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

(Mark One)
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended January 3, 20152, 2016
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, VA
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
    24012
(Zip Code)


(540) 362-4911
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act
Title of each class
Common Stock
($0.0001 par value)
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York
Stock Exchange

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Registration S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to the Form 10-K. 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 o
Non-accelerated filer o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x

As of July 11, 201417, 2015, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the 72,625,89672,956,951 shares of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $9,680,305,678,$12,380,794,585, based on the last sales price of the Common Stock on July 11, 201417, 2015, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.

As of February 26, 201525, 2016, the registrant had outstanding 73,140,74973,322,495 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the only class of common stock of the registrant outstanding).

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

Portions of the definitive proxy statement of the registrant to be filed within 120 days of January 3, 20152, 2016, pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, for the 20152016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 20, 2015, are incorporated by reference into Part III.
 



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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). 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 elsewhere in further detail in this report 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:

a decrease in demand for our products;
competitive pricing and other competitive pressures;
the risk that the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of General Parts International, Inc. (“GPI”), including synergies, may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected, that we may experience difficulty integrating GPI’s operations into our operations, or that management's attention may be diverted from our other businesses in association with the acquisition of GPI;
the possibility that the acquisition of GPI may not advance our business strategy or prove to be an accretive investment or may impact third-party relationships, including customers, wholesalers, independently-owned and jobber stores and suppliers;
the risk that the additional indebtedness from the new financing agreements in association with the acquisition of GPI may limit our operating flexibility or otherwise strain our liquidity and financial condition;
the risk that we may experience difficulty retaining key GPI employees;
our ability to implement our business strategy;
our ability to expand our business, including the location of available and suitable real estate for new store locations, the integration of any acquired businesses and the continued increase in supply chain capacity and efficiency;
our dependence on our suppliers to provide us with products that comply with safety and quality standards;
the risk that we may experience difficulty in successfully implementing announced leadership changes, including the failure to ensure effective transfer of knowledge necessary for the persons appointed to lead and provide results in their new role; the potential disruption to our business resulting from announced leadership changes; the impact of announced leadership changes on our relationships with customers, suppliers and other business partners; and our ability to attract, develop and retain qualifiedexecutives and other employees, or Team Members;Members
the potential for fluctuations in the market price of our common stock and the resulting exposure to securities class action litigation;
deterioration in general macro-economic conditions, including unemployment, inflation or deflation, consumer debt levels, high fuel and energy costs, higher tax rates or uncertain credit markets;
regulatory and legal 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 or administrative investigations or proceedings;
a security breach or other cyber security incident;
business interruptions due to the occurrence of natural disasters, extended periods of unfavorable weather, computer system malfunction, wars or acts of terrorism;
the impact of global climate change or legal and regulatory responses to such change;
changes to the composition of our Board of Directors and appointment of a chief executive officer in the near term; and


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other statements that are not of historical fact made throughout this report, including the sections entitled “Business,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors.”

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,


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together with the other risks described from time to time in our other reports and documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and you should not place undue reliance on those statements.



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PART I

Item 1.    Business.

Unless the context otherwise requires, “Advance,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and similar terms refer to Advance Auto Parts, Inc., its predecessor, its subsidiaries and their respective operations. References to the acquisition of GPI refer to our January 2, 2014 acquisition of General Parts International, Inc. Our fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to December 31st of each year. Our Fiscal 2015 included 52 weeks of operations, while Fiscal 2014 included 53 weeks of operations. Our last 53-week year prior to 2014 was in 2008.

Overview

We are the largesta leading automotive aftermarket parts provider in North America, serving "do-it-for-me", or Commercial, and "do-it-yourself", or DIY, customers as well as independently-owned operators. Our stores and branches offer a broad selection of brand name, original equipment manufacturer ("OEM") and private label automotive replacement parts, accessories, batteries and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars, vans, sport utility vehicles and light and heavy duty trucks.

We were founded in 1929 as Advance Stores Company, Incorporated and operated as a retailer of general merchandise until the 1980s. During the 1980s, we began targeting the sale of automotive parts and accessories to DIY customers. We began our Commercial delivery program in 1996 and have steadily increased our sales to Commercial customers since 2000. We have grown significantly as a result of comparable store sales growth, new store openings and strategic acquisitions. Our parent company, Advance Auto Parts, Inc., a Delaware corporation, was incorporated in 2001 in conjunction with the acquisition of Discount Auto Parts, Inc.

Our most recent strategic acquisition was on January 2, 2014 when we acquired GPI. GPI, formerly a privately held company, iswas a leading distributor and supplier of original equipment and aftermarket automotive replacement products for Commercial markets operating under the Carquest and Worldpac names. As of the acquisition date, GPI operated 1,233 Carquest stores and 103 Worldpac branches located in 45 states and Canada and serviced approximately 1,400 independently-owned Carquest stores. We believe theThe acquisition will allowallowed us to expand our geographic presence, Commercial capabilities and overall scale to better serve our customers. As of January 3, 20152, 2016, the end of our 20142015 fiscal year, or 20142015, we operated 5,2615,171 total stores and 111 distribution122 branches primarily under the trade names "Advance Auto Parts", "Autopart International", "Carquest" and "Worldpac".

Our Internet address is www.AdvanceAutoParts.com. The information on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for our 2015 fiscal year. We make available free of charge through our Internet website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. These materials may be obtained electronically by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Operating Segments

During 20142015 we operated as a single reportable segment comprised of our storesstore and distribution branch operations. A discussion of our segment structure and disclosure of sales by product category is available in Note 21,19, Segment and Related Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 15, Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Store Names

Through our integrated operating approach, we serve our Commercial and DIY customers through a variety of channels ranging from traditional "brick and mortar" store locations to self-servingself-service e-commerce sites. We believe we are better able to meet our customers' needs by operating under several store names.

Advance Auto Parts - Consists of 3,8884,102 stores as of January 3, 20152, 2016 generally located in freestanding buildings with a heavy focus on both Commercial and DIY customers. The average size of an Advance store is approximately 7,6007,500 square feet with the size of our typical new stores ranging from approximately 6,000 to 8,500 square feet. These stores carry a wide variety of products serving aftermarket auto part needs for both domestic and import vehicles. Our Advance Auto Parts stores carry a product offering of approximately 20,00022,000 stock keeping units, or SKUs, generally


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consisting of a custom mix of product based on each store's respective market. Supplementing the inventory on-hand


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at our stores we have 405 larger stores, known as HUB stores, which stockis an additional 15,000 less common SKUs that are available toin many of our larger stores, within theknown as HUB store's service areasstores. These additional SKUs are available on a same-day or next-day basis.

Carquest - Consists of 1,125873 stores as of January 3, 20152, 2016 generally located in freestanding buildings with a heavy focus on the Commercial customer,customers, but also serving the DIY customer.customers. The average size of a Carquest store is approximately 7,5007,400 square feet. These stores carry a wide variety of products serving the aftermarket auto part needs for both domestic and import vehicles with a product offering of approximately 19,00023,000 SKUs. Supplementing the inventory on-hand at our stores, we have 16 HUB stores providing additional SKUs on a same-day or next-day basis. We have already begun our integration plan to fully convert or consolidate the Carquest stores with our Advance Auto Parts stores over the next few years and are in the process of completing product conversions to align the product offering between our Carquest and Advance Auto Parts stores.years. As of January 3, 20152, 2016, Carquest also served approximately 1,3251,300 independently-owned stores which operate under the Carquest name.

As of January 3, 20152, 2016, we also operated 3812 stores under the Carquest name that were acquired as part of the acquisition of B.W.P. Distributors, Inc. ("BWP") on December 31, 2012. These locations are expected to be converted or consolidated with our Advance Auto Parts stores over the next few years.in 2016.

Worldpac - Consists of 111122 branches as of January 3, 20152, 2016 that principally serve Commercial customers utilizing an efficient and sophisticated delivery process.on-line ordering and fulfillment system. The Worldpac branches are generally larger than our other store locations averaging approximately 30,00027,000 square feet in size. Worldpac specializes in imported, OEM parts. Worldpac's complete product offering includes over 120,000100,000 SKUs for over 40 import and domestic vehicle carlines.

Autopart International("AI") - Consists of 210184 stores as of January 3, 20152, 2016 operating primarily in the Northeastern Mid-Atlantic and SoutheasternMid-Atlantic regions of the United States focusing on the Commercial customer. These stores specialize in imported aftermarket and private label branded auto parts. The AI stores offer approximately 33,00039,000 SKUs through routine replenishment from its supply chain.

We acquired the Carquest and Worldpac operations as part of our acquisition of GPI on January 2, 2014. We have plans to fully integrateOur multi-year integration plan remains underway which is focused on the Carquest company-operated stores and overall operations intointegration of the Advance Auto Parts overPart and Carquest operations. Since the next few yearsacquisition, we have consolidated or converted nearly 350 Carquest stores, completed support center consolidations, integrated our field teams, harmonized pricing and to integrate the availability of all of ourbrands and substantially completed product offerings throughout the entire chain.changeovers. In the short-term,addition, we have been able to utilize cross-sourcing of inventory between most of our enterprise-wide locations to expand availability and the breadth of our product offerings to better meet the needs of our customers.

Through our integrated operating approach, we also serve our customers online at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com www.Carquest.com and www.Worldpac.com. Our Commercial customers, consisting primarily of delivery customers for whom we deliver product from our store or branch locations to our Commercial customers’ places of business, can conveniently place their orders online through these websites. Our online websites also allow our DIY customers to pick up merchandise at a conveniently located store or have their purchases shipped directly to their homes.them.

We strive to be the leader in the automotive aftermarket industry by fulfilling our promise 'Service is our best part®', through our Superior Availability and Outstanding Customer Service Leadership strategies.priorities. We offer our customers quality products which are covered by a solid warranty. Many of our products are offered at a good, better or best recommendation differentiated by price and quality.

The primary categories of products we offer include:
 
Parts, including alternators, batteries, belts and hoses, brakes and brake pads, chassis parts, climate control parts, clutches, driveshafts, engines and engine parts, ignition parts, lighting, radiators, starters, spark plugs and wires, steering and alignment parts, transmissions, water pumps and windshield wiper blades;
Accessories, including air fresheners, automotive paint, anti-theft devices, emergency road kits, floor mats, ice scrapers, mirrors, seat and steering wheel covers, and vent shades;
Chemicals, including antifreeze, brake and power steering fluid, car washes and waxes, freon, fuel additives, and windshield washer fluid;
Oil, transmission fluid and other automotive petroleum products; and
Other miscellaneous offerings, including certain eServices.

The product in our store locations is generally arranged in a uniform and consistent manner based on standard store formats and merchandise presentation. The parts inventory is generally located on shelves behind the customer service counter with the remaining product, or front room merchandise, arranged on the sales floor to provide easy customer access, maximize selling


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space and prominently display high-turnover products and accessories to customers. We utilize aisle displays to feature high-demand or seasonal merchandise, new items and advertised specials, including bilingual signage based on the demographics in each store's geographic area.

Our Customers

We serve both Commercial and DIY customers. Our Commercial customers consist primarily of delivery customers for whom we use our commercial delivery fleet to deliver product from our store or branch locations to our Commercial customers’ places of business, including independent garages, service stations and auto dealers. We also serve approximately 1,3251,300 independently-owned Carquest stores with shipments directly from our distribution centers. Our DIY customers are primarily served through our stores and can also order online to pick up merchandise at a conveniently located store or have their purchases shipped directly to them.

A majority of our stores include at least two parts professionals, or parts pros, who have extensive technical knowledge of automotive replacement parts and other related applications to better serve our Commercial and DIY customers. Many of our stores also include bilingual Team Members to better serve our diverse customer base. We offer training to all of our Team Members, including formal classroom workshops, e-learning and certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE. ASE is broadly recognized for training certification in the automotive industry.

Our Commercial sales represented approximately 57% of our sales in 2015 and 2014. Since 2008, we have concentrated a significant amount of our investments on increasing our Commercial sales at a faster rate in light of favorable market dynamics. We have added key product brands in our stores that are well recognized by our Commercial customers and have increased the number of parts professionals, delivery vehicles and other support services to serve those customers. In 2012, we added eService offerings forOur acquisition of GPI in early 2014 significantly increased our market penetration and Commercial customers, including online training solutions, fully searchable diagnostic and repair resources and online marketing services, which are available on a subscription basis.capabilities due to GPI’s concentration in the Commercial market. We believe these investments and the commitment to consistent delivery times and order accuracy will enable us to gain more Commercial customers as well as increase our sales to existing customers who will use us as their “first call” supplier. Our acquisition of GPI, which is highly concentrated in the Commercial market, also increased our market penetration and Commercial capabilities. As a result, our Commercial sales represented approximately 57.0% of our sales in 2014 compared to 40.4% in 2013.

While Commercial is our growth engine, DIY customers remain a sizable portion of our business and we remain focused on continuing to deliver on our value proposition to our core DIY customers as well. Store Team Members utilize our point-of-sale ("POS") system, including a fully integrated electronic parts catalog ("EPC"), to identify and suggest the appropriate quality and price options for the SKUs we carry, as well as the related products, tools or additional information that is required by our DIY customers to complete their automotive repair projects properly and safely. Except where prohibited, we also provide a variety of services in our stores free of charge to our customers including:

Battery and wiper installation;
Battery charging;
Check engine light reading;
Electrical system testing, including batteries, starters, alternators and sensors;
“How-To” video clinics;
Oil and battery recycling; and
Loaner tool programs.

Store Development

Our store development program has historically focused on adding new stores and branches within existing markets where we can achieve a larger presence, remodeling or relocating existing stores and entering new markets. The addition of new locations, along with strategic acquisitions, has played a significant role in our growth and success. We believe the opening of new stores, and their strategic location in relation to our Commercial and DIY customers, will continue to play a significant role in our future growth and success.

We open and operate stores in both large, densely-populated markets and small, less densely-populated areas. We complete substantial research prior to entering a new market. Key factors in selecting new site and market locations include population, demographics, traffic count, vehicle profile, number and strength of competitors' stores and the cost of real estate.



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Our 5,3725,293 stores and branches were located in the following states, territories and international locations as of January 3, 20152, 2016:

Location 
Number of
Stores
 Location 
Number of
Stores
 Location 
Number of
Stores
 
Number of
Stores
 Location 
Number of
Stores
 Location 
Number of
Stores
U.S. States:            
Alabama 149
 Louisiana 87
 Ohio 268
 149
 Louisiana 84
 Ohio 265
Alaska 12
 Maine 50
 Oklahoma 33
 11
 Maine 41
 Oklahoma 30
Arizona 17
 Maryland 123
 Oregon 31
 18
 Maryland 133
 Oregon 27
Arkansas 28
 Massachusetts 127
 Pennsylvania 262
 24
 Massachusetts 127
 Pennsylvania 266
California 97
 Michigan 161
 Rhode Island 21
 91
 Michigan 159
 Rhode Island 22
Colorado 93
 Minnesota 53
 South Carolina 155
 96
 Minnesota 50
 South Carolina 154
Connecticut 75
 Mississippi 68
 South Dakota 12
 77
 Mississippi 68
 South Dakota 12
District of Columbia 1
 Missouri 72
 Tennessee 162
 1
 Missouri 67
 Tennessee 158
Delaware 16
 Montana 28
 Texas 251
 17
 Montana 27
 Texas 247
Florida 583
 Nebraska 37
 Utah 16
 537
 Nebraska 35
 Utah 20
Georgia 281
 Nevada 5
 Vermont 13
 283
 Nevada 15
 Vermont 12
Idaho 8
 New Hampshire 30
 Virginia 246
 8
 New Hampshire 30
 Virginia 248
Illinois 196
 New Jersey 124
 Washington 32
 191
 New Jersey 128
 Washington 31
Indiana 138
 New Mexico 12
 West Virginia 77
 123
 New Mexico 12
 West Virginia 79
Iowa 46
 New York 257
 Wisconsin 121
 44
 New York 265
 Wisconsin 117
Kansas 43
 North Carolina 329
 Wyoming 14
 41
 North Carolina 329
 Wyoming 13
Kentucky 119
 North Dakota 9
   118
 North Dakota 6
  
            
U.S. Territories:            
Puerto Rico 28
 Virgin Islands 1
   28
 Virgin Islands 1
  
            
Canadian Provinces:Canadian Provinces:    Canadian Provinces:    
Alberta 3
 New Brunswick 10
 Ontario 58
 3
 New Brunswick 10
 Ontario 61
British Columbia 4
 Newfoundland and Labrador 3
 Prince Edward Island 1
 4
 Newfoundland and Labrador 3
 Prince Edward Island 1
Manitoba 1
 Nova Scotia 12
 Quebec 63
 1
 Nova Scotia 12
 Quebec 63

The following table sets forth information concerning increaseschanges in the total number of our stores and branches during the past five years:
2014 2013 2012 2011 20102015 2014 2013 2012 2011
Beginning Stores4,049
 3,794
 3,662
 3,563
 3,420
5,372
 4,049
 3,794
 3,662
 3,563
Stores Acquired (1)
1,336
 124
 
 
 

 1,336
 124
 
 
New Stores (2)
151
 172
 137
 104
 148
121
 151
 172
 137
 104
Stores Closed (3)
(164) (41) (5) (5) (5)(200) (164) (41) (5) (5)
Ending Stores5,372
 4,049
 3,794
 3,662
 3,563
5,293
 5,372
 4,049
 3,794
 3,662

(1) 
Includes 1,336 stores and branches resulting from our acquisition of GPI on January 2, 2014 and 124 stores resulting from our acquisition of BWP on December 31, 2012.
(2) 
Does not include stores that opened as relocations of previously existing stores within the same general market area or substantial renovations of stores.
(3) 
The number of store closures in 2015, 2014 and 2013 includes planned consolidations of 111, 145 and 20, respectively, of Carquest, AI BWP and Carquest stores and in 2013 includes the planned consolidations of 20 BWP stores.



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Store Technology

Each of our store names utilizes a unique storeOur stores utilize operating systemsystems comprised of an integrated POS and EPC, which enablesenable our store Team Members to assist our customers in their parts selection and ordering based on the year, make, model and engine type of their vehicles. Currently we operate separate legacy store systems for Advance Auto Parts and Carquest stores. In conjunction with our integration of the Advance Auto Parts and Carquest stores, we plan to eventually utilize onebegin testing a single POS system and EPC in the longer-term and leveragethat leverages the benefits of each system.system during 2016.

Currently, information maintained by our Advance Auto Parts store operating system is used to formulate pricing, marketing and merchandising strategies and to replenish inventory accurately and rapidly. It also provides real-time inventory tracking at the store level allowing store Team Members to check the quantity of on-hand inventory for any SKU, adjust stock levels for select items for store specific events, automatically process returns and defective merchandise, designate SKUs for cycle counts and track merchandise transfers. If a hard-to-find part or accessory is not available at one of our Advance Auto Parts stores, the store system can determine whether the part is carried and in-stock through our HUBsupply chain network, can be cross-sourced enterprise wide or can be ordered directly from one of our vendors. Available parts and accessories are then ordered electronically with immediate confirmation of price, availability and estimated delivery time.

The Worldpac speedDIAL® parts catalog and fulfillment ordering system provides expanded capabilities to Worldpac's Commercial customers and other stores throughout our enterprise. This tool allows customers to check real-time parts availability on over 100,000110,000 parts, view images on over 90,00085,000 parts, check prices, place orders, view invoices and self-service returns.

Store Support Centers

We are headquartered in Roanoke, VA and serve our Advance Auto Parts and Carquest stores primarily from our store support centers in Roanoke, VA and Raleigh, NC. We also maintain a store support center in Newark, CA to support our Worldpac and e-commerce operations and in Norton, MA to support our Autopart International stores.

Merchandising. In 20142015, we purchased merchandise from over 500 vendors, with no single vendor accounting for more than 6%7% of purchases. Our purchasing strategy involves negotiating agreements with most of our vendors to purchase merchandise over a specified period of time along with other terms, including pricing, payment terms and volume.

Our merchandising teams have developed strong vendor relationships in the industry and, in a collaborative effort with our vendor partners, utilizesutilize a category management process where we manage the mix of our product offerings to meet customer demand. We believe this process, which develops a customer-focused business plan for each merchandise category, and our global sourcing operation are critical to improving comparable store sales, gross margin and inventory productivity.

Our merchandising strategy is to carry a broad selection of high quality and reputable brand name automotive parts and accessories which we believe will generate DIY customer traffic and also appeal to our Commercial customers.customers and also generate DIY customer traffic. Since our acquisition of GPI, we have rolled out cross-sourcing capabilities to the majority of our stores and more recently we have begun integratingsubstantially completed the integration of our product offerings in our Advance Auto Parts and Carquest stores. Some of our brands include Bosch®, Castrol®, Dayco®, Denso®, Gates®, Moog®, Monroe®, NGK®, Prestone®, Purolator®, Trico® and Wagner®. In addition to these branded products, we stock a wide selection of high quality private label products that appeal to value-conscious customers. These lines of merchandise include chemicals, interior automotive accessories, batteries and parts under various private label names such as Autocraft®, Autopart International®, Driveworks®, Tough One® and Wearever®as well as the Carquest® brand acquired from GPI.

Supply Chain. Our supply chain consists of a network of distribution centers, HUBs, stores and branches which enable us to provide same-day or next-day availability to our customers. Our inventory management teams utilize replenishment systems to monitor inventory levels across the network and order additional product when appropriate while streamlining handling costs. Our replenishment systems utilize the most up-to-date information from our POS systems as well as inventory movement forecasting based upon sales history, sales trends by SKU, seasonality (and weather patterns) and demographic shifts in demand. These factors are combined with service level goals, vendor lead times and cost of inventory assumptions to determine the timing and size of purchase orders. The vast majority of our purchase orders are sent to our merchandise vendors via electronic data interchange.

The acquisition of GPI in 2014 significantly increased the number of distribution centers that we operate. As of January 3, 20152, 2016, we operated fifty50 distribution centers compared to twelve distribution centers as of December 28, 2013.centers. The thirty-four34 distribution centers serving Carquest stores are significantly smaller at an average of 125,000 square feet than our existing Advance Auto Parts distribution centers which average approximately 500,000 square feet. One of our integration priorities in


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2015 is to begin aligningsquare feet. We have recently begun the product offering in ourintegration of the Advance Auto Parts and Carquest distribution centers andsupply chains in addition to eventually connect their respective systems so we can operate as one integratedoptimization work throughout our entire supply chain. In 2016, we plan to close one distribution center in Sutton, MA and open one new Worldpac will continuedistribution center in the greater Dallas, TX area. We have also announced our plans to operate fouropen a new distribution centers to service its branches and provide cross-sourcing to our Advance Auto Parts and Carquest stores.center in the greater Nashville, TN area in 2017.

In addition to the distribution centers acquired with GPI,2015, we also opened our newest distribution center in Hartford, CT in late 2014. This facility incorporates our more advanced warehouse management system, similar to the system utilized by our Remington, IN facility which opened in 2012. Thisimplemented technology that has furthered our ability to roll out daily replenishment to the stores served by these facilities. Our supply chain initiativesour Advance Auto Parts distribution centers. We will continue to expand our daily replenishment capabilities to our other distributions centers, while also leveraging our in-market HUB stores to further increase the speed and efficient utilization of our distribution capacity, including planning for the roll-out of the advanced technology used at the Hartfordnetwork. Worldpac will continue to provide cross-sourcing to our Advance Auto Parts and Remington facilities to other facilities in our supply chain network, will now get incorporated into our overall integration plan.Carquest stores.

Marketing & Advertising. Our marketing and advertising program is designed to drive brand awareness, consideration and omni-channel traffic by positioning Advance Auto Parts as the leader in parts availability and project support within the aftermarket auto parts category. We strive to exceed our customers' expectations end to end through a comprehensive online experience, extensive parts assortment, speed at the parts counter and our DIY customer loyalty program, Speed Perks.

The current campaign was developed based on extensive research with our customers. The campaign targets core DIY customers and emphasizes our understanding of what motivates their passion to work on cars. It is built around a multi-channel communications plan which brings together radio, television, direct marketing, mobile and social media and in-store and event signage directed to both our general market and Hispanic and Latino customers.
We also have Commercial marketing programs that are designed to build loyalty with our Commercial customers who rely on us for quality products and services each and every day so they can in turn successfully serve their customers. In addition to various loyalty and rebate programs, we offer dedicated training support and other eServices to our Commercial customers, including:

TECH-NET Professional Auto Service® - is our marketing solutions program offered to the commercial shop owner to help them attract and retain customers by having consistent branding, banner programs and solutions for attracting automotive technicians and other technical resources.

CARQUEST Technical Institute® (CTI) - offers our valued customers the tools and training to stay ahead of an increasingly competitive and fast-changing marketplace. We target service facility owners, shop managers, service consultants and professional technicians. CTI instructors have over 350 ASE certifications and understand the technical skills required to be productive and profitable and reach over 25,000 technicians annually.
MotoShop - is a technology solution portfolio consisting of a suite of electronic tools that supports our Commercial customers with: (i) online marketing solutions, (ii) fully searchable diagnostic and repair service resources, (iii) online shop tech training and (iv) a shop management system.
Seasonality

Our business is somewhat seasonal in nature, with the highest sales usually 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. Our fourth quarter is generally our most volatile as weather and spending trade-offs typically influence our Commercial and DIY sales.

Team Members

As of February 26, 20152016, we employed approximately 41,60040,000 full-time Team Members and approximately 31,40033,000 part-time Team Members. Our workforce consisted of 87%86% of our Team Members employed in store-level operations, 9%10% employed in distribution and 4% employed in our corporate offices. As of February 26, 2015,2016, less than 1% of our Team Members were represented by labor unions. We have never experienced any labor disruption. We believe that our Team Member relations are solid.



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Intellectual Property

We own a number of trade names and own and have federally registered several service marks and trademarks, including "Advance Auto Parts”, “Autopart International”, “Carquest", “CARQUEST Technical Institute”, “DriverSide”, “MotoLogic”, “MotoShop”, “Worldpac”, “Service is our best part”, “speedDIAL” and “TECH-NET Professional Auto Service” for use in connection with the automotive parts business. In addition, we own and have registered a number of trademarks for our private label brands. We believe that these trade names, service marks and trademarks are important to our merchandising strategy. We do not know of any infringing uses that would materially affect the use of these trade names and marks and we actively defend and enforce them.

Competition

We operate in both the Commercial and DIY markets of the automotive aftermarket industry. Our primary competitors are (i) both national and regional chains of automotive parts stores, including AutoZone, Inc., NAPA, O'Reilly Automotive, Inc., The Pep Boys-Manny, Moe & Jack and Auto Plus (formerly Uni-Select Inc,USA, Inc.), (ii) discount stores and mass merchandisers that carry automotive products, (iii) wholesalers or jobber stores, including those associated with national parts distributors or associations, (iv) independently-owned stores, (v) automobile dealers that supply parts and (vi) internet-based retailers. We believe that chains of automotive parts stores that, like us, have multiple locations in one or more markets, have competitive advantages in customer service, marketing, inventory selection, purchasing and distribution as compared to independent retailers and jobbers that are not part of a chain or associated with other retailers or jobbers. The principal methods of competition in our business include customer service, product offerings, availability, quality, price and store location.

Environmental Matters

We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and governmental regulations relating to the operation of our business, including those governing collection, transportation and recycling of automotive lead-acid batteries, used automotive oil and other recyclable items, and ownership and operation of real property. We sell products containing hazardous materials as part of our business. In addition, our customers may bring automotive lead-acid batteries, used automotive oil or other recyclable items onto our properties. We currently provide collection and recycling programs for used lead-acid batteries, used oil and other recyclable items at a majority of our stores as a service to our customers. Pursuant to agreements with third party vendors, lead-acid batteries, used oil and other recyclable items are collected by our Team Members, deposited onto pallets or into vendor supplied containers and stored by us until collected by the third party vendors for recycling or proper disposal. The terms of our contracts with third party vendors require that they are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Our third party vendors who arrange for the removal, disposal, treatment or other handling of hazardous or toxic substances may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation at any affected disposal, treatment or other site affected by such substances. Based on our experience, we do not believe that there are any material environmental costs associated with the current business practice of accepting lead-acid batteries, used oil and other recyclable items as these costs are borne by the respective third party vendors.

