UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q

(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended April 24, 2010
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________.

Commission file number 001-16797


 
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

 
 
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
54-2049910
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
5008 Airport Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24012
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(540) 362-4911
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Registration S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer p
Non-accelerated filer    p (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company p
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes p No x

As of May 28 , 2010, the registrant had outstanding 87,418,084 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the only class of common stock of the registrant outstanding).
 

 
 
 

 
       
       
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
       
  Item 1.   Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries (unaudited):    
       
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 24, 2010 and January 2, 2010  
 1
       
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009   
 2
       
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009  
 3
       
    Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
 5
       
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
18
       
  Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
30
       
  Item 4.  Controls and Procedures  
31
       
PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION  
       
  Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   31
       
  Item 6. Exhibits  
32
       
SIGNATURE      
S-1
 
 
 
i

 
PART I .  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1 .
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
April 24, 2010 and January 2, 2010
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 

   
April 24,
   
January 2,
 
Assets
 
2010
   
2010
 
             
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 133,286     $ 100,018  
Receivables, net
    110,471       92,560  
Inventories, net
    1,745,555       1,631,867  
Other current assets
    33,984       63,173  
          Total current assets
    2,023,296       1,887,618  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of
               
$925,389 and $914,045
    1,095,935       1,100,338  
Assets held for sale
    1,552       1,492  
Goodwill
    34,387       34,387  
Intangible assets, net
    26,085       26,419  
Other assets, net
    21,553       22,709  
    $ 3,202,808     $ 3,072,963  
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 1,293     $ 1,344  
Financed vendor accounts payable
    17,557       32,092  
Accounts payable
    1,185,782       966,274  
Accrued expenses
    424,961       393,060  
Other current liabilities
    68,122       73,257  
          Total current liabilities
    1,697,715       1,466,027  
Long-term debt
    277,695       202,927  
Other long-term liabilities
    118,015       121,644  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock, nonvoting, $0.0001 par value,
               
   10,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock, voting, $0.0001 par value, 200,000 shares authorized;
               
   104,435 shares issued and 86,852 outstanding at April 24, 2010
               
   and 104,251 shares issued and 93,623 outstanding at January 2, 2010
    10       10  
Additional paid-in capital
    404,803       392,962  
Treasury stock, at cost, 17,583 and 10,628 shares
    (680,583 )     (391,176 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (6,230 )     (6,699 )
Retained earnings
    1,391,383       1,287,268  
          Total stockholders' equity
    1,109,383       1,282,365  
    $ 3,202,808     $ 3,072,963  
 

The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.


Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended
April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
   
Sixteen Week Periods Ended
 
   
April 24,
   
April 25,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net sales
  $ 1,830,606     $ 1,683,636  
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs
    919,829       861,648  
         Gross profit
    910,777       821,988  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    728,605       664,406  
         Operating income
    182,172       157,582  
Other, net:
               
     Interest expense
    (5,956 )     (7,611 )
     Other income (expense), net
    524       (104 )
         Total other, net
    (5,432 )     (7,715 )
Income before provision for income taxes
    176,740       149,867  
Provision for income taxes
    67,309       56,282  
Net income
  $ 109,431     $ 93,585  
                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 1.20     $ 0.99  
                 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 1.19     $ 0.98  
                 
Average common shares outstanding
    90,712       94,473  
                 
Average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution
    91,473       94,889  
 
The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.
 


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended
April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

   
Sixteen Week Periods Ended
 
   
April 24,
   
April 25,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 109,431     $ 93,585  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
               
operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    49,683       45,155  
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs
    304       111  
Share-based compensation
    6,674       4,171  
Loss on property and equipment, net
    1,508       6,351  
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes
    (1,883 )     2,180  
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
    (809 )     (723 )
Net (increase) decrease in:
               
Receivables, net
    (17,911 )     9,684  
Inventories, net
    (113,688 )     (58,248 )
Other assets
    30,043       14,852  
Net increase in:
               
Accounts payable
    219,508       118,869  
Accrued expenses
    51,348       50,296  
Other liabilities
    3,796       6,439  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    338,004       292,722  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (60,675 )     (50,216 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
    93       76  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (60,582 )     (50,140 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Decrease in bank overdrafts
    (9,526 )     (12,602 )
Decrease in financed vendor accounts payable
    (14,535 )     (41,206 )
Dividends paid
    (10,903 )     (11,378 )
Payments on note payable
    (232 )     (226 )
Borrowings under credit facilities
    75,000       173,400  
Payments on credit facilities
    -       (349,900 )
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise
               
of stock options
    4,691       11,485  
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
    809       723  
Repurchase of common stock
    (289,407 )     -  
Other
    (51 )     666  
Net cash used in financing activities
    (244,154 )     (229,038 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    33,268       13,544  
Cash and cash equivalents , beginning of period
    100,018       37,358  
Cash and cash equivalents , end of period
  $ 133,286     $ 50,902  
 
The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.
 


 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - (Continued)
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended
April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
   
Sixteen Week Periods Ended
 
   
April 24,
   
April 25,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Supplemental cash flow information:
           
Interest paid
  $ 7,831     $ 8,907  
Income tax payments, net
    16,508       11,070  
Non-cash transactions:
               
Accrued purchases of property and equipment
    15,002       18,442  
Changes in other comprehensive income
    469       805  
 
The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.
 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
1.  
Basis of Presentation:
 
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, or the Company. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
The condensed consolidated balance sheets as of April 24, 2010 and January 2, 2010, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the sixteen week periods ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the sixteen week periods ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009, have been prepared by the Company. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of the Company, the results of its operations and cash flows have been made.
 
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, have been condensed or omitted. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010, or Fiscal 2009.
 
The accounting policies followed in the presentation of interim financial results are consistent with those followed on an annual basis. These policies are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2009 (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on March 2, 2010).
 
The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
 
New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued ASU No. 2010-06 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures – Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements”. ASU 2010-06 requires new disclosures for significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the activity within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The updated guidance also clarifies existing disclosures regarding the level of disaggregation of assets or liabilities and the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, with the exception of the new Level 3 activity disclosures, which are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2010-06 had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-16, “Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets,” which amends the ASC for the issuance of SFAS No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140.” The amendments in this ASU clarify the requirements for isolation and limitations on portions of financial assets that are eligible for sale accounting and
 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
require enhanced disclosures about the risks that a transferor continues to be exposed to because of its continuing involvement in transferred financial assets. ASU 2009-16 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of ASU 2009-16 had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
2.  
Inventories, net:
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company used the LIFO method of accounting for approximately 95% of inventories at both April 24, 2010 and January 2, 2010. Under LIFO, the Company’s cost of sales reflects the costs of the most recently purchased inventories, while the inventory carrying balance represents the costs for inventories purchased in Fiscal 2010 and prior years. The Company’s overall costs to acquire inventory for the same or similar products have generally decreased historically due to the Company’s significant growth. Additionally, the Company’s inventory costs have decreased in recent years as a result of the Company’s execution of merchandise strategies and realization of supply chain efficiencies. As a result of utilizing LIFO, the Company recorded a reduction to cost of sales of $18,250 and $10,156 for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009, respectively.
 
An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is performed by the Company at the end of each fiscal year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations must be based on management’s estimates of expected fiscal year-end inventory levels and costs.
 
Inventory balances at April 24, 2010 and January 2, 2010 were as follows:
 

   
April 24,
   
January 2,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
Inventories at FIFO, net
  $ 1,630,048     $ 1,534,610  
Adjustments to state inventories at LIFO
    115,507       97,257  
Inventories at LIFO, net
  $ 1,745,555     $ 1,631,867  
 
3.  
Goodwill and Intangible Assets:
 
Goodwill
 
The following table reflects the carrying amount of goodwill pertaining to the Company’s two segments, and the changes in goodwill carrying amounts, for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010:
 

   
AAP Segment
   
AI Segment
   
Total
 
                   
Balance at January 2, 2010
  $ 16,093     $ 18,294     $ 34,387  
Fiscal 2010 activity
    -       -       -  
Balance at April 24, 2010
  $ 16,093     $ 18,294     $ 34,387  
 
 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill
 
The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets as of April 24, 2010 and January 2, 2010 are comprised of the following:
 

   
Acquired intangible assets
       
   
Subject to Amortization
   
Not Subject
to Amortization
       
   
Customer
Relationships
   
Other
   
Trademark and
Tradenames
   
Intangible
Assets, net
 
                         
Gross:
                       
Gross carrying amount at January 2, 2010
  $ 9,800     $ 885     $ 20,550     $ 31,235  
Additions
    -       -       -       -  
Gross carrying amount at April 24, 2010
  $ 9,800     $ 885     $ 20,550     $ 31,235  
                                 
Net:
                               
Net carrying amount at January 2, 2010
  $ 5,543     $ 326     $ 20,550     $ 26,419  
Additions
    -       -       -       -  
2010 amortization
    295       39       -       334  
Net book value at April 24, 2010
  $ 5,248     $ 287     $ 20,550     $ 26,085  
 
Amortization expense for the sixteen week periods ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009 was $334 and $372, respectively.
 
Future Amortization Expense
 
The table below shows expected amortization expense for the next five years for acquired intangible assets recorded as of April 24, 2010:
 

Fiscal Year
 
Amount
 
Remainder of 2010
  $ 720  
2011
    967  
2012
    967  
2013
    967  
2014
    967  
 
4.  
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities:
 
The Company’s accounting policy for derivative financial instruments is based on whether the instruments meet the criteria for designation as cash flow or fair value hedges. The Company has historically entered interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk and has designated the swaps as cash flow hedges. The interest rate swaps are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. As of April 24, 2010, the Company had interest rate swaps on an aggregate of $275,000 at rates ranging from 4.01% to 4.98%.
 
The Company formally documents its hedge relationships (including identifying the hedge instruments and hedged items) and its risk-management objectives and strategies for entering into hedge transactions. At hedge inception, and at least quarterly thereafter, the Company assesses whether derivatives used to hedge transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flow of the hedged item. The Company measures the effectiveness of the derivative financial instruments by comparing the present value of the cumulative change in the expected
 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
future interest to be paid or received on the variable leg of the instruments against the expected future interest payments on the corresponding variable rate debt. In addition, the Company compares the critical terms, including notional amounts, underlying indices and reset dates of the derivative financial instruments with the respective variable rate debt to ensure all terms agree. To the extent the instruments are considered to be effective, changes in fair value are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income or loss. To the extent there is any hedge ineffectiveness, any changes in fair value relating to the ineffective portion are immediately recognized in earnings as interest expense. When it is determined that a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting, and subsequent changes in the fair value of the hedge instrument are recognized in earnings.
 
As of April 24, 2010, the Company’s interest rate swaps were no longer subject to hedge accounting as a result of the Company’s variable rate interest payments no longer being probable following a decision made by the Company to issue fixed rate notes, which occurred on April 29, 2010 as further explained in the Company’s subsequent event footnote. Accordingly, the Company will record subsequent changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps through earnings and will amortize the unrecognized loss in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of April 24, 2010 over the remaining life of the swaps which mature in October 2011.
 
The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of April 24, 2010 and January 2, 2010:
 

 
Liability Derivatives
   
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value as of
April 24, 2010
   
Fair Value as of
January 2, 2010
   
Derivatives designated as hedging
               
instruments:
               
Interest rate swaps
Accrued expenses
  $ 11,007     $ 10,700    
Interest rate swaps
Other long-term liabilities
    4,708       6,644    
      $ 15,715     $ 17,344    
 
The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the statement of operations for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009, respectively:
 
 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
   
Amount of
Gain or
(Loss)
Recognized
in OCI on
Derivative,
net of tax
(Effective
Portion)
 
Location of Gain
or (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of
Gain or (Loss)
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into
Income, net of
tax (Effective
Portion)
 
Location of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivative
(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
 
Amount of
Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative, net
of tax
(Ineffective
Portion and
Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
 
                       
For the Sixteen Weeks
Ended April 24, 2010:
 
 
             
                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 597  
Interest expense
  $ (2,235 )
Interest expense
  $ 111  
                             
For the Sixteen Weeks
Ended April 25, 2009:
 
 
                   
                             
Interest rate swaps
  $ 932  
Interest expense
  $ (1,733 )
Interest expense
  $ -  
 
5.  
Fair Value Measurements:
 
The Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value are grouped in three levels. The levels prioritize the inputs used to measure the fair value of these assets or liabilities. These levels are:
 
·  
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
·  
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets and liabilities at the measurement date, either directly or indirectly. These inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are less active, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability or corroborated by other observable market data.
·  
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for assets or liabilities that are not able to be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of a reporting entity’s own assumptions.   These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.
 
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. In instances where inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability.
 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
The following table sets forth the Company’s financial liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of April 24, 2010 and January 2, 2010:
 

 
       
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
   
         
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
   
Fair Value
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
   
                           
As of April 24, 2010                                  
Interest rate swaps
  $ 15,715     $ -     $ 15,715     $ -    
                                   
As of January 2, 2010                                  
Interest rate swaps    17,344     $ -     $ 17,344     $  -    
 
The fair values of our interest rate swaps represent the estimated amounts that the Company would receive or pay to terminate the agreements taking into consideration the difference between the contract rate of interest and rates currently quoted for agreements of similar terms and maturities (based on the forward yield curve).
 
The carrying amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, bank overdrafts, financed vendor accounts payable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and current portion of long term debt approximate their fair values due to the relatively short term nature of these instruments. As of April 24, 2010, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt with a carrying value of $277,695, was approximately $273,000, and was based on similar long-term debt issues available to the Company as of that date. The fair value of the Company’s fixed rate debt was determined by using an assumed market interest rate commensurate with the Company’s credit risk.
 
Non-Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
 
Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (e.g., when there is evidence of impairment). At April 24, 2010, the Company had no significant non-financial assets or liabilities that had been adjusted to fair value subsequent to initial recognition.
 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
6.  
Long-term Debt:
 
Long-term debt consists of the following:
 

   
April 24, 
2010
   
January 2, 
2010
 
Revolving facility at variable interest rates
           
(1.06% at April 24, 2010) due October 2011
  $ 75,000     $ -  
Term loan at variable interest rates
               
(1.31% at both April 24, 2010 and January 2,
               
2010) due October 2011
    200,000       200,000  
Other
    3,988       4,271  
      278,988       204,271  
Less: Current portion of long-term debt
    (1,293 )     (1,344 )
Long-term debt, excluding current portion
  $ 277,695     $ 202,927  
 
Bank Debt
 
The Company has a $750,000 unsecured five-year revolving credit facility with the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, or Stores, serving as the borrower. The revolving credit facility also provides for the issuance of letters of credit with a sub limit of $300,000, and swingline loans in an amount not to exceed $50,000. The Company may request, subject to agreement by one or more lenders, that the total revolving commitment be increased by an amount not exceeding $250,000 (up to a total commitment of $1,000,000) during the term of the credit agreement. Voluntary prepayments and voluntary reductions of   the   revolving balance   are   permitted in whole or in part, at the Company’s option, in minimum principal amounts as specified in the revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility matures on October 5, 2011.
 
