
Michigan
    
47
  
South Dakota
    
6
Connecticut
    
24
  
Mississippi
    
65
  
Tennessee
    
117
Delaware
    
5
  
Missouri
    
37
  
Texas
    
51
Florida
    
461
  
Nebraska
    
16
  
Vermont
    
2
Georgia
    
253
  
New Hampshire
    
4
  
Virgin Islands
    
2
Illinois
    
23
  
New Jersey
    
21
  
Virginia
    
125
Iowa
    
24
  
New York
    
96
  
West Virginia
    
62
Indiana
    
68
  
North Carolina
    
174
  
Wisconsin
    
16
Kansas
    
26
  
Ohio
    
140
  
Wyoming
    
2
Kentucky
    
66
  
Oklahoma
    
2
           
Louisiana
    
70
  
Pennsylvania
    
132
           
 
The following table sets forth information concerning increases in the number of our stores during the past five years:
 
    
1997

    
1998

      
1999

    
2000

    
2001

 
Beginning Stores
  
649
 
  
814
 
    
1,567
 
  
1,617
 
  
1,729
 
New Stores(1)
  
170
 
  
821
 (2)
    
102
 
  
140
 
  
781
(3)
Stores Closed
  
(5
)
  
(68
)(2)
    
(52
)
  
(28
)
  
(26
)
    

  

    

  

  

Ending Stores
  
814
 
  
1,567
 
    
1,617
 
  
1,729
 
  
2,484
 

(1)
 
Does not include stores that opened as relocations of previously existing stores within the same general market area or substantial renovations of stores.
 
(2)
 
Includes 560 Parts America stores, net of 52 closures, acquired as part of the Western merger in November 1998. Subsequent to 1998, we closed an additional 15 Western stores resulting in a net of 545 stores obtained in the Western merger. Three Advance stores were also closed during fiscal 1998 in connection with the Western merger.
 
(3)
 
Includes 30 Carport stores acquired on April 23, 2001 and 671 Discount stores acquired on November 28, 2001.
 
As part of our integration of Discount, we expect to close certain Discount and Advance stores that are in overlapping markets, as well as Discount stores that do not meet profitability objectives.
 
Advance Wholesale Operations.    Our wholesale dealer operations are managed by a senior vice president (who is also responsible for the Western Auto retail stores and two regions of Advance Stores), a vice president, a national sales manager, an operations manager and various field and support personnel. The wholesale dealer operations consist of a network of independently owned locations, which includes associate, licensee, sales center and franchise dealers. Associate, licensee and franchise stores have rights to the use of the “Western Auto” name and certain services provided by us. Sales centers only have the right to purchase certain products from Western. We also provide services to the wholesale dealer network through various administrative and support functions, as negotiated by each independent location. Our wholesale operations generated approximately 4.1% of our net sales for the forty weeks ended October 6, 2001.

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Purchasing and Merchandising
 
Virtually all of our merchandise is selected and purchased for our stores by personnel at our corporate offices in Roanoke, Virginia. In addition, specialty merchandise is purchased in our Kansas City, Missouri office. In 2000, we purchased merchandise from over 200 vendors, with no single vendor accounting for more than 8% of purchases. Our purchasing strategy involves negotiating multi-year agreements with certain vendors. In connection with our acquisition of Western, we entered into several long-term agreements that provided more favorable terms and pricing due to our increased purchasing volumes. Due largely to the purchasing efficiencies that we were able to obtain primarily from existing vendors as a result of the Western merger, we increased our gross margin on a company-wide basis from 36.4% for 1999 to 39.2% for 2000. We also expect to achieve incremental cost savings from the Discount acquisition. To date, we have successfully renegotiated the majority of our existing contracts with our major vendors, resulting in lower product costs as a result of increasing economies of scale.
 
Our purchasing team is currently led by a group of six senior professionals, who have an average of over 15 years of automotive purchasing experience and over 20 years in retail. This team is skilled in sourcing products globally and maintaining high quality levels while streamlining costs associated with the handling of merchandise through the supply chain. The purchasing team has developed strong vendor relationships in the industry and is currently involved in implementing a “best-in-class” category management process to improve comparable store sales, gross margin and inventory turns.
 
Our merchandising strategy is to carry a broad selection of high quality brand name automotive parts and accessories such as Monroe, Bendix, Purolator and AC Delco, which generates DIY customer traffic and also appeals to commercial delivery customers. In addition to these branded products, we stock a wide selection of high quality private label products that appeal to value conscious customers. Sales of replacement parts account for a majority of our net sales and typically generate higher gross margins than maintenance items or general accessories. We are currently in the process of customizing our product mix based on a merchandising program designed to optimize inventory mix at each individual store based on that store’s historical and projected sales mix and regionally specific needs.
 
Marketing and Advertising
 
We have an extensive marketing and advertising program designed to communicate our merchandise offerings, product assortment, competitive prices and commitment to customer service. The program is focused on establishing us as the solution for a customer’s automotive needs. We utilize a combination of tools to reinforce our brand image, including print, promotional signage, television, radio and outdoor media, plus our proprietary in-store television network and Internet site.
 
Our advertising plan is based on a monthly program built around a promotional theme and a feature product campaign. The plan is supported by print and in-store signage. Our television advertising is targeted on a regional basis to sports programming. Radio advertising, which is used as a supplementary medium, generally airs during peak drive times. We also sponsor sporting events, racing teams and other events at all levels in a grass-roots effort to impact individual communities.
 
We intend to implement a marketing and advertising program for the Discount stores that is consistent with our marketing and advertising program for our Advance Auto Parts stores, which we believe will increase sales in the Discount stores.
 
Properties
 
Distribution Centers and Warehouses.    We currently operate five distribution centers that service Advance Auto Parts stores. We also operate a separate distribution center that supports the Western Auto retail stores and the wholesale dealer operations and in 2002 will service our Advance stores. All distribution centers are equipped with technologically advanced material handling equipment, including carousels, “pick-to-light” systems, radio frequency technology and automated sorting systems.

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We offer over 25,000 SKUs to substantially all of our domestic retail stores via our nine PDQ® warehouses. Stores place orders to these facilities through an online ordering system, and ordered parts are delivered to substantially all stores on a same day or next day basis through our dedicated PDQ® trucking fleet. In addition, we operate a PDQ® warehouse that stocks approximately 80,000 SKUs of harder to find automotive parts and accessories. This facility is known as the “Master PDQ®” warehouse and utilizes existing PDQ® distribution infrastructure to provide next day service to substantially all of our stores. During 2000, we implemented a new local area warehouse distribution concept that utilizes store space to provide certain markets with an additional customized mix of approximately 7,500 to 12,000 SKUs. As of October 6, 2001, we operated six local area warehouse facilities.
 
We also operate two distribution centers that were acquired through the Discount acquisition. In addition, we operate 10 Parts Express warehouses that deliver parts to our stores on a same day or next day basis. As a result of the integration of Discount, we expect to further rationalize our distribution facilities to more efficiently utilize the distribution capacity we acquired from Discount.
 
The following table sets forth certain information relating to our distribution and other principal facilities:
 
Facility

  
Opening Date

  
Area Served

  
Size (Sq. ft.)

    
Nature of Occupancy

Main Distribution Centers:
                     
Roanoke, Virginia(1)
  
1988
  
Mid-Atlantic
  
440,000
    
Leased
Gadsden, Alabama
  
1994
  
South
  
240,000
    
Owned
Lakeland, Florida(2)
  
1982
  
Florida, Georgia and South Carolina
  
600,000
    
Owned
Gastonia, North Carolina(3)
  
1969
  
Western Auto retail stores, wholesale dealer network
  
663,000
    
Owned
Gallman, Mississippi(2)
  
2001
  
Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana
  
400,000
    
Owned
Salina, Kansas(3)
  
1971
  
West
  
441,000
    
Owned
Delaware, Ohio(3)
  
1972
  
Northeast
  
510,000
    
Owned
Thomson, Georgia(4)
  
1999
  
Southeast
  
383,000
    
Leased
Master PDQ® Warehouse:
                     
Andersonville, Tennessee
  
1998
  
All
  
116,000
    
Leased
PDQ® Warehouses:
                     
Salem, Virginia
  
1983
  
Mid-Atlantic
  
50,400
    
Leased
Smithfield, North Carolina
  
1991
  
Southeast
  
42,000
    
Leased
Jeffersonville, Ohio(5)
  
1996
  
Midwest
  
50,000
    
Owned
Thomson, Georgia(6)
  
1998
  
South, Southeast
  
50,000
    
Leased
Goodlettesville, Tennessee
  
1999
  
Central
  
41,900
    
Leased
Youngwood, Pennsylvania
  
1999
  
East
  
49,000
    
Leased
Riverside, Missouri
  
1999
  
West
  
45,000
    
Leased
Guilderland Center, New York
  
1999
  
Northeast
  
47,400
    
Leased
Temple, Texas(3)(7)
  
1999
  
Southwest
  
100,000
    
Owned
Parts Express Warehouses:(2)
                     
Altamonte Springs, Florida
  
1996
  
Central Florida
  
10,000
    
Owned
Jacksonville, Florida
  
1997
  
Northern Florida and Southern Georgia
  
12,712
    
Owned
Tampa, Florida
  
1997
  
West Central Florida
  
10,000
    
Owned
Hialeah, Florida
  
1997
  
South Florida
  
12,500
    
Owned
West Palm Beach, Florida
  
1998
  
Southeast Florida
  
13,300
    
Leased
Mobile, Alabama
  
1998
  
Alabama and Mississippi
  
10,000
    
Owned
Atlanta, Georgia
  
1999
  
Georgia and South Carolina
  
16,786
    
Leased
Tallahassee, Florida
  
1999
  
South Georgia and Northwest Florida
  
10,000
    
Owned
Kenner, Louisiana
  
1999
  
Louisiana
  
12,500
    
Leased
Fort Myers, Florida
  
1999
  
Southwest Florida
  
14,330
    
Owned
Corporate/Administrative Offices:
                     
Roanoke, Virginia – corporate(8)
  
1995
  
All
  
49,000
    
Leased
Kansas City, Missouri – corporate
  
1999
  
All
  
12,500
    
Leased
Roanoke, Virginia – administrative
  
1998
  
All
  
40,000
    
Leased
Lakeland, Florida – administrative(2)(6)
  
1982
  
All
  
67,000
    
Owned
Roanoke, Virginia – administrative
  
2002
  
All
  
69,200
    
Leased

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(1)
 
This facility is owned by Nicholas F. Taubman. See “Related Party Transactions.”
 
(2)
 
We acquired this facility in November 2001 through our acquisition of Discount.
 
(3)
 
We acquired this facility in November 1998 through our acquisition of Western.
 
(4)
 
The construction of this facility was financed in 1997 by a $10.0 million industrial revenue bond issuance from the Development Authority of McDuffie County of the State of Georgia, from whom we lease the facility. We have an option to purchase this facility for $10.00 at the end of five years or upon prepayment of the outstanding bonds. This bond matures in November 2002.
 
(5)
 
Total capacity of this facility is approximately 433,000 square feet, of which 50,000 square feet continues to be used as a PDQ® warehouse. This facility was also used as a distribution center prior to its closure in the fourth quarter of 2001. This facility is currently held for sale.
 
(6)
 
This facility is located within the main distribution center.
 
(7)
 
Total capacity of this facility is approximately 550,000 square feet, of which 100,000 is currently being used as a PDQ® warehouse. Subsequent to December 29, 2001, approximately 215,000 square feet of this facility was subleased to a third party. This facility was once also used as a distribution center and is currently for sale.
 
(8)
 
This facility is owned by Ki, L.C., a Virginia limited liability company owned by two trusts for the benefit of a child and grandchild of Nicholas F. Taubman. See “Related Party Transactions.”
 
Advance Stores.    At December 29, 2001, we owned 113 of our Advance Auto Parts and Western Auto stores and leased 1,702. The expiration dates, including the exercise of renewal options, of the store leases are summarized as follows:
 
Years

  
Stores(1)

2001-2002
  
27
2003-2007
  
157
2008-2012
  
321
2013-2022
  
1,065
2023-2032
  
84
2033-2048
  
48

(1)
 
Of these stores, 18 are owned by our affiliates. See “Related Party Transactions.”
 
Discount Stores.    Discount has historically owned the majority of its store locations. On February 27, 2001, Discount completed a sale/leaseback transaction. Under the terms of the sale/leaseback, Discount sold 101 properties, including land, buildings and improvements, for approximately $62.2 million. Each store was leased back from the purchaser under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms of 22.5 years. Net rent expense during each of the first five years of the lease term will be approximately $6.4 million, with increases periodically thereafter. After taking into account the sale/leaseback transaction, Discount owned 486, or 72%, of its locations and leased 185, or 28%, of its locations at November 28, 2001.
 
Management Information Systems
 
We have developed a flexible technology infrastructure that supports our growth strategy. Our information technology infrastructure is comprised of software and hardware designed to integrate store, distribution and vendor services into a seamless network. All stores, corporate and regional offices, and distribution centers are linked via a communications network, which is based on frame relay technology. Our stores in Puerto Rico are linked to the communications network via satellite. Electronic documents transferred between us and our vendors expedite the ordering, receiving and merchandise payment processes. We expect to integrate our technology platform into Discount’s stores, distribution centers and administrative offices by early 2003.
 
Store Based Information Systems
 
Our store based information systems, which are designed to improve the efficiency of our operations and enhance customer service, are comprised of point-of-sale, or POS, electronic parts catalog, or EPC, store level

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inventory management and store intranet, or STORENET, systems. These systems are tightly integrated and together provide real time, comprehensive information to store and merchandising personnel, resulting in improved customer service levels and in-stock availability. We intend to have the Discount Auto Parts stores integrated into our store based information systems by the end of 2002.
 
Point-of-Sale.    Our POS system was originally installed in 1981, enhanced over the years and reengineered in 1995. POS information is used to formulate pricing, marketing and merchandising strategies and to rapidly replenish inventory. This system has improved store productivity and customer service by streamlining store procedures. We are currently rolling out a new POS system in all of our stores. The new POS system is designed to improve customer check-out time and decrease the time required to train new store associates. In addition, the new POS system will provide additional customer purchase and warranty history, which may be used for customer demographic analysis.
 
Electronic Parts Catalog.    Our EPC system is a software system that enables our sales associates to identify over 20 million application uses for automotive parts and accessories. The EPC system enables sales associates to assist customers in parts selection and ordering based on the year, model, engine type and application needed. If a part is not available at one of our stand-alone stores, the EPC system can also determine whether the part is carried and in-stock through our PDQ® system. The EPC system also enables our sales associates to identify additional parts that are required for or complementary to a customer’s specific application. This generally leads to increased average sales per transaction. The integration of this system with our POS system improves customer service by reducing time spent at the cash register and fully automating the sales process between the parts counter and our POS register. This system enables sales associates to order parts and accessories electronically from our PDQ® system, with immediate confirmation of price, availability and estimated delivery time. Additionally, information about a customer’s automobile can be entered into a permanent customer database that can be accessed immediately whenever the customer visits or telephones the store.
 
In conjunction with the rollout of our new POS system, we are also installing a new EPC in our stores. This new catalog, which is fully integrated with the new POS system, will provide store associates with additional product information, including graphics and system diagrams. The new catalog will use search engines and more user friendly navigation tools that will enhance our sales associates’ ability to look-up parts.
 
To ensure ongoing improvement of EPC information in all stores, we have developed a centrally based EPC data management system that allows us to reduce the cycle time for cataloging and delivering updated product data to stores. This system also provides the capability of cataloging non-application specific parts and additional product information, such as technical bulletins, images of parts and related diagrams of automobiles and expanded lists of related parts for the item being purchased.
 
Store-level Inventory Management System.    Our store-level inventory management system provides real-time inventory tracking at the store-level. With the store-level system, store personnel can check the quantity of on-hand inventory for any SKU, automatically process returns and defective merchandise, designate SKUs for cycle counts and track merchandise transfers. We are testing the effectiveness and viability of radio frequency hand held devices in approximately 200 of our retail stores that should increase inventory utilization and ensure the accuracy of inventory movements.
 
Store Intranet.    Installed in June of 1998, our STORENET system delivers product information, electronic manuals, forms and internal communications to all store employees. Financial reports are delivered to the store managers via STORENET each accounting period. Our online learning center delivers online training programs to all employees. A tracking and reporting function provides human resources and management with an overview of training schedules and results by employee.

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Customer Contact Center.    In the first quarter of 2001, we installed new call routing software and customer service software, established a customer contact center and consolidated all support centers. Implementation of the customer contact center has resulted in a substantial improvement in the speed of call answers, a reduction in calls to voice mail and a reduction in the number of outbound calls required to respond to voice mail.
 
Logistics and Purchasing Information Systems
 
Distribution Center Management System.    Our distribution management system, or DCMS, provides real-time inventory tracking through the processes of receiving, picking, shipping and replenishing at our distribution centers. The DCMS, integrated with material handling equipment, significantly reduces warehouse and distribution costs, while improving efficiency. All of our logistic facilities currently use this technology. As a result, we have the capacity to service over 2,500 stores and our wholesale operations from our six distribution centers. In addition, we acquired two distribution centers through the Discount acquisition, increasing our capacity to service stores. We are currently in the process of enhancing the DCMS and inventory systems to support service of multiple segments from the same distribution center. In addition, we intend to have the operations of Discount integrated into our distribution management systems by the end of 2002.
 
Replenishment Systems.    Our E3 Replenishment System, or E3, which was implemented in 1994, monitors the distribution center and PDQ warehouse inventory levels and orders additional products when appropriate. In addition, the system tracks sales trends by SKU, allowing us to adjust future orders to support seasonal and demographic shifts in demand. We are currently in the process of enhancing this system to improve support of transfer of merchandise among distribution centers. We recently completed the implementation of a store level replenishment version of E3 for our Advance Auto Parts stores. In addition, we intend to implement our replenishment systems in Discount’s stores and other facilities by the end of 2002.
 
Employees
 
At December 29, 2001, we employed approximately 16,739 full-time employees and 8,997 part-time employees. Approximately 84.8% of our workforce is employed in store level operations, 11.1% is employed in distribution and 4.1% is employed in our corporate offices in Roanoke, Virginia and Kansas City, Missouri. We have never experienced any labor disruption and are not party to any collective bargaining agreements. We believe that our labor relations are good.
 
At November 28, 2001, Discount employed approximately 6,300 individuals, of which approximately 5,000 were full-time employees. Approximately 87% of Discount’s employees are employed in stores or in direct field supervision, while 13% work in the distribution center or corporate and support functions. Discount has no collective bargaining agreements covering any of its employees and has never experienced any material labor disruption. We believe that Discount’s labor relations are good.
 
We allocate substantial resources to the recruiting, training and retaining of employees. In addition, we have established a number of empowerment programs for employees, such as employee task forces and regular meetings, to promote employee recognition and address customer service issues. We believe that these efforts have provided us with a well-trained, loyal workforce that is committed to high levels of customer service.
 
Trade Names, Service Marks and Trademarks
 
We own and have registrations for the trade names “Advance Auto Parts,” “Western Auto” and “Parts America” and the trademark “PDQ®” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for use in connection with the automotive parts retailing business. In addition, we own and have registered a number of trademarks with respect to our private label products, and we also acquired from Discount various registered trademarks, service marks and copyrights. We believe that these trade names, service marks and trademarks are important to

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our merchandising strategy. We do not know of any infringing uses that would materially affect the use of these marks and actively defend and enforce them.
 
Competition
 
We compete in the automotive aftermarket parts industry, which includes replacement parts (excluding tires), accessories, maintenance items, batteries and automotive fluids, and which, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, generated approximately $100 billion in sales in 2000 (excluding tires and labor costs). We compete in both the DIY and DIFM categories of the automotive aftermarket industry. Although the number of competitors and the level of competition vary by market, both categories are highly fragmented and generally very competitive. Our primary competitors are both national and regional retail chains of automotive parts stores, including AutoZone, Inc., O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. and The Pep Boys—Manny, Moe & Jack, wholesalers or jobber stores, independent operators, automobile dealers that supply parts, discount stores and mass merchandisers that carry automotive products, including Wal-Mart, Target and K-Mart. We believe that chains of automotive parts stores, like us, with multiple locations in one or more markets, have competitive advantages in customer service, marketing, inventory selection, purchasing and distribution as compared to independent retailers and jobbers that are not part of a chain or associated with other retailers or jobbers. The principal competitive factors that affect our business include price, store location, customer service and product offerings, quality and availability.
 
Environmental Matters
 
We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and governmental regulations relating to the operation of our business, including those governing recycling of batteries and used lubricants, and regarding ownership and operation of real property. We handle hazardous materials as part of our operations, and our customers may also use hazardous materials on our properties or bring hazardous materials or used oil onto our properties. We currently provide collection and recycling programs for used automotive batteries and used lubricants at some of our stores as a service to our customers under agreements with third party vendors. Pursuant to these agreements, used batteries and lubricants are collected by our employees, deposited into vendor supplied containers or pallets and stored by us until collected by the third party vendors for recycling or proper disposal. Persons who arrange for the disposal, treatment or other handling of hazardous or toxic substances may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation at any affected disposal, treatment or other site affected by such substances. In January 1999, we were notified by the United States Environmental Protection agency that Western may have potential liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act relating to two battery salvage and recycling sites that were in operation in the 1970s and 1980s. This matter has since been settled for an amount not material to our current financial position or future results of operations.
 
We own and lease real property. Under various environmental laws and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the cost of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances on, under or in such property. These laws often impose joint and several liability and may be imposed without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release of such hazardous or toxic substances. Other environmental laws and common law principles also could be used to impose liability for releases of hazardous materials into the environment or work place, and third parties may seek recovery from owners or operators of real properties for personal injury or property damage associated with exposure to released hazardous substances. Compliance with these laws and regulations has not had a material impact on our operations to date. We believe that we are currently in material compliance with these laws and regulations.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
In February 2000, the Coalition for a Level Playing Field and over 100 independent automotive parts and accessories aftermarket warehouse distributors and jobbers filed a lawsuit styled Coalition for a Level Playing Field, et al. v. AutoZone, Inc. et al., Case No. 00-0953 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District

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of New York against various automotive parts and accessories retailers. In March 2000, we and Discount were notified that we had been named defendants in the lawsuit. The plaintiffs claim that the defendants have knowingly induced and received volume discounts, rebates, slotting and other allowances, fees, free inventory, sham advertising and promotional payments, a share in the manufacturers’ profits, and excessive payments for services purportedly performed for the manufacturers in violation of the Robinson-Patman Act. The complaint seeks injunctive and declaratory relief, unspecified treble damages on behalf of each of the plaintiffs, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. The defendants, including us and Discount, filed a motion to dismiss in late October 2000. On October 18, 2001, the court denied the motion to dismiss on all but one count. It is expected that the discovery phase of the litigation will now commence (including with respect to us and Discount); however, determinations as to the discovery schedule and scope have not yet been made. We believe these claims are without merit and intend to defend them vigorously; however, the ultimate outcome of this matter can not be ascertained at this time.
 
In November 1997, Joe C. Proffitt, Jr., on behalf of himself and all others in the states of Alabama, California, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia who purchased batteries from us from November 1, 1991 to November 5, 1997, filed a class action complaint and motion of class certification against us in the circuit court for Jefferson County, Tennessee, alleging the sale by us of used, old or out-of-warranty automotive batteries as new. The complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages. In September 2001, the court granted our motion for summary judgment against the plaintiff and dismissed all claims against us. The court has not yet entered a formal order, and the period for appeal has not yet run. We believe that we do not have any liability for such claims and intend to defend them vigorously.
 
In addition to the above matters, we and Discount currently and from time to time are involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of our respective businesses. The damages claimed against us or Discount in some of these proceedings are substantial. Although the amount of liability that may result from these matters cannot be ascertained, we do not currently believe that, in the aggregate, they will result in liabilities material to our consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or cash flow.

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MANAGEMENT
 
Executive Officers and Directors
 
The following table provides information about our executive officers and directors at February 1, 2002:
 
Name

  
Age

  
Position

Nicholas F. Taubman
  
66
  
Chairman of the Board
Garnett E. Smith(1)
  
62
  
Vice Chairman of the Board
Lawrence P. Castellani
  
56
  
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Jimmie L. Wade
  
47
  
President and Chief Financial Officer
David R. Reid
  
39
  
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Paul W. Klasing
  
42
  
Executive Vice President, Merchandising and Marketing
Eric M. Margolin
  
48
  
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Jeffrey T. Gray
  
36
  
Senior Vice President, Controller, Assistant Secretary
Robert E. Hedrick
  
54
  
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Shirley L. Stevens
  
53
  
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Timothy C. Collins
  
45
  
Director
Mark J. Doran(2)
  
37
  
Director
Peter J. Fontaine(2)
  
48
  
Director
Paul J. Liska
  
46
  
Director
Stephen M. Peck(2)
  
67
  
Director
Glenn Richter(2)
  
39
  
Director
John M. Roth(1)
  
43
  
Director
William L. Salter(1)
  
58
  
Director
Ronald P. Spogli
  
53
  
Director

(1) 
 
Member of Compensation Committee.
(2) 
 
Member of Audit Committee.
 
Mr. Taubman, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, joined us in 1956. Mr. Taubman has served as our Chairman since January 1985 and served as our Chief Executive Officer from January 1985 to July 1997. From 1969 to 1984, Mr. Taubman served as our President. In addition, Mr. Taubman served as our Secretary and Treasurer from May 1992 to February 1998.
 
Mr. Smith, our Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, joined us in November 1959. Mr. Smith was named Vice Chairman of the Board in February 2000. From August 1997 to February 2000, Mr. Smith served as our Chief Executive Officer, and from January 1985 to October 1999, served as our President. From January 1985 until July 1997, Mr. Smith served as our Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Smith has also served in numerous other positions with us, including Executive Vice President and General Manager, Vice President of Purchasing, Buyer and Store Manager.
 
Mr. Castellani joined us in February 2000 as our Chief Executive Officer and as a Director. Prior to joining us, Mr. Castellani served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ahold Support Services in Latin America (a division of Royal Ahold, a supermarket company) from February 1998 to February 2000, as Executive Vice President of Ahold USA through 1997, and as Chief Executive Officer of Tops Friendly Markets from 1991 through the end of 1996.
 

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Mr. Wade, our President and Chief Financial Officer, joined us in February 1994. Mr. Wade was named President in October 1999 and Chief Financial Officer in March 2000. Mr. Wade also served as our Secretary from March 2000 until March 2001. From 1987 to 1993, Mr. Wade was Vice President, Finance and Operations, for S.H. Heironimus, a regional department store company, and from 1979 to 1987, he was Vice President of Finance for American Motor Inns, a hotel company. Mr. Wade is a certified public accountant.
 
Mr. Reid, our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, joined us in October 1984 and has held his current position since October 1999. From August 1999 to August 2000, Mr. Reid served as the Chief Executive Officer of Western Auto Supply Company. Immediately prior to assuming this position, Mr. Reid was our Senior Vice President with responsibility for real estate and store support. Mr. Reid has been a Vice President, Store Support and has also served in various training and store operations positions as Store, Regional and Division Manager.
 
Mr. Klasing, our Executive Vice President, Merchandising and Marketing, joined us in April 1995 and has held his current position since October 1999. From July 1997 to October 1999, Mr. Klasing served as our Senior Vice President, Purchasing. From April 1995 to July 1997, Mr. Klasing held various other positions with us.
 
Mr. Margolin, our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, joined us in April 2001. From 1993 to June 2000, Mr. Margolin was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Tire Kingdom, Inc., now TBC Corporation, a retailer of tires and provider of automotive services. From 1985 to 1993, Mr. Margolin served as the general counsel for several companies in the apparel manufacturing and retail field.
 
Mr. Gray, our Senior Vice President, Controller and Assistant Secretary, joined us in March 1994 and has held his current position since April 2000. From March 1994 to March 2000, Mr. Gray held several positions with us, most recently as Vice President of Inventory Management. From 1993 to 1994, Mr. Gray served as controller of Hollins University, and from 1987 to 1993, Mr. Gray was employed by KPMG LLP, a public accounting firm. Mr. Gray is a certified public accountant.
 
Mr. Hedrick joined us in May 2001 as our Senior Vice President, Human Resources. Mr. Hedrick was previously Vice President, Human Resources for Foodbrands America from January  1997 to April 2001, and before that held various positions in human resources over a 20 year period with Sara Lee Corporation, a producer, marketer and distributor of frozen and refrigerated processed food.
 
Ms. Stevens, our Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, joined us in July 1979 and has held her current position since July 1997. From 1979 until June 1997, Ms. Stevens held several positions with us, most recently as Vice President of Systems Development.
 
Mr. Collins became a member of our board of directors in April 1998. Mr. Collins is Senior Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C., a private investment firm formed by him in October 1995. From February 1990 to October 1995, Mr. Collins was a Senior Managing Director of the New York office of Onex Corporation, a leveraged buy-out group headquartered in Canada. Mr. Collins is also a director of WRC Media, Inc., The Strong Schaefer Value Fund, Western Multiplex Corporation, Asbury Automotive Group, Shinsei Bank, and other privately held Ripplewood portfolio companies.
 
Mr. Doran became a member of our board of directors in April 1998. Mr. Doran joined Freeman Spogli & Co. in 1988 and became a principal in January 1998. Mr. Doran is also a director of Century Maintenance Supply, Inc.
 
Mr. Fontaine became a member of our board of directors upon consummation of the Discount acquisition in November 2001. Mr. Fontaine was with Discount since 1975. Mr. Fontaine was elected Secretary and Treasurer of Discount in 1979, Executive Vice President–Operations in 1992, Chief Operating Officer in 1993 and President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board in July 1994. Mr. Fontaine stepped down from his position as President of Discount effective February 1, 1997, and resigned his position as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in January 2002.

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Mr. Liska became a member of our board of directors in January 2002. Mr. Liska has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sears since June 2001. Prior to joining Sears, Mr. Liska held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The St. Paul Companies, Inc. from February 1997 to May 2001. In March 1994 he joined Specialty Foods Corporation as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, becoming Chief Operating Officer in December 1994 and President and Chief Executive Officer in March 1996.
 
Mr. Peck became a member of our board of directors in January 2002. Mr. Peck is a general partner of Wilderness Partners, L.P., a private partnership, a general partner of the Torrey Funds, LLC, and the chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee of Mount Sinai/NYU Health, Mount Sinai Hospital and Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Mr. Peck also serves as a member of the board of directors of Fresenius Medical Care, OFFIT Investment Funds, Canarc Resource Corp., Banyan Strategic Realty Trust, Boston Life Sciences, Inc. and The Jewish Theological Seminary. He also serves as a member of the Advisory Board of Brown Simpson Asset Management.
 
Mr. Richter became a member of our board of directors in January 2002. Mr. Richter has served as Senior Vice President of Finance for Sears since July 2001. In February 2000, Mr. Richter joined Sears as Vice President and Controller. Prior to joining Sears, he was with Dade Behring International, serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from April 1999 to February 2000 and the Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller from January 1997 to April 1999. Prior to that, Mr. Richter held various financial and strategic positions at PepsiCo and was also a consultant at McKinsey & Company.
 
Mr. Roth became a member of our board of directors in April 1998. Mr. Roth joined Freeman Spogli & Co. in March 1988 and became a principal in March 1993. Mr. Roth is also a director of AFC Enterprises, Inc., Galyan’s Trading Company, Inc. and Asbury Automotive Group.
 
Mr. Salter became a member of our board of directors in April 1999. Mr. Salter is the retired President of the Specialty Retail Division of Sears. From         1995 to         1999, Mr. Salter served as President of the Home Stores and Hard Lines division of Sears, and from 1993 to         1995 as the Vice President and General Manager of the Home Appliances and Electronics Division of Sears.
 
Mr. Spogli became a member of our board of directors in August 2001. He was previously one of our directors from the April 1998 recapitalization until the closing of the Western merger in November 1998. Mr. Spogli is a principal of Freeman Spogli & Co., which he co-founded in 1983. Mr. Spogli also serves as a member of the board of directors of Hudson Respiratory Care Inc., Century Maintenance Supply, Inc., AFC Enterprises, Inc. and Galyan’s Trading Company, Inc.
 
Our board of directors currently consists of 12 members. All directors are elected annually and hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
 
Executive officers are elected by, and serve at the discretion of, our board of directors. We have entered into employment agreements with certain of our executive officers. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.
 
Board Committees
 
We currently have an audit committee and a compensation committee.
 
Audit Committee.    Messrs. Doran, Fontaine, Peck and Richter currently serve as members of the audit committee. Mr. Peck is the chairman of the audit committee. The audit committee is responsible for recommending to the board of directors the appointment of our independent auditors, analyzing the reports and recommendations of the auditors and reviewing our internal audit procedures and controls.

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Compensation Committee.     Messrs. Roth, Salter and Smith currently serve as members of the compensation committee. Each member of the compensation committee is a non-employee director. The compensation committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending the compensation structure for our officers and directors, including salaries, participation in incentive compensation, benefit and stock option plans, and other forms of compensation.
 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
The compensation committee of the board of directors determines the compensation of our officers and directors. During fiscal 2001, Messrs. Roth, Salter and Smith served on the compensation committee. Mr. Smith also served as one of our officers during 2001, but did not participate in the approval of matters related to his compensation. None of our executive officers currently serves on the compensation committee or board of directors of any other company of which any members of our compensation committee is an executive officer.
 
