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Advance Auto Parts Achieved Strong Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Results

* Comparable Store Sales Rose 5.5% for the Year, 3.1% for the Fourth Quarter * For the Year, Operating Margins Increased to 6.1% and on a Comparable Basis Rose 230 Basis Points to 7.2% * For the Fourth Quarter, Operating Margins Increased to 4.8% and on a Comparable Basis Rose 190 Basis Points to 6.1% * Generated $165 Million in Free Cash Flow for the Year, Reduced Debt by $220 Million * Larry Castellani appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors

ROANOKE, Va., Feb. 12 -- Advance Auto Parts, Inc. today announced its comparable earnings per diluted share increased 168.8% to $0.43 for the fourth quarter ended December 28, 2002, compared to $0.16 for the same quarter last year. The Company's comparable results do not include integration expenses, one-time items in 2001 and extraordinary items as reconciled on the accompanying financial statements. The Company believes that these comparable measures are important to the Company's stockholders due to the non-recurring nature and significance of the excluded expenses. The fourth quarter $0.43 earnings per diluted share include approximately $0.03 of expenses associated with the recently completed secondary offering. On a GAAP basis, which includes integration expenses, one-time items in 2001 and extraordinary items, earnings per diluted share increased to $0.23 from a loss of $0.73 last year.

For the 2002 fiscal year, comparable earnings per diluted share increased 104.6% to $2.68 compared to $1.31 last year. On a GAAP basis earnings per diluted share increased to $1.80 from $0.39 last year.

The Company incurred pre-tax integration expenses related to the Discount Auto Parts acquisition of $9.1 million during the fourth quarter and $35.5 million for the year, $4.5 million below the original 2002 estimate of $40 million. In 2003, the Company estimates that it will incur approximately $10 million in integration expenses as originally planned.

During the fourth quarter, the Company repurchased $24.0 million in face value of its 10.25% senior subordinated notes and 12.875% senior discount debentures resulting in an after-tax extraordinary loss of $1.7 million, which includes un-amortized discounts, deferred loan fees and premiums paid. During the fiscal year, the Company repurchased $64.6 million in face value of bonds and pre-paid approximately $162 million in bank debt, incurring an after-tax extraordinary loss of $10.4 million relating to un-amortized discounts, write- off of deferred loan fees and premiums paid to repurchase bonds.

Fourth quarter sales increased 20.7% to $702.4 million, compared to $582.0 million last year. Same store sales grew 3.1% for the fourth quarter compared to 5.2% in the comparable period last year. The Discount Auto Parts stores, which joined the reported comparable store base for the last four weeks of the quarter, produced a comparable store sales increase of 3.3% during the fourth quarter compared to 2.7% the same quarter last year.

For the 2002 fiscal year, sales rose 30.6% to approximately $3.3 billion from $2.5 billion last year. Same store sales rose 5.5% year-to-date, compared to 6.2% last year. The Discount Auto Parts stores produced comparable store sales gains of 4.7% for the year, compared to 2.4% in 2001.

Comparable operating income for the fourth quarter increased 76.2% to $42.9 million from $24.4 million in the fourth quarter last year, generating an operating margin increase of 190 basis points to 6.1%. On a GAAP basis, operating income increased to $33.8 million. For the 2002 fiscal year comparable operating income rose 91.9% to $237.5 million from $123.8 million last year, generating an operating margin increase of 230 basis points to 7.2%, compared to 4.9% last year. On a GAAP basis, operating income increased to $202.0 million.

Comparable net income rose 226.5% in the fourth quarter to $15.9 million from $4.9 million in the fourth quarter last year. On a GAAP basis, net income increased to $8.6 million compared to a loss of $21.8 million last year. Year-to-date comparable net income increased 155.0% to $97.1 million from $38.1 million last year. On a GAAP basis, net income increased to $65.0 million for the fiscal year from $11.4 million last year.

The Company generated $165.0 million in free cash flow for the fiscal year. Free cash flow is calculated as cash provided by operating activities less cash used in investing activities. As a result of generating strong free cash flow, the Company reduced its total debt in 2003 by $220 million to $735.5 million.

Commenting on the fourth quarter and fiscal year results, Larry Castellani, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our team members produced solid results for the quarter and for the fiscal year. In 2003, we will continue to focus on expanding our operating margins, generating strong free cash flow, and successfully integrating Discount Auto Parts."

The Company also reiterated its 2003 fiscal year guidance for a 25% increase in comparable earnings per diluted share, which excludes integration expenses and the impact of a potential bond refinancing. For the first quarter of 2003, the Company believes that it can achieve comparable earnings per diluted share of $0.70 to $0.75 compared to $0.55 last year. For the second quarter, the Company anticipates producing earnings per diluted share of $0.92 to $0.97, compared to $0.77 last year.

The Board of Directors of Advance Auto Parts also announced today that Nicholas F. Taubman, Chairman, and Garnett E. Smith, Vice Chairman, are stepping down from the Company's Board of Directors effective immediately. Concurrently, the Board of Directors appointed Larry Castellani the Company's Chief Executive Officer to the additional position of Chairman of the Board of Directors. John M. Roth, Partner of Freeman Spogli & Co., has been appointed as Lead Director.

"After over 45 years of building our Company, I am leaving it in very capable hands," said Nicholas F. Taubman. "I am confident that this executive team will continue to build Advance based on the Company's founding principle of always providing the highest level of integrity and customer service."

The Company will host a conference call tomorrow, February 13, 2002, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time to discuss its fourth quarter and fiscal year results. To listen to the live webcast please log on to http://www.advanceautoparts.com/ . The call will be archived on the Company's website: http://www.advanceautoparts.com/ until March 12, 2003.

Advance Auto Parts, Inc., based in Roanoke, Va., is the second largest retailer of automotive parts in the United States. At December 28, 2002, the Company had 2,435 stores in 37 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets.

Certain statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements. These statements discuss, among other things, expected growth, store development and expansion strategy, business strategies, future revenues and future performance, including our future free cash flow and earnings per share. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, but not limited to, competitive pressures, demand for the Company's products, the market for auto parts, the economy in general, inflation, consumer debt levels, the weather, and other risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may materially differ from anticipated results described in these forward-looking statements. The Company intends these forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of the news release and does not undertake to update or revise them, as more information becomes available.

                  Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                         Consolidated Balance Sheets
                               (in thousands)

                                              December 28,      December 29,
                                                  2002              2001

                 Assets

  Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents                   $13,885           $18,117
     Receivables, net                            102,574            93,704
     Inventories, net                          1,048,803           982,000
     Other current assets                         20,210            42,027
        Total current assets                   1,185,472         1,135,848

     Property and equipment, net                 728,432           711,282
     Assets held for sale                         28,346            60,512
     Other assets, net                            22,975            42,973
                                              $1,965,225        $1,950,615

          Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

  Current liabilities:
     Bank overdrafts                                $869           $34,748
     Current portion of long-term debt            10,690            23,715
     Accounts payable                            470,740           429,041
     Accrued expenses                            208,176           176,218
     Other current liabilities                    32,101            30,027
        Total current liabilities                722,576           693,749

     Long-term debt                              724,832           932,022
     Other long-term liabilities                  49,461            36,273
     Total stockholders' equity                  468,356           288,571
                                              $1,965,225        $1,950,615

  NOTE: These balance sheets do not include the footnotes required by
        generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial
        statements.

                  Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                    Consolidated Statements of Operations
                          Twelve Week Periods Ended
                    (in thousands, except per share data)

                                                 December 28, 2002

                                                   Adjustment for
                                                   Non-recurring
                                                        and
                                                   Extraordinary  Comparable
                                             GAAP      Items          2002

  Net sales                               $702,416      $-         $702,416

  Cost of sales, including purchasing
   and warehousing costs                   389,606       -          389,606

       Gross profit                        312,810       -          312,810

  Selling, general and administrative
   expenses                                278,974    (9,090)(a)    269,884

       Operating income                     33,836     9,090         42,926

  Other, net:
     Interest expense                      (15,485)      -          (15,485)
     Secondary offering costs               (1,733)      -           (1,733)
     Other income, net                         209       -              209
       Total other, net                    (17,009)      -          (17,009)

  Income before provision for income
   taxes, extraordinary item and
   cumulative effect of change in
   accounting principle                     16,827     9,090         25,917

  Provision for income taxes                 6,529     3,527(b)      10,056

  Income before extraordinary item and
   cumulative effect of change
   in accounting principle                  10,298     5,563         15,861

  Extraordinary item, loss on debt
   extinguishment, net of $937 income
   tax benefit                              (1,679)    1,679(c)          -

  Net income                                $8,619    $7,242        $15,861

  Net income per basic share from:
     Net income before extraordinary
      items and cumulative effect of
      change in accounting principle         $0.29     $0.15          $0.44
     Extraordinary item, loss on debt
      extinguishment                         (0.05)     0.05             -
                                             $0.24     $0.20          $0.44

  Net income per diluted share from:
     Net income before extraordinary
      items and cumulative effect of
      change in accounting principle         $0.28     $0.15          $0.43
     Extraordinary item, loss on debt
      extinguishment                         (0.05)     0.05             -
                                             $0.23     $0.20          $0.43

  Average common shares outstanding (d)     35,710    35,710         35,710
  Dilutive effect of stock options           1,059     1,059          1,059
  Average common shares outstanding --
   assuming dilution                        36,769    36,769         36,769

  (a) Represents the non-recurring merger and integration expenses
      associated with the integration of the Discount Auto Parts operations.

  (b) This adjustment reflects the tax impact for the non-recurring
      merger and integration expenses discussed above at a 38.8% effective
      tax rate.

  (c) This adjustment reflects the ratable portion of deferred loan
      costs, unamortized discounts and the premium paid upon the repurchase
      and retirement of outstanding bonds and prepayment of bank debt, net
      of tax.

  (d) Average common shares outstanding is calculated based on the
      weighted average number of shares outstanding for the quarter.  At
      December 28, 2002, we had 35,735 shares outstanding.

  NOTE:  These preliminary statements of operations have been prepared on a
         consistent basis with previously presented statements of operations
         and do not include the footnotes required by generally accepted
         accounting principles for complete financial statements.

                 Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                   Consolidated Statements of Operations
                         Twelve Week Periods Ended
                   (in thousands, except per share data)

                                                December 29, 2001

                                                   Adjustment for
                                                        Non-
                                                      recurring
                                                        and
                                                   Extraordinary  Comparable
                                            GAAP       Items(a)     2001

  Net sales                               $582,009       $-      $582,009

  Cost of sales, including purchasing
   and warehousing costs                   340,494     (9,099)    331,395

       Gross profit                        241,515      9,099     250,614

  Selling, general and administrative
   expenses                                251,803    (25,558)    226,245

       Operating income                    (10,288)    34,657      24,369

  Other, net:
     Interest expense                      (16,700)       -       (16,700)
     Other income, net                         404        -           404
       Total other, net                    (16,296)       -       (16,296)

  (Loss) income before provision for
    income taxes, extraordinary
    item and cumulative effect of
    change in accounting principle         (26,584)    34,657       8,073

  Provision for income taxes               (10,544)    13,759       3,215

  (Loss) income before extraordinary
    item and cumulative effect of change
    in accounting principle                (16,040)    20,898       4,858

  Extraordinary item, loss on debt
   extinguishment, net of $2,424
   income tax benefit                       (3,682)     3,682         -

  Cumulative effect of change in
   accounting principle, net of
   $1,360 income tax benefit                (2,065)     2,065         -

  Net (loss) income                       $(21,787)   $26,645      $4,858

  Net (loss) income per basic share
   from:
     Net (loss) income before
      extraordinary items and
      cumulative effect of change in
      accounting principle                  $(0.54)     $0.70       $0.16
     Extraordinary item, loss on debt
      extinguishment                         (0.12)      0.12         -
     Cumulative effect of change in
      accounting principle                   (0.07)      0.07         -
                                            $(0.73)     $0.89       $0.16

  Net (loss) income per diluted share
   from:
     Net (loss) income before
      extraordinary items and
      cumulative effect of change in
      accounting principle                  $(0.54)     $0.68       $0.16
     Extraordinary item, loss on debt
      extinguishment                         (0.12)      0.12         -
     Cumulative effect of change in
      accounting principle                   (0.07)      0.07         -
                                            $(0.73)     $0.86       $0.16

  Average common shares outstanding         29,778     29,778      29,778
  Dilutive effect of stock options             -        1,044       1,044
  Average common shares outstanding --
   assuming dilution                        29,778     30,822      30,822

  (a) The fiscal 2001 adjustments represent charges associated with our
      supply chain initiatives, expenses associated with the integration of
      Discount Auto Parts, compensation charges associated with certain
      stock option plans, the related tax effect of the above at a 39.7%
      effective tax rate and the reversal of the extraordinary item and
      cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. (See the
      Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes at and for the
      year ended December 29, 2001 for additional information).

  NOTE:  These preliminary statements of operations have been prepared on
         a consistent basis with previously presented statements of
         operations and do not include the footnotes required by generally
         accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

                  Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                    Consolidated Statements of Operations
                         Fifty-Two Week Periods Ended
                    (in thousands, except per share data)

                                                 December 28, 2002

                                                 Adjustment for
                                                  Non-recurring
                                                       and
                                                  Extraordinary   Comparable
                                            GAAP      Items          2002

  Net sales                              $3,287,883     $-       $3,287,883

  Cost of sales, including purchasing
   and warehousing costs                  1,839,889      -        1,839,889

       Gross profit                       1,447,994      -        1,447,994

  Selling, general and administrative
   expenses                               1,246,009  (35,532)(a)  1,210,477

       Operating income                     201,985   35,532        237,517

  Other, net:
     Interest expense                       (78,219)     -          (78,219)
     Secondary offering costs                (1,733)     -           (1,733)
     Other income, net                        1,158      -            1,158
       Total other, net                     (78,794)     -          (78,794)

  Income before provision for income
   taxes, extraordinary
   item and cumulative effect of
   change in accounting principle           123,191   35,532        158,723

  Provision for income taxes                 47,799   13,786(b)      61,585

  Income before extraordinary item and
   cumulative effect of change
   in accounting principle                   75,392   21,746         97,138

  Extraordinary item, loss on debt
   extinguishment, net of $6,449
   income tax benefit                       (10,373)  10,373(c)          -

  Net income                                $65,019  $32,119        $97,138

  Net income per basic share from:
     Net income before extraordinary
      items and cumulative effect of
      change in accounting principle          $2.15    $0.62          $2.77
     Extraordinary item, loss on debt
      extinguishment                          (0.29)    0.29            -
                                              $1.86    $0.91          $2.77

  Net income per diluted share from:
     Net income before extraordinary
      items and cumulative effect of
      change in accounting principle          $2.08    $0.60          $2.68
     Extraordinary item, loss on debt
      extinguishment                          (0.28)    0.28            -
                                              $1.80    $0.88          $2.68

  Average common shares outstanding (d)      35,049   35,049         35,049
  Dilutive effect of stock options            1,139    1,139          1,139
  Average common shares outstanding --
   assuming dilution                         36,188   36,188         36,188

  (a)  Represents the non-recurring merger and integration expenses
       associated with the integration of the Discount Auto Parts
       operations.

  (b) This adjustment reflects the tax impact for the non-recurring
      merger and integration expenses discussed above at a 38.8% effective
      tax rate.

  (c) This adjustment reflects the ratable portion of deferred loan
      costs, unamortized discounts and the premium paid upon the repurchase
      and retirement of outstanding bonds and prepayment of bank debt, net
      of tax.

  (d) Average common shares outstanding is calculated based on the
      weighted average number of shares outstanding for each quarter.  At
      December 28, 2002, we had 35,735 shares outstanding.

  NOTE:  These preliminary statements of operations have been prepared on a
         consistent basis with previously presented statements of operations
         and do not include the footnotes required by generally accepted
         accounting principles for complete financial statements.

                  Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                    Consolidated Statements of Operations
                        Fifty-Two Week Periods Ended
                    (in thousands, except per share data)

                                                December 29, 2001

                                                  Adjustment for
                                                       Non-
                                                    recurring
                                                       and
                                                   Extraordinary  Comparable
                                           GAAP        Items(a)      2001

  Net sales                              $2,517,639      $-     $2,517,639

  Cost of sales, including purchasing
   and warehousing costs                  1,450,712    (9,099)   1,441,613

       Gross profit                       1,066,927     9,099    1,076,026

  Selling, general and administrative
   expenses                                 977,814   (25,558)     952,256

       Operating income                      89,113    34,657      123,770

  Other, net:
     Interest expense                       (61,895)      -        (61,895)
     Other income, net                        1,283       -          1,283
       Total other, net                     (60,612)      -        (60,612)

  Income before provision for income
   taxes, extraordinary item and
   cumulative effect of change in
   accounting principle                      28,501    34,657       63,158

  Provision for income taxes                 11,312    13,759       25,071

  Income before extraordinary item and
   cumulative effect of change
   in accounting principle                   17,189    20,898       38,087

  Extraordinary item, loss on debt
   extinguishment, net of $2,424
   income tax benefit                        (3,682)    3,682          -

  Cumulative effect of change in
   accounting principle, net of
   $1,360 income tax benefit                 (2,065)    2,065          -

  Net income                                $11,442   $26,645      $38,087

  Net income per basic share from:
     Net income before extraordinary
      items and cumulative effect of
      change in accounting principle          $0.60     $0.73        $1.33
     Extraordinary item, loss on debt
      extinguishment                          (0.13)     0.13          -
     Cumulative effect of change in
      accounting principle                    (0.07)     0.07          -
                                              $0.40     $0.93        $1.33

  Net income per diluted share from:
     Net income before extraordinary
      items and cumulative effect of
      change in accounting principle          $0.59     $0.72        $1.31
     Extraordinary item, loss on debt
      extinguishment                          (0.13)     0.13          -
     Cumulative effect of change in
      accounting principle                    (0.07)     0.07          -
                                              $0.39     $0.91        $1.31

  Average common shares outstanding          28,637    28,637       28,637
  Dilutive effect of stock options              521       521          521
  Average common shares outstanding --
   assuming dilution                         29,158    29,158       29,158

  (a) The fiscal 2001 adjustments represent charges associated with our
      supply chain initiatives, expenses associated with the integration of
      Discount Auto Parts, compensation charges associated with certain
      stock option plans, the related tax effect of the above at a 39.7%
      effective tax rate and the reversal of the extraordinary item and
      cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.  (See the
      Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes at and for the
      year ended December 29, 2001 for additional information).

  NOTE:  These preliminary statements of operations have been prepared on a
         consistent basis with previously presented statements of operations
         and do not include the footnotes required by generally accepted
         accounting principles for complete financial statements.

Source: Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

CONTACT: Sheila Stuewe of Advance Auto Parts, Inc., +1-540-561-3281, or
Sstuewe@AdvanceAutoParts.com

Web site: http://www.advanceautoparts.com/