As of April 24,   2010,   the Company   had $75,000 outstanding under its revolving credit facility, and letters of credit outstanding of $103,980, which reduced the availability under the revolving credit facility to $571,020. (The letters of credit generally have a term of one year or less.) A commitment fee is charged on the unused portion of the revolver, payable in arrears. The current commitment fee rate is 0.150% per annum.
 
As of April 24, 2010, the Company had $200,000 outstanding under its unsecured four-year term loan. The Company entered into the term loan in Fiscal 2007 with Stores serving as borrower. The term loan matures on October 5, 2011.
 
The interest rate on borrowings under the revolving credit facility is based, at the Company’s option, on an adjusted LIBOR rate, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The current margin is 0.75% and 0.0% per annum for the adjusted LIBOR and alternate base rate borrowings, respectively. The Company has elected to use the 90-day adjusted LIBOR rate and has the ability and intent to continue to use this rate on its hedged borrowings. Under the terms of the revolving credit facility, the interest rate and commitment fee are based on the Company’s credit rating.
 
The interest rate on the term loan is based, at the Company’s option, on an adjusted LIBOR rate, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The current margin is 1.0% and 0.0% per annum for the adjusted LIBOR and alternate base rate borrowings, respectively. The Company has elected to use the 90-day adjusted LIBOR rate and
 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
has the ability and intent to continue to use this rate on its hedged borrowings. Under the terms of the term loan, the interest rate is based on the Company’s credit rating.
 
Other
 
As of April 24, 2010, the Company had $3,988 outstanding under an economic development note and other financing arrangements.
 
Guarantees and Covenants
 
As of April 24, 2010, the term loan and revolving credit facility were fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Advance. The Company’s debt agreements collectively contain covenants restricting its ability to, among other things:  (1) create, incur or assume additional debt (including hedging arrangements), (2) incur liens or engage in sale-leaseback transactions, (3) make loans and investments, (4) guarantee obligations, (5) engage in certain mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (6) change the nature of the Company’s business and the business conducted by its subsidiaries and (7) change Advance’s status as a holding company. The Company is also required to comply with financial covenants with respect to a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated coverage ratio. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at April 24, 2010 and January 2, 2010. The Company’s term loan and revolving credit facility also provide for customary events of default, covenant defaults and cross-defaults to its other material indebtedness.
 
 
7.  
Stock Repurchase Program:
 
The Company’s stock repurchase program allows it to repurchase its common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
During the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010, the Company repurchased 6,912 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $287,666, or an average price of $41.62 per share, under its $500,000 stock repurchase program, authorized by its Board of Directors on February 16, 2010, leaving $212,334 remaining under this program. The new $500,000 stock repurchase program cancelled and replaced the remaining portion of its previous $250,000 stock repurchase program, which was authorized on May 15, 2008.
 
Additionally, the Company repurchased 43 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $1,741 in connection with the net settlement of shares issued as a result of the vesting of restricted stock during the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010.
 
No shares were repurchased during the sixteen weeks ended April 25, 2009.
 
 
8.  
Earnings per Share:
 
Certain of the Company’s shares granted to employees in the form of restricted stock are considered participating securities which require the use of the two-class method for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share. For the sixteen week periods ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009, earnings of $532 and $498, respectively, were allocated to the participating securities.
 
Diluted earnings per share of common stock reflect the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding, outstanding deferred stock units and the impact of outstanding stock options and stock appreciation
 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
rights (collectively “share-based awards”). Diluted earnings per share are calculated by including the effect of dilutive securities. Share-based awards to purchase approximately 67 and 2,655 shares of common stock that had an exercise price in excess of the average market price of the common stock during the sixteen week periods ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009, respectively, were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they are anti-dilutive.
 
The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the sixteen week periods ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009, respectively:
 

   
Sixteen Weeks Ended
 
   
April 24,
   
April 25,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Numerator
           
Net income applicable to common shares
  $ 109,431     $ 93,585  
Participating securities' share in earnings
    (532 )     (498 )
Net income applicable to common shares
  $ 108,899     $ 93,087  
Denominator
               
Basic weighted average common shares
    90,712       94,473  
Dilutive impact of share based awards
    761       416  
Diluted weighted average common shares
    91,473       94,889  
                 
Basic earnings per common share
               
Net income applicable to common stockholders
  $ 1.20     $ 0.99  
Diluted earnings per common share
               
Net income applicable to common stockholders
  $ 1.19     $ 0.98  
 
For the sixteen week period ended April 24, 2010, the Company issued 191 shares of common stock as a result of the exercise by employees of vested share-based awards previously granted under the Company’s 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the purchase of shares of common stock by employees under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
 
 
9.  
Warranty Liabilities:
 
The following table presents changes in the Company’s warranty reserves:
 
   
April 24, 
2010
   
January 2, 
2010
 
             
Warranty reserve, beginning of period
  $ 30,387     $ 28,662  
Additions to warranty reserves
    15,713       36,440  
Reserves utilized
    (15,655 )     (34,715 )
Warranty reserve, end of period
  $ 30,445     $ 30,387  
 
 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
10.  
Postretirement Plan:
 
The Company provides certain health and life insurance benefits for eligible retired Team Members through a postretirement plan, or Plan. These benefits are subject to deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations. The Plan has no assets and is funded on a cash basis as benefits are paid. The Company’s postretirement liability is calculated annually by a third-party actuary. The discount rate utilized at January 2, 2010 was 5.00%, and remained unchanged through the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010. The Company expects Fiscal 2010 plan contributions to completely offset benefits paid, consistent with Fiscal 2009.
 
The Company’s net periodic postretirement benefit cost includes the amortization of a reduction in unrecognized prior service costs as a result of a plan amendment in Fiscal 2004. The components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010, and April 25, 2009, respectively, was as follows:
 
   
Sixteen Weeks Ended
 
   
April 24,
   
April 25,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Interest cost
  $ 103     $ 140  
Amortization of negative prior service cost
    (179 )     (179 )
Amortization of unrecognized net gain
    (31 )     (29 )
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost
  $ (107 )   $ (68 )
 
11.  
Comprehensive Income:
 
The Company includes in comprehensive income the changes in fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps and changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs.
 
Comprehensive income for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009 was as follows:
 
   
Sixteen Weeks Ended
 
   
April 24, 
2010
   
April 25, 
2009
 
             
Net income
  $ 109,431     $ 93,585  
Unrealized gain on hedge
               
arrangements, net of tax
    597       932  
Changes in net unrecognized other
               
postretirement benefit cost, net of tax
    (128 )     (127 )
Comprehensive income
  $ 109,900     $ 94,390  

 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
12.  
Segment and Related Information:
 
The Company has the following two reportable segments: Advance Auto Parts, or AAP, and Autopart International, or AI. The AAP segment is comprised of 3,295 stores as of April 24, 2010 which operated in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands under the trade names “Advance Auto Parts,” “Advance Discount Auto Parts” and “Western Auto.” These stores offer a broad selection of brand name and proprietary automotive replacement parts, accessories and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars and light trucks.
 
The AI segment consists solely of the operations of Autopart International, which operates as an independent, wholly-owned subsidiary and operates stores under the “Autopart International” trade name. AI mainly serves the Commercial market from its 167 stores as of April 24, 2010 located primarily throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. In addition, its North American Sales Division services warehouse distributors and jobbers throughout North America.
 
The Company evaluates each of its segment’s financial performance based on net sales and operating profit for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those used by the Company.
 
The following table summarizes financial information for each of the Company's business segments for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009, respectively.
 
   
Sixteen Week Periods Ended
 
   
April 24,
   
April 25,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net sales
           
AAP
  $ 1,765,569     $ 1,627,817  
AI
    68,828       57,813  
Eliminations (1)
    (3,791 )     (1,994 )
Total net sales
  $ 1,830,606     $ 1,683,636  
                 
Income before provision for
               
 income taxes
               
AAP
  $ 175,887     $ 148,508  
AI
    853       1,359  
Total income before provision for
               
 income taxes
  $ 176,740     $ 149,867  
                 
Provision for income taxes
               
AAP
  $ 67,000     $ 55,789  
AI
    309       493  
Total provision for income taxes
  $ 67,309     $ 56,282  
                 
Segment assets
               
AAP
  $ 3,015,969     $ 2,833,437  
AI
    186,839       168,291  
Total segment assets
  $ 3,202,808     $ 3,001,728  
 
(1)  
For the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010, eliminations represent net sales of $1,871 from AAP to AI and $1,920 from AI to AAP. For the sixteen weeks ended April 25, 2009, eliminations represent net sales of $859 from AAP to AI and $1,135 from AI to AAP.
 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
13.  
Subsequent Event:
 
On April 26, 2010, the Company entered into an Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) among the Company, certain subsidiary guarantors of the Company and the underwriter parties thereto pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell $300,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.750% Notes due May 1, 2020 (the “Notes”) to the underwriters at a public offering price of 99.587% of the principal amount per note. The parent company, or Advance, served as the issuer of the Notes with each of Advance’s domestic subsidiaries serving as a subsidiary guarantor. The Underwriting Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and agreements of the Company and customary conditions to closing, indemnification rights and obligations of the parties. The terms of the Notes are governed by an indenture and supplemental indenture (collectively the “Indenture”), dated as of April 29, 2010, among the Company, the subsidiary guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.
 
The net proceeds from the offering of the Notes were approximately $294,300, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses (collectively “deferred financing costs”) payable by the Company. The Company will amortize the deferred financing costs over the term of the Notes. The Company used the net proceeds from this offering to repay indebtedness outstanding under its revolving credit facility and term loan as of April 24, 2010.  Amounts repaid under the Company’s revolving credit facility may be reborrowed from time to time for operational purposes, working capital needs, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The Company intends to use the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes. Certain affiliates of the underwriters are lenders under the revolving credit facility and term loan.
 
The Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.750% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on November 1, 2010. The Company may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time or from time to time, at the redemption price described in the Indenture. In addition, in the event of a Change of Control Triggering Event (as defined in the Indenture), the Company will be required to offer to repurchase the notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date. The Notes initially will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsubordinated and unsecured basis by each of the subsidiary guarantors. The Company will be permitted to release guarantees without the consent of holders of the Notes under the circumstances described in the Indenture.

The Indenture contains customary provisions for events of default including for (i) failure to pay principal or interest when due and payable, (ii) failure to comply with covenants or agreements in the Indenture or the Notes and failure to cure or obtain a waiver of such default upon notice, (iii) a default under any debt for money borrowed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries that results in acceleration of the maturity of such debt, or failure to pay any such debt within any applicable grace period after final stated maturity, in an aggregate amount greater than $25.0 million without such debt having been discharged or acceleration having been rescinded or annulled within 10 days after receipt by the Company of notice of the default by the Trustee or holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, and (iv) events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization affecting the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. In the case of an event of default, the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest may be accelerated. The Indenture also contains covenants limiting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur debt secured by liens and to enter into sale and lease back transactions.

Subsequent to April 24, 2010, the Company also amended its revolving credit facility to add each of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries as guarantors. The subsidiary guarantees related to the Company’s revolving credit facility and Notes are full and unconditional and joint and several, and there are no restrictions on the ability of Advance to obtain funds from its subsidiaries. Also, Advance has no independent assets or operations, and the subsidiaries not guaranteeing the revolving credit facility and Notes are minor.

 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Sixteen Week Periods Ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Excluding the Notes offering, there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure.
 
 
 
ITEM 2 .    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements that appear elsewhere in this report. Our first quarter consists of 16 weeks divided into four equal periods. Our remaining three quarters consist of 12 weeks with each quarter divided into three equal periods.
 
Certain statements in this report are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are usually identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "likely," "may," "plan," "position," "possible," "potential," "probable," "project," "projection," "should," "strategy," "will," or similar expressions. We intend for any forward-looking statements to be covered by, and we claim the protection under, the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
 
These forward-looking statements are based upon assessments and assumptions of management in light of historical results and trends, current conditions and potential future developments that often involve judgment, estimates, assumptions and projections. Forward-looking statements reflect current views about our plans, strategies and prospects, which are based on information currently available.
 
Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations as reflected in or suggested by any forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not guarantee or give assurance that such plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved.  Actual results may differ materially from our anticipated results described or implied in our forward-looking statements, and such differences may be due to a variety of factors. Our business could also be affected by additional factors that are presently unknown to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial to our business.
 
Listed below and discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 2010 (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on March 2, 2010), or 2009 Form 10-K, are some important risks, uncertainties and contingencies which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any forward-looking statements made or implied in this report. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
·  
deterioration in general economic conditions, including unemployment, inflation or deflation, consumer debt levels, high energy and fuel costs, uncertain credit markets and bankruptcies or other recessionary type conditions that could have a negative impact on our business, customers and suppliers;
·  
a decrease in demand for our products;
·  
our ability to develop and implement business strategies and achieve desired goals;
·  
our ability to expand our business, including locating available and suitable real estate for new store locations and the integration of any acquired businesses;
·  
competitive pricing and other competitive pressures;
·  
our relationships with our vendors;
·  
our ability to attract and retain qualified employees, or Team Members;
·  
the occurrence of natural disasters and/or extended periods of unfavorable weather;
·  
our ability to obtain affordable insurance against the financial impacts of natural disasters and other losses;
·  
regulatory and legal risks, such as environmental or OSHA risks, including being named as a defendant in administrative investigations or litigation, and the incurrence of legal fees and costs, the payment of fines or the payment of sums to settle litigation cases or administrative investigations or proceedings;
·  
the impact of global climate change or legal and regulatory responses to such change; and
·  
acts of terrorism.
 
 
 
We assume no obligations to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In evaluating forward-looking statements, you should consider these risks and uncertainties, together with the other risks described from time to time in our other reports and documents filed with the SEC and you should not place undue reliance on those statements.
 
Introduction
 
We are a leading specialty retailer of automotive aftermarket parts, accessories, batteries and maintenance items primarily operating within the United States. Our stores carry an extensive product line for cars, vans, sport utility vehicles and light trucks. We serve both "do-it-yourself," or DIY, and “do-it-for-me,” or Commercial, customers. Our Commercial customers consist of both walk-in and delivery customers. For delivery sales, we utilize our Commercial delivery fleet to deliver product from our store locations to our Commercial customers’ places of business, including independent garages, service stations and auto dealers. At April 24, 2010, we operated a total of 3,462 stores.
 