Director Compensation
 
We have adopted a compensation program whereby each director who is not one of our employees or a designee of Freeman Spogli & Co., Sears, Roebuck and Co. or Ripplewood Partners, L.P. to our board of directors, will receive (1) a $10,000 annual retainer, (2) $2,000 per board meeting, or $1,000 if attendance is telephonic, and (3) if a committee meeting is held on any day other than a day on which a board meeting is held, $750 per committee meeting, or $375 if attendance is telephonic. In addition, upon their appointment to the board, each of these directors will receive an initial grant of 7,500 options that vest over three years, conditioned upon continued service as a board member. They will also receive an annual grant of 5,000 options, subject to the same terms. In addition, we reimburse all of our directors for their reasonable expenses in attending meetings and performing duties as directors.
 
Executive Employment Agreements
 
Mr. Castellani was appointed our Chief Executive Officer and began employment on February 1, 2000, at which time he signed an employment and non-competition agreement. Mr. Castellani signed an irrevocable acceptance letter with us in December 1999 that obligated us to pay him a signing bonus of $3.3 million. The signing bonus of $3.3 million was accrued at January 1, 2000 and was paid in the first quarter of 2000. Approximately $1.9 million of the bonus was used to purchase shares of our common stock pursuant to a restricted stock agreement, which limits the sale or transfer of rights to the stock until 180 days after the closing of this offering. This portion of the bonus was deferred and is being amortized over the two-year term of the contract. Mr. Castellani’s employment contract has an initial term of two years, and renews automatically each year thereafter unless terminated by us or Mr. Castellani. The contract provides for a base salary of $600,000, subject to annual increases at the discretion of the board of directors, and an annual cash bonus based on our achievement of performance targets established by the board of directors. In the event Mr. Castellani is terminated without cause, or terminates his employment for good reason, as defined in the employment agreement, he will receive salary through the later of the end of the term of employment or one year from the effective date of termination, less any amounts earned in other employment, and the pro rata share of the bonus due to Mr. Castellani prior to the termination of employment. Mr. Castellani has agreed not to compete with us, to preserve our confidential information, not to recruit or employ our employees to or in other businesses and not to solicit our customers or suppliers for competitors.
 
On April 15, 1998, Mr. Smith entered into an employment and non-competition agreement with us, which was amended effective April 2001. In January 2000, Mr. Smith was named as our Vice Chairman. The agreement has a term of one year, renewing automatically each year thereafter unless terminated by us or Mr. Smith. The agreement provides for a base salary of $200,000, effective April 1, 2000, and is subject to annual increases at the discretion of our board of directors. Additionally, Mr. Smith may earn annual cash bonuses based on our achievement of performance targets established by our board of directors. The bonus to be paid upon

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achievement of targets will be consistent in amount with the bonuses paid to Mr. Smith by us historically. In the event Mr. Smith is terminated without cause, or terminates his employment for good reason, as defined in the employment agreement, he will receive salary through the later of the end of the term of employment or one year from the effective date of termination, less any amounts earned in other employment, and the pro rata share of the bonus due to Mr. Smith prior to termination of employment. Mr. Smith has agreed not to compete with us, to preserve our confidential information, not to recruit or employ our employees to or in other businesses and not to solicit our customers or suppliers for competitors.
 
On April 15, 1998, Messrs. Reid, Wade and Klasing and Ms. Stevens entered into employment agreements with us. These agreements contain severance provisions that provide for one year of base salary upon termination of employment, by us without cause or by the employee with good reason as defined in the employment agreement, less any amounts earned in other employment, and the pro rata share of the bonus due to the employee prior to the termination of employment. The agreements extend from year-to-year unless terminated by the employee or us. Other provisions require us to pay bonuses earned by the employee upon our achievement of targets relating to sales, earnings and return on invested capital that are approved by our board of directors, and an agreement by the employee not to compete with us, to preserve our confidential information, not to recruit or employ our employees to or in other businesses and not to solicit our customers or suppliers for competitors.
 
Consulting Agreement
 
On April 15, 1998, Mr. Taubman entered into a consulting and non-competition agreement with us, which was amended effective April 2001. The agreement requires us to pay consulting fees in an amount of $300,000 per annum, plus an annual bonus of up to $300,000 based upon the achievement of targeted performance goals established by our board of directors. In 1999, 2000 and 2001, Mr. Taubman earned $400,000, $320,000 and $563,400, respectively, pursuant to the consulting agreement. The agreement will terminate on April 15, 2002. Mr. Taubman has agreed not to compete with us, to preserve our confidential information, not to recruit or employ our employees to or in other businesses and not to solicit our customers or suppliers for competitors. Pursuant to the consulting agreement, we and Mr. Taubman have entered into an indemnity agreement whereby we will indemnify Mr. Taubman for actions taken as an officer or director of, or consultant to, us to the fullest extent permitted by law.
 
Discount Change of Control Employment Agreements and Severance Plan
 
Each of C. Michael Moore, Discount’s Executive Vice President–Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Michael Harrah, Discount’s Vice President–Information Systems, Clement Bottino, Discount’s Vice President–Human Resources, David Viele, Discount’s Vice President–Purchasing, C. Roy Martin, Discount’s Vice President–Supply Chain and Logistics, Tom Merk, Vice President–Sales and Marketing and three non-executive officers of Discount has a change of control employment agreement with Discount that provides that each of them is entitled to severance benefits upon a termination or constructive termination of his employment that occurs during a specified period following our acquisition of Discount, unless the termination is for cause or by the officer for other than good reason, as defined in the agreements, prior to one year following the change of control.
 
The extent of the severance benefits and the manner in which they are paid are dependent on the position and tenure of the officer, which determines the applicable employment period, and the reason the officer’s employment was terminated. The applicable employment period for Mr. Moore is set at thirty-six months and the applicable employment period for each of the other officers is determined based on a formula that gives specified credit for the executive’s position with Discount and separate credit for the executive’s tenure with Discount.
 
The agreements also provide for specified salary and benefits to be paid to the officers upon a termination of employment as a result of death or disability. The agreement with Mr. Moore provides for a payment, if necessary, intended to make him whole for any excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, with respect to any payment or benefit that he may receive.

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The approximate lump sum severance payment that would be due under the change of control employment agreements for Messrs. Harrah, Bottino,Viele, Martin and Merk, if their employment were to be terminated by us without cause, would be $255,400, $358,500, $379,800, $176,800 and $247,900. The approximate lump sum severance payment that would be due under the change of control employment agreement for Mr. Moore, if his employment had been terminated by us without cause at November 28, 2001 would be $866,800, plus any applicable “gross-up” payment required to compensate him for any excise tax imposed on him, as discussed above.
 
The total cost for all severance payments and benefits that would be owed under all of these change of control employment agreements and arrangements if each participant’s employment had been terminated without cause immediately after the Discount acquisition, and any “gross-up” payment required to be made to Mr. Moore, as described above, would have been approximately $13.5 million.
 
In addition to the above benefits that may accrue upon termination of the officer, the change of control employment agreements and arrangements with other non-executive employees provide for benefits during the participant’s continued employment with us following the closing of the acquisition. These benefits include salary protections and provisions that entitle the officer to receive similar benefits as those offered to other officers, including participation in bonus and incentive compensation plans and programs, medical, life and other insurance benefits, vacation, reimbursement of expenses and indemnification and director and officer liability insurance.
 
The change of control employment agreements also provide that for a period of time during the continued employment of the officer with us following the closing of the Discount acquisition or following termination of employment of the officer, the officer will not (1) act in any manner or capacity in or for any business entity that competes with Discount, (2) divulge any confidential information of Discount to a third party, except for the benefit of Discount or when required by law, and (3) solicit or hire away any person who was an employee of Discount on the effective date of the Discount acquisition.

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Executive Compensation
 
The following table sets forth the compensation received by our Chief Executive Officer and the four other most highly compensated executives serving as officers at the end of our last completed year. We refer to these individuals as our named executive officers.
 
Summary Compensation Table
 
    
Annual Compensation

    
Long Term Compensation Awards

      
Name and Principal Position

  
Fiscal Year

  
Salary

  
Bonus

    
Securities Underlying Options/SARs

    
All Other Compensation(2)

Lawrence P. Castellani
Chief Executive Officer
  
2001
2000
1999
  
$
 
 
622,116
542,308
—  
  
$
 
 
391,800
75,000
3,272,700
 
 
(1)
  
60,000
1,050,000
—  
    
$
 
 
5,100
—  
—  
Jimmie L. Wade
President and Chief Financial Officer
  
2001
2000
1999
  
$
 
 
288,270
265,865
174,421
  
$
 
 
218,985
128,502
158,026
 
 
 
  
35,000
30,000
34,500
    
$
 
 
6,460
6,336
6,080
David R. Reid
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
  
2001
2000
1999
  
$
 
 
258,847
250,000
198,808
  
$
 
 
179,571
84,923
156,625
 
 
 
  
27,500
25,000
34,500
    
$
 
 
6,460
6,379
6,080
Paul W. Klasing
Executive Vice President, Merchandise and Marketing
  
2001
2000
1999
  
$
 
 
222,116
184,128
151,031
  
$
 
 
136,571
80,605
139,359
 
 
 
  
25,000
18,000
34,500
    
$
 
 
6,460
6,298
6,080
Shirley L. Stevens
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
  
2001
2000
1999
  
$
 
 
180,846
172,782
164,665
  
$
 
 
82,408
61,820
130,840
 
 
 
  
10,000
10,000
8,000
    
$
 
 
7,875
6,302
6,080

(1) 
 
Mr. Castellani received a signing bonus that was accrued on January 1, 2000 in connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer. Approximately $1.9 million of the bonus was used to purchase shares of our common stock.
(2) 
 
Consists of matching contributions made by us under our 401(k) savings plan.

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Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
 
The following table sets forth information concerning options granted in 2001 to each of the named executive officers.
 

  
Individual Grants

  
Potential Realizable Value at Assumed Annual Rates of Price Appreciation for Option Term(2)

Name

  
Number of Securities Underlying Options Granted

    
Percent of Total Options Granted to Employees in 2001

    
Exercise or Base Price per share(1)

  
Expiration Date

  
                
5%

  
10%

Lawrence P. Castellani
  
60,000
    
17.8
%
  
$
21.00
  
4/5/08
  
$
512,947
  
$
1,195,384
Jimmie L. Wade
  
35,000
    
10.4
%
  
 
21.00
  
4/5/08
  
 
299,219
  
 
697,307
David R. Reid
  
27,500
    
8.1
%
  
 
21.00
  
4/5/08
  
 
235,100
  
 
547,884
Paul W. Klasing
  
25,000
    
7.4
%
  
 
21.00
  
4/5/08
  
 
213,728
  
 
498,076
Shirley L. Stevens
  
10,000
    
3.0
%
  
 
21.00
  
4/5/08
  
 
85,500
  
 
199,200

(1) 
 
Represents the fair market value of the underlying shares of common stock at the time of the grant, as determined by our board of directors.
(2) 
 
The potential realizable value is calculated assuming that the fair market value of our common stock appreciates at the indicated annual rate compounded annually for the entire seven-year term of the option, and that the option is exercised and the underlying shares of our common stock sold on the last day of its seven-year term for the appreciated stock price. The assumed 5% and 10% rates of appreciation are mandated by the rules of the SEC and do not represent our estimate of the future prices or market value of our common stock.
 
Fiscal Year-End Option Values
 
The following table sets forth information with respect to our named executive officers concerning option exercises for 2001 and exercisable and unexercisable stock options held at December 29, 2001. No options were exercised by these officers during the year ended December 29, 2001.
 
    
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options at December 29, 2001

  
Value of Unexercised In-the-Money Options at December 29, 2001(1)

Name

     
  
Exercisable

  
Unexercisable

  
Exercisable

  
Unexercisable

Lawrence P. Castellani
  
350,000
  
760,000
  
$
9,138,500
  
$
19,840,000
Jimmie L. Wade
  
41,333
  
58,167
  
 
1,332,007
  
 
1,612,078
David R. Reid
  
39,667
  
47,333
  
 
1,281,623
  
 
1,315,937
Paul W. Klasing
  
37,333
  
40,167
  
 
1,211,087
  
 
1,109,738
Shirley L. Stevens
  
33,667
  
19,333
  
 
1,100,243
  
 
542,647

(1) 
 
Values for “in-the-money” outstanding options represent the positive spread between the respective exercise prices of the outstanding options and the fair market value underlying Advance common stock on December 28, 2001 of $47.05.
 
Stock Subscription Plans
 
We have adopted stock subscription plans pursuant to which, at or since our 1998 recapitalization, certain directors, officers and key employees have purchased 747,550 shares, net of cancellations, of our outstanding common stock at the fair market value at the time of purchase. Agreements entered into in connection with the stock subscription plans provide for certain restrictions on transferability. Approximately $3.2 million of the purchase price for these shares has been paid by delivery of full recourse promissory notes bearing interest at the prime rate and due five years from their inception, secured by all of the stock each individual purchased under the plans. At December 29, 2001, $2.7 million under these notes remained outstanding.

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Messrs. Wade, Reid and Klasing and Ms. Stevens purchased 25,000 shares, 20,000 shares, 20,000 shares and 20,000 shares. For these individuals, $75,000, $115,000, $110,000 and $100,000 of their purchase price was financed through the delivery of promissory notes on the terms described above. At December 29, 2001, the outstanding principal balance on the promissory notes was $115,000, $110,000 and $100,000 for each of Messrs. Reid and Klasing and Ms. Stevens, respectively, and Mr. Wade had repaid his promissory note in full. Mr. Castellani entered into a stock subscription agreement under the stock subscription plan in 2000, pursuant to which he purchased 75,000 shares of our common stock. $900,000 of Mr. Castellani’s purchase price was financed through the delivery of a promissory note to us. At December 29, 2001, the outstanding balance of the promissory note was $600,000.
 
Garnett E. Smith, Vice Chairman of the Board, purchased 250,000 shares for cash pursuant to a stock subscription plan and did not deliver a promissory note. In September 2001, we loaned Mr. Smith $1.3 million. This loan is evidenced by a full recourse promissory note bearing interest at the prime rate, with such interest payable annually, and due in full five years from its inception. Payment of the promissory note is secured by a stock pledge agreement that grants us a security interest in all of the shares of our common stock acquired by Mr. Smith under our stock subscription plan.
 
Stock Option Plans
 
At December 29, 2001, we have granted a total of 3,021,947 shares under our option plans, net of cancellations. Each option plan participant has entered into an option agreement with us. The option plans and each outstanding option thereunder are subject to termination in the event of a change in control or other extraordinary corporate transactions, as more fully described in the option plans. In addition, all options granted pursuant to the option plans will terminate 90 days after termination of employment, unless termination was for cause, in which case an option will terminate immediately, or in the event of a termination due to death or disability, in which case an option will terminate 180 days after such termination. All options granted under our 2001 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan and 2001 Executive Stock Option Plan will terminate on the seventh anniversary of the option agreement under which they were granted if not exercised prior thereto.
 
On December 12, 2001, our board of directors approved an amendment to our stock option plans that eliminated certain variable provisions established as a result of our being a private company prior to the Discount acquisition. These modifications resulted in accelerating vesting provisions under the performance options and establishing a fixed exercise price on options with variable exercise prices. No additional common shares or options were issued as a result of these modifications.
 
2001 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan
 
Our 2001 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan provides for the grant to our senior executive officers of incentive and nonqualified options to purchase shares of common stock. The plan authorizes the issuance of options to purchase up to 1,710,000 shares of common stock and is administered by the compensation committee. Shares received upon exercise of options, as well as all outstanding options, are also subject to obligations to sell at the request of Freeman Spogli & Co. At December 29, 2001, options to purchase 1,545,500 shares of common stock were outstanding under the plan, 1,105,167 of which were exercisable, and options to purchase 164,500 shares of common stock were available for future grant.
 
2001 Executive Stock Option Plan
 
Our 2001 Executive Stock Option Plan provides for the grant to our directors, consultants and key employees of incentive and nonqualified options to purchase shares of common stock. The plan authorizes the issuance of options to purchase up to 3,600,000 shares of common stock and is administered by the compensation committee. Most of the options granted under the plan become exercisable based on our attainment of certain operating performance criteria, as established by the board of directors.

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Under the terms of the Discount merger agreement, we were obligated to convert outstanding Discount options with an exercise price greater than $15.00 into options to purchase shares of our common stock, preserving the same economic terms. As a result, we granted 574,765 substitute options under the 2001 Executive Stock Option Plan at a weighted average exercise price of $38.87 per share. Further, we were obligated to memorialize these substitute options in an agreement no more restrictive, from the perspective of the option holder, than the option agreement between Discount and the holder. Therefore, these options do not contain the same provisions regarding termination as the current options issued by us and will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the date of the option agreement between Discount and the holder.
 
At December 29, 2001, including the substitute options granted to Discount’s option holders, options to purchase 1,476,447 shares of common stock were outstanding under the 2001 Executive Stock Option Plan, 985,614 of which were exercisable, and options to purchase 2,123,553 shares of common stock were available for future grant.
 
Limitation of Liability and Indemnification
 
As allowed by the Delaware General Corporation Law, our certificate of incorporation contains a provision to limit the personal liability of our directors for violations of their fiduciary duty. This provision eliminates each director’s liability to us or our stockholders for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The effect of this provision is to eliminate the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for actions involving a breach of their fiduciary duty of care, including such actions involving gross negligence. However, our directors will be personally liable to us and our shareholders for monetary damages if they violated their duty of loyalty, acted in bad faith, knowingly or intentionally violated the law, authorized illegal dividends or redemptions or derived an improper benefit from their actions as directors. Our articles further provide that if the Delaware General Corporation Law is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law without further action by the shareholders. These provisions of our articles will limit the remedies available to a shareholder in the event of breaches of a director’s duties to such shareholder or us.
 
Our bylaws provide for indemnification of and the payment of expenses in advance to directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
 
We have obtained directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, which insures against liabilities that our directors or officers may incur in such capacities. We have also entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and officers. The indemnification agreements provide indemnification to our directors and officers under certain circumstances for acts or omissions that may not be covered by directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.
 
Insofar as the indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

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PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
The following table sets forth certain information known to us regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock, at January 31, 2002 and as adjusted to reflect the sale of common stock offered in this offering by:
 
Ÿ
 
each person or entity known to us that beneficially owns more than 5% of our common stock;
 
Ÿ
 
each stockholder selling shares of our common stock in this offering;
 
Ÿ
 
each of our named executive officers and certain other executive officers;
 
Ÿ
 
each member of our board of directors; and
 
Ÿ
 
all of our executive officers and directors as a group.
 
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage of ownership held by that person, shares of common stock subject to options and warrants held by that person that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days after January 31, 2002 are deemed outstanding, while these shares are not deemed outstanding for computing percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes below, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned, subject to community property laws where applicable. The address for those individuals for which an address is not otherwise indicated is: c/o Advance Auto Parts, Inc., 5673 Airport Road, NW, Roanoke, Virginia 24012.
 
The percentages of common stock beneficially owned are based on 32,695,735 shares of our common stock outstanding at January 31, 2002 and 34,945,735 shares of our common stock outstanding following this offering. The shares of our common stock beneficially owned by Freeman Spogli & Co. exclude 2,891,795 shares that Freeman Spogli & Co. has the power to vote pursuant to an irrevocable proxy from Ripplewood Partners that will terminate upon the closing of this offering.
 
    
Shares Beneficially
Owned
Before Offering

    
Shares to be Sold in the Offering

  
Shares Beneficially
Owned
After Offering

 
Name

  
Number

    
Percentage

    
Number

  
Number

    
Percentage

 
Freeman Spogli & Co. LLC(1)
  
11,022,652
    
33.7
%
  
2,930,511
  
8,092,141
    
23.2
%
Mark J. Doran(1)
  
11,022,652
    
33.7
 
  
—  
  
8,092,141
    
23.2
 
John M. Roth(1)
  
11,022,652
    
33.7
 
  
—  
  
8,092,141
    
23.2
 
Ronald P. Spogli(1)
  
11,022,652
    
33.7
 
  
—  
  
8,092,141
    
23.2
 
Sears, Roebuck and Co.(2)
  
11,474,606
    
35.1
 
  
3,050,669
  
8,423,937
    
24.1
 
Paul J. Liska(2)
  
11,474,606
    
35.1
 
  
—  
  
8,423,937
    
24.1
 
Glenn Richter(2)
  
11,474,606
    
35.1
 
  
—  
  
8,423,937
    
24.1
 
Ripplewood Partners, L.P. and affiliates(3)(4)
  
2,891,795
    
8.8
 
  
768,820
  
2,122,975
    
6.1
 
Timothy C. Collins(3)(4)
  
2,891,795
    
8.8
 
  
—  
  
2,122,975
    
6.1
 
Nicholas F. Taubman(5)
  
1,398,732
    
4.3
 
  
—  
  
1,398,732
    
4.0
 
Arthur Taubman Trust dated July 13, 1964(6)
  
1,148,633
    
3.5
 
  
—  
  
1,148,633
    
3.3
 
Lawrence P. Castellani(7)(8)
  
885,000
    
2.7
 
  
—  
  
885,000
    
2.5
 
Garnett E. Smith(8)
  
655,167
    
2.0
 
  
—  
  
655,167
    
1.9
 
Jimmie L. Wade(8)
  
66,333
    
*
 
  
—  
  
66,333
    
*
 
David R. Reid(8)
  
59,666
    
*
 
  
—  
  
59,666
    
*
 
Paul W. Klasing(8)
  
57,333
    
*
 
  
—  
  
57,333
    
*
 
Shirley L. Stevens(8)
  
53,667
    
*
 
  
—  
  
53,667
    
*
 
Peter J. Fontaine(9)
  
1,036,858
    
3.2
 
  
—  
  
1,036,858
    
3.0
 
William L. Salter(10)
  
—  
    
—  
 
  
—  
  
—  
    
—  
 
Stephen M. Peck(11)
  
—  
    
—  
 
  
—  
  
—  
    
—  
 
All executive officers and directors as a group (19 persons)
  
30,804,876
    
94.2
%
  
6,750,000
  
24,054,876
    
68.8
%

*  
 
Less than 1% of the outstanding shares of common stock

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(1)
 
11,022,652 shares of our common stock are held of record by FS Equity Partners IV, L.P., or FSEP IV. As the general partner of FSEP IV, FS Capital Partners LLC has the sole power to vote and dispose of the shares owned by FSEP IV. Messrs. Doran, Roth, Spogli, Bradford M. Freeman, Todd W. Halloran, Jon D. Ralph, Charles P. Rullman, J. Frederick Simmons and William M. Wardlaw are the managing members of FS Capital Partners LLC, and Messrs. Doran, Freeman, Halloran, Ralph, Roth, Rullman, Simmons, Spogli and Wardlaw are the members of Freeman Spogli & Co. LLC, and as such may be deemed to be the beneficial owners of the shares of our common stock and rights to acquire our common stock owned by FSEP IV. Freeman Spogli & Co. and its members have, in addition, sole power to vote 2,891,795 shares of our common stock owned of record by Ripplewood Partners, L.P. and Ripplewood Advance Auto Parts Employee Fund I L.L.C. pursuant to an irrevocable proxy delivered to Freeman Spogli & Co. under the terms of the stockholders agreement. This irrevocable proxy will expire upon the closing of this offering. Freeman Spogli & Co. neither has shared nor sole power to dispose of shares held by Ripplewood Partners or the Ripplewood employee fund. The business address of Freeman Spogli & Co., FSEP IV, FS Capital Partners, and Messrs. Freeman, Spogli, Wardlaw, Simmons, Roth, Rullman, Ralph, Halloran and Doran is 11100 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 1900, Los Angeles, California 90025.
(2)
 
11,474,606 shares of our common stock are held of record by Sears, Roebuck and Co. Messrs. Liska and Richter, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Senior Vice President of Finance, respectively, of Sears, have the power to direct the voting of the shares of our common stock held by Sears, and as such may be deemed to be the beneficial owners of the shares of our common stock owned by Sears. The business address of Sears, Mr. Liska and Mr. Richter is 3333 Beverly Road, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179.
(3)
 
2,763,110 shares of our common stock are held of record by Ripplewood Partners, and 128,685 shares of our common stock are held of record by the Ripplewood Advance Auto Parts Employee Fund I, L.L.C. Ripplewood Investments L.L.C. (formerly known as Ripplewood Holdings, L.L.C.) is the sole general partner of Ripplewood Partners and the sole managing member of the Ripplewood employee fund and, therefore, has the sole power to vote or dispose of the shares owned by Ripplewood Partners and the Ripplewood employee fund. Pursuant to the stockholders agreement and an irrevocable proxy required by the terms thereof, Freeman Spogli & Co. has sole voting power over all of the shares of our common stock held by Ripplewood Partners and the Ripplewood employee fund. This irrevocable proxy will expire upon the closing of this offering. Mr. Collins is the Chief Executive Officer of Ripplewood Investments L.L.C. and as such may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of our common stock owned by Ripplewood Partners and the Ripplewood employee fund. The business address of Ripplewood Investments L.L.C., Ripplewood Partners, the Ripplewood employee fund and Mr. Collins is 1 Rockefeller Plaza, 32nd Floor, New York, New York 10020.
(4)
 
Ripplewood has granted to the underwriters an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 1,350,000 of its shares to cover over-allotments, if any. If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, Ripplewood would beneficially own 772,975 shares after the offering, or 2.2%.
(5)
 
Includes 250,000 shares subject to immediately exercisable options.
(6)
 
Includes 250,000 shares subject to immediately exercisable options. The trustees of the Arthur Taubman Trust dated July 13, 1964 are Eugenia Taubman, who is the spouse of Nicholas F. Taubman, Grace W. Taubman, who is Nicholas F. Taubman’s mother, and First Premier Bank.
(7)
 
Includes an aggregate of 11,890 shares held by Mr. Castellani’s children.
(8)
 
Includes shares of our common stock subject to options beneficially owned by the following persons and exercisable within 60 days of January 31, 2002: Mr. Castellani–700,000 options; Mr. Smith–405,167 options; Mr. Wade–41,333 options; Mr. Reid–39,667 options; Mr. Klasing–37,333 options; and Ms. Stevens–33,667 options.
(9)
 
Reflects shares of our common stock held by the Peter J. Fontaine Revocable Trust, Fontaine Industries Limited Partnership and Peter J. Fontaine, individually. As trustee of the Peter J. Fontaine Revocable Trust, which is the general partner of Fontaine Industries Limited Partnership, Mr. Fontaine has the power to direct the voting of the shares of our common stock held by the Fontaine Trust and Fontaine Industries Limited Partnership.
(10)
 
The business address of Mr. Salter is 3333 Beverly Road, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179.
(11)
 
The address of Mr. Peck is 505 Park Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10022.

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RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
Affiliated Leases
 
We lease our Roanoke, Virginia distribution center, an office and warehouse facility, one warehouse, 18 of our stores and three former stores from Nicholas F. Taubman or members of his immediate family. We lease our corporate headquarters from Ki, L.C., a Virginia limited liability company owned by two trusts for the benefit of a child and a grandchild of Mr. Taubman. Rents for the affiliated leases may be slightly higher than rents for non-affiliated leases, but we do not believe the amount of such difference is material. In addition, terms of the affiliated leases may be more favorable to the landlord than those contained in leases with non-affiliates. For example, the rent payable during the option term is not fixed or required to be commensurate with prevailing market rents then in effect. Instead, rent during the option term is subject to negotiation between the landlord and tenant. The leases also provide that the tenant, and not the landlord, is responsible for structural maintenance. However, in connection with the recapitalization, certain other terms of the leases with affiliates (including provisions relating to assignment, damage by casualty and default cure periods) were amended so that they would be no less favorable to us than non-affiliated leases. All affiliated leases are on a triple net basis. Lease expense for affiliated leases was $2.9 million for 1998, $3.3 million for each of 1999 and 2000, and $3.2 million for 2001.
 
Three Western Auto stores in Puerto Rico are on the premises of Sears stores and the buildings are subleased from Sears. The rental rates were established prior to the Western merger by arm’s-length negotiation between us and Sears, and we believe that the rent and terms of the subleases reflect market rates and terms at the time of the Western merger. During 1999, 2000 and 2001, we paid Sears approximately $681,000, $660,000 and $585,000, respectively, for the use of these facilities.
 
Options Granted to Mr. Taubman and the Taubman Trust
 
In connection with the recapitalization, we entered into an option agreement with Mr. Taubman and the Taubman Trust and granted immediately exercisable options to purchase 250,000 shares of our common stock to each of Mr. Taubman and the Taubman Trust. The options have an initial exercise price of $10.00, with the exercise price increasing by $2.00 on each anniversary of the recapitalization. The exercise price is currently $16.00 and will increase to $18.00 on April 15, 2002. Both the exercise price and the number of shares that may be purchased pursuant to the options, are subject to certain adjustments. The options will expire if not exercised by April 15, 2005. Shares received upon exercise of all or any part of the option by Mr. Taubman or the Taubman Trust will be subject to the stockholders agreement.
 
Certain Payments and Loans
 
In September 2001, we loaned Garnett E. Smith, Vice Chairman of the Board, $1.3 million. This loan is evidenced by a full recourse promissory note bearing interest at prime rate, with such interest payable annually, and due in full in five years from its inception. Payment of the promissory note is secured by a stock pledge agreement that grants us a security interest in all of the shares of our common stock acquired by Mr. Smith under our stock subscription plan.
 
Messrs. Wade, Reid, Klasing, Gray, Margolin and Hedrick and Ms. Stevens purchased 25,000 shares, 20,000 shares, 20,000 shares, 10,000 shares, 14,300 shares, 14,300 shares and 20,000 shares. For these individuals, $75,000, $115,000, $110,000, $50,000, $150,000, $150,000 and $100,000 of their purchase price was financed through the delivery of promissory notes on the terms described above. At December 29, 2001, the outstanding principal balance on the promissory notes was $115,000, $110,000, $50,000, $150,000, $150,000 and $100,000 for each of Messrs. Reid, Klasing, Gray, Margolin and Hedrick and Ms. Stevens, respectively, and Mr. Wade had repaid his promissory note in full. Mr. Castellani entered into a stock subscription agreement under the stock subscription plan in 2000, pursuant to which he purchased 75,000 shares of our common stock. $900,000 of Mr. Castellani’s purchase price was financed through the delivery of a promissory note to us. At December 29, 2001, the outstanding balance of the promissory note was $600,000.

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Other Transactions with Sears
 
On November 2, 1998, we acquired Western from WAH. In the Western merger, we issued WAH 11,474,606 shares of our common stock. On February 6, 2002, we engaged in a transaction with Sears in which we transferred to Sears 11,474,606 shares of our common stock, in exchange for the transfer by Sears to us of the outstanding common stock of WAH and cancelled the shares of our common stock previously held by WAH. In connection with the Western merger, WAH (Sears after the WAH transaction described above) became entitled, under our stockholders agreement, to nominate three directors to our board of directors. At February 1, 2002, Paul J. Liska, Glenn Richter and William L. Salter served on the board of directors as Sears nominees.
 
In connection with the Western merger, Western entered into agreements with Sears in order to continue to obtain supplies of certain products bearing trademarks owned by Sears for the wholesale segment and the service stores for three years. Pursuant to these agreements, Western purchased directly from the manufacturers approximately $6.0 million, $13.5 million, $9.2 million and $4.6 million of these products in 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively, and we believe that Sears received fees in connection with such sales. The prices paid per unit for the products sold in the Western Auto stores were determined prior to the Western merger by arm’s-length negotiation between us and Sears.
 
Western also entered into agreements with Sears and its affiliates whereby consumers can make retail purchases at the Western Auto retail stores and the independent dealer stores supplied by the wholesale segment using the Sears credit card or other Western private label credit cards. Sears and its affiliates are paid a discount fee on each retail transaction made using these credit cards. This fee is competitive with the fees paid by Western and us to third party credit card providers such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express for transactions using their credit cards. Under this agreement, Western incurred approximately $348,000, $405,000 and $339,000 in discount fees in 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively. In addition, a portion of a service store was leased to Sears, and certain Western employees performed services for Sears during 1999 and 1998, for use in Sears’ administration of the credit card program. Sears made payments to us, which aggregated approximately $2.3 million in 1999, that were intended to reimburse us for our expense in connection with the facility and the employees. This arrangement was terminated prior to 2000.
 
In addition, Sears provided certain services, including payroll and accounts receivable, to effect an orderly transition of Western from a subsidiary of Sears to one of our subsidiaries. At January 1, 2000, we began performing these services for Western. Pursuant to this arrangement, we incurred $887,000 for services performed by Sears in 1999, of which $844,000 was accrued at January 2, 1999. At January 1, 2000, all amounts under this arrangement had been paid.
 
During 1999, we signed an agreement with Sears Logistic Systems, an affiliate of Sears, to provide us with billing administration services related to certain courier firms that we used. Sears Logistic Systems manages the invoice processing procedure and bills us for the courier services provided by the outside firm plus a four percent administration fee. During 1999, we paid Sears Logistic Systems approximately $62,000.
 