We own and lease real property. Under various environmental laws and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the cost of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances on, under or in such property. These laws often impose joint and several liability and may be imposed without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release of such hazardous or toxic substances. Other environmental laws and common law principles also could be used to impose liability for releases of hazardous materials into the environment or work place, and third parties may seek recovery from owners or operators of real properties for personal injury or property damage associated with exposure to released hazardous substances. From time to time, we receive notices from the Environmental Protection Agency and state environmental authorities indicating that there may be contamination on properties we own, lease or operate or may have owned, leased or operated in the past or on adjacent properties for which we may be responsible. Compliance with these laws and regulations and clean up of released hazardous substances have not had a material impact on our operations to date.



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Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Our business is subject to a variety of risks, both known and unknown.risks. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively impacted by the following risk factors. These risks are not the only risks that may impact our business.

If overall demand for products sold by our stores slows or declines, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows will suffer. Decreased demand could also negatively impact our stock price.


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Overall demand for products sold by our stores depends on many factors and may slow or decrease due to any number of reasons, including:

the number and average age of vehicles being driven, because the majority offewer vehicles means less maintenance and repairs and vehicles that are seven years old and older are generally no longer covered under the manufacturers' warranties and tend to need more maintenance and repair.repair than newer vehicles. If the number andand/or average age of vehicles being driven were to decrease it would negatively impact demand for our products;
the economy, because during periods of declining economic conditions, both Commercial and DIY customers may defer vehicle maintenance or repair; conversely, during periods of favorable economic conditions, more of our DIY customers may pay others to repair and maintain their cars or they may purchase new cars;
the weather, because milder weather conditions may lower the failure rates of automobile parts while extended periods of rain and winter precipitation may cause our customers to defer elective maintenance and repair of their vehicles;
the average duration of manufacturer warranties and the decrease in the number of annual miles driven, because newer cars typically require fewer repairs and will be repaired by the manufacturers' dealer network using dealer parts;parts pursuant to warranties (which have gradually increased in duration and/or mileage expiration over the recent past); and lower vehicle mileage, which may be affected by gas prices and other factors, decreases the need for maintenance and repair (while higher miles driven increases the need);
technological advances and the increase in quality of vehicles manufactured, because vehicles that need less frequent maintenance and have low part failure rates will require less frequent repairs using aftermarket parts;
our vendors, because if any of our key vendors do not supply us with products on terms that are favorable to us or fail to develop new products we may not be able to meet the demands of our customers and our results of operations could be negatively affected;
our reputation and our brands, because our reputation is critical to our continued success. If we fail to maintain high standards for, or receive negative publicity (whether through social media or normal media channels) relating to, product safety, quality or integrity, it could reduce demand for our products. The product we sell is branded both in brands of our vendors and in our own private label brands. If the perceived quality or value of the brands we sell declines in the eyes of our customers, our results of operations could be negatively affected; and
the refusal of vehicle manufacturers to make available diagnostic, repair and maintenance information to the automotive aftermarket industry that our Commercial and DIY customers require to diagnose, repair and maintain their vehicles, because this may force consumers to have a majority of diagnostic work, repairs and maintenance performed by the vehicle manufacturers’ dealer network.

If any of these factors cause overall demand for the products we sell to decline, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively impacted.

If we are unable to compete successfully against other companies in the automotive aftermarket industry we may lose customers, our revenues may decline, and we may be less profitable or potentially unprofitable.

The sale of automotive parts, accessories and maintenance items is highly competitive in many ways, including name recognition, location, price, quality, product availability and customer service. We compete in both the Commercial and DIY categories of the automotive aftermarket industry, primarily with: (i) national and regional retailchains of automotive parts chains,stores, (ii) discount stores and mass merchandisers that carry automotive products, (iii) wholesalerwholesalers or jobbers stores, including those associated with national parts distributors or associations (iv) jobber stores, (v) independently-owned stores, (vi)(v) automobile dealers that supply parts and (vii)(vi) internet-based retailers. These competitors and the level of competition vary by market. Some of our competitors may possess advantages over us in certain markets we share, including a greater amount of marketing activities, a larger number of stores, more lucrativedesirable store locations, better store layouts, longer operating histories, greater name recognition, larger and more established customer bases, more favorable vendor relationships, lower prices and better product warranties. Consolidation among our competitors could enhance their market share and financial position, provide them with the ability to achieve better purchasing terms and allow them to provide more competitive prices to customers for whom we compete.

In addition, our reputation is critical to our continued success. If we fail to maintain high standards for, or receive negative publicity (whether through social media or normal media channels) relating to product safety, quality or integrity, we could lose customers to our competition. The product we sell is branded both in brands of our vendors and in our own private label brands. If the perceived quality or value of the brands we sell declines in the eyes of our customers, our results of operations could be negatively affected.

These competitive disadvantages may require us to reduce our prices below our normal selling prices or increase our promotional spending, which would lower our revenue and profitability. Competitive disadvantages may also prevent us from introducing new product lines, require us to discontinue current product offerings, or change some of our current operating strategies. If we do not have the resources, expertise, consistent execution or otherwise fail to develop successful strategies to


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address these competitive disadvantages, we may lose customers, our revenues and profit margins may decline and we may be less profitable or potentially unprofitable.



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We may not be able to successfully integrate GPIs operations with ours; the GPI business may not achieve the expected business results and could cause us to incur unexpected liabilities; the GPI acquisition has caused and may continue to cause us to incur significant transaction and integration costs; and our level of indebtedness could limit the cash flow available for operations and could adversely affect our ability to service our debt or obtain additional financing; and we may not be able to retain key GPI personnel.financing.

Integration Issues and Business Expectations

We cannot be certain whether, and to what extent, any strategic, operational, financial or other anticipated benefits resulting from the acquisition of GPI will be achieved. In order to obtain the anticipated benefits of the transaction, we must integrate GPI’s operations with ours. This integration may beis complex and our failure to do sointegrate quickly and effectively may negatively affect our earnings. The market price of our common stock may decline as a result of the acquisition if our integration of GPI is unsuccessful, takes longer than expected or fails to achieve financial benefits to the extent anticipated by financial analysts or investors, or the effect of the acquisition on our financial results is otherwise not consistent with the expectations of financial analysts or investors.

The acquisition of GPI could cause disruptions in and create uncertainty surrounding GPI’s and our businesses,business, including affecting GPI’s and our relationships with existing and future customers, wholesalers, independently-owned and jobber stores, suppliers and employees,Team Members, which could have an adverse effect on GPI’s and our businesses,business, financial results and operations. In particular, GPI and Advancewe could lose customers or suppliers, and new customer or supplier contracts could be delayed or decreased or otherwise adversely affected in economic value. In addition, we have diverted, and will continue to divert, significant management resources towards the integration efforts, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

In connection with our acquisition of GPI, we assumed all of the liabilities of GPI, including any actual or contingent liabilities to which GPI is or may become subject. GPI may be or may become subject to loss contingencies, known or unknown, which could relate to past, present, or future facts, events, circumstances or occurrences. Although the agreement pursuant to which we acquired GPI provides us with certain indemnification provisions, potential costs relating to any such liabilities could exceed the amount of any such indemnification or extend beyond the indemnification period.

Additional Transaction and Integration Costs

In connection with the GPI acquisition, we have incurred significant one-time transaction costs and entered into new financing agreements and issued new debt instruments. We expect to incur additional transaction and integration costs in connection with the acquisition. Although efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses may allow us to offset incremental transaction and integration costs over time, this net benefit may not be achieved in the near term, or at all.

Level of Indebtedness

In connection with our acquisition of GPI our level of indebtedness increased significantly. Our indebtedness could restrict our operations and make it more difficult for us to satisfy our debt obligations. For example, our level of indebtedness could, among other things:

affect our liquidity by limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, limit our ability to obtain financing for capital expenditures and acquisitions or make any available financing more costly;
require us to dedicate all or a substantial portion of our cash flow to service our debt, which would reduce funds available for other business purposes, such as capital expenditures, dividends or acquisitions;
limit our flexibility in planning for or reacting to changes in the markets in which we compete;
place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors who may have less indebtedness;
render us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and
make it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations, including those relating to the notes associated with the acquisition of GPI.

In addition, the indenture governing the notes related to the GPI acquisition and the credit agreement governing the new credit facilities contain financial and other restrictive covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our


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long-term best interests. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debt, including such notes.


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Retention of Key GPI Personnel

The success of the integration with GPI will depend in part on the ability to retain key GPI employees who are expected to continue employment with the combined company. If any of these employees decide not to remain with the combined company, it is possible we may be unable to locate suitable replacements for such key employees or to secure employment of suitable replacements on reasonable terms. In addition, if key employees terminate their employment, management’s attention might be diverted from successfully integrating GPI’s operations to hiring suitable replacements and the combined company's business might suffer.
We may not be able to successfully implement our business strategy, including increasing comparable store sales, enhancing our margins and increasing our return on invested capital, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

We have implemented numerous initiatives as part of our business strategy to increase comparable store sales and enhance our margins and increase our return on invested capital in order to increase our earnings and cash flow. If we are unable to implement these initiatives efficiently and effectively, or if these initiatives are unsuccessful, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity could be adversely affected.

Successful implementation of our business strategy also depends on factors specific to the automotive aftermarket industry and numerous other factors that may be beyond our control. In addition to the aforementioned risk factors, adverse changes in the following factors could undermine our business strategy and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows:

the competitive environment in the automotive aftermarket retail sector that may force us to reduce prices below our desired pricing level or increase promotional spending;
our ability to anticipate changes in consumer preferences and to meet customers’ needs for automotive products (particularly parts availability) in a timely manner;
our ability to maintain and eventually grow DIY market share; and
our ability to continue our Commercial sales growth.

For that portion of our inventory manufactured and/or sourced outside the United States, geopolitical changes, changes in trade regulations, currency fluctuations, shipping related issues, natural disasters, pandemics and other factors beyond our control may increase the cost of items we purchase or create shortages which could have a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability.

We will not be able to expand our business if our growth strategy, including the availability of suitable locations for new store openings and the continued increase in supply chain capacity and efficiency, is not successful, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

New Store Openings

We have increased our store count significantly in the last ten years from 2,6522,872 stores at the end of our 20042005 fiscal year to 5,3725,293 stores as of January 3, 20152, 2016. We intend to continue to increase the number of our stores and expand the markets we serve as part of our growth strategy, primarily by opening new stores. We may also grow our business through strategic acquisitions. We do not know whether the implementation of our growth strategy will be successful. As we open more stores it becomes more critical that we have consistent execution across our entire store chain. The actual number of new stores to be opened and their success will depend on a number of factors, including, among other things:

the availability of desirable store locations;
the negotiation of acceptable lease or purchase terms for new locations;
the availability of financial resources, including access to capital at cost-effective interest rates; and
our ability to manage the expansion and to hire, train and retain qualified Team Members.

We are unsure whether we will be able to open and operate new stores on a timely or sufficiently profitable basis, or that opening new stores in markets we already serve will not harm existing store profitability or comparable store sales. The newly opened and existing stores’ profitability will depend on the competition we face as well as our ability to properly merchandise, market and price the products desired by customers in these markets.



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Supply Chain

Our store inventories are primarily replenished by shipments from our network of distribution centers, warehouses and HUB stores. As we service our growing store base, we will need to increase the capacity of our supply chain network in order to provide the added parts availability under our Superior Availability strategy while maintaining productivity and profitability expectations. We cannot be assured of the availability of potential locations on lease or purchase terms that would be acceptable


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to us, of our ability to integrate those new locations into our existing supply chain network or of our ability to increase the productivity and efficiency of our overall supply chain network to desired levels.

We are dependent on our suppliers to supply us with products that comply with safety and quality standards.standards at competitive prices.

We are dependent on our vendors continuing to supply us quality products on terms that are favorable to us. If our merchandise offerings do not meet our customers’ expectations regarding safety and quality, we could experience lost sales, increased costs and exposure to legal and reputational risk. All of our suppliers must comply with applicable product safety laws, and we are dependent on them to ensure that the products we buy comply with all safety and quality standards. Events that give rise to actual, potential or perceived product safety concerns could expose us to government enforcement action and/or private litigation and result in costly product recalls and other liabilities. To the extent our suppliers are subject to additional government regulation of their product design and/or manufacturing processes, the cost of the merchandise we purchase may rise. In addition, negative customer perceptions regarding the safety or quality of the products we sell could cause our customers to seek alternative sources for their needs, resulting in lost sales. In those circumstances, it may be difficult and costly for us to regain the confidence of our customers.

We depend on the services of many qualified executives and other Team Members, whom we may not be able to attract, develop and retain.

Our success depends to a significant extent on the continued services and experience of our executives and other Team Members. As of February 26, 20152016, we employed approximately 73,000 Team Members. We may not be able to retain our current qualified executive and other Team Members or attract and retain additional qualified executives and Team Members who may be needed in the future. Our ability to maintain an adequate number of qualified executive and other Team Members is highly dependent on an attractive and competitive compensation and benefits package. In addition, less than one percent of our team members are represented by unions. If these team members were to engage in a strike, work stoppage, or other slowdown, or if the terms and conditions in labor agreements were renegotiated, we could experience a disruption in our operations and higher ongoing labor costs. If we fail or are unable to maintain competitive compensation, our customer service and execution levels could suffer by reason of a declining quality of our workforce, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

There is also a risk that we may experience difficulty in successfully implementing announced leadership changes including a failure to ensure the effective transfer of knowledge necessary for the persons appointed to lead and provide results in their new role, potential disruption to our business resulting from the announced changes and the impact of announced leadership changes on our relationships with customers, suppliers and business partners.

The market price of our common stock may be volatile and could expose us to securities class action litigation.

The stock market and the price of our common stock may be subject to wide fluctuations based upon general economic and market conditions. Downturns in the stock market may cause the price of our common stock to decline. The market price of our stock may also be affected by our ability to meet analysts' expectations. Failure to meet such expectations, even slightly, could have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against such a company. If similar litigation were instituted against us, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources, which could have an adverse effect on our business.

Deterioration in global credit markets and changes in our credit ratings and deterioration in general macro-economic conditions, including unemployment, inflation or deflation, consumer debt levels, high fuel and energy costs, and higher tax rates could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Deterioration in general macro-economic conditions impacts us through (i) potential adverse effects from deteriorating and uncertain credit markets, (ii) the negative impact on our suppliers and customers and (iii) an increase in operating costs from higher energy prices.

Impact of Credit Market Uncertainty and Changes in Credit Ratings

Significant deterioration in the financial condition of large financial institutions in 2008 and 2009 resulted in a severe loss of liquidity and available credit in global credit markets and in more stringent borrowing terms. We can provide no assurance that the credit market events during 2008 and 2009 will not occur again in the foreseeable future. Conditions and events in the


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global credit market could have a material adverse effect on our access to short and long-term borrowings to finance our operations and the terms and cost of that debt. It is possible that one or more of the banks that provide us with financing under our revolving credit facility may fail to honor the terms of our existing credit facility or be financially unable to provide the unused credit.


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Our overall credit rating may be negatively impacted by deteriorating and uncertain credit markets or other factors which may or may not be within our control. The interest rates on our publicly issued debt, term loan and revolving credit facility are linked directly to our credit ratings. Accordingly, any negative impact on our credit rating would likely result in higher interest rates and interest expense on any borrowings under our revolving credit facility, term loan or from future issuances of public debt and less favorable terms on other operating and financing arrangements. In addition, it could reduce the attractiveness of our vendor payment program,programs, where certain of our vendors finance payment obligations from us with designated third party financial institutions, which could result in increased working capital requirements. An inability to obtain sufficient financing at cost-effective rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Impact on our Suppliers

Our business depends on developing and maintaining close relationships with our suppliers and on our suppliers’ ability and willingness to sell quality products to us at favorable prices and terms. Many factors outside our control may harm these relationships and the ability or willingness of these suppliers to sell us products on favorable terms. Such factors include a general decline in the economy and economic conditions and prolonged recessionary conditions. These events could negatively affect our suppliers’ operations and make it difficult for them to obtain the credit lines or loans necessary to finance their operations in the short-term or long-term and meet our product requirements. Financial or operational difficulties that some of our suppliers may face could also increase the cost of the products we purchase from them or our ability to source product from them. We might not be able to pass our increased costs onto our customers. If our suppliers fail to develop new products we may not be able to meet the demands of our customers and our results of operations could be negatively affected.

In addition, the trend towards consolidation among automotive parts suppliers as well as the off-shoring of manufacturing capacity to foreign countries may disrupt or end our relationship with some suppliers, and could lead to less competition and result in higher prices. We could also be negatively impacted by suppliers who might experience bankruptcies, work stoppages, labor strikes or other interruptions to or difficulties in the manufacture or supply of the products we purchase from them.

Impact on our Customers

Deterioration in macro-economic conditions may have a negative impact on our customers’ net worth, financial resources and disposable income. While macro-economic conditions have improved since 2008 and 2009, unemployment rates have remained at relatively high levels, consumer confidence continues to fluctuate, payroll taxes increased for most U.S. workers as a result of the changes in tax legislation effective for 2013 and many consumers are now facing increased healthcare costs as a result of the recently enacted Affordable Care Act. This impact could reduce our customers' willingness or ability to pay for accessories, maintenance or repair of their vehicles, which results in lower sales in our stores. HigherAn increase in fuel costs may also reduce the overall number of miles driven by our customers resulting in fewer parts failures and a reduced need for elective maintenance needed to be completed.maintenance.

Impact on Operating Costs

Rising energy prices could directly impact our operating and product costs, including our merchandise distribution, commercial delivery, utility and product acquisition costs.

Because we are involved in litigation from time to time, and are subject to numerous laws and governmental regulations, we could incur substantial judgments, fines, legal fees and other costs.

We are sometimes the subject of complaints or litigation, which may include class action litigation from customers, Team Members or others for various actions. From time to time, we are involved in litigation involving claims related to, among other things, breach of contract, tortious conduct, employment, law matters,labor discrimination (including The Americans With Disabilities Act), payment of wages, asbestos exposure, real estate, regulatory compliance and product defects. The damages sought against us in some of these litigation proceedings are substantial. Although we maintain liability insurance for some litigation claims, if one or more of the claims were to greatly exceed our insurance coverage limits or if our insurance policies do not cover a claim, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and governmental regulations relating to, among other things, environmental protection, product quality standards, building and zoning requirements, discrimination (including The Americans With Disabilities Act), labor and employment law matters.employment. The implementation of and compliance with existing and future laws


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and regulations could increase the cost of doing business and adversely affect our results of operations. If we fail to comply with existing or future laws or regulations, we may be subject to governmental or judicial fines or sanctions, while incurring substantial legal fees and costs. In addition, our capital and operating expenses could increase due to remediation measures that may be required if we are found to be noncompliant with any existing or future laws or regulations.


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We work diligently to maintain the privacy and security of our customer, supplier, Team Member and business information and the functioning of our computer systems, website and other on-line offerings. In the event of a security breach or other cyber security incident, we could experience certainadverse operational problemseffects or interruptions, incur substantial additional costs, or become subject to legal or regulatory proceedings, any of which could lead to damage to our reputation in the marketplace and added costs on an ongoing basis.

The nature of our business requires us to receive, retain and transmit certain personally identifiable information thatabout our customers, providesuppliers and Team Members, some of which is entrusted to purchase products or services, register on our websites, or otherwise communicate and interact with us.third-party service providers. While we have taken and continue to undertake significant steps to protect our customersuch personally identifiable information and other confidential information and to protect the functioning of our computer systems, website and other online offerings, a compromise of our data security systems or those of businesses we interact with could result in information related to our customers, suppliers, Team Members or business being obtained by unauthorized persons or otheradverse operational problemseffects or interruptions.interruptions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We develop and update processes and maintain systems in an effort to try to prevent this from occurring, but the development and maintenance of these processes and systems are costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies change, privacy and information security regulations change, and efforts to overcome security measures become more sophisticated.

Consequently, despite our efforts, our security measures have been breached in an immaterial manner in the past and may be breached in the future due to cyber attack,a cyber-attack, computer malware and/or viruses, team member error, malfeasance, fraudulent inducement (including so-called "social engineering" attacks and "phishing" scams) or other acts. Unauthorized parties have in the past obtained, and may in the future obtain, access to our data or the data of our customers’ data.customers, suppliers or Team Members’ data or may otherwise cause damage or interfere with our equipment and/or network. While costs associated with past security breaches have not been significant, any breach, damage to or interference with our equipment or network, or unauthorized access in the future could result in significant legal and financial exposure and damage to our reputation that could potentially have an adverse effect on our business. While we also seek to obtain assurances that others we interact with will protect confidential information, there is aalways the risk that the confidentiality or accessibility of data held or accessedutilized by others may be compromised. If a compromise of our data security or function of our computer systems or website were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition and, possibly, subject us to additional legal, regulatory and operating costs and damage our reputation in the marketplace.

Business interruptions may negatively impact our store hours, operability of our computer systems and the availability and cost of merchandise which may adversely impact our sales and profitability.

War or acts of terrorism, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes or other natural disasters, or the threat of any of these calamities or others, may have a negative impact on our ability to obtain merchandise to sell in our stores, result in certain of our stores being closed for an extended period of time, negatively affect the lives of our customers or Team Members, or otherwise negatively impact our operations. Some of our merchandise is imported from other countries. If imported goods become difficult or impossible to import into the United States due to business interruption (including regulation of exporting or importing), and if we cannot obtain such merchandise from other sources at similar costs and without an adverse delay, our sales and profit margins may be negatively affected.

In the event that commercial transportation, including the global shipping industry, is curtailed or substantially delayed, our business may be adversely impacted, as we may have difficulty receiving merchandise from our suppliers and shipping it to our stores.

Terrorist attacks, war in the Middle East, or insurrection involving any oil producing country could result in an abrupt increase in the price of crude oil, gasoline and diesel fuel. Such price increases would increase the cost of doing business for us and our suppliers, and also would negatively impact our customers’ disposable income and have an adverse impact on our business, sales, profit margins and results of operations.

We rely extensively on our computer systems and the systems of our business partners to manage inventory, process transactions and report results. Any such systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, telecommunication failures, computer viruses, security breaches and catastrophic events. If our computer systems or those of our business partners fail we may experience loss of critical data and interruptions or delays in our ability to process transactions and manage


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inventory. Any such loss, if widespread or extended, could adversely affect the operation of our business and our results of operations.

We may be affected by global climate change or by legal, regulatory, or market responses to such change.

The concern over climate change has led to legislative and regulatory initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). For example, proposals that would impose mandatory requirements on GHG continue to be considered by policy makers in the United States and elsewhere. Laws enacted to reduce GHG that directly or indirectly affect our suppliers (through an increase in their cost of production) or our business (through an impact on our inventory availability, cost of sales, operations or demand for the products we sell) could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. New federal or state restrictions on emissions that may be imposed on vehicles could also adversely affect


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annual miles driven or the demand for the products we sell and lead to changes in automotive technology. Changes in automotive technology and compliance with any new or more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretations of existing laws, could require additional expenditures by us or our suppliers all of which could adversely impact the demand for our products and our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We anticipate changes to the composition of our Board of Directors and appointment of a chief executive officer in the near term.

Consistent with the terms of our agreement with Starboard Value LP and certain of its affiliates, as reported in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on November 13, 2015, we anticipate that our Board of Directors will nominate three new candidates to be elected to serve as independent Board membersin the near term. We are also in the process of identifying a permanent chief executive officer. Changes in Board composition and/or management  may affect our corporate governance, business models and strategic priorities, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.    

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.



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Item 2. Properties.

The following table summarizes the location, ownership status and total square footage of space utilized for distribution centers and principal corporate offices at the end of 20142015:

 
Square Footage (in thousands)
 
Square Footage (in thousands)
 Location Leased Owned Location Leased Owned
Distribution Centers 50 locations in 32 states and 4 Canadian provinces 5,999
 4,098
 50 locations in 32 states and 4 Canadian provinces 6,131
 4,273
Store Support Centers:        
Roanoke, Virginia Roanoke, Virginia 270
 
 Roanoke, Virginia 270
 
Raleigh, North Carolina Raleigh, North Carolina 195
 
 Raleigh, North Carolina 204
 

As of January 3, 20152, 2016, we owned 819817 of our stores and leased 4,5534,476 stores and branches. We also operate several smaller warehouse locations and subsidiary offices to support our operations.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

We currently and from time to time are involved in litigation and regulatory proceedings incidental to the conduct of our business, including litigation relating to employment or arising from claims of employment discrimination or other types of employment matters as a result of claims by current and former Team Members.Members or others. Although we diligently defend against these claims, we may enter into discussions regarding settlement of these and other lawsuits, and may enter into settlement agreements, if we believe settlement is in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders. The damages claimed against us in some of these proceedings are substantial. Although the amount of liability that may result from these matters cannot be ascertained, we do not currently believe that, in the aggregate, they will result in liabilities material to our consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or cash flow.

Our Western Auto subsidiary, together with other defendants including, but not limited to, automobile manufacturers, automotive parts manufacturers and their material suppliers and other retailers, has been named as a defendant in lawsuits alleging injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products. We and some of our other subsidiaries also have been named as a defendant in many of these lawsuits. The automotive products at issue in these lawsuits are primarily brake parts. The plaintiffs have alleged that these products contained asbestos and were manufactured, distributed and/or sold by the various defendants. Many of the pending cases against us and our subsidiaries are in early stages of litigation. The damages claimed against the defendants in some of these proceedings are substantial. Additionally, many of the suppliers and manufacturers of asbestos and asbestos-containing products have dissolved or declared bankruptcy, which will limit plaintiffs’ ability to recover monetary damages from those entities. Although we diligently defend against these claims, we may enter into discussions regarding settlement of these and other lawsuits, and may enter into settlement agreements, if we believe settlement is in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders. We also believe that many of these claims are at least partially covered by insurance. Based on discovery to date, we do not believe the cases currently pending will have a material adverse effect on us. However, if we were to incur an adverse verdict in one or more of these claims and were ordered to pay substantial damages that were not covered by insurance, these claims could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, financial position and cash flows. Historically, our asbestos claims have been inconsistent in fact patterns alleged and number and have been immaterial. Furthermore, the outcome of such legal matters is uncertain and our liability, if any, could vary widely. As a result, we are unable to estimate a possible range of loss with respect to unasserted asbestos claims that may be filed against the Company or its subsidiaries in the future. If the number of claims filed against us or any of our subsidiaries alleging injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products increases substantially, the costs associated with concluding these claims,


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including damages resulting from any adverse verdicts, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, financial position and cash flows in future periods.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.



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PART II

Item 5.
Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol “AAP”. The table below sets forth the high and low sale prices per share for our common stock, as reported by the NYSE, for the fiscal periods indicated.

 High Low
Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2016    
Fourth Quarter $201.24
 $144.73
Third Quarter $194.61
 $151.30
Second Quarter $169.90
 $142.63
First Quarter $165.00
 $143.02
 High Low    
Fiscal Year Ended January 3, 2015        
Fourth Quarter $163.36
 $130.14
 $163.36
 $130.14
Third Quarter $139.58
 $119.71
 $139.58
 $119.71
Second Quarter $136.12
 $118.51
 $136.12
 $118.51
First Quarter $129.99
 $108.76
 $129.99
 $108.76
    
Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2013    
Fourth Quarter $111.94
 $80.28
Third Quarter $84.93
 $78.91
Second Quarter $88.74
 $78.75
First Quarter $83.52
 $71.30

The closing price of our common stock on February 26, 201525, 2016 was $155.38.$150.08. At February 26, 2015,25, 2016, there were 1,061432 holders of record of our common stock (which does not include the number of individual beneficial owners whose shares were held on their behalf by brokerage firms in street name).

Our Board of Directors has declared a $0.06 per share quarterly cash dividend since 2006. Any payments of dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our results of operations, cash flows, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

The following table sets forth information with respect to repurchases of our common stock for the fourth quarter ended January 3, 20152, 2016 (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)
October 5, 2014 to November 1, 2014 
 $
 
 $415,092
November 2, 2014 to November 29, 2014 
 
 
 415,092
November 30, 2014 to January 3, 2015 28
 154.14
 
 415,092
         
Total 28
 $154.14
 
 $415,092
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)
October 11, 2015 to November 7, 2015 
 $
 
 $415,092
November 8, 2015 to December 5, 2015 20
 160.26
 
 415,092
December 6, 2015 to January 2, 2016 11
 148.85
 
 415,092
         
Total 31
 $156.22
 
 $415,092
 
(1) 
We repurchased 27,99631,013 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $4.34.8 million, or an average purchase price of $154.14156.22 per share, in connection with the net settlement of shares issued as a result of the vesting of restricted stock units during the fourth quarter ended January 3, 20152, 2016. We did not repurchase any shares under our $500.0 million stock repurchase program during our fourth quarter ended January 3, 20152, 2016.
(2) 
Our stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $500.0 million in common stock was authorized by our Board of Directors and publicly announced on May 14, 2012.