We operate in two reportable segments: Advance Auto Parts, or AAP, and Autopart International, Inc., or AI. The AAP segment is comprised of our store operations within the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands which operate under the trade names “Advance Auto Parts,” “Advance Discount Auto Parts” and “Western Auto.” At April 24, 2010, we operated 3,295 stores in the AAP segment, of which 3,269 stores operated under the trade names “Advance Auto Parts” and “Advance Discount Auto Parts” throughout 39 states in the Northeastern, Southeastern and Midwestern regions of the United States. In addition, we operated 26 stores under the “Western Auto” and “Advance Auto Parts” trade names, located in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
 
The AI segment consists solely of the operations of AI, which operates as an independent, wholly-owned subsidiary. AI’s business primarily serves the Commercial market from its store locations in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions and recent expansion into the Southeast. In addition, its North American Sales Division services warehouse distributors and jobbers throughout North America. At April 24, 2010, we operated 167 stores in the AI segment under the “Autopart International” trade name. For additional information regarding our segments, see Note 12, Segments and Related Information , of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
Management Overview
 
During our first quarter of Fiscal 2010, we produced favorable financial results primarily due to strong comparable store sales growth and an increase in our gross profit rate resulting in earnings per diluted share, or diluted EPS, of $1.19 compared to $0.98 in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. During Fiscal 2009, our first quarter diluted EPS included a $0.04 impact resulting from the closure of stores in connection with our store divestiture plan. Our strong earnings and favorable management of our working capital contributed to a significant increase in operating cash flow that allowed us to invest in business initiatives related to our four key strategies and repurchase shares of our common stock.
 
First Quarter Highlights
 
Highlights from our first quarter of Fiscal 2010 include:

Financial Results
 
·  
Total sales during the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 increased 8.7% to $1.83 billion as compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, primarily driven by a 7.7% increase in comparable store sales.
 
·  
Our gross profit rate increased 93 basis points as compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2009.
 
·  
Our selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, rate increased 34 basis points as compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 and 68 basis points when excluding the impact of store divestiture expenses
 
 
 
 
during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009.  This increase in SG&A is primarily linked to the targeted investments we are making to support each of our four key strategies discussed below which we believe have already begun to yield benefits in our sales and gross profit results.
 
·  
We generated operating cash flow of $338.0 million through the first quarter of Fiscal 2010, an increase of 15.5% over the comparable period in Fiscal 2009, and used available operating cash to repurchase 6.9 million shares of our common stock under our $500 million stock repurchase plan at a cost of $287.7 million.
 
Other Developments
 
·  
Subsequent to the end our first quarter, Standard & Poor’s upgraded our corporate credit rating to BBB- (or investment grade level).
 
·  
We issued $300 million of senior unsecured notes on April 29, 2010 with an interest rate of 5.75% due in 2020.
 
Update on Key Strategies
 
We continue to make significant investments in each of our four key strategies – Commercial Acceleration, DIY Transformation, Availability Excellence and Superior Experience – with the ultimate focus on our customers and growth in our business. We believe our favorable financial results during the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 are a result of these investments and successful execution of initiatives under our key strategies in addition to the favorable conditions in the automotive aftermarket. In Fiscal 2010 we are narrowing our focus on a select group of customer facing initiatives to ensure our customers have a superior experience with us.
 
Our comparable store sales results for the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 were comprised of favorable Commercial and DIY sales results and were driven in part by the success of our initiatives under our Commercial Acceleration and DIY Transformation strategies. In addition to the financial results, we also believe the benefits from our initiatives are evident in the customer satisfaction ratings received from our Commercial and DIY customers during the first quarter. Our Commercial sales, as a percentage of total sales, increased to approximately 33% for the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 as compared to first quarter of Fiscal 2009. As of the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2010, we had completed investments in additional parts professionals, delivery trucks and drivers in approximately 50% of our AAP stores. In Fiscal 2010 we are also focused on increasing the productivity of our sales force, which was significantly increased in Fiscal 2009. Our growth in Commercial is dependent on developing and maintaining successful relationships with our existing customers and new customers and providing consistent delivery service. If we succeed in these strategies, we anticipate the pace of our growth in Commercial to continue to exceed the pace of DIY growth. Our e-commerce website is also expected to contribute to our Commercial sales after we roll out our business-to-business platform later in 2010.
 
We believe our DIY sales results during the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 were driven by our initiatives as well as a stronger DIY market. Our DIY initiatives include the ongoing improvement of our staffing model, rollout of more effective training programs and a number of marketing strategies. We continue to utilize a more targeted marketing approach to better target our highest potential customers and our underserved customers, which has resulted in a more effective use of our advertising spending.  Our redeployed e-commerce website has been operational for two complete quarters and is expected to contribute to our DIY sales in Fiscal 2010.
 
Both our Commercial and DIY sales have benefitted from our added parts availability and merchandising initiatives under our Availability Excellence strategy. We added many new brands of parts in Fiscal 2009 and we continue to rollout custom assortments of product in our stores in Fiscal 2010. Additions to our supply chain network increase our ability to get the right product to our customers. During the first quarter, we opened two Parts Delivered Quickly, or PDQ ® ,   facilities and three HUB stores, which are larger stores that stock a wider selection and greater supply of inventory. In addition to driving sales, we believe our Availability Excellence initiatives are responsible for the continued improvement in our gross profit rate.  Our gross profit rate for the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 increased
 
 
 
93 basis points compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2009.  We experienced gross profit rate improvements in both parts and non-parts categories resulting from the custom mix availability, price optimization and other merchandising capabilities, including the impact of our rapidly growing global sourcing operation.
 
Automotive Aftermarket Industry
 
We continue to see positive trends in our industry including an increase in potential business from Commercial customers, which is partially a result of automotive dealer closings and increases in both the average age of vehicles and in the number of miles driven. Although miles driven decreased in the early part of 2010 as reported by the Department of Transportation, we believe this to be a short-term trend as a result of the severe winter weather experienced throughout much of the United States. We anticipate miles driven will increase over the long-term future based on the historical trend of increased miles driven and the increasing number of vehicles on the road.
 
Industry data reported by The NPD Group indicates the total automotive aftermarket grew in the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 at a rate significantly higher than during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2009. We believe that the execution of the various initiatives under our four key strategies will allow us to continue to increase our share of the total automotive aftermarket with a higher growth potential driven by the less consolidated Commercial market.
 
Consolidated Operating Results and Key Statistics and Metrics
 
The following table highlights certain consolidated operating results and key statistics and metrics for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009, respectively, and fiscal years ended January 2, 2010 and January 3, 2009. We use these key statistics and metrics to measure the financial progress of our four key strategies.
 
   
Sixteen Weeks Ended
             
   
April 24,
   
April 25,
             
   
2010
   
2009
   
FY 2009
   
FY 2008 (1)
 
Operating Results:
                       
Total net sales (in 000s)
  $ 1,830,606     $ 1,683,636     $ 5,412,623     $ 5,142,255  
Comparable store net sales growth (2)
    7.7%       8.2%       5.3%       1.5%  
Gross profit (3)
    49.8%       48.8%       48.9%       46.7%  
SG&A
    39.8%       39.5%       40.5%       38.6%  
Operating profit (4)
    10.0%       9.4%       8.4%       8.1%  
Diluted earnings per share (5)
  $ 1.19     $ 0.98     $ 2.83     $ 2.49  
                                 
Key Statistics and Metrics:
                               
Number of stores, end of period
    3,462       3,405       3,420       3,368  
Total store square footage, end of period (in 000s)
    25,299       24,918       24,973       24,711  
Total Team Members, end of period
    50,495       49,265       48,771       47,582  
Average net sales per store (in 000s) (6)(7)
  $ 1,619     $ 1,583     $ 1,595     $ 1,551  
Operating income per store (in 000s) (6)(8)
  $ 140     $ 128     $ 134     $ 125  
Gross margin return on inventory (6)(9)
  $ 4.49     $ 3.71     $ 3.98     $ 3.47  
 
(1)  
Fiscal 2008 included 53 weeks.
(2)  
Comparable store sales include sales from our stores and e-commerce website. The change in store sales is calculated based on the change in net sales starting once a store has been open for 13 complete accounting periods (each period represents four weeks). Relocations are included in comparable store sales from the original date of opening. Fiscal 2008 comparable store sales exclude sales from the 53 rd week.
(3)  
Excluding the gross profit impact of the 53 rd week of Fiscal 2008 of approximately $44.1 million and a $37.5 million non-cash obsolete inventory write-down, or non-cash inventory adjustment, in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2008, gross profit was 47.3% for Fiscal 2008.
(4)  
Excluding the operating income impact of the 53 rd week of Fiscal 2008 of approximately $15.8 million and a $37.5
 
 
 
  
million non-cash inventory adjustment in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2008, operating profit was 8.6% for Fiscal 2008.
(5)  
Excluding the net income impact of the 53 rd week of Fiscal 2008 of approximately $9.6 million and a $23.7 million non-cash inventory adjustment in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2008, diluted earnings per share was $2.64 for Fiscal 2008.
(6)  
These financial metrics presented for each quarter are calculated on an annual basis and accordingly reflect the last four fiscal quarters completed.
(7)  
Average net sales per store is calculated as net sales divided by the average of the beginning and ending store count for the respective period. Excluding the net sales impact of the 53 rd week of Fiscal 2008 of approximately $89.0 million, average net sales per store in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008 were $1,556 and $1,524, respectively.
(8)  
Operating income per store is calculated as operating income divided by the average of beginning and ending total store count for the respective period. Excluding the impact of store divestitures in Fiscal 2009 and the 53 rd week results and non-cash inventory adjustment in Fiscal 2008, operating income per store in the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 and first quarter of Fiscal 2009 was $145 and $136, respectively. Operating income per store for Fiscal 2009 was $142 excluding the $26.1 million impact of store divestitures. Excluding the operating income impact of the 53 rd week of Fiscal 2008 of approximately $15.8 million and a $37.5 million non-cash inventory adjustment, operating income per store in Fiscal 2008 was $132.
(9)  
Gross margin return on inventory is calculated as gross profit divided by an average of beginning and ending inventory, net of accounts payable and financed vendor accounts payable. Excluding the impact of the 53 rd week of Fiscal 2008 of approximately $44.1 million and a $37.5 million non-cash inventory adjustment, gross margin return on inventory for the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008 was $3.60 and $3.37, respectively.
 
Store Development by Segment
 
U AAP Segment
 
At April 24, 2010, we operated 3,295 AAP stores within the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. We operated 3,269 stores throughout 39 states in the Northeastern, Southeastern and Midwestern regions of the United States. These stores operated under the “Advance Auto Parts” trade name except for certain stores in the state of Florida, which operated under the “Advance Discount Auto Parts” trade name. These stores offer a broad selection of brand name and proprietary automotive replacement parts, accessories and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars and light trucks. In addition, we operated 26 stores under the “Western Auto” and “Advance Auto Parts” trade names, located in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
 
The following table sets forth information about our AAP stores during the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010, including the number of new, closed and relocated stores and stores with Commercial programs that deliver products to our Commercial customers’ place of business. We lease approximately 79% of our AAP stores.
 
   
Sixteen Weeks Ended
 
   
April 24, 2010
   
April 25, 2009
 
Number of stores, beginning of period
    3,264       3,243  
New stores
    32       35  
Closed stores
    (1 )     (8 )
Number of stores, end of period
    3,295       3,270  
Relocated stores
    4       2  
Stores with commercial programs
    2,931       2,790  
 
AI Segment
 
At April 24, 2010, we operated 167 AI stores primarily in the Northeastern region of the United States under the “Autopart International” trade name. These stores offer a broad selection of brand name and proprietary automotive replacement parts, accessories and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars and light trucks, with a greater focus on imported parts. The AI segment serves mainly the Commercial market from its store locations primarily throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. In addition, its North American Sales Division services warehouse distributors and jobbers throughout North America.
 
 
 
The following table sets forth information about our AI stores, including the number of new and closed stores, during the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010. We lease 100% of our AI stores.
 

   
Sixteen Weeks Ended
 
   
April 24, 2010
   
April 25, 2009
 
Number of stores, beginning of period
    156       125  
New stores
    11       11  
Closed stores
    -       (1 )
Number of stores, end of period
    167       135  
Relocated stores
    3       1  
Stores with commercial programs
    167       135  
 
As previously disclosed in our 2009 Form 10-K, we anticipate adding approximately 110 AAP and 40 AI stores and closing 10 to 15 total stores in Fiscal 2010.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Our discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on these financial statements. The preparation of these financial statements requires the application of accounting policies in addition to certain estimates and judgments by our management. Our estimates and judgments are based on currently available information, historical results and other assumptions we believe are reasonable. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. During the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010, we consistently applied the critical accounting policies discussed in our 2009 Form 10-K. For a complete discussion regarding these critical accounting policies, refer to the 2009 Form 10-K.
 
Components of Statement of Operations
 
Net Sales
 
Net sales consist primarily of merchandise sales from our retail store locations to both our DIY and Commercial customers and sales from our e-commerce website. Our total sales growth is comprised of both comparable store sales and new store sales. We calculate comparable store sales based on the change in store sales starting once a store has been open for 13 complete accounting periods (approximately one year) and sales from our e-commerce website. We include sales from relocated stores in comparable store sales from the original date of opening.
 
Cost of Sales
 
Our cost of sales consists of merchandise costs, net of incentives under vendor programs; inventory shrinkage, defective merchandise and warranty costs; and warehouse and distribution expenses. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales may be affected by (i) variations in our product mix, (ii) price changes in response to competitive factors and fluctuations in merchandise costs, (iii) vendor programs, (iv) inventory shrinkage, (v) defective merchandise and warranty costs and (v) warehouse and distribution costs. We seek to minimize fluctuations in merchandise costs and instability of supply by entering into long-term purchasing agreements, without minimum purchase volume requirements, when we believe it is advantageous. Our gross profit may not be comparable to those of our competitors due to differences in industry practice regarding the classification of certain costs.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
SG&A consists of store payroll, store occupancy (including rent and depreciation), advertising expenses, Commercial delivery expenses, other store expenses and general and administrative expenses, including salaries and related benefits of store support center Team Members, share-based compensation expense, store support center
 
 
 
administrative office expenses, data processing, professional expenses, self-insurance costs, closed store expense, impairment charges, if any, and other related expenses.
 
1B Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth certain of our operating data expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated.
 
 
   
Sixteen Week Periods Ended
 
   
(unaudited)
 
   
April 24,
   
April 25,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales, including purchasing and
               
warehousing costs
    50.2       51.2  
Gross profit
    49.8       48.8  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    39.8       39.5  
Operating income
    10.0       9.4  
Interest expense
    (0.3 )     (0.5 )
Other income (expense), net
    0.0       (0.0 )
Provision for income taxes
    3.7       3.3  
Net income
    6.0 %     5.6 %

Sixteen Weeks Ended April 24, 2010 Compared to Sixteen Weeks Ended April 25, 2009
 
Net Sales
 
Net sales for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 were $1,830.6 million, an increase of $147.0 million, or 8.7%, as compared to net sales for the sixteen weeks ended April 25, 2009. This growth was primarily due to an increase in comparable store sales of 7.7% and sales from the net addition of 57 new AAP and AI stores opened within the last four fiscal quarters.
 