Under the terms of an insurance program established by a Sears subsidiary on behalf of Western prior to the Western merger, with respect to certain insurable losses where we may otherwise have a retention obligation or deductible under the applicable insurance policy providing coverage, we will be entitled to be reimbursed by Sears for our losses. No material payments were made under the insurance program in 1999 or 2001. We received approximately $1.5 million during 2000 for a claim processed under the insurance program.
 
In connection with the Western merger, we entered into an agreement with Sears under which we may be given a priority position as a local supplier to up to approximately 250 Sears Auto Centers or National Tire &

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Battery stores that are located near our stores. Under this agreement, upon request from a Sears Auto Center or National Tire Store, we will deliver parts and charge a price negotiated at arm’s-length with Sears prior to the Western merger. In addition, if the volume of activity under this agreement meets certain agreed-upon thresholds, Sears will receive rebates on its purchases. During 1999, 2000 and 2001, we sold $5.3 million, $7.5 million and $7.5 million, respectively, of merchandise to Sears under the supply agreement.
 
Sears also arranged to buy from us certain products in bulk for its automotive centers, at cost plus a set handling fee. During the first quarter of 1999, we made final shipments to Sears under this arrangement totaling $530,000.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
Our authorized capital stock consists of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.0001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share.
 
At January 31, 2002, there were 32,695,735 shares of our common stock outstanding, which were held by 360 shareholders of record.
 
The following description of our capital stock is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which are included as exhibits to the registration statement filed of which this prospectus forms a part, and by the provisions of applicable Delaware law.
 
Common Stock
 
Holders of shares of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters on which stockholders are entitled or permitted to vote. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that, except as otherwise provided by law, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting at which a quorum is present, shall be the act of the stockholders. Delaware law requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon to authorize certain extraordinary actions, such as mergers, consolidations, dissolutions of the corporation or an amendment to the certificate of incorporation of the corporation. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors. Upon a liquidation, our creditors and any holders of preferred stock with preferential liquidation rights will be paid before any distribution to holders of our common stock. The holders of our common stock would be entitled to receive a pro rata amount per share of any excess distribution. Holders of common stock have no preemptive or subscription rights. There are no conversion rights, redemption rights, sinking fund provisions or fixed dividend rights with respect to the common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.
 
Preferred Stock
 
Our certificate of incorporation empowers our board of directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series. The board also may fix the designation, privileges, preferences and rights and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of those shares, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights, terms of sinking funds, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of the series. Terms selected could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of common stock or adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights, of the holders of our common stock without any further vote or action by the stockholders. The rights of holders of our common stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred shares that we may be issued in the future. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of decreasing the market price of the common stock and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of common stock. Although there are no shares of preferred stock currently outstanding and we have no present intention to issue any shares of preferred stock, any issuance could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock.
 
Stockholders Agreement
 
We have entered into a stockholders agreement with Nicholas Taubman, the Arthur Taubman Trust Dated July 13, 1964, Freeman Spogli & Co., Ripplewood Partners, L.P. and the Ripplewood employee fund, which we refer to collectively as the Ripplewood entities, Sears and Peter Fontaine, together with entities controlled by him. Under the stockholders agreement, Freeman Spogli & Co., the Ripplewood entities, Sears and Mr. Taubman and the Taubman Trust have the right to purchase their pro rata share of certain new issuances of our securities, including capital stock. The stockholders agreement further provides tag-along rights such that (i) upon transfers

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of our common stock by Freeman Spogli & Co. (excluding transfers to affiliates), Mr. Taubman, the Taubman Trust, the Ripplewood entities and Sears will have the right to participate in such sales on a pro rata basis, (ii) upon transfers of our common stock by Sears (excluding transfers to affiliates), Freeman Spogli & Co., Mr. Taubman, the Taubman Trust, and the Ripplewood entities will have the right to participate in such sales on a pro rata basis and (iii) upon transfers of our common stock by the Ripplewood entities (excluding transfers to affiliates), Freeman Spogli & Co. will have the right to participate in such sales on a pro rata basis, and if Freeman Spogli & Co. exercises such right, Mr. Taubman, the Taubman Trust and Sears will have the right to participate in such sales on a pro rata basis. In addition, if Freeman Spogli & Co. sells all of its holdings of our common stock, Ripplewood, Mr. Taubman and the Taubman Trust will be obligated to sell all of their shares of our common stock at the request of Freeman Spogli & Co. The right to purchase their pro rata share of certain new issuances of our securities, the tag along rights and the rights to participate shall expire at times specified in the stockholders agreement.
 
The stockholders agreement further provides that the parties will vote at each annual meeting to elect to the board of directors Mr. Taubman, our chief executive officer, three nominees of Freeman Spogli & Co., three nominees of Sears, one nominee of Ripplewood and Mr. Fontaine. Certain transfers of our common stock by Mr. Taubman, Freeman Spogli & Co. or Sears will reduce the number of directors such parties are entitled to nominate. The parties to the stockholders agreement are obligated to vote for Mr. Fontaine’s election to our board until the earlier of 2004, Mr. Fontaine’s voluntary resignation from the board, his removal from the board for cause, Mr. Fontaine’s no longer having beneficial interest in at least 50% of the shares as to which he acquired beneficial ownership in the Discount acquisition, the termination of the voting rights of the other stockholders that are parties to the agreement or his death.
 
Pursuant to the stockholders agreement, without the approval of Mr. Taubman, we may not (1) issue any capital stock for consideration at less than fair market value, unless the capital stock is issued in a financing transaction fair to and in the best interests of us, subject to certain specified exceptions, (2) enter into any transaction with any affiliate of Freeman Spogli & Co., Ripplewood or Sears, except on terms no less favorable to us than are available from an unaffiliated party, or (3) amend our articles of incorporation or bylaws or the stockholders agreement in a manner that would adversely affect the rights and obligations of Mr. Taubman, subject to certain specified exceptions.
 
Registration Rights
 
Under the stockholders agreement, Freeman Spogli & Co., Sears, the Ripplewood entities, Mr. Taubman and the Taubman Trust and Fontaine Industries Limited Partnership, have demand registration rights with respect to approximately 20,686,418 shares of common stock that they hold. Under the stockholders agreement, beginning 180 days after the consummation of this offering, these stockholders may require us to register for resale under the Securities Act their shares of common stock. These registration rights include the following provisions:
 
Demand Registration Rights.    Freeman Spogli & Co., Sears, the Ripplewood entities, Mr. Taubman and the Taubman Trust may require us, at any time beginning 180 days after this offering, to register for public resale their shares of common stock, if they, individually or in the aggregate, hold shares representing the lesser of (1) 5% of the shares of common stock then outstanding or (2) shares of common stock representing not less than $20 million in fair market value as determined by our board of directors. Under this agreement, we have granted three demand registrations to each of Freeman Spogli & Co., Sears and collectively to Mr. Taubman and the Taubman Trust, and one demand registration to Ripplewood. In addition, Freeman Spogli & Co. and Sears may demand a simultaneous registration upon a demand by Ripplewood, Mr. Taubman or the Taubman Trust whereby all stockholders shall share in the registration pro rata. If Freeman Spogli & Co. and Sears do not wish to take part in a simultaneous registration upon a demand by Ripplewood, Mr. Taubman and the Taubman Trust may share pro rata in the registration. Upon any simultaneous registration, Fontaine may share pro rata in the registration.

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If a demand registration is made at a time when we are planning to file a registration statement for a primary offering, so long as we file the registration statement within one month of the demand, we can postpone the demand registration until the earlier of 90 days following the effective date of the registration or six months from the date the demand is made. If a demand registration is made at a time when the registration would adversely affect a material acquisition or merger, we may postpone the demand registration for a period of up to 90 consecutive days (with a 30 day break between any two consecutive periods) or 180 days in any 12 month period.
 
Piggyback Registration Rights.    Beginning 180 days after this offering, all holders of shares with demand registration rights also have unlimited piggyback registration rights, subject to customary cutbacks. Accordingly, if we propose to file a registration statement for our own account or the account of any other holder of our common stock, we are required to give notice to these stockholders and use our best efforts to include the requesting stockholders’ shares in the registration.
 
Limitations on Registration.    All registration rights are generally subject to the right of the managing underwriter to reduce the number of shares included in the registration if the underwriter determines the success of the offering would be adversely affected.
 
Expenses.    We are responsible for paying all registration expenses, including the reasonable expenses of one counsel for the selling holders, but are not responsible for underwriting fees, discounts and commissions or the out-of-pocket expenses of the selling stockholders.
 
Indemnification.    We have agreed to indemnify Freeman Spogli & Co., Sears, Ripplewood, Mr. Taubman and the Taubman Trust and Mr. Fontaine, and the control persons of each, against certain liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
Potential Anti-takeover Effect of Delaware Law, Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
 
We are subject to the “business combinations” provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, such provisions prohibit a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in various “business combination” transactions with any “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an “interested stockholder,” unless:
 
 
Ÿ
 
the board of directors approved the transaction before the “interested stockholder” obtained such status;
 
 
Ÿ
 
upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an “interested stockholder,” the “interested stockholder” owned at least 85% of our outstanding common stock at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding those shares owned (i) by persons who are directors and are also officers and (ii) employee stock plans in which the participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plans will be tendered in the tender or exchange offer; or
 
 
Ÿ
 
on or subsequent to such date, the business combination or merger is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by two-thirds of the holders of the outstanding common stock not owned by the “interested stockholder.”
 
A “business combination” is defined to include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in financial benefit to a stockholder. In general, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock or within three years did own 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock. The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts.
 
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws providing that only the board of directors, the chairman of the board of directors or the chief executive officer may call special meetings of stockholders, and prohibiting stockholder action by written consent, may have the effect of making it more difficult for a third

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party to acquire control of us, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire control of us. Amendment of these provisions requires the affirmative vote of holders of 66 2/3% of our outstanding capital stock. In addition, our certificate of incorporation allows our board of directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock that could have, when issued, voting rights or preferences that could impede the success of any hostile takeover, or delay a change in control or change in our management.
 
Listing
 
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “AAP.”
 
Transfer Agent and Registrar
 
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Mellon Investor Services LLC. The transfer agent’s address is One Mellon Center, 500 Grant Street, Suite 2122, Pittsburgh, PA 15258-0001 and telephone number is (412) 236-8173.

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
We cannot predict the effect, if any, that market sales of shares of our common stock or the availability of shares of our common stock for sale will have on the market price of our common stock prevailing from time to time. Nevertheless, sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and could impair our future ability to raise capital through the sale of our equity securities.
 
Upon the completion of this offering, we will have outstanding 34,945,735 shares of our common stock, assuming no exercise of outstanding options. We will have reserved 5,310,000 shares of common stock for issuance upon exercise of options granted or to be granted under our stock option plans, of which options to purchase 3,021,947 shares are outstanding, net of cancellations. We have also reserved 500,000 shares of common stock for issuance upon exercise of options granted to Nicholas F. Taubman and the Taubman Trust pursuant to two stock option agreements. The grant of options to purchase shares of common stock under our stock option plans is conditional on our having available a sufficient number of shares of capital stock authorized for issuance.
 
The 9,000,000 shares to be sold in this offering, plus any shares sold upon exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option, together with approximately 66,145 shares issued upon exercise of options since the Discount acquisition, and the 4,309,595 shares issued in the Discount acquisition, unless issued to a Discount affiliate, will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, unless purchased by our “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Any shares purchased by an affiliate of us may not be resold except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from registration, including an exemption under Rule 144 of the Securities Act. 1,806,078 of the shares issued in the Discount acquisition were issued to affiliates of Discount who may resell those shares pursuant to an effective registration statement or pursuant to an exemption, including an exemption under Rule 145 of the Securities Act. The remaining 23,376,073 shares of our common stock outstanding are restricted securities as that term is defined under Rule 144 of the Securities Act. Restricted Securities may be sold in the public market only if the sale is registered or qualifies for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 or Rule 701 under the Securities Act. The general provisions of Rule 144, Rule 145 and Rule 701 are described below.
 
Lock Up Agreements
 
At February 6, 2002, our executive officers and directors and certain entities and other individuals holding an aggregate of 22,281,876 shares of our common stock, as well as options to purchase an additional 1,899,000 shares of our common stock, have entered into the lock-up agreements described in “Underwriting.”
 
Peter J. Fontaine and entities controlled by him are bound not to sell their shares of common stock received in the Discount acquisition, or enter into a contract or hedge transaction having the economic consequences of a sale, for a period of 180 days after the Discount acquisition. Further, after completion of any underwritten public offering by us, so long as Mr. Fontaine is serving as a director or officer of our company, he and the Fontaine entities will also be restricted from selling our common stock for up to 180 days thereafter depending on the lock-up period applicable to Mr. Taubman. In addition, provisions of stock subscription agreements and stock option agreements will have the effect of prohibiting certain of our executive officers from selling shares acquired under the agreements into the public market for various periods of time following the acquisition.
 
Rule 144
 
In general, under Rule 144, a person, including each of our “affiliates,” who has beneficially owned “restricted securities” for at least one year, will be entitled to sell in any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:
 
 
Ÿ
 
1% of our then outstanding shares of the common stock, approximately 326,957 shares as of January 31, 2002, or

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Ÿ
 
the average weekly trading volume in our common stock during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice of the sale with the SEC.
 
Sales pursuant to Rule 144 are subject to requirements relating to manner of sale, notice and availability of current public information about us. Under Rule 144(k), a holder of “restricted securities” who is not an affiliate of us and who has beneficially owned his or her shares for at least two years is entitled to sell such shares pursuant to Rule 144(k) without regard to the limitations described above.
 
Rule 145
 
A stockholder that received shares of our common stock in the Discount acquisition who was an affiliate of Discount at the time of the acquisition may resell those shares of our common stock in accordance with Rule 145. Under Rule 145, the stockholder may sell in any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the volume limitation of Rule 144 that is described above, subject to requirements relating to the manner of sale and notice and availability of current information about us. If the stockholder is not an affiliate of us, the shares may be sold without regard to the volume limitation once they stockholder has owned the shares for one year, subject only to the requirements relating to public information about us.
 
Rule 701
 
In general, and subject to lock-up agreements, any of our employees, consultants or advisors, other than affiliates, who purchased shares from us under our stock subscription plans or stock option plans or other written agreements in accordance with Rule 701 of the Securities Act, are eligible to resell their shares under Rule 144 after satisfying the one year holding period.
 
Registration of Shares Under Stock Option Plans
 
We filed a registration statement on Form S-8 covering all of the shares of common stock issuable or reserved for issuance under our stock option plans, including the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the substitute stock options granted to certain of Discount’s option holders in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement. When issued, these shares will be freely tradeable in the public market, subject to Rule 144 volume limitations applicable to affiliates and, in some cases, the expiration of the lock-up agreements described in “Underwriting.”
 
Registration Rights Agreement
 
In addition to rights of sale under Rule 144, several of our officers, directors and stockholders that hold an aggregate of 21,723,276 shares of outstanding common stock have registration rights which enable them to require us to file a registration statement registering their shares for resale to the public. Beginning 180 days after the consummation of this offering, these stockholders may require us to register for resale under the Securities Act their shares of common stock.

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CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR
NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK
 
The following is a general discussion of the material U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our common stock by a non-U.S. holder. In general, a non-U.S. holder is:
 
 
Ÿ
 
an individual who is neither a citizen nor a resident of the U.S. (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes);
 
 
Ÿ
 
a corporation or other entity taxed as a corporation organized or created under non-U.S. law;
 
 
Ÿ
 
an estate that is not taxable in the U.S. on its worldwide income; or
 
 
Ÿ
 
a trust that is either not subject to primary supervision by a U.S. court or not subject to the control of a U.S. person with respect to substantial trust decisions.
 
If a partnership holds common stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding common stock, we suggest that you consult your tax advisor.
 
If you are an individual, you may, in many cases, be deemed to be a resident of the U.S. by virtue of being present in the United States for at least 31 days in the calendar year and for an aggregate of at least 183 days during a three-year period ending in the current calendar year (counting for such purposes all of the days present in the current year, one-third of the days present in the immediately preceding year, and one-sixth of the days present in the second preceding year). Resident aliens are subject to U.S. federal income tax as if they were U.S. citizens.
 
This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and administrative interpretations of the Code as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change, including changes with retroactive effect.
 
This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal taxation or other tax considerations that may be relevant to you, and in particular is limited in the ways that follow:
 
 
Ÿ
 
The discussion assumes that you hold your common stock as a capital asset and that you do not have a special tax status.
 
 
Ÿ
 
The discussion does not consider tax consequences that depend upon your particular tax situation in addition to your ownership of the common stock.
 
 
Ÿ
 
The discussion does not consider special tax provisions that may be applicable to you if you have relinquished U.S. citizenship or residence.
 
 
Ÿ
 
The discussion does not cover state, local or foreign law.
 
 
Ÿ
 
We have not requested a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) on the tax consequences of owning the common stock. As a result, the IRS could disagree with portions of this discussion.
 
Each prospective purchaser of common stock is advised to consult a tax advisor with respect to current and possible future tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of our common stock as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of any United States state, municipality or other taxing jurisdiction.
 
Distributions
 
Distributions paid on the shares of common stock generally will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent that the amount of any distribution exceeds our current and

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accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, the distribution will be treated first as a tax-free return of your basis in the shares of common stock, causing a reduction in the adjusted basis of the common stock, and the balance in excess of adjusted basis will be treated as capital gain recognized on a disposition of the common stock (as discussed below).
 
As discussed under “Dividend Policy,” we do not currently expect to pay dividends. In the event that we do pay dividends, subject to the discussion below, dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder of common stock generally will be subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or a reduced rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty. A non-U.S. holder generally must file IRS Form W-8BEN to certify its entitlement to the benefit of a reduced rate of withholding under an income tax treaty. If common stock is held through a foreign partnership or a foreign intermediary, the partnership or intermediary, as well as the partners or beneficial owners, may need to meet certification requirements.
 
The withholding tax does not apply to dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder that provides a Form W-8ECI certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States. Instead, the effectively connected dividends generally will be subject to regular U.S. income tax as if the non-U.S. holder were a U.S. resident. If the non-U.S. holder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty between the U.S. and the holder’s country of residence, any effectively connected income generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax only if it is attributable to a permanent establishment in the U.S. maintained by the holder and such treaty-based tax position is disclosed to the IRS. A non-U.S. corporation receiving effectively connected dividends also may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” imposed at a rate of 30% (or a lower treaty rate) on an earnings amount that is net of the regular tax.
 
You may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund along with the required information with the IRS.
 
Gain on Disposition of Common Stock
 
A non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain realized on a sale or other disposition of common stock unless:
 
 
Ÿ
 
the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business of the non-U.S. holder in the United States and, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a permanent establishment in the U.S. maintained by such holder;
 
 
Ÿ
 
in the case of a non-resident alien individual who holds the common stock as a capital asset, the individual is present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the disposition and certain conditions are met; or
 
 
Ÿ
 
unless an exception applies, we are or have been a U.S. real property holding corporation at any time within the five-year period preceding the disposition or during the non-U.S. holder’s holding period, whichever period is shorter.
 
The tax relating to stock in a U.S. real property holding corporation does not apply to a non-U.S. holder whose holdings, actual and constructive, at all times during the applicable period, amount to 5% or less of the common stock of a U.S. real property holding corporation, provided that the common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market. Generally, a corporation is a U.S. real property holding corporation if the fair market value of its U.S. real property interests, as defined in the Code and applicable regulations, equals or exceeds 50% of the aggregate fair market value of its worldwide real property interests and its other assets used or held for use in a trade or business. We may be, or prior to a non-U.S. holder’s disposition of common stock may become, a U.S. real property holding corporation.

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Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding
 
We must report annually to the IRS the amount of dividends paid, the name and address of the recipient, and the amount of any tax withheld. A similar report is sent to the non-U.S. holder. Under tax treaties or other agreements, the IRS may make its reports available to tax authorities in the recipient’s country of residence. A non-U.S. holder will generally be required to certify its non-U.S. status in order to avoid backup withholding on dividends (although, as noted above, such dividends distributed to a non-U.S. holder may be subject to the regular withholding rules).
 
U.S. information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to a payment of proceeds of a disposition of common stock where the transaction is effected outside the United States through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker. However, information reporting requirements, but not backup withholding, generally will apply to such a payment if the broker is:
 
 
Ÿ
 
a U.S. person;
 
 
Ÿ
 
a foreign person that derives 50% or more of its gross income for certain periods from the conduct of a trade or business in the U.S.;
 
 
Ÿ
 
a controlled foreign corporation as defined in the Code; or
 
 
Ÿ
 
a foreign partnership with certain U.S. connections.
 
Information reporting requirements will not apply in the above cases if the broker has documentary evidence in its records that the holder is a non-U.S. holder and certain conditions are met or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
 
A non-U.S. holder will be required to certify its non-U.S. status, in order to avoid information reporting and backup withholding on disposition proceeds, where the transaction is effected by or through a U.S. office of a broker.
 
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. When withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained if the required information is furnished to the IRS.
 
Federal Estate Tax
 
An individual non-U.S. holder who is treated as the owner of, or has made certain lifetime transfers of, an interest in the common stock will be required to include the value of the stock in his gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, and may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise.
 
THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE OWNERSHIP, SALE OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF COMMON STOCK BY NON-U.S. HOLDERS. YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF COMMON STOCK, INCLUDING THE EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN OR OTHER TAX LAWS, AND ANY APPLICABLE INCOME OR ESTATE TAX TREATIES.

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UNDERWRITING
 
Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting agreement dated            2002, we and the selling stockholders have agreed to sell to the underwriters named below, for whom Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. are acting as representatives, the following respective numbers of shares of common stock:
 
Underwriter

  
Number 
of Shares

Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
    
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
    
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
    
Lehman Brothers Inc.
    
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
    
Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
    
    
Total
  
9,000,000
    
 
The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters are obligated to purchase all the shares of common stock in the offering if any are purchased, other than those shares covered by the over-allotment option described below. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the offering may be terminated.
 
One of the selling stockholders has granted to the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase on a pro rata basis up to an aggregate of 1,350,000 additional outstanding shares from the selling stockholder at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions. The option may be exercised only to cover any over-allotments of common stock.
 
The underwriters propose to offer the shares of common stock initially at the public offering price on the cover page of this prospectus and to selling group members at that price less a selling concession of $            per share. The underwriters and selling group members may allow a discount of $             per share on sales to other broker/dealers. After the initial public offering, the representatives may change the public offering price and concession and discount to broker/dealers.
 
The following table summarizes the compensation and estimated expenses we and the selling stockholders will pay:
 
    
Per Share

  
Total

    
Without 
Over-allotment

  
With 
Over-allotment

  
Without 
Over-allotment

  
With 
Over-allotment

Underwriting Discounts and Commissions
paid by us
  
$
                
  
$
                
  
$
                
  
$
                
Expenses payable by us
  
$
 
  
$
 
  
$
 
  
$
 
Underwriting Discounts and Commissions paid by selling stockholders
  
$
 
  
$
 
  
$
 
  
$
 
Expenses payable by the selling stockholders
  
$
 
  
$
 
  
$
 
  
$
 
 
The underwriters will not confirm sales to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority without first receiving a written consent from those accounts.
 

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We may use more than 10% of the net proceeds from the sale of the common stock to repay indebtedness owed by us to affiliates of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Lehman Brothers Inc., each of whom is an underwriter in this offering. Accordingly, the offering is being made in compliance with the requirements of Rule 2710(c)(8) of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Conduct Rules. This rule provides generally that if more than 10% of the net proceeds from the sale of stock, not including underwriting compensation, is paid to the underwriters or their affiliates, the initial public offering price of the stock may not be higher than that recommended by a “qualified independent underwriter” meeting certain standards. Accordingly,                                              is assuming the responsibilities of acting as the qualified independent underwriter in pricing the offering and conducting the diligence. The initial public offering price of the shares of common stock is no higher than the price recommended by                                                  .
 
Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have from time to time performed and may in the future perform various financial advisory, commercial banking and investment banking services for us in the ordinary course of business, for which they received or will receive customary fees. We are in compliance with the terms of the indebtedness owed by us to affiliates of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Lehman Brothers Inc. The decision of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Lehman Brothers Inc. to distribute our shares of common stock was not influenced by their respective affiliates that are our lenders and those affiliates had no involvement in determining whether or when to distribute our shares of common stock under this offering or the terms of this offering. Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Lehman Brothers Inc. will not receive any benefit from this offering other than the underwriting discounts and commissions paid by us and the selling stockholders.
 
We have agreed that we will not offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing, without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus.
 
Our officers, directors and certain stockholders, including the selling stockholders, have agreed that they will not offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, enter into a transaction that would have the same effect, or enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of our common stock, whether any of these transactions are to be settled by delivery of our common stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge or disposition, or to enter into any transaction, swap, hedge or other arrangement, without, in each case, the prior written consent of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus.
 
We and the selling stockholders have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make in that respect.
 
Our common stock is listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AAP.”
 
In connection with the offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
Ÿ
 
Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.
 
 
Ÿ
 
Over-allotment involves sales by the underwriters of shares in excess of the number of shares the underwriters are obligated to purchase, which creates a syndicate short position. The short position may

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be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of shares over-allotted by the underwriters is not greater than the number of shares that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of shares involved is greater than the number of shares in the over-allotment option. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their over-allotment option and/or purchasing shares in the open market.

 
 
Ÿ
 
Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the source of shares to close out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. If the underwriters sell more shares than could be covered by the over-allotment option, a naked short position, the position can only be closed out by buying shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there could be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.
 
 
Ÿ
 
Penalty bids permit the representatives to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the common stock originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions.
 
These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected on The New York Stock Exchange or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
 
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the web sites maintained by one or more of the underwriters participating in this offering, or selling group members, if any, who may participate in this offering. The representatives may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriters and selling group members that will make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on the web sites maintained by the underwriters or selling group members is not part of this prospectus.

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NOTICE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS
 
Resale Restrictions
 
The distribution of the common stock in Canada is being made only on a private placement basis exempt from the requirement that we and the selling stockholders prepare and file a prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each province where trades of common stock are made. Any resale of the common stock in Canada must be made under applicable securities laws which will vary depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made under available statutory exemptions or under a discretionary exemption granted by the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authority. Purchasers are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of the common stock.
 
Representations of Purchasers
 
By purchasing common stock in Canada and accepting a purchase confirmation a purchaser is representing to us, the selling stockholders and the dealer from whom the purchase confirmation is received that:
 
 
Ÿ
 
the purchaser is entitled under applicable provincial securities laws to purchase the common stock without the benefit of a prospectus qualified under those securities laws;
 
 
Ÿ
 
where required by law, that the purchaser is purchasing as principal and not as agent; and
 
 
Ÿ
 
the purchaser has reviewed the text above under Resale Restrictions.
 
Rights of Action — Ontario Purchasers
 
Under Ontario securities legislation, a purchaser who purchases a security offered by this prospectus during the period of distribution will have a statutory right of action for damages, or while still the owner of the shares, for rescission against us and the selling stockholders in the event that this prospectus contains a misrepresentation. A purchaser will be deemed to have relied on the misrepresentation. The right of action for damages is exercisable not later than the earlier of 180 days from the date the purchaser first had knowledge of the facts giving rise to the cause of action and three years from the date on which payment is made for the shares. The right of action for rescission is exercisable not later than 180 days from the date on which payment is made for the shares. If a purchaser elects to exercise the right of action for rescission, the purchaser will have no right of action for damages against us or the selling stockholders. In no case will the amount recoverable in any action exceed the price at which the shares were offered to the purchaser and if the purchaser is shown to have purchased the securities with knowledge of the misrepresentation, we and the selling stockholders will have no liability. In the case of an action for damages, we and the selling stockholders will not be liable for all or any portion of the damages that are proven to not represent the depreciation in value of the shares as a result of the misrepresentation relied upon. These rights are in addition to, and without derogation from, any other rights or remedies available at law to an Ontario purchaser. The foregoing is a summary of the rights available to an Ontario purchaser. Ontario purchasers should refer to the complete text of the relevant statutory provisions.
 
Enforcement of Legal Rights
 
All of our directors and officers as well as the experts named herein and the selling stockholders may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible for Canadian purchasers to effect service of process within Canada upon us or those persons. All or a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of those persons may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible to satisfy a judgment against us or those persons in Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in Canadian courts against us or those persons outside of Canada.
 
Taxation and Eligibility for Investment
 
Canadian purchasers of common stock should consult their own legal and tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences of an investment in the common stock in their particular circumstances and about the eligibility of the common stock for investment by the purchaser under relevant Canadian legislation.

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LEGAL MATTERS
 
The validity of the common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Riordan & McKinzie, a Professional Law Corporation, Los Angeles, California. Principals and employees of Riordan & McKinzie are partners in partnerships that are limited partners of a Freeman Spogli & Co. investment fund that owns shares of our common stock. Certain legal matters raised in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by King & Spalding.
 
EXPE RTS
 
The consolidated financial statements and schedules of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. as of December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2000 included in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said report.
 
Ernst & Young LLP, independent certified public accountants, have audited the consolidated financial statements of Discount Auto Parts, Inc. at May 29, 2001 and May 30, 2000, and for each of the three years in the period ended May 29, 2001, as set forth in their report. The consolidated financial statements of Discount Auto Parts, Inc. have been included in the prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
 
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to our common stock. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and our common stock, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as a part of the registration statement. Each statement in this prospectus relating to a contract or document filed as an exhibit is qualified in all respects by the filed exhibit.
 
You may read and copy any document we have filed or may in the future file at the SEC’s public reference facility in Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. The SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
 
We are subject to the information and periodic reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, accordingly, file periodic reports and other information, including proxy statements, with the SEC. These periodic reports and other information are and will be available for inspection and copying at the SEC’s public reference rooms and the web site of the SEC referred to above.

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
 
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
    
Page

Report of Independent Public Accountants
  
F-2
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the three years ended December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999:
    
Consolidated Balance Sheets
  
F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations
  
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
  
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  
F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  
F-8
Schedule I—Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant
  
F-36
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
  
F-42
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the twelve and forty week periods ended October 6, 2001 and October 7, 2000:
    
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
  
F-43
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
  
F-44
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  
F-45
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
  
F-46
DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Discount Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries for three years ended June 1, 1999, May 30, 2000 and May 29, 2001:
    
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants
  
F-53
Consolidated Balance Sheets
  
F-54
Consolidated Statements of Income
  
F-55
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
  
F-56
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  
F-57
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  
F-58
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Discount Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the thirteen week periods ended August 28, 2001 and August 29, 2000:
    
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
  
F-67
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
  
F-68
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  
F-69
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
  
F-70

F-1


Table of Contents
Report of Independent Public Accountants
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (a Delaware company) and subsidiaries (the Company), as of December 30, 2000, and January 1, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2000. These financial statements and the schedules referred to below are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 30, 2000, and January 1, 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
 
Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedules listed in the index to financial statements and schedules are presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and are not part of the basic financial statements. The schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
 
 
AR
THUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Greensboro, North Carolina,
March 2, 2001 (except with respect to the
matters discussed in Notes 1 and 19, as to which
the date is November 28, 2001).

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Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
ASSETS

  
December 30, 2000

    
January 1, 2000

 
Current assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
18,009
 
  
$
22,577
 
Receivables, net
  
 
80,578
 
  
 
100,323
 
Inventories
  
 
788,914
 
  
 
749,447
 
Other current assets
  
 
10,274
 
  
 
12,025
 
    


  


Total current assets
  
 
897,775
 
  
 
884,372
 
Property and equipment, net
  
 
410,960
 
  
 
402,476
 
Assets held for sale
  
 
25,077
 
  
 
29,694
 
Other assets, net
  
 
22,548
 
  
 
32,087
 
    


  


    
$
1,356,360
 
  
$
1,348,629
 
    


  


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

             
Current liabilities:
                 
Bank overdrafts
  
$
13,599
 
  
$
11,715
 
Current portion of long-term debt
  
 
7,028
 
  
 
3,665
 
Accounts payable
  
 
387,852
 
  
 
341,188
 
Accrued expenses
  
 
124,962
 
  
 
146,024
 
Other current liabilities
  
 
42,794
 
  
 
26,172
 
    


  


Total current liabilities
  
 
576,235
 
  
 
528,764
 
    


  


Long-term debt
  
 
579,921
 
  
 
634,664
 
    


  


Other long-term liabilities
  
 
43,933
 
  
 
51,247
 
    


  


Commitments and contingencies
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
                 
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Common stock, $.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 28,288,550 and 28,144,050 issued and outstanding
  
 
3
 
  
 
3
 
Additional paid-in capital
  
 
372,449
 
  
 
369,677
 
Other
  
 
396
 
  
 
69
 
Accumulated deficit
  
 
(216,577
)
  
 
(235,795
)
    


  


Total stockholders’ equity
  
 
156,271
 
  
 
133,954
 
    


  


    
$
1,356,360
 
  
$
1,348,629
 
    


  


 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these balance sheets.

