• AutoZone opened a record 374 stores globally in fiscal 2026, accelerating its expansion despite slowing same-store sales.
• Tariffs, higher interest rates and fuel costs pressured customers, prompting deferred maintenance purchases and shifts toward lower-priced products.
• Domestic commercial sales grew almost 11%, outpacing the do-it-yourself business as customer transactions weakened.
• Operating expenses outpaced sales growth as new-store investments continued, putting pressure on operating margins.
• Two new distribution centers in Mexico and Brazil added capacity to support international expansion.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. AutoZone Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief on October 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.