AAP produced sales of $1,765.6 million, an increase of $137.8 million, or 8.5%, as compared to net sales for the sixteen weeks ended April 25, 2009. This growth was primarily due to a 7.7% comparable store sales increase and sales from the net addition of 25 new stores opened within the last four quarters. The AAP comparable store sales increase was driven by an increase in average ticket sales and overall customer traffic. AI produced sales of $68.8 million, an increase of $11.0 million, or 19.1%, as compared to net sales for the sixteen weeks ended April 25, 2009. This growth was primarily reflective of the net addition of 32 new stores opened within the last four fiscal quarters and a 5.7% comparable store sales increase.
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross profit for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 was $910.8 million, or 49.8% of net sales, as compared to $822.0 million, or 48.8% of net sales, for the comparable period of last year, or an increase of 93 basis points. This increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was driven by continued investments in price optimization strategies, investments in merchandising capabilities (including global sourcing) and increased parts availability through our continued rollout of customized product assortments in our stores. We believe the added parts availability has been a primary driver of our increase in parts sales, which generally contribute a higher gross profit. Our global sourcing operation is also beginning to contribute to our sales and gross profit results particularly in our accessory sales. LIFO did not significantly impact the overall improvement in our gross profit during the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 after taking into consideration other components of gross profit, such as supply chain efficiencies, cost to acquire inventory and changes in retail pricing.
 
 
SG&A
 
SG&A expenses for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 were $728.6 million, or 39.8% of net sales, as compared to $664.4 million, or 39.5% of net sales, for the comparable period of last year, or an increase of 34 basis points. Exclusive of the 34 basis-point impact of store divestitures in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, the increase in SG&A during the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 was 68 basis points. This overall increase was primarily due to the annualization of expenses associated with our customer-facing initiatives, such as the added investments in our Commercial program, investment in our e-commerce operations and investment in our global sourcing operations. Partially offsetting this increase in expense as a percentage of sales is the leverage on our occupancy expenses as a result of our 7.7% comparable store sales increase.
 
Operating Income
 
Operating income for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 was $182.2 million, or 10.0% of net sales, as compared to $157.6 million, or 9.4% of net sales, for the comparable period of last year, or an increase of 59 basis points. This increase in operating income, as a percentage of net sales, reflects an increase in gross profit partially offset by higher SG&A. The increase in SG&A reflects many of the investments we are making in our business with short-term benefits already being realized in net sales and gross profit resulting in an overall net increase in profitability.
 
AAP produced operating income of $181.3 million, or 10.3% of net sales, for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 as compared to $156.2 million, or 9.6% of net sales, for the comparable period of last year. AI generated operating income for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 of $0.9 million as compared to $1.4 million for the comparable period of last year. AI’s operating income decreased primarily due to an increase in expenses related to its new stores partially offset by higher sales and favorable gross profit rate.
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expense for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 was $6.0 million, or 0.3% of net sales, as compared to $7.6 million, or 0.5% of net sales, for the comparable period in Fiscal 2009. The decrease in interest expense as a percentage of sales is primarily a result of lower outstanding borrowings and increased sales during the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 compared to the comparable period of Fiscal 2009.
 
Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 was $67.3 million, as compared to $56.3 million for the comparable period of Fiscal 2009. Our effective income tax rate was 38.1% and 37.6% for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 and April 25, 2009, respectively.
 
Net Income
 
Net income for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 was $109.4 million, or $1.19 per diluted share, for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010, as compared to $93.6 million, or $0.98 per diluted share, for the comparable period of Fiscal 2009. As a percentage of net sales, net income for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010 was 6.0%, as compared to 5.6% for the comparable period of Fiscal 2009. The increase in diluted EPS was primarily due to growth in our operating income as well as the decrease in our average share count as a result of our repurchase of shares of our common stock.
 
 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Overview
 
Our primary cash requirements to maintain our current operations include payroll and benefits, the purchase of inventory, contractual obligations and capital expenditures as well as the payment of quarterly cash dividends and estimated income taxes. In addition, we have used available funds to repay borrowings under our revolving credit facility and repurchase shares of our common stock under our stock repurchase program. We have funded these requirements primarily through cash generated from operations, supplemented by borrowings under our credit facilities as needed. We believe funds generated from our   expected   results of   operations, available cash and cash equivalents, and available borrowings under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our primary obligations for the next fiscal year.
 
At April 24, 2010, our cash and cash equivalents balance was $133.3 million, an increase of $33.3 million compared to January 2, 2010 (the end of Fiscal 2009). This increase resulted from additional cash flow from operating activities (including higher net income and improved working capital management) and an increase in debt partially offset by the repurchases of our common stock. Additional discussion of our cash flow results is set forth in the Analysis of Cash Flows section.
 
At April 24, 2010, our outstanding indebtedness was $74.7 million higher when compared to January 2, 2010 and consisted of borrowings of $75.0 million under our revolving credit facility, $200.0 million under our term loan, $3.1 million outstanding on an economic development note and $0.9 million outstanding under other financing arrangements. Additionally, we had $104.0 million in letters of credit outstanding, which reduced our total availability under the revolving credit facility to $571.0 million. The letters of credit serve as collateral for our self-insurance policies and routine purchases of imported merchandise.
 
Subsequent to April 24, 2010, we received approximately $294.3 million in net proceeds from an issuance of notes and used the proceeds to repay our outstanding debt under our revolving credit facility and term loan. Additional information regarding our notes offering is included in the Subsequent Event section.
 
Capital Expenditures
 
Our primary capital requirements have been the funding of our continued store expansion program, including new store openings and store acquisitions, store relocations, maintenance of existing stores, the construction and upgrading of distribution centers, and the development of proprietary information systems and purchased information systems. Our capital expenditures were $60.7 million for the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010, or $10.5 million more than the sixteen weeks ended April 25, 2009.  During the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010, we opened 32 AAP stores and 11 AI stores, remodeled 3 AAP stores and relocated 4 AAP and 3 AI stores.
 
Our future capital requirements will depend in large part on the number of and timing for new stores we open or acquire within a given year and the investments we make in information technology and supply chain networks. As previously disclosed in our 2009 Form 10-K, we anticipate adding approximately 110 AAP and 40 AI stores and closing 10 to 15 total stores during Fiscal 2010. We expect to relocate and remodel existing stores only in the normal course of business.
 
We also plan to make continued investments in the maintenance of our existing stores and supply chain network and to invest in new information systems to support our key strategies. As previously disclosed in our 2009 Form 10-K, we anticipate that our capital expenditures will be approximately $220.0 million to $240.0 million during Fiscal 2010.
 
 
 
 
Stock Repurchase Program
 
Our stock repurchase program allows us to repurchase our common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
During the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010, we repurchased 6.9 million shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $287.7 million, or an average price of $41.62 per share, leaving $212.3 million remaining under our $500 million stock repurchase program, which was authorized by our Board of Directors on February 16, 2010. Additionally, we repurchased 43,000 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $1.7 million in connection with the net settlement of shares issued as a result of the vesting of restricted stock during the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010. During the sixteen weeks ended April 25, 2009, no shares were repurchased.
 
Dividend
 
Our Board of Directors has declared quarterly dividends of $0.06 per share to stockholders of record since Fiscal 2006. Subsequent to April 24, 2010, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share to be paid on July 9, 2010 to all common stockholders of record as of June 25, 2010.
 
Other Liquidity
 
During the last two years, we have transitioned certain of our merchandise vendors from a vendor financing program to a customer-managed services arrangement, or vendor program. Under this vendor program, a third party provides an accounts payable tracking system which facilitates the participating suppliers’ ability to finance our payment obligations with designated third-party financial institutions. Participating suppliers may, at their sole discretion, make offers to participating financial institutions to finance one or more of our payment obligations prior to their scheduled due dates at a discounted price. Our obligations to suppliers, including amounts due and scheduled payment dates, are not impacted by suppliers’ decisions to finance our accounts payable due to them under this arrangement. Our goal in entering into this arrangement is to capture overall supply chain savings in the form of pricing, payment terms or vendor funding, created by facilitating our suppliers’ ability to finance payment obligations at more favorable discount rates, while providing them with greater working capital flexibility.
 
Any deterioration in the credit markets could adversely impact our ability to secure funding for any of these programs, which would reduce our anticipated savings, including but not limited to, causing us to increase our borrowings under our revolving credit facility.
 
Analysis of Cash Flows
 
A summary and analysis of our cash flows for the sixteen week period ended April 24, 2010 as compared to the sixteen week period ended April 25, 2009 is included below.
 
   
Sixteen Week Periods Ended
 
   
April 24, 2010
   
April 25, 2009
 
   
(in millions)
 
             
Cash flows from operating activities
  $ 338.0     $ 292.7  
Cash flows from investing activities
    (60.6 )     (50.1 )
Cash flows from financing activities
    (244.1 )     (229.1 )
Net increase in cash and
               
   cash equivalents
  $ 33.3     $ 13.5  
 
 
 
 
 
 
2BU Operating Activities
 
For the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010, net cash provided by operating activities increased $45.3 million to $338.0 million. This net increase in operating cash was driven primarily by:
 
·  
a $15.8 million increase in net income;
·  
a $45.2 million increase in cash flows from inventory, net of accounts payable, reflective of our ability to increase accounts payable consistent with our inventory growth; and
·  
a $14.0 million decrease in cash flows resulting from an increase in other working capital primarily due to timing.
 
Investing Activities
 
For the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010, net cash used in investing activities increased by $10.4 million to $60.6 million. The increase in cash used was primarily due to new store development.
 
3BU Financing Activities
 
For the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010, net cash used in financing activities increased by $15.1 million to $244.1 million. Cash flows from financing activities increased as a result of:
 
·  
a decrease of $251.5 million in net debt repayments, primarily under our revolving credit facility; and
·  
a $26.7 million decrease in financed vendor accounts payable driven by the transition of our vendors from our vendor financing program to our vendor program.
 
Cash flows from financing activities decreased as result of:
 
·  
a $289.4 million increase in the repurchase of common stock under our stock repurchase program; and
·  
a $6.8 million decrease in proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily as a result of less exercises of stock options.
 
9B Long-Term Debt
 
Bank Debt
 
We have a $750 million unsecured five-year revolving credit facility with our wholly-owned subsidiary, Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, or Stores, serving as the borrower. The revolving credit facility also provides for the issuance of letters of credit with a sub-limit of $300 million, and swingline loans in an amount not to exceed $50 million. We may request, subject to agreement by one or more lenders, that the total revolving commitment be increased by an amount not exceeding $250 million (up to a total commitment of $1 billion) during the term of the credit agreement. Voluntary prepayments and voluntary reductions of   the   revolving balance   are   permitted in whole or in part, at our option, in minimum principal amounts as specified in the revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility matures on October 5, 2011.
 
As of April 24, 2010, we had $75.0 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility, and letters of credit outstanding of $104.0 million, which reduced the availability under the revolving credit facility to $571.0 million. (The letters of credit generally have a term of one year or less.) A commitment fee is charged on the unused portion of the revolver, payable in arrears. The current commitment fee rate is 0.150% per annum.
 
In addition to the revolving credit facility, we had borrowed $200.0 million under our unsecured four-year term loan as of April 24, 2010. We entered into the term loan with Stores serving as borrower. The term loan matures on October 5, 2011.
 
 
The interest rate on borrowings under the revolving credit facility is based, at our option, on an adjusted LIBOR rate, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The current margin is 0.75% and 0.0% per annum for the adjusted LIBOR and alternate base rate borrowings, respectively. Under the terms of the revolving credit facility, the interest rate and commitment fee are based on our credit rating. The interest rate on the term loan is based, at our option, on an adjusted LIBOR rate, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The current margin is 1.0% and 0.0% per annum for the adjusted LIBOR and alternate base rate borrowings, respectively. Under the terms of the term loan, the interest rate is based on our credit rating. We have elected to use the 90-day adjusted LIBOR rate and have the ability and intent to continue to use this rate on our hedged borrowings. At April 24, 2010, the entire portion of our bank debt was hedged through the use of interest rate swaps which effectively fixed our LIBOR at rates ranging from 4.01% to 4.98%.
 
Other
 
As of April 24, 2010, we had $4.0 million outstanding under an economic development note and other financing arrangements.
 
Guarantees and Covenants
 
As of April 24, 2010, the term loan and revolving credit facility were fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Our debt agreements collectively contain covenants restricting our ability to, among other things:  (1) create, incur or assume additional debt (including hedging arrangements), (2) incur liens or engage in sale-leaseback transactions, (3) make loans and investments, (4) guarantee obligations, (5) engage in certain mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (6) change the nature of our business and the business conducted by our subsidiaries and (7) change our status as a holding company. We are also required to comply with financial covenants with respect to a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated coverage ratio. We were in compliance with these covenants at April 24, 2010 and January 2, 2010. Our term loan and revolving credit facility also provide for customary events of default, covenant defaults and cross-defaults to our other material indebtedness.
 
Interest Rate Swaps
 
As of April 24, 2010, our interest rate swaps were no longer subject to hedge accounting as a result of our variable rate interest payments no longer being probable following a decision made by us prior to April 24, 2010 to issue fixed rate notes, which occurred on April 29, 2010 as further explained below in the Subsequent Event section. Accordingly, we will record subsequent changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps through earnings and will amortize the unrecognized loss in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of April 24, 2010 over the remaining life of the swaps which mature in October 2011.  We do not anticipate significant losses under these swaps in addition to the amount of unrecognized losses already recognized through April 24, 2010 based on the current LIBOR.
 
Subsequent Event
 
On April 29, 2010, we completed an offering of $300 million in principal amount of 5.75% senior unsecured notes, or Notes, due 2020 at an issue price of 99.587%.  The net proceeds from the offering of the Notes were approximately $294.3 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We used the net proceeds from this offering to repay indebtedness outstanding under our revolving credit facility and term loan outstanding as of April 24, 2010. Amounts repaid under our revolving credit facility may be reborrowed from time to time for operational purposes, working capital needs, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. We intend to use the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes.
 
For additional information regarding this Notes offering, see Note 13, Subsequent Event , of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
 
4B Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
 
As of April 24, 2010, we had no off-balance-sheet arrangements as defined in Regulation S-K Item 303 of the SEC regulations. We include other off-balance-sheet arrangements in our contractual obligations table including operating lease payments, interest payments on our credit facility and letters of credit outstanding.
 