F-3


Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
For the Years Ended December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
    
2000

    
1999

    
1998

 
Net sales
  
$
2,288,022
 
  
$
2,206,945
 
  
$
1,220,759
 
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs
  
 
1,392,127
 
  
 
1,404,113
 
  
 
766,198
 
    


  


  


Gross profit
  
 
895,895
 
  
 
802,832
 
  
 
454,561
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  
 
803,106
 
  
 
782,597
 
  
 
401,681
 
Expenses associated with the Recapitalization
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
14,277
 
Expenses associated with restructuring in conjunction with the Western merger
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
6,774
 
    


  


  


Operating income
  
 
92,789
 
  
 
20,235
 
  
 
31,829
 
Other (expense) income
                          
Interest expense
  
 
(66,640
)
  
 
(62,792
)
  
 
(35,038
)
Other, net
  
 
1,012
 
  
 
4,647
 
  
 
943
 
    


  


  


Total other expense, net
  
 
(65,628
)
  
 
(58,145
)
  
 
(34,095
)
    


  


  


Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and extraordinary item
  
 
27,161
 
  
 
(37,910
)
  
 
(2,266
)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
  
 
10,535
 
  
 
(12,584
)
  
 
(84
)
    


  


  


Income (loss) before extraordinary item
  
 
16,626
 
  
 
(25,326
)
  
 
(2,182
)
Extraordinary item, gain on debt extinguishment, net of $1,759 income taxes
  
 
2,933
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
    


  


  


Net income (loss)
  
$
19,559
 
  
$
(25,326
)
  
$
(2,182
)
    


  


  


Net income (loss) per basic share from:
                          
Income (loss) before extraordinary item
  
$
0.59
 
  
$
(0.90
)
  
$
(0.12
)
Extraordinary item, gain on debt extinguishment
  
 
0.10
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
    


  


  


    
$
0.69
 
  
$
(0.90
)
  
$
(0.12
)
    


  


  


Net income (loss) per diluted share from:
                          
Income (loss) before extraordinary item
  
$
0.58
 
  
$
(0.90
)  
  
$
(0.12
)  
Extraordinary item, gain on debt extinguishment
  
 
0.10
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
    


  


  


    
$
0.68
 
  
$
(0.90
)  
  
$
(0.12
)  
    


  


  


Average common shares outstanding
  
 
28,295,873
 
  
 
28,269,431
 
  
 
18,606,048
 
Dilutive effect of stock options
  
 
314,995
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
    


  


  


Average common shares outstanding—assuming dilution
  
 
28,610,868
 
  
 
28,269,431
 
  
 
18,606,048
 
    


  


  


 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements  are an integral part of these statements.

F-4


Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
For The Years Ended December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
    
Preferred Stock

    

Common Stock

    
Additional Paid-in Capital

    
Other

    
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)

    
Total Stockholders’ Equity

 
    
Shares

    
Amount

    
Shares

    
Amount

             
Balance, January 3, 1998
  
77,300
 
  
$
1
 
  
24,287,500
 
  
$
2
 
  
$
1,013
 
  
$
—  
 
  
$
142,532
 
  
$
143,548
 
Redemption of stock
  
(77,300
)
  
 
(1
)
  
(22,537,500
)
  
 
(2
)
  
 
(996
)
  
 
300
 
  
 
(350,301
)
  
 
(351,000
)
Issuance of common stock associated with the Recapitalization, net of issuance costs of $775
  
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
10,853,800
 
  
 
1
 
  
 
107,762
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
107,763
 
Issuance of common stock associated with the Western merger, net of issuance costs of $575
  
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
15,636,318
 
  
 
2
 
  
 
262,426
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
262,428
 
Other
  
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
21,782
 
  
 
0
 
  
 
381
 
  
 
(1,832
)
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(1,451
)
Net loss
  
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
—  
 
  
 
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(2,182
)
  
 
(2,182
)
Preferred dividend, $0.80 per share
  
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
—  
 
  
 
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(15
)
  
 
(15
)
    

  


  

  


  


  


  


  


Balance, January 2, 1999
  
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
28,261,900
 
  
 
3
 
  
 
370,586
 
  
 
(1,532
)
  
 
(209,966
)
  
 
159,091
 
Other
                  
(117,850
)
  
 
0
 
  
 
(909
)
  
 
1,601
 
  
 
(503
)
  
 
189
 
Net loss
  
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
—  
 
  
 
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(25,326
)
  
 
(25,326
)
    

  


  

  


  


  


  


  


Balance, January 1, 2000
  
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
28,144,050
 
  
 
3
 
  
 
369,677
 
  
 
69
 
  
 
(235,795
)
  
 
133,954
 
Other
  
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
144,500
 
  
 
0
 
  
 
2,772
 
  
 
327
 
  
 
(341
)
  
 
2,758
 
Net income
  
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
—  
 
  
 
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
19,559
 
  
 
19,559
 
    

  


  

  


  


  


  


  


Balance, December 30, 2000
  
—  
 
  
$
—  
 
  
28,288,550
 
  
$
3
 
  
$
372,449
 
  
$
396
 
  
$
(216,577
)
  
$
156,271
 
    

  


  

  


  


  


  


  


 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

F-5


Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
For the Years Ended December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands)
 
    
2000

    
1999

    
1998

 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                          
Net income (loss)
  
$
19,559
 
  
$
(25,326
)
  
$
(2,182
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                          
Depreciation and amortization
  
 
66,826
 
  
 
58,147
 
  
 
29,964
 
Amortization of stock option compensation
  
 
729
 
  
 
1,082
 
  
 
695
 
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs
  
 
3,276
 
  
 
3,478
 
  
 
2,070
 
Amortization of bond discount
  
 
9,853
 
  
 
8,700
 
  
 
5,645
 
Amortization of interest on capital lease obligation
  
 
42
 
  
 
201
 
  
 
—  
 
Extraordinary gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax
  
 
(2,933
)
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Net losses on sales of property and equipment
  
 
885
 
  
 
119
 
  
 
150
 
Impairment of asset held for sale
  
 
856
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Sales of marketable securities
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
2,025
 
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes
  
 
683
 
  
 
(12,650
)
  
 
(5,348
)
Restructuring charge
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
6,774
 
Net decrease (increase) in:
                          
Receivables, net
  
 
19,676
 
  
 
(8,128
)
  
 
4,295
 
Inventories
  
 
(39,467
)
  
 
(23,090
)
  
 
(99,653
)
Other assets
  
 
14,921
 
  
 
(4,817
)
  
 
(297
)
Net increase (decrease) in:
                          
Accounts payable
  
 
46,664
 
  
 
(5,721
)
  
 
55,329
 
Accrued expenses
  
 
(29,540
)
  
 
(21,958
)
  
 
35,718
 
Other liabilities
  
 
(8,079
)
  
 
8,987
 
  
 
8,837
 
    


  


  


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  
 
103,951
 
  
 
(20,976
)
  
 
44,022
 
    


  


  


Cash flows from investing activities:
                          
Purchases of property and equipment
  
 
(70,566
)
  
 
(105,017
)
  
 
(65,790
)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment and assets held for sale
  
 
5,626
 
  
 
3,130
 
  
 
6,073
 
Western merger, net of cash acquired
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(13,028
)
  
 
(170,955
)
Other
  
 
—  
 
  
 
1,091
 
  
 
—  
 
    


  


  


Net cash used in investing activities
  
 
(64,940
)
  
 
(113,824
)
  
 
(230,672
)
    


  


  


Cash flows from financing activities:
                          
Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts
  
 
1,884
 
  
 
(8,688
)
  
 
13,434
 
Net borrowings (repayments) under notes payable
  
 
784
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(2,959
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
11,500
 
Principal payments of long-term debt
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(102,667
)
Early extinguishment of debt
  
 
(24,990
)
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Borrowings under credit facilities
  
 
278,100
 
  
 
465,000
 
  
 
485,017
 
Payments on credit facilities
  
 
(306,100
)
  
 
(339,500
)
  
 
—  
 
Payment of debt issuance costs
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(972
)
  
 
(23,374
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of repurchases
  
 
1,602
 
  
 
423
 
  
 
—  
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock—Recapitalization
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
105,148
 
Payment for redemption of preferred and common stock—Recapitalization
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(351,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock—Western merger
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
69,806
 
Other
  
 
5,141
 
  
 
4,999
 
  
 
2,397
 
    


  


  


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
  
 
(43,579
)
  
 
121,262
 
  
 
207,302
 
    


  


  


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
  
 
(4,568
)
  
 
(13,538
)
  
 
20,652
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
  
 
22,577
 
  
 
36,115
 
  
 
15,463
 
    


  


  


Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  
$
18,009
 
  
$
22,577
 
  
$
36,115
 
    


  


  


 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.

F-6


Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
For the Years Ended December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands)
 
    
2000

  
1999

    
1998

 
Supplemental cash flow information:
                        
Interest paid
  
$
51,831
  
$
46,264
 
  
$
23,639
 
Income tax refunds (payments), net
  
 
6,175
  
 
(3,792
)
  
 
(3,129
)
Noncash transactions:
                        
Conversion of capital lease obligation
  
 
3,509
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Accrued purchases of property and equipment
  
 
9,299
  
 
543
 
  
 
—  
 
Net issuances of common stock under stockholder subscription receivable
plan
  
 
538
  
 
1,316
 
  
 
—  
 
Loans receivable related to issuance of common stock
  
 
402
  
 
344
 
  
 
2,527
 
Appreciation of cancelled shares under stockholder subscription receivable
plan
  
 
341
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Debt issuance and acquisition costs accrued at January 2, 1999
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
 
  
 
3,734
 
Stock options issued for redemption of stock
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
 
  
 
300
 
Issuance of common stock—Western merger
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
 
  
 
193,003
 
Accrued credit card liability—Western merger
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
 
  
 
10,000
 
Obligations under capital lease
  
 
—  
  
 
3,266
 
  
 
—  
 
    

  


  


 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.

F-7


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

1.    Description of Business:
 
On November 28, 2001, Advance Holding Corporation (“Holding”) was merged with and into Advance Auto Parts, Inc., with Advance Auto Parts, Inc. continuing as the surviving entity. Shareholders of Holding received one share of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. common stock in exchange for each outstanding share of Holding common stock. In addition, separate classes of common stock were eliminated, the par value of each share of common stock and preferred stock was set at $.0001 and $.01 per share, respectively, and 100,000,000 and 10,000,000 shares of common stock and preferred stock were authorized, respectively. This transaction was a reorganization among entities under common control and has been treated in a manner similar to a pooling of interests. Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements have been restated to reflect this transaction as if it occurred on January 3, 1998. Advance Auto Parts, Inc. was created in August 2001 and had no separate operations. Accordingly, the restatement resulted only in reclassifications between common stock and additional paid-in capital.
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company,”) maintain two operating segments within the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Retail segment operates 1,728 retail stores under the “Advance Auto Parts” and “Western Auto” trade names. The Advance Auto Parts stores offer automotive replacement parts, accessories and maintenance items throughout the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest portions of the United States. The Western Auto stores, primarily located in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, included in the Retail segment offer home and garden merchandise in addition to automotive parts, accessories and service. The Wholesale segment consists of the wholesale operations, including distribution services to approximately 590 independent dealers located throughout the United States, and one Company-owned store in California all operating under the “Western Auto” trade name.
 
2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
 
Accounting Period
 
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest December 31.
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company also participates in a joint venture in which it has less than a 50% ownership. The investment in the joint venture is accounted for by the equity method. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Bank Overdrafts
 
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in banks and money market funds. Bank overdrafts include net outstanding checks not yet presented to a bank for settlement.

F-8


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Allowances
 
The Company receives cooperative advertising allowances, rebates and various other incentives from vendors that are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expenses when earned. Cooperative advertising revenue is earned as advertising expenditures are incurred. Rebates and other incentives are earned based on purchases. Amounts received or receivable from vendors that are not yet earned are reflected as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Management’s estimate of the portion of deferred revenue that will be realized within one year of the balance sheet date has been included in other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Total deferred revenue is $26,994 and $25,015 at December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, respectively.
 
Preopening Expenses
 
Preopening expenses, which consist primarily of payroll and occupancy costs, are expensed as incurred.
 
Advertising Costs
 
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense incurred was approximately $53,658, $65,524, and $35,972 in fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
 
Warranty Costs
 
The Company’s vendors are primarily responsible for warranty claims. Warranty costs relating to merchandise and services sold under warranty, which are not covered by vendors’ warranties are estimated based on the Company’s historical experience and are recorded in the period the product is sold.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
The Company recognizes merchandise revenue at the point of sale to a retail customer and point of shipment to a wholesale customer, while service revenue is recognized upon performance of service. The majority of sales are made for cash; however, the Company extends credit to certain commercial customers through a third-party provider of private label credit cards. Receivables under the private label credit card program are transferred to the third-party provider on a limited recourse basis. The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts on receivables sold with recourse based upon factors related to credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other information. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 125, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities,” provides that this arrangement be accounted for as a secured borrowing. Receivables under the private label credit card and the related payable to the third-party provider were $15,666 and $10,525 at December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, respectively.
 
Per Share Information
 
Basic income per share information has been determined by dividing the respective net income amounts by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted income per share information also considers the additional dilutive effect for stock options. The number of outstanding stock options considered antidilutive for either part or all of the fiscal year and not included in the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999, were 1,565,500, 230,000 and 1,001,665, respectively. These antidilutive stock options were outstanding at the end of each fiscal year.

F-9


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
Change in Accounting Estimate
 
In July of fiscal 2000, the Company adopted a change in an accounting estimate to reduce the depreciable lives of certain property and equipment on a prospective basis. The effect on operations for fiscal 2000 was to increase depreciation expense by $2,458. The Company expects to discontinue the operations of the affected assets by the third quarter of fiscal 2001, at which time they will be fully depreciated under the reduced useful lives.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. This Statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities. It requires companies to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in their statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. In September 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133,” which delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 133 to fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. In June 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 138, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities—an Amendment of SFAS No. 133,” which amended the accounting and reporting standards for certain risks related to normal purchases and sales, interest and foreign currency transactions addressed by SFAS No. 133. The Company adopted SFAS No. 133 on December 31, 2000 with no material impact on financial position or results of its operations.
 
In September 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities”. This statement replaces SFAS No. 125, but carries over most of the provisions of SFAS No. 125 without reconsideration. The Company implemented SFAS No. 140 during the first quarter of fiscal 2001. The implementation had no impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” and No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 141 addresses accounting and reporting for all business combinations and requires the use of the purchase method for business combinations. SFAS No. 141 also requires recognition of intangible assets apart from goodwill if they meet certain criteria. SFAS No. 142 establishes accounting and reporting standards for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives are no longer amortized but are instead subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair-value based test. SFAS No. 141 applies to all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 142 is effective for existing goodwill and intangible assets beginning on December 31, 2001. SFAS No. 142 is effective immediately for goodwill and intangibles acquired after June 30, 2001. Although the Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS Nos. 141 and 142, management does not expect that the adoption of these statements will have a material impact on existing goodwill or intangibles.
 
In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” SFAS No. 143 establishes accounting standards for recognition and measurement of an asset retirement obligation and an associated asset retirement cost and is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company does not expect SFAS No. 143 to have a material impact on its financial statements.
 
In August 2001, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. This statement replaces both SFAS No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived

F-10


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of” and Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 30, “Reporting the Results of Operations — Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions”. SFAS No. 144 retains the basic provisions from both SFAS 121 and APB 30 but includes changes to improve financial reporting and comparability among entities. The provisions of SFAS No. 144 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. The Company has not yet determined the impact SFAS No. 144 will have on its financial position or the results of its operations.
 
Reclassifications
 
Certain items in the fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998 financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the fiscal 2000 presentation.
 
3.     Restructuring Charges:
 
The Company’s restructuring activities relate to the ongoing analysis of the profitability of store locations and the settlement of restructuring activities undertaken and assumed as a result of the Western merger (see Note 16). The Company recognizes a provision for future obligations at the time a decision is made to close a facility, primarily store locations. The provision for closed facilities includes the present value of the remaining lease obligations, reduced by the present value of estimated revenues from subleases, and management’s estimate of future costs of insurance, property tax and common area maintenance. The Company uses discount rates ranging from 6.5% to 7.7%. From time to time these estimates require revisions that affect the amount of the recorded liability. The effect of these changes in estimates is netted with new provisions and included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
 
During fiscal 2000, the Company closed five stores included in the fiscal 1999 restructuring activities and made the decision to close or relocate 25 additional stores that did not meet profitability objectives, of which 20 have been closed as of December 30, 2000.
 
A reconciliation of activity with respect to these restructuring accruals is as follows:
 
    
Severance

    
Other Exit Costs

 
Restructuring reserves assumed in Western merger
  
$
1,092
 
  
$
8,569
 
Restructuring provision for Advance store exit costs in conjunction with the Western merger
  
 
—  
 
  
 
6,774
 
Reserves utilized
  
 
(410
)
  
 
(570
)
    


  


Balance, January 2, 1999
  
$
682
 
  
$
14,773
 
New provisions
  
 
—  
 
  
 
1,307
 
Change in estimates
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(1,249
)
Reserves utilized
  
 
(664
)
  
 
(4,868
)
    


  


Balance, January 1, 2000
  
$
18
 
  
$
9,963
 
New provisions
  
 
—  
 
  
 
1,768
 
Change in estimates
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(95
)
Reserves utilized
  
 
(18
)
  
 
(4,848
)
    


  


Balance, December 30, 2000
  
$
—  
 
  
$
6,788
 
    


  


F-11


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
Other exit cost liabilities will be settled over the remaining terms of the underlying lease agreements.
 
As a result of the Western merger, the Company established restructuring reserves in connection with the decision to close certain Parts America stores, to relocate certain Western administrative functions, to exit certain facility leases and to terminate certain employees of Western. As of December 30, 2000, all employees have been terminated and all leased stores have been closed.
 
A reconciliation of activity with respect to these restructuring accruals is as follows:
 
    
Severance

    
Relocation

    
Other Exit Costs

 
Recognized as liabilities assumed in purchase accounting and included in purchase price allocation
  
$
8,000
 
  
$
970
 
  
$
14,384
 
Reserves utilized
  
 
(262
)
  
 
(132
)
  
 
(652
)
    


  


  


Balance at January 2, 1999
  
$
7,738
 
  
$
838
 
  
$
13,732
 
Purchase accounting adjustments
  
 
3,630
 
  
 
(137
)
  
 
(1,833
)
Reserves utilized
  
 
(7,858
)
  
 
(701
)
  
 
(4,074
)
    


  


  


Balance at January 1, 2000
  
$
3,510
 
  
$
—  
 
  
$
7,825
 
Purchase accounting adjustments
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(1,261
)
Reserves utilized
  
 
(3,510
)
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(2,767
)
    


  


  


Balance at December 30, 2000
  
$
—  
 
  
$
—  
 
  
$
3,797
 
    


  


  


 
Other exit cost liabilities will be settled over the remaining terms of the underlying lease agreements.
 
4.    Receivables:
 
Receivables consist of the following:
 
    
December 30, 2000

    
January 1, 2000

 
Trade:
                 
Wholesale
  
$
12,202
 
  
$
22,221
 
Retail
  
 
15,666
 
  
 
10,525
 
Vendor
  
 
36,260
 
  
 
50,208
 
Installment (Note 18)
  
 
14,197
 
  
 
13,616
 
Related parties
  
 
3,540
 
  
 
6,647
 
Employees
  
 
607
 
  
 
552
 
Other
  
 
3,127
 
  
 
3,481
 
    


  


Total receivables
  
 
85,599
 
  
 
107,250
 
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
  
 
(5,021
)
  
 
(6,927
)
    


  


Receivables, net
  
$
80,578
 
  
$
100,323
 
    


  


F-12


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
5.    Inventories
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for approximately 90% and 89% of inventories at December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, respectively, and the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method for remaining inventories. The Company capitalizes certain purchasing and warehousing costs into inventory. Purchasing and warehousing costs included in inventory, at FIFO, at December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, were $56,305 and $49,252, respectively. Inventories consist of the following:
 
    
December 30, 2000

  
January 1, 2000

Inventories at FIFO
  
$
779,376
  
$
735,762
Adjustments to state inventories at LIFO
  
 
9,538
  
 
13,685
    

  

Inventories at LIFO
  
$
788,914
  
$
749,447
    

  

 
Replacement cost approximated FIFO cost at December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000.
 
6.    Property and Equipment:
 
Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged directly to expense when incurred; major improvements are capitalized. When items are sold or retired, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, with any gain or loss reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
Depreciation of land improvements, buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and vehicles is provided over the estimated useful lives, which range from 2 to 40 years, of the respective assets using the straight-line method. Amortization of building and leasehold improvements is provided over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the respective assets or the term of the lease using the straight-line method.
 
Property and equipment consists of the following:
 
    
Estimated Useful Lives

  
December 30, 2000

    
January 1, 2000

 
Land and land improvements
  
0–10 years
  
$
40,371
 
  
$
40,927
 
Buildings
  
40 years
  
 
79,109
 
  
 
70,788
 
Building and leasehold improvements
  
10–40 years
  
 
84,658
 
  
 
76,605
 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
  
3–12 years
  
 
357,642
 
  
 
331,238
 
Vehicles
  
2–10 years
  
 
30,506
 
  
 
27,555
 
Other
       
 
10,571
 
  
 
2,010
 
         


  


         
 
602,857
 
  
 
549,123
 
Less—Accumulated depreciation and amortization
       
 
(191,897
)
  
 
(146,647
)
         


  


Property and equipment, net
       
$
410,960
 
  
$
402,476
 
         


  


 
Effective January 3, 1999, the Company adopted the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant’s Statement of Position (“SOP”) 98-1, “Accounting for the Cost of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use”. The SOP requires companies to capitalize certain expenditures related to development of or obtaining computer software for internal use. The adoption of the SOP resulted in the Company capitalizing approximately $9,400 and $561 in costs incurred during fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively.

F-13


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
7.    Assets Held for Sale
 
The Company applies SFAS No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of,” which requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets to be disposed of be reported at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair market value less selling costs. As of December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, the Company’s assets held for sale primarily consist of real property acquired in the Western merger and held in the Wholesale Segment of $25,077 and $29,694, respectively. The Company expects to dispose of this property during fiscal 2001.
 
During fiscal 2000, the Company recorded an impairment of the value assigned to a property held in the Wholesale segment. This facility consisted of excess space not needed by the Company, which led to the Company’s decision to dispose of the facility. The impairment charge of $856, included in selling, general and administrative expenses, reduced the carrying value of the property to approximately $8,000.
 
8.    Other Assets:
 
As of December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, other assets include deferred debt issuance costs of $14,843 and $18,886, respectively (net of accumulated amortization of $8,232 and $5,261, respectively), relating to the Recapitalization (Note 15) and the Western merger (Note 16). Such costs are being amortized over the term of the related debt (6 years to 11 years). Other assets also include the non-current portion of deferred income tax assets (Note 13).
 
9.    Accrued Expenses:
 
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
 
    
December 30, 2000

  
January 1, 2000

Payroll and related benefits
  
$
25,507
  
$
32,682
Restructuring
  
 
3,772
  
 
8,238
Warranty
  
 
18,962
  
 
19,780
Other
  
 
76,721
  
 
85,324
    

  

Total accrued expenses
  
$
124,962
  
$
146,024
    

  

 
10.    Other Long-Term Liabilities:
 
Other long-term liabilities consist of the following:
 
    
December 30, 2000

  
January 1, 2000

Other employee benefits
  
$
24,625
  
$
26,587
Restructuring
  
 
6,813
  
 
13,078
Other
  
 
12,495
  
 
11,582
    

  

Total other long-term liabilities
  
$
43,933
  
$
51,247
    

  

F-14


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
11.    Long-term Debt:
 
Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
    
December 30, 2000

    
January 1, 2000

 
Senior Debt:
                 
Deferred term loan at variable interest rates (9.25% at December 30, 2000), due April 2004
  
$
90,000
 
  
$
90,000
 
Delayed draw facilities at variable interest rates, (8.47% at December 30, 2000), due April 2004
  
 
94,000
 
  
 
70,000
 
Revolving facility at variable interest rates (8.50% at December 30, 2000), due April 2004
  
 
15,000
 
  
 
66,000
 
Tranche B facility at variable interest rates (9.19% at December 30, 2000), due April 2006
  
 
123,500
 
  
 
124,500
 
McDuffie County Authority taxable industrial development revenue bonds, issued December 31,1997, interest due monthly at an adjustable rate established by the Remarketing Agent (6.90% at December 30, 2000), principal due on November 1, 2002
  
 
10,000
 
  
 
10,000
 
Capital lease obligation
  
 
—  
 
  
 
3,467
 
Other
  
 
784
 
  
 
—  
 
Subordinated debt:
                 
Subordinated notes payable, interest due semi-annually at 10.25%, due April 2008
  
 
169,450
 
  
 
200,000
 
Senior discount debentures, interest at 12.875%, due April 2009, face amount of $112,000 less unamortized discount of $27,785 and $37,638 at December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, respectively (subordinate to substantially all other liabilities)
  
 
84,215
 
  
 
74,362
 
    


  


Total long-term debt
  
 
586,949
 
  
 
638,329
 
Less: Current portion of long-term debt
  
 
(7,028
)
  
 
(3,665
)
    


  


Long-term debt, excluding current portion
  
$
579,921
 
  
$
634,664
 
    


  


 
Senior Debt:
 
The deferred term loan, delayed draw facilities, revolving facility and Tranche B facility (“Credit Facility”) are with a syndicate of banks. The Credit Facility provides for the Company to borrow up to $462,500 in the form of senior secured credit facilities, consisting of (i) $90,000 senior secured deferred term loan, (ii) $49,000 senior secured delayed draw term loan facility (the “Delayed Draw Facility I”), (iii) $75,000 senior secured delayed draw term loan facility (the “Delayed Draw Facility II” and, together with the Delayed Draw Facility I, the “Delayed Draw Facilities”), (iv) a $123,500 Tranche B senior secured term loan facility (the “Tranche B Facility”), and (v) a $125,000 senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”). The Revolving Facility has a letter of credit sub-limit of $25,000, of which $11,910 was outstanding for stand-by letters of credit as of December 30, 2000. Amounts available under the revolver, delayed draw term and deferred term loans are subject to a borrowing base formula, which is based on certain percentages of the Company’s inventories and certain debt covenants. As of December 30, 2000, $118,300 was available under these facilities.
 
Borrowings under the Credit Facility are required to be prepaid, subject to certain exceptions, with (a) 50% of the Excess Cash Flow (as defined), (b) the net cash proceeds of all asset sales or other dispositions

F-15


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

of property (as defined), (c) the net proceeds of issuances of debt obligations and (d) the net proceeds of issuance of equity securities. Excess Cash Flow is defined as the excess of (A) the sum of Advance Stores Company, Incorporated’s (“Stores”), a wholly owned subsidiary, (i) consolidated net income (excluding certain gains and losses and restricted payments made to its parent), (ii) depreciation, amortization and other noncash charges, (iii) any decrease in Net Working Capital (as defined), (iv) increases in the deferred revenues, and (v) proceeds of certain indebtedness incurred, less (B) the sum of (a) any noncash gains, (b) any increases in Net Working Capital, (c) decreases in consolidated deferred revenues, (d) capital expenditures and (e) repayments of indebtedness (subject to certain exceptions). The Company was not required to make an Excess Cash Flow prepayment for fiscal 1999 but will make a $6,244 mandatory prepayment for fiscal 2000 in fiscal 2001.
 
The interest rates under the delayed draw facilities and the revolver are determined by reference to a pricing grid that provides for reductions in the applicable interest rate margins based on the Company’s trailing total debt to EBITDA ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility). Based upon the Company’s operating ratios at December 30, 2000, the margins were 1.75% and 0.75% for Eurodollar and base rate borrowings, respectively. Additionally, at December 30, 2000, the margin under the Tranche B term loan and the deferred term loan facility was 2.50% on a Eurodollar rate and 1.50% on the base rate borrowings. A commitment fee of 0.50% per annum is charged on the unused portion of the Credit Facility.
 
The Credit Facility is secured by all assets of the Company and contains covenants restricting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among others, (i) declare dividends or redeem or repurchase capital stock, (ii) make loans and investments and (iii) engage in transactions with affiliates or the Company to change its passive holding company status. The Company is required to comply with financial covenants with respect to (a) a maximum leverage ratio, (b) a minimum interest coverage ratio, (c) a minimum retained cash earnings test and (d) maximum limits on capital expenditures.
 
On December 31, 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with McDuffie County Authority under which bond proceeds of $10,000 were issued to construct a distribution center. Proceeds of the bond offering were fully expended during fiscal 1999. These industrial development revenue bonds currently bear interest at a variable rate, with a one-time option to convert to a fixed rate, and are secured by a letter of credit.
 
Subordinated Debt:
 
The $169,450 Senior Subordinated Notes (the “Notes”) are unsecured and are subordinate in right of payment to all existing and future Senior Debt. The Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or after April 15, 2003. In addition, at any time prior to April 15, 2001, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the initially outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Notes at a redemption price equal to 110.25% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, thereon to the date of redemption, with the net proceeds of one or more equity offerings; provided that, in each case, at least 65% of the initially outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Notes remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of any such redemption; and provided further, that such redemption shall occur within 90 days of the date of the closing of such equity offering.
 
Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder of the Notes will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s Notes at an offering price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, thereon to the date of purchase.

F-16


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
The Notes contain various non-financial restrictive covenants that limit, among other things, the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to issue preferred stock, repurchase stock and incur certain indebtedness, engage in transactions with affiliates, pay dividends or certain other distributions, make certain investments and sell stock of subsidiaries.
 
During fiscal 2000, the Company repurchased on the open market $30,550 face value of Notes at a price ranging from 81.5 to 82.5 percent of their face value. Accordingly, the Company recorded a gain related to the extinguishment of this debt of $2,933, net of $1,759 provided for income taxes and $868 for the write off of the associated deferred debt issuance costs.
 
The Senior Discount Debentures (the “Debentures”) accrue at a rate of 12.875%, compounded semi-annually, to an aggregate principal amount of $112,000 by April 15, 2003. Cash interest will not accrue on the Debentures prior to April 15, 2003. Commencing April 15, 2003, cash interest on the Debentures will accrue and be payable, at a rate of 12.875% per annum, semi-annually in arrears on each April 15 and October 15. As of December 30, 2000, the Debentures have been accreted by $24,198 with corresponding interest expense of $9,853, $8,700 and $5,645 recognized for the years ended December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999, respectively.
 
The Debentures are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or after April 15, 2003. In addition, at any time prior to April 15, 2001 the Company may, at its option, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Debentures originally issued at a redemption price equal to 112.875% of the accreted value thereof, plus liquidated damages, if any, with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings; provided that at least 65% of the original aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Debentures will remain outstanding immediately following each such redemption.
 
Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder of the Debentures will have the right to require the Company to purchase the Debentures at a price in cash equal to 101% of the accreted value thereof plus liquidated damages, if any, thereon in the case of any such purchase prior to April 15, 2003, or 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, thereon to the date of purchase in the case of any such purchase on or after April 15, 2003. As the Company may not have any significant assets other than capital stock of Stores (which is pledged to secure the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility), the Company’s ability to purchase all or any part of the Debentures upon the occurrence of a change in control will be dependent upon the receipt of dividends or other distributions from Stores or its subsidiaries. The Credit Facility and the Senior Subordinated Notes have certain restrictions for Stores with respect to paying dividends and making any other distributions.
 
The Debentures are subordinated to substantially all of the Company’s other liabilities. The Debentures contain certain non-financial restrictive covenants that are similar to the covenants contained in the Notes.
 
As of December 30, 2000, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Facility, the Notes and Debentures. Substantially all of the net assets of the Company’s subsidiaries are restricted at December 30, 2000.

F-17


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS , INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
The aggregate future annual maturities of long-term debt, net of the unamortized discount related to the Debentures, are as follows:
 
2001
  
$
7,028
2002
  
 
14,000
2003
  
 
4,000
2004
  
 
219,668
2005
  
 
60,000
Thereafter
  
 
282,253
    

    
$
586,949
    

 
12.    Stockholder Subscription Receivables:
 
As a result of the Recapitalization (See Note 15) the Company established a stock subscription plan which allows certain directors, officers and key employees of the Company to purchase shares of common stock. The plan requires that the purchase price of the stock equal the fair market value at the time of the purchase and allows fifty percent of the purchase price be executed through the delivery of a full recourse promissory note. The notes provide for annual interest payments, at the prime rate, with the entire principal amount due in five years. As of December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, outstanding stockholder subscription receivables were $2,364 and $2,008, respectively, and are included as a reduction to Stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
13.    Income Taxes:
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes for fiscal 2000, fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998 consists of the following:
 
    
Current

    
Deferred

    
Total

 
2000:
                          
Federal
  
$
8,005
 
  
$
976
 
  
$
8,981
 
State
  
 
1,847
 
  
 
(293
)
  
 
1,554
 
    


  


  


    
$
9,852
 
  
$
683
 
  
$
10,535
 
    


  


  


1999:
                          
Federal
  
$
(1,913
)
  
$
(6,535
)
  
$
(8,448
)
State
  
 
1,979
 
  
 
(6,115
)
  
 
(4,136
)
    


  


  


    
$
66
 
  
$
(12,650
)
  
$
(12,584
)
    


  


  


1998:
                          
Federal
  
$
3,845
 
  
$
(4,528
)
  
$
(683
)
State
  
 
1,419
 
  
 
(820
)
  
 
599
 
    


  


  


    
$
5,264
 
  
$
(5,348
)
  
$
(84
)
    


  


  


F-18


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
The provision (benefit) for income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate due to:
 
    
2000

    
1999

    
1998

 
Pre-tax income (loss) at statutory U.S. federal income tax rate
  
$
9,507
 
  
$
(13,269
)
  
$
(793
)
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
  
 
896
 
  
 
(2,688
)
  
 
389
 
Non-deductible interest and other expenses
  
 
1,010
 
  
 
1,125
 
  
 
609
 
Changes in certain tax accounting methods
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(366
)
Valuation allowance
  
 
914
 
  
 
596
 
  
 
—  
 
Puerto Rico dividend withholding tax
  
 
—  
 
  
 
150
 
  
 
120
 
Other, net
  
 
(1,792
)
  
 
1,502
 
  
 
(43
)
    


  


  


    
$
10,535
 
  
$
(12,584
)
  
$
(84
)
    


  


  


 
Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each period-end, based on enacted tax laws and statutory income tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Deferred income taxes reflect the net income tax effect of temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and for income tax reporting purposes. Net deferred income tax balances are comprised of the following:
 
    
December 30, 2000

    
January 1, 2000

 
Deferred income tax assets
  
$
57,378
 
  
$
65,572
 
Deferred income tax liabilities
  
 
(62,121
)
  
 
(54,731
)
    


  


Net deferred income tax (liabilities) assets
  
$
(4,743
)
  
$
10,841
 
    


  


 
Net deferred income tax assets of $8,792 were recorded in the purchase price allocation of Western.
 
