Prudential Equity Group Analyst John Tomlinson, Launches Research Coverage Of Specialty Retail: Auto Parts & Auto Dealers Industry

NEWARK, N.J.--Nov. 1, 20049, 2004--Prudential Equity Group, LLC. announces that John F. Tomlinson, Senior Research Analyst, recently launched coverage of the Specialty Retail Auto Parts industry with a Neutral rating and the Specialty Retail Auto Dealers industry with an Unfavorable rating. Tomlinson's research coverage includes, Advance Auto Parts (AAP), O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY), AutoZone (AZO), Pep Boys - Manny, Moe, and Jack (PBY), AutoNation (AN), United Auto Group (UAG) and Lithia Motors (LAD).

Mr. Tomlinson reports to Steve Buell, Director of Global Equity Research at Prudential Equity Group, LLC. "John's experience and dedication over the last four years working as an associate with our highly regarded automotive research team will enhance his ability to provide our clients with excellent research as our new Specialty Retail Automotive Senior Analyst," Buell said.

John F. Tomlinson, CFA/CPA, was named Prudential Equity Group's Senior Specialty Retail Automotive Analyst in November 2003. He joined the firm in 2000 as an Associate Automotive Manufacturing & Auto Parts Suppliers Analyst. John previously worked with Deloitte & Touche and CBS Sports. John holds an MBA from Wake Forest and a B.S. from Syracuse University.

Tomlinson initiated this coverage with the following recommendations:

-- AAP with an Overweight rating and a 6 month target of $44

-- ORLY with an Overweight rating and a 6 month target of $48

-- AZO with a Neutral Weight rating and a 6 month target of $85

-- PBY with a Neutral Weight rating and a 6 month target of $14

-- AN with an Underweight rating and a 6 month target of $15

-- UAG with a Neutral Weight rating and a 6 month target of $15

-- LAD with a Neutral Weight rating and a 6 month target of $24

To view charts associated with those stocks mentioned in this report, please visit http://cm1.prusec.com.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES Any analyst principally responsible for the analysis of any security or issuer included in this report certifies that the views expressed accurately reflect such research analyst's personal views about subject securities or issuers and certifies that no part of his or her compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendation or views contained in the research report. The research analyst, a member of the team, or a member of the research analyst's household does not have a financial interest in any of the stocks mentioned in this report . Prudential Equity Group, LLC has no knowledge of any material conflict of interest involving the companies mentioned in this report and our firm. The research analyst or a member of the team does not have an actual material conflict of interest relative to any of the stocks mentioned in this report . The research analyst has not received compensation that is based upon (among other factors) the firm's investment banking revenues as it relates to any of the stocks mentioned in this report . The research analyst, a member of the team, or a member of the household does not serve as an officer, director, or advisory board member of any of the stocks mentioned in this report. When we assign an Overweight rating, we mean that we expect that the stock's total return will exceed the average total return of all of the stocks covered by the analyst (or analyst team). Our investment time frame is 12-18 months except as otherwise specified by the analyst in the report. When we assign a Neutral Weight rating, we mean that we expect that the stock's total return will be in line with the average total return of all of the stocks covered by the analyst (or analyst team). Our investment time frame is 12-18 months except as otherwise specified by the analyst in the report. When we assign an Underweight rating, we mean that we expect that the stock's total return will be below the average total return of all of the stocks covered by the analyst (or analyst team). Our investment time frame is 12-18 months except as otherwise specified by the analyst in the report. Price Target - Methods/Risks The methods used to determine the price target generally are based on future earning estimates, product performance expectations, cash flow methodology, historical and/or relative valuation multiples. The risks associated with achieving the price target generally include customer spending, industry competition and overall market conditions.

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