5B Contractual Obligations
 
As of April 24, 2010, there were no material changes to our outstanding contractual obligations as compared to our contractual obligations outstanding as of January 2, 2010 other than the increase in our revolving credit facility.  For information regarding our contractual obligations see “Contractual Obligations” in our 2009 Form 10-K.
 
Credit Ratings
 
At April 24, 2010, we had credit ratings from Standard & Poor’s of BB+ and from Moody’s Investor Service of Ba1, both of which were unchanged from January 2, 2010. Subsequent to April 24, 2010, we were upgraded to BBB- (investment grade level) by Standard & Poor’s. The current outlooks by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s are stable and positive, respectively. The current pricing grid used to determine our borrowing rates under our term loan and revolving credit facility is based on our credit ratings, irrespective of the rating agencies’ outlooks. If these credit ratings decline, our interest expense may increase. Conversely, if these credit ratings improve, our interest expense may decrease. In addition, if our credit ratings decline, our access to financing may become more limited.
 
Seasonality
 
Our business is somewhat seasonal in nature, with the highest sales occurring in the spring and summer months. In addition, our business can be affected by weather conditions. While unusually heavy precipitation tends to soften sales as elective maintenance is deferred during such periods, extremely hot or cold weather tends to enhance sales by causing automotive parts to fail at an accelerated rate.
 
New Accounting Pronouncements
 
For a description of recently announced accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects, if any, on our condensed consolidated financial statements, see New Accounting Pronouncements in Note 1 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
 
ITEM 3 .                      QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
As of April 24, 2010, our long-term bank debt consisted primarily of borrowings under our revolving credit facility and term loan. Our cash flow risk has been minimal since the majority of our bank debt was hedged with interest rate swaps and therefore minimizing the impact of movements in LIBOR.
 
Subsequent to April 24, 2010, we issued $300 million of unsecured notes with an interest rate of 5.75% due in 2020 and repaid $275 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility and term loan with the proceeds from the notes offering. Our revolving credit facility currently remains in place and matures in October 2011. Therefore, we may be exposed to cash flow risk due to changes in LIBOR in the event we borrow under our revolving credit facility.
 
For additional information regarding market risk see “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks” in our 2009 Form 10-K.
 
 
ITEM 4 .                       CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure controls and procedures are our controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management evaluated, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report in accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act.  Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended April 24, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
6B PART II .  OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 2 .                      UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
The following table sets forth the information with respect to repurchases of our common stock for the quarter ended April 24, 2010 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
 

Period
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
   
Average
Price Paid
per Share (1)
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs (2)
   
Maximum Dollar
Value that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs (2)
 
                         
January 3, 2010, to January 30, 2010
    -     $ -       -     $ 500,000  
January 31, 2010, to February 27, 2010
    1,435       40.39       1,392       443,764  
February 28, 2010, to March 27, 2010
    4,522       41.90       4,522       254,312  
March 28, 2010, to April 24, 2010
    998       42.08       998       212,334  
                                 
Total
    6,955     $ 41.61       6,912     $ 212,334  
 
(1)   
In addition to the shares of common stock we repurchased under our $500 million stock repurchase program, we repurchased 43,000 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $1.7 million in connection with the net settlement of shares issued as a result of the vesting of restricted stock during the sixteen weeks ended April 24, 2010.
(2)   
All of the above repurchases were made on the open market at prevailing market rates plus related expenses under our stock repurchase program, which authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million in common stock. Our stock repurchase program was authorized by our Board of Directors and publicly announced on February 16, 2010. The new program cancelled and replaced the remaining portion of our previous $250 million stock repurchase program, which was authorized by our Board of Directors and publicly announced on May 15, 2008.
 
 
 
 
ITEM 6 .                      EXHIBITS
 
 
 
3.1 (1)
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. ("Advance Auto").
 
 
   
 
3.2 (2)
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Advance Auto (effective August 12, 2009).
       
  10.43   
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2010 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.
       
  10.44   
Form of First Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2010 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Jimmie L. Wade, Kevin P. Freeland and Michael A. Norona.
       
  10.45   
Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2010 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Tamara A. Kozikowski.
       
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
101.INS (3)
  XBRL Instance Document
       
 
101.SCH (3)
  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
       
 
101.CAL (3)
  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
       
 
101.LAB (3)
  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
       
  101.PRE (3)   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
(1)   
Filed on August 16, 2004 as an exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Advance Auto.
(2)   
Filed on August 17, 2009 as an exhibit to Current Report on Form 8-K of Advance Auto.
(3)   
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
     
  ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 2, 2010  By:  
/s/ Michael A. Norona
 

Michael A. Norona
                  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
 
 
Exhibit Description
     
3.1
(1)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Advance Auto.
     
3.2
(2)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Advance Auto (effective August 12, 2009).
     
10.43  
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2010 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.
     
 10.44  
Form of First Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2010 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Jimmie L. Wade, Kevin P. Freeland and Michael A. Norona.
     
 10.45  
Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2010 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Tamara A. Kozikowski.
     
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101.INS
(3)
XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH
(3)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL
(3)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB
(3)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
     
 101.PRE
(3)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
(1)   
Filed on August 16, 2004 as an exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Advance Auto.
(2)   
Filed on August 17, 2009 as an exhibit to Current Report on Form 8-K of Advance Auto.
(3)   
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
 
 

 
 
Exhibit 10.43
 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2010 BETWEEN
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND DARREN R. JACKSON
 
Second Amendment
 
SECOND AMENDMENT, dated as of January 1, 2010 (“Second Amendment”) to the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, dated as of January 7, 2008, and first amended as of June 4, 2008, between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (“Advance” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, and Darren R. Jackson (the “Executive”) (the “Agreement”).
 
The Company and the Executive agree as follows:
 
1.            Amendment of Section 4(d) of the Agreement .  Effective January 1, 2010, Section 4(d)(i)(B) of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is inserted in lieu
thereof:
 
4.            Termination of Employment .
 
(d).         Termination by the Company Other than for Due Cause, Death or Disability
 
(i) Termination Payment.
 
(B)           an amount equal to the average value of the annual bonuses pursuant to Section 3(b) paid to Executive for the three completed fiscal years immediately prior to the date of such termination; provided, however, that if Executive has been employed by the Company for fewer than three complete fiscal years prior to the date of such termination, Executive shall receive an amount equal to the average value of the annual bonuses pursuant to Section 3(b) that the Executive has received during the period of the Executive’s employment (the “Termination Bonus Payment”), and
 
2.            Full Force and Effect .   Except for those terms and provisions amended herein, all other terms and conditions in the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
 

 
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
 

 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
 
 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
 
             
  By:         (SEAL)   
             
  Print Name:     
             
  Title:         
             
  Address:       
             
             
             
  Executive  
             
  Print Name: Darren R. Jackson  
             
  Signature:     
             
  Address:     
             
             
 
 
 

 
Exhibit 10.44
 

FORM OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2010 BETWEEN
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND _________________________________
 
First Amendment
 
FIRST AMENDMENT, dated as of January 1, 2010 (“First Amendment”) to the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, dated as of June 4, 2008, between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (“Advance” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, and __________________________ (the “Executive”) (the “Agreement”).
 
The Company and the Executive agree as follows:
 
1.            Amendment of Section 4(d) of the Agreement .  Effective January 1, 2010, Section 4(d)(i)(B) of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is inserted in lieu thereof:
 
4.            Termination of Employment .
 
(d).         Termination by the Company Other than for Due Cause, Death or Disability
 
(i) Termination Payment.
 
(B)           an amount equal to the average value of the annual bonuses pursuant to Section 3(b) paid to Executive for the three completed fiscal years immediately prior to the date of such termination; provided, however, that if Executive has been employed by the Company for fewer than three complete fiscal years prior to the date of such termination, Executive shall receive an amount equal to the average value of the annual bonuses pursuant to Section 3(b) that the Executive has received during the period of the Executive’s employment (the “Termination Bonus Payment”), and
 
 
2.            Full Force and Effect .   Except for those terms and provisions amended herein, all other terms and conditions in the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
 

 
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
 

 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive have executed this First Amendment as of the date first written above.
 
 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
 
             
  By:         (SEAL)   
             
  Print Name:     
             
  Title:         
             
  Address:       
             
             
             
  Executive  
             
  Print Name:  
             
  Signature:     
             
  Address:     
             
             
 
 
 

 
Exhibit 10.45
 


EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2010 BETWEEN ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
AND TAMARA A. KOZIKOWSKI
 
AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated as of January 1, 2010, between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (“Advance” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, and Tamara A. Kozikowski (the “Executive”).

The Company and the Executive agree as follows:

1.   Position; Term of Employment .   Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company agrees to employ the Executive, and the Executive agrees to serve the Company, as its Chief Development Officer (“Executive’s Position”). The parties intend that the Executive shall continue to so serve in this capacity throughout the Employment Term (as such term is defined below).

The term of the Executive’s employment by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall commence on January 1, 2010 (“Commencement Date”) and shall end on the day prior to the first anniversary of the Commencement Date, unless sooner terminated under the provisions of Paragraph 4 below (“Employment Term”); provided, however, that commencing on the first anniversary of the Commencement Date and on each anniversary thereafter the Employment Term shall be automatically extended for an additional period of one year unless, not later than 90 days prior to such automatic extension date, either party shall have given notice to the other that it does not wish to extend the Employment Term, in which case the Employment Term shall end on the day prior to such automatic extension date.

2.   Duties.

(a)            Duties and Responsibilities .   The Executive shall have such duties and responsibilities of the Executive’s Position and such other duties and responsibilities reasonably consistent with the Executive’s Position as the Company may request from time to time and shall perform such duties and carry out such responsibilities to the best of the Executive’s ability for the purpose of advancing the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, if any (jointly and severally, “Related Entities”).  The Executive shall observe and conform to the applicable policies and directives promulgated from time to time by the Company and its Board of Directors or by any superior officer(s) of the Company.  Subject to the provisions of Subsection 2(b) below, the Executive shall devote the Executive’s full time, skill and attention during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and its Related Entities, except for holidays and vacations consistent with applicable Company policy and except for illness or incapacity.  The services to be performed by the Executive hereunder may be changed from time to time at the discretion of the Company.  The Company shall retain full direction and control of the means and methods by which the Executive performs the Executive’s services and of the place or places at which such services are to be rendered.

(b)            Other Activities.   During the Term of this Agreement, it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to, and the Executive shall be entitled to (i) serve on
 
 
 
 

 
 
corporate, civic, charitable, retail industry association or professional association boards or committees within the limitations of the Company’s Guidelines on Significant Governance Issues, (ii) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions and (iii) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities as required by this Agreement and do not involve a conflict of interest with the Executive’s duties or responsibilities hereunder.
 
3.   Compensation.

(a)   Base Salary .   During the Employment Term, the Company shall pay to the Executive a salary of $400,000 per annum, payable consistent with the Company’s standard payroll practices then in effect (“Base Salary”).  Such Base Salary shall be reviewed by the Compensation Committee of Advance’s Board of Directors (hereinafter the “Compensation Committee”) at least annually, with any changes taking into account, among other factors, the Company and individual performance.

(b)   Bonus .   The Executive shall receive a bonus in such amounts and based upon achievement of such corporate and individual performance and other criteria as shall be approved by the Compensation Committee from time to time, with a target amount, if such performance and other criteria are achieved, of eighty percent (80%) of the Base Salary (the “Target Bonus Amount”), with a maximum payout of one hundred sixty percent (160%) of the Base Salary during the initial Term of this Agreement, which bonus shall be paid in a manner consistent with the Company’s bonus practices then in effect.  The Target Bonus Amount and the maximum payout for any subsequent renewal Term of the Agreement shall be determined by the Compensation Committee.  To be eligible to receive a bonus, the Executive must be employed by the Company on the date the bonus is paid.

(c)            Benefit Plans .   During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all retirement and employment benefit plans and programs of the Company that are generally available to senior executives of the Company, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Executive Choice Program.  Such participation shall be pursuant to the terms and conditions of such plans and programs, as the same shall be amended from time to time.  The Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks paid vacation annually.  In addition, during the Employment Term, the Executive shall be provided with a Company-paid annual executive physical examination at the Mayo Clinic.
 
(d)            Business Expenses .   During the Employment Term, the Company shall, in accordance with policies then in effect with respect to payments of business expenses, pay or reimburse the Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket travel and other expenses (other than ordinary commuting expenses) incurred by the Executive in performing services hereunder; provided, however, that, with respect to reimbursements, if any, not otherwise excludible from the Executive’s gross income, to the extent required to comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), no reimbursement of expenses incurred by the Executive during any taxable year shall be made after the last day of the following taxable year, and the right to reimbursement of such expenses shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.  All such expenses shall be accounted for in such reasonable detail as the Company may require.
 
 
 
 

 
 
4. Termination of Employment.

(a)            Death .   In the event of the death of the Executive during the Employment Term, the Executive’s employment shall be automatically terminated as of the date of death and a lump sum amount, equivalent to the Executive’s annual Base Salary and Target Bonus then in effect, shall be paid, within 60 days after the date of the Executive’s death, to the Executive’s designated beneficiary, or to the Executive’s estate or other legal representative if no beneficiary was designated at the time of the Executive’s death.  In the event of the death of the Executive during the Employment Term, the shares of Restricted Stock granted to the Executive pursuant to the Company’s 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2004 LTIP”) or any successor plan shall vest immediately and the Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) granted to the Executive pursuant to the Company’s 2004 LTIP or any successor plan shall become exercisable upon the date of the Executive’s death for all such Stock Options and SARs if not then exercisable in full.  The foregoing benefit will be provided in addition to any death, disability or other benefits provided under the Company’s benefit plans and programs in which the Executive was participating at the time of his death.   Except in accordance with the terms of the Company’s benefit programs and other plans and programs then in effect, after the date of the Executive’s death, the Executive shall not be entitled to any other compensation or benefits from the Company or hereunder.