The Company incurred financial reporting and tax losses in 1999 primarily due to integration and interest costs incurred as a result of the Western merger and the Recapitalization (See Notes 15 and 16). As of December 30, 2000, the Company has cumulative net deferred income tax liabilities of $4,743. The gross deferred income tax assets include federal and state net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) of approximately $16,931. These NOLs may be used to reduce future taxable income and expire periodically through fiscal year 2020. The Company believes it will realize these tax benefits through a combination of the reversal of temporary differences, projected future taxable income during the NOL carryforward periods and available tax planning strategies. Due to uncertainties related to the realization of certain deferred tax assets for NOLs in various jurisdictions, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $1,510 as of December 30, 2000 and $596 as of January 1, 2000. The amount of deferred income tax assets realizable, however, could change in the near future if estimates of future taxable income are changed.

F-19


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
Temporary differences which give rise to significant deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
 
    
December 30, 2000

    
January 1, 2000

 
Current deferred income taxes—
                 
Inventory valuation differences
  
$
(36,051
)
  
$
(30,708
)
Accrued medical and workers compensation
  
 
2,319
 
  
 
2,462
 
Accrued expenses not currently deductible for tax
  
 
16,391
 
  
 
26,778
 
Net operating loss carryforwards
  
 
7,124
 
  
 
4,000
 
    


  


Total current deferred income taxes
  
$
(10,217
)
  
$
2,532
 
    


  


Long-term deferred income taxes—
                 
Property and equipment
  
$
(24,571
)
  
$
(24,023
)
Postretirement benefit obligation
  
 
8,254
 
  
 
8,580
 
Amortization of bond discount
  
 
8,184
 
  
 
4,861
 
Net operating loss carryforwards
  
 
9,807
 
  
 
18,140
 
Minimum tax credit carryforward (no expiration)
  
 
6,809
 
  
 
—  
 
Valuation allowance
  
 
(1,510
)
  
 
(596
)
Other, net
  
 
(1,499
)
  
 
1,347
 
    


  


Total long-term deferred income taxes
  
$
5,474
 
  
$
8,309
 
    


  


 
The Company currently has four years that are open to audit by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, various state and foreign income tax returns for several years are open to audit. In management’s opinion, adequate reserves have been established and any amounts assessed will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

F-20


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

14.    Lease Commitments:
 
The Company leases store locations, distribution centers, office space, equipment and vehicles under lease arrangements, some of which are with related parties.
 
At December 30, 2000, future minimum lease payments due under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:
 
    
Other(a)

  
Related Parties(a)

  
Total

2001
  
$
115,631
  
$
3,688
  
$
119,319
2002
  
 
107,908
  
 
3,688
  
 
111,596
2003
  
 
97,119
  
 
3,496
  
 
100,615
2004
  
 
84,711
  
 
2,536
  
 
87,247
2005
  
 
76,686
  
 
2,239
  
 
78,925
Thereafter
  
 
228,300
  
 
2,211
  
 
230,511
    

  

  

    
$
710,355
  
$
17,858
  
$
728,213
    

  

  


(a)
 
The Other and Related Parties columns include stores closed as a result of the Company’s restructuring plans (See Note 3).
 
At December 30, 2000, future minimum sub-lease income to be received under non-cancelable operating leases is $10,152.
 
Net rent expense for fiscal 2000, fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998 was as follows:
 
    
2000

    
1999

    
1998

 
Minimum facility rentals
  
$
112,768
 
  
$
103,807
 
  
$
63,787
 
Contingent facility rentals
  
 
1,391
 
  
 
2,086
 
  
 
718
 
Equipment rentals
  
 
1,875
 
  
 
3,831
 
  
 
1,804
 
Vehicle rentals
  
 
6,709
 
  
 
4,281
 
  
 
2,391
 
    


  


  


    
 
122,743
 
  
 
114,005
 
  
 
68,700
 
Less: Sub-lease income
  
 
(1,747
)
  
 
(1,085
)
  
 
(426
)
    


  


  


    
$
120,996
 
  
$
112,920
 
  
$
68,274
 
    


  


  


 
Contingent facility rentals are determined on the basis of a percentage of sales in excess of stipulated minimums for certain store facilities. Most of the leases provide that the Company pay taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other expenses applicable to the leased premises and include options to renew. Certain leases contain rent escalation clauses, which are recorded on a straight-line basis. Management expects that, in the normal course of business, leases that expire will be renewed or replaced by other leases.
 
Rental payments to related parties of approximately $3,921 in fiscal 2000, $3,998 in fiscal 1999 and $2,984 in fiscal 1998 are included in net rent expense.

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Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
15.    Recapitalization:
 
On April 15, 1998, the Company consummated its recapitalization pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 4, 1998 (the “Merger Agreement”). In connection with the Merger Agreement, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a 12,500 to 1 split of the common stock and a change in the par value of the common stock from $100 to $.01 per share. The par value of the common stock was changed to $.0001 per share in connection with the creation of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (See Note 1).
 
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, AHC Corporation (“AHC”), a corporation controlled by an investment fund organized by Freeman Spogli & Co. Incorporated (“FS&Co.”), merged into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company as the surviving corporation. In the Merger, a portion of the common stock and all of the preferred stock of the Company were converted into the right to receive in the aggregate approximately $351,000 in cash and certain stock options (See Note 23). Certain shares representing approximately 14% of the outstanding common stock remained outstanding upon consummation of the Merger. Immediately prior to the Merger, FS&Co. purchased approximately $80,500 of the common stock of AHC which was converted in the Merger into approximately 64% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and Ripplewood Partners, L.P. and its affiliates (“Ripplewood”) purchased approximately $20,000 of the common stock of AHC which was converted in the Merger into approximately 16% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. In connection with the Merger, management purchased approximately $8,000, or approximately 6%, of the Company’s outstanding common stock, a portion of which resulted in stockholder subscription receivables.
 
The Merger, the retirement of certain notes payable and long-term debt, borrowings under the Credit Facility, the issuance of the Debentures and the issuance of the Notes collectively represent the “Recapitalization”. The Company has accounted for the Recapitalization for financial reporting purposes as the sale of common stock, the issuance of debt, the redemption of common stock and preferred stock and the repayment of notes payable and long-term debt.
 
16.    Western Merger:
 
On November 2, 1998, the Company consummated a Plan of Merger (the “Western merger”) with Sears, Roebuck and Co. (“Sears”), to acquire Western Auto Supply Company (“Western”), for $175,000 in cash and 11,474,606 shares of the Company’s common stock. Additionally, the Company agreed to share losses incurred by Sears as a result of the sale, or as a result of continuing the private label credit card programs up to a maximum of $10,000 (“Credit Card Liability”). The Company recorded the $10,000, which was paid in fiscal 1999, as additional purchase price. In connection with the transaction, the Company sold 4,161,712 shares of common stock to certain stockholders for $70,000 and the Company borrowed $90,000 under a new deferred term loan facility. The remainder of the $175,000 was funded through cash on hand. As of the transaction date, Sears owned approximately 40.6% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock.
 
The Western merger has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the results of operations of Western for the periods from November 2, 1998 are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The purchase price has been allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values. The final purchase price allocation resulted in total excess fair value over the purchase price of $4,667 and was allocated to non-current assets, primarily property and equipment.

F-22


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
17.    Stockholders Agreement:
 
A former owner of the Company and a trust established for the founder of the Company (the “Continuing Stockholders”), FS&Co., Ripplewood, WA Holding Co. (“WAH”), a subsidiary of Sears, and the Company have entered into a Stockholders Agreement (the “Stockholders Agreement”). Under the Stockholders Agreement, FS&Co., Ripplewood, the Continuing Stockholders and WAH have the right to purchase their pro rata share of certain new issuances of common stock as well as the right to participate pro rata in any sale of common stock by a stockholder. Sales of common stock by the Continuing Stockholders and Ripplewood are subject to a right of first offer in favor of FS&Co. and WAH, in the case of the Continuing Stockholders through April 2001. The Stockholders Agreement provides Ripplewood and the Continuing Stockholders with tag-along rights in the event of sales by FS&Co. or WAH. If FS&Co. sells all of its common stock, Ripplewood and the Continuing Stockholders will be obligated to sell all of their shares of common stock at the request of FS&Co.
 
The Stockholders Agreement further provides that FS&Co., WAH, Ripplewood and the Continuing Stockholders will have defined levels of representation on the Board of Directors. Ripplewood has granted FS&Co. an irrevocable proxy to vote Ripplewood’s common stock on all matters, expiring upon an initial public offering. Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, the current Chairman of the Board has certain approval rights with respect to major corporate transactions.
 
18.    Installment Sales Program:
 
A subsidiary of the Company maintains an in-house finance program, which offers financing to retail customers. Finance charges of $3,063, $2,662 and $376 on the installment sales program are included in net sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999, respectively. The cost of administering the installment sales program is included in selling, general and administrative expenses as a cost of operations.
 
19.    Subsequent Events:
 
On April 23, 2001, the Company completed its acquisition of Carport Auto Parts, Inc. (“Carport”). The acquisition included a net 30 retail stores located in Alabama and Mississippi, and substantially all of the assets used in Carport’s operations. The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting during the second quarter of fiscal 2001. The purchase price of $21,533 was allocated during the second quarter of fiscal 2001 to the assets and the liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. This allocation resulted in the recognition of $3,239 in goodwill.
 
The Company received notification from Sears during the first quarter of 2001 that certain environmental matters of Western existing as of the merger date and fully indemnified by Sears, have been settled. Accordingly, the Company reversed $2,500 of the previously recorded $3,750 receivable due from Sears and reduced the corresponding environmental liability (see Note 20.)
 
On July 27, 2001, the Company made the decision to close a duplicative distribution facility located in Jeffersonville, Ohio. This 382,000 square foot owned facility opened in 1996 and served stores operating in the retail segment throughout the Midwest portion of the United States. The Company has operated two distribution

F-23


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

facilities in overlapping markets since the Western merger, in which the Company assumed the operation of a Western distribution facility in Ohio. The decision to close this facility allows the Company to utilize the operating resource requirements more productively in other areas of the business. The Company does not anticipate closure of this facility and the severing of certain of its employees to materially impact its financial position or future results of operations.
 
On August 7, 2001, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire Discount in a merger transaction. Discount shareholders received $7.50 per share in cash plus 0.2577 shares of common stock in the combined company, collectively Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (“Advance,” see Note 1), for each share of Discount stock. Accordingly, upon consummation of the merger, Discount shareholders will own approximately 13% of the total shares outstanding of Advance. On August 31, 2001, Advance filed a registration statement covering the shares to be issued to Discount’s shareholders, which resulted in Advance Auto Parts, Inc. becoming a publicly traded company on November 29, 2001. The transaction was consummated on November 28, 2001. As of November 28, 2001, Discount operated approximately 671 retail auto parts stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The merger will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
 
In September 2001, the court granted the Company’s motion for summary judgment and dismissed all claims against the Company in the matter of a class action complaint alleging misconduct in the sale of batteries (See Note 20). The court has not yet entered a formal order, and the period for appeal has not yet run. The Company believes it has no liability for such claims and intends to continue to defend them vigorously, if necessary.
 
In September 2001, the Company loaned a member of the Board of Directors $1,300. This loan is evidenced by a full recourse promissory note bearing interest at prime rate, payable annually, and due in full five years from its inception. Payment of the promissory note is secured by a stock pledge agreement that grants the Company a security interest in all shares of the common stock owned by the board member under the Company’s stock subscription plan.
 
On October 18, 2001, the court denied, on all but one count, a motion by the Company and other defendants to dismiss a lawsuit filed on behalf of independent retailers and jobbers for various claims under the Robinson-Patman Act (See Note 20). It is expected that the discovery phase of the litigation will now commence (including with respect to the Company); however, determinations as to the discovery schedule and scope remain to be determined. The Company continues to believe that the claims are without merit and intends to defend them vigorously; however, the ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be ascertained at this time.
 
On October 31, 2001, the Company finalized its offering of $200,000 in Senior Subordinated Notes (the “2001 Notes”) offered at an issue price of 92.802%, yielding gross proceeds of approximately $185,600. The 2001 Notes mature on April 15, 2008 and bear interest at 10.25% payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15. The 2001 Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a unsecured senior subordinated basis by each of the Company’s existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantees any indebtedness of the Company or any other restricted subsidiary. The 2001 Notes are redeemable at the Company’s option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after April 15, 2003, in cash at the redemption prices described in the offering plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidating damages, if any, at the redemption date. The 2001 Notes also contain certain covenants that will limit, among other things, the Company and its subsidiaries ability to incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock, pay dividends or certain other distributions, make certain investments, repurchase stock and certain indebtedness, create or incur liens, engage in transactions with affiliates, enter into new businesses, sell stock of restricted subsidiaries, redeem subordinated debt, sell assets, enter into any agreements that restrict dividends from restricted subsidiaries and enter into certain mergers or consolidations.

F-24


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
On November 28, the Company entered a new senior credit facility (the “Facility”) consisting of (1) a $180,000 tranche A term loan facility due 2006 and a $305,000 tranche B term loan facility due 2007 and (2) a $160,000 revolving credit facility (including a letter of credit subfacility). The Facility will be jointly and severally guaranteed by all of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries (including Discount and its subsidiaries) and will be secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets and the assets of existing and future domestic subsidiaries (including Discount and its subsidiaries).
 
On November 28, in connection with closing the Discount acquisition, the Company used $485 million of borrowings under the new senior credit facility and net proceeds of $185.6 million from the sale of the 2001 Notes to (1) fund the cash portion of the consideration to be paid to the Discount shareholders and in-the-money option holders, (2) repay $225.3 million in borrowings under Discount’s credit facility (plus repayment premiums of $5.8 million), (3) purchased Discount’s Gallman, Mississippi distribution facility from the lessor for $34.4 million, (4) repay $256.6 million of borrowings under its prior credit facility, and (5) approximately $30 million in related transaction fees and expenses.
 
20.    Contingencies:
 
In the case of all known contingencies, the Company accrues for an obligation when it is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. As facts concerning contingencies become known to the Company, the Company reassesses its position both with respect to gain contingencies and accrued liabilities and other potential exposures. Estimates that are particularly sensitive to future change include tax and legal matters, which are subject to change as events evolve and as additional information becomes available during the administrative and litigation process.
 
In October 2000, a vendor repudiated a long-term purchase agreement entered into with the Company in January 2000. The Company filed suit against the vendor in November of fiscal 2000. While legal remedies were being pursued, an interim agreement was entered into to ensure the continuous supply of products. In this suit, the Company attempted to recover monetary damages for the increased costs charged by the vendor under the interim agreement, the increased costs to acquire product from other sources, plus any consequential damages. Based on consultation with the Company’s legal counsel, management believed the purchase agreement was entered into in good faith and it was highly probable that the Company would prevail in its suit. Therefore, the Company recorded a gain of $3,300, which represented actual damages incurred through December 30, 2000, as a reduction of cost of sales in the accompanying statements of operations. Related income taxes and legal fees of $1,300 were also recorded in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 30, 2000. On March 23, 2001, the Company agreed to a cash settlement of $16,600 from the vendor. The remainder of the cash settlement over the originally recorded gain, less higher product costs incurred under the interim supply agreement, related legal expenses and taxes, was recognized as a net gain of $8,300 during first quarter of fiscal 2001.
 
In March 2000, the Company was notified it has been named in a lawsuit filed on behalf of independent retailers and jobbers against the Company and others for various claims under the Robinson-Patman Act. The suit is in preliminary stages. The Company believes these claims are without merit and intends to defend them vigorously; however, the ultimate outcome of this matter can not be ascertained at this time.
 
In January 1999, the Company was notified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) that Western may have potential liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act relating to two battery salvage and recycling sites that were in operation in the 1970’s and

F-25


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

1980’s. The EPA has indicated the total cleanup for this site will be approximately $1,600. Management is continuing their investigation of the EPA notification. An estimate of the range of liability is not reasonably possible until technical studies are sufficiently completed and the amount of potential indemnification from Sears, if any, is further investigated. The ultimate exposure will also depend upon the participation of other parties named in the notification who are believed to share in responsibility. The Company believes the claim could be settled for an amount not material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
Sears has agreed to indemnify the Company for certain litigation and environmental matters of Western that existed as of the Western merger date. The Company has recorded a receivable from Sears of approximately $2,685, which is included in the fair value of Western’s assets (Note 16), relating to certain environmental matters that had been accrued by Western as of the Western merger date. As of the Western merger date, Sears has agreed to partially indemnify the Company for up to 5 years for certain additional environmental matters that may arise relating to the period prior to the Western merger. The Company’s maximum exposure during the indemnification period for certain matters covered in the Western merger agreement is $3,750.
 
In November 1997 a plaintiff, on behalf of himself and others similarly situated, filed a class action complaint and motion of class certification against the Company in the circuit court for Jefferson County, Tennessee, alleging misconduct in the sale of automobile batteries. The complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages. The Company believes it has no liability for such claims and intends to defend them vigorously.
 
In addition, three lawsuits were filed against the Company on July 28, 1998, for wrongful death relating to an automobile accident involving an employee of the Company. The Company believes the financial exposure is covered by insurance.
 
The Company is also involved in various other claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. The damages claimed against the Company in some of these proceedings are substantial. Although the final outcome of these legal matters cannot be determined, based on the facts presently known, it is management’s opinion that the final outcome of such claims and lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
The Company has certain periods open to examination by taxing authorities in various states for sales and use tax. In management’s opinion, adequate reserves have been established and any amounts assessed will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
The Company is self-insured with respect to workers’ compensation and health care claims for eligible active employees. The Company maintains certain levels of stop-loss insurance coverage for these claims through an independent insurance provider. The cost of workers’ compensation and general health care claims is

F-26


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

accrued based on actual claims reported plus an estimate for claims incurred but not reported. These estimates are based on historical information along with certain assumptions about future events, and are subject to change as additional information comes available.
 
The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain employees that provide severance pay benefits under certain circumstances after a change in control of the Company or upon termination by the Company. The maximum contingent liability under these employment agreements is approximately $4,740 and $4,400 at December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, respectively.
 
21.    Related-party Transactions:
 
Rents for related-party leases may be slightly higher than rents for non-affiliated leases, and certain terms of the related-party leases are more favorable to the landlord than those contained in leases with non-affiliates (See Note 14).
 
Under the terms of a shared services agreement, Sears provided certain services to the Company, including payroll and payable processing for Western, among other services through the third quarter of fiscal year 1999. The Company and Sears have entered into agreements that provide for the Western stores to continue to purchase and carry certain Sears branded products during periods defined in the agreements. The Company is also a first-call supplier of certain automotive products to certain Sears Automotive Group stores.
 
In connection with the Western merger, Sears arranged to buy from the Company certain products in bulk for its automotive centers through January 1999. These amounts are included in net sales to Sears in the following table.
 
The following table presents the related party transactions with Sears for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998 and as of December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000:
 
    
Years Ended

    
December 30, 2000

    
January 1, 2000

    
January 2, 1999

Net sales to Sears
  
$
7,487
    
$
5,326
    
$
2,124
Shared services revenue
  
 
—  
    
 
2,286
    
 
697
Shared services expenses
  
 
—  
    
 
887
    
 
844
Credit card fees expense
  
 
405
    
 
348
    
 
657
    

    

    

    
December 30, 2000

    
January 1, 2000

      
Receivables from Sears
  
$
3,160
    
$
6,625
        
Payable to Sears
  
 
1,321
    
 
4,304
        
    

    

        

F-27


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
22.    Benefit Plans:
 
401(k) Plan
 
The Company maintains a defined contribution employee benefit plan, which covers substantially all employees after one year of service. The plan allows for employee salary deferrals, which are matched at the Company’s discretion. Company contributions were $5,245 in fiscal 2000, $4,756 in fiscal 1999, and $2,634 in fiscal 1998.
 
The Company also maintains a profit sharing plan covering Western employees that was frozen prior to the Western merger on November 2, 1998 (See Note 16). This plan covered all full-time employees who had completed one year of service and had attained the age of 21 on the first day of each month. All employees covered under this plan were included in the Company’s plan on January 1, 1999.
 
Deferred Compensation
 
The Company maintains an unfunded deferred compensation plan established for certain key employees of Western prior to the Western merger (See Note 16). The Company assumed the plan liability of $15,253 through the Western merger. The plan was frozen at the date of the Western merger. As of December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, $5,359 and $8,504, respectively was accrued related to the plan.
 
Postretirement Plan
 
The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees. Employees retiring from the Company with 20 consecutive years of service after age 40 are eligible for these benefits, subject to deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations.
 
The estimated cost of retiree health and life insurance benefits is recognized over the years that the employees render service as required by SFAS No. 106, “Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.” The initial accumulated liability, measured as of January 1, 1995, the date the Company adopted SFAS No. 106, is being recognized over a 20-year amortization period.
 
In connection with the Western merger, the Company assumed Western’s benefit obligation under its postretirement health care plan. This plan was merged into the Company’s plan effective July 1, 1999.

F-28


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
The Company maintains the existing plan and the assumed plan covering Western employees. Financial information related to the plans was determined by the Company’s independent actuaries as of December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000. The following provides a reconciliation of the benefit obligation and the funded status of the plan:
 
    
2000

    
1999

 
Change in benefit obligation:
                 
Benefit obligation at beginning of the year
  
$
22,095
 
  
$
23,559
 
Service cost
  
 
451
 
  
 
336
 
Interest cost
  
 
1,532
 
  
 
1,401
 
Benefits paid
  
 
(2,826
)
  
 
(1,843
)
Actuarial loss (gain)
  
 
830
 
  
 
(1,358
)
    


  


Benefit obligation at end of the year
  
 
22,082
 
  
 
22,095
 
Change in plan assets:
                 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Employer contributions
  
 
2,826
 
  
 
1,843
 
Benefits paid
  
 
(2,826
)
  
 
(1,843
)
    


  


Fair value of plan assets at end of year
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Reconciliation of funded status:
                 
Funded status
  
 
(22,082
)
  
 
(22,095
)
Unrecognized transition obligation
  
 
810
 
  
 
868
 
Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)
  
 
530
 
  
 
(300
)
    


  


Accrued postretirement benefit cost
  
$
(20,742
)
  
$
(21,527
)
    


  


 
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost is as follows:
 
    
2000

    
1999

    
1998

Service cost
  
$
451
    
$
336
    
$
240
Interest cost
  
 
1,532
    
 
1,401
    
 
440
Amortization of the transition obligation
  
 
58
    
 
58
    
 
58
Amortization of recognized net losses
  
 
—  
    
 
43
    
 
60
    

    

    

    
$
2,041
    
$
1,838
    
$
798
    

    

    

 
The postretirement benefit obligation was computed using an assumed discount rate of 7.5% and 6.5% in 2000 and 1999, respectively. The health care cost trend rate was assumed to be 9.0% for 2000, 8.5% for 2001, 8.0% for 2002, 7.5% for 2003, 7.0% for 2004, 6.5% for 2005, and 5.0% to 6.0% for 2006 and thereafter.
 
If the health care cost were increased 1% for all future years the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation would have increased by $1,496 as of December 30, 2000. The effect of this change on the combined service and interest cost would have been an increase of $130 for 2000.
 
If the health care cost were decreased 1% for all future years the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation would have decreased by $1,308 as of December 30, 2000. The effect of this change on the combined service and interest cost would have been a decrease of $113 for 2000.

F-29


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
The Company reserves the right to change or terminate the benefits at any time. The Company also continues to evaluate ways in which it can better manage these benefits and control costs. Any changes in the plan or revisions to assumptions that affect the amount of expected future benefits may have a significant impact on the amount of the reported obligation and annual expense.
 
23.    Stock Options:
 
The Company maintains a senior executive stock option plan and an executive stock option plan (the “Option Plans”) for key employees of the Company. The Option Plans provide for the granting of non-qualified stock options. All options will terminate on the seventh anniversary of the grant date. Shares authorized for grant under the senior executive and the executive stock option plans are 1,650,000 and 1,240,000, respectively, at December 30, 2000.
 
Three different types of options are granted pursuant to the Option Plans. Fixed Price Service Options vest over a three-year period in three equal installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. Performance Options are earned in installments based upon satisfaction of certain performance targets for the four-year period ending in fiscal 2001. Variable Price Service Options vest in equal annual installments over a two-year period beginning in 1999, and have an exercise price that increases over time.
 
As a result of the Recapitalization certain continuing stockholders received stock options to purchase up to 500,000 shares of common stock. The stock options are fully vested, nonforfeitable and provide for a $10 per share exercise price, increasing $2.00 per share annually, through the expiration date of April 2005. The Company retained a reputable firm with expertise in valuing stock options to determine the fair value of these options as of April 15, 1998 (the “valuation date”). Based on their analysis, the fair value of the options was approximately $300 in the aggregate. The value of the options as of the valuation date has been reflected as additional consideration for the shares of common stock repurchased in the Recapitalization.

F-30


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
Total option activity was as follows:
 
    
2000

  
1999

  
1998

    
Number of Shares

      
Weighted-
Average Exercise Price

  
Number of
Shares

      
Weighted-
Average Exercise Price

  
Number of
Shares

    
Weighted-
Average Exercise Price

Fixed Price Service Options
                                             
Outstanding at beginning of year
  
296,655
 
    
$
14.79
  
104,580
 
    
$
10.00
  
—  
    
$
—  
Granted
  
1,335,500
 
    
 
19.80
  
230,000
 
    
 
16.82
  
104,580
    
 
10.00
Exercised
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
—  
    
 
—  
Forfeited
  
(22,500
)
    
 
14.55
  
(37,925
)
    
 
13.90
  
—  
    
 
—  
    

    

  

    

  
    

Outstanding at end of year
  
1,609,655
 
    
$
18.95
  
296,655
 
    
$
14.79
  
104,580
    
$
10.00
    

    

  

    

  
    

Variable Price Service Options
                                             
Outstanding at beginning of year
  
329,235
 
    
$
15.00
  
397,085
 
    
$
15.00
  
—  
    
$
—  
Granted
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
397,085
    
 
15.00
Exercised
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
—  
    
 
—  
Forfeited
  
(32,500
)
    
 
15.00
  
(67,850
)
    
 
15.00
  
—  
    
 
—  
    

    

  

    

  
    

Outstanding at end of year
  
296,735
 
    
$
15.00
  
329,235
 
    
$
15.00
  
397,085
    
$
15.00
    

    

  

    

  
    

Performance Options
                                             
Outstanding at beginning of year
  
329,235
 
    
$
10.00
  
397,085
 
    
$
10.00
  
—  
    
$
—  
Granted
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
397,085
    
 
10.00
Exercised
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
—  
    
 
—  
Forfeited
  
(32,500
)
    
 
10.00
  
(67,850
)
    
 
10.00
  
—  
    
 
—  
    

    

  

    

  
    

Outstanding at end of year
  
296,735
 
    
$
10.00
  
329,235
 
    
$
10.00
  
397,085
    
$
10.00
    

    

  

    

  
    

Other Options
                                             
Outstanding at beginning of year
  
500,000
 
    
$
12.00
  
500,000
 
    
$
10.00
  
—  
    
$
—  
Granted
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
500,000
    
 
10.00
Exercised
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
—  
    
 
—  
Forfeited
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
—  
 
    
 
—  
  
—  
    
 
—  
    

    

  

    

  
    

Outstanding at end of year
  
500,000
 
    
$
14.00
  
500,000
 
    
$
12.00
  
500,000
    
$
10.00
    

    

  

    

  
    

 
As of December 30, 2000, 118,270 of the Fixed Price Service Options, 148,368 of the variable options and 500,000 of the other options were exercisable. Only the 500,000 of other options and 29,385 of the fixed options were exercisable at January 1, 2000. The exercise price for the above options range from $10.00 per share to $16.82 per share. The remaining weighted-average contractual life of all options, excluding 1,050,000 of the options granted in fiscal 2000, is five years. The 1,050,000 options have a weighted-average contractual life of six years and five months for which none of the options are exercisable as of December 30, 2000.
 
The exercise price for each option grant during the fiscal years ended 1998 and 1999 equaled the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date as determined by the board of directors. The weighted-average fair value for the grants during fiscal 1998 and 1999 was $1.06 and $2.05, respectively. During fiscal 2000, options were granted at an exercise price of $16.82, which equaled the fair market value, and $20.00 and $25.00,

F-31


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

which exceeded the fair market value. The weighted-average fair value of options granted at $16.82 was $1.44. The options granted at $20.00 and $25.00 had no fair value on the grant date.
 
As permitted under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” the Company accounts for its employee stock options using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB No. 25”). Under APB No. 25, compensation cost for stock options is measured as the excess, if any, of the market price of the Company’s common stock at the measurement date over the exercise price. Accordingly, the Company did not recognize compensation expense on the issuance of its Fixed Price Service Options because the exercise price equaled the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date. The fair market value of the stock as of December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, as determined by the Board of Directors, was $21.00 and $16.82, respectively. The excess of the fair market value per share over the exercise price per share for the Performance Options and Variable Price Service Options is recorded as outstanding stock options and unamortized stock option compensation and is included in other stockholders’ equity. At December 30, 2000, outstanding stock options and unamortized stock option compensation was $3,948 and $1,488, respectively. This compensation is amortized to expense over the vesting periods. Compensation expense related to these options of $729, $1,082 and $695 is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999, respectively.
 
The following information is presented as if the Company elected to account for compensation cost related to the stock options using the fair value method as prescribed by SFAS No. 123:
 
    
2000

    
1999

      
1998

 
Net income (loss):
                            
As reported
  
$
19,559
    
($
25,326
)
    
($
2,182
)
Pro forma
  
 
19,674
    
 
(24,842
)
    
 
(1,700
)
    

    


    


 
For the above information, the fair value of each option granted in fiscal 2000 was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: (i) risk-free interest rate of 4.47% and 4.57%; (ii) weighted-average expected life of options of two and three years and (iii) expected dividend yield of zero. As permitted by SFAS No. 123 for companies with non-public equity securities, the Company used the assumption of zero volatility in valuing their options.
 
For the above information, the fair value of each option granted in fiscal 1999 was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: (i) risk-free interest rate of 5.19% and 5.27%; (ii) weighted-average expected life of options of two and three years and (iii) expected dividend yield of zero. As permitted by SFAS No. 123 for companies with non-public equity securities, the Company used the assumption of zero volatility in valuing their options.
 
For the above information, the fair value of each option granted in fiscal 1998 was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: (i) risk-free interest rate of 5.61%, 5.62% and 5.65%; (ii) weighted-average expected life of options of two, three and four years; and (iii) expected dividend yield of zero. As permitted by SFAS No. 123 for companies with non-public equity securities, the Company used the assumption of zero volatility in valuing their options.

F-32


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
24.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
 
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, bank overdrafts, accounts payable, borrowings secured by receivables and current portion of long-term debt approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The carrying amount for variable rate long-term debt approximates fair value for similar issues available to the Company. The fair value of all fixed rate long-term debt was determined based on current market prices, which approximated $163,473 and $222,640 at December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, respectively.
 
25.    Segment and Related Information:
 
During 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”. This statement requires entities to report financial and descriptive information related to segments within the organization.
 
The Company has the following operating segments: Advance Auto Parts, Inc., Retail and Wholesale. Advance Auto Parts, Inc. has no operations but holds certain assets and liabilities. Retail consists of the retail operations of the Company, operating under the trade name “Advance Auto Parts” in the United States and “Western Auto” in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Wholesale consists of the wholesale operations, including distribution services to independent dealers, franchisees and one Company-owned store in California all operating under the “Western Auto” trade name. The California store location generates approximately 13% of the total Wholesale segment revenues.
 
The financial information for fiscal 1999 and 1998 has been restated to reflect the operating segments described above. Prior to January 1, 2000, management received and used financial information at the Advance Stores and consolidated Western levels. The Advance Stores segment consisted of the “Advance Auto Parts” retail locations and the Western segment consisted of the “Western Auto” retail locations and wholesale operations described above. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those of the Company.