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Stock Price Performance

The following graph shows a comparison of the cumulative total return on our common stock, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and the Standard & Poor’s Retail Index. The graph assumes that the value of an investment in our common stock and in each such index was $100 on January 2, 20101, 2011, and that any dividends have been reinvested. The comparison in the graph below is based solely on historical data and is not intended to forecast the possible future performance of our common stock.

COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN AMONG
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC., S&P 500 INDEX
AND S&P RETAIL INDEX
   
Company/Index January 2, 2010 January 1, 2011 December 31, 2011 December 29, 2012 December 28, 2013 January 3, 2015 January 1, 2011 December 31, 2011 December 29, 2012 December 28, 2013 January 3, 2015 January 2, 2016
Advance Auto Parts $100.00
 $164.14
 $173.41
 $178.69
 $274.66
 $396.20
 $100.00
 $105.85
 $109.30
 $168.35
 $243.15
 $231.02
S&P 500 Index 100.00
 112.78
 112.78
 125.77
 165.13
 184.58
 100.00
 102.11
 116.48
 156.21
 178.25
 180.75
S&P Retail Index 100.00
 123.66
 127.26
 155.56
 227.23
 249.51
 100.00
 102.92
 125.80
 183.76
 201.77
 252.46



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Item 6.    Selected Consolidated Financial Data.
  
The following table sets forth our selected historical consolidated statement of operations, balance sheet, cash flows and other operating data. Included in this table are key metrics and operating results used to measure our financial progress. The selected historical consolidated financial and other data (excluding the Selected Store Data and Performance Measures) as of January 3, 20152, 2016 and December 28, 2013January 3, 2015 and for the three years ended January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report. The historical consolidated financial and other data as of December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011 and for the years ended December 31, 201129, 2012 and January 1,December 31, 2011 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes that have not been included in this report. You should read this data along with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report.
 
Fiscal Year (1)
 
Fiscal Year (1)
 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
 (in thousands, except per share data, store data and ratios) (in thousands, except per share data, store data and ratios)
                    
Statement of Operations Data:                    
Net sales $9,843,861
 $6,493,814
 $6,205,003
 $6,170,462
 $5,925,203
 $9,737,018
 $9,843,861
 $6,493,814
 $6,205,003
 $6,170,462
Cost of sales 5,390,248
 3,241,668
 3,106,967
 3,101,172
 2,963,888
 5,314,246
 5,390,248
 3,241,668
 3,106,967
 3,101,172
Gross profit 4,453,613
 3,252,146
 3,098,036
 3,069,290
 2,961,315
 4,422,772
 4,453,613
 3,252,146
 3,098,036
 3,069,290
Selling, general and administrative expenses (2)
 3,601,903
 2,591,828
 2,440,721
 2,404,648
 2,376,382
 3,596,992
 3,601,903
 2,591,828
 2,440,721
 2,404,648
Operating income 851,710
 660,318
 657,315
 664,642
 584,933
 825,780
 851,710
 660,318
 657,315
 664,642
Interest expense (3)
 (73,408) (36,618) (33,841) (30,949) (26,861) (65,408) (73,408) (36,618) (33,841) (30,949)
Other income (expense), net 3,092
 2,698
 600
 (457) (1,017)
Other (expense) income, net (7,484) 3,092
 2,698
 600
 (457)
Income before provision for income taxes 781,394
 626,398
 624,074
 633,236
 557,055
 752,888
 781,394
 626,398
 624,074
 633,236
Income tax expense 287,569
 234,640
 236,404
 238,554
 211,002
 279,490
 287,569
 234,640
 236,404
 238,554
Net income $493,825
 $391,758
 $387,670
 $394,682
 $346,053
 $473,398
 $493,825
 $391,758
 $387,670
 $394,682
                    
Per Share Data:                    
Net income per basic share $6.75
 $5.36
 $5.29
 $5.21
 $4.00
 $6.45
 $6.75
 $5.36
 $5.29
 $5.21
Net income per diluted share $6.71
 $5.32
 $5.22
 $5.11
 $3.95
 $6.40
 $6.71
 $5.32
 $5.22
 $5.11
Cash dividends declared per basic share $0.24
 $0.24
 $0.24
 $0.24
 $0.24
 $0.24
 $0.24
 $0.24
 $0.24
 $0.24
Weighted average basic shares outstanding 72,932
 72,930
 73,091
 75,620
 86,082
 73,190
 72,932
 72,930
 73,091
 75,620
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 73,414
 73,414
 74,062
 77,071
 87,155
 73,733
 73,414
 73,414
 74,062
 77,071
                    
Cash flows provided by (used in):                    
Operating activities $708,991
 $545,250
 $685,281
 $828,849
 $666,159
 $689,642
 $708,991
 $545,250
 $685,281
 $828,849
Investing activities $(2,288,237) $(362,107) $(272,978) $(289,974) $(199,350) $(253,366) $(2,288,237) $(362,107) $(272,978) $(289,974)
Financing activities $575,911
 $331,217
 $127,907
 $(540,183) $(507,618) $(445,952) $575,911
 $331,217
 $127,907
 $(540,183)
                    
Balance Sheet and Other Financial Data:                    
Cash and cash equivalents $104,671
 $1,112,471
 $598,111
 $57,901
 $59,209
 $90,782
 $104,671
 $1,112,471
 $598,111
 $57,901
Inventory $3,936,955
 $2,556,557
 $2,308,609
 $2,043,158
 $1,863,870
 $4,174,768
 $3,936,955
 $2,556,557
 $2,308,609
 $2,043,158
Inventory turnover (4)
 1.47
 1.33
 1.43
 1.59
 1.70
 1.31
 1.47
 1.33
 1.43
 1.59
Inventory per store (5)
 $733
 $631
 $609
 $558
 $523
 $789
 $733
 $631
 $609
 $558
Accounts payable to Inventory ratio (6)
 78.6% 85.3% 87.9% 80.9% 71.0% 76.7% 78.6% 85.3% 87.9% 80.9%
Net working capital (7)
 $997,974
 $1,224,599
 $624,562
 $105,945
 $276,222
 $1,143,269
 $1,086,624
 $1,359,317
 $758,410
 $229,896
Capital expenditures $228,446
 $195,757
 $271,182
 $268,129
 $199,585
 $234,747
 $228,446
 $195,757
 $271,182
 $268,129
Total assets $7,962,358
 $5,564,774
 $4,613,814
 $3,655,754
 $3,354,217
 $8,134,565
 $7,962,358
 $5,564,774
 $4,613,814
 $3,655,754
Total debt $1,636,893
 $1,053,584
 $605,088
 $415,984
 $301,824
 $1,213,759
 $1,636,893
 $1,053,584
 $605,088
 $415,984
Total net debt (8)
 $1,532,222
 $(58,887) $6,977
 $358,083
 $252,171
Total stockholders' equity $2,002,912
 $1,516,205
 $1,210,694
 $847,914
 $1,039,374
 $2,460,648
 $2,002,912
 $1,516,205
 $1,210,694
 $847,914
          


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Fiscal Year (1)
  2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
  (in thousands, except per share data, store data and ratios)
           
           
Selected Store Data and Performance Measures:          
Comparable store sales growth (9)
 2.0% (1.5%) (0.8%) 2.2% 8.0%
Number of stores at beginning of year 4,049
 3,794
 3,662
 3,563
 3,420
New stores (10)
 1,487
 296
 137
 104
 148
Closed stores (11)
 (164) (41) (5) (5) (5)
Number of stores, end of period 5,372
 4,049
 3,794
 3,662
 3,563
Stores with commercial delivery program, end of period 4,981
 3,702
 3,484
 3,326
 3,212
Total Commercial sales, as a percentage of total sales 57.0% 40.4% 38.1% 37.0% 34.2%
Total store square footage, end of period (in 000s)
 43,338
 29,701
 27,806
 26,663
 25,950
  
Fiscal Year (1)
  2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
  (in thousands, except per share data, store data and ratios)
           
Selected Store Data and Performance Measures:          
Comparable store sales growth (8)
 0.0% 2.0% (1.5%) (0.8%) 2.2%
Number of stores, beginning of year (9)
 5,372
 4,049
 3,794
 3,662
 3,563
New stores (9) (10)
 121
 1,487
 296
 137
 104
Closed stores (9) (11)
 (200) (164) (41) (5) (5)
Number of stores, end of year (9)
 5,293
 5,372
 4,049
 3,794
 3,662
Stores with Commercial delivery program, end of period 4,745
 4,981
 3,702
 3,484
 3,326
Total Commercial sales, as a percentage of total sales 57.2% 57.0% 40.4% 38.1% 37.0%
Total store square footage, end of period (in 000s)
 42,185
 43,338
 29,701
 27,806
 26,663

(1) 
Our fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday nearest to December 31st. All fiscal years presented are 52 weeks, with the exception of 2014, which consisted of 53 weeks. The impact of week 53 included in sales, gross profit and selling, general and administrative expenses was $150,386, $67,780 and $46,720, respectively.
(2) 
Selling, general and administrative expenses include the impact of GPI integration, store closure and consolidation costs and support center restructuring costs of $73,192$127,059 and $82,234 and amortization of GPI intangibles of $42,281 and $42,696 for 2015 and 2014, andrespectively. It also includes acquisition costs associated with our acquisition of GPI on January 2, 2014 of $24,983 for 2013. It also includesand integration costs associated with our integration of BWP of $9,042 and $8,004 for 2014 and 2013, respectively.2013.
(3) 
Interest expense includes the impact of acquisition costs associated with our acquisition of GPI on January 2, 2014 of $1,987 for 2013.
(4) 
Inventory turnover is calculated as cost of sales divided by the average of beginning and ending inventories. For 2014 the ratio was calculated using an average of ending inventories over the last five quarters to adjust for the impact of the acquisition of GPI and its inventories on January 2, 1014.2014.
(5) 
Inventory per store is calculated as ending inventory divided by ending store and branch count. Our branches have a larger footprint than our stores.
(6) 
Accounts payable to inventory ratio is calculated as ending accounts payable divided by ending inventory. Financed vendor accounts payable separately presented on the balance sheet in 2010 was included with accounts payable to calculate our accounts payable to inventory ratio.
(7) 
Net working capital is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets. We retrospectively adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 during the fourth quarter of 2015, which requires the presentation of all deferred income taxes as long-term assets or liabilities. Accordingly, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 have been adjusted by $88,650, $134,718, $133,848 and $123,951, respectively.
(8) 
Net debt includes total debt less cash and cash equivalents.
(9)
Comparable store sales include net sales from our stores, branches and e-commerce website. Thewebsites. Sales to independently-owned Carquest stores are excluded from our comparable store sales.The change in store sales is calculated based on the change in net sales starting once a store or branch 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. Acquired stores are included in our comparable store sales once the stores have completed 13 complete accounting periods following the acquisition date (approximately one year). Comparable store sales growth for 2014 and 2015 excludes sales from the 53rd week.53rd week of 2014.
(9)
Store count activity includes Worldpac branches.
(10) 
Includes 1,336 stores and branches resulting from our acquisition of GPI during 2014 and 124 stores resulting from our acquisition of BWP during 2013.
(11) 
The number of store closures in 2014 includes planned consolidations of 111, 145 and 20 stores in 2015, 2014 and in 2013, includes the planned consolidations of 20 stores.respectively.
(1)



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Item 7. Managements 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 “Selected Consolidated Financial Data,” our consolidated historical financial statements and the notes to those statements that appear elsewhere in this report. Our discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth under the sections entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” elsewhere in this report.

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest December 31st of each year, which results in an extra week every several years (fiscal 2014 contained 53 weeks). Our first quarter consists of 16 weeks, and the other three quarters consist of 12 weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 which contained 13 weeks due to our 53-week fiscal year in 2014. Our lastnext 53-week fiscal year was in 2008.is 2020.

Unless otherwise noted, our financial results have been presented on a GAAP basis. In limited instances, we have presented our financial results on a GAAP and non-GAAP (comparable) basis which is described further in the section entitled "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

Introduction

We are the largesta leading automotive aftermarket parts provider in North America, serving both "do-it-for-me", or Commercial, and "do-it-yourself", or DIY, customers. As of January 3, 20152, 2016 we operated a total of 5,2615,171 stores and 111 distribution122 branches. We operated primarily within the United States, with additional locations in Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our stores operate primarily under trade names "Advance Auto Parts", "Autopart International" and "Carquest" and our distribution branches operate under the "Worldpac" trade name. In addition, we served approximately 1,3251,300 independently-owned Carquest stores as of January 3, 20152, 2016. We acquired the Carquest and Worldpac operations as part of our acquisition of GPI on January 2, 2014.

Our stores and branches offer a broad selection of brand name, OEM and private label automotive replacement parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars, vans, sport utility vehicles and light and heavy duty trucks. Through our integrated operating approach, we serve our Commercial and DIY customers from our store locations and online at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com www.Carquest.com and www.Worldpac.com. Our DIY customers can elect to pick up merchandise ordered online at a conveniently located store or have their purchases shipped directly to them. Our Commercial customers consist primarily of delivery customers for whom we deliver products from our store locations to our Commercial customers’ places of business, including independent garages, service stations and auto dealers. Our Commercial customers can also conveniently place their orders online.

Management Overview

We generated earnings per diluted share, or diluted EPS, of $6.71 during 2014 compared to $5.32 for 2013. The increase in our diluted EPS was driven primarily by the acquired GPI operations, a 2.0% increase in comparable store sales and an additional week of operations in 2014. When adjusted for the following comparable adjustments, our comparable earnings per diluted share ("Comparable Cash EPS") was $7.59:

$0.61 of GPI integration expenses;
$0.36 of amortization related to the acquired intangible assets from GPI;
$0.08 of BWP integration expenses; and
$0.17 from the 53rd week partially offsetting the above expenses.

When including the results of the 53rd week, our Comparable Cash EPS was $7.76. Our diluted EPS for 2013 included $0.27 of transaction expenses related to our acquisition of GPI and $0.08 of expenses associated with our integration of BWP.

During 2014 we generated a comparable store sales increase of 2.0%. This increase was driven by consistent strength in Commercial sales throughout the year with increases in both customer traffic and average ticket for the year. We are beginning to realize the benefits from the investments we have made to better serve our Commercial customers, including but not limited to, additional availability of inventory from one of our 421 HUB stores, daily replenishment in certain markets and roll-out of cross-sourcing of inventory throughout a majority of our enterprise; integration of eService offerings in our Advance Auto Parts and Carquest stores; and increased focus on national and regional accounts. Our DIY sales were not as consistent as


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Commercial in 2014. Sales of seasonal and maintenance parts categories fluctuated more than anticipated in many of our markets due to the cooler summer and warmer start to the winter selling season.

Prior Acquisitions

On January 2, 2014, we acquired GPI in an all-cash transaction for $2.08 billion. GPI, formerly a privately-held company, iswas a leading distributor and supplier of original equipment and aftermarket replacement products for Commercial markets operating under the Carquest and Worldpac brands.names. As of the acquisition date, GPI operated 1,233 Carquest stores and 103 Worldpac branches located in 45 states and Canada and served approximately 1,400 independently-owned Carquest stores. We believeAs of the acquisitionend of GPI will allow us to expand our geographic presence, Commercial capabilities2015, we have converted 170 and overall scale to better serve customers. For additional information on the GPI acquisition, refer to Note 4, "Acquisitions," in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.consolidated 178 of these stores into Advance Auto Parts locations.

On December 31, 2012, we acquired BWP, a privately-held company that supplied, marketed and distributed automotive aftermarket parts and products principally to Commercial customers. Prior to the acquisition, BWP operated or supplied 216 locations in the Northeastern United States. Concurrent with the closing of the acquisition, we transferred one distribution center and BWP’s rights to distribute to 92 independently owned locations to an affiliate of GPI. The integration of BWP stores consisted of converting or consolidating those locations into Advance Auto Parts locations. As of the end of 2014,2015, most of the BWP stores have been integrated into the Advance Auto Parts operations.

For additional information on these acquisitions, refer to Note 3, "Acquisitions," in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.



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Table of Contents

Management Overview

We generated diluted earnings per share, or diluted EPS, of $6.40 during 2015 compared to $6.71 for 2014. The decrease in our diluted EPS was driven primarily by costs associated with the integration of GPI, store closure and consolidation costs and support center restructuring costs. In addition, the prior year benefited from an additional week of operations due to our 53-week fiscal year. When adjusted for the following comparable adjustments, our comparable diluted earnings per share ("Comparable Cash EPS") in 2015 was $7.82 compared to $7.59 during 2014:
  2015 2014
GPI integration, store closure and consolidation, and support center restructuring costs $1.07
 $0.69
Amortization related to the acquired intangible assets from GPI $0.35
 $0.36
53rd Week of 2014
 $
 $(0.17)

Refer to the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section for further details of our comparable adjustments.

Excluding the impact of the 53rd week of 2014, total sales for 2015 increased 0.4% over 2014 and comparable store sales were flat. Our sales results decelerated in the second half of the year due to the impact of GPI integration activities and the negative impact of warmer weather late in the year. We began 2015 with an aggressive plan to complete a large part of our integration of GPI during 2015, and we completed several parts of the integration, including 240 Carquest store consolidations and conversions, support center consolidations, the integration of our field teams and pricing alignment. The multitude of changes proved to be more challenging than anticipated and disrupted two key areas of our operations - (i) customer service levels and (ii) inventory availability.

In addition to integrating the Carquest operations, we are also focused on achieving the cost synergies expected from the acquisition and on other cost control initiatives. In 2015, we achieved approximately $110.0 million of planned acquisition synergies, which was $50 million incremental to 2014. In addition, we closed 79 underperforming stores during the fourth quarter of 2015, which is expected to drive productivity improvements in the near future. During 2016, we plan to drive additional cost reduction and pursue opportunities to increase efficiency across our operations.

2015 Highlights

A high-level summary of our financial results and other highlights from our 20142015 include:

Financial

Total sales during 2014 increased 51.6%2015 decreased 1.1% to $9,843.9$9,737.0 million as compared to 2013.2014. This increasedecrease was primarily driven by the acquisition of GPI, a comparable store sales increase of 2.0%, $150.4 million in sales from the 53rd week of 2014 and sales fromstore consolidations and closures, partially offset by new stores opened during the past year.store openings.
Our operating income for 20142015 was $851.7$825.8 million, an increasea decrease of $191.4$25.9 million from the comparable period in 2013.2014. As a percentage of total sales, operating income was 8.7%8.5%, a decrease of 15217 basis points as compared to 2014, due to a lower gross profitan increase in our SG&A rate partially offset by a favorable SG&Ahigher gross profit rate.
Our inventory balance as of January 3, 20152, 2016 increased $1,380.4$237.8 million, or 54.0%6.0%, over the prior year driven primarilymainly by transitional inventory growth resulting from our product integration and the acquisitionconsolidation of GPI as well as inventory upgradesour Carquest stores and increases fromthe opening of new stores and HUB stores.branches.
We generated operating cash flow of $709.0$689.6 million during 2014, an increase2015, a decrease of 30.0%2.7% compared to 2013,2014, primarily due to an increasea decrease in net income, partially offset by changes in working capital.
We consolidated 80and non-cash expenses.converted 160 Carquest stores into Advance Auto Parts stores and aligned our products and pricing in our Advance Auto Parts and Carquest stores.

Refer to the “Consolidated Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections for further details of our income statement and cash flow results, respectively.



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Table of Contents

Business Update

We have two essential priorities - (i) deliver results by executing underOur overarching focus in 2016 will be on becoming a field-centric organization while continuing to achieve our key strategies of Superior Availability and Service Leadership and (ii) successfully achieve the goals of the multi-year GPI integration plan. Our key strategies remain consistentmilestones with 2014. less overall disruption to our stores and customers. In addition, we have the following three priorities which we believe are critical in the success of our field-centric organization and producing favorable financial results over the long-term:

Superior Availability is aimed at product availability and maximizing the speed, reliability and efficiency of our supply chain. Service Leadership leverages our product availability in addition to more consistent execution of customer-facing initiatives to strengthen our integrated operating approach of serving our customers inensuring our stores have the right part at the right time when a customer needs it. We will empower our store general managers to make more decisions and on-line. Through these two key strategies and the integration of GPI, we believe we cantailor their inventories to best serve their unique local customer bases. We will continue to build onimprove localized parts availability through leveraging our HUB stores and expanded delivery frequency from our distribution centers.

Outstanding Customer Service involves providing the initiatives discussed belowproper infrastructure to produce favorable financial results over the long term.achieve our operational goals through flawless execution in meeting our Commercial customers' needs and goal of becoming a Commercial first business. Sales to Commercial customers remain the largest opportunity for us to increase our overall market share in the automotive aftermarket industry. Our Commercial sales, as a percentage of total sales, increasedwere 57% in both 2015 and 2014. We must meet the needs of our customers at a local level by providing the appropriate incentives and training to develop focused and inspired teams that are empowered to make decisions in their local markets. We will continue to educate our field teams and customers about the high quality parts and brands we offer and emphasize our customer retention membership programs, including TECH-NET, ProRewards and SpeedPerks. We believe that by focusing on Commercial customers, we will naturally build the availability and customer service that will also benefit our DIY customers.

57.0%Focused and Inspired Team is a team that is dedicated to generating sales in 2014 compareda more simplified environment, has the empowerment to 40.4% in execute the two priorities above and drives improvements across the entire company to deliver profitable growth.2013. This increase

Our multi-year GPI integration plan remains underway which is primarily due tofocused on the contributionintegration of the acquired GPI and BWP operations which are significantly more heavily weighted in Commercial than our Advance Auto Parts and Carquest operations. During 2015, we completed the support center consolidations that were initiated in 2014, integrated our field teams, harmonized pricing and brands and substantially completed product changeovers. In addition, we completed the first major wave of the Carquest store consolidations and conversions that we began in the second half of 2014. During 2016, we will continue executing our integration plans by consolidating or converting an estimated additional 325 to 350 Carquest stores. In addition, our comparable store sales growth has been driven primarily by sales to Commercial customers.



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Our strategic priorities include:

Growing our Commercial business through improved delivery speed and reliability, increased customer retention, increased volume with national and regional accounts, and the integration of GPI;
Improving localized parts availability through the continued increase in the number of our larger HUB stores, an increased focus on in-store availability enabled by rolling out a second source network between store brands and leveraging the advancement of our supply chain infrastructure, including the opening of our Hartford, CT distribution center and gradually expanding to other distribution centers;
Maintaining a steady new store growth rate including new markets; and
Continuingwe will shift our focus on store execution through more effective scheduling, increased productivity and simplification, improved product on-hand accuracy, expanded sales training and continued measurementto the deployment of customer satisfaction.

We are pleased with the first year results of our multi-year GPI integration plan. Our plan issystems necessary to fully integrate the Carquest owned stores and overall operations into Advance Auto Parts over the next few years and to integrate the availability of all of our product offerings throughout the entire chain. We expect to incur $190.0 million of GPI integration expenses through the end of 2018 with the majority of the expenses being incurred by the end of 2016. We expect $160.0 million of these expenses to be offset during this period by savings from acquisition synergies.

During 2014 our focus was on Team Member retention, achievement of initial cost savings and synergies, improvement of inventory availability, including the roll-out of cross-sourcing with Worldpac and Carquest, and leveraging our differentiated customer programs. During 2015 our priorities in the integration plan will include:

Continuing to integrate the two organizations into a single structure;
Successfully executing the product and brand changeovers;
Continuing with store consolidations and ramping up store conversions by market; and
Integrating ouralign critical customer capabilities within supply chain and information technology.

Automotive Aftermarket Industry

Operating within the automotive aftermarket industry, we are influenced by a number of general macroeconomic factors similar to those affecting the overall retail industry. These factors include, but are not limited to, fuel costs, unemployment rates, consumer confidence and competition. We believe the macroeconomic environment should position theour industry favorably in 20152016 as a steadily improving job market along with lower fuel costs, a stabilized labor market and increasing disposable income should help to provide a positive impact. In addition, industry fundamentals continue to be strong with miles driven showing improvement. As a result, we expectincreasing and the number of vehicles 11 years and older continuing to see a decrease in deferred maintenance over time.increase.
We believe that two key drivers of demand within the automotive aftermarket are (i) the number of miles driven in the U.S. and (ii) the number and average age of vehicles on the road.
Miles Driven
We believe that the number of total miles driven in the U.S. influences the demand for the repair and maintenance of vehicles. As the number of miles driven increases, consumers’ vehicles are more likely to need repair and maintenance, resulting in an increase in the need for automotive parts and maintenance items. According to the latest statistics available, the total number of vehicle miles traveled on U.S. roads increased slightly by 1.4%2.8% in 2014, which was2015, setting a significant improvement from the 0.1% increase in 2013,new all-time high, due to improved economic conditions and the drop in gasoline prices. Industry data suggests that the increase inWhile current industry indicators are favorable, long-term demographics are expected to contain growth rates for miles driven will likely remain underas the labor force participation rate remains below pre-recession levels due to pressure from a lower labor force participation rate and lessan increase in the retirement-age population. In addition, younger drivers are not increasing vehicle usage byas fast as the most recentolder generation is decreasing usage, which is expected to pressure growth in the number of drivers.miles driven. While we believe there are ongoing macroeconomic and demographic pressures on our consumers,impacting demand, we believe the return ofwe will continue to see increases in total miles driven which will continue to drive demand in the automotive aftermarket industry.


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Number of Registered Vehicles and Increase in Average Vehicle Age
We believe that the total number of vehicles (excluding medium and heavy duty trucks) on the road and the average age of vehicles on the road also heavily influence the demand for the products soldwe sell within the automotive aftermarket industry. As vehicles age and go out-of-warranty, they generate a stronger demand for automotive aftermarket products due to both routine maintenance cyclesrequirements and more frequent mechanical failures. Since the recession low of 248 million vehicles in 2011,During 2015, the number of registered vehicles on the road has increased over the last three years.grew 2.1% to a record 258 million vehicles. According to industry analysts, the number of vehicles on the road is expected to continue to climb and will reach 261277 million vehicles by 2017.2018. The overall mix of vehicles on the road is beginning to shift as a result of the increased rate of new car sales. The percentage of vehicles that are 6 to 11 years old is


24


expected to decline and the percentage of vehicles that are new to five years old is expected to increase. This will slow the growth of average vehicle age, which increased from 10.3has exceeded 11 years for the past four years, also points to favorable growth in the industry. While new car registrations during 2015 were almost 60% higher than in the recession low of 2009, the scrappage rate for 2015 was at its lowest rate in 13 years. As a result, the mix of vehicles is shifting as reflected by a five-year compounded annual growth rate of 4.4% for vehicles over 11 years old compared to 11.4 years in 2013. However, wea compounded annual growth rate for all vehicles of 0.7%. We believe that the stabilization of the average age of vehicles will continue to benefit our industry in the near term and the overall increase in the total number of vehicles on the road is positive for the longer termlonger-term as these vehicles age outside of their manufacturer warranty period and require more expensive maintenance and repairs due to the increase in complexity of automobile parts.