(b)            Disability .   In the event of the Executive’s Disability as hereinafter defined, the employment of the Executive may be terminated by the Company, effective upon the Disability Termination Date (as defined below).  In such event, the Company shall pay the Executive an amount equivalent to thirty percent (30%) of the Executive’s Base Salary for a one year period, which amount shall be paid in one lump sum within 45 days following the Executive’s “separation from service,” as that term is defined in Section 409A of the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder, from the Company (his “Separation From Service”), provided that the Executive or an individual duly authorized to execute legal documents on the Executive’s behalf executes and does not revoke within any applicable revocation period the release described in Section 4(k)(ii)(B).  In the event of the Disability of the Executive during the Employment Term, the shares of Restricted Stock granted to the Executive pursuant to the Company’s 2004 LTIP or any successor plan shall vest immediately upon the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service and the Stock Options or SARs granted to the Executive pursuant to the Company’s 2004 LTIP or any successor plan shall become exercisable upon the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service for all such Stock Options and SARs if not then exercisable in full.  The foregoing benefit will be provided in addition to any disability or other benefits provided under the Company’s benefit plans in which the Executive participates.  The purpose and intent of the preceding two sentences is to ensure that the Executive receives a combination of insurance benefits and Company payments following the Disability Termination Date equal to 100% of his then-applicable Base Salary for such one-year period.  The Company shall also pay to the Executive a lump sum amount equivalent to the Executive’s Target Bonus Amount then in effect, which amount shall be paid in one lump sum within 45 days following the Executive’s Separation from Service, provided that the Executive or an individual duly authorized to execute legal documents on the Executive’s behalf executes and does not revoke within any applicable revocation period the release described in Section 4(k)(ii)(B).  Otherwise, after the Disability Termination Date, except in accordance with the Company’s benefit programs and other plans
 
 
 
 

 
 
then in effect, the Executive shall not be entitled to any compensation or benefits from the Company or hereunder.

“Disability,” for purposes of this Agreement, shall mean the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness causing the Executive’s complete and full-time absence from the Executive’s duties, as defined in Paragraph 2, for either a consecutive period of more than six months or at least 180 days within any 270-day period.  Any determination of the Executive’s Disability made in good faith by the Company shall be conclusive and binding on the Executive, unless within 10 days after written notice to the Executive of such determination, the Executive elects by written notice to the Company to challenge such determination, in which case the determination of Disability shall be made by arbitration pursuant to Paragraph 11 below.  Except as provided in this Subsection 4(b), the Company shall not be required to provide the Executive any compensation or benefits after the determination by the Company unless the arbitration results in a determination that the Executive is not disabled, in which case the Company shall pay to the Executive within 10 days after such arbitration decision all compensation due through the date of such arbitration decision.  The Company shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations related to such compensation and benefits under this Agreement if it makes such payment within 10 days after such arbitration decision.  The “Disability Termination Date” shall be the date on which the Company makes such determination of the Executive’s Disability unless the arbitration, if any, results in a determination that the Executive is not disabled.   The Executive shall have a legally binding right to the disability severance benefit as of the Disability Termination Date.

(c)            Termination by the Company for Due Cause .   Nothing herein shall prevent the Company from terminating the Executive’s employment at any time for “Due Cause” (as hereinafter defined).  The Executive shall continue to receive the Base Salary provided for in this Agreement only through the period ending with the date of such termination.  Any rights and benefits the Executive may have under employee benefit plans and programs of the Company shall be determined in accordance with the terms of such plans and programs.  Except as provided in the two immediately preceding sentences, after termination of employment for Due Cause, the Executive shall not be entitled to any compensation or benefits from the Company or hereunder.

For purposes of this Agreement, “Due Cause” shall mean:

(i)           a material breach by the Executive of the Executive’s duties and obligations under this Agreement or violation in any material respect of any code or standard of conduct generally applicable to the officers of the Company, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, (1) which is willful and deliberate on the Executive’s part, (2) which is not due to the Disability of the Executive (within the meaning of Subsection 4(b) but without regard to the requirement that it continue for more than six months or 180 days within a 270-day period), (3) which is committed in bad faith or without reasonable belief that such breach is in the best interests of the Company, and (4) which, if curable, has not been cured by the Executive within 15 business days after the Executive’s receipt of notice to the Executive specifying the nature of such violations;
 
 
 

 

(ii)           a material violation by the Executive of the Executive’s Loyalty Obligations as provided in Paragraph 19;

(iii)           conviction of   a crime of moral turpitude or a felony involving fraud, breach of trust, or misappropriation;

(iv)           the Executive’s willfully engaging in bad faith conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise; or
 
(v)           a determination by the Company that the Executive is in material violation of the Company’s Substance Abuse Policy.

(d)            Termination by the Company Other than for Due Cause, Death or Disability .   The foregoing notwithstanding, the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment for any or no reason, as it may deem appropriate in its sole discretion and judgment; provided , however , that in the event such termination is not due to Death, Disability or Due Cause, the Executive shall (i) be entitled to a Termination Payment as hereinafter defined and (ii) be sent written notice stating the termination is not due to Death, Disability or Due Cause.  In the event of such termination by the Company, the Executive shall receive certain payments and benefits as set forth in this Subsection 4(d).

(i)            Termination Payment .   If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for other than Death, Disability or Due Cause prior to the expiration of the Employment Term, the term “Termination Payment” shall mean a cash payment equal to the sum of:

           (A)           an amount equal to the Executive’s annual Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to such termination (unless the termination is in connection with an action that would have enabled the Executive to terminate his employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 4(e)(i)(A), in which case, it shall be the Base Salary in effect prior to any such material diminution of the Base Salary) (the “Termination Salary Payment”),

(B)           an amount equal to the average value of the annual bonuses pursuant to Section 3(b) paid to Executive for the three completed fiscal years immediately prior to the date of such termination; provided, however, that if Executive has been employed by the Company for fewer than three complete fiscal years prior to the date of such termination, Executive shall receive an amount equal to the average value of the annual bonuses pursuant to Section 3(b) that the Executive has received during the period of the Executive’s employment (the “Termination Bonus Payment”), and

(C)           a lump sum payment equal to the prorated value of the Executive’s annual coverage under the Company’s Executive Choice Program, less any amounts already paid to Executive for the year in which Executive’s employment was terminated (the “Termination ECP Payment”).
 
 
 

 

 
(ii)            Outplacement Services .   The Company shall make outplacement services available to the Executive, at a cost to the Company not to exceed $12,000, for a period of time not to exceed 12 months following the date of termination pursuant to the Company’s executive outplacement program with the Company’s selected vendor, to include consulting, search support and administrative services.

(iii)            Medical Coverage .   In addition, the Company shall provide the Executive with medical, dental and vision insurance benefits (which may also cover, if applicable, the Executive’s spouse and eligible dependents) for three hundred sixty-five (365) days from the date of  the Executive’s termination of employment or until such time as the Executive obtains other group health coverage, whichever occurs first.  In order to trigger the Company’s obligation to provide health care continuation benefits, the Executive must elect continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidation Omnibus Budget Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), upon such eligibility.  The Company’s obligation shall be satisfied solely through the payment of the Executive’s COBRA premiums during the 365-day period, but only to the extent that such premiums exceed the amount that would otherwise have been payable by the Executive for coverage of the Executive and the Executive’s eligible dependents that were covered by the Company’s medical, dental, and vision insurance programs at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment had the Executive continued to be employed by the Company.

(iv)            Timing of Payments .   The Termination Salary Payment, Termination Bonus Payment and Termination ECP Payment shall be paid in one lump sum within 45 days following the date of the Executive’s Separation From Service, provided that the Executive executes and does not revoke within any applicable revocation period the release described in Section 4(k)(ii)(B) below.

(v)            Entire Obligation .   Except as provided in Subsection 4(j) of this Agreement, following the Executive’s termination of employment under this Subsection 4(d), the Executive will have no further obligation to the Company pursuant to this Agreement (other than under Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, 19, 20 (to the extent such policies, guidelines and codes by their terms apply post-employment) and 21).  Except for the Termination Payment and as otherwise provided in accordance with the terms of the Company’s benefit programs and plans then in effect or as expressly required under applicable law, after termination by the Company of employment for other than Death, Disability or Due Cause, the Executive shall not be entitled to any other compensation or benefits from the Company or hereunder.

(e)            Resignation from Employment by the Company for Good Reason .   Termination by the Company without Due Cause under Subsection 4(d) shall be deemed to have occurred if the Executive elects to terminate the Executive’s employment for Good Reason.
 
(i)             Good Reason.   For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean:

 
 

 
 
 
(A)
a material diminution in the Executive’s “Total Direct Compensation,” which shall mean the value of the total of the Executive’s Base Salary, Target Bonus opportunity, and annual equity award taken together;

(B)        a material diminution in the Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities;

(C)        a material diminution in the authority, duties, or responsibilities of the supervisor to whom the Executive is required to report;

(D)        the termination of the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan without replacement thereof with a similar plan;
 
(E)         a material reduction in aggregate benefits available to the Executive if no similar reduction is made for all other senior executives of the Company;
 
(F)         the Company’s requiring the Executive to be based more than 60 miles from the Company’s office in Bloomington, MN at which the Executive was principally employed immediately prior to the date of the relocation;

(G)         delivery by the Company of a notice discontinuing the automatic extension of the Term of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement; or

(H)         any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of the terms of this Agreement.

(ii)            Notice of Good Reason Condition.   In order to be considered a resignation for Good Reason for purposes of this Agreement, the Executive must provide the Company with written notice and description of the existence of the Good Reason condition within 90 days of the initial discovery by the Executive of the existence of said Good Reason condition and the Company shall have 15 business days to cure such Good Reason condition.
 
(iii)            Effective Date of Resignation.   The effective date of the Executive’s resignation for Good Reason must occur no longer than one year following the expiration of the cure period set forth in Section 4(e)(ii), above.  If Executive has not resigned for Good Reason effective within one year following the expiration of the cure period set forth in Section 4(e)(ii), above the Executive shall be deemed to have waived said Good Reason condition.
 
(f)            Termination by the Company Other Than For Due Cause, Death or Disability or Resignation from Employment for Good Reason Within Twelve Months After a Change In Control .  If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for other than Death, Disability or Due Cause prior to the expiration of the Employment Term and within twelve (12) months after a Change In Control (as defined below), or if the Executive elects to terminate the Executive’s employment for Good Reason prior to the expiration of the
 
 
 

 
 
Employment Term and within twelve (12) months after a Change In Control, then (i) the Executive shall be entitled to a Change In Control Termination Payment as hereinafter defined and the Executive shall receive benefits as defined in Subsections 4(d)(ii) and (iii) above, and (ii) either the Company or the Executive, as the case may be, shall provide Notice of Termination pursuant to Subsection 4(k).
 
(i)   Change In Control Termination Payment .  The term “Change In Control Termination Payment” shall mean a cash payment equal to the sum of:
 
(A)   an amount equal to two times the Executive’s annual Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to such termination (unless the termination is due to Section 4(e)(i)(A), in which case, it shall be two times the Executive’s annual Base Salary in effect prior to any such material diminution of the Base Salary) (the “Change In Control Termination Salary Payment”),
 
(B)   an amount equal to two times the Executive’s Target Bonus Amount, as in effect immediately prior to such termination (unless the termination is due to Sections 4(e)(i)(A) or (E), in which case, it shall be two times the Executive’s Target Bonus in effect prior to any such material diminution of the Target Bonus or termination of the bonus plan, respectively) (the “Change In Control Termination Bonus Payment”), and
 
(C)   a lump sum payment equal to the prorated value of the Executive’s annual coverage under the Company’s Executive Choice Program, less any amounts already paid to Executive for the year in which Executive’s employment was terminated (the “Change In Control Termination ECP Payment”).
 
(ii)   Timing of Payments .   The Change In Control Termination Salary Payment, the Change In Control Termination Bonus Payment and the Change In Control Termination ECP Payment shall be paid in lump sum payments within 45 days following the date of the Executive’s Separation From Service, provided that the Executive executes and does not revoke within any applicable revocation period the release described in Section 4(k)(ii)(B) below.
 
(iii)            Entire Obligation .   Except as provided in Subsection 4(j) of this Agreement, following the Executive’s termination of employment under this Subsection 4(f), the Executive will have no further obligation to the Company pursuant to this Agreement (other than under Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, 19, 20 (to the extent such policies, guidelines and codes by their terms apply post-employment) and 21).  Except for the Change In Control Termination Payment and as otherwise provided in accordance with the terms of the Company’s benefit programs and plans then in effect or as expressly required under applicable law, within twelve (12) months after a Change In Control, after termination by the Company of employment for other than Death, Disability or Due Cause or after termination by the Executive for Good Reason, the Executive shall not be entitled to any other compensation or benefits from the Company or hereunder.

 
 

 
 
(iv)            Change In Control .   For purposes of this Agreement, “Change In Control” shall have the same meaning as set forth in the 2004 LTIP, as in existence on the date hereof.
 
(g)            IRC 280G “Net-Best” .   Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that (A) any payment, award, benefit or distribution (or any acceleration of any payment, award, benefit or distribution) by the Company (or any of its affiliated entities) or any entity which effectuates a Change in Control (or any of its affiliated entities) to or for the benefit of Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise) (the “Payments”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Excise Tax”), and (B) the reduction of the amounts payable to Executive under this Agreement to the maximum amount that could be paid to Executive without giving rise to the Excise Tax (the “Safe Harbor Cap”) would provide Executive with a greater after tax amount than if such amounts were not reduced, then the amounts payable to Executive under this Agreement shall be reduced (but not below zero) to the Safe Harbor Cap.  If the reduction of the amounts payable hereunder would not result in a greater after tax result to Executive, no amounts payable under this Agreement shall be reduced pursuant to this provision.
 
 
(i)            Reduction of Payments .   The reduction of the amounts payable hereunder, if applicable, shall be made by reducing first cash amounts payable under this Agreement (in contrast to benefit amounts), and applying any reduction to amounts payable in the following order: (A) first, any cash amounts payable to Executive as a Termination Payment or Change in Control Termination Payment under this Agreement, as applicable; (B) second, any cash amounts payable by Company for Outplacement Services on behalf of Executive under the terms of this Agreement; (C) third, any amounts payable by Company on behalf of Executive under the terms of this Agreement for continued Medical Coverage; (D) fourth, any other cash amounts payable by Company to or on behalf of Executive under the terms of this Agreement: (E) fifth, outstanding performance-based equity grants to the extent that any such grants would be subject to the Excise Tax; and (F) finally, any time-vesting equity grants to the extent that any such grants would be subject to the Excise Tax.
 

(ii)            Determinations by Accounting Firm .   All determinations required to be made under this Section 4(g) shall be made by the public accounting firm that is retained by the Company as of the date immediately prior to the Change in Control (the “Accounting Firm”) which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and Executive within fifteen (15) business days of the receipt of notice from the Company or Executive that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event (A) the Board shall determine prior to the Change in Control that the Accounting Firm is precluded from performing such services under applicable auditor independence rules or (B) the Audit Committee of the Board determines that it does not want the Accounting Firm to perform such services because of auditor independence concerns or (C) the Accounting Firm is serving as accountant or auditor for the person(s) effecting the Change in Control, the Board shall appoint another nationally recognized public accounting firm to make the
 
 
 
 

 
 
determinations required hereunder (which accounting firm shall then be referred to as the Accounting Firm hereunder).  All fees, costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, the costs of retaining experts) of the Accounting Firm shall be borne by the Company.  If Payments are reduced to the Safe Harbor Cap or the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by Executive without a reduction in Payments, the Accounting Firm shall provide a written opinion to Executive to the effect that the Executive is not required to report any Excise Tax on the Executive’s federal income tax return, and that the failure to report the Excise Tax, if any, on Executive’s applicable federal income tax return will not result in the imposition of a negligence or similar penalty.  The determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and Executive (except as provided in paragraph 4(g)(iii) below).