F-33


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
    
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

   
Retail

    
Wholesale(b)

    
Eliminations

   
Totals

 
2000

                                          
Net sales(a)
  
$
—  
 
 
$
2,148,904
 
  
$
139,118
 
  
$
—  
 
 
$
2,288,022
 
Gross profit
  
 
—  
 
 
 
873,119
 
  
 
22,776
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
895,895
 
Operating income
  
 
—  
 
 
 
87,600
 
  
 
5,189
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
92,789
 
Net interest (expense) income
  
 
(9,871
)
 
 
(49,976
)
  
 
(5,849
)
  
 
—  
 
 
 
(65,696
)
(Loss) income before provision (benefit) for income taxes and extraordinary item(c)
  
 
(9,871
)
 
 
37,345
 
  
 
(313
)
  
 
—  
 
 
 
27,161
 
Extraordinary item, gain on debt extinguishment, net of $1,759 income taxes
  
 
—  
 
 
 
2,933
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
2,933
 
Segment assets(c)
  
 
10,556
 
 
 
1,293,208
 
  
 
56,088
 
  
 
(3,492
)
 
 
1,356,360
 
Depreciation and amortization
          
 
66,513
 
  
 
313
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
66,826
 
Capital expenditures
  
 
—  
 
 
 
70,492
 
  
 
74
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
70,566
 
1999(d)

                                          
Net sales(a)
  
$
—  
 
 
$
1,999,002
 
  
$
207,943
 
  
$
—  
 
 
$
2,206,945
 
Gross profit
  
 
—  
 
 
 
784,147
 
  
 
18,685
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
802,832
 
Operating income (loss)
  
 
—  
 
 
 
24,588
 
  
 
(4,353
)
  
 
—  
 
 
 
20,235
 
Net interest (expense) income
  
 
(8,717
)
 
 
(50,789
)
  
 
(2,654
)
  
 
—  
 
 
 
(62,160
)
Loss before benefit for income taxes(c)
  
 
(8,717
)
 
 
(26,200
)
  
 
(2,993
)
  
 
—  
 
 
 
(37,910
)
Segment assets(c)
  
 
13,036
 
 
 
1,250,654
 
  
 
94,298
 
  
 
(9,359
)
 
 
1,348,629
 
Depreciation and amortization
  
 
—  
 
 
 
53,280
 
  
 
4,867
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
58,147
 
Capital expenditures
  
 
—  
 
 
 
96,989
 
  
 
8,028
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
105,017
 
1998(d)

                                          
Net sales(a)
  
$
—  
 
 
$
1,186,167
 
  
$
34,592
 
  
$
—  
 
 
$
1,220,759
 
Gross profit
  
 
—  
 
 
 
452,817
 
  
 
1,744
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
454,561
 
Operating (loss) income
  
 
(564
)
 
 
41,228
 
  
 
(8,818
)
  
 
(17
)
 
 
31,829
 
Net interest (expense) income
  
 
(6,252
)
 
 
(28,310
)
  
 
416
 
  
 
1,068
 
 
 
(33,078
)
(Loss) income before provision (benefit) for income taxes(c)
  
 
(6,825
)
 
 
11,901
 
  
 
(8,402
)
  
 
1,060
 
 
 
(2,266
)
Segment assets(c)
  
 
6,749
 
 
 
1,150,592
 
  
 
110,924
 
  
 
(2,910
)
 
 
1,265,355
 
Depreciation and amortization
  
 
—  
 
 
 
29,208
 
  
 
756
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
29,964
 
Capital expenditures
  
 
—  
 
 
 
64,131
 
  
 
1,659
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
65,790
 

(a)
 
For fiscal years 2000, 1999, and 1998, total net sales include approximately $356,000, $245,000 and $130,000, respectively, related to revenues derived from commercial sales.
 
(b)
 
During fiscal 1999, certain assets, liabilities and the corresponding activity related to the Parts America store operations and a distribution center were transferred to the Retail segment through a dividend to Retail. Additionally, throughout fiscal 2000, the Company transferred certain assets to the Retail segment related to the Western Auto retail operations in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
 
(c)
 
Excludes investment in and equity in net earnings or losses of subsidiaries.
 
(d)
 
Fiscal 1999 and 1998 results of operations do not reflect the allocation of certain shared expenses to the Wholesale segment. During fiscal 2000, management adopted a method for allocating shared expenses.

F-34


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000, and January 2, 1999
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
26.    Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited):
 
The following table summarizes quarterly financial data for fiscal years 2000 and 1999:
 
    
First

    
Second

  
Third

  
Fourth

 
2000

                               
Net sales
  
$
677,582
 
  
$
557,650
  
$
552,138
  
$
500,652
 
Gross profit
  
 
258,975
 
  
 
216,533
  
 
223,903
  
 
196,484
 
Operating income
  
 
19,184
 
  
 
32,249
  
 
30,111
  
 
11,245
 
Net (loss) income
  
 
(956
)
  
 
10,381
  
 
12,440
  
 
(2,306
)
Basic net (loss) income per common share
  
 
(0.03
)
  
 
0.37
  
 
0.44
  
 
(0.08
)
Diluted net (loss) income per common share
  
 
(0.03
)
  
 
0.36
  
 
0.44
  
 
(0.08
)
1999

                               
Net sales
  
$
670,453
 
  
$
542,320
  
$
522,846
  
$
471,326
 
Gross profit
  
 
226,361
 
  
 
196,526
  
 
199,637
  
 
180,308
 
Operating (loss) income
  
 
(17,002
)
  
 
14,096
  
 
14,860
  
 
8,281
 
Net (loss) income
  
 
(24,942
)
  
 
2,067
  
 
191
  
 
(2,642
)
Basic net (loss) income per common share
  
 
(0.88
)
  
 
0.07
  
 
0.01
  
 
(0.09
)
Diluted net (loss) income per common share
  
 
(0.88
)
  
 
0.07
  
 
0.01
  
 
(0.09
)

F-35


Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
SCHEDULE I—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
 
December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000
Condensed Parent Company Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
    
December 30, 2000

    
January 1, 2000

 
ASSETS

             
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
178
 
  
$
467
 
Merchandise and other receivables
  
 
214
 
  
 
203
 
Refundable income taxes
  
 
—  
 
  
 
5,252
 
Investment in subsidiary
  
 
231,371
 
  
 
202,528
 
Deferred income taxes
  
 
8,185
 
  
 
4,911
 
Other assets
  
 
1,979
 
  
 
2,203
 
    


  


Total assets
  
$
241,927
 
  
$
215,564
 
    


  


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

             
Accrued expenses
  
$
838
 
  
$
716
 
Long-term debt
  
 
84,215
 
  
 
74,362
 
Other long-term liabilities
  
 
—  
 
  
 
620
 
Intercompany liabilities
  
 
603
 
  
 
5,912
 
    


  


Total liabilities
  
 
85,656
 
  
 
81,610
 
Stockholders’ equity
                 
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Common stock, $.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 28,288,550 and 28,144,050 issued and outstanding
  
 
3
 
  
 
3
 
Additional paid-in capital
  
 
372,449
 
  
 
369,677
 
Other
  
 
396
 
  
 
69
 
Accumulated deficit
  
 
(216,577
)
  
 
(235,795
)
    


  


Total stockholders’ equity
  
 
156,271
 
  
 
133,954
 
    


  


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  
$
241,927
 
  
$
215,564
 
    


  


 
 
 
The accompanying notes to condensed parent company financial statements
are an integral part of these balance sheets.

F-36


Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
SCHEDULE I—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
 
Condensed Parent Company Statements of Operations
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
    
For the Years Ended

 
    
2000

    
1999

    
1998

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  
$
—  
 
  
$
—  
 
  
$
(564
)
Interest expense
  
 
(10,121
)
  
 
(8,948
)
  
 
(7,436
)
Interest income
  
 
250
 
  
 
231
 
  
 
1,184
 
Other, net
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(9
)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
  
 
26,104
 
  
 
(19,565
)
  
 
2,322
 
Income tax benefit
  
 
3,326
 
  
 
2,956
 
  
 
2,321
 
    


  


  


Net income (loss)
  
$
19,559
 
  
$
(25,326
)
  
$
(2,182
)
    


  


  


Net income (loss) per basic share
  
$
0.69
 
  
$
(0.90
)
  
$
(0.12
)
Net income (loss) per diluted share
  
$
0.68
 
  
$
(0.90
)
  
$
(0.12
)
    


  


  


Average common shares outstanding
  
 
28,295,873
 
  
 
28,269,431
 
  
 
18,606,048
 
Dilutive effect of stock options
  
 
314,995
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
    


  


  


Average common shares outstanding—assuming dilution
  
 
28,610,868
 
  
 
28,269,431
 
  
 
18,606,048
 
    


  


  


 
 
The accompanying notes to condensed parent company financial statements
are an integral part of these balance sheets.

F-37


Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
SCHEDULE I—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
 
Condensed Parent Company Statements of Cash Flows (Dollars in thousands)
 
    
For the Years Ended

 
    
2000

    
1999

    
1998

 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                          
Net income (loss)
  
$
19,559
 
  
$
(25,326
)
  
$
(2,182
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operations:
                          
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs
  
 
224
 
  
 
248
 
  
 
179
 
Amortization of bond discount
  
 
9,853
 
  
 
8,700
 
  
 
5,645
 
Benefit for deferred income taxes
  
 
(3,326
)
  
 
(2,994
)
  
 
(1,894
)
Equity in earnings of subsidiary
  
 
(26,104
)
  
 
19,565
 
  
 
(2,322
)
Net decrease (increase) in:
                          
Other assets
  
 
5,225
 
  
 
(59
)
  
 
3,647
 
Other liabilities
  
 
40
 
  
 
1,154
 
  
 
(303
)
    


  


  


Net cash provided by operating activities
  
 
5,471
 
  
 
1,288
 
  
 
2,770
 
    


  


  


Cash flows from investing activities:
                          
Change in net intercompany with subsidiaries
  
 
(5,309
)
  
 
(2,944
)
  
 
49,799
 
Purchase of Advance Stores Class A Common Stock
  
 
(2,053
)
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Distributions from subsidiaries
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
242,023
 
Capital contributions
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(10,259
)
Purchase of stores common stock—Western merger
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(263,000
)
    


  


  


Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
  
 
(7,362
)
  
 
(2,944
)
  
 
18,563
 
    


  


  


Cash flows from financing activities:
                          
Repayments of long-term debt
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
184,616
 
Borrowings under new credit facilities
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(218,725
)
Payment of debt issuance costs
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(42
)
  
 
(2,587
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
  
 
1,602
 
  
 
423
 
  
 
368,045
 
Redemption of preferred and common stock
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(351,000
)
Payment of preferred dividend
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(15
)
    


  


  


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
  
 
1,602
 
  
 
381
 
  
 
(19,666
)
    


  


  


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
  
 
(289
)
  
 
(1,275
)
  
 
1,667
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
  
 
467
 
  
 
1,742
 
  
 
75
 
    


  


  


Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  
$
178
 
  
$
467
 
  
$
1,742
 
    


  


  


Supplemental cash flow information:
                          
Interest paid
  
$
—  
 
  
$
—  
 
  
$
1,848
 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received
  
 
—  
 
  
 
939
 
  
 
2,272
 
Noncash transactions:
                          
Net issuances of common stock under stockholder subscription receivable plan
  
 
538
 
  
 
1,316
 
  
 
—  
 
Loans receivable related to issuance of common stock
  
 
402
 
  
 
344
 
  
 
2,527
 
Appreciation of cancelled shares under stockholder subscription receivable plan
  
 
341
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Debt issuance and acquisition costs accrued at January 1, 2000
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
137
 
Stock options issued for redemption of stock
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
300
 
Issuance of common stock—Western merger
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
193,003
 
Equity method impact of outstanding stock options
  
 
(729
)
  
 
(1,082
)
  
 
(695
)
 
The accompanying notes to condensed parent company financial statements
are an integral part of these balance sheets.

F-38


Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
SCHEDULE I—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
 
Notes to Condensed Parent Company Statements
December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
1.    Presentation
 
These condensed financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although management believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
 
2.    Organization
 
On November 28, 2001, Advance Holding Corporation (“Holding”) was merged with and into Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (the “Company”), with Advance Auto Parts, Inc. continuing as the surviving entity. Shareholders of Holding received one share of Company common stock in exchange for each outstanding share of Holding common stock. In addition, separate classes of common stock were eliminated, the par value of each share of common and preferred stock was set at $.0001 and $.01 per share, respectively, and 100,000,000 and 10,000,000 shares of common and preferred stock were authorized, respectively. This transaction is a reorganization among entities under common control and has been treated in a manner similar to a pooling of interests. Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements have been restated to reflect the transaction as if it occurred on January 3, 1998. The Company was created in August 2001 and has no separate operations. Accordingly, the restatement resulted only in reclassifications between common stock and additional paid-in capital.
 
The Company is a holding company which was the 100% shareholder of Advance Stores Company, Incorporated (“Stores”) and certain other subsidiaries during the periods presented. During fiscal 1998, the other subsidiaries of the Company were liquidated, leaving Stores as the only operating subsidiary of the Company. The parent/subsidiary relationship between the Company and its subsidiaries includes certain related party transactions. These transactions consist primarily of interest on intercompany advances, dividends, capital contributions and allocations of certain costs. Deferred income taxes have not been provided for financial reporting and tax basis differences on the undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries.
 
3.    Recapitalization
 
On April 15, 1998, the Company consummated its recapitalization pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 4, 1998 (the “Merger Agreement”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, AHC Corporation (“AHC”), a corporation controlled by an investment fund organized by Freeman Spogli & Co. Incorporated (“FS&Co.”), merged into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company as the surviving corporation. In the Merger, a portion of the common stock and all of the preferred stock of the Company were converted into the right to receive in the aggregate approximately $351,000 in cash and certain stock options (see below). Certain shares representing approximately 14% of the outstanding Class A common stock remained outstanding upon consummation of the Merger. Immediately prior to the Merger, FS&Co. purchased approximately $80,500 of the common stock of AHC which was converted in the Merger into approximately 64% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and Ripplewood Partners, L.P. and its affiliates (Ripplewood) purchased approximately $20,000 of the common stock of AHC which was converted in the Merger into approximately 16% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. In connection with the Merger, management purchased approximately $8,000, or approximately 6%, of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The purchase of common stock by management resulted in stockholder subscription receivables. The notes provide for annual interest payments, at the prime rate, with the entire principal amount due in five years.

F-39


Table of Contents
 
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
SCHEDULE I—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
 
Notes to Condensed Parent Company Statements
December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
On April 15, 1998, the Company entered into a Credit Facility that provides for (i) three senior secured term loan facilities in the aggregate amount of $250,000 and (ii) a secured revolving credit facility of up to $125,000. At the closing of the Merger, $125,000 was borrowed under one of the term loan facilities. On April 15, 1998, the Company also issued $200,000 of senior subordinated notes and approximately $112,000 of senior discount debentures (See Note 4). In connection with these transactions, the Company extinguished a substantial portion of its existing notes payable and long-term debt.
 
The Merger, the retirement of debt, borrowings under the Credit Facility, the issuance of the senior discount debentures and the issuance of the senior subordinated notes collectively represent the “Recapitalization”. The Company has accounted for the Recapitalization for financial reporting purposes as the sale of common stock, the issuance of debt, the redemption of common and preferred stock and the repayment of notes payable and long-term debt.
 
The stock options received by the existing stockholders are for 500,000 shares of common stock. The stock options are fully vested, nonforfeitable and provide for a $10 per share exercise price, increasing $2.00 per share annually, through the expiration date of April 2005. The Company retained a reputable firm with expertise in valuing stock options to determine the fair value of these options as of April 15, 1998 (the valuation date). Based on their analysis, the fair value of the options is approximately $300 in the aggregate. The value of the options has been reflected as additional consideration for the shares of common stock repurchased in the Recapitalization.
 
Concurrent with the Recapitalization, the Company incurred $3,404 of costs and expenses. Of these costs, $2,629 were capitalized as debt issuance costs and $775 has been recorded as a reduction of proceeds from the sale of common stock.
 
In connection with the Recapitalization, FS&Co. and an affiliate of Ripplewood collectively received $5,000 in fees for negotiating the Recapitalization, advisory and consulting services, arranging financing and raising equity funding.
 
4.    Long-term Debt
 
Long-term debt at December 30, 2000 consists of senior discount debentures (the “Debentures”) issued during fiscal 1998 in connection with the Recapitalization. The Debentures were issued at a discount and accrue at a rate of 12.875%, compounded semi-annually, to an aggregate principal amount of $112,000 by April 15, 2003. Cash interest will not accrue on the Debentures prior to April 15, 2003. Commencing April 15, 2003, cash interest on the Debentures will accrue and be payable, at a rate of 12.875% per annum, semi-annually in arrears on each April 15 and October 15. As of December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, the Debentures have been accreted by $24,198 and $14,345 with corresponding interest expense of $9,853, $8,700 and $5,645 recognized for the years ended December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999, respectively.
 
The Debentures are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or after April 15, 2003. In addition, at any time prior to April 15, 2001 the Company may, at its option, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Debentures originally issued at a redemption price equal to 112.875% of the accreted value thereof, plus liquidated damages, if any, with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings; provided that at least 65% of the original aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Debentures will remain outstanding immediately following each such redemption.

F-40


Table of Contents
 
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
SCHEDULE I—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
 
Notes to Condensed Parent Company Statements
December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined), each holder of the Debentures will have the right to require the Company to purchase the Debentures at a price in cash equal to 101% of the accreted value thereof plus liquidated damages, if any, thereon in the case of any such purchase prior to April 15, 2003, or 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, thereon to the date of purchase in the case of any such purchase on or after April 15, 2003. The Company may not have any significant assets other than capital stock of Stores (which is pledged to secure the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility). As a result, the Company’s ability to purchase all or any part of the Debentures will be dependent upon the receipt of dividends or other distributions from Stores or its subsidiaries. The Credit Facility and the Senior Subordinated Notes have certain restrictions for Stores with respect to paying dividends and making any other distributions.
 
The Debentures are subordinated to all of the Company’s other liabilities. The Debentures contain certain non-financial restrictive covenants that are similar to the covenants contained in the notes. Substantially all of the net assets of the Company’s subsidiaries are restricted at December 30, 2000.
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for Additional Disclosures

F-41


Table of Contents
 
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(Dollars in thousands)
 
    
Balance at Beginning of Period

  
Charges to Expenses

  
Deductions

      
Other

      
Balance at End of Period

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable:
                                          
January 2, 1999
  
$
575
  
$
1,193
  
$
(582
)(1)
    
$
2,594
(2)
    
$
3,780
January 1, 2000
  
 
3,780
  
 
3,901
  
 
(754
)(1)
    
 
—  
 
    
 
6,927
December 30, 2000
  
 
6,927
  
 
2,152
  
 
(4,058
)(1)
    
 
—  
 
    
 
5,021

(1)  Accounts written off during the period.
(2)  Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable assumed in the Western merger.
 
 
Restructuring reserves:
                                          
January 2, 1999
  
$
—  
  
$
6,774
  
$
(2,026
)(1)
    
$
33,015
(2)
    
$
37,763
January 1, 2000
  
 
37,763
  
 
58
  
 
(18,165
)(1)
    
 
1,660
(2)
    
 
21,316
December 30, 2000
  
 
21,316
  
 
1,673
  
 
(11,143
)(1)
    
 
(1,261
)(3)
    
 
10,585

(1)
 
Represents amounts paid for restructuring charges.
(2)
 
Restructuring reserves assumed and established in the Western merger.
(3)
 
Reductions to reserves assumed and established in the Western merger that exceeded the ultimate cost expended by the Company.

F-42


Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
October 6, 2001 and December 30, 2000
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
    
October 6,
2001

    
December 30, 2000

 
    
(unaudited)
        
ASSETS

                 
Current assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
11,918
 
  
$
18,009
 
Receivables, net
  
 
89,632
 
  
 
80,578
 
Inventories
  
 
805,392
 
  
 
788,914
 
Other current assets
  
 
18,462
 
  
 
10,274
 
    


  


Total current assets
  
 
925,404
 
  
 
897,775
 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $226,167 and $191,897
  
 
406,531
 
  
 
410,960
 
Assets held for sale
  
 
22,388
 
  
 
25,077
 
Other assets, net
  
 
21,069
 
  
 
22,548
 
    


  


    
$
1,375,392
 
  
$
1,356,360
 
    


  


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                 
Current liabilities:
                 
Bank overdrafts
  
$
10,546
 
  
$
13,599
 
Current portion of long-term debt
  
 
—  
 
  
 
9,985
 
Accounts payable
  
 
403,668
 
  
 
387,852
 
Accrued expenses
  
 
142,310
 
  
 
124,962
 
Other current liabilities
  
 
50,802
 
  
 
42,794
 
    


  


Total current liabilities
  
 
607,326
 
  
 
579,192
 
    


  


Long-term debt
  
 
532,382
 
  
 
576,964
 
    


  


Other long-term liabilities
  
 
39,311
 
  
 
43,933
 
    


  


Commitments and contingencies
                 
Stockholders' equity:
                 
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 28,320,150 and 28,288,550 issued and outstanding
  
 
3
 
  
 
3
 
Additional paid-in capital
  
 
373,234
 
  
 
372,449
 
Other
  
 
2,925
 
  
 
396
 
Accumulated deficit
  
 
(179,789
)
  
 
(216,577
)
    


  


Total stockholders' equity
  
 
196,373
 
  
 
156,271
 
    


  


    
$
1,375,392
 
  
$
1,356,360
 
    


  


 
The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements  are an integral part of these balance sheets.

F-43


Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended
October 6, 2001 and October 7, 2000
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
    
Twelve Week Periods Ended

    
Forty Week
Periods Ended

 
    
October 6, 2001

    
October 7, 2000

    
October 6,
2001

    
October 7, 2000

 
Net sales
  
$
598,793
 
  
$
552,138
 
  
$
1,935,630
 
  
$
1,787,370
 
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs
  
 
354,730
 
  
 
328,235
 
  
 
1,151,287
 
  
 
1,087,959
 
    


  


  


  


Gross profit
  
 
244,063
 
  
 
223,903
 
  
 
784,343
 
  
 
699,411
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  
 
206,478
 
  
 
193,792
 
  
 
678,839
 
  
 
617,867
 
    


  


  


  


Operating income
  
 
37,585
 
  
 
30,111
 
  
 
105,504
 
  
 
81,544
 
    


  


  


  


Other expense income:
                                   
Interest expense
  
 
12,121
 
  
 
15,183
 
  
 
45,195
 
  
 
51,784
 
Other
  
 
310
 
  
 
527
 
  
 
879
 
  
 
1,059
 
    


  


  


  


Total other expense, net
  
 
(11,811
)
  
 
(14,656
)
  
 
(44,316
)
  
 
(50,725
)
    


  


  


  


Income before provision for income taxes and extraordinary item
  
 
25,774
 
  
 
15,455
 
  
 
61,188
 
  
 
30,819
 
Provision for income taxes
  
 
(10,269
)
  
 
(5,948
)
  
 
(24,279
)
  
 
(11,887
)
    


  


  


  


Income before extraordinary item
  
 
15,505
 
  
 
9,507
 
  
 
36,909
 
  
 
18,932
 
Extraordinary item, gain on debt extinguishment, net of $1,759 income taxes
  
 
—  
 
  
 
2,933
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
2,933
 
    


  


  


  


Net income
  
$
15,505
 
  
$
12,440
 
  
$
36,909
 
  
$
21,865
 
    


  


  


  


Net income (loss) per basic share from:
                                   
Income (loss) before extraordinary item
  
$
0.55
 
  
$
0.34
 
  
$
1.30
 
  
$
0.67
 
Extraordinary item, gain on debt extinguishment
  
 
—  
 
  
 
0.10
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
0.10
 
    


  


  


  


    
$
0.55
 
  
$
0.44
 
  
$
1.30
 
  
$
0.77
 
    


  


  


  


Net income (loss) per diluted share from:
                                   
Income (loss) before extraordinary item
  
$
0.54
 
  
$
0.33
 
  
$
1.29
 
  
$
0.67
 
Extraordinary item, gain on debt extinguishment
  
 
—  
 
  
 
0.11
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
0.10
 
    


  


  


  


    
$
0.54
 
  
$
0.44
 
  
$
1.29
 
  
$
0.77
 
    


  


  


  


Average common shares outstanding
  
 
28,320,483
 
  
 
28,304,883
 
  
 
28,295,390
 
  
 
28,281,900
 
Dilutive effect of stock options
  
 
455,763
 
  
 
209,844
 
  
 
346,826
 
  
 
49,884
 
    


  


  


  


Average common shares outstanding assuming dilution
  
 
28,776,246
 
  
 
28,514,727
 
  
 
28,642,216
 
  
 
28,331,784
 
    


  


  


  


 
The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.
 
 
The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements  are an integral part of these statements.

F-44


Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
For the Forty Week Periods Ended
October 6, 2001 and October 7, 2000
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
    
Forty Week Periods Ended

 
    
October 6, 2001

    
October 7, 2000

 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net income
  
$
36,909
 
  
$
21,865
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                 
Depreciation and amortization
  
 
53,629
 
  
 
50,614
 
Amortization of stock option compensation
  
 
2,862
 
  
 
533
 
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs
  
 
2,452
 
  
 
2,542
 
Amortization of bond discount
  
 
8,417
 
  
 
7,432
 
Amortization of interest on capital lease obligation
  
 
—  
 
  
 
42
 
Losses on sales of property and equipment, net
  
 
1,336
 
  
 
368
 
Impairment of assets held for sale
  
 
1,600
 
  
 
—  
 
Provision for deferred income taxes
  
 
15,265
 
  
 
14,987
 
Extraordinary gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(2,933
)
Net (increase) decrease in:
                 
Receivables, net
  
 
(8,446
)
  
 
7,832
 
Inventories
  
 
732
 
  
 
(53,660
)
Other assets
  
 
(10,702
)
  
 
(3,148
)
Net increase (decrease) in:
                 
Accounts payable
  
 
15,816
 
  
 
74,670
 
Accrued expenses
  
 
16,834
 
  
 
(17,845
)
Other liabilities
  
 
(10,410
)
  
 
(2,499
)
    


  


Net cash provided by operating activities
  
 
126,294
 
  
 
100,800
 
    


  


Cash flows from investing activities:
                 
Purchases of property and equipment
  
 
(49,550
)
  
 
(46,883
)
Acquisition, net of cash acquired
  
 
(21,472
)
  
 
—  
 
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
  
 
2,317
 
  
 
4,777
 
    


  


Net cash used in investing activities
  
 
(68,705
)
  
 
(42,106
)
    


  


Cash flows from financing activities:
                 
Decrease in bank overdrafts
  
 
(3,053
)
  
 
(7,328
)
(Payment) borrowing of note payable
  
 
(784
)
  
 
1,555
 
Early extinguishment of debt
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(24,990
)
Borrowings under credit facilities
  
 
171,400
 
  
 
191,200
 
Payments on credit facilities
  
 
(233,601
)
  
 
(233,200
)
(Repurchases of) proceeds from common stock under the stockholder subscription plan
  
 
(502
)
  
 
1,602
 
Other
  
 
2,860
 
  
 
6,243
 
    


  


Net cash used in financing activities
  
 
(63,680
)
  
 
(64,918
)
    


  


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
  
 
(6,091
)
  
 
(6,224
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
  
 
18,009
 
  
 
22,577
 
    


  


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  
$
11,918
 
  
$
16,353
 
    


  


Supplemental cash flow information:
                 
Interest paid
  
$
27,872
 
  
$
36,089
 
Income tax (payments) refunds, net
  
 
(4,600
)
  
 
6,700
 
Non-cash transactions:
                 
Accrued purchases of property and equipment
  
 
8,527
 
  
 
8,630
 
Equity transactions under the stockholder subscription and
                 
employee stock option plans
  
 
426
 
  
 
1,281
 
Conversion of capital lease obligation
  
 
—  
 
  
 
3,509
 
    


  


 
The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.

F-45


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2001 and October 7, 2000
(Dollars in thousands)

 
1.    Basis of Presentation:
 
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
On November 28, 2001, Advance Holding Corporation (“Holding”) was merged with and into Advance Auto Parts, Inc., with Advance Auto Parts, Inc. continuing as the surviving entity. Shareholders of Holding received one share of Advance Auto Parts, Inc., common stock in exchange for each outstanding share of Holding common stock. In addition, separate classes of common stock were eliminated, the par value of each share of common and preferred stock was set at $.0001 and $.01 per share, respectively, and 100,000,000 and 10,000,000 shares of common and preferred stock were authorized, respectively. This transaction is a reorganization among entities under common control and has been treated in a manner similar to a pooling of interests. Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements have been restated to reflect the transaction as if it occurred on January 3, 2000. Advance Auto Parts, Inc., was created in August 2001 and has no separate operations. Accordingly, the restatement resulted only in reclassifications between common stock and additional paid-in capital.
 
The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of October 6, 2001, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the twelve and forty week periods ended October 6, 2001 and October 7, 2000 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the forty week periods ended October 6, 2001 and October 7, 2000, have been prepared by the Company and have not been audited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of the Company, the results of its operations and cash flows have been made.
 
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000.
 
The results of operations for the forty week period are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. This Statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities. It requires companies to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in their statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. In September 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133,” which delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 133 to fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. In June 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 138, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities—an Amendment of SFAS No. 133,” which amended the accounting and reporting standards for certain risks related to normal purchases and sales,

F-46


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2001 and October 7, 2000
(Dollars in thousands)

interest and foreign currency transactions addressed by SFAS No. 133. The Company adopted SFAS No. 133 on December 31, 2000 with no material impact on its financial position or the results of its operations.
 
In September 2000, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities”. This statement replaces SFAS No. 125, but carries over most of the provisions of SFAS No. 125 without reconsideration. The Company implemented SFAS No. 140 during the first quarter of fiscal 2001. The implementation had no impact on the Company’s financial position or the results of its operations.
 
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” and No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. SFAS No. 141 addresses accounting and reporting for all business combinations and requires the use of the purchase method for business combinations. SFAS No. 141 also requires recognition of intangible assets apart from goodwill if they meet certain criteria. SFAS No. 142 establishes accounting and reporting standards for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives are no longer amortized but are instead subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair-value based test. SFAS No. 141 applies to all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 142 is effective for existing goodwill and intangible assets beginning on December 31, 2001. SFAS No. 142 is effective immediately for goodwill and intangibles acquired after June 30, 2001. Although the Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS Nos. 141 and 142, management does not expect that the adoption of these statements will have a material impact on existing goodwill or intangibles. For the twelve and forty week periods ended October 6, 2001, the Company had amortization expense of approximately $146 and $296, respectively related to existing goodwill. Such amortization will be eliminated upon adoption of SFAS No. 142.
 
In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”. SFAS No. 143 establishes accounting standards for recognition and measurement of an asset retirement obligation and an associated asset retirement cost and is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company does not expect SFAS No. 143 to have a material impact on its financial statements.
 
In August 2001, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. This statement replaces both SFAS No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of” and Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 30, “Reporting the Results of Operations — Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions”. SFAS 144 retains the basic provisions from both SFAS 121 and APB 30 but includes changes to improve financial reporting and comparability among entities. The provisions of SFAS 144 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. The Company has not yet determined the impact SFAS No. 144 will have on its financial position or the results of its operations.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

F-47


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2001 and October 7, 2000
(Dollars in thousands)

 
Reclassifications
 
Certain 2000 amounts have been reclassified to conform with their 2001 presentation.
 
2.    Accounts Receivable:
 
Receivables consist of the following:
 
    
October 6, 2001

      
December 30, 2000

 
    
(unaudited)
          
Trade:
                   
Wholesale
  
$
9,714
 
    
$
12,202
 
Retail
  
 
18,526
 
    
 
15,666
 
Vendor
  
 
48,014
 
    
 
36,260
 
Installment
  
 
14,915
 
    
 
14,197
 
Related parties
  
 
1,089
 
    
 
3,540
 
Employees
  
 
660
 
    
 
607
 
Other
  
 
2,754
 
    
 
3,127
 
    


    


Total receivables
  
 
95,672
 
    
 
85,599
 
Less—Allowance for doubtful accounts
  
 
(6,040
)
    
 
(5,021
)
    


    


Receivables, net
  
$
89,632
 
    
$
80,578
 
    


    


 
3.    Inventories:
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each fiscal year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations must be based on management’s estimates of expected fiscal year-end inventory levels and costs. The Company capitalizes certain purchasing and warehousing costs into inventory. Purchasing and warehousing costs included in inventory at October 6, 2001 and December 30, 2000 were $56,039 and $56,305, respectively. Inventories consist of the following:
 
    
October 6, 2001

    
December 30, 2000

    
(unaudited)
      
Inventories at FIFO
  
$
790,118
    
$
779,376
Adjustments to state inventories at LIFO
  
 
15,274
    
 
9,538
    

    

Inventories at LIFO
  
$
805,392
    
$
788,914
    

    

 
4.    Restructuring Liabilities:
 
The Company’s restructuring activities primarily relate to the ongoing analysis of the profitability of store locations and the settlement of restructuring activities undertaken as a result of the fiscal 1998 merger (“Western merger”) with Western Auto Supply Company (“Western”). Additionally, the Company assumed a portion of the pre-acquisition reserves related to the restructuring activities of the recently acquired Carport Auto Parts, Inc. (the “Carport Acquisition” ) (See Note 5). During the first three quarters of fiscal 2001, the Company closed three stores included in the fiscal 2000 restructuring activities and made the decision to close or relocate 33

F-48


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2001 and October 7, 2000
(Dollars in thousands)

additional stores that did not meet profitability objectives, of which 25 had been closed or relocated as of October 6, 2001. As of October 6, 2001, this liability represents the current value required for certain facility exit costs, which will be settled over the remaining terms of the underlying lease agreements.
 
On July 27, 2001, the Company made the decision to close a duplicative distribution facility located in Jeffersonville, Ohio. This 382,000 square foot owned facility opened in 1996 and served stores operating in the retail segment throughout the mid-west portion of the United States. The Company has operated two distribution facilities in overlapping markets since the Western merger, in which the Company assumed the operation of a Western distribution facility in Ohio. The decision to close this facility allows the Company to utilize the operating resource requirements more productively in other areas of the business. The Company has established restructuring reserves for the termination of certain employees and exit costs in connection with the decision to close this facility. Expenses associated with restructuring are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
A reconciliation of activity with respect to these restructuring accruals is as follows:
 
    
Severance

      
Other Exit Costs

 
Balance, December 30, 2000
  
$
—  
 
    
$
6,788
 
New provisions
  
 
475
 
    
 
3,953
 
Change in estimates
  
 
—  
 
    
 
121
 
Reserves utilized
  
 
(186
)
    
 
(3,928
)
    


    


Balance, October 6, 2001 (unaudited)
  
$
289
 
    
$
6,934
 
    


    


 
As a result of the Western merger, the Company established restructuring reserves in connection with the decision to close certain Parts America stores, to relocate certain Western administrative functions, to exit certain facility leases and to terminate certain employees of Western. Additionally, the Carport Acquisition resulted in restructuring reserves for closing 21 acquired stores not expected to meet long-term profitability objectives and the termination of certain administrative employees of the acquired company. As of October 6, 2001, the other exit costs represent the current value required for certain facility exit costs, which will be settled over the remaining terms of the underlying lease agreements.
 
A reconciliation of activity with respect to these restructuring accruals is as follows:
 
    
Severance

      
Other Exit Costs

 
Balance, December 30, 2000
  
$
—  
 
    
$
3,797
 
Purchase accounting adjustments
  
 
837
 
    
 
1,422
 
Reserves utilized
  
 
(837
)
    
 
(2,295
)
    


    


Balance, October 6, 2001 (unaudited)
  
$
—  
 
    
$
2,924
 
    


    


 
5.    Carport Acquisition:
 
On April 23, 2001, the Company completed its acquisition of Carport Auto Parts, Inc. (“Carport”). The acquisition included a net 30 retail stores located in Alabama and Mississippi, and substantially all of the assets used in Carport’s operations. The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting

F-49


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2001 and October 7, 2000
(Dollars in thousands)

and, accordingly, Carport’s results of operations have been included in the Company’s statement of operations since the acquisition date. The purchase price, of $21,533, has been allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on a preliminary estimate of their fair values at the date of acquisition. This allocation resulted in the recognition of $3,239 in goodwill.
 
6.    Assets Held for Sale:
 
During the first quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,600 reducing the carrying value of a facility included in assets held for sale to $6,000. The facility, which is held in the Wholesale segment, consists of excess space not required for the Company’s current needs.
 
7.    Related Parties:
 
In September 2001, the Company loaned a member of the Board of Directors $1,300. This loan is evidenced by a full recourse promissory note bearing interest at prime rate, payable annually, and due in full in five years from its inception. Payment of the promissory note is secured by a stock pledge agreement that grants the Company a security interest in all shares of Holding common stock owned by the board member under Holding’s stock subscription plan.
 
The following table presents the related party transactions with Sears, Roebuck and Co. (“Sears”) included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the twelve and forty week periods ended October 6, 2001 and October 7, 2000 and the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of October 6, 2001 and December 30, 2000:
 
    
Twelve Week Periods Ended

    
Forty Week Periods Ended

    
October 6, 2001

    
October 7, 2000

    
October 6, 2001

    
October 7, 2000

    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
Net sales to Sears
  
$
2,050
    
$
1,929
    
$
5,929
    
$
5,905
Credit card fees expense
  
 
77
    
 
97
    
 
271
    
 
325
                  
October 6, 2001

    
October 7, 2000

                  
(unaudited)
      
Receivables from Sears
                    
$
771
    
$
3,160
Payables to Sears
                    
 
1,220
    
 
1,321
 
8.    Segment and Related Information:
 
The Company has the following operating segments: Advance Auto Parts, Inc., Retail and Wholesale. Advance Auto Parts, Inc. has no operations but holds certain assets and liabilities. Retail consists of the retail operations of the Company, operating under the trade names “Advance Auto Parts “ and “Western Auto” in the United States and “Western Auto” in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Wholesale consists of the wholesale operations, including distribution services to independent dealers and franchisees all operating under the “Western Auto” trade name.

F-50


Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2001 and October 7, 2000
(Dollars in thousands)

 
During the first quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company realigned its retail operations to include the Company-owned store operating under the “Western Auto” trade name in California, which was previously included in the Wholesale segment. Therefore, the following segment disclosures for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 7, 2000 have been restated to reflect this new structure.
 
The accounting policies of the consolidated company have been consistently applied to the reportable segments listed below.
 
      
Twelve Week Periods Ended

October 6, 2001 (unaudited)

    
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    
Retail

  
Wholesale

    
Eliminations

    
Totals

Net sales
    
$
—  
 
  
$
580,105
  
$
18,688
 
  
$
—  
 
  
$
598,793
(Loss) income before provision (benefit) for income taxes and extraordinary item
    
 
(2,573
)
  
 
28,455
  
 
(108
)
  
 
—  
 
  
 
25,774
Segment assets (a)
    
 
13,517
 
  
 
1,342,463
  
 
39,854
 
  
 
(20,442
)
  
 
1,375,392
October 7, 2000 (unaudited)

    
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    
Retail

  
Wholesale

    
Eliminations

    
Totals

Net sales
    
$
—  
 
  
$
527,377
  
$
24,761
 
  
$
—  
 
  
$
552,138
(Loss) income before provision (benefit) for income taxes and extraordinary item
    
 
(2,272
)
  
 
16,464
  
 
1,263
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
15,455
Segment assets (a)
    
 
14,625
 
  
 
1,331,834
  
 
63,477
 
  
 
(27,991
)
  
 
1,381,945
      
Forty Week Periods Ended

October 6, 2001 (unaudited)

    
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    
Retail

  
Wholesale

    
Eliminations

    
Totals

Net sales
    
$
—  
 
  
$
1,855,687
  
$
79,943
 
  
$
—  
 
  
$
1,935,630
(Loss) income before provision (benefit) for income taxes and extraordinary item
    
 
(8,481
)
  
 
71,685
  
 
(2,016
)
  
 
—  
 
  
 
61,188
Segment assets (a)
    
 
13,517
 
  
 
1,342,463
  
 
39,854
 
  
 
(20,442
)
  
 
1,375,392
October 7, 2000 (unaudited)

    
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    
Retail

  
Wholesale

    
Eliminations

    
Totals

Net sales
    
$
—  
 
  
$
1,687,687
  
$
99,683
 
  
$
—  
 
  
$
1,787,370
(Loss) income before provision (benefit) for income taxes and extraordinary item
    
 
(7,421
)
  
 
40,055
  
 
(1,815
)
  
 
—  
 
  
 
30,819
Segment assets (a)
    
 
14,625
 
  
 
1,331,834
  
 
63,477
 
  
 
(27,991
)
  
 
1,381,945

(a)
 
Excludes investment in and equity in net earnings or losses of subsidiaries.
 
9.    Contingencies:
 
During the first quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company recorded a net gain of $8,300 as a result of a settlement reached with a vendor, in which the vendor repudiated a long-term supply agreement. This gain was recognized as a reduction to cost of sales in the accompanying statement of operations.
 
The Company received notification from Sears during the first quarter of fiscal 2001 that certain environmental matters of Western, existing as of the merger date and fully indemnified by Sears, have been settled. Accordingly, the Company reversed a $2,500 receivable due from Sears and reduced the corresponding environmental liability.

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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
For the Twelve and Forty Week Periods Ended October 6, 2001 and October 7, 2000
(Dollars in thousands)

 
10.    Discount Merger:
 
On August 7, 2001, Holding signed a definitive agreement to acquire Discount in a merger transaction. Discount shareholders received $7.50 per share in cash plus 0.2577 shares of common stock in the combined company, collectively Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (“Advance,” see Note 1), for each share of Discount stock. Accordingly, upon consummation of the merger, Discount shareholders owned approximately 13% of the total shares outstanding of Advance. On August 31, 2001, Advance filed a registration statement covering the shares to be issued to Discount shareholders, which resulted in Advance Auto Parts, Inc. becoming a publicly traded company on November 29, 2001. The transaction was consummated on November 28, 2001. As of November 28, 2001, Discount operated approximately 671 retail auto parts stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The merger was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
 
On October 31, 2001, the Company finalized its offering of $200,000 in Senior Subordinated Notes (the 2001 “Notes”) offered at an issue price of 92.802%, yielding gross proceeds of approximately $185,600. The 2001 Notes mature on April 15, 2008 and bear interest at 10.25% payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15. The 2001 Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a unsecured senior subordinated basis by each of the Company’s existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantees any indebtedness of the Company or any other restricted subsidiary. The 2001 Notes are redeemable at the Company’s option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after April 15, 2003, in cash at the redemption prices described in the offering plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidating damages, if any, at the redemption date. The 2001 Notes also contain certain covenants that will limit, among other things, the Company and its subsidiaries ability to incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock, pay dividends or certain other distributions, make certain investments, repurchase stock and certain indebtedness, create or incur liens, engage in transactions with affiliates, enter into new businesses, sell stock of restricted subsidiaries, redeem subordinated debt, sell assets, enter into any agreements that restrict dividends from restricted subsidiaries and enter into certain mergers or consolidations.
 
On November 28, the Company entered a new senior credit facility (the “Facility”) consisting of (1) a $180,000 tranche A term loan facility due 2006 and a $305,000 tranche B term loan facility due 2007 and (2) a $160,000 revolving credit facility (including a letter of credit subfacility). The Facility will be jointly and severally guaranteed by all of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries (including Discount and its subsidiaries) and will be secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets and the assets of existing and future domestic subsidiaries (including Discount and its subsidiaries).

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
Board of Directors
Discount Auto Parts, Inc.
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Discount Auto Parts, Inc. as of May 29, 2001 and May 30, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 29, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Discount Auto Parts, Inc. at May 29, 2001 and May 30, 2000 and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 29, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
 
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, during fiscal 1999 the Company changed its method of accounting for inventories.
 
 
/S/    ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Tampa, Florida
June 29, 2001

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Table of Contents
DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
    
May 30 2000

    
May 29 2001

 
    
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS

             
Current assets:
                 
Cash
  
$
12,612
 
  
$
9,669
 
Inventories
  
 
253,113
 
  
 
242,718
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  
 
13,986
 
  
 
14,391
 
Deferred income taxes
  
 
469
 
  
 
—  
 
    


  


Total current assets
  
 
280,180
 
  
 
266,778
 
Property and equipment
  
 
524,053
 
  
 
507,255
 
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization
  
 
(104,771
)
  
 
(122,742
)
    


  


    
 
419,282
 
  
 
384,513
 
Other assets
  
 
5,247
 
  
 
4,638
 
    


  


Total assets
  
$
704,709
 
  
$
655,929
 
    


  


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

             
Current liabilities:
                 
Trade accounts payable
  
$
100,804
 
  
$
96,442
 
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
  
 
8,804
 
  
 
8,649
 
Other current liabilities
  
 
14,403
 
  
 
16,637
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
  
 
2,400
 
  
 
1,200
 
    


  


Total current liabilities
  
 
126,411
 
  
 
122,928
 
Deferred gain on sale/leaseback
  
 
—  
 
  
 
5,966
 
Deferred income taxes
  
 
10,494
 
  
 
13,273
 
Long-term debt
  
 
264,600
 
  
 
192,900
 
Stockholders’ equity:
                 
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 50,000 shares authorized, 16,700 and 16,708 shares issued and outstanding at May 30, 2000 and May 29, 2001, respectively
  
 
167
 
  
 
167
 
Additional paid-in capital
  
 
142,379
 
  
 
142,429
 
Retained earnings
  
 
160,658
 
  
 
178,266
 
    


  


Total stockholders’ equity
  
 
303,204
 
  
 
320,862
 
    


  


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  
$
704,709
 
  
$
655,929
 
    


  


 
See accompanying notes.

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DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
    
Fiscal Year Ended

 
    
June 1 1999

    
May 30 2000

    
May 29 2001

 
Net sales
  
$
511,483
 
  
$
598,258
 
  
$
661,717
 
Cost of sales, including distribution costs
  
 
302,843
 
  
 
356,783
 
  
 
404,199
 
    


  


  


Gross profit
  
 
208,640
 
  
 
241,475
 
  
 
257,518
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  
 
152,777
 
  
 
184,371
 
  
 
215,353
 
    


  


  


Income from operations
  
 
55,863
 
  
 
57,104
 
  
 
42,165
 
Other income, net
  
 
817
 
  
 
2,770
 
  
 
6,957
 
Interest expense
  
 
(12,856
)
  
 
(18,079
)
  
 
(21,634
)
    


  


  


Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  
 
43,824
 
  
 
41,795
 
  
 
27,488
 
Income taxes
  
 
16,766
 
  
 
15,506
 
  
 
9,880
 
    


  


  


Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  
 
27,058
 
  
 
26,289
 
  
 
17,608
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit
  
 
(8,245
)
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
    


  


  


Net income
  
$
18,813
 
  
$
26,289
 
  
$
17,608
 
    


  


  


Net income per basic share from:
                          
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  
$
1.63
 
  
$
1.57
 
  
$
1.05
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  
 
(0.50
)
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
    


  


  


Net income
  
$
1.13
 
  
$
1.57
 
  
$
1.05
 
    


  


  


Net income per diluted share from:
                          
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  
$
1.61
 
  
$
1.57
 
  
$
1.05
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  
 
(0.49
)
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
    


  


  


Net income
  
$
1.12
 
  
$
1.57
 
  
$
1.05
 
    


  


  


Average common shares outstanding
  
 
16,650
 
  
 
16,695
 
  
 
16,703
 
Dilutive effect of stock options
  
 
153
 
  
 
30
 
  
 
4
 
    


  


  


Average common shares outstanding-assuming dilution
  
 
16,803
 
  
 
16,725
 
  
 
16,707
 
    


  


  


 
See accompanying notes.

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Table of Contents
DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
    
Preferred Stock

  
Common Stock

  
Additional Paid-In Capital

  
Retained Earnings

  
Total

       
Shares

  
Amount

        
Balance at June 2, 1998
  
  —
  
16,630
  
$
166
  
$
141,163
  
$
115,556
  
$
256,885
Stock issued under stock purchase and stock option plans
  
  
60
  
 
1
  
 
1,067
  
 
—  
  
 
1,068
Net income
  
  
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
18,813
  
 
18,813
    
  
  

  

  

  

Balance at June 1, 1999
  
  
16,690
  
 
167
  
 
142,230
  
 
134,369
  
 
276,766
Stock issued under stock purchase and stock option plans
  
  
10
  
 
—  
  
 
149
  
 
—  
  
 
149
Net income
  
  
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
26,289
  
 
26,289
    
  
  

  

  

  

Balance at May 30, 2000
  
  
16,700
  
 
167
  
 
142,379
  
 
160,658
  
 
303,204
Stock issued under stock purchase and stock option plans
  
  
8
  
 
—  
  
 
50
  
 
—  
  
 
50
Net income
  
  
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
—  
  
 
17,608
  
 
17,608
    
  
  

  

  

  

Balance at May 29, 2001
  
  
16,708
  
$
167
  
$
142,429
  
$
178,266
  
$
320,862
    
  
  

  

  

  

 
 
 
See accompanying notes.

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DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
    
Fiscal Year Ended

 
    
June 1
1999

    
May 30
2000

    
May 29
2001

 
    
(In thousands)
 
Operating activities
                          
Net income
  
$
18,813
 
  
$
26,289
 
  
$
17,608
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                          
Depreciation and amortization
  
 
18,555
 
  
 
22,441
 
  
 
23,498
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  
 
8,245
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
  
 
(1,489
)
  
 
5,344
 
  
 
5,262
 
Gain on disposals of property and equipment
  
 
(594
)
  
 
(2,565
)
  
 
(89
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                          
(Increase) decrease in inventories
  
 
(37,840
)
  
 
(44,085
)
  
 
10,395
 
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets
  
 
(2,706
)
  
 
6,377
 
  
 
(405
)
Increase in other assets
  
 
(112
)
  
 
(534
)
  
 
(47
)
Increase (decrease) in trade accounts payable
  
 
20,784
 
  
 
12,937
 
  
 
(4,362
)
Increase (decrease) in accrued salaries, wages and benefits
  
 
691
 
  
 
796
 
  
 
(155
)
Decrease (increase) in other current liabilities
  
 
(504
)
  
 
1,021
 
  
 
220
 
    


  


  


Net cash provided by operating activities
  
 
23,843
 
  
 
28,021
 
  
 
51,925
 
Investing activities
                          
Net proceeds from sales of property and equipment
  
 
3,904
 
  
 
5,104
 
  
 
1,304
 
Purchases of property and equipment
  
 
(80,964
)
  
 
(69,257
)
  
 
(43,053
)
Business acquisition
  
 
(8,225
)
  
 
 
  
 
 
Net proceeds from sales/leaseback
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
59,731
 
    


  


  


Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
  
 
(85,285
)
  
 
(64,153
)
  
 
17,982
 
Financing activities
                          
Proceeds from short-term borrowings and long-term debt
  
 
105,359
 
  
 
92,344
 
  
 
92,829
 
Payments of short-term borrowings and long-term debt
  
 
(41,254
)
  
 
(52,544
)
  
 
(165,729
)
Proceeds from issuances of common stock
  
 
1,068
 
  
 
149
 
  
 
50
 
    


  


  


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
  
 
65,173
 
  
 
39,949
 
  
 
(72,850
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
  
 
3,731
 
  
 
3,817
 
  
 
(2,943
)
Cash at beginning of year
  
 
5,064
 
  
 
8,795
 
  
 
12,612
 
    


  


  


Cash at end of year
  
$
8,795
 
  
$
12,612
 
  
$
9,669
 
    


  


  


 
See accompanying notes.

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Table of Contents
DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Business
 
Discount Auto Parts, Inc. is one of the Southeast’s leading specialty retailers and suppliers of automotive replacement parts, maintenance items and accessories to both do-it-yourself (“DIY”) consumers and professional mechanics and service technicians. As of June 1, 1999, May 30, 2000, and May 29, 2001, the Company operated a chain of 558, 643, and 666 stores, respectively. As of May 29, 2001, 438 of the stores were located in Florida, 114 were located in Georgia, 46 in Louisiana, 42 in Mississippi, 19 in Alabama, and 7 in South Carolina.
 
Fiscal Year End
 
The Company’s fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Tuesday closest to May 31. The years ended June 1, 1999, May 30, 2000, and May 29, 2001 all consisted of 52 weeks.
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Discount Auto Parts, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Discount”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
The Company recognizes revenue upon delivery of products for commercial sales and upon sale to the customer for retail sales.
 
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets principally include amounts due from vendors related to cooperative advertising and various incentive programs and trade accounts receivable resulting from the Company’s commercial delivery program.
 
Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using accelerated and straight-line methods over periods that approximate the assets’ estimated useful lives. Maintenance and repairs are charged against operations as incurred.
 
Pre-Opening Costs
 
Costs associated with the opening of new stores, which primarily consist of payroll and occupancy costs, are charged against operations as incurred.
 
Advertising Costs
 
The Company expenses its share of all advertising costs as such costs are incurred. The portion of advertising expenditures, which is to be recovered through vendor cooperative advertising and other similar programs, is recorded as receivables. Advertising expense, net of vendor rebates, was approximately $4.0 million for fiscal 1999, $1.9 million for fiscal 2000, and $2.9 million for fiscal 2001.

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Table of Contents

DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 

 
Income Taxes
 
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities.
 
Stock Option Plans
 
The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB 25) and related interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options and presents disclosures required under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Under APB 25, because the exercise price of the Company’s stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.
 
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
 
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates fair market values. The carrying amount of long-term debt approximates fair market value based on current interest rates.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
New Accounting Standards
 
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 133 (Statement 133), Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company expects to adopt Statement 133 effective the beginning of fiscal year 2002. The Statement will require the Company to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Because the Company is not party to any derivative instruments at May 29, 2001, the adoption of this Statement will not have any effect on its results of operations or financial position.
 
In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statements of Financial Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations” and No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. SFAS No. 141 establishes accounting and reporting standards for business combinations and eliminates the pooling-of-interests method of accounting for combinations for those combinations initiated after July 1, 2001. SFAS No. 141 also includes new criteria to recognize intangible assets separately from goodwill. SFAS No. 142 establishes the accounting and reporting standards for goodwill and intangible lives. Goodwill and intangibles with indefinite lives will no longer be amortized, but, alternatively, will be reviewed periodically for indicators of impairment. Separate intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of SFAS No. 141 and SFAS No. 142 will have a significant effect on its results of operations or financial position.
 
2.    Accounting Change
 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1999, the Company changed its method of accounting for store inventories from the first-in, first-out retail inventory method to the weighted average cost method. The new

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DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 

method for computing inventory is preferable because it more accurately measures the cost of the Company’s merchandise and produces a better matching of revenues and expenses.
 
The effect of the change as of June 3, 1998 has been presented as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting method, net of a $5,190,000 income tax benefit, of $8,245,000, and has been recorded as of the beginning of fiscal year 1999. The effect of this change in fiscal year 1999 was to decrease income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle by $805,000 ($.05 per diluted share).
 
3.    Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
    
May 30, 2000

  
May 29, 2001

  
Life (Years)

Land
  
$
197,489
  
$
178,660
    
Buildings
  
 
182,982
  
 
169,136
  
5–31.5
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
  
 
121,698
  
 
133,064
  
5–7
Building and leasehold improvements
  
 
4,470
  
 
4,628
  
5–31.5
Automotive equipment
  
 
4,907
  
 
4,911
  
3–7
Construction in progress
  
 
12,507
  
 
16,856
    
    

  

    
    
$
524,053
  
$
507,255
    
    

  

    
 
Depreciation expense totaled approximately $18,415,000, $22,013,000, and $23,032,000 for fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively.
 
4.    Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
 
    
May 30, 2000

    
May 29, 2001

 
Revolving credit agreements
  
$
211,000
 
  
$
140,500
 
Senior term notes
  
 
50,000
 
  
 
50,000
 
Senior secured notes
  
 
6,000
 
  
 
3,600
 
    


  


    
 
267,000
 
  
 
194,100
 
Less current maturities
  
 
(2,400
)
  
 
(1,200
)
    


  


    
$
264,600
 
  
$
192,900
 
    


  


 
Effective July 29, 1999, the Company entered into a five year $265 million unsecured revolving credit agreement (the “Revolver”). The rate of interest payable under the Revolver is a function of LIBOR or the prime rate of the lead agent bank, at the option of the Company. During the term of the Revolver, the Company is also obligated to pay a fee, which fluctuates based on the Company’s debt-to-capitalization ratio, for the unused portion of the Revolver.
 
Effective August 8, 1997, the Company issued a $50 million senior term notes facility (the “Notes”). The Notes provide for interest at a fixed rate of 7.46%, payable semi-annually, with semi-annual principal payments of $7.1 million, beginning July 15, 2004.
 
At May 30, 2000 and May 29, 2001, the Company’s weighted average interest rate on its borrowings under the revolving credit agreement was 7.3% and 7.1%, respectively.

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Table of Contents

DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 

 
As of May 29, 2001, the Company had approximately $124.5 million of available borrowings.
 
The Company issued two senior secured notes, each for an original principal of $12 million, to an insurance company. The notes were collateralized by a first mortgage on certain store properties, equipment and fixtures. During fiscal 2001, the Company retired one of the two senior secured notes. The remaining agreement provides for interest at a fixed rate of 9.8%, payable quarterly, with annual principal payments of $1.2 million due on May 31.
 
The carrying value of all assets mortgaged or otherwise subject to lien totaled approximately $8.2 million at May 29, 2001.
 
The Company’s debt agreements contain various restrictions, including the maintenance of certain financial ratios and restrictions on dividends, with which the Company is in compliance. Based on the terms of the debt agreements, as of May 29, 2001, $42.7 million of the retained earnings were available for dividend distribution.
 
Annual maturities, as of May 29, 2001, of all long-term debt for the next five years are as follows (in thousands):
 
    
Amount

2002
  
$
1,200
2003
  
 
1,200
2004
  
 
1,200
2005
  
 
14,286
2006
  
 
14,286
 
The table excludes amounts due under the Revolver in 2005 as it is expected to be renewed or replaced prior to its expiration.
 
Total interest paid during fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001was approximately $13,843,000, $19,242,000, and $22,088,000, respectively. Capitalized interest for fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001 totaled approximately $668,000, $684,000, and $319,000, respectively.
 
5.    Stockholders’ Equity
 
The Board of Directors is authorized, without further stockholder action, to divide any or all shares of the authorized preferred stock into series and to fix and determine the designation, preferences and relative participating, option or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereon, of any series so established, including voting powers, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, redemption rights and conversion privileges. As of May 29, 2001, the Board had not authorized any series of preferred stock and there are no plans, agreements or understandings for the authorization or issuance of any shares of preferred stock.
 
6.    Leases
 
Certain of the Company’s retail stores and equipment are leased under noncancelable operating leases. The majority of the retail store leases include options to purchase and provisions for rental increases based on the consumer price index.

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DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 

 
Future minimum annual rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more are as follows (in thousands):
 
    
Amount

2002
  
$
13,289
2003
  
 
11,749
2004
  
 
10,605
2005
  
 
9,677
2006 and thereafter
  
 
128,767
    

    
$
174,087
    

 
Rental expense for fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001 totaled approximately $5,094,000, $7,720,000, and $11,053,000, respectively.
 
The Company also leases certain portions of its owned facilities to outside parties. Rental income for fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001 totaled approximately $719,000, $1,099,000, and $666,000, respectively.
 
In May 2000, the Company entered into a lease agreement, as amended, in which the lessor agreed to fund up to $34 million for construction of a new 400,000 square foot distribution center in Copiah County, Mississippi. The agreement continues for five years following completion of the construction. Construction of the distribution center was completed in May 2001. At the end of the lease term, the Company has the option to renew the lease for two five-year terms, or to purchase the building for a price including the outstanding lease balance. If the Company elects not to renew the lease or purchase the building, the Company must arrange the sale of the building to a third party. Under the sale option, the Company has guaranteed a percentage of the total original cost as the residual fair value of the building. Lease payments are expected to be approximately $2.0 million on an annual basis and are included in the table above.
 
On February 27, 2001, the Company completed a sale/leaseback transaction. Under the terms of the transaction, the Company sold 101 properties, including land, buildings, and improvements, for $62.2 million. The stores were leased back from the purchaser over a period of 22.5 years. The sale of the properties generated a gain, net of expenses incurred, of $6.0 million, which gain has been deferred and is being amortized over the lease term. Rent expense during the first five years of the lease will be approximately $6.4 million annually, with increases periodically thereafter, and is included in the table of future minimum annual rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases.
 
7.    Benefit Plans
 
The Company has a 401(k) profit-sharing plan covering substantially all of its team members (employees) who have at least one year of service and work more than 1,000 hours per year. Team members may contribute up to 15% of their annual compensation subject to Internal Revenue Code maximum limitations. The Company has agreed to make matching contributions, based upon the team member’s first six percent of compensation, ranging from 25% to 100% of the team member’s contribution depending on the team member’s years of service. After three years of service, Company contributions and earnings thereon vest at the rate of 20% per year of service with the Company. Expense recognized under this plan for fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001 was approximately $964,000, $947,000, and $1,279,000, respectively.
 
The Company has a Supplemental Executive Profit Sharing Plan (the SEPS Plan). The SEPS Plan is an unfunded deferred compensation plan covering certain key members of management. The amount of benefit each participant is entitled to is established annually by the Board of Directors or, in certain cases, by a committee of

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DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 

the Board of Directors. Each participant’s account accrues interest on unpaid awards at a rate determined annually as defined in the plan agreement. As of May 30, 2000 and May 29, 2001, the Company has accrued approximately $1,049,000 and $1,122,000, respectively, for benefits due under the SEPS Plan.
 
The Board of Directors has adopted a stock purchase plan (the Purchase Plan), which initially reserved an aggregate of 550,000 shares of common stock. Under the Purchase Plan, all team members have the right to purchase shares of common stock of the Company at a price equal to 85% of the value of the stock immediately prior to the beginning of each exercise period. All team members are eligible to participate except for those who have been employed by the Company for less than one year, team members who customarily work twenty hours or less per week, team members who customarily work five months or less in any calendar year, and team members owning at least 5% of the Company’s stock. During fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001, 8,805, 6,499, and 7,454 shares, respectively, were purchased under the terms of the Purchase Plan. As of May 29, 2001, 464,002 shares of common stock remain reserved for issuance under the Purchase Plan.
 
8.    Stock Option Plans
 
The Company has stock option plans, which provide for the granting to key team members options to purchase shares of its common stock. A total of 2,540,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the plans and, as of May 29, 2001, a total of 2,448,808 shares of common stock remain so reserved. The per share exercise price of each stock option is not less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of the grant or, in the case of a team member owning more than 10% of the outstanding stock of the Company, the price for incentive stock options is not less than 110% of such fair market value.
 
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information is as follows (shares in thousands):
 
    
June 1, 1999

  
May 30, 2000

  
May 29, 2001

    
Shares

    
Weighted Average Exercise Price

  
Shares

    
Weighted Average Exercise Price

  
Shares

    
Weighted Average Exercise Price

Outstanding at beginning of year
  
1,127
 
  
$
21
  
1,337
 
  
$
23
  
1,515
 
  
$
22
Granted
  
333
 
  
 
27
  
376
 
  
 
19
  
427
 
  
 
9
Exercised
  
(51
)
  
 
18
  
(4
)
  
 
19
  
—  
 
  
 
—  
Canceled
  
(72
)
  
 
24
  
(194
)
  
 
22
  
(432
)
  
 
18
    

  

  

  

  

  

Outstanding at end of year
  
1,337
 
  
 
23
  
1,515
 
  
 
22
  
1,510
 
  
 
19
    

  

  

  

  

  

Exercisable at end of year
  
445
 
  
 
21
  
556
 
  
 
24
  
536
 
  
 
21
    

  

  

  

  

  

Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year
         
 
14
         
 
11
         
 
6
 
Options outstanding and exercisable at May 29, 2001 are summarized as follows (options in thousands):
 
    
Options Outstanding

    
Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise Prices

  
Weighted Average Exercise Prices

    
Number Outstanding

    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life

    
Exercisable Stock Options

  
Weighted Average Exercise Price

$7–$10
  
$
9
    
353
    
9.3
    
—  
  
$
—  
$16–$19
  
 
18
    
562
    
5.9
    
232
  
 
17
$22–$31
  
 
26
    
595
    
5.2
    
304
  
 
25
             
           
      
$7–$31
  
 
19
    
1,510
    
6.4
    
536
  
 
21
             
           
      

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DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 

 
All options outstanding generally vest beginning after three years and then in equal installments over a four-year period and have a ten-year duration. In the event of a change of ownership control, all options become 100% vested.
 
The Company also has a Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan. A total of 40,000 shares are reserved for future issuance under this plan. As of May 29, 2001, 25,000 options had been granted under this plan at an average price of $19.18. As of May 29, 2001, 8,250 of such options were exercisable.
 
Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS 123), and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its employee and non-employee director stock options under the fair value method of SFAS 123.
 
The fair values for these options were estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of return of 6.50% for 1999, 6.57% for 2000 and 5.8% for 2001; volatility factor of .41 for 1999, .44 for 2000 and .56 for 2001, and weighted average expected option life of seven years for all options. The Company assumed that no dividends would be paid over the expected life of the options.
 
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company’s stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing model does not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the options’ vesting period. The effects of applying SFAS 123 for pro forma disclosures are not likely to be representative of the effects on reported net income or losses for future years.
 
The Company’s pro forma information follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
    
1999

  
2000

  
2001

Pro forma net income
  
$
18,579
  
$
25,534
  
$
16,727
Pro forma net income per basic share
  
$
1.12
  
$
1.53
  
$
1.00
Pro forma net income per diluted share
  
$
1.11
  
$
1.53
  
$
1.00
 
9.    Income Taxes
 
The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
    
Fiscal Year Ended

    
June 1, 1999

  
May 30, 2000

  
May 29, 2001

Current:
                    
Federal
  
$
12,233
  
$
9,264
  
$
4,618
State
  
 
2,129
  
 
898
  
 
—  
    

  

  

    
 
14,362
  
 
10,162
  
 
4,618
Deferred:
                    
Federal
  
 
2,062
  
 
5,219
  
 
4,884
State
  
 
342
  
 
125
  
 
378
    

  

  

    
 
2,404
  
 
5,344
  
 
5,262
    

  

  

    
$
16,766
  
$
15,506
  
$
9,880
    

  

  

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DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 

 
A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amounts computed at the federal statutory tax rate is as follows (in thousands):
 
    
Fiscal Year Ended

 
    
June 1, 1999

    
May 30, 2000

  
May 29, 2001

 
Federal income taxes at statutory rate
  
$
15,339
 
  
$
14,635
  
$
9,621
 
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
  
 
1,606
 
  
 
850
  
 
378
 
Other items, net
  
 
(179
)
  
 
21
  
 
(119
)
    


  

  


    
$
16,766
 
  
$
15,506
  
$
9,880
 
    


  

  


 
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
 
    
May 30, 2000

    
May 29, 2001

 
Deferred tax assets:
                 
Change in inventory accounting method
  
$
2,487
 
  
$
1,296
 
Various accrued expenses
  
 
735
 
  
 
932
 
Deferred gain from sale/leaseback
  
 
—  
 
  
 
2,711
 
Other, net
  
 
736
 
  
 
1,067
 
    


  


Total deferred tax assets
  
 
3,958
 
  
 
6,006
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
                 
Depreciation
  
 
10,977
 
  
 
16,881
 
Accrued liabilities
  
 
1,397
 
  
 
1,796
 
Inventory related items
  
 
1,124
 
  
 
2,006
 
Other, net
  
 
485
 
  
 
610
 
    


  


Total deferred tax liabilities
  
 
13,983
 
  
 
21,293
 
    


  


Net deferred tax liability
  
$
10,025
 
  
$
15,287
 
    


  


Classified as follows:
                 
Current asset (liability)
  
$
469
 
  
$
(2,014
)
Noncurrent asset (liability)
  
 
(10,494
)
  
 
(13,273
)
    


  


    
$
(10,025
)
  
$
(15,287
)
    


  


 
For fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001, the Company paid income taxes of approximately $15,526,000, $9,922,000, and $2,820,000, respectively.
 
10.    Commitments And Contingencies
 
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings arising out of the normal conduct of its business. Although the Company cannot ascertain the amount of liability that it may incur from any of these matters, it does not believe that, individually or in the aggregate, these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
 
As of May 29, 2001, the Company’s cost to complete construction contracts in progress was approximately $3.4 million.

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DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 

 
11.    Litigation Settlement
 
In May 2001, the Company settled a claim related to litigation that was concluded in August 1997 by entering into a settlement agreement. The 1997 litigation stemmed from the sale and distribution of freon. The Company recorded a net gain of $6.5 million resulting from the settlement. Such amount is included in the other income caption on the income statement.
 
12.    Subsequent Event (Unaudited)
 
On August 7, 2001, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Advance Holding Corporation, Advance Auto Parts, Inc., Advance Stores Company, Incorporated and AAP Acquisition Corporation (collectively, Advance) under which the Company would be acquired by Advance in a merger transaction. Terms of the agreement call for each share of Discount common stock to be exchanged for $7.50 in cash and 0.2577 shares of common stock of Advance Auto Parts, Inc., a holding company which has been formed to own and operate the combined companies. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is subject to approval by the shareholders of Discount, clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2001.
 
13.    Quarterly Results Of Operations (Unaudited)
 
The following quarterly financial data is unaudited, but in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the selected data for these interim periods presented have been included.
 
    
First Quarter

  
Second Quarter

  
Third Quarter

  
Fourth Quarter

    
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Fiscal year ended May 30, 2000:
                           
Net sales
  
$
143,625
  
$
142,643
  
$
147,374
  
$
164,616
Gross profit
  
 
58,427
  
 
58,547
  
 
58,683
  
 
65,818
Net income
  
 
7,346
  
 
6,020
  
 
5,813
  
 
7,110
Basic net income per common share
  
 
.44
  
 
.36
  
 
.35
  
 
.43
Diluted net income per common share
  
 
.44
  
 
.36
  
 
.35
  
 
.43
Fiscal year ended May 29, 2001:
                           
Net sales
  
$
167,074
  
$
160,950
  
$
159,477
  
$
174,216
Gross profit
  
 
63,924
  
 
63,364
  
 
61,594
  
 
68,636
Net income
  
 
3,569
  
 
2,281
  
 
2,309
  
 
9,449
Basic net income per common share
  
 
.21
  
 
.14
  
 
.14
  
 
.57
Diluted net income per common share
  
 
.21
  
 
.14
  
 
.14
  
 
.57

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Table of Contents
DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 
    
May 29
2001

    
August 28 2001

 
    
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS

             
Current assets:
                 
Cash
  
$
9,669
 
  
$
6,372
 
Inventories
  
 
242,718
 
  
 
243,053
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  
 
14,391
 
  
 
18,734
 
    


  


Total current assets
  
 
266,778
 
  
 
268,159
 
Property and equipment
  
 
507,255
 
  
 
513,102
 
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization
  
 
(122,742
)
  
 
(128,639
)
    


  


    
 
384,513
 
  
 
384,463
 
Other assets
  
 
4,638
 
  
 
4,431
 
    


  


Total assets
  
$
655,929
 
  
$
657,053
 
    


  


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

             
Current liabilities:
                 
Trade accounts payable
  
$
96,442
 
  
$
75,609
 
Other current liabilities
  
 
25,286
 
  
 
25,105
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
  
 
1,200
 
  
 
1,200
 
    


  


Total current liabilities
  
 
122,928
 
  
 
101,914
 
Deferred gain on sale/leaseback
  
 
5,966
 
  
 
5,874
 
Deferred income taxes
  
 
13,273
 
  
 
13,333
 
Long-term debt
  
 
192,900
 
  
 
209,608
 
Stockholders’ equity:
                 
Preferred stock
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Common stock
  
 
167
 
  
 
167
 
Additional paid-in capital
  
 
142,429
 
  
 
142,640
 
Retained earnings
  
 
178,266
 
  
 
183,517
 
    


  


Total stockholders’ equity
  
 
320,862
 
  
 
326,324
 
    


  


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  
$
655,929
 
  
$
657,053
 
    


  


 
 
See accompanying notes.

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Table of Contents
DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 
    
Thirteen Weeks Ended

 
    
August 29 2000

    
August 28 2001

 
    
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Net sales
  
$
167,074
 
  
$
173,381
 
Cost of sales, including distribution costs
  
 
103,150
 
  
 
104,189
 
    


  


Gross profit
  
 
63,924
 
  
 
69,192
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  
 
52,850
 
  
 
56,830
 
Merger related expenses
  
 
—  
 
  
 
943
 
    


  


Income from operations
  
 
11,074
 
  
 
11,419
 
Other income, net
  
 
85
 
  
 
100
 
Interest expense
  
 
(5,583
)
  
 
(3,318
)
    


  


Income before income taxes
  
 
5,576
 
  
 
8,201
 
Income taxes
  
 
2,007
 
  
 
2,950
 
    


  


Net income
  
$
3,569
 
  
$
5,251
 
    


  


Net income per share:
                 
Basic net income per common share
  
$
0.21
 
  
$
0.31
 
Diluted net income per common share
  
$
0.21
 
  
$
0.31
 
    


  


Average common shares outstanding
  
 
16,695
 
  
 
16,708
 
Dilutive effect of stock options
  
 
—  
 
  
 
156
 
    


  


Average common shares outstanding—assuming dilution
  
 
16,695
 
  
 
16,864
 
    


  


 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes.

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Table of Contents
DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
    
Thirteen Weeks Ended

 
    
August 29 2000

    
August 28 2001

 
    
(In Thousands)
 
Operating activities
                 
Net income
  
$
3,569
 
  
$
5,251
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
                 
Depreciation and amortization
  
 
6,129
 
  
 
6,070
 
Gain on disposals of property and equipment
  
 
(3
)
  
 
(47
)
Amortization of deferred gain on sale/leaseback
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(92
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                 
(Increase) decrease in inventories
  
 
4,324
 
  
 
(335
)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets
  
 
(973
)
  
 
(4,013
)
Decrease (increase) in other assets
  
 
(423
)
  
 
36
 
Decrease in trade accounts payable
  
 
(35,436
)
  
 
(20,833
)
Decrease in other current liabilities
  
 
(4,640
)
  
 
(240
)
    


  


Net cash used in operating activities
  
 
(27,453
)
  
 
(14,203
)
Investing activities
                 
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
  
 
282
 
  
 
520
 
Purchases of property and equipment
  
 
(10,616
)
  
 
(6,322
)
    


  


Net cash used in investing activities
  
 
(10,334
)
  
 
(5,802
)
Financing activities
                 
Proceeds from short-term borrowings and long-term debt
  
 
57,374
 
  
 
36,819
 
Payments of short-term borrowings and long-term debt
  
 
(26,261
)
  
 
(20,111
)
    


  


Net cash provided by financing activities
  
 
31,113
 
  
 
16,708
 
Net decrease in cash
  
 
(6,674
)
  
 
(3,297
)
Cash at beginning of period
  
 
12,612
 
  
 
9,669
 
    


  


Cash at end of period
  
$
5,938
 
  
$
6,372
 
    


  


 
 
See accompanying notes.

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Table of Contents
DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
August 28, 2001
 
1.    BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Discount Auto Parts, Inc. (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 29, 2001.
 
Operating results for the thirteen-week period ended August 28, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year.
 
2.    SALE/LEASEBACK TRANSACTION
 
On February 27, 2001, the Company completed a sale/leaseback transaction. Under the terms of the transaction, the Company sold 101 properties, including land, buildings, and improvements, for a net price of approximately $62.2 million. The stores were leased back from the purchaser under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms of 22.5 years each. The sale of the properties generated a gain for financial reporting purposes, net of expenses incurred, of $6.0 million, which gain has been deferred and is being amortized over the lease term.
 
3.    LONG-TERM DEBT
 
Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
 
    
May 29, 2001

    
August 28, 2001

 
Revolving credit agreements
  
$
140,500
 
  
$
158,408
 
Senior term notes
  
 
50,000
 
  
 
50,000
 
Senior secured notes
  
 
3,600
 
  
 
2,400
 
    


  


    
 
194,100
 
  
 
210,808
 
Less current maturities
  
 
(1,200
)
  
 
(1,200
)
    


  


    
$
192,900
 
  
$
209,608
 
    


  


 
Effective July 29, 1999, the Company entered into a five year $265 million unsecured revolving credit agreement (the Revolver). The rate of interest payable under the Revolver is a function of LIBOR or the prime rate of the lead agent bank, at the option of the Company. During the term of the Revolver, the Company is also obligated to pay a fee, which fluctuates based on the Company’s debt-to-capitalization ratio, for the unused portion of the Revolver.
 
Effective August 8, 1997, the Company issued $50 million of senior term notes (the Notes). The Notes provide for interest at a fixed rate of 7.46%, payable semi-annually, with semi-annual principal payments of $7.1 million, beginning July 15, 2004.

F-70


Table of Contents

DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)
August 28, 2001
 

 
3.    LONG-TERM DEBT — CONTINUED
 
At May 29, 2001 and August 28, 2001, the Company’s weighted average interest rate on its borrowings under the revolving credit agreement was 7.1% and 5.3%, respectively.
 
As of August 28, 2001, the Company had approximately $106.6 million of available borrowings.
 
As of August 28, 2001, the Company has outstanding a senior secured note of $2.4 million. The note provides for interest at a fixed rate of 9.8%, payable quarterly, with annual principal payments of $1.2 million due on May 31. The note is collateralized by a first mortgage on certain store properties, equipment and fixtures.
 
The Company’s debt agreements contain various restrictions, including the maintenance of certain financial ratios and restrictions on dividends, with which the Company is in compliance.
 
4.    PENDING MERGER
 
On August 7, 2001, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Advance Holding Corporation, Advance Auto Parts, Inc., Advance Stores Company, Incorporated and AAP Acquisition Corporation (collectively, Advance) under which the Company will be acquired by Advance in a merger transaction. Terms of the agreement call for each share of Discount Auto Parts common stock to be exchanged for $7.50 in cash and 0.2577 shares of common stock of Advance Auto Parts, Inc., a holding company which has been formed to own and operate the combined companies. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is subject to approval by shareholders of the Company, and other customary closing conditions. The Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 waiting period expired September 18, 2001. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2001.
 
As a result of the above described transaction, the Company incurred expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2002 of $943,000. Additional expenses associated with the described transaction are expected to be incurred during the second quarter of fiscal 2002.
 
5.    COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Comprehensive income for the periods presented equals net income.

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LOGO

1


Table of Contents
 
 
 
LOGO


Table of Contents
 
PART II
 
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
Item 13.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
 
The following table sets forth the various expenses and costs (other than underwriting discounts and commissions) expected to be incurred in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being registered. All of the amounts shown are estimated except the registration fee of the Commission.
 
Item

    
Amount to be Paid 
by Advance Auto

SEC registration fee
    
$
43,802
NASD filing fee
    
 
*  
Blue sky fees and expenses
    
 
5,000
Printing and engraving expenses
    
 
*  
Legal fees and expenses
    
 
*  
Accounting fees and expenses
    
 
*  
Custodian and selling stockholder expenses
    
 
*  
Transfer agent and registrar fees
    
 
*  
Miscellaneous
    
 
*  
      

Total
    
 
*  
      


*
 
To be filed by amendment
 
Item 14.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers
 
The Registrant’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide for indemnification of its officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by law. Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) provides that a Delaware corporation has the power to eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director for violations of the director’s fiduciary duty, except (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL (providing for liability of directors for unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions), or (iv) for any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit.
 
Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify any persons, including officers and directors, who are, or are threatened to be made, parties to any threatened, pending or completed legal action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by reason of the fact that such person was a director, officer, employee or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided he acted in such a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation’s best interests and, for criminal proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. A Delaware corporation may indemnify officers and directors in an action by or in the right of the corporation under the same conditions, except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer or director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him against the expenses which such officer or director actually and reasonably incurred.
 
The Registrant, as successor in interest to Advance Holding Corporation, also entered into an indemnity agreement with Nicholas F. Taubman which provides for indemnification by the Registrant and its subsidiaries of Mr. Taubman to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Registrant, as successor to Advance Holding Corporation, is also a party to indemnity agreements with each of its other directors (the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.22 to this Registration Statement) which provides for indemnification by the Registrant and its subsidiaries to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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Item 15.    Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
 
The following is a summary of the transactions engaged in by the Registrant, as successor in interest to Advance Holding Corporation, during the past three years involving sales of the Registrant’s Securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933:
 
From January 3, 1999 through January 1, 2000, the Registrant issued and sold 44,150 shares of its common stock at price per share of $16.82, for aggregate proceeds of $742,603, to certain of its employees pursuant to the Registrant’s 1998 employee stock subscription plan. As considerations for the shares, the Registrant received $343,793 in cash and $398,810 in the form of secured promissory notes, the payment of which are secured by individual stock pledge agreements with the employees.
 
On February 1, 2000, the Registrant issued and sold 75,000 shares of its common stock at a price per share of $16.82, for aggregate proceeds of $1.3 million, to an executive officer pursuant to the Registrant’s stock subscription plan. As consideration for the shares, the Registrant received $361,5000 in cash and $900,000 in the form of secured promissory notes, the payment of which are secured by individual stock pledge agreements with the executive officer.
 
On February 1, 2000, the Registrant also issued and sold 110,000 shares of its common stock at a price per share of $16.82, for aggregate proceeds of approximately $1.9 million, to an executive officer pursuant to a restricted stock agreement. As consideration for the shares, the Registrant received approximately $1.9 million in cash.
 
In addition, throughout 2000, the Registrant issued and sold 14,500 shares of its common stock at a price per share of $16.82, for aggregate proceeds of $243,890, to certain employees pursuant to the Registrant’s 1998 employee stock subscription plan. As consideration for the shares, the Registrant received $166,715 in cash and $77,175 in the form of secured promissory notes, the payment of which are secured by individual stock pledge agreements with the employees.
 
From January 1, 2001 through February 6, 2002, the Registrant issued and sold 47,600 shares of its common stock at a price per share of $21.00, for aggregate proceeds of $999,600, to certain of its employees pursuant to the Registrant’s 1998 employee stock subscription plan. As consideration for the shares, the Registrant received $500,000 in cash and $499,600 in the form of secured promissory notes, the payment of which are secured by individual stock pledge agreements with the employees.
 
On October 31, 2001, Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant, issued and sold $200 million aggregate principal amount of its 10.25% senior subordinated notes due 2008 to J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and Lehman Brothers Inc., for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $185.6 million in cash, before payment of approximately $5.6 million in commissions.
 
On February 6, 2002, the Registrant issued and sold 11,474,606 shares of common stock to Sears Roebuck and Co. in exchange for the transfer by Sears to the Registrant of the outstanding common stock of WA Holding Co.
 
The issuances described above were exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, Rule 701 promulgated thereunder, which exempts certain offers and sales of securities pursuant to certain compensatory benefit plans, Rule 144A thereunder or Regulation D promulgated thereunder as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering, where each purchaser was either an accredited investor or a nonaccredited investor (where the aggregate number of such investors did not exceed 35), with knowledge and experience in financial and business matters sufficient for evaluating the associated merits and risks (either alone or with a purchaser representative), each of which represented its intention to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to distribution, and received or had access to adequate information about the Registrant. Appropriate legends were affixed to the stock certificates issued in these transactions and there was no general solicitation or advertising.

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As of February 6, 2002, the Registrant had granted options to purchase an aggregate of 3,521,947 shares of common stock to its directors, officers and employees, all of which were outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $21.53. At the time these options were issued under the Registrant’s various stock option plans, the Registrant believed that each of the issuances were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act either by virtue of (i) an exemption provided by Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act for securities offered under compensatory benefit plans and contracts, or (ii) a “no-sale” theory under Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, since none of the optionees provided any consideration for the grants (the sale of the underlying option shares occurs only when the option is exercised and the purchase price for the shares is paid to the Registrant).
 
Except as described above, no underwriter was employed with respect to any sales of securities of the Registrant in the transactions described above and no commissions or fees were paid with respect to any such sales.

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Item 16.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a) The following exhibits are filed herewith:
 
Exhibit Number

  
Description

1.1**
  
Form of Underwriting Agreement.
2.1(1)
  
Merger Agreement dated as of March 4, 1998 among AHC Corporation and Advance Holding Corporation (“Advance Holding”) with FS Equity Partners III, L.P., FS Equity Partners IV, L.P. (“FSEP IV”), and FS Equity Partners International, L.P.
2.2(3)
  
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of August 16, 1998 among Sears, Roebuck and Co., Western Auto Holding Co., Advance Auto, as successor in interest to Advance Holding, Advance Stores, Western Auto Supply Company, Advance Acquisition Corporation and the stockholders of Advance listed on the signature pages thereto.
2.3(6)
  
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of August 7, 2001 among Advance Holding Corporation, Advance Auto, AAP Acquisition Corporation, Advance Stores Company, Incorporated and Discount Auto Parts, Inc. (schedules and exhibits omitted).*
2.4(6)
  
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of August 7, 2001 among Advance Holding and Advance.
2.5(8)
  
Form of Articles of Merger of AAP Acquisition Corporation into Discount Auto Parts, Inc. and related Plan of Merger.
3.1(7)
  
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Advance Auto.
3.2(7)
  
Bylaws of Advance Auto.
4.1(1)
  
Indenture dated as of April 15, 1998 between Advance Auto, as successor in interest to Advance Holding, and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 12.875% Senior Discount Debentures due 2009 (including the form of 12.875% Senior Discount Debenture due 2009).
4.2
  
Amended and Restated Stockholders’ Agreement dated as of November 2, 1998, as amended, among FS Equity Partners IV, L.P., Ripplewood Partners, L.P., Ripplewood Advance Auto Parts Employee Fund I L.L.C., Nicholas F. Taubman, Arthur Taubman Trust dated July 13, 1964, WA Holding Co. and Advance Auto, as successor in interest to Advance Holding (including the Terms of the Registration Rights of the Common Stock).
4.3(2)
  
Indenture dated as of April 15, 1998 among Advance Stores, LARALEV, INC., as guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as successor to the corporate trust business of United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (including the form of 10.25% Senior Subordinated Note due 2008).
4.4(6)
  
Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 2, 1998 between Western Auto Supply Company and The Bank of New York, as successor to the corporate trust business of United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.
 4.5(8)
  
Indenture dated as of October 31, 2001 among Advance Stores, Advance Trucking Corporation, LARALEV, INC., Western Auto Supply Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 10¼% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (including the form of 10¼% Senior Subordinated Note due 2008).
 4.6(8)
  
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 31, 2001 among Advance Stores, Advance Trucking Corporation, LARALEV, INC., Western Auto Supply Company, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and Lehman Brothers Inc.
 4.7(8)
  
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 31, 2001 among Advance Stores, Advance Trucking Corporation, LARALEV, INC., Western Auto Supply Company, Mozart Investments Inc. and Mozart One L.L.C.

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Exhibit Number

  
Description

4.8(9)
  
Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 28, 2001 by and between Advance Auto, as successor in interest to Advance Holding, and the Bank of New York, as successor to the corporate trust business of United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 12.875% Senior Discount Debentures due 2009.
4.9(9)
  
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 30, 1999, by and between Advance Trucking Corporation and The Bank of New York, as successor in interest to the corporate trust business of United States Trust Company of New York, with respect to the 10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.
4.10(9)
  
Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 28, 2001 by and among Discount, DAP Acceptance Corporation, Western Auto of Puerto Rico, Inc., Western Auto of St. Thomas, Inc., WASCO Insurance Agency, Inc., Advance Merchandising Company, Inc., Advance Aircraft Company, Inc., and The Bank of New York, as successor to the corporate trust business of United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.
4.11(9)
  
Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 28, 2001 by and among Discount, DAP Acceptance Corporation, Western Auto of Puerto Rico, Inc., Western Auto of St. Thomas, Inc., WASCO Insurance Agency, Inc., Advance Merchandising Company, Inc., Advance Aircraft Company Inc., and The Bank of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 10¼% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.
5.1**
  
Opinion of Riordan & McKinzie as to the legality of securities registered hereunder.
10.1(9)
  
Credit Agreement dated as of November 28, 2001 among Advance Auto, Advance Stores, the lenders party thereto, JP Morgan Chase Bank (“JP Morgan Chase”), Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.
10.2(9)
  
Pledge Agreement dated as of November 28, 2001 among Advance Auto, Advance Stores, the Subsidiary Pledgors listed therein and JP Morgan Chase, as collateral agent.
10.3(9)
  
Guarantee Agreement dated as of November 28, 2001 among Advance Auto, the Subsidiary Guarantors listed therein and JP Morgan Chase, as collateral agent.
10.4(9)
  
Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement dated as of November 28, 2001 among Advance Auto, Advance Stores, the Guarantors listed therein and JP Morgan Chase, as collateral agent.
10.5(9)
  
Security Agreement dated as of November 28, 2001 among Advance Auto, Advance Stores, the Subsidiary Guarantors listed therein and JP Morgan Chase, as collateral agent.
10.6(2)
  
Lease Agreement dated as of March 16, 1995 between Ki, L.C. and Advance Stores for its headquarters located at 5673 Airport Road, Roanoke, Virginia, as amended.
10.7(2)
  
Lease Agreement dated as of January 1, 1997 between Nicholas F. Taubman and Advance Stores for the distribution center located at 1835 Blue Hills Drive, N.E., Roanoke, Virginia, as amended.
10.8(2)
  
Trust Indenture dated as of December 1, 1997 among McDuffie County Development Authority, First Union National Bank, as trustee, and Branch Banking and Trust Company, as credit facility trustee, relating to the $10,000,000 Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (Advance Stores Company, Incorporated Project) Series 1997 (the “IRB”).
10.9(2)
  
Lease Agreement dated as of December 1, 1997 between Development Authority of McDuffie County and Advance Stores relating to the IRB.
10.10(2)
  
Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement dated as of December 1, 1997 among Advance Stores, Advance Auto, successor in interest to Advance Holding, and First Union National Bank relating to the IRB.

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Exhibit Number

  
Description

10.11(8)
  
Advance Auto 2001 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan.
10.12(8)
  
Form of Advance Auto 2001 Senior Executive Stock Option Agreement.
10.13(8)
  
Advance Auto 2001 Executive Stock Option Plan.
10.14(8)
  
Advance Auto 2001 Senior Executive Stock Subscription Plan.
10.15(8)
  
Form of Advance Auto 2001 Stock Option Agreement.
10.16(8)
  
Advance Auto 2001 Employee Stock Subscription Plan.
10.17(8)
  
Form of Advance Auto Stock Subscription Agreement.
10.18(2)
  
Form of Secured Promissory Note.
10.19(2)
  
Form of Stock Pledge Agreement.
10.20(2)
  
Form of Employment and Non-Competition Agreement between Childs, Cox, Gearheart, Gerald, Gray, Gregory, Hale, Helms, Jeter, Knighten, Kyle, Livesay, McDaniel, Miley, Quinn, Rakes, Richardson, Smith, Turner and Williams and Advance Stores.
10.21(2)
  
Form of Employment and Non-Competition Agreement between Bigoney, Buskirk, Felts, Fralin, Haan, Klasing, Reid, Stevens, Vaughn, Wade, Weatherly and Wirth and Advance Stores.
10.22(2)
  
Form of Indemnity Agreement between each of the directors of Advance Auto (other than Nicholas F. Taubman) and Advance Auto, as successor in interest to Advance Holding.
10.23(2)
  
Consulting and Non-Competition Agreement among Nicholas F. Taubman, Advance Auto, as successor in interest to Advance Holding and Advance Stores.
10.24(2)
  
Indemnity Agreement dated as of April 15, 1998 between Nicholas F. Taubman and Advance Auto, as successor in interest to Advance Holding.
10.25(2)
  
Employment and Non-Competition Agreement among Garnett E. Smith, Advance Auto, as successor in interest to Advance Holding, and Advance Stores.
10.26(7)
  
Amendments No. 1 dated as April 1, 2000 and Amendment No. 2 dated as of April 15, 2001 to Employment and Non-Competition Agreement among Garnett E. Smith, Advance Auto, as successor in interest to Advance Holding, and Advance Stores.
10.27(5)
  
Employment and Noncompetition Agreement dated as of February 1, 2000, among Advance Stores, Advance Auto, as successor in interest to Advance Holding, and Lawrence P. Castellani.
10.28(5)
  
Senior Executive Stock Subscription Agreement dated as of February 1, 2000, between Advance Auto, as successor in interest to Advance Holding, and Lawrence P. Castellani.
10.29(5)
  
Restricted Stock Agreement dated as of February 1, 2000, between Advance Auto, as successor in interest to Advance Holding, and Lawrence P. Castellani.
10.30(8)
  
Secured Promissory Note dated September 20, 2001 made by Garnett E. Smith, Vice Chairman of the Board of Advance Auto, as successor in interest to Advance Holding, and Advance Stores, in favor of Advance Stores.
10.31(8)
  
Stock Pledge Agreement dated September 20, 2001 between Garnett E. Smith, Vice Chairman of the Board of Advance Auto and Advance Stores.
10.32(8)
  
Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Agreement for holders of Discount fully converted options.
10.33(8)
  
Purchase Agreement dated as of October 31, 2001 among Advance Stores, Advance Trucking Corporation, LARALEV, INC., Western Auto Supply Company, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and Lehman Brothers Inc.

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Exhibit Number

  
Description

10.34(9)
  
Joinder to the Purchase Agreement dated as of November 28, 2001 by and among Advance Aircraft Company, Inc., Advance Merchandising Company, Inc., WASCO Insurance Agency, Inc., Western Auto of Puerto Rico, Inc., Western Auto of St. Thomas, Inc., Discount, DAP Acceptance Corporation, J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and Lehman Brothers Inc.
10.35(9)
  
Subsidiary Guarantee dated as of November 2, 1998, by Western Auto Supply Company, with respect to the 10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.
10.36(9)
  
Subsidiary Guarantee dated as of June 30, 1999 by Advance Trucking Corporation, with respect to the 10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.
10.37(9)
  
Subsidiary Guarantee dated as of November 28, 2001 by Discount, DAP Acceptance Corporation, Western Auto of Puerto Rico, Inc., Western Auto of St. Thomas, Inc., WASCO Insurance Agency, Inc., Advance Merchandising Company, Inc. and Advance Aircraft Company, Inc., with resection to the 10.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.
10.38(9)
  
Subsidiary Guarantee dated as of November 28, 2001 by Discount, DAP Acceptance Corporation, Western Auto of Puerto Rico, Inc., Western Auto of St. Thomas, Inc., WASCO Insurance Agency, Inc., Advance Merchandising Company, Inc. and Advance Aircraft Company, Inc., with respect to the 10¼% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.
10.39(10)
  
Form of Master Lease dated as of February 27, 2001 by and between Dapper Properties I, II and III, LLC and Discount.
10.40(9)
  
Form of Amendment to Master Lease dated as of December 28, 2001 between Dapper Properties I, II and III, LLC and Discount.
10.41(10)
  
Form of Sale-Leaseback Agreement dated as of February 27, 2001 by and between Dapper Properties I, II and III, LLC and Discount.
10.42(9)
  
Substitution Agreement dated as of November 28, 2001 by and among GE Capital Franchise Finance Corporation, Washington Mutual Bank, FA, Dapper Properties I, II and III, LLC, Autopar Remainder I, II and III, LLC, Discount and Advance Stores.
10.43(9)
  
First Amendment to Substitution Agreement dated as of December 28, 2001 by and among GE Capital Franchise Finance Corporation, Washington Mutual Bank, FA, Dapper Properties I, II and III, LLC, Autopar Remainder I, II and III, LLC, Discount, Advance Stores and Western Auto Supply Company.
10.44(9)
  
Form of Amended and Restated Guaranty of Payment and Performance dated as of December 28, 2001 by Advance Stores in favor of Dapper Properties I, II and III, LLC.
10.45
  
Lease Agreement dated as of August 8, 2001 by and between George D. Zamias and Advance Stores.
10.46
  
Share Exchange Agreement, dated February 6, 2001 by and between Advance Auto and Sears, Roebuck and Co.
21.1
  
Subsidiaries of Advance Auto.
23.1**
  
Consent of Riordan & McKinzie (contained in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2
  
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.3
  
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
24.1
  
Power of Attorney (contained in signature page).

(1)
 
Filed on June 4, 1998 as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-56031) of Advance Holding Corporation.
(2)
 
Filed on June 4, 1998 as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-56013) of Advance Stores Company, Incorporated.
(3)
 
Filed on October 6, 1998 as an exhibit to Amendment No. 2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-56013) of Advance Stores Company, Incorporated.

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(5)
 
Filed on March 31, 2000 as an exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K of Advance Holding Corporation.
(6)
 
Filed on August 7, 2001 as an exhibit to Current Report on Form 8-K of Advance Stores Company, Incorporated.
(7)
 
Filed on August 31, 2001 as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-68858) of Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
(8)
 
Filed on November 6, 2001 as an exhibit to Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-68858) of Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
(9)
 
Filed on January 22, 2002 as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-81180 ) of Advance Stores Company, Incorporated.
(10)
 
Filed on April 2, 2001 as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Discount.
(**)
 
To be filed by amendment.
 
(b) Financial Statement Schedules.
 
The following schedules appear in the Registrant’s consolidated financial statements, including the notes related to those statements:
 
Schedule I—Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant
 
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
Item 17. Undertakings
 
1.    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
2.    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
 
(a)
 
For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
 
(b)
 
For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 

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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Roanoke, State of Virginia, on the 6th day of February 2002.
 
 
AD
VANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
 
/S/    JIMMIE L. WADE        
 
By
:                                              
 
Jimmie L. Wade
 
President and Chief Financial Officer
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Lawrence P. Castellani, Jimmie L. Wade and Mark J. Doran, and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all such capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, as well as any registration statement (or amendment thereto) related to this Registration Statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Signature

  
Title(s)

 
Date

/S/    LAWRENCE P. CASTELLANI        

Lawrence P. Castellani
  
Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
 
February 6, 2002
/S/    JIMMIE L. WADE        

Jimmie L. Wade
  
President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
February 6, 2002
/S/    NICHOLAS F. TAUBMAN        

Nicholas F. Taubman
  
Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
February 6, 2002
/S/    GARNETT E. SMITH        

Garnett E. Smith
  
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
February 6, 2002
/S/    TIMOTHY C. COLLINS        

Timothy C. Collins
  
Director
 
February 6, 2002

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Signature

  
Title(s)

 
Date

/S/    MARK J. DORAN        

Mark J. Doran
  
Director
 
February 6, 2002
/S/    PETER J. FONTAINE        

Peter J. Fontaine
  
Director
 
February 6, 2002
/S/    PAUL J. LISKA        

Paul J. Liska
  
Director
 
February 6, 2002
/S/    STEPHEN M. PECK        

Stephen M. Peck
  
Director
 
February 6, 2002
/S/    GLENN RICHTER        

Glenn Richter
  
Director
 
February 6, 2002
/S/    JOHN M. ROTH        

John M. Roth
  
Director
 
February 6, 2002
/S/    WILLIAM L. SALTER        

William L. Salter
  
Director
 
February 6, 2002
/S/    RONALD P. SPOGLI        

Ronald P. Spogli
  
Director
 
February 6, 2002

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