Store Development

We serve our Commercial and DIY customers in a similar fashion through four different store brands. The table below sets forth detail of our store and branch development activity for the year ended January 3, 20152, 2016, including the consolidation of stores as part of our integration plans and the number of locations with Commercial delivery programs. During 2015,2016, we anticipate adding approximately 10065 to 12075 new stores and branches.branches and consolidating or converting between 325 to 350 Carquest stores.
AAP AI BWP CARQUEST WORLDPAC Total AAP AI 
BWP (4)
 CARQUEST WORLDPAC Total 
December 28, 20133,741
 217
 91
 
 
 4,049
 
January 3, 20153,888
 210
 38
 1,125
 111
 5,372
 
New(1)126
 5
 
 12
 8
 151
 82
 5
 
 23
 11
 121
 
Closed(6) (1) 
 (12) 
 (19) (50) (2) (2) (35) 
 (89) 
Acquired (1)

 
 
 1,233
 103
 1,336
 
Consolidated (2)
(2) (11) (34) (98) 
 (145) (2) (25) (4) (80) 
 (111) 
Converted (3)
29
 
 (19) (10) 
 
 184
 (4) (20) (160) 
 
 
January 3, 20153,888
 210
 38
 1,125
 111
 5,372
 
January 2, 20164,102
 184
 12
 873
 122
 5,293
 
Stores with commercial delivery programs3,497
 210
 38
 1,125
 111
 4,981
 3,554
 184
 12
 873
 122
 4,745
 
(1) WeNew stores for Carquest represents stores acquired 1,233 Carquest stores and 103 Worldpac branches as a result of the acquisition of GPI on January 2, 2014.during 2015.
(2)Consolidated stores include AI, BWP and Carquest stores whose operations were consolidated into existing AAP locations as a result of the planned integration of AI, BWP and Carquest. In 2014, we began the multi-year process of consolidating and converting our Carquest stores into AAP locations. In addition, we begancompleted the consolidation of our 33 AI stores located in Florida into existing AAP locations which is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.locations.
(3) Converted stores include AI, BWP and Carquest stores that were re-branded as an AAP store as a result of the planned integration of AI, BWP and Carquest.
(4) Consists of stores acquired with BWP that operate under the Carquest trade name.

Components of Statement of Operations

Net Sales

Net sales consist primarily of merchandise sales from our store and branch locations to both our Commercial and DIY customers, sales from our e-commerce websites and sales to independently-owned Carquest stores. Sales are recorded net of discounts and rebates, sales taxes and estimated returns and allowances. 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 or branch sales starting once a storelocation has been open for 13 complete accounting periods (approximately one year) and by including e-commerce sales. Sales to independently-owned Carquest stores are excluded from our comparable store sales. We include sales from relocated stores in comparable store sales from the original date of opening. Acquired stores are included in our comparable store sales once the stores have completed 13 complete accounting periods following the acquisition date (approximately one year). Comparable store sales growth for 2014 and 2015 excludes sales from the 53rd week. Sales to independently-owned Carquest stores will be excluded from our comparable store sales.53rd week of 2014.


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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, including depreciation and amortization. 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 (vi) 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


25


requirements, when we believe it is advantageous. Our cost of sales and gross profit rates may not be comparable to that of our competitors due to differences in industry practice regarding the classification of certain costs and mix of Commercial and DIY sales. See Note 2,1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our Consolidated Financial Statements elsewhere in this report for additional discussion of these costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

SG&A expenses consist of store payroll, store occupancy (including rent and depreciation), advertising expenses, acquisition and integration related 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 expenses, store support center administrative office expenses, data processing, professional expenses, self-insurance costs, depreciation and amortization, closed storefacility expense and impairment charges, if any, and other related expenses. See Note 2,1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of these costs.

Consolidated Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain of our operating data expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated.
 Fiscal Year Ended Fiscal Year Ended
 January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
 December 29,
2012
 January 2,
2016
 January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
Net sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs 54.8
 49.9
 50.1
 54.6
 54.8
 49.9
Gross profit 45.2
 50.1
 49.9
 45.4
 45.2
 50.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses 36.6
 39.9
 39.3
 36.9
 36.6
 39.9
Operating income 8.7
 10.2
 10.6
 8.5
 8.7
 10.2
Interest expense (0.7) (0.6) (0.5) (0.7) (0.7) (0.6)
Other, net 0.0
 0.0
 0.0
 (0.1) 0.0
 0.0
Provision for income taxes 2.9
 3.6
 3.8
 2.9
 2.9
 3.6
Net income 5.0 % 6.0 % 6.2 % 4.9 % 5.0 % 6.0 %

2015 Compared to 2014

Net Sales

Net sales for 2015 were $9,737.0 million, a decline of $106.8 million, or 1.1%, from net sales in 2014. This decrease was primarily due to the 53rd week of 2014 which contributed $150.4 million in sales to 2014. Excluding the impact of the 53rd week, net sales for 2015 increased 0.4% over 2014, while comparable store sales were flat. The slight increase in net sales when excluding the 53rd week is due to the addition of 121 new stores, partially offset by the portion of sales that did not transfer from the consolidation of 111 stores and closure of 89 stores during 2015.

Our comparable store sales for the year were negatively impacted by disruptions from integration activities, including the alignment of our field structure, products and pricing. In addition the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on our Canadian operations reduced comparable store sales for the year by 36 basis points. Partially offsetting these negative impacts is an estimated 50 bps of positive contribution from the sales transferred to comparable stores from stores consolidated during 2015. Our fourth quarter of 2015 was our weakest quarter in terms of comparable store sales with a decline of 2.5%. The


26


unseasonably warm start to winter impacted both our Commercial and DIY business, particularly in batteries and cold weather-related hard parts categories such as starters, alternators and related products.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for 2015 was $4,422.8 million, or 45.4% of net sales, as compared to $4,453.6 million, or 45.2% of net sales, in 2014, an increase of 18 basis points. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily the result of lower product acquisition costs, inclusive of merchandise synergies as a result of the acquisition of GPI.

SG&A Expenses

SG&A expenses for 2015 were $3,597.0 million, or 36.9% of net sales, as compared to $3,601.9 million, or 36.6% of net sales, for 2014, an increase of 35 basis points. This increase as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to an increase in GPI integration costs, store closure and consolidation expenses and support center restructuring costs. Excluding these costs, SG&A decreased 18 basis points as a percent of sales compared to the prior year driven by lower administrative costs and incentive compensation as well as lower delivery costs as fuel prices have declined. These benefits were partially offset by expense deleverage as a result of softer sales. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section for further details of our comparable adjustments.

Operating Income

Operating income for 2015 was $825.8 million, representing 8.5% of net sales, as compared to $851.7 million, or 8.7% of net sales, for 2014, a decrease of 17 basis points. This decrease was due to a higher SG&A rate, partially offset by an increase in our gross profit rate. These changes on a rate basis were due to the gross profit and SG&A drivers previously discussed.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for 2015 was $65.4 million, or 0.7% of net sales, as compared to $73.4 million, or 0.7% of net sales, in 2014. The decrease in interest expense was due to repayments made on our credit facility over the last year.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense for 2015 was $279.5 million, as compared to $287.6 million for 2014. Our effective income tax rate was 37.1% and 36.8% for 2015 and 2014, respectively. Our income tax rates in both 2015 and 2014 reflect favorable income tax settlements and statute of limitation expirations.

Net Income

Net income was $473.4 million, or $6.40 per diluted share, for 2015 as compared to $493.8 million, or $6.71 per diluted share, for 2014. As a percentage of net sales, net income for 2015 was 4.9%, as compared to 5.0% for 2014. The decrease in diluted EPS was driven primarily by the decrease in net income.

2014 Compared to 2013

Net Sales

Net sales for 2014 were $9,843.9 million, an increase of $3,350.0 million million,, or 51.6%, over net sales for 2013. This growth was primarily due to net sales of $3,040.5 million from the acquired GPI operations, $150.4 million in sales from the 53rd week, comparable store sales of 2.0% and sales from new stores opened during 2014. Our comparable store sales increase reflected stronger performance from Commercial sales driven by increases in both traffic and average transaction amount, partially offset by a decrease in DIY sales driven by lower traffic count. Our overall transaction value increased primarily due to higher priced products sold and a higher mix of Commercial sales.  
  2014 2013
     
Comparable Store Sales % 2.0% (1.5)%
Net Stores Added (excluding GPI stores) 124
 151
 


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Gross Profit

Gross profit for 2014 was $4,453.6 million million,, or 45.2% of net sales, as compared to $3,252.1 million million,, or 50.1% of net sales, in 2013, a decrease of 484 basis points. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to the higher mix of Commercial sales which has a lower gross margin rate resulting from the acquisition of GPI and increased supply chain costs, partially offset by acquisition synergy savings.



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SG&A Expenses

SG&A expenses for 2014 were $3,601.9 million million,, or 36.6% of net sales, as compared to $2,591.8 million million,, or 39.9% of net sales, for 2013, a decrease of 332 basis points. The primary driver of the net decrease in SG&A expenses, as a percentage of net sales, was the result of the acquired GPI business having a lower SG&A cost structure. Partially offsetting this decrease were$73.2 were $73.2 million, or 74 basis points, of GPI integration expenses, $42.7 million, or 43 basis points, of amortization of acquired GPI intangible assets and $9.0 million, or 9 basis points, of BWP integration expenses.

Operating Income

Operating income for 2014 was $851.7 million million,, representing 8.7% of net sales, as compared to $660.3 million million,, or 10.2% of net sales, for 2013, a decrease of 152 basis points. This decrease was due to a lower gross profit rate partially offset by a lower SG&A rate. These decreases on a rate basis were due to the gross profit and SG&A drivers previously discussed.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for 2014 was $73.4 million million,, or 0.7% of net sales, as compared to $36.6 million million,, or 0.6% of net sales, in 2013. The increase in interest expense was due to additional borrowings related to the GPI acquisition.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense for 2014 was $287.6 million million,, as compared to $234.6 million million for 2013. Our effective income tax rate was 36.8% and 37.5% for 2014 and 2013, respectively. Our income tax rate in 2014 was lower than the prior year primarily due to certain non-deductible costs related to the GPI acquisition that increased the rate in 2013.2013. Our income tax rates in both 2014 and 2013 reflect favorable income tax settlements and statute of limitation expirations.

Net Income

Net income was $493.8 million million,, or $6.71 per diluted share, for 2014 as compared to $391.8 million million,, or $5.32 per diluted share, for 2013. As a percentage of net sales, net income for 2014 was 5.0%, as compared to 6.0% for 2013. The increase in diluted EPS was driven primarily by the increase in net income.

2013 Compared to 2012

Net Sales

Net sales for 2013 were $6,493.8 million, an increase of $288.8 million, or 4.7%, over net sales for 2012. This growth was primarily due to sales from the acquired BWP stores and sales from the new AAP and AI stores added within 2013 partially offset by a 1.5% decrease in comparable store sales. The comparable store sales decrease was driven by a decrease in transaction count partially offset by an increase in transaction value despite more promotional activity in response to lower customer demand. The increase in transaction value was primarily due to (i) the gradual increase in cost and complexity of automotive parts and commodity prices and (ii) the positive impact from a higher mix of Commercial sales.
  2013 2012
     
Comparable Store Sales % (1.5)% (0.8)%
Net Stores Added (excluding BWP stores) 151
 132
Gross Profit

Gross profit for 2013 was $3,252.1 million, or 50.1% of net sales, as compared to $3,098.0 million, or 49.9% of net sales, in 2012, an increase of 15 basis points. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was driven by increased merchandise margins, due to lower acquisition costs and a favorable product mix, and improvement in shrink partially offset by planned inefficiencies in supply chain costs associated with the ramp-up in shipments of inventory from our new distribution center and the impact from a higher mix of Commercial sales which have a lower gross profit rate. The increase in our Commercial mix of sales was primarily due to the sales from the acquired BWP stores.


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SG&A Expenses

SG&A expenses for 2013 were $2,591.8 million, or 39.9% of net sales, as compared to $2,440.7 million, or 39.3% of net sales, for 2012, an increase of 58 basis points. Included in SG&A expenses in 2013 were $25.0 million, or 38 basis points, of transaction expenses associated with our acquisition of GPI and $8.0 million, or 12 basis points, of expenses associated with our integration of BWP. Other primary drivers of the net increase in SG&A expenses, as a percentage of net sales, include costs associated with increased new store openings and higher incentive compensation, partially offset by lower marketing expense and a decrease in overall administrative and support costs.

Operating Income

Operating income for 2013 was $660.3 million, representing 10.2% of net sales, as compared to $657.3 million, or 10.6% of net sales, for 2012, a decrease of 42 basis points. This decrease was due to a higher SG&A rate partially offset by a higher gross profit rate.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for 2013 was $36.6 million, or 0.6% of net sales, as compared to $33.8 million, or 0.5% of net sales, in 2012.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense for 2013 was $234.6 million, as compared to $236.4 million for 2012. Our effective income tax rate was 37.5% and 37.9% for 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Net Income

Net income was $391.8 million, or $5.32 per diluted share, for 2013 as compared to $387.7 million, or $5.22 per diluted share, for 2012. As a percentage of net sales, net income for 2013 was 6.0%, as compared to 6.2% for 2012. The increase in diluted EPS was driven primarily by the increase in net income.



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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

"Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" include certain financial measures not derived in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Non-GAAP financial measures should not be used as a substitute for GAAP financial measures, or considered in isolation, for the purpose of analyzing our operating performance, financial position or cash flows. However, we have presented the non-GAAP financial measures, as we believe the reporting of financial results on a non-GAAP basis to remain comparable is important in assessing the overall performance of the business and is therefore useful to investors and prospective investors. We believe that the presentation of financial results that exclude the 53rd week of operations in 2014, non-cash charges related to the acquired GPI intangibles and expenses associated with the integration of GPI, store consolidation costs and BWPsupport center restructuring costs provide meaningful supplemental information to both management and investors, which is indicative of our base operations. We have included a reconciliation of this information to the most comparable GAAP measures in the following table.
(in thousands, except per share data)
                            
 2014 2013 2015 2014
   
Comparable
Adjustments (a)
                 
Comparable
Adjustments (a)
  
 As Reported 53rd Week Integration Costs Comparable As Reported 
Comparable Adjustments (a)
 Comparable As Reported 
Comparable Adjustments (a)
 Comparable As Reported 
53rd Week
 
Integration
Costs
 Comparable
 (53 weeks)     (52 weeks) (52 weeks)   (52 weeks) (52 weeks)   (52 weeks) (53 weeks)     (52 weeks)
Net sales $9,843,861
 $(150,386) $
 $9,693,475
 $6,493,814
 $
 $6,493,814
 $9,737,018
 $
 $9,737,018
 $9,843,861
 $(150,386) $
 $9,693,475
Cost of sales 5,390,248
 (82,606) 
 5,307,642
 3,241,668
 
 3,241,668
 5,314,246
 
 5,314,246
 5,390,248
 (82,606) 
 5,307,642
Gross profit 4,453,613
 (67,780) 
 4,385,833
 3,252,146
 
 3,252,146
 4,422,772
 
 4,422,772
 4,453,613
 (67,780) 
 4,385,833
Selling, general and administrative expenses 3,601,903
 (46,720) (124,930) 3,430,253
 2,591,828
 (32,987) 2,558,841
 3,596,992
 (169,340) 3,427,652
 3,601,903
 (46,720) (124,930) 3,430,253
Operating income 851,710
 (21,060) 124,930
 955,580
 660,318
 32,987
 693,305
 825,780
 169,340
 995,120
 851,710
 (21,060) 124,930
 955,580
Other, net:                            
Interest expense (73,408) 1,291
 
 (72,117) (36,618) 1,987
 (34,631) (65,408) 
 (65,408) (73,408) 1,291
 
 (72,117)
Other income, net 3,092
 (212) 
 2,880
 2,698
 
 2,698
 (7,484) 
 (7,484) 3,092
 (212) 
 2,880
Total other, net (70,316) 1,079
 
 (69,237) (33,920) 1,987
 (31,933) (72,892) 
 (72,892) (70,316) 1,079
 
 (69,237)
Income before provision for income taxes 781,394
 (19,981) 124,930
 886,343
 626,398
 34,974
 661,372
 752,888
 169,340
 922,228
 781,394
 (19,981) 124,930
 886,343
Provision for income taxes 287,569
 (7,610) 47,473
 327,432
 234,640
 9,268
 243,908
 279,490
 64,349
 343,839
 287,569
 (7,610) 47,473
 327,432
Net income $493,825
 $(12,371) $77,457
 $558,911
 $391,758
 $25,706
 $417,464
 $473,398
 $104,991
 $578,389
 $493,825
 $(12,371) $77,457
 $558,911
                            
Basic earnings per common share (b)
 $6.75
 $(0.17) $1.06
 $7.64
 $5.36
 $0.35
 $5.71
 $6.45
 $1.42
 $7.87
 $6.75
 $(0.17) $1.06
 $7.64
Diluted earnings per common share (b)
 $6.71
 $(0.17) $1.05
 $7.59
 $5.32
 $0.35
 $5.67
 $6.40
 $1.42
 $7.82
 $6.71
 $(0.17) $1.05
 $7.59
                            
Weighed average common shares outstanding (b)
 72,932
 72,932
 72,932
 72,932
 72,930
 72,930
 72,930
 73,190
 73,190
 73,190
 72,932
 72,932
 72,932
 72,932
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding (b)
 73,414
 73,414
 73,414
 73,414
 73,414
 73,414
 73,414
 73,733
 73,733
 73,733
 73,414
 73,414
 73,414
 73,414

(a)
The comparable adjustments to Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2015 include GPI integration, store closure and consolidation costs and support center restructuring costs of $127,059 and GPI amortization of acquired intangible assets of $42,281. The comparable adjustments to Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2014 include adjustments to remove the impact of the 53rd53rd week of operations and the adjustments to Selling, generalfor GPI integration and administrative expenses for BWP integrationstore consolidation costs of $9,042, GPI integration costs of $73,192$82,234 and GPI amortization of $42,696 related to the acquired intangible assets. The comparable adjustments for 2013 include transaction expenses related to our GPI acquisitionassets of $26,970, of which $1,987 million was interest related, and BWP integration costs of $8,004.$42,696.

(b)Average common shares outstanding is calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year-to-date period.year. At January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, we had 73,07473,314 and 72,84073,074 shares outstanding, respectively.



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Quarterly Consolidated Financial Results (in thousands, except per share data)
 
16-Weeks
Ended
4/20/2013
 
12-Weeks
Ended
7/13/2013
 
12-Weeks
Ended
10/5/2013
 
12-Weeks
Ended
12/28/2013
 
16-Weeks
Ended
4/19/2014
 
12-Weeks
Ended
7/12/2014
 
12-Weeks
Ended
10/4/2014
 
13-Weeks
Ended
1/3/2015
 
16-Weeks
Ended
4/19/2014
 
12-Weeks
Ended
7/12/2014
 
12-Weeks
Ended
10/4/2014
 
13-Weeks
Ended
1/3/2015
 
16-Weeks
Ended
4/25/2015
 
12-Weeks
Ended
7/18/2015
 
12-Weeks
Ended
10/10/2015
 
12-Weeks
Ended
1/2/2016
Net Sales $2,015,304
 $1,549,553
 $1,520,144
 $1,408,813
 $2,969,499
 $2,347,697
 $2,289,456
 $2,237,209
 $2,969,499
 $2,347,697
 $2,289,456
 $2,237,209
 $3,038,233
 $2,370,037
 $2,295,203
 $2,033,545
Gross profit 1,008,206
 779,223
 762,940
 701,777
 1,353,122
 1,062,108
 1,034,442
 1,003,941
 1,353,122
 1,062,108
 1,034,442
 1,003,941
 1,393,924
 1,087,289
 1,032,387
 909,172
Net income 121,790
 116,871
 103,830
 49,267
 147,726
 139,488
 122,177
 84,434
 147,726
 139,488
 122,177
 84,434
 148,112
 149,998
 120,469
 54,819
                                
Net income per share:                                
Basic $1.66
 $1.60
 $1.42
 $0.68
 $2.02
 $1.91
 $1.67
 $1.15
 $2.02
 $1.91
 $1.67
 $1.15
 $2.02
 $2.04
 $1.64
 $0.75
Diluted $1.65
 $1.59
 $1.42
 $0.67
 $2.01
 $1.89
 $1.66
 $1.15
 $2.01
 $1.89
 $1.66
 $1.15
 $2.00
 $2.03
 $1.63
 $0.74

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Our primary cash requirements to maintain our current operations include payroll and benefits, the purchase of inventory, contractual obligations, capital expenditures, and the payment of income taxes.taxes and funding of our GPI integration activities. In addition, we have usedmay use available funds for acquisitions, to repay borrowings under our credit agreement, to periodically repurchase shares of our common stock under our stock repurchase programs and for the payment of quarterly cash dividends. WeHistorically, we have funded these requirements primarily through cash generated from operations, supplemented by borrowings under our credit facilities and notes offerings as needed. We believe funds generated from our expected results of operations, available cash and cash equivalents, and available borrowing under our credit facility will be sufficient to fund our primary obligations for the next fiscal year. Cash holdings in our foreign affiliates are not significant relative to our overall operations and therefore would not restrict ourthe liquidity needs for our domestic operations.

As of January 3, 20152, 2016, our cash and cash equivalents balance was $104.790.8 million, a decrease of $1,007.813.9 million compared to December 28, 2013.January 3, 2015. This decrease in cash was primarily a result of cash used in the acquisitionnet payments on credit facilities and purchases of GPI,property and equipment, partially offset by cash generated from operations and net borrowings under credit facilities.operations. Additional discussion of our cash flow results, including the comparison of 20142015 activity to 2013,2014, is set forth in the Analysis of Cash Flows section.

As of January 3, 2015,2, 2016, our outstanding indebtedness was $1,636.9$1,213.8 million, or $583.3inclusive of our revolving credit facility and senior unsecured notes. This is $423.1 million higherlower when compared to December 28, 2013,January 3, 2015, as a result of additionalnet payments on our credit facilities. As of January 2, 2016, we had borrowings of $490.0$80.0 million under our term loan and $93.4$80.0 million under our credit facility. Additionally, we had $124.3$118.6 million in letters of credit outstanding, which reduced the available borrowings on our revolver to $782.3$801.4 million as of January 3, 2015. The letters of credit generally have a term of one year or less and primarily serve as collateral for our self-insurance policies.

GPI Acquisition and Exit Activities

We borrowed $1,006.0 million under a term loan and revolving credit facility, which we used along with cash on-hand to fund the $2.08 billion acquisition of GPI on January 2, 2014 as discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition to the normal operations of GPI, we expect to incur $190.0 million of GPI integration expenses through the end of 2018 with the majority of the expenses being incurred by the end of 2016. We expect $160.0 million of these expenses to be offset during this period by savings from acquisition synergies. During 2014, we incurred $73.2 million of GPI integration expenses partially offset by $61.0 million of synergies.

Capital Expenditures

Our primary capital requirements have been the funding of our new store development (leased and owned locations), maintenance of existing stores and investments under our Superior Availability and Outstanding Customer Service Leadership strategies,priorities, including supply chain and information technology.technology, and GPI integration expenditures. We lease approximately 85% of our stores. Our capital expenditures were $228.4$234.7 million in 2014,2015, an increase of $32.7$6.3 million from 2013. In addition to routine capital expenditures, our capital investments during 2014 included the acquisition of GPI and nine independent stores for $2,060.8 million, net of cash acquired.2014.

Our future capital requirements will depend in large part on the number and timing of new stores we open within a given year and the investments we make in existing stores, information technology, supply chain network and the integration of GPI.


30


In 2015,2016, we anticipate that our capital expenditures will be approximately $325$260.0 million to $340$280.0 million. These investments will primarily include GPI integration expenditures for store conversions and supply chain and systems integration activities; new store development (leased and owned locations); and investments in our existing stores, supply chain network and systems. We anticipate opening between 10065 to 12075 stores and branches during 2015.2016.

Stock Repurchases

We have a stock repurchase program that 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 SEC. As of January 3, 20152, 2016, we had


30


$415.1 million remaining under our $500 million stock repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors on May 14, 2012. During 20142015, we made no repurchases under the stock repurchase program.

During 20142015, we repurchased 34,68242,458 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $5.26.7 million, or an average price of $148.85156.98 per share, in connection with the net settlement of shares issued as a result of the vesting of restricted stock or restricted stock units.

Dividend

Since 2006, our Board of Directors has declared quarterly dividends of $0.06$0.06 per share to stockholders of record. On February 11, 2015,9, 2016, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.06$0.06 per share to be paid on April 3, 20151, 2016 to all common stockholders of record as of March 20, 2015.18, 2016.

Analysis of Cash Flows

A summary and analysis of our cash flows for 20142015, 20132014 and 20122013 is reflected in the table and following discussion.
Fiscal YearFiscal Year
2014 2013 20122015 2014 2013
(in millions)(in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities$709.0
 $545.3
 $685.3
$689.6
 $709.0
 $545.3
Cash flows from investing activities(2,288.2) (362.1) (273.0)(253.4) (2,288.2) (362.1)
Cash flows from financing activities575.9
 331.2
 127.9
(446.0) 575.9
 331.2
Effect on exchange rate changes on cash(4.2) (4.5) 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents$(1,007.8) $514.4
 $540.2
$(13.9) $(1,007.8) $514.4

Operating Activities

For 2015, net cash provided by operating activities decreased $19.3 million to $689.6 million. This net decrease in operating cash flow was primarily driven by lower net income, the timing of income tax deductions and an increase in cash outflows from inventory purchases, net of accounts payable. Our inventory balance as of January 2, 2016 increased $237.8 million, or 6.0%, over the prior year driven mainly by transitional inventory growth resulting from our product integration and the consolidation of our Carquest stores and the opening of new stores and branches. These decreases in cash flow were partially offset by increases in cash flow from accrued expenses and other assets related to the timing of rent and other payments to non-merchandise vendors.

For 2014, net cash provided by operating activities increased $163.7 million to $709.0 million.$709.0 million. This net increase in operating cash flow was primarily driven by higher net income and non-cash expenses along with an increase in accounts payable. This was partially offset by a decrease in cash flows from accrued expenses and other assets related to the timing of payroll and payments to non-merchandise vendors. The benefit from accounts payable was expected as we were able to integrate terms for certain vendors serving both Carquest and Advance Auto Parts.

For 2013, net cash provided by operating activities decreased $140.0 million to $545.3 million. This net decrease in operating cash flow was primarily driven by a $206.3 million increase in inventory, net of accounts payable, primarily due to an increase in inventory related to new stores and other inventory availability initiatives combined with the deceleration in our accounts payable ratio. Partially offsetting these decreases in operating cash flow was a $57.1 million decrease in the outflow of cash related to receivables resulting from the transition of our in-house Commercial credit program in 2012 and a $22.4 million increase in accrued expenses related to the timing of payments to vendors.

Investing Activities

For 2014,2015, net cash used in investing activities increaseddecreased by $1,926.1$2,034.9 million to $2,288.2$253.4 million. The increasedecrease in cash used in investing activities was primarily driven by cash used in the acquisition of GPI.GPI during 2014.

For 20132014, net cash used in investing activities increased by $89.1$1,926.1 million to $362.12,288.2 million. The increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily driven by cash used in the acquisition of BWP, partially offsetGPI.

Financing Activities

For 2015, net cash used in financing activities increased by $1,021.9 million to $446.0 million. This increase was primarily a reduction in investmentsresult of net payments on the revolving credit facility and term loan.



31


in property and equipment as a result of less spending on existing stores, new store development, information technology, and investments in supply chain.

Financing Activities

For 2014, net cash provided by financing activities increased by $244.7 million to $575.9 million.$575.9 million. This increase was primarily a result of net borrowings associated with the acquisition of GPI, partially offset by the issuance of unsecured notes in the prior year, and a decrease in repurchases of common stock in 2014.


For 2013, net cash provided by financing activities increased by $203.3 million to $331.2 million. This increase was primarily a result32


Long-Term Debt

Bank Debt

On December 5, 2013, we entered into a new credit agreement (the "2013 Credit Agreement") which provides a $700.0 million unsecured term loan and a $1.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility with Advance Stores Company, Inc. ("Advance Stores"), as Borrower, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. This revolving credit facility replaced the revolver under our former Credit Agreement dated as of May 27, 2011 with Advance Stores, as Borrower, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the “2011 Credit Agreement”). Upon execution of the 2013 Credit Agreement, the lenders’ commitments under the 2011 Credit Agreement were terminated and the liabilities of us and our subsidiaries with respect to obligations under the 2011 Credit Agreement were discharged. The new revolving credit facility also provides for the issuance of letters of credit with a sub-limit of $300.0 million and swingline loans in an amount not to exceed $50.0 million. We may request, subject to agreement by one or more lenders, that the total revolving commitment be increased by an amount not to exceed $250.0 million by those respective lenders (up to a total commitment of $1.25 billion) during the term of the 2013 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 2013 Credit Agreement. Under the terms of the 2013 Credit Agreement, the revolving credit facility terminates in December 2018 and the term loan matures in January 2019.

As of January 3, 20152, 2016, under the 2013 Credit Agreement, we had outstanding borrowings of $93.4$80.0 million under the revolver and $490.0$80.0 million under the term loan. As of January 3, 20152, 2016, we also had letters of credit outstanding of $124.3118.6 million, which reduced the availability under the revolver to $782.3801.4 million. The letters of credit generally have a term of one year or less and primarily serve as collateral for our self-insurance policies.

The interest rate on borrowings under the revolving credit facility is based, at our option, on adjusted LIBOR, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The current margin is 1.30%1.10% and 0.30%0.10% per annum for the adjusted LIBOR and alternate base rate borrowings, respectively. A facility fee is charged on the total amount of the revolving credit facility, payable in arrears. The current facility fee rate is 0.20%0.15% per annum. Under the terms of the 2013 Credit Agreement, the interest rate and facility fee are subject to change based on our credit rating.

The interest rate on the term loan is based, at our option, on adjusted LIBOR, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The current margin is 1.50%1.25% and 0.50%0.25% per annum for the adjusted LIBOR and alternate base rate borrowings, respectively. Under the terms of the term loan, the interest rate is subject to change based on our credit rating.

The 2013 Credit Agreement contains customary covenants restricting the ability of: (a) subsidiaries of Advance Stores to, among other things, create, incur or assume additional debt; (b) Advance Stores and its subsidiaries to, among other things, (i) incur liens, (ii) make loans and investments, (iii) guarantee obligations, and (iv) change the nature of its business conducted by itself and its subsidiaries; (c) Advance, Advance Stores and their subsidiaries to, among other things (i) engage in certain mergers, acquisitions, asset sales and liquidations, (ii) enter into certain hedging arrangements, (iii) enter into restrictive agreements limiting its ability to incur liens on any of its property or assets, pay distributions, repay loans, or guarantee indebtedness of its subsidiaries, and (iv) engage in sale-leaseback transactions; and (d) Advance to, among other things, change its holding company status. Advance and Advance Stores are required to comply with financial covenants with respect to a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated coverage ratio. The 2013 Credit Agreement also provides for customary events of default, including non-payment defaults, covenant defaults and cross-defaults to Advance Stores’ other material indebtedness. We were in compliance with our covenants with respect to the 2013 Credit Agreement at January 3, 20152, 2016.



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Senior Unsecured Notes

We issued 4.50% senior unsecured notes in December 2013 at 99.69% of the principal amount of $450 million which are due December 1, 2023 (the “2023 Notes”). The 2023 Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The net proceeds from the offering of these notes were approximately $445.2 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The net proceeds from the 2023 Notes were used in aggregate with borrowings under our revolving credit facility and term loan and cash on-hand to fund our acquisition of GPI on January 2, 2014.

We previously issued 4.50% senior unsecured notes in January 2012 at 99.968% of the principal amount of $300 million which are due January 15, 2022 (the “2022 Notes”). The 2022 Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. We also previously issued 5.75% senior unsecured notes in April 2010 at 99.587% of the principal amount of $300 million which are due May 1, 2020 (the “2020 Notes” or collectively with the 2023 Notes and the 2022 Notes, “the Notes”). The 2020 Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.75% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year. Advance served as the issuer of the Notes with certain of Advance's domestic subsidiaries currently serving as subsidiary guarantors. The terms of the Notes are governed by an indenture (as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified, the “Indenture”) among us, the subsidiary guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.

We 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 for the Notes), we will be required to offer to repurchase the Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid


33


interest to the repurchase date. The Notes are currently fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsubordinated and unsecured basis by each of the subsidiary guarantors. We will be permitted to release guarantees without the consent of holders of the Notes under the circumstances described in the Indenture: (i) upon the release of the guarantee of our other debt that resulted in the affected subsidiary becoming a guarantor of this debt; (ii) upon the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the stock or assets of the subsidiary guarantor; or (iii) upon our exercise of our legal or covenant defeasance option.

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 us or any of our 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 us 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 us and certain of our 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 us and our subsidiaries to incur debt secured by liens and to enter into sale and lease-back transactions.

As of January 3, 2015,2, 2016, we had a credit rating from Standard & Poor’s of BBB- and from Moody’s Investor Service of Baa3.Baa2. The current outlooks by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s are both stable. The current pricing grid used to determine our borrowing rate under our revolving credit facility is based on our credit ratings. If these credit ratings decline, our interest rate on outstanding balances may increase and our access to additional financing on favorable terms may become more limited. In addition, it could reduce the attractiveness of our vendor payment program, where certain of our vendors finance payment obligations from us with designated third party financial institutions, which could result in increased working capital requirements. Conversely, if these credit ratings improve, our interest rate may decrease.

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements

We guarantee loans made by banks to various of our independent store customers totaling $33.6$29.7 million as of January 3, 20152, 2016. These loans are collateralized by security agreements on merchandise inventory and other assets of the borrowers. We believe the likelihood of performance under these guarantees is remote and that the fair value of these guarantees is very minimal. As of January 3, 20152, 2016, we had no other 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 Notes and revolving credit facility and letters of credit outstanding.



33


Contractual Obligations

In addition to our Notes and revolving credit facility, we utilize operating leases as another source of financing. The amounts payable under these operating leases are included in our schedule of contractual obligations. Our future contractual obligations related to long-term debt, operating leases and other contractual obligations as of January 3, 20152, 2016 were as follows:
   Payments Due by Period   Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations Total 
Less than
1 Year
 1 - 3 Years 3 - 5 Years 
More Than
5 Years
 Total 
Less than
1 Year
 1 - 3 Years 3 - 5 Years 
More Than
5 Years
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Long-term debt (1)
 $1,636,893
 $582
 $35,000
 $548,400
 $1,052,911
 $1,213,759
 $598
 $80,000
 $379,377
 $753,784
Interest payments 447,827
 62,219
 138,144
 130,031
 117,433
 342,444
 54,141
 109,875
 97,499
 80,929
Operating leases (2)
 3,246,525
 460,655
 842,111
 681,136
 1,262,623
 3,250,507
 491,602
 830,492
 678,742
 1,249,671
Other long-term liabilities (3)
 580,069
 
 
 
 
 663,279
 
 
 
 
Purchase obligations (4)
 68,685
 39,241
 15,788
 5,432
 8,224
 43,629
 23,805
 9,664
 3,870
 6,290
 $5,979,999
 $562,697
 $1,031,043
 $1,364,999
 $2,441,191
 $5,513,618
 $570,146
 $1,030,031
 $1,159,488
 $2,090,674

Note: For additional information refer to Note 8,7, Long-term Debt; Note 15,13, Income Taxes; Note 16,14, Lease Commitments; Note 17,15, Contingencies; and Note 18,16, Benefit Plans, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



34


(1) 
Long-term debt primarily represents the principal amount of our 2020 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2023 Notes, which become due in 2020, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
(2) 
We lease certain store locations, distribution centers, office space, equipment and vehicles. Our property leases generally contain renewal and escalation clauses and other concessions. These provisions are considered in our calculation of our minimum lease payments which are recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term. Any lease payments that are based upon an existing index or rate are included in our minimum lease payment calculations.
(3) 
Includes the long-term portion of deferred income taxes and other liabilities, including self-insurance reserves for which no contractual payment schedule exists and we expect the payments to occur beyond 12 months from January 3, 20152, 2016. Accordingly, the related balances have not been reflected in the “Payments Due by Period” section of the table. For additional information on the amounts included in this balance see Note 12, Other Current and Long-term Liabilities.
(4) 
Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable, legally binding and specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Included in the table above is the lesser of the remaining obligation or the cancellation penalty under the agreement. Our open purchase orders related to merchandise inventory are based on current operational needs and are fulfilled by our vendors within a short period of time. We currently do not have minimum purchase commitments under our vendor supply agreements nor are our open purchase orders binding agreements. Accordingly, we have excluded open purchase orders from the above table.



34


Critical Accounting Policies
 
Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting policies 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.

The preparation of our financial statements included the following significant estimates and exercise of judgment.

Acquisition Impacts

We acquired GPI on January 2, 2014. The process of integrating GPI with AAP has begun,Goodwill and we expect the integration to continue for a few years. We have used various valuation methodologies to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including using a market participant perspective when applying certain generally accepted valuation techniques, supplemented with market appraisals where appropriate. Significant judgments and estimates were required in preparing these fair value estimates. Final decisions about product offerings, brand usage, store conversions and other elements of the integration plan could be different from current plans. Accordingly, critical accounting policies and estimates such as, but not limited to, inventory valuation/obsolescence, asset impairments, goodwill and other intangible assets and income taxes may have additional acquisition-related impacts beyond what is described in the following respective critical accounting policies.
Goodwill andIndefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

We evaluate goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment annually as of the first day of our fiscal fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the goodwill or other intangible asset may not be recoverable. We test goodwill for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. As of January 3, 20152, 2016, the vast majority of our goodwill balance was allocated to threesix reporting units. Effective in the first quarter of 2015, we realigned our operating segments resulting in a reevaluation of our five reporting units. Goodwill was reassigned to the affected reporting units using a relative fair value approach. Our detailed impairment testing involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value exceeds carrying value, we conclude that no goodwill impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure possible goodwill impairment loss.

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of the Carquest and Worldpac brands acquired in the acquisition of GPI on January 2, 2014 and are tested for impairment at the asset group level. Indefinite-lived intangibles are evaluated by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the future discounted cash flows that the asset is expected to generate. If the fair value based on the future discounted cash flows exceeds the carrying value, we conclude that no intangible asset impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds the fair value, we recognize an impairment loss.

We complete our impairment evaluationevaluations by combining information from our internal valuation analyses, considering other publicly available market information and using an independent valuation firm.

We determine fair value using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows and market multiple analyses. These types of analyses require management to make assumptions as a marketplace participant would and to apply judgment to estimate industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies of our company and our reporting units. These assumptions and estimates are a major component of the derived fair value of our reporting units. Critical assumptions include projected sales growth, gross profit rates, SG&A rates, working capital fluctuations, capital expenditures, discount rates and terminal growth rates.

The carrying value of goodwill was $995.4$989.5 million and $199.8$995.4 million at January 3, 20152, 2016 and December 28, 2013January 3, 2015, respectively. The increasecarrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets was $334.7 million and $339.4 million at January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, respectively. The decrease to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in 20142015 was primarily due to our acquisitionchanges in


35


foreign currency exchange rates. For the periods presented, the impairment assessments indicated that the fair values of each reporting unit or asset group exceeded the carrying values of the respective reporting unitsgoodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset and therefore no impairment existed. The margin of calculated fair value over the respective carrying value of our recently acquired reporting units may not be indicative of the total company because there have been no significant changes in valuation assumptions since the acquisition date. We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology we use to assess impairment loss during the past three fiscal years. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to test for impairment losses on goodwill.goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to an impairment charge that could be material.

Income Tax Reserves

The determination of our income tax liabilities is based upon the tax law, codes, regulations, pronouncements and court cases for the taxing jurisdictions in which we do business. Our income tax returns are periodically examined by those jurisdictions. These examinations include, among other things, auditing our filing positions, the timing of deductions and allocation of income among the various jurisdictions. At any particular time, multiple years are subject to examination by various taxing authorities.



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In evaluating our income tax positions, we record a reserve when a tax benefit cannot be recognized and measured in accordance with the authoritative guidance on uncertain tax positions. These tax reserves are adjusted in the period actual developments give rise to such change. Those developments could be, but are not limited to: settlement of tax audits, expiration of the statute of limitations, the evolution of tax law, codes, regulations and court cases, along with varying applications of tax policy and administration within those jurisdictions.

Management is required to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate exposures associated with our various filing positions. Although Management believes that the judgments and estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ and we may be exposed to gains or losses that could be material. To the extent that actual results differ from our estimates, the effective tax rate in any particular period could be materially affected. Favorable tax developments would be recognized as a reduction in our effective tax rate in the period of resolution. Unfavorable tax developments would require an increase in our effective tax rate and a possible use of cash in the period of resolution. A 10% change in the tax reserves at January 3, 20152, 2016 would have affected net income by approximately $1.6$2.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 3, 20152, 2016.

Inventory Reserves

Our inventory reserves consist of reserves for projected losses related to shrink and for potentially excess and obsolete inventory. An increase to our inventory reserves is recorded as an increase to our cost of sales. Conversely, a decrease to our inventory reserves is recorded as a decrease to our cost of sales. Our inventory reserves for 20142015, 20132014 and 20122013 were $49.4$70.4 million, $37.549.4 million and $31.437.5 million, respectively. The increase in our inventory reserves in 2014 was primarily reflective of the significant growth in our inventory due to the acquisition of GPI. The reportedincrease in our inventory reserves properly exclude any adjustments madein 2015 was primarily due to establish the fair valueestimated shrink on a higher volume of GPI's openingproduct returns associated with our product changeovers and conversions and increases to our excess and obsolete inventory balance.reserve on imported product.

Shrink may occur due to theft, loss or inaccurate records for the receipt of merchandise, among other things. We establish reserves for estimated store shrink at a point in time based on results of physical inventories conducted by independent third parties in substantially all our stores and branches over the course of the year, results from other targeted inventory counts in our stores and historical and current loss trends. In our distribution facilities, we perform cycle counts throughout the year to measure actual shrink and to estimate reserve requirements. We believe we have sufficient current and historical knowledge to record reasonable estimates for our shrink reserve and that any differences in our shrink rate in the future would not have a material impact on our shrink reserve. 

Our shrink rate has not fluctuated less than 20 basis pointssignificantly over the last two years. Historically, we have not experienced material adjustments to our shrink reserve. Furthermore, we have consistently completed a similar number of physical inventories at comparable times throughout the year.

Our inventory consists primarily of parts, batteries, accessories and other products used on vehicles that have reasonably long shelf lives. Although the risk of obsolescence is minimal, we also consider whether we may have excess inventory based on our current approach for effectively managing slower moving inventory. We strive to optimize the life cycle of our inventory to ensure our product availability reflects customer demand. We have return rights with many of our vendors and the majority of excess inventory is returned to our vendors for full credit. We establish reserves for potentially excess and obsolete inventories based on (i) current inventory levels, (ii) the historical analysis of product sales and (iii) current market conditions. In certain situations, we establish reserves when less than full credit is expected from a vendor or when liquidating product will


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result in retail prices below recorded costs. We are also in the process of integrating GPI and we expect the integration to continue for multiple years. Final decisions about product offerings, brand usage, store conversions and other elements of the integration plan could be different from current plans which might impact our estimated reserves for excess and obsolete inventories.

Future changes by vendors in their policies or willingness to accept returns of excess inventory, changes in our inventory management approach for excess and obsolete inventory or failure by us to effectively manage the life cycle of our inventory could require us to revise our estimates of required reserves and result in a negative impact on our consolidated statement of operations. A 10% difference in actual inventory reserves at January 3, 20152, 2016 would have affected net income by approximately $3.1$4.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 3, 20152, 2016.

Self-Insurance Reserves

We are self-insured for general and automobile liability, workers’ compensation and the health care claims of our Team Members, although we maintain stop-loss coverage with third-party insurers to limit our total liability exposure. Our self-insurance reserves for 2015, 2014, 2013 and 20122013 were $134.0 million, $137.0 million $98.5and $98.5 million, and $94.5 million, respectively. When excluding $41.7 million of reserves from our acquisition of GPI in 2014, our self-insurance reserves have remained relatively flat over the last three years due to favorable claims development partially offset by the impact of our continued growth, including an increase in stores, Team Members and Commercial delivery vehicles.years.



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Our self-insurance reserves consist of the estimated exposure for claims filed, claims incurred but not yet reported and projected future claims, and are established using actuarial methods followed in the insurance industry and our historical claims experience. Specific factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions about health care costs, the severity of accidents and the incidence of illness and the average size of claims. Generally, claims for automobile and general liability and workers’ compensation take several years to settle. We classify the portion of our self-insurance reserves that is not expected to be settled within one year in long-term liabilities.

While we do not expect the amounts ultimately paid to differ significantly from our estimates, our self-insurance reserves and corresponding SG&A could be affected if future claim experience differs significantly from historical trends and actuarial assumptions. A 10% change in our self-insurance liabilities at January 3, 20152, 2016 would have affected net income by approximately $8.7$8.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 3, 20152, 2016.

Vendor Incentives

We receive incentives in the form of reductions to amounts owed and/or payments from vendors related to cooperative advertising allowances, volume rebates and other promotional considerations. Many of these incentives are under long-term agreements (terms in excess of one year), while others are negotiated on an annual basis or less (short-term). Volume rebates and cooperative advertisingvendor promotional allowances not offsetting in SG&A are earned based on inventory purchases and initially recorded as a reduction to inventory. These deferred amounts are included as a reduction to cost of sales as the inventory is sold.

Cooperative advertisingVendor promotional allowances provided as a reimbursement of specific, incremental and identifiable costs incurred to promote a vendor’s products are included as an offset to SG&A when the cost is incurred.incurred, if the fair value of that benefit can be reasonably estimated. Certain of our vendor agreements contain purchase volume incentives that provide for increased funding when graduated purchase volumes are met. Amounts accrued throughout the year could be impacted if actual purchase volumes differ from projected annual purchase volumes. Total deferred vendor incentives included in inventory was $179.8210.7 million and $111.3179.8 million as of January 3, 20152, 2016 and December 28, 2013January 3, 2015, respectively.

Similarly, we recognize other promotional incentives earned under long-term agreements as a reduction to cost of sales. However, these incentives are recognized based on the cumulative net purchases as a percentage of total estimated net purchases over the life of the agreement. Short-term incentives (terms less than one year) are generally recognized as a reduction to cost of sales over the duration of any short-term agreements.

Amounts received or receivable from vendors that are not yet earned are reflected as deferred revenue. Management’s estimate of the portion of deferred revenue that will be realized within one year of the balance sheet date is included in Other current liabilities. Earned amounts that are receivable from vendors are included in Receivables, net except for that portion expected to be received after one year, which is included in Other assets, net. We regularly review the receivables from vendors to ensure they are able to meet their obligations. Historically, the change in our reserve for receivables related to vendor funding has not been significant. A 10% difference in our vendor incentives deferred in inventory at January 3, 20152, 2016 would have affected net income by approximately $11.4$13.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 3, 20152, 2016.



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Warranty Reserves

We offer limited warranties on certain products that range from 30 days to lifetime warranties; the warranty obligation on the majority of merchandise sold by us with a manufacturer’s warranty is borne by our vendors. However, we have an obligation to provide customers free replacement of merchandise or merchandise at a prorated cost if under a warranty and not covered by the manufacturer. Merchandise sold with warranty coverage by us primarily includes batteries but may also include other parts such as brakes and shocks. We estimate and record a reserve for future warranty claims at the time of sale based on the historical return experience of the respective product sold. If claims experience differs from historical levels, revisions in our estimates may be required, which could have an impact on our consolidated statement of operations. To the extent vendors provide upfront allowances in lieu of accepting the obligation for warranty claims and the allowance is in excess of the related warranty expense, the excess is recorded as a reduction to cost of sales.

A 10% change in the warranty reserves at January 3, 20152, 2016 would have affected net income by approximately $3.0$2.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 3, 20152, 2016.



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New Accounting Pronouncements

For a description of recently announcedadopted and issued accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects, if any, on our consolidated financial statements, see NewRecently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements in Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report on Form 10-K.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks.

Interest Rate Risk

Our primary financial market risk is due to changes in interest rates. Historically, we have reduced our exposure to changes in interest rates by entering into various interest rate hedge instruments such as interest rate swap contracts and treasury lock agreements. We have historically utilized interest rate swaps to convert variable rate debt to fixed rate debt and to lock in fixed rates on future debt issuances. Our interest rate hedge instruments have been designated as cash flow hedges. We had no derivative instruments outstanding as of January 3, 20152, 2016.

The interest rates on borrowings under our revolving credit facility and term loan are based, at our option, on adjusted LIBOR, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. As of January 3, 20152, 2016 we had $93.480.0 million of borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility and $490.0$80.0 million outstanding under our term loan and are therefore exposed to interest rate risk due to changes in LIBOR or alternate base rate. There is no interest rate risk associated with our 2020, 2022 or 2023 Notes, as the interest rates are fixed at 5.75%, 4.50% and 4.50%, respectively, per annum.

The table below presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates on our revolving credit facility and term loan outstanding at January 3, 20152, 2016, by expected maturity dates. Weighted average variable rates are based on implied forward rates in the yield curve at January 3, 20152, 2016. Implied forward rates should not be considered a predictor of actual future interest rates.

2015
 

2016
 

2017
 

2018
 

2019
 Thereafter Total 
Fair
Market
Liability

2016
 

2017
 

2018
 

2019
 

2020
 Thereafter Total 
Fair
Market
Liability
(dollars in thousands)(dollars in thousands)
Variable rate$
 $
 $35,000
 $163,400
 $385,000
 $
 $583,400
 $583,400
$
 $
 $80,000
 $80,000
 $
 $
 $160,000
 $160,000
Weighted average interest rate1.9% 2.8% 3.5% 3.8% 4.0% 4.1% 3.0% 
1.9% 2.2% 2.6% 2.9% 
 
 2.2% 

Credit Risk

Our financial assets that are exposed to credit risk consist primarily of trade accounts receivable and vendor receivables. We are exposed to normal credit risk from customers. Our concentration of credit risk is limited because our customer base consists of a large number of customers with relatively small balances, which allows the credit risk to be spread across a broad base. We strive to maintain a close working relationship with our vendors and frequently monitor their financial strength. We have not historically had significant credit losses.



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Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

AlthoughOur primary foreign currency exposure arises from our Canadian operations and the translation of Canadian dollar denominated revenues, profits and net assets into U.S. dollars. During 2015, the translation of the operating results of our Canadian subsidiaries did not significantly impact net income. We view our investments in the Canadian subsidiaries as long-term, and any changes in our net assets in the Canadian subsidiaries relating to foreign currency exchange rates would be reflected in the foreign currency translation component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, unless the Canadian subsidiaries are sold or otherwise disposed.

In addition, we have international operating entities, our exposureare exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations is not material to our consolidated operations. In addition, somefor a portion of the Company's inventory purchases which are denominated in foreign currencies.currencies and for intercompany balances. We believe that the price volatility of these productsinventory purchases as it relates to foreign currency exchange rates is partially mitigated by our ability to adjust selling prices. We have not historically had significantLosses from foreign currency exchange gains and losses.transactions, which are included in Other income, net, were $7.4 million during 2015.




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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

See financial statements included in Item 15 “Exhibits,Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules”Schedules of this annual report.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A. 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 January 3, 20152, 2016 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.

Management’ s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is set forth in Part IV, Item 15 of this annual report.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We acquired GPI on January 2, 2014 and consider the transaction material to our results of operations, cash flows and financial position from the date of acquisition. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we completed the integration of GPI's internal control over financial reporting into our evaluation. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended January 3, 20152, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.



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PART III


Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

For a discussion of our directors, executive officers and corporate governance, see the information set forth in the sections entitled “Proposal No. 1 - Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance,” “Meetings and Committees of the Board,” “Information Concerning Our Executive Officers,” “Audit Committee Report,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our proxy statement for the 20152016 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended January 3, 20152, 2016 (the “20152016 Proxy Statement”), which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

See the information set forth in the sections entitled “Meetings and Committees of the Board,” “Compensation Committee Report,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Additional Information Regarding Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation” in the 20152016 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

See the information set forth in the sections entitled “Equity Compensation Plan Information Table” and "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the 20152016 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

See the information set forth in the sections entitled "Corporate Governance" and “Meetings and Committees of the Board” in the 20152016 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

See the information set forth in the section entitled “2014“2015 and 20132014 Audit Fees” in the 20152016 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.



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PART IV

Item 15.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)(1) Financial Statements  
   
 
 
   
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the years ended January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012:2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
(2) Financial Statement Schedule  
   
 
   
(3) Exhibits  
   
The Exhibit Index following the signatures for this report is incorporated herein by reference.  



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Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements

Management of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) is responsible for the preparation, integrity, consistency and objectivity of the consolidated financial statements and supplemental financial information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and, as such, include amounts based on management’s best estimates and judgments.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been audited by the independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, who conducted their audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). The independent registered public accounting firm’s responsibility is to express an opinion as to whether such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows in accordance with GAAP.


Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13(a) - 15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, and effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Internal controls over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error and the override of controls. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the reliability of financial reporting and financial statement preparation and presentation.  Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness may vary over time.

As of January 3, 20152, 2016, management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 20152, 2016 is effective.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm who audited the Company's consolidated financial statements, has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 20152, 2016 which is included on page F-3 herein.


/s/ Darren R. JacksonGeorge E. Sherman, Jr. /s/ Michael A. Norona 
Darren R. JacksonGeorge E. Sherman, Jr. Michael A. Norona 
President and Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

March 3, 20151, 2016





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Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Roanoke, Virginia

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”"Company") as of January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 3, 2015.2, 2016. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 3, 2015,2, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 2015,2, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 3, 20151, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Richmond, VirginiaCharlotte, North Carolina
March 3, 20151, 2016



F-2

Table of Contents


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Roanoke, Virginia

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”"Company") as of January 3, 2015,2, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’sManagement's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’scompany's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’scompany's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel 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. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 2015,2, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended January 3, 20152, 2016 of the Company and our report dated March 3, 20151, 2016expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Richmond, VirginiaCharlotte, North Carolina
March 3, 20151, 2016




F-3

Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
January 3, 20152, 2016 and December 28, 2013January 3, 2015
(in thousands, except per share data)

January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
 January 2,
2016
 January 3,
2015
 
Assets  
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents$104,671
 $1,112,471
 $90,782
 $104,671
 
Receivables, net579,825
 277,595
 597,788
 579,825
 
Inventories, net3,936,955
 2,556,557
 4,174,768
 3,936,955
 
Other current assets119,589
 42,761
 77,408
 119,589
 
Total current assets4,741,040
 3,989,384
 4,940,746
 4,741,040
 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,372,359 and $1,255,4741,432,030
 1,283,970
 
Assets held for sale615
 2,064
 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,489,766 and $1,372,3591,434,577
 1,432,030
 
Goodwill995,426
 199,835
 989,484
 995,426
 
Intangible assets, net748,125
 49,872
 687,125
 748,125
 
Other assets, net45,122
 39,649
 82,633
 45,737
 
$7,962,358
 $5,564,774
 $8,134,565
 $7,962,358
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity 
  
  
  
 
Current liabilities: 
  
  
  
 
Current portion of long-term debt$582
 $916
 $598
 $582
 
Accounts payable3,095,365
 2,180,614
 3,203,922
 3,095,365
 
Accrued expenses520,673
 428,625
 553,163
 520,673
 
Other current liabilities126,446
 154,630
 39,794
 37,796
 
Total current liabilities3,743,066
 2,764,785
 3,797,477
 3,654,416
 
Long-term debt1,636,311
 1,052,668
 1,213,161
 1,636,311
 
Deferred income taxes433,925
 446,351
 
Other long-term liabilities580,069
 231,116
 229,354
 222,368
 
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;        
74,493 shares issued and 73,074 outstanding at January 3, 2015    
and 74,224 shares issued and 72,840 outstanding at December 28, 20137
 7
 
74,775 shares issued and 73,314 outstanding at January 2, 2016    
and 74,493 shares issued and 73,074 outstanding at January 3, 20157
 7
 
Additional paid-in capital562,945
 531,293
 603,332
 562,945
 
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,419 and 1,384 shares(113,044) (107,890) 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income(12,337) 3,683
 
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,461 and 1,419 shares(119,709) (113,044) 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(44,059) (12,337) 
Retained earnings1,565,341
 1,089,112
 2,021,077
 1,565,341
 
Total stockholders' equity2,002,912
 1,516,205
 2,460,648
 2,002,912
 
$7,962,358
 $5,564,774
 $8,134,565
 $7,962,358
 

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


F-4

Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended January 3, 20152, 2016, December 28, 2013January 3, 2015 and December 29, 201228, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)
Fiscal YearsFiscal Years
2014 2013 20122015 2014 2013
(53 weeks) (52 weeks) (52 weeks)(52 weeks) (53 weeks) (52 weeks)
          
Net sales$9,843,861
 $6,493,814
 $6,205,003
$9,737,018
 $9,843,861
 $6,493,814
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs
5,390,248
 3,241,668
 3,106,967
5,314,246
 5,390,248
 3,241,668
Gross profit4,453,613
 3,252,146
 3,098,036
4,422,772
 4,453,613
 3,252,146
Selling, general and administrative expenses3,601,903
 2,591,828
 2,440,721
3,596,992
 3,601,903
 2,591,828
Operating income851,710
 660,318
 657,315
825,780
 851,710
 660,318
Other, net:     
     
Interest expense(73,408) (36,618) (33,841)(65,408) (73,408) (36,618)
Other income, net3,092
 2,698
 600
Other (expense) income, net(7,484) 3,092
 2,698
Total other, net(70,316) (33,920) (33,241)(72,892) (70,316) (33,920)
Income before provision for income taxes781,394
 626,398
 624,074
752,888
 781,394
 626,398
Provision for income taxes287,569
 234,640
 236,404
279,490
 287,569
 234,640
Net income$493,825
 $391,758
 $387,670
$473,398
 $493,825
 $391,758
          
Basic earnings per common share$6.75
 $5.36
 $5.29
$6.45
 $6.75
 $5.36
Diluted earnings per common share$6.71
 $5.32
 $5.22
$6.40
 $6.71
 $5.32
Dividends declared per common share$0.24
 $0.24
 $0.24
$0.24
 $0.24
 $0.24
          
Weighted average common shares outstanding72,932
 72,930
 73,091
73,190
 72,932
 72,930
Weighted average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution73,414
 73,414
 74,062
73,733
 73,414
 73,414
 
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Years Ended January 3, 20152, 2016, December 28, 2013January 3, 2015 and December 29, 201228, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)
Fiscal YearsFiscal Years
2014 2013 20122015 2014 2013
(53 weeks) (52 weeks) (52 weeks)(52 weeks) (53 weeks) (52 weeks)
          
Net income$493,825
 $391,758
 $387,670
$473,398
 $493,825
 $391,758
Other comprehensive (loss) income:          
Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs, net of $483, $503 and $252 tax(752) (438) (391)
Postretirement benefit plan amendment, net of $0, $904 and $0 tax
 1,454
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedge arrangements, net of $0, $0 and $163 tax
 
 254
Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs, net of $289, $483 and $503 tax(445) (752) (438)
Postretirement benefit plan amendment, net of $0, $0 and $904 tax
 
 1,454
Currency translation adjustments(15,268) 
 
(31,277) (15,268) 
Total other comprehensive (loss) income(16,020) 1,016
 (137)(31,722) (16,020) 1,016
Comprehensive income$477,805
 $392,774
 $387,533
$441,676
 $477,805
 $392,774

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


F-5

Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATD STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the Years Ended January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands)
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATD STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the Years Ended January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands)
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATD STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the Years Ended January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands)
Preferred Stock Common Stock 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Treasury Stock, at cost 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
Preferred Stock Common Stock 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Treasury Stock, at cost 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount 
Balance, December 31, 2011
 $
 106,537
 $11
 $500,237
 33,738
 $(1,644,767) $2,804
 $1,989,629
 $847,914
Net income 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 387,670
 387,670
Total other comprehensive loss              (137)   (137)
Issuance of shares upon the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights 
  
 900
 

 5,720
  
  
  
  
 5,720
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights        (26,677)         (26,677)
Tax benefit from share-based compensation 
  
  
  
 22,924
  
  
  
  
 22,924
Restricted stock and restricted stock units vested 
  
 (2)  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Share-based compensation 
  
  
  
 15,236
  
  
  
  
 15,236
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan 
  
 34
  
 2,266
  
  
  
  
 2,266
Repurchase of common stock 
  
  
  
  
 348
 (27,095)  
  
 (27,095)
Retirement of treasury stock    (33,738) $(4)   (33,738) 1,644,767
   (1,644,763) 
Cash dividends ($0.24 per common share) 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 (17,636) (17,636)
Other 
  
  
  
 509
  
  
  
  
 509
Balance, December 29, 2012
 
 73,731
 7
 520,215
 348
 (27,095) 2,667
 714,900
 1,210,694

 $
 73,731
 $7
 $520,215
 348
 $(27,095) $2,667
 $714,900
 $1,210,694
Net income 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 391,758
 391,758
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 391,758
 391,758
Total other comprehensive income              1,016
   1,016
              1,016
   1,016
Issuance of shares upon the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights 
  
 480
   1,903
  
  
  
  
 1,903
 
  
 480
 

 1,903
  
  
  
  
 1,903
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights        (21,856)         (21,856)        (21,856)         (21,856)
Tax benefit from share-based compensation 
  
  
  
 16,132
  
  
  
  
 16,132
Tax benefit from share-based compensation, net 
  
  
  
 16,132
  
  
  
  
 16,132
Restricted stock and restricted stock units vested    (10)             
 
  
 (10)  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Share-based compensation 
  
  
  
 13,191
  
  
  
  
 13,191
 
  
  
  
 13,191
  
  
  
  
 13,191
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan 
  
 23
  
 1,679
  
  
  
  
 1,679
 
  
 23
  
 1,679
  
  
  
  
 1,679
Repurchase of common stock 
  
  
  
  
 1,036
 (80,795)  
  
 (80,795) 
  
  
  
  
 1,036
 (80,795)  
  
 (80,795)
Cash dividends ($0.24 per common share) 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 (17,546) (17,546)
Cash dividends declared ($0.24 per common share) 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 (17,546) (17,546)
Other 
  
  
  
 29
  
  
  
  
 29
 
  
  
  
 29
  
  
  
  
 29
Balance, December 28, 2013
 
 74,224
 7
 531,293
 1,384
 (107,890) 3,683
 1,089,112
 1,516,205

 
 74,224
 7
 531,293
 1,384
 (107,890) 3,683
 1,089,112
 1,516,205
Net income 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 493,825
 493,825
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 493,825
 493,825
Total other comprehensive loss              (16,020)   (16,020)              (16,020)   (16,020)
Issuance of shares upon the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights 
  
 162
  
 1,874
  
  
  
  
 1,874
 
  
 162
   1,874
  
  
  
  
 1,874
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights        (7,102)         (7,102)        (7,102)         (7,102)
Tax benefit from share-based compensation 
  
  
  
 10,471
  
  
  
  
 10,471
Tax benefit from share-based compensation, net 
  
  
  
 10,471
  
  
  
  
 10,471
Restricted stock and restricted stock units vested 
  
 68
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
    68
             
Share-based compensation 
  
  
  
 21,705
  
  
  
  
 21,705
 
  
  
  
 21,705
  
  
  
  
 21,705
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan 
  
 39
  
 4,660
  
  
  
  
 4,660
 
  
 39
  
 4,660
  
  
  
  
 4,660
Repurchase of common stock 
  
  
  
  
 35
 (5,154)  
  
 (5,154) 
  
  
  
  
 35
 (5,154)  
  
 (5,154)
Cash dividends ($0.24 per common share) 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 (17,596) (17,596)
Cash dividends declared ($0.24 per common share) 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 (17,596) (17,596)
Other 
  
  
  
 44
  
  
  
  
 44
 
  
  
  
 44
  
  
  
  
 44
Balance, January 3, 2015
 $
 74,493
 $7
 $562,945
 1,419
 $(113,044) $(12,337) $1,565,341
 $2,002,912

 
 74,493
 7
 562,945
 1,419
 (113,044) (12,337) 1,565,341
 2,002,912
Net income 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 473,398
 473,398
Total other comprehensive loss              (31,722)   (31,722)
Issuance of shares upon the exercise of stock appreciation rights 
  
 138
  
    
  
  
  
 
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights        (13,112)         (13,112)
Tax benefit from share-based compensation, net 
  
  
  
 12,989
  
  
  
  
 12,989
Restricted stock and restricted stock units vested 
  
 109
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Share-based compensation 
  
  
  
 35,336
  
  
  
  
 35,336
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan 
  
 35
  
 5,139
  
  
  
  
 5,139
Repurchase of common stock 
  
  
  
  
 42
 (6,665)  
  
 (6,665)
Cash dividends declared ($0.24 per common share) 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 (17,662) (17,662)
Other 
  
  
  
 35
  
  
  
  
 35
Balance, January 2, 2016
 $
 74,775
 $7
 $603,332
 1,461
 $(119,709) $(44,059) $2,021,077
 $2,460,648

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


F-6

Table of Contents


ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands)

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands)

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands)

Fiscal YearsFiscal Years
2014 2013 20122015 2014 2013
(53 weeks) (52 weeks) (52 weeks)(52 weeks) (53 weeks) (52 weeks)
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income$493,825
 $391,758
 $387,670
$473,398
 $493,825
 $391,758
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization284,693
 207,795
 189,544
269,476
 284,693
 207,795
Share-based compensation21,705
 13,191
 15,236
36,929
 21,705
 13,191
Loss on property and equipment, net13,281
 1,599
 2,699
12,882
 13,281
 1,599
Other2,631
 1,679
 1,582
2,660
 2,631
 1,679
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes48,468
 (2,237) 26,893
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes(9,219) 48,468
 (2,237)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation(10,487) (16,320) (23,099)(13,002) (10,487) (16,320)
Net (increase) decrease in, net of effect from acquisition of businesses:          
Receivables, net(48,209) (32,428) (89,482)(21,476) (48,209) (32,428)
Inventories, net(227,657) (203,513) (260,298)(244,096) (227,657) (203,513)
Other assets(63,482) 11,011
 8,213
7,423
 (63,482) 11,011
Net increase (decrease) in, net of effect from acquisition of businesses:          
Accounts payable216,412
 113,497
 376,631
119,164
 216,412
 113,497
Accrued expenses(28,862) 63,346
 40,936
35,103
 (28,862) 63,346
Other liabilities6,673
 (4,128) 8,756
20,400
 6,673
 (4,128)
Net cash provided by operating activities708,991
 545,250
 685,281
689,642
 708,991
 545,250
Cash flows from investing activities: 
  
   
  
  
Purchases of property and equipment(228,446) (195,757) (271,182)(234,747) (228,446) (195,757)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired(2,060,783) (186,137) (8,369)(18,889) (2,060,783) (186,137)
Sale of certain assets of acquired business
 19,042
 

 
 19,042
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment992
 745
 6,573
270
 992
 745
Net cash used in investing activities(2,288,237) (362,107) (272,978)(253,366) (2,288,237) (362,107)
Cash flows from financing activities: 
  
   
  
  
Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts16,219
 (2,926) (7,459)
(Decrease) increase in bank overdrafts(2,922) 16,219
 (2,926)
Issuance of senior unsecured notes
 448,605
 299,904

 
 448,605
Payment of debt related costs
 (8,815) (2,942)
 
 (8,815)
Borrowings under credit facilities2,238,200
 
 58,500
618,300
 2,238,200
 
Payments on credit facilities(1,654,800) 
 (173,500)(1,041,700) (1,654,800) 
Dividends paid(17,580) (17,574) (17,596)(17,649) (17,580) (17,574)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options6,578
 3,611
 8,495
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily for employee stock purchase plan5,174
 6,578
 3,611
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights(7,102) (21,856) (26,677)(13,112) (7,102) (21,856)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation10,487
 16,320
 23,099
13,002
 10,487
 16,320
Repurchase of common stock(5,154) (80,795) (27,095)(6,665) (5,154) (80,795)
Contingent consideration related to previous business acquisition(10,047) (4,726) (10,911)
 (10,047) (4,726)
Other(890) (627) 4,089
(380) (890) (627)
Net cash provided by financing activities575,911
 331,217
 127,907
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(445,952) 575,911
 331,217
          
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(4,465) 
 
(4,213) (4,465) 
          
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(1,007,800) 514,360
 540,210
(13,889) (1,007,800) 514,360
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
1,112,471
 598,111
 57,901
104,671
 1,112,471
 598,111
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$104,671
 $1,112,471
 $598,111
$90,782
 $104,671
 $1,112,471
          


F-7

Table of Contents

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands)

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands)

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands)

Fiscal YearsFiscal Years
2014 2013 20122015 2014 2013
(53 weeks) (52 weeks) (52 weeks)(52 weeks) (53 weeks) (52 weeks)
Supplemental cash flow information:          
Interest paid$71,109
 $34,735
 $27,250
$62,371
 $71,109
 $34,735
Income tax payments268,624
 219,424
 162,677
254,408
 268,624
 219,424
Non-cash transactions:          
Accrued purchases of property and equipment28,877
 20,714
 26,142
44,038
 28,877
 20,714
Retirement of common stock
 
 1,644,767
Changes in other comprehensive income from post retirement benefits(752) 1,016
 (137)(445) (752) 1,016
Declared but unpaid cash dividends4,384
 4,368
 4,396
4,398
 4,384
 4,368

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


F-8

Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)



1.Organization and DescriptionSummary of Business:Significant Accounting Policies:

Organization and Description of Business

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (“Advance”) conducts all of its operations through its wholly owned subsidiary, Advance Stores Company, Incorporated (“Stores”), and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), all of which are 100% owned. As of January 3, 2015,2, 2016, the Company's operations are comprised of 5,2615,171 stores and 111 distribution122 branches, which operate in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands primarily under the trade names “Advance Auto Parts,” "Carquest," "Autopart International" and "Worldpac." As further described in Note 4,3, Acquisitions, the "Carquest" and "Worldpac" brands were acquired on January 2, 2014 as part of the acquisition of General Parts International, Inc. ("GPI"). The Company serves both do-it-for-me, or Commercial, and do-it-yourself, or DIY, customers and offers a broad selection of brand name, original equipment manufacturer ("OEM") and proprietary automotive replacement parts, accessories, and maintenance items primarily for domestic and imported cars and light trucks. The Company offers delivery service to its Commercial customers’ places of business, including independent garages, service stations and auto dealers, utilizing a fleet of vehicles to deliver product from its 4,9814,745 store locations with delivery service. In addition, we served approximately 1,3251,300 independently-owned Carquest stores as of January 3, 2015.2, 2016.

2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

Accounting Period

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest the end of December. Fiscal yearyears 2015 and 2013 each contained 52 weeks, while fiscal 2014 contained 53 weeks and fiscal years 2013 and 2012 each contained 52 weeks. The additional week of operations for Fiscalfiscal 2014 was included in the Company's fourth quarter. All references herein for the years 2015, 2014 2013 and 20122013 represent the fiscal years ended January 3, 20152, 2016, December 28, 2013January 3, 2015 and December 29, 2012,28, 2013, respectively.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Advance and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

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.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Bank Overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in banks and money market funds with original maturities of three months or less. Included in cash equivalents are credit card and debit card receivables from banks, which generally settle within two toin less than four business days. Credit and debit card receivables included in Cash and cash equivalents as of January 3, 20152, 2016 and December 28, 2013January 3, 2015 were $28,84337,906 and $28,82828,843, respectively. Bank overdrafts consist of outstanding checks not yet presented to a bank for settlement, net of cash held in accounts with right of offset. Bank overdrafts of $22,01518,584 and $5,79622,015 are included in Other current liabilities as of January 3, 20152, 2016 and December 28, 2013January 3, 2015, respectively.

Receivables

Receivables, net consist primarily of receivables from Commercial customers and vendors. The Company grants credit to certain Commercial customers who meet the Company’s pre-established credit requirements. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the Company’s Commercial customers to make required payments. The Company considers the following factors when determining if collection is reasonably assured: customer creditworthiness, past transaction history with the customer, current economic and industry trends and changes in customer payment terms. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to these receivables are limited because the Company’s


F-9

Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


customer base consists of a large number of small customers, spreading the credit risk across a broad base. The Company also controls this credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits and accounts receivable and credit monitoring procedures.

The Company’s vendor receivables are established as it receives concessions from its vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements, including allowances for new stores and warranties and volume purchase rebates and co-operative advertising.rebates. Amounts receivable from vendors also include amounts due to the Company for changeover merchandise and product returns. The Company regularly reviews vendor receivables for collectibility and assesses the need for a reserve for uncollectible amounts based on an evaluation of the vendors’ financial positions and corresponding abilities to meet financial obligations. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts related to vendor receivables is not significant.

Inventory

Inventory amounts are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of the Company’s merchandise inventory is primarily determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. Under the LIFO method, the Company’s cost of sales reflects the costs of the most recently purchased inventories, while the inventory carrying balance represents the costs relating to prices paid in prior years.

Vendor Incentives

The Company receives incentives in the form of reductions to amounts owed and/or payments from vendors related to cooperative advertising allowances, volume rebates and other promotional considerations. Many of these incentives are under long-term agreements in excess of one year, while others are negotiated on an annual basis or less (short-term). Cooperative advertisingAdvertising allowances provided as a reimbursement of specific, incremental and identifiable costs incurred to promote a vendor’s products are included as an offset to selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, when the cost is incurred. Volume rebates and cooperative advertising allowances that do not meetingmeet the requirements for offsetoffsetting in SG&A are recorded initially as a reduction to inventory as they are earned based on inventory purchases. These deferred amounts are included as a reduction topurchases and reduce cost of sales as the inventory is sold. Total deferred vendor incentives included as a reduction of Inventory was $179,785$210,674 and $111,304$179,785 as of January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, respectively.

Similarly, the Company recognizes other promotional incentives earned under long-term agreements not specifically related to volume of purchases as a reduction to cost of sales. However, these incentives are not deferred as a reduction of inventory and are recognized based on the cumulative net purchases as a percentage of total estimated net purchases over the life of the agreement. Short-term incentives (terms less than one year) are generally recognized as a reduction to cost of sales over the duration of any short-term agreements.

Amounts received or receivable from vendors that are not yet earned are reflected as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Management’s estimate of the portion of deferred revenue that will be realized within one year of the balance sheet date has been included in Other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Earned amounts that are receivable from vendors are included in Receivables and Other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense, net of qualifying vendor promotional funds, was $96,463108,827, $69,11696,463 and $83,87169,116 in 20142015, 20132014 and 20122013, respectively. Vendor promotional funds, which reduced advertising expense, amounted to $21,814$17,530 and $18,62221,814 and $11,445$18,622 in 20142015, 20132014 and 2012,2013, respectively.

Preopening Expenses

Preopening expenses, which consist primarily of payroll and occupancy costs related to the opening of new stores, are expensed as incurred.




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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period of the enactment date.

The Company recognizes tax benefits and/or tax liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires the Company to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as the Company must determine the probability of various possible outcomes.

The Company reevaluates these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis or when new information becomes available to management. The reevaluations are based on many factors, including but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, successfully settled issues under audit, expirations due to statutes of limitations and new federal or state audit activity. Any change in either the Company’s recognition or measurement could result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an increase to the tax accrual. 

The Company also follows guidance provided on other items relevant to the accounting for income taxes throughout the year, as applicable, including derecognition of benefits, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2015-17 "Income Taxes - Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740)" during the fourth quarter of 2015, which requires the presentation of all deferred taxes as long-term assets or liabilities. Refer to Note 15,13, Income Taxes, for a further discussion of income taxes.

Self-Insurance

The Company is self-insured for general and automobile liability, workers’ compensation and health care claims of its employees, or Team Members, while maintaining stop-loss coverage with third-party insurers to limit its total liability exposure. Expenses associated with these liabilities are calculated for (i) claims filed, (ii) claims incurred but not yet reported and (iii) projected future claims using actuarial methods followed in the insurance industry as well as the Company’s historical claims experience. The Company includes the current and long-term portions of its self-insurance reserves in Accrued expenses and Other long-term liabilities, respectively.

The following table presents changes in the Company’s total self-insurance reserves:
 
January 3, 2015 December 28, 2013 December 29, 2012January 2, 2016 January 3, 2015 December 28, 2013
Self-insurance reserves, beginning of period$98,475
 $94,548
 $98,944
$137,033
 $98,475
 $94,548
Additions to self-insurance reserves159,752
 120,782
 105,670
160,232
 159,752
 120,782
Acquired reserves41,673
 4,195
 

 41,673
 4,195
Reserves utilized(162,867) (121,050) (110,066)(163,290) (162,867) (121,050)
Self-insurance reserves, end of period$137,033
 $98,475
 $94,548
$133,975
 $137,033
 $98,475
 
Warranty Liabilities

The warranty obligation on the majority of merchandise sold by the Company with a manufacturer's warranty is the responsibility of the Company’s vendors. However, the Company has an obligation to provide customers free replacement of


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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


certain merchandise or merchandise at a prorated cost if under a warranty and not covered by the manufacturer. Merchandise sold with warranty coverage by the Company primarily includes batteries but may also include other parts such as brakes and shocks. The Company estimates its warranty obligation at the time of sale based on the historical return experience, sales level


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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


and cost of the respective product sold. To the extent vendors provide upfront allowances in lieu of accepting the obligation for warranty claims and the allowance is in excess of the related warranty expense, the excess is recorded as a reduction to cost of sales.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue at the time the sale is made, at which time the Company’s walk-in customers take immediate possession of the merchandise or same-day delivery is made to the Company’s commercial delivery customers, which include certain independently-owned store locations. For e-commerce sales, revenue is recognized either at the time of pick-up at one of the Company’s store locations or at the time of shipment depending on the customer’s order designation. Sales are recorded net of discounts, sales incentives and rebates, sales taxes and estimated returns and allowances. The Company estimates the reduction to sales and cost of sales for returns based on current sales levels and the Company’s historical return experience. The Company’s reserve for sales returns and allowances was not material as of January 3, 20152, 2016 and December 28, 2013January 3, 2015.

Share-Based Payments

The Company provides share-based compensation to its Team Members and Board of Directors. The Company is required to exercise judgment and make estimates when determining the (i) fair value of each award granted and (ii) projected number of awards expected to vest. The Company calculates the fair value of all share-based awards at the date of grant and uses the straight-line method to amortize this fair value as compensation cost over the requisite service period.

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 criteria for designating a derivative as a hedge include the assessment of the instrument’s effectiveness in risk reduction, matching of the derivative instrument to its underlying transaction and the probability that the underlying transaction will occur. For derivatives with cash flow hedge designation, the Company would recognize the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of Accumulated other income (loss) and reclassify it into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affected earnings, and within the same income statement line item as the impact of the hedged transaction. For derivatives with fair value hedge accounting designation, the Company would recognize gains or losses from the change in the fair value of these derivatives, as well as the offsetting change in the fair value of the underlying hedged item, in earnings. Previously, the Company has utilized treasury rate locks designated as cash flow hedges to lock interest rates in anticipation of debt issuances. The Company had no derivative instruments outstanding as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013.

Foreign Currency Translation

The assets and liabilities of the Company's Canadian operations are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates, and revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates for the fiscal year. Resulting translation adjustments are reflected as a separate component in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Gains and lossesLosses from foreign currency transactions, which are included in Other income, net, havewere $7,430 during 2015. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions were not been significant for any of the periods presented.in 2014 or 2013.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is a measure that reports all changes in equity resulting from transactions and other economic events during the period. The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income refer to revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that are included in other comprehensive income but excluded from net income.

The Company’s Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of foreign currency translation gains (losses), and the net unrealized gain associated with the Company's postretirement benefit plan and the unamortized portion of the previously recorded unrecognized gains on interest rate swaps and forward treasury rate locks.

plan.


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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)



Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill isThe Company records goodwill equal to the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for under the purchase method.combinations. The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of the first day of the fiscal fourth quarter, or when indications of potential impairment exist. These indicators would include a significant change in operating performance, the business climate, legal factors, competition, or a planned sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business, among other factors. The Company reviews finite-lived intangible assets for impairment in accordance with its policy for the valuation of long-lived assets.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset might not be recoverable and exceeds its fair value.

Significant factors, which would trigger an impairment review, include the following:

Significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset (asset group);
Significant changes in how assets are used or are planned to be used;
Significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate, including adverse regulatory action;
Significant negative industry trends;
An accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of a long-lived asset (asset group);
Significant changes in technology;
A current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses, or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset (asset group); or
A current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset (asset group) will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life.

When such an event occurs, the Company estimates the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the long-lived asset (asset group) and its eventual disposition. These impairment evaluations involve estimates of asset useful lives and future cash flows. If the undiscounted expected future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset and the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. When an impairment loss is recognized, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value based on quoted market prices or other valuation techniques (e.g., discounted cash flow analysis). In 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized impairment losses of $11,017 and $11,819, respectively, on various store and corporate assets. The remaining fair value of these assets was not significant. There were no materialsignificant impairment losses in 2013 or 2012.2013.

Earnings per Share

The Company uses the two-class method to calculate earnings per share. Under the two-class method, unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are considered participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share. Certain of the Company’s shares granted to Team Members in the form of restricted stock and restricted stock units are considered participating securities.

Accordingly, earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company’s common shareholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines income per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Diluted income per common share reflects the more dilutive earnings per share amount calculated using the treasury stock method or the two-class method.

Basic earnings per share of common stock has been computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, which is reduced by stock held in treasury and shares of nonvested restricted stock.stock units. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by including the effect of dilutive securities. Diluted earnings per share of common stock


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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


reflects the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding, outstanding deferred stock units and the impact of outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights (collectively “share-based awards”). Share-based awards containing performance conditions are included in the dilution impact as those conditions are met.

Lease Accounting

The Company leases certain store locations, distribution centers, office spaces, equipment and vehicles. The total amount of minimum rent is expensed on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease unless external economic factors exist such that renewals are reasonably assured, in which case the Company would include the renewal period in its amortization period.assured. In those instances, the renewal period would be included in the lease term for purposes of establishing an amortization period and determining if such lease qualified as a capital or operating lease. In addition to minimum fixed rental payments, some leases provide for contingent facility rentals. Differences between the calculated rent expense and cash payments are recorded as a liability within the Accrued expenses and Other long-term liabilities captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, based on the terms of the lease. Deferred rent was $60,275$70,802 and $50,638$60,275 as of January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, respectively. In addition to minimum fixed rental payments, some leases provide for contingent facility rentals. Contingent facility rentals are determined on the basis of a


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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


percentage of sales in excess of stipulated minimums for certain store facilities as defined in the individual lease agreements. Most of the leases provide that the Company pay taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other expenses applicable to the leased premises. Management expects that in the normal course of business leases that expire will be renewed or replaced by other leases.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, or at fair value at acquisition if acquired through a business combination.combination, less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged directly to expense when incurred; major improvements are capitalized. When items are sold or retired, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the account balances, with any gain or loss reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.

Depreciation of land improvements, buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and vehicles is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets using the straight-line method. Depreciation of building and leasehold improvements is provided over the shorter of the original useful lives of the respective assets or the term of the lease using the straight-line method.

Closed StoreFacility Liabilities and Exit Activities

The Company continually reviews the operating performance of its existing store locations and closes or relocates certain stores identified as underperforming or delivering strategically or financially unacceptable results.underperforming. In addition, the Company is consolidating certain locations as part of its planned integration of GPI. Expenses accrued pertaining to closed storefacility exit activities are included in the Company’s closed storefacility liabilities, within Accrued expenses and Other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and recognized in SG&A in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations at the time the facilities actually close. Closed storefacility liabilities include the present value of the remaining lease obligations and management’s estimate of future costs of insurance, property tax and common area maintenance expenses (reduced by the present value of estimated revenues from subleases and lease buyouts).

From time to time closed storefacility liability estimates require revisions, primarily due to changes in assumptions associated with revenue from subleases. The effect of accretion and changes in estimates for our closed storefacility liabilities are included in SG&A in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations at the time the changes in estimates are made.

Employees receiving severance benefits as the result of a store closing or other restructuring activity are required to render service until they are terminated in order to receive benefits. The severance is recognized in SG&A in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations over the related service period. Other restructuring costs, including costs to relocate employees, are recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred.

The Company also evaluates and determines if the results from the closure of store locations should be reported as discontinued operations based on the elimination of the operations and associated cash flows from the Company’s ongoing operations. During 2015, the Company adopted ASU 2014-08 "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of Equity" which requires that a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results.



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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


operations. Operations and associated cash flows transferred to another store in the local market are not considered eliminated in the evaluation of discontinued operations.

Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The following table identifies the primary costs classified in each major expense category:
Cost of Sales SG&A
ŸTotal cost of merchandise sold including: ŸPayroll and benefit costs for store and corporate
 -Freight expenses associated with moving  Team Members;
  merchandise inventories from our vendors to ŸOccupancy costs of store and corporate facilities;
  our distribution center, ŸDepreciation and amortization related to store and
 -Vendor incentives, and  corporate assets;
 -Cash discounts on payments to vendors; ŸAdvertising;
ŸInventory shrinkage; ŸCosts associated with our Commercial delivery
ŸDefective merchandise and warranty costs;  program, including payroll and benefit costs,
ŸCosts associated with operating our distribution  and transportation expenses associated with moving
 network, including payroll and benefit costs,  merchandise inventories from our stores and branches to
 occupancy costs and depreciation; and  our customer locations;
ŸFreight and other handling costs associated with ŸSelf-insurance costs;
 moving merchandise inventories through our ŸProfessional services;
 supply chain ŸOther administrative costs, such as credit card
 -From our distribution centers to our store and  service fees, supplies, travel and lodging;
  branch locations and customers, and ŸClosed storefacility expense;
 -From certain of our larger stores which stock a ŸImpairment charges;
  wider variety and greater supply of inventory (“HUB ŸGPI acquisition-related expenses and integration costs;
  stores”) to our stores after the customer has  and
  special-ordered the merchandise. ŸBWP acquisition-related expenses and integration costs.

NewRecently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2015-17, "Income Taxes - Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740)." ASU 2015-17 simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes and requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be presented as noncurrent. The Company elected early adoption of ASU 2015-17 in the fourth quarter of 2015 using the retrospective method. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, as the application of this guidance affects only classification in the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 13, Income Taxes, for a further discussion of the adoption of this guidance.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08 "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of Equity", which amends the definition of a discontinued operation in Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 205-20 and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about discontinued operations as well as disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued operations criteria. The new guidance changes the definition of a discontinued operation and requires discontinued operations treatment for disposals of a component or group of components that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 4, 2015. The adoption of this guidance affects prospective presentation of disposals and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.



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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." This ASU is a comprehensive new leases standard that amends various aspects of existing guidance for leases and requires additional disclosures about leasing arrangements. It will require companies to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. Topic 842 retains a distinction between finance leases and operating leases. The classification criteria for distinguishing between finance leases and operating leases are substantially similar to the classification criteria for distinguishing between capital leases and operating leases in the previous leases guidance. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years; earlier adoption is permitted. In the financial statements in which the ASU is first applied, leases shall be measured and recognized at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented with an adjustment to equity. Practical expedients are available for election as a package and if applied consistently to all leases. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 "Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." Although the ASU retains many of the current requirements for financial instruments, it significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. It also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The ASU is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017; earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 "Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory." ASU 2015-11 requires entities to measure most inventory at the lower of cost or net recognizable value, simplifying the current requirement that inventories be measured at the lower of cost or market. The ASU will not apply to inventories that are measured using the last-in, first-out method or retail inventory method. The guidance will be effective prospectively for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, that begin after December 15, 2016; earlier adoption is permitted. As the majority of the Company's inventory is accounted for under the last-in, first-out method, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-3 "Interest - Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." ASU 2015-3 simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring such costs be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15 "Interest - Imputed Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements" which clarifies that entities may continue to defer and present debt issuance costs associated with a line-of-credit as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred costs ratably over the term of the arrangement. The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within the reporting periods and requires retrospective presentation; earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standard Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standard Update, or ASU 2014-15 “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern." This new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued. An entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. This ASU is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter; earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2014, the FASB, issued ASU 2014-12 “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period." The amendments in this ASU require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual


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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015; earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.



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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that expands disclosure requirements and requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ThisIn August 2015, the FASB issued ASU is2015-14 which defers the effective fordate of ASU 2014-09 by one year. As a result, ASU 2014-09 will become effective during annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 20162017 and interim reporting periods during the year of adoption with public entities permitted to early adoptionadopt for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Entities may choose from two transition methods, with certain practical expedients, a full retrospective method or the modified retrospective method. The Company is not permitted. Accordingly, the Company will adopt this ASU on January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Company'sits consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08 "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of Equity", which amends the definition of a discontinued operation in Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 205-20 and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about discontinued operations as well as disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued operations criteria. The new guidance changes the definition of a discontinued operation and requires discontinued operations treatment for disposals of a component or group of components that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results. The ASU is effective prospectively for all disposals (except disposals classified as held for sale before the adoption date) or components initially classified as held for sale in periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014; earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance affects prospective presentation of disposals and therefore, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11 “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.”  Under ASU 2013-11 an entity is required to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in its financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. If a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance affects presentation only and, therefore, had no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

3.2.Inventories, net:

Merchandise Inventory

The Company used the LIFO method of accounting for approximately 88%89% and 88% of inventories at January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015 and 95% at December 28, 2013., respectively. 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 20142015 and prior years. As a result of utilizing LIFO, the Company recorded an increase to cost of sales of $8,930 in 2014 and a reduction to cost of sales of $5,57242,295 and $5,572 in 2015 and $24,087 in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Therespectively, and an increase to cost of sales of $8,930 in 2014. Historically, the Company’s overall costs to acquire inventory for the same or similar products have generally decreased historically as the Company has been able to leverage its continued growth and execution of merchandise strategies. The increase in cost of sales for 2014 was the result of an increase in supply chain costs.

Product Cores

The remaining inventories are comprised of product cores, the non-consumable portion of certain parts and batteries and the inventory of certain subsidiaries, which are valued under the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Product cores are included as part of the Company’s merchandise costs and are either passed on to the customer or returned to the vendor. Because product cores are not subject to frequent cost changes like the Company’s other merchandise inventory, there is no material difference when applying either the LIFO or FIFO valuation method.



F-16

Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


Inventory Overhead Costs

Purchasing and warehousing costs included in inventory as of January 3, 20152, 2016 and December 28, 2013January 3, 2015, were $321,856359,829 and $161,519321,856, respectively.

Inventory Balance and Inventory Reserves

Inventory balances at the end of 20142015 and 20132014 were as follows:
January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
January 2,
2016
 January 3,
2015
Inventories at FIFO, net$3,814,123
 $2,424,795
$4,009,641
 $3,814,123
Adjustments to state inventories at LIFO122,832
 131,762
165,127
 122,832
Inventories at LIFO, net$3,936,955
 $2,556,557
$4,174,768
 $3,936,955

Inventory quantities are tracked through a perpetual inventory system. The Company completes physical inventories and other targeted inventory counts in its store locations to ensure the accuracy of the perpetual inventory quantities of both merchandise and core inventory in these locations.inventory. In its distribution centers and branches, the Company uses a cycle counting program to ensure the accuracy of the perpetual inventory quantities of both merchandise and product core inventory. Reserves for estimated
shrink are established based on the results of physical inventories conducted by the Company, with the assistance of an independent third party, in substantially all of the Company’s stores over the course of the year, other targeted inventory counts in its stores, results from recent cycle counts in its distribution facilities and historical and current loss trends.

The Company also establishes reserves for potentially excess and obsolete inventories based on (i) current inventory levels, (ii) the historical analysis of product sales and (iii) current market conditions. The Company has return rights with many of its vendors and the majority of excess inventory is returned to its vendors for full credit. In certain situations, the Company establishes reserves when less than full credit is expected from a vendor or when liquidating product will result in retail prices below recorded costs.

The following table presents changes in the Company’s inventory reserves for years ended January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012:2013:
January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
 December 29,
2012
January 2,
2016
 January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
Inventory reserves, beginning of period$37,523
 $31,418
 $30,786
$49,439
 $37,523
 $31,418
Additions to inventory reserves92,773
 65,466
 72,852
97,226
 92,773
 65,466
Reserves utilized(80,857) (59,361) (72,220)(76,282) (80,857) (59,361)
Inventory reserves, end of period$49,439
 $37,523
 $31,418
$70,383
 $49,439
 $37,523

4.3.Acquisitions:

General Parts International, Inc.

On January 2, 2014, the Company acquired GPI in an all-cash transaction. GPI, formerly a privately-held company, iswas a leading distributor and supplier of original equipment and aftermarket replacement products for Commercial markets operating under the Carquest and Worldpac brands. As of the acquisition date, GPI operated 1,233 Carquest stores and 103 Worldpac branches located in 45 states and Canada and serviced approximately 1,400 independently-owned Carquest stores. The Company believes the acquisition of GPI will allowallowed the Company to expand its geographic presence, Commercial capabilities and overall scale to better serve customers.

The Company acquired all of GPI's assets and liabilities as a result of the transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of GPI for a purchase price of $2,080,804 (subject to adjustment for certain


F-17

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


closing items) consisting of $1,307,991 in cash to GPI's shareholders, the repayment of $694,301 of GPI debt and $78,512 in make-whole fees and transaction-related expenses paid by the Company on GPI's behalf. The Company funded the purchase price with cash on-hand, $700,000 from a term loan and $306,046 from a revolving credit facility. Refer to Note 8,7, Long-Term Debt, for a more detailed description of this debt. The Company recognized $26,970 of acquisition-related costs during 2013, which was included in SG&A expenses and interest expense. The Company recognized no acquisition-related costs during Fiscal 2014 or Fiscal 2015, as all of these costs were recognized during Fiscal 2013. The Company has included the financial results of GPI in its consolidated financial statements commencing January 2, 2014. GPI contributed sales of $3,040,493 and net income of $58,535 during 2014.2014. The net income reflects amortization related to the acquired intangible assets and integration expenses.

The Company placed $200,881 of the total purchase price in escrow to secure indemnification obligations of the sellers relating to the accuracy of representations and warranties and the satisfaction of covenants. Half of the escrow funds will bewere disbursed to the Sellers on July 2, 2015 and the remaining amounts will be distributed on January 2, 2017, after deducting for any claims indemnified from escrow. At the acquisition date, the Company recognized a net indemnification asset of $4,283 with respect to liabilities for which it intends to make a claim from escrow. According to the agreement, the Company will be indemnified, for the escrow term of three years, against losses incurred relating to taxes owed by GPI for periods prior to June 30, 2013.



F-17

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


Purchase Price Allocation

The following table summarizes the consideration paid for GPI and the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:

Total Consideration $2,080,804
   
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed  
Cash and cash equivalents $25,176
Receivables 255,997
Inventory 1,159,886
Other current assets 118,871
Property, plant and equipment 162,545
Intangible assets 756,571
Other assets 1,741
Accounts payable (704,006)
Accrued and other current liabilities (136,784)
Long-term liabilities (356,584)
Total identifiable net assets 1,283,413
   
Goodwill 797,391
   
Total acquired net assets $2,080,804

The Company completed the valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the third quarter of 2014. Due to the nature of GPI's business, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of this acquisition are similar in nature to those of the Company. The goodwill of $797,391 arising from the acquisition consists largely of the anticipated synergies and economies of scale from the combined companies and the overall strategic importance of GPI to the Company. The goodwill attributable to the acquisition will not be amortizable or deductible for tax purposes. For additional information regarding goodwill and intangible assets acquired, see Note 6,5, Goodwill and Intangible Assets.



F-18

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


The Company recorded an asset associated with favorable leases of $56,465 and a liability associated with unfavorable leases of $48,604, which are included in intangible assets and other long-term liabilities, respectively. Favorable and unfavorable lease assets and liabilities will be amortized to rent expense over their expected lives, which approximates the period of time that the favorable or unfavorable lease terms will be in effect. The fair value of financial assets acquired included receivables of $255,997 primarily from Commercial customers and vendors. The gross amount due was $269,006, of which $13,009 was expected to be uncollectible.

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

The following unaudited consolidated pro forma financial information combines the respective measure of the Company for Fiscal 2013 and GPI for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. The pro forma financial information has been prepared by adjusting the historical data to give effect to the acquisition as if it had occurred on December 30, 2012 (the first day of the Company's fiscal 2013).


F-18

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


  December 28,
2013
  (52 weeks)
Pro forma:  
Net sales $9,456,405
   
Net income $428,562
   
Basic earnings per share $5.88
   
Diluted earnings per share $5.84
The unaudited consolidated pro forma financial information was prepared in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting under existing standards and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had been completed on the date indicated, nor is it indicative of the future operating results of the Company.
The unaudited pro forma results have been adjusted with respect to certain aspects of the acquisition to reflect:
additional amortization expense that would have been recognized assuming fair value adjustments to the existing GPI assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including favorable and unfavorable lease values and other intangible assets;
adjustment of interest expense to reflect the additional borrowings of the Company in conjunction with the acquisition and removal of GPI historical debt;
elimination of the GPI recognition of a deferred gain in 2013 of $6,385 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 from a sale leaseback transaction as the deferred values were subsequently removed in purchase accounting; and
elimination of acquisition-related transaction fees incurred by the Company of $26,970$26,970 for the fifty-two weeks ended December 28, 2013.
The unaudited pro forma results do not reflect future events that either have occurred or may occur after the acquisition, including, but not limited to, the anticipated realization of ongoing savings from operating synergies in subsequent periods. They also do not give effect to certain charges that the Company expects to incur in connection with the integration of GPI, including, but not limited to, additional professional fees, employee integration costs, potential asset impairments, and accelerated depreciation and amortization.



F-19

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


B.W.P. Distributors, Inc.

On December 31, 2012, the Company acquired B.W.P. Distributors, Inc. ("BWP") in an all-cash transaction. BWP, formerly a privately-held company, supplied, marketed and distributed automotive aftermarket parts and products principally to Commercial customers. Prior to the acquisition, BWP operated or supplied 216 locations in the northeastern U.S. The Company believes this acquisition will enable the Company to continue its expansion in the competitive Northeast, which is a strategic growth area for the Company due to the large population and overall size of the market, and to gain valuable information to apply to its existing operations as a result of BWP's expertise in Commercial. The amount of acquired goodwill reflects this strategic importance to the Company.

Concurrent with the closing of the acquisition, the Company transferred one distribution center and BWP's rights to distribute to 92 independently owned locations to an affiliate of GPI. As a result, the Company began operating the 124 BWP company-owned stores and two remaining BWP distribution centers as of the closing date. The Company has included the financial results of BWP in its consolidated financial statements commencing December 31, 2012 (Fiscal 2013). Pro forma results of operations related to the acquisition of BWP are not presented as BWP's results are not material to the Company's consolidated statements of operations.



F-19

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


Under the terms of the agreement, the Company acquired the net assets in exchange for a purchase price of $187,109. Following the closing of the acquisition, the Company sold certain of the acquired assets for $16,798 related to the transfer of operations to GPI. The Company recognized $123,446 of goodwill upon the acquisition, which is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Other

The Company acquired 23 stores through multiple cash transactions during 2015. The aggregate cost of the store acquisitions was $18,889, the value of which was primarily attributed to inventory, accounts receivable and goodwill. The fair value of assets and liabilities assumed are included in the balance sheet as of January 2, 2016. Proforma financial information is not provided based on materiality. The Company also acquired nine stores during 2014 with an aggregate purchase price of $5,155. The results of these stores are not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

5.4. Exit Activities and Impairment:

Integration of Carquest stores

The Company approved plans in June 2014 to begin consolidating its Carquest stores acquired with GPI on January 2, 2014 as part of a multi-year integration plan. As of January 2, 2016, 178 Carquest stores had been consolidated into existing Advance Auto Parts stores and 170 Carquest stores had been converted to the Advance Auto Parts format. This includes the consolidation of 80 Carquest stores and conversion of 160 Carquest stores during 2015. Plans are in place to consolidate or convert the remaining Carquest stores over the next few years. In addition, the Company continues to consolidate or convert the remaining stores that were acquired with BWP on December 31, 2012 (which also operate under the Carquest trade name), 38 of which had been consolidated and 52 had been converted as of January 2, 2016. Four of these stores were consolidated and 20 stores were converted during 2015. As of January 2, 2016, the Company had 873 stores acquired with GPI and 12 stores acquired with BWP still operating under the Carquest name. The Company incurred $7,286 and $7,888 of exit costs, primarily consisting of closed facility lease obligations, related to the consolidations of Carquest stores during 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Office Consolidations

In June 2014, the Company approved plans to relocate operations from its Minneapolis, Minnesota and Campbell, California offices to other existing offices of the Company, including its offices in Newark, California, Roanoke, Virginia and Raleigh, North Carolina, and to close its Minneapolis and Campbell offices. The Company also expects to relocaterelocated various functions between its existing offices in Roanoke and Raleigh. The Company anticipates that the relocations and office closings will bewere substantially completedcomplete by the end of 2015.

In connection with these relocations and office closings, the Company plans to relocaterelocated some employees and terminateterminated the employment of others. The Board of Directors of the Company approved this action in order to take advantage of synergies following the acquisition of GPI and to capitalize on the strength of existing locations and organizational experience. The Company estimates that it will incurincurred restructuring costs of approximately $28,800$22,100 under these plans through the end of 2015. Substantially all of these costs are expected to bewere cash expenditures. This estimate includes approximately $11,200 of employee severance costsDuring 2015 and $17,600 of relocation costs.

Employees receiving severance/outplacement benefits will be required to render service until they are terminated in order to receive the benefits. Therefore, the severance/outplacement benefits will be recognized over the related service periods. During 2014, the Company recognized $3,869 and $6,731, respectively, of severance/outplacement benefits under these restructuring plans and other severance related to the acquisition of GPI. Other restructuring costs, including costs to relocate employees, will be recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. During 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized $4,419 and $7,053, respectively, of relocation costs.



F-20

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


Integration of Carquest stores

The Company also approved plans in June 2014 to begin consolidating its Carquest stores acquired on January 2, 2014. As of January 3, 2015, 98 Carquest stores had been consolidated into existing Advance Auto Parts stores and 10 Carquest stores had been converted to the Advance Auto Parts format. Plans are in place to consolidate or convert the remaining Carquest stores over the next few years. In addition, the Company will continue to consolidate or convert the remaining Carquest named stores that were acquired with BWP on December 31, 2012, 34 of which were consolidated and 19 were converted during 2014. The Company estimates that the total exit costs to be incurred as a result of consolidations and conversions during Fiscal 2015 will be approximately $5,500, consisting primarily of closed store lease obligations.

Contract termination costs, such as those associated with leases on closed stores will be recognized at the cease-use date. Closed lease liabilities include the present value of the remaining lease obligations and management’s estimate of future costs of insurance, property tax and common area maintenance (reduced by the present value of estimated revenues from subleases and lease buyouts). The Company’s closed store lease obligations at January 3, 2015 included $5,812 related to the consolidations of Carquest stores during 2014.

Other Exit Activities

In the second half of 2015, the Company closed 80 underperforming Advance Auto Parts, Carquest and AI stores and eliminated certain positions at its corporate offices. The majority of the corporate office eliminations were effective during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The Company recognized $6,909 related to the elimination of corporate office positions during 2015. The Company incurred restructuring costs of $21,984 related to the 80 store closures, primarily consisting of closed facility lease obligations.

In August 2014, the Company approved plans to consolidate 33 of its 40 AutopartsAutopart International ("AI") stores located in Florida into Advance Auto Parts stores by the endstores. All of 2015. Eleven of these stores were consolidated in 2014. The Company also plans to convert the remaining 7 AI stores in Florida to Advance Auto Parts stores by the end of 2015. The total exit costs associated with the AI consolidations is expected to be immaterial.and conversions were complete as of the second quarter of fiscal 2015. During 2015, the Company incurred $2,700 of exit costs, consisting primarily of closed facility lease obligations, associated with these plans.

Total Restructuring Liabilities

A summary of the Company’s restructuring liabilities, which are recorded in accrued expenses (current portion) and long-term liabilities (long-term portion) in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet, are presented in the following table:
 Closed Store Lease Obligations Severance Relocation and Other Exit Costs Total  Closed Facility Lease Obligations Severance Relocation and Other Exit Costs Total 
For the year ended January 3, 2015:         
         
Balance, January 3, 2015 $19,270
 $5,804
 $1,816
 $26,890
 
Reserves established 34,699
 13,351
 4,419
 52,469
 
Change in estimates (205) (2,009) 
 (2,214) 
Cash payments (11,274) (10,891) (5,884) (28,049) 
Balance, January 2, 2016 $42,490
 $6,255
 $351
 $49,096
 
                  
Balance, December 28, 2013 $11,212
 $
 $
 $11,212
  $11,212
 $
 $
 $11,212
 
Reserves acquired with GPI 3,455
 
 
 3,455
  3,455
 
 
 3,455
 
Reserves established 11,138
 8,038
 7,053
 26,229
  11,138
 8,038
 7,053
 26,229
 
Change in estimates 1,053
 (1,307) 
 (254)  1,053
 (1,307) 
 (254) 
Cash payments (7,588) (927) (5,237) (13,752)  (7,588) (927) (5,237) (13,752) 
Balance, January 3, 2015 $19,270
 $5,804
 $1,816
 $26,890
  $19,270
 $5,804
 $1,816
 $26,890
 



F-21

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


6.5.Goodwill and Intangible Assets:

Goodwill

The following table reflects the carrying amount of goodwill and the changes in goodwill carrying amounts.
January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
January 2,
2016
 January 3,
2015
(53 weeks ended) (52 weeks ended)(52 weeks ended) (53 weeks ended)
Goodwill, beginning of period$199,835
 $76,389
$995,426
 $199,835
Acquisitions798,043
 123,446
1,995
 798,043
Changes in foreign currency exchange rates(2,452) 
(7,937) (2,452)
      
Goodwill, end of period$995,426
 $199,835
$989,484
 $995,426

As discussed in Note 4, Acquisitions, on January 2,During 2015, the Company added $1,995 of goodwill associated with the acquisition of 23 stores. During 2014, the Company acquired GPI in an all-cash transaction which resulted in the addition of $797,391 of goodwill. During 2014, the Companygoodwill and also added $652 of goodwill associated with the acquisition of nine stores. On



F-20

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 31, 2012, the Company acquired BWP 28, 2013
(in an all-cash transaction which resulted in the addition of $123,446 of goodwill.thousands, except per share data)


Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill

In 2014, the Company recorded an increase to intangible assets of $757,453 related to the acquisition of GPI and nine stores. The increase included customer relationships of $330,293 which will beare being amortized over 12 years, non-competes totaling $50,695 which will beare being amortized over 5 years and favorable leases of $56,465 which will beare being amortized over the life of the leases at a weighted average of 4.5 years. The increase also includes indefinite-lived intangibles of $320,000 from acquired brands.

In 2013, the Company recorded a net increase to intangible assets of $29,001 related to the acquisition of BWP. The net increase included customer relationships of $23,801 which will be amortized over 12 years and other intangible assets of $5,200 which will be amortized over a weighted average of 3.4 years. The increases in intangible assets are presented net of the sale of certain BWP customer relationships subsequent to the acquisition which reduced intangible assets by $2,244.



F-22

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


Amortization expense was $53,056, $56,499 $7,974 and $3,635$7,974 for 20142015, 20132014 and 20122013, respectively. The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets as of January 3, 20152, 2016 and December 28, 2013January 3, 2015 are comprised of the following:
 January 3, 2015 December 28, 2013 January 2, 2016 January 3, 2015
 Gross Carrying Amount 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net Gross Carrying Amount 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net Gross Carrying Amount 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net Gross Carrying Amount 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Amortized intangible assets:                        
Customer relationships $362,483
 $(40,609) $321,874
 $33,601
 $(10,309) $23,292
 $358,655
 $(70,367) $288,288
 $362,483
 $(40,609) $321,874
Acquired technology 8,850
 (8,569) 281
 8,850
 (6,381) 2,469
 8,850
 (8,850) 
 8,850
 (8,569) 281
Favorable leases 56,342
 (11,939) 44,403
 
 
 
 56,040
 (23,984) 32,056
 56,342
 (11,939) 44,403
Non-compete and other 56,780
 (14,596) 42,184
 6,085
 (2,524) 3,561
 57,430
 (25,368) 32,062
 56,780
 (14,596) 42,184
 484,455
 (75,713) 408,742
 48,536
 (19,214) 29,322
 480,975
 (128,569) 352,406
 484,455
 (75,713) 408,742
                        
Unamortized intangible assets:                        
Brands, trademark and tradenames 339,383
 
 339,383
 20,550
 
 20,550
 334,719
 
 334,719
 339,383
 
 339,383
                        
Total intangible assets $823,838
 $(75,713) $748,125
 $69,086
 $(19,214) $49,872
 $815,694
 $(128,569) $687,125
 $823,838
 $(75,713) $748,125

Future Amortization Expense

The table below shows expected amortization expense for the next five years for acquired intangible assets recorded as of January 3, 20152, 2016:
Fiscal Year Amount
2015 $52,115
2016 48,312
2017 45,959
2018 42,948
2019 32,187
Thereafter 187,221

7.Receivables, net:

Receivables consist of the following:
  January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
Trade $360,922
 $145,670
Vendor 222,476
 138,336
Other 12,579
 6,884
Total receivables 595,977
 290,890
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (16,152) (13,295)
Receivables, net $579,825
 $277,595
Fiscal Year Amount
2016 $47,980
2017 45,626
2018 42,615
2019 31,855
2020 31,539
Thereafter 152,791



F-23F-21

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


8.6.Receivables, net:

Receivables consist of the following:
  January 2,
2016
 January 3,
2015
Trade $379,832
 $360,922
Vendor 229,496
 222,476
Other 14,218
 12,579
Total receivables 623,546
 595,977
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (25,758) (16,152)
Receivables, net $597,788
 $579,825

7.Long-term Debt:

Long-term debt consists of the following:
 January 3, 2015 December 28, 2013
Revolving facility at variable interest rates (2.45% and 1.47% at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively) due December 5, 2018$93,400
 $
Term loan at variable interest rates (1.72% and 1.67% at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively) due January 2, 2019490,000
 
5.75% Senior Unsecured Notes (net of unamortized discount of $746 and $865 at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively) due May 1, 2020299,254
 299,135
4.50% Senior Unsecured Notes (net of unamortized discount of $72 and $80 at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively) due January 15, 2022299,928
 299,920
4.50% Senior Unsecured Notes (net of unamortized discount of $1,271 and $1,387 at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013) due December 1, 2023448,729
 448,613
Other5,582
 5,916
 1,636,893
 1,053,584
Less: Current portion of long-term debt(582) (916)
Long-term debt, excluding current portion$1,636,311
 $1,052,668
 January 2, 2016 January 3, 2015
Revolving facility at variable interest rates (2.05% and 2.45% at January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, respectively) due December 5, 2018$80,000
 $93,400
Term loan at variable interest rates (1.69% and 1.72% at January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, respectively) due January 2, 201980,000
 490,000
5.75% Senior Unsecured Notes (net of unamortized discount of $623 and $746 at January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, respectively) due May 1, 2020299,377
 299,254
4.50% Senior Unsecured Notes (net of unamortized discount of $63 and $72 at January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, respectively) due January 15, 2022299,937
 299,928
4.50% Senior Unsecured Notes (net of unamortized discount of $1,153 and $1,271 at January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015) due December 1, 2023448,847
 448,729
Other5,598
 5,582
 1,213,759
 1,636,893
Less: Current portion of long-term debt(598) (582)
Long-term debt, excluding current portion$1,213,161
 $1,636,311

Bank Debt

On December 5, 2013, theThe Company entered intohas a new credit agreement (the "2013 Credit Agreement") which provides a $700,000 unsecured term loan and a $1,000,000 unsecured revolving credit facility with Advance Stores, as Borrower, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. This revolving credit facility replaced the revolver under the Company’s former Credit Agreement dated as of May 27, 2011 with Advance Stores, as Borrower, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the “2011 Credit Agreement”). Upon execution of the 2013 Credit Agreement, the lenders’ commitments under the 2011 Credit Agreement were terminated and the liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to their obligations under the 2011 Credit Agreement were discharged. The new 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 to exceed $250,000 by those respective lenders (up to a total commitment of $1,250,000) during the term of the 2013 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 2013 Credit Agreement. Under the terms of the 2013 Credit Agreement, the revolving credit facility terminates in December 2018 and the term loan matures in January 2019.

As of January 3, 20152, 2016, under the 2013 Credit Agreement, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $93,400$80,000 under the revolver and $490,000$80,000 under the term loan. As of January 3, 2015,2, 2016, the Company also had letters of credit outstanding of $124,334,$118,622, which reduced the availability under the revolver to $782,266.$801,378. The letters of credit generally have a term of one year or less and primarily serve as collateral for the Company’s self-insurance policies.



F-22

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


The interest rate on borrowings under the revolving credit facility is based, at the Company’s option, on adjusted LIBOR, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The current margin is 1.30%1.10% and 0.30%0.10% per annum for the adjusted LIBOR and alternate base rate borrowings, respectively. A facility fee is charged on the total amount of the revolving credit facility, payable in arrears. The current facility fee rate is 0.20%0.15% per annum. Under the terms of the 2013 Credit Agreement, the interest rate and facility fee are subject to change based on the Company’s credit rating.

The interest rate on the term loan is based, at the Company’s option, on adjusted LIBOR, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The current margin is 1.50%1.25% and 0.50%0.25% per annum for the adjusted LIBOR and alternate base rate borrowings, respectively. Under the terms of the term loan, the interest rate is subject to change based on the Company’s credit rating.


F-24

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


The 2013 Credit Agreement contains customary covenants restricting the ability of: (a) subsidiaries of Advance Stores to, among other things, create, incur or assume additional debt: (b) Advance Stores and its subsidiaries to, among other things, (i) incur liens, (ii) make loans and investments, (iii) guarantee obligations, and (iv) change the nature of its business conducted by itself and its subsidiaries; (c) Advance, Advance Stores and their subsidiaries to, among other things (i) engage in certain mergers, acquisitions, asset sales and liquidations, (ii) enter into certain hedging arrangements, (iii) enter into restrictive agreements limiting its ability to incur liens on any of its property or assets, pay distributions, repay loans, or guarantee indebtedness of its subsidiaries and (iv) engage in sale-leaseback transactions; and (d) Advance, among other things, to change its holding company status. Advance and Advance Stores are required to comply with financial covenants with respect to a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated coverage ratio. The 2013 Credit Agreement also provides for customary events of default, including non-payment defaults, covenant defaults and cross-defaults to Advance Stores’ other material indebtedness. The Company was in compliance with its covenants with respect to the 2013 Credit Agreement at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 20132, 2016.

Senior Unsecured Notes

The Company issued 4.50% senior unsecured notes were issued in December 2013 at 99.69% of the principal amount of $450,000 whichand are due December 1, 2023 (the “2023 Notes”). The 2023 Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The net proceeds from the offering of these notes were approximately $445,200, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company.

The Company previouslyalso issued 4.50% senior unsecured notes in January 2012 at 99.968% of the principal amount of $300,000, which$300,000 and are due January 15, 2022 (the “2022 Notes”). The 2022 Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The Company also previously issued Company's 5.75% senior unsecured notes were issued in April 2010 at 99.587% of the principal amount of $300,000, which$300,000 and are due May 1, 2020 (the “2020 Notes” or collectively with the 2023 Notes and the 2022 Notes, “the Notes”). The 2020 Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.75% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year. Advance served as the issuer of the Notes with certain of Advance’s domestic subsidiaries currently serving as subsidiary guarantors. The terms of the Notes are governed by an indenture (as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified, the “Indenture”) among the Company, the subsidiary guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.

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 for the Notes), 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 are currently 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: (i) upon the release of the guarantee of the Company’s other debt that resulted in the affected subsidiary becoming a guarantor of this debt; (ii) upon the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the stock or assets of the subsidiary guarantor; or (iii) upon the Company’s exercise of its legal or covenant defeasance option.

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 $25,000 without such debt having been discharged or


F-23

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


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.



F-25

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


Future Payments

As of January 3, 20152, 2016, the aggregate future annual maturities of long-term debt instruments are as follows:
Fiscal
Year
 Amount Amount
2015 $582
2016 
 $598
2017 35,000
 
2018 163,400
 80,000
2019 385,000
 80,000
2020 299,377
Thereafter 1,052,911
 753,784
 $1,636,893
 $1,213,759

Debt Guarantees

The Company is a guarantor of loans made by banks to various independently-owned Carquest stores that are customers of the Company ("Independents") totaling $33,606$29,730 as of January 3, 2015.2, 2016. The Company has concluded that some of these guarantees meet the definition of a variable interest in a variable interest entity. However, the Company does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of the Independents and therefore is not the primary beneficiary of these stores. Upon entering into a relationship with certain Independents, the Company guaranteed the debt of those stores to aid in the procurement of business loans. These loans are collateralized by security agreements on merchandise inventory and other assets of the borrowers. The approximate value of the inventory collateralized in these agreements is $71,997$73,116 as of January 3, 20152, 2016. The Company believes that the likelihood of performance under these guarantees is remote, and any fair value attributable to these guarantees would be very minimal.

9.8.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 categorized based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a


F-24

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability.


Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

F-26

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


The following table sets forth the Company’s financialCompany had no significant assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis asduring 2015 or 2014.

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 January 3,impairment). During 2015 and December 28, 2013:
   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 December 28, 2013: 
  
  
  
Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions$9,475
 $
 $
 $9,475
2014, the Company recorded impairment charges of $11,017 and $11,819, respectively, on various store and corporate assets. The remaining fair value of the contingent consideration, whichthese assets was recorded in Accrued expenses asnot significant.

Fair Value of December 28, 2013, was based on various estimates including the Company’s estimate of the probability of achieving the targetsFinancial Assets and the time value of money. During 2014, the contingent consideration previously recognized at fair value was paid.Liabilities

The carrying amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, bank overdrafts, accounts payable, accrued expenses and the current portion of long term debt approximate their fair values due to the relatively short term nature of these instruments. The fair value of the Company’s senior unsecured notes was determined using Level 2 inputs based on quoted market prices, and the Company believes that the carrying value of its other long-term debt and certain long-term liabilities approximate fair value.

The carrying value and fair value of the Company’sCompany's long-term debt excluding the current portion, as of January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, respectively, are as follows:
 January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
Carrying Value$1,636,311
 $1,052,668
Fair Value$1,728,000
 $1,086,000

Non-Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
 January 2,
2016
 January 3,
2015
Carrying Value$1,213,161
 $1,636,311
Fair Value$1,262,000
 $1,728,000

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 January 3, 2015, the Company had no significant fair value measurements of non-financial assets or liabilities subsequent to initial recognition.  



F-27

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


10.9. Property and Equipment:
 
Property and equipment consists of the following:
 Original
Useful Lives
 January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
  Original
Useful Lives
 January 2,
2016
 January 3,
2015
 
Land and land improvements 0 - 10 years $438,638
 $418,207
  0 - 10 years $441,048
 $438,638
 
Buildings 30 - 40 years 460,187
 445,820
  30 - 40 years 468,237
 460,187
 
Building and leasehold improvements 3 - 30 years 394,259
 336,685
  3 - 30 years 418,352
 394,259
 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 3 - 20 years 1,402,563
 1,244,456
  3 - 20 years 1,464,791
 1,402,563
 
Vehicles 2 - 13 years 37,051
 18,291
  2 - 13 years 25,060
 37,051
 
Construction in progress 71,691
 75,985
  106,855
 71,691
 
 2,804,389
 2,539,444
  2,924,343
 2,804,389
 
Less - Accumulated depreciation (1,372,359) (1,255,474)  (1,489,766) (1,372,359) 
Property and equipment, net $1,432,030
 $1,283,970
  $1,434,577
 $1,432,030
 

Depreciation expense was $235,040223,728, $199,821235,040 and $185,909199,821 for 20142015, 20132014 and 20122013, respectively. The Company capitalized approximately$13,529, $11,436 and $11,534 and $10,026 incurred for the development of internal use computer software during 20142015, 20132014 and 20122013, respectively. These costs are included in the furniture, fixtures and equipment category above and are depreciated on the straight-line method over three to fiveten years.

11. Accrued Expenses:
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
  January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
 
Payroll and related benefits $116,198
 $101,576
 
Warranty reserves 47,972
 39,512
 
Capital expenditures 29,780
 20,714
 
Self-insurance reserves 58,899
 45,504
 
Taxes payable 87,473
 82,179
 
Other 180,351
 139,140
 
Total accrued expenses $520,673
 $428,625
 

The following table presents changes in the Company’s warranty reserves:
  January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
 December 29,
2012
Warranty reserves, beginning of period $39,512
 $38,425
 $38,847
Reserves acquired with GPI

 4,490
 
 
Additions to warranty reserves 52,306
 42,380
 40,766
Reserves utilized (48,336) (41,293) (41,188)
Warranty reserves, end of period $47,972
 $39,512
 $38,425



F-28F-25

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


12. Other Current and Long-term Liabilities:10. Accrued Expenses:
 
Other current liabilitiesAccrued expenses consist of the following:
  January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
Deferred income taxes $89,173
 $135,754
Other 37,273
 18,876
Total other current liabilities $126,446
 $154,630
  January 2,
2016
 January 3,
2015
 
Payroll and related benefits $99,072
 $116,198
 
Taxes payable 96,098
 87,473
 
Self-insurance reserves 57,829
 58,899
 
Warranty reserves 44,479
 47,972
 
Capital expenditures 44,038
 29,780
 
Other 211,647
 180,351
 
Total accrued expenses $553,163
 $520,673
 

Other long-term liabilities consist ofThe following table presents changes in the following:Company’s warranty reserves:
  January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
Deferred income taxes $360,903
 $91,957
Self-insurance reserves 78,134
 52,971
Deferred rent 55,153
 47,851
Unfavorable leases 45,259
 
Other 40,620
 38,337
Total other long-term liabilities $580,069
 $231,116
  January 2,
2016
 January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
Warranty reserves, beginning of period $47,972
 $39,512
 $38,425
Reserves acquired with GPI 
 4,490
 
Additions to warranty reserves 44,367
 52,306
 42,380
Reserves utilized (47,860) (48,336) (41,293)
Warranty reserves, end of period $44,479
 $47,972
 $39,512

13.11. Stock Repurchases:

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 SEC. The Company’s $500,000 stock repurchase program in place as of January 3, 20152, 2016 was authorized by its Board of Directors on May 14, 2012.

During 2015 and 2014,, the Company repurchased no shares of its common stock under its stock repurchase program. The Company had $415,092$415,092 remaining under its stock repurchase program as of January 3, 20152, 2016.

. During 2013, theThe Company repurchased 99842 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $77,2936,665, or an average price of $77.47156.98 per share, under itsin connection with the net settlement of shares issued as a result of the vesting of restricted stock repurchase program.and restricted stock units during

2015. The Company repurchased 35 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $5,154, or an average price of $148.85 per share, in connection with the net settlement of shares issued as a result of the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units during 2014. The Company repurchased 38 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $3,502, or an average price of $91.78 per share, in connection with the net settlement of shares issued as a result of the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units during 2013.

14.12. Earnings per Share:
 
Certain of the Company’s shares granted to Team Members in the form of restricted stock and restricted stock units are considered participating securities which require the use of the two-class method for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share. For 20142015, 20132014 and 20122013, earnings of $1,5551,653, $8951,555 and $870895, respectively, were allocated to the participating securities.

Diluted earnings per share are calculated by including the effect of dilutive securities. Share-based awards to purchase approximately 131, 7513 and 22175 shares of common stock that had an exercise price in excess of the average market price of the common stock during 20142015, 20132014 and 20122013, respectively, were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they are anti-dilutive.



F-29F-26

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for 20142015, 20132014 and 20122013, respectively: 
 2014 2013 2012 2015 2014 2013
Numerator            
Net income applicable to common shares $493,825
 $391,758
 $387,670
 $473,398
 $493,825
 $391,758
Participating securities’ share in earnings (1,555) (895) (870) (1,653) (1,555) (895)
Net income applicable to common shares $492,270
 $390,863
 $386,800
 $471,745
 $492,270
 $390,863
Denominator            
Basic weighted average common shares 72,932
 72,930
 73,091
 73,190
 72,932
 72,930
Dilutive impact of share-based awards 482
 484
 971
 543
 482
 484
Diluted weighted average common shares 73,414
 73,414
 74,062
 73,733
 73,414
 73,414
            
Basic earnings per common share            
Net income applicable to common stockholders $6.75
 $5.36
 $5.29
 $6.45
 $6.75
 $5.36
Diluted earnings per common share            
Net income applicable to common stockholders $6.71
 $5.32
 $5.22
 $6.40
 $6.71
 $5.32
 
15.13. Income Taxes:
 
Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes for 20142015, 20132014 and 20122013 consists of the following:
 Current Deferred Total
2015      
Federal $242,801
 $(6,564) $236,237
State 33,023
 (1,797) 31,226
Foreign 12,885
 (858) 12,027
 Current Deferred Total $288,709
 $(9,219) $279,490
2014            
Federal $204,743
 $45,389
 $250,132
 $204,743
 $45,389
 $250,132
State 19,359
 4,830
 24,189
 19,359
 4,830
 24,189
Foreign 14,999
 (1,751) 13,248
 14,999
 (1,751) 13,248
 $239,101
 $48,468
 $287,569
 $239,101
 $48,468
 $287,569
2013            
Federal $202,784
 $(1,898) $200,886
 $202,784
 $(1,898) $200,886
State 25,287
 (339) 24,948
 25,287
 (339) 24,948
Foreign 8,806
 
 8,806
 8,806
 
 8,806
 $236,877
 $(2,237) $234,640
 $236,877
 $(2,237) $234,640
2012      
Federal $185,564
 $21,940
 $207,504
State 20,116
 4,953
 25,069
Foreign 3,831
 
 3,831
 $209,511
 $26,893
 $236,404



F-30

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


The provision for income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax
rate due to:
 January 3, 2015 December 28, 2013 December 29, 2012 January 2, 2016 January 3, 2015 December 28, 2013
Income before provision for income taxes at statutory U.S. federal income tax rate (35%) $273,488
 $219,239
 $218,426
 $263,511
 $273,488
 $219,239
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 15,723
 16,216
 16,295
 20,297
 15,723
 16,216
Other, net (1,642) (815) 1,683
 (4,318) (1,642) (815)
 $287,569
 $234,640
 $236,404
 $279,490
 $287,569
 $234,640

Deferred Income Tax Assets(Liabilities)Assets (Liabilities)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income taxes reflect the net income tax effect of temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and for income tax reporting purposes. The Company retrospectively adopted ASU 2015-17 during the fourth quarter of 2015, which requires the presentation of all deferred taxes as long-term assets or liabilities. As of January 3, 2015, the Company reclassified $88,650 from current to long-term deferred income tax liabilities as a result of this adoption.

Net deferred income tax balances are comprised of the following:
 January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
 January 2,
2016
 January 3,
2015
Deferred income tax assets $151,997
 $101,979
 $171,571
 $151,997
Valuation allowance (5,084) (1,557) (2,861) (5,084)
Deferred income tax liabilities (593,264) (321,778) (602,635) (593,264)
Net deferred income tax liabilities $(446,351) $(221,356) $(433,925) $(446,351)

As of January 3, 20152, 2016 and December 28, 2013January 3, 2015, the Company had deferred income tax assets of $1,297386 and $2,2071,297 from federal net operating losses, or NOLs, of $3,7051,103 and $6,3073,705, and deferred income tax assets of $6,8475,521 and $2,1306,847 from state NOLs of $165,849145,809 and $40,440165,849, respectively. These NOLs may be used to reduce future taxable income and expire periodically through Fiscal 2034.2035. Due to uncertainties related to the realization of certain deferred tax assets for NOLs in certain jurisdictions, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $5,0842,861 and $1,557$5,084 as of both January 3, 20152, 2016 and December 28, 2013January 3, 2015. The amount of deferred income tax assets realizable, however, could change in the future if projections of future taxable income change. As of January 3, 20152, 2016 and December 28, 2013January 3, 2015, the Company had cumulative net deferred income tax liabilities of $446,351433,925 and $221,356446,351, respectively.

The Company has not recorded deferred taxes when earnings from foreign operations are considered to be indefinitely invested outside of the U.S. These accumulated net earnings relate to certain ongoing operations for multiple years and were approximately $108,000$114 as of January 3, 2015.2, 2016. It is not practicable to determine the income tax liability that would be payable if such earnings were repatriated.




F-31F-27

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


Temporary differences which give rise to significant deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
  January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
Current deferred income tax assets (liabilities):    
Inventory valuation differences $(156,703) $(178,201)
Accrued medical and workers compensation 14,250
 9,370
Accrued expenses not currently deductible for tax 48,684
 28,501
Other, net 5,119
 5,612
Total current deferred income tax assets (liabilities) $(88,650) $(134,718)
     
Long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities):    
Property and equipment $(181,511) $(143,577)
Share-based compensation 13,721
 10,733
Accrued medical and workers compensation 30,424
 20,532
Net operating loss carryforwards 7,233
 3,426
Straight-line rent 21,431
 20,784
Intangible assets (255,050) (10,961)
Other, net 6,051
 12,425
Total long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities) $(357,701) $(86,638)

These amounts are recorded in Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as appropriate.
  January 2,
2016
 January 3,
2015
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities):    
Property and equipment $(171,378) $(181,511)
Inventory valuation differences (190,756) (156,703)
Accrued expenses not currently deductible for tax 67,725
 48,684
Share-based compensation 20,902
 13,721
Accrued medical and workers compensation 44,152
 44,674
Net operating loss carryforwards 5,907
 7,233
Straight-line rent 26,626
 21,431
Intangible assets (240,501) (255,050)
Other, net 3,398
 11,170
Total deferred income tax assets (liabilities) $(433,925) $(446,351)

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

The following table lists each category and summarizes the activity of the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits for the fiscal years ended January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012:
 January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
 December 29,
2012
 January 2,
2016
 January 3,
2015
 December 28,
2013
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period $18,458
 $16,708
 $24,711
 $14,033
 $18,458
 $16,708
Increases related to prior period tax positions 
 
 702
 412
 
 
Decreases related to prior period tax positions (4,841) (1,313) (9,629) (2,120) (4,841) (1,313)
Increases related to current period tax positions 4,329
 3,678
 3,985
 3,137
 4,329
 3,678
Settlements (2,345) 
 (1,111) (582) (2,345) 
Expiration of statute of limitations (1,568) (615) (1,950) (1,039) (1,568) (615)
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period $14,033
 $18,458
 $16,708
 $13,841
 $14,033
 $18,458

As of January 3, 20152, 2016, December 28, 2013January 3, 2015 and December 29, 2012,28, 2013, the entire amount of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s annual effective tax rate.

The Company provides for potential interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as a part of income tax expense. During 2015, the Company recorded potential interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions of $149. During 2014, the Company recognized a benefit from interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions of $3,684. During 2013, the Company recorded potential interest and penalties of $818. During 2012 the Company recognized a benefit from interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions of $754818. As of January 2, 2016, the Company had recorded a liability for potential interest and penalties of $1,815 and $134, respectively. As of January 3, 2015, the Company had recorded a liability for potential interest and penalties of $1,759 and $138, respectively. As of December 28, 2013, the Company had recorded a liability for potential interest and penalties of $5,767 and $316, respectively. The Company has not provided for any


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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


penalties associated with tax contingencies unless considered probable of assessment. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.

During the next 12 months, it is possible the Company could conclude on approximately $1,0002,000 to $2,0003,000 of the contingencies associated with unrecognized tax uncertainties due mainly to the conclusion of audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations. The majority of these resolutions would be achieved through the completion of current income tax examinations.



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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return and income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has completed exams of the U.S. federal income tax returns for years 2007 and prior. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2008.

16.14. Lease Commitments:
 
Initial terms for facility leases are typically 10 to 15 years, with renewal options at five year intervals, and may include rent escalation clauses. As of January 3, 20152, 2016, future minimum lease payments due under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms extending through the year 2059 are as follows:
Fiscal Year Amount Amount
2015 $460,655
2016 439,530
 $491,602
2017 402,581
 430,596
2018 363,154
 399,896
2019 317,982
 362,679
2020 316,063
Thereafter 1,262,623
 1,249,671

 $3,246,525
 $3,250,507

The Company anticipates its future minimum lease payments will be partially off-set by future minimum sub-lease income. As of January 3, 20152, 2016 and December 28, 2013January 3, 2015, future minimum sub-lease income to be received under non-cancelable operating leases is $20,289$18,622 and $29,95020,289, respectively.

Net Rent Expense

Net rent expense for 20142015, 20132014 and 20122013 was as follows:
 January 3, 2015 December 28, 2013 December 29, 2012 January 2, 2016 January 3, 2015 December 28, 2013
Minimum facility rentals $463,345
 $328,581
 $300,552
 $471,061
 $463,345
 $328,581
Contingency facility rentals 488
 578
 907
 303
 488
 578
Equipment rentals 8,230
 5,333
 5,027
 11,632
 8,230
 5,333
Vehicle rentals 53,300
 29,100
 18,401
 61,147
 53,300
 29,100
 525,363
 363,592
 324,887
 544,143
 525,363
 363,592
Less: Sub-lease income (9,966) (5,983) (4,600) (7,569) (9,966) (5,983)
 $515,397
 $357,609
 $320,287
 $536,574
 $515,397
 $357,609



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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


17.15. Contingencies:

In the case of all known contingencies, the Company accrues for an obligation, including estimated legal costs, when it is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. As facts concerning contingencies become known to the Company, the Company reassesses its position with respect to accrued liabilities and other potential exposures. Estimates that are particularly sensitive to future change include legal matters, which are subject to change as events evolve and as additional information becomes available during the administrative and litigation process.
 
The Company’s Western Auto subsidiary, together with other defendants including, but not limited to, automobile manufacturers, automotive parts manufacturers and other retailers, has been named as a defendant in lawsuits alleging injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products. The Company and some of its other subsidiaries also have been named as a defendant in many asbestos-related lawsuits. The automotive products at issue in these lawsuits are primarily brake parts. The


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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


plaintiffs have alleged that these products contained asbestos and were manufactured, distributed and/or sold by the various defendants. Many of the cases pending against the Company or its subsidiaries are in the early stages of litigation. The damages claimed against the defendants in some of these proceedings are substantial. Additionally, many of the suppliers and manufacturers of asbestos and asbestos-containing products have dissolved or declared bankruptcy, which will limit plaintiffs’ ability to recover monetary damages from those entities. Although the Company and its subsidiaries diligently defend against these claims, the Company may enter into discussions regarding settlement of these and other lawsuits, and may enter into settlement agreements, if it believes settlement is in the best interests of the Company’s shareholders. The Company believes that many of these claims are at least partially covered by insurance. Based on discovery to date, the Company does not believe the cases currently pending will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operating results, financial position or liquidity. However, if the Company and/or a subsidiary were to incur an adverse verdict in one or more of these claims and was ordered to pay substantial damages that were not covered by insurance, these claims could have a material adverse effect on its operating results, financial position and liquidity. Historically, our asbestos claims have been inconsistent in fact patterns alleged and number and have been immaterial. Furthermore, the outcome of such legal matters is uncertain and the Company's liability, if any, could vary widely. As a result, we are unable to estimate a possible range of loss with respect to unasserted asbestos claims that may be filed against the Company or any subsidiary in the future. If the number of claims filed against the Company or any of its subsidiaries alleging injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products increases substantially, the costs associated with concluding these claims, including damages resulting from any adverse verdicts, could have a material adverse effect on its operating results, financial position or liquidity in future periods.

The Company is involved in various types of legal proceedings related to employment or arising from claims of employment discrimination or other types of employment matters as a result of claims by current and former Team Members.Members or others. The damages claimed against the Company in some of these proceedings are substantial. Because of the uncertainty of the outcome of such legal matters and because the Company’s liability, if any, could vary widely, including the size of any damages awarded if plaintiffs are successful in litigation or any negotiated settlement, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss which may arise. The Company is also involved in various other claims and legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Although the final outcome of these legal matters cannot be determined, based on the facts presently known, it is management’s opinion that the final outcome of such claims and lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

18.16. Benefit Plans:

401(k) Plan

The Company maintains a defined contribution benefit plan, which covers substantially all Team Members after one year of service and who have attained the age of 21. The plan allows for Team Member salary deferrals, which are matched at the Company’s discretion. During 2014, GPI also maintained its existing defined contribution plan which allowed for GPI Team Member salary deferrals and discretionary fixed and profit sharing contributions by the Company. The GPI plan was merged into the Advance Auto Part plan at the beginning of fiscal 2015. Company contributions to these plans were $15,20814,626, $10,85015,208 and $10,25510,850 in 20142015, 20132014 and 20122013, respectively.





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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


Deferred Compensation

The Company maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for certain Team Members. This plan provides for a minimum and maximum deferral percentage of the Team Member’s base salary and bonus, as determined by the Retirement Plan Committee. The Company establishes and maintains a deferred compensation liability for this plan. As of January 3, 20152, 2016 and December 28, 2013January 3, 2015, these liabilities were $16,48717,472 and $14,83516,487, respectively.
 


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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


17. Share-Based Compensation:

Overview

The Company grants share-based compensation awards to its Team Members and members of its Board of Directors as provided for under the Company’s 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or 2014 LTIP, which was approved by the Company's shareholders on May 14, 2014. Prior to May 14, 2014, the Company granted share-based compensation awards to its Team Members under the 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which expired following the approval of the 2014 LTIP. The Company currently grants share-based compensation in the form of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock units ("RSUs") and deferred stock units (“DSUs”). At January 3, 2015, the Company also had outstandingAll remaining shares of restricted stock, which were granted prior to the transition to RSUs in 2012.2012, vested during 2015.

At January 3, 2015,2, 2016, there were 4,8224,739 shares of common stock available for future issuance under the 2014 Plan based on management’s current estimate of the probable vesting outcome for performance-based awards. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options and SARs. Availability is determined net of forfeitures and shares withheld for payment of taxes due. Availability also includes shares which became available for reissuance in connection with the exercise of SARs.

General Terms of Awards

The Company’s grants generally include both a time-based service portion and a performance-based portion, which collectively represent the target award.

Time-Vested Awards

The Company's outstanding time-vested awards consist of SARs RSUs and restricted stock.RSUs. The SARs generally vest over a three-year period in equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. AllThe SARs granted are non-qualified, terminate on the seventh anniversary of the grant date, and contain no post-vesting restrictions other than normal trading black-out periods prescribed by the Company’s corporate governance policies.

The RSURSUs and previously granted restricted stock grants generally vest over a three-year period in equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. During the vesting period, holders of RSUs and restricted stock are entitled to receive dividends or in the case of RSUs, dividend equivalents, while holders of restricted stock are also entitled to voting rights. For restricted stock, the Company's shares are considered outstanding at the date of grant, but are restricted until they vest and cannot be sold by the recipient until the restriction has lapsed at the end of the respective vesting period.

Performance-Based Awards

The Company's outstanding performance-based awards consist of SARs and RSUs. Performance awards may vest following a three-year period subject to the Company’s achievement of certain financial goals as specified in the grant agreements. Depending on the Company’s results during the three-year performance period, the actual number of awards vesting at the end of the period may generally range from 75% to 200% of the target award (50% to 200% for certain officers). Prior to the December 2013 grant, the target award for purposes of applying the performance multiple was defined as the total award including the time-based and performance-based portions. Beginning with the December 2013 grant, the target award for purposes of applying the performance multiplesmultiple is defined solely as the performance portion of the award granted. The


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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


performance RSUs do not have dividend equivalent rights or voting rights until the shares are earned and issued following the applicable performance period.



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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


Share-Based Compensation Expense & Cash Flows

Total share-based compensation expense and cash received included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows, including the related income tax benefits, for 2015, 2014 2013 and 20122013 are as follows:

 2014 2013 2012 2015 2014 2013
Share-based compensation expense $21,705
 $13,191
 $15,236
 $36,929
 $21,705
 $13,191
Deferred income tax benefit 8,013
 4,991
 5,774
 13,596
 8,013
 4,991
      
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options 6,578
 3,611
 8,495
 5,174
 6,578
 3,611
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights (7,102) (21,856) (26,677) (13,112) (7,102) (21,856)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation 10,487
 16,320
 23,099
 13,002
 10,487
 16,320

As of January 3, 2015,2, 2016, there was $43,979$37,583 of unrecognized compensation expense related to all share-based awards that was expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.1.2 years. Expense related to the issuance of share-based compensation is included in SG&A in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Expense is recognized net of forfeitures, which are estimated based on historical experience.

The Company modified selected awards for certain terminated employees during 2015, such that the employees would vest in awards that would have otherwise been forfeited.  Incremental expense recognized during 2015 associated with these modifications was $6,633. Four of these modified awards will be cash settled in March 2016 and therefore are accounted for as liability awards. The value of the liability awards is insignificant as of January 2, 2016.

The fair value of each SAR granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions 2014 2013 2012 2015 2014 2013
            
Risk-free interest rate (1)
 1.2% 1.1% 0.5% 1.3% 1.2% 1.1%
Expected dividend yield 0.2% 0.3% 0.3% 0.1% 