AutoZone has reported net sales of $2.9 billion for its second quarter (12 weeks) ended Feb. 13, 2021, an increase of 15.8% from the second quarter of fiscal 2020 (12 weeks). Domestic same store sales, or sales for stores open at least one year, increased 15.2% for the quarter.

For the quarter, gross profit, as a percentage of sales, was 53.6%, a decrease of 77 basis points versus the prior year. The decrease in gross margin was attributable to increased supply chain costs, pricing initiatives, accelerated loyalty program participation and a shift in mix. Operating expenses, as a percentage of sales, improved to 37% versus 38.1% for last year’s quarter, with leverage primarily due to higher sales volumes, offset by additional emergency time-off benefits and other pandemic-related expenses totaling approximately $40 million (137 basis points).

Operating profit increased 18.1% to $481.8 million. Net income for the quarter increased 15.6% over the same period last year to $345.9 million, while diluted earnings per share increased 20.5% to $14.93 per share from $12.39 per share in the year-ago quarter. The increase in net income was driven by strong topline growth.

AutoZone repurchased 752,004 shares of its common stock for $900 million during the second quarter, at an average price of $1,197 per share. At the end of the second quarter, the company had $717.6 million remaining under its current share repurchase authorization.

The company’s inventory increased 2.8% over the same period last year, driven by new stores and improved product assortment. Net inventory, defined as merchandise inventories less accounts payable, on a per store basis, was approximately negative $93 thousand versus negative $41 thousand last year and negative $99 thousand last quarter.

“This quarter, we were again able to deliver exceptionally strong same store sales and earnings growth, and many performance metrics remained at historically high levels,” said Bill Rhodes, chairman, president and CEO. “While our strong (DIY) sales have been aided by government stimulus and changes to consumer behavior as a result of the pandemic, our growth initiatives continue to deliver strong share gains with both DIY and Commercial customers. In Commercial, our business was up 15% this quarter as the investments we are making in pricing, service and assortment are strengthening our competitive position in this large, fragmented market. We intend to accelerate our Company’s historical growth rate as we increase our penetration in this market.

“Our outstanding performance is also driven by the exceptional and heroic efforts of our AutoZoners, particularly those in our stores and distribution centers who have been there every day for our customers during these extraordinary times. We recently announced a financial incentive for our employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and we will continue to invest appropriately in a safe and productive work environment for our people,” Rhodes added.