(iii)            Excess Payment/Underpayment .   If it is established pursuant to a final determination of a court or an Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) proceeding which has been finally and conclusively resolved, that Payments have been made to, or provided for the benefit of, Executive, which are in excess of the limitations provided in this Section (referred to hereinafter as an “Excess Payment”), Executive shall repay the Excess Payment to the Company on demand, together with interest on the Excess Payment at the applicable federal rate (as defined in Section 1274(d) of the Code) from the date of Executive’s receipt of such Excess Payment until the date of such repayment.  As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the determination, it is possible that Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (an “Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made under this Section.  In the event that it is determined (A) by the Accounting Firm, the Company (which shall include the position taken by the Company, or together with its consolidated group, on its federal income tax return) or the IRS or (B) pursuant to a determination by a court, that an Underpayment has occurred, the Company shall pay an amount equal to such Underpayment to Executive within ten (10) days of such determination together with interest on such amount at the applicable federal rate from the date such amount would have been paid to Executive until the date of payment.  Executive shall cooperate, to the extent the Executive’s reasonable expenses are reimbursed by the Company, with any reasonable requests by the Company in connection with any contests or disputes with the IRS in connection with the Excise Tax or the determination of the Excess Payment.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that amounts payable under this Agreement were reduced pursuant to paragraph 4(g)(i) and the value of stock options is subsequently re-determined by the Accounting Firm (as defined below) within the context of Treasury Regulation §1.280G-1 Q/A 33 that reduces the value of the Payments attributable to such options, the Company shall promptly pay to Executive any amounts payable under this Agreement that were not previously paid solely as a result of paragraph 4(g)(i) up to the Safe Harbor Cap.

(h)            Voluntary Termination .   In the event that the Executive terminates the Executive’s employment at the Executive’s own volition prior to the expiration of the Employment Term (except as provided in Subsection 4(e) above), such termination shall constitute a “Voluntary Termination” and in such event the Executive shall be limited to the
 
 
 

 
 
same rights and benefits as provided in connection with a termination for Due Cause under Subsection 4(c) above.

(i)            Compliance With Code Section 409A .   Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement is intended to be interpreted and operated so that the payment of the benefits set forth herein either shall either be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or shall comply with the requirements of such provision; provided however that in no event shall the Company be liable to the Executive for or with respect to any taxes, penalties or interest which may be imposed upon the Executive pursuant to Section 409A.  To the extent that any amount payable pursuant to Subsections 4(b), (d)(i), (d)(iii), (e) or (f) constitutes a “deferral of compensation” subject to Section 409A (a “409A Payment”), then, if on the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service, the Executive is a “specified employee,” as such term is defined in Treas. Reg. Section 1.409-1(i), as determined from time to time by the Company, then such 409A Payment shall not be made to the Executive earlier than the earlier of (i) six (6) months after the Executive’s Separation from Service; or (ii) the date of his death.  The 409A Payments under this Agreement that would otherwise be made during such period shall be aggregated and paid in one lump sum, without interest, on the first business day following the end of the six (6) month period or following the date of the Executive’s death, whichever is earlier, and the balance of the 409A Payments, if any, shall be paid in accordance with the applicable payment schedule provided in this Section 4.  The Executive hereby acknowledges that she has been advised to seek and has sought the advice of a tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences to the Executive of all payments pursuant to this Agreement, including any adverse tax consequences or penalty taxes under Code Section 409A and applicable State tax law.  The Executive hereby agrees to bear the entire risk of any such adverse federal and State tax consequences and penalty taxes in the event any payment pursuant to this Agreement is deemed to be subject to Code Section 409A, and that no representations have been made to the Executive relating to the tax treatment of any payment pursuant to this Agreement under Code Section 409A and the corresponding provisions of any applicable State income tax laws.
 
(j)            Cooperation .   During the term of the Executive’s employment by the Company and for a period of one (1) year immediately following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive agrees to be reasonably available to assist the Company and its representatives and agents with any business and/or litigation (or potential litigation) matters affecting or involving the Company.   The Company will reimburse the Executive for all associated reasonable costs of travel.

(k)            Notice of Termination, Resignation and Release .   Any termination under Subsection 4(b) by the Company for Disability or Subsection 4(c) for Due Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason under Subsection 4(e) or by the Company or the Executive within twelve (12) months after a Change in Control under Subsection 4(f) or by the Executive by Voluntary Termination under Subsection 4(h) shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party thereto given in accordance with Paragraph 10.

(i)            Notice of Termination .   For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment
 
 
 
 

 
 
under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the termination date is other than the date of receipt of such Notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall not be prior to the date of such notice or more than 15 days after the giving of such Notice).
 
(ii)            Resignation and Release .   Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in order to be eligible to receive any payments or benefits hereunder as a result of the termination of the Executive’s employment, in addition to fulfilling all other conditions precedent to such receipt, the Executive or the Executive’s legal representative must:
 
 (A) within 10 days after the termination date, resign as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company, if applicable, and as an officer, director, manager and employee of the Company and its Related Entities, and

 (B) within 21 days after presentation of a release in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company and its legal counsel, execute said release, on behalf of the Executive and the Executive’s estate, heirs and representatives, releasing the Company, its Related Entities and each of the Company’s and such Related Entities’ respective officers, directors, employees, members, managers, agents, independent contractors, representatives, shareholders, successors and assigns (all of which persons and entities shall be third party beneficiaries of such release with full power to enforce the provisions thereof) from any and all claims related to the Executive’s employment with the Company; termination of the Executive’s employment; all matters alleged or which could have been alleged in a charge or complaint against the Company; any and all injuries, losses or damages to Employee, including any claims for attorney’s fees; any and all claims relating to the conduct of any employee, servant, officer, director or agent of the Company; and any and all matters, transactions or things occurring prior to the date of said release, including any and all possible claims, known or unknown, which could have been asserted against the Company or the Company’s employees, agents, servants, officers or directors.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the form of release shall except out therefrom, and acknowledge the Executive’s continuing rights with respect to, the following:  (i) all vested rights that the Executive may have under all welfare, retirement and other plans and programs of the Company in which the Executive was participating at the time of his employment termination, including all equity plans and programs of the Company with respect to which equity awards were made to the Executive, (ii) all continuing rights that the Executive may have under this Agreement, and (iii) all rights that the Executive may have following the termination of his employment under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, any applicable Company insurance and any indemnity agreements to which the Executive is a party which provide for indemnification, insurance or other, similar coverage for the Executive with respect to his actions or inactions as an officer, employee and/or member of the Board.  Executive may, within five business days of receipt from the Company of the form of release, provide comments to the Company regarding material provisions of the form of release, which the Company in good faith will consider.  For clarification, unless and until the Executive executes the release, the Company shall have no obligation to make any Termination Payment
 
 
 
 

 
 
to the Executive, and, even if the Executive does not execute the release, the Executive shall be bound by the post-termination provisions of this Agreement, including without limitation Section 19.
 
 
(l)            Earned and Accrued Payments .   The foregoing notwithstanding, upon the termination of the Executive’s employment at any time, for any reason, the Executive shall be paid all amounts that had already been earned and accrued as of the time of termination, including but not limited to (i) pay for unused vacation accrued in accordance with the Company’s vacation policy; (ii) any bonus that had been earned but not yet paid; and (iii) reimbursement for any business expenses accrued in accordance with Subsection 3(d).
 
(m)            Employment at Will.   The Executive hereby agrees that the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment under this Paragraph 4 without regard to:  (i) any general or specific policies (written or oral) of the Company relating to the employment or termination of employment of its employees; (ii) any statements made to the Executive, whether oral or in any document, pertaining to the Executive’s relationship with the Company; or (iii) without a determination of Due Cause by the Company.

5.            Accelerated Vesting of Equity Awards Upon Change In Control .  In the event of a Change in Control as defined hereinabove, the restrictions and deferral limitations applicable to any Restricted Stock or any Other Stock Unit Awards granted to the Executive shall lapse and such Restricted Stock or Other Stock Unit Awards shall become fully vested and transferable to the full extent of the original grant as of the date such Change In Control is determined to have occurred; and any Stock Options or SARs granted to the Executive that are outstanding as of the date of such Change In Control shall become fully exercisable and vested to the extent of the original grant as of the date such Change In Control is determined to have occurred.
 
6.            Successors and Assigns .
 
(a)   Assignment by the Company .   This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company or any corporation or other entity to which the Company may transfer all or substantially all of its assets and business and to which the Company may assign this Agreement, in which case the term “Company,” as used herein, shall mean such corporation or other entity, provided that no such assignment shall relieve the Company from any obligations hereunder, whether arising prior to or after such assignment.
 
(b)   Assignment by the Executive .   The Executive may not assign this Agreement or any part hereof without the prior written consent of the Company; provided , however , that nothing herein shall preclude the Executive from designating one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable following occurrence of the Executive’s legal incompetency or Death and shall not preclude the legal representative of the Executive’s estate from assigning any right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto under the Executive’s will or, in the case of intestacy, to the person or persons entitled thereto under the laws of intestacy applicable to the Executive’s estate.  The term “beneficiaries,” as used in this Agreement, shall mean a beneficiary or beneficiaries so designated to receive any such amount
 
 
 
 

 
 
or, if no beneficiary has been so designated, the legal representative of the Executive (in the event of the Executive’s incompetency) or the Executive’s estate.
 
7.            Governing Law .   This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
 
8.            Entire Agreement .   This Agreement, which shall include the Exhibits hereto,  contains all of the understandings and representations between the parties hereto pertaining to the matters referred to herein, and supersedes all undertakings and agreements, whether oral or in writing, previously entered into by them with respect thereto, including any previous employment, severance and/or non-competition agreements.  This Agreement may only be modified by an instrument in writing.
 
9.            Waiver of Breach .   The waiver by any party of a breach of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall not operate or be construed to be a waiver of a similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same or any prior or subsequent time.
 
10.            Notices .   Any notice to be given hereunder shall be in writing and delivered personally, or sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to the party concerned at the address indicated below or to such other address as such party may subsequently give notice of hereunder in writing:
 
If to the Company :
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
5008 Airport Road
Roanoke, VA  24012
Attn:  General Counsel

With a copy to:
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
5008 Airport Road
Roanoke, VA  24012
Attn:  Chief Executive Officer


 
 
 

 

If to the Executive:

Tamara A. Kozikowski




 
11.            Arbitration .   Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or any breach thereof, excepting only the enforcement of any Loyalty Obligations arising under Paragraph 19 of this Agreement, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect in the Commonwealth of Virginia and judgment upon such award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  The board of arbitrators shall consist of one arbitrator to be appointed by the Company, one by the Executive, and one by the two arbitrators so chosen.  The arbitration shall be held at such place as may be agreed upon at the time by the parties to the arbitration.  The cost of arbitration shall be borne as determined by the arbitrators.
 
12.            Withholding .   Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, all payments required to be made by the Company hereunder to the Executive or the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts relating to taxes as the Company may reasonably determine it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.  In lieu of withholding such amounts, in whole or in part, the Company may, in its sole discretion, accept other provisions for payment of taxes and withholdings as required by law, provided it is satisfied that all requirements of law affecting its responsibilities to withhold have been satisfied.
 
13.            Severability .   In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions or portions of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.
 
14.            Titles .   Titles to the paragraphs and subsections in this Agreement are intended solely for convenience and no provision of this Agreement is to be construed by reference to the title of any paragraph or subsection.
 
15.            Legal Fees .   The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Executive’s legal counsel in connection with the negotiation and execution of this Agreement, not to exceed $3,500.
 
16.            Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
17.            Amendment .  Except as provided in Paragraph 13 above, this Agreement may not be modified or amended except by written instrument signed by all parties hereto.
 
18.            Counsel .   This Agreement has been prepared by the Company with the assistance of Bingham McCutchen LLP, as counsel to the Company (“Counsel”), after full disclosure of its
 
 
 

 
 
 
representation of the Company and with the consent and direction of the Company and the Executive.  The Executive has reviewed the contents of this Agreement and fully understands its terms.  The Executive acknowledges that the Executive is fully aware of the Executive’s right to the advice of counsel independent from that of the Company, that Counsel has advised him of such right and disclosed to him the risks in not seeking such independent advice, and that the Executive fully understands the potentially adverse interests of the parties with respect to this Agreement.  The Executive further acknowledges that neither the Company nor its Counsel has made representations or given any advice with respect to the tax or other consequences of this Agreement or any transactions contemplated by this Agreement to him, that the Executive has been advised of the importance of seeking independent counsel with respect to such consequences, and that the Executive had obtained independent counsel with respect to such consequences.  By executing this Agreement, the Executive represents that the Executive has, after being advised of the potential conflicts between him and the Company with respect to the future consequences of this Agreement, either consulted independent legal counsel or elected, notwithstanding the advisability of seeking such independent legal counsel, not to consult with such independent legal counsel.

19.             Loyalty Obligations .   The Executive agrees that the following obligations (“Loyalty Obligations”) shall apply in consideration of the Executive’s employment by or continued employment with the Company:

(a)            Confidential Information .

(i)            Company Information .  The Executive agrees at all times during the term of the Executive’s employment and thereafter, to hold any Confidential Information of the Company or its Related Entities in strictest confidence, and not to use (except for the benefit of the Company to fulfill the Executive’s employment obligations) or to disclose to any person, firm or corporation other than the Company or those designated by it said Confidential Information without the prior authorization of the Company, except as may otherwise be required by law or legal process.  The Executive agrees that “Confidential Information” means any proprietary information prepared or maintained in any format, including technical data, trade secrets or know-how in which the Company or Related Entities have an interest, including, but not limited to, business records, contracts, research, product or service plans, products, services, customer lists and customers (including, but not limited to, vendors to the Company or Related Entities on whom the Executive called, with whom the Executive dealt or with whom the Executive became acquainted during the term of the Executive’s employment), pricing data, costs, markets, expansion plans, summaries, marketing and other business strategies, software, developments, inventions, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration or marketing, financial or other business information obtained by the Executive or disclosed to the Executive by the Company or Related Entities or any other person or entity during the term of the Executive’s employment with the Company either directly or indirectly electronically, in writing, orally, by drawings, by observation of services, systems or other aspects of the business of the Company or Related Entities or otherwise.   Confidential Information does not include information that: (A) was available to the public prior to the time of disclosure, whether through press
 
 
 

 
 
 
releases, SEC filings or otherwise ; or (B) otherwise becomes available to the public through no act or omission of the Executive.

(ii)            Third Party Information .  The Executive recognizes that the Company and Related Entities have received and in the future will receive from third parties their confidential or proprietary information subject to a duty on the part of the Company or Related Entities to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes.  The Executive agrees at all times during the Executive’s employment and thereafter to hold all such confidential or proprietary information in the strictest confidence and not to disclose it to any person, firm or corporation or to use it except as necessary in carrying out the Executive’s work for the Company consistent with the obligations of the Company or Related Entities with such third party.

(b)            Conflicting Employment .  The Executive agrees that, during the term of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive will not engage in any other employment, occupation, consulting or other business activity directly related to the business in which the Company or Related Entities are now involved or become involved during the term of the Executive’s employment.  Nor will the Executive engage in any other activities that conflict with the business of the Company or Related Entities.  Furthermore the Executive agrees to devote such time as may be necessary to fulfill the Executive’s obligations to the Company.

(c)            Returning Company Property .  The Executive agrees that any and all devices, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, equipment, other documents or property, or reproductions of any aforementioned items developed by the Executive or others pursuant to or during the Executive’s employment with the Company or otherwise shall be the property of the Company or its Related Entities and their respective successors or assigns.  At the time of leaving the employ of the Company, the Executive will deliver all material Company property to the Company or to the Company’s designee and will not keep in the Executive’s possession, recreate or deliver said property to anyone else.  In the event of the termination of the Executive’s employment and upon request by the Company, the Executive agrees to sign and deliver the “Termination Certification” attached hereto as Exhibit A .

(d)            Notification of New Employer .  In the event that the Executive leaves the employ of the Company, the Executive hereby grants consent to notification by the Company to the Executive’s new employer (whether the Executive is employed as an employee, consultant, independent contractor, director, partner, officer, advisor, executive or manager) about the Executive’s obligations under this Agreement.

(e)            Non-Interference .  The Executive covenants and agrees that while the Executive is employed by the Company and for a period of one (1) year immediately following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall not, without the prior written approval of the Company, directly or indirectly, either on behalf of the Executive or any other person or entity, Interfere with the Company or any of its Related Entities.
 
 
 

 

 
(i)           For purposes of this Agreement, “Interfere” shall mean, except in the performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities on behalf of and for the benefit of the Company, (A) to solicit, entice, persuade, induce, influence or attempt to influence, directly or indirectly, customers or prospective customers, suppliers or prospective suppliers, employees, agents or independent contractors of the Company or any of its Related Entities to restrict, reduce, sever or otherwise alter their relationship with the Company or any of its Related Entities, or (B) whether as a direct solicitor or provider of such services, or in a direct management or direct supervisory capacity over others who solicit or provide such services, to solicit or provide services that fall within the definition of Restricted Activities as defined in Subsection 19(f)(ii) below to any customer of the Company or its Related Entities.

(ii)           After termination of the Executive’s employment, this provision shall only apply to those employees, independent contractors, customers or suppliers of the Company or Related Entities who were such at any time within 12 months prior to the date of such termination.
 
 
(f)            Covenants Not to Compete

(i)            Non-Competition .  The Executive covenants and agrees that during the period from the date hereof until, one (1) year immediately following the termination, for any reason, of the Executive’s employment with the Company (the “Non-Compete Period”),  the Executive will not, directly or indirectly:

(A)           own or hold, directly or beneficially, as a shareholder (other than as a shareholder with less than 5% of the outstanding common stock of a publicly traded corporation), option holder, warrant holder, partner, member or other equity or security owner or holder of any company or business that derives more than 15% of its revenue from the Restricted Activities (as defined below) within the Restricted Area (as defined below), or any company or business controlling, controlled by or under common control with any company or business directly engaged in such Restricted Activities within the Restricted Area (any of the foregoing, a “Restricted Company”) or
 
(B)           engage or participate as an employee, director, officer, manager, executive, partner, independent contractor, consultant or technical or business advisor (or any foreign equivalents of the foregoing) with any Restricted Company in the Restricted Activities within the Restricted Area.

(ii)            Restricted Activities/Restricted Area .    For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Restricted Activities” means the retail, wholesale or commercial sale of aftermarket auto parts and accessories.  The term “Restricted Area” means the United States of America, including its territories and possessions.
 
 
 

 

 
(iii)            Association with Restricted Company .   In the event that the Executive intends to associate (whether as an employee, consultant, independent contractor, officer, manager, advisor, partner, executive or director) with any Restricted Company during the Non-Compete Period, the Executive must provide information in writing to the Company relating to the activities proposed to be engaged in by the Executive for such Restricted Company.  All such current associations are set forth on Exhibit B to this Agreement.  In the event that the Company consents in writing to the Executive’s engagement in such activity, the engaging in such activity by the Executive shall be conclusively deemed not to be a violation of this Subsection 19(f).  Such consent is not intended and shall not be deemed to be a waiver or nullification of the covenant of non-competition of the Executive or other similarly bound executives.

(iv)              Permitted Employment with Multi-Division Company .   Nothing in this Subsection 19(f) shall preclude the Executive from accepting employment with a multi-division company so long as (A) the Executive’s employment is not within a division of the new employer that engages in and derives more than 15% of its revenues from the Restricted Activities within the Restricted Area, (B) during the course of such employment, the Executive does not communicate related to Restricted Activities with any division of the Executive’s new employer that is engaged in and derives more than 15% of its revenues from the Restricted Activities within the Restricted Area and (C) the Executive does not engage in the Restricted Activities within the Restricted Area.

(g)             Non-Disparagement .  The Executive agrees that while the Executive is employed by the Company and for a period of one (1) year following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive will not take any action or make any statement which disparages the Company or its practices or which disrupts or impairs its normal operations, such that it causes a material adverse impact to the Company.

(h)            Effect of Non-Payment of Benefits; Clawback .   The Executive’s post-termination of employment obligations under this Paragraph 19 shall cease upon the Company’s failure to make any payments or benefits hereunder as a result of the termination of the Executive’s employment when due if within 15 days after written notice of such failure, the Company does not make the required payment.  In the event that the Executive materially violates Subsection 19(e), 19(f), or 19(g), and does not cure such violation (if it can be cured) within five (5) days after written notice of such failure, the Executive agrees that calculation of the harm to the Company from such violation would be uncertain and not capable of being readily ascertained, and that as a reasonable estimation of the harm to the Company from such violation the Executive shall repay to the Company a portion of the Termination Payment paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 4(d)(i) equal to a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days left in the applicable period under Subsection 19(e), 19(f), or 19(g), and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the applicable period under such Section.  In the event that the Executive materially violates Subsection 19(a) or 19(c), and does not cure such violation (if it can be cured) within five days after written notice of such failure, the Executive agrees that calculation of the harm to the Company from such violation would be uncertain and not capable of being readily ascertained, and that as a reasonable estimation of the harm to the Company from such violation the Executive shall repay to the Company a portion of the
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Termination Payment paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 4(d)(i) equal to a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days left in the one (1) year period immediately following the termination and the denominator of which is 365.  The Executive further agrees that such repayment obligation shall constitute liquidated damages and that the Company shall have no other right to damages under this Agreement or at law with respect to breaches of Subsection 19(a), 19(c), 19(e), 19(f), or 19(g), but the Company shall have the right to seek equitable relief pursuant to Subsection 19(i) hereunder.

(i)            Specific Enforcement; Remedies Cumulative; Attorney Fees .  The Executive acknowledges that the Company and Related Entities, as the case may be, may be irreparably injured if the provisions of Subsections 19(a), 19(b), 19(c), 19(e), 19(f) and 19(g) hereof are not specifically enforced and the Executive agrees that the terms of such provisions (including without limitation the periods set forth in Subsections 19(e), 19(f) and 19(g)) are reasonable and appropriate.  If the Executive commits, or the Company has evidence based on which it reasonably believes the Executive threatens to commit, a material breach of any of the provisions of Subsections 19(a), 19(b), 19(c), 19(e), 19(f) or 19(g) hereof, the Company and/or Related Entities, as the case may be, shall have the right and remedy, in addition to and not in limitation of any other remedy that may be available at law or in equity, to have the provisions of Subsections 19(a), 19(b), 19(c), 19(e), 19(f) or 19(g) hereof specifically enforced by any court having jurisdiction through immediate injunctive and other equitable relief , it being acknowledged and agreed that any such breach or threatened breach will cause irreparable injury to the Company and/or Related Entities and that money damages will not provide an adequate remedy therefore.  Such injunction shall be available without the posting of any bond or other security, and the Executive hereby consents to the issuance of such injunction.

(j)            Re-Set of Period for Non-Competition and Non-Interference . In the event that a legal or equitable action is commenced with respect to any of the provisions of Subsections 19(e), 19(f) or 19(g) hereof and the Executive has not complied, in all material respects, with the provisions in such subsections with respect to which such action has been commenced, then the one-year period, as described in such subsections not so complied with by the Executive, shall be extended from its original expiration date, day-for-day, for each day that the Executive is found to have not complied, in all material respects, with such subsections.

(k)            Jurisdiction and Venue.   WITH RESPECT TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY AND ALL LOYALTY OBLIGATIONS ARISING UNDER PARAGRAPH 19, THE SUBSECTIONS 19(k) AND 19(l) OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL APPLY.  THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY CONSENT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE FOLLOWING COURTS IN MATTERS RELATED TO THIS PARAGRAPH 19 AND AGREE NOT TO COMMENCE ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING THERETO EXCEPT IN ANY OF SUCH COURTS: THE STATE COURTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, THE COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA LOCATED IN THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, OR THE STATE COURTS OR THE COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA LOCATED IN ANY MUNICIPALITY WHEREIN AN OFFICE OF THE COMPANY IS LOCATED, IN WHICH OFFICE THE EXECUTIVE WAS PHYSICALLY PRESENT WHILE RENDERING
 
 
 

 
 
 
SERVICES FOR THE COMPANY AT ANY TIME DURING THE 12 MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE COMMENCEMENT OF SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING OR IMMEDIATELY  PRECEDING THE TERMINATION OF EXECUTIVE’S EMPLOYMENT, IF TERMINATED.

(l)            Waiver of Jury Trial.   EXECUTIVE AGREES TO WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING BASED UPON, OR RELATED TO, ANY LOYALTY OBLIGATIONS.  THIS WAIVER IS KNOWINGLY, INTENTIONALLY, AND VOLUNTARILY MADE BY EXECUTIVE, AND EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, EXCEPT FOR THE COMPANY’S AGREEMENT TO LIKEWISE WAIVE ITS RIGHTS TO A TRIAL BY JURY (WHICH THE COMPANY HEREBY MAKES), THE COMPANY HAS NOT MADE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OF FACTS TO INDUCE THIS WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY OR IN ANY WAY TO MODIFY OR NULLIFY ITS EFFECT.  EXECUTIVE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT EXECUTIVE HAS BEEN REPRESENTED (OR HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE REPRESENTED) IN THE SIGNING OF THIS AGREEMENT AND IN THE MAKING OF THIS WAIVER BY INDEPENDENT LEGAL COUNSEL, SELECTED OF EXECUTIVE’S OWN FREE WILL, AND THAT EXECUTIVE HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THIS WAIVER WITH COUNSEL.  EXECUTIVE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT EXECUTIVE HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THE MEANING AND RAMIFICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER AND AS EVIDENCE OF THIS FACT SIGNS THIS AGREEMENT BELOW.

20.            Adherence to Company Policies .   The Executive agrees to adhere diligently to all established Company policies and procedures, including but not limited to the Company’s Guidelines on Significant Governance Issues, Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and, if applicable, the Code of Ethics for Financial Professionals.  The Executive agrees that if the Executive does not adhere to any of the provisions of such Guidelines and Codes, the Executive will be in breach of the provisions hereof.

21.            Representations .  The Executive agrees to execute any proper oath or verify any proper document required to carry out the terms of this Agreement.  The Executive represents that Executive’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence proprietary information acquired by the Executive in confidence or in trust prior to the Executive’s employment by the Company.  The Executive has not entered into, and the Executive agrees the Executive will not enter into, any oral or written agreement in conflict herewith and the Executive’s employment by the Company and the Executive’s services to the Company will not violate the terms of any oral or written agreement to which the Executive is a party.

22.            Binding Effect of Execution .  The Company and the Executive agree that this Agreement shall not bind or be enforceable by or against either party until this Agreement has been duly executed by both the Executive and the Company.


[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
 
 
 

 
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Executive have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
 
             
  By:         (SEAL)   
             
  Print Name:     
             
  Title:         
             
  Address:       
             
             
             
  Executive  
             
  Print Name:  Tamara A. Kozikowski  
             
  Signature:     
             
  Address:     
             
             
 
 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

TERMINATION CERTIFICATION


This is to certify that I do not have in my possession, nor have I failed to return, any material devices, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, equipment, other documents or property, or reproductions of any aforementioned items belonging to the Company.

I further certify that I have, to the best of my knowledge, complied in all material respects with all the terms of my Employment Agreement with the Company.

 
  Date:     
       
       
  Executive's Signature   
       
       
  Executive's Name (Print)   
 

 
 
 

 

EXHIBIT B

 
LIST OF ASSOCIATIONS WITH RESTRICTED COMPANIES



















____ None
____ Additional Sheets Attached


Signature of the Executive:_________________________________
Print Name of the Executive:________________________________
 
Date: ____________________                                          
 
 

 

Exhibit 31.1
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Darren R. Jackson, certify that:

1.  
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Advance Auto Parts, Inc.;
2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.  
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-1 5(e) and 15d-1 5(e) ) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures , or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,   to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures , as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.  
The registrant ' s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting , to the registrant ' s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant ' s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant ' s internal control over financial reporting .


Date: June 2 , 2010            



/s/ Darren R. Jackson                                                   
Darren R. Jackson
Chief Executive Officer and Director

Exhibit 31.2
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Michael A. Norona, certify that:

1.  
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Advance Auto Parts, Inc.;
2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.  
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-1 5(e) and 15d-1 5(e) ) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures , or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,   to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures , as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.  
The registrant ' s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting , to the registrant ' s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant ' s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant ' s internal control over financial reporting .


Date: June 2 , 2010            



/s/ Michael A. Norona                                                   
Michael A. Norona
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.1
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Darren R. Jackson, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. for the quarterly period ended April 24, 2010 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. The foregoing certification is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the accompanying report on Form 10-Q. A signed original of this statement has been provided to Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and will be retained by Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 
Date: June 2, 2010       By: /s/ Darren R. Jackson 

       Name:  Darren R. Jackson
        Title:    Chief Executive Officer and Director

 
I, Michael A. Norona, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. for the quarterly period ended April 24, 2010 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. The foregoing certification is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the accompanying report on Form 10-Q. A signed original of this statement has been provided to Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and will be retained by Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 
Date: June 2, 2010       By: /s/ Michael A. Norona 

       Name:  Michael A. Norona
        Title:    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer