Discount Auto Parts, Inc: 4th Quarter & Fiscal 99 Sales
11 June 1999
LAKELAND, Fla.--June 11, 1999--Discount Auto Parts, Inc. today announced sales results for the Company's fourth quarter and fiscal year ended June 1, 1999. Total sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999 increased 15.2% to a record $140.8 million, as compared to $122.2 million a year earlier. Comparable store sales were flat for the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999 as compared to 7% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998. Total sales for fiscal 1999 increased 14.3% to $511.5 million, from $447.5 million a year earlier. Comparable store sales increased 1% for fiscal 1999 as compared to 8% in fiscal 1998. Comparable store sales results include sales from the Company's commercial delivery program. The balance of the increase in total sales for the fourth quarter and fiscal 1999 was attributable to new stores opened since the beginning of the respective periods in fiscal 1998, as well as sales associated with the Rose Auto Parts stores which were acquired effective September 28, 1998.
"Comparable store sales for the fourth quarter and fiscal 1999 were impacted in large part by our continued opening of selected stores in close proximity to other Discount Auto Parts' stores," commented Bill Perkins, President and Chief Operating Officer. "While this strategy has short term implications to same store sales, we believe this strategy is critical to our long term market share objectives. Further, this strategy is designed to complement the continued implementation and expansion of our commercial delivery program."
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company added 21 mini-depot stores. As of June 1, 1999, the Company had 558 stores in operation consisting of 28 depot stores and 530 mini-depot stores. For fiscal year 2000 the Company expects to add approximately 80 to 90 stores.
The Company expects to report its fourth quarter and fiscal 1999 operating results in mid-July.
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. The Company currently operates stores located throughout Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and South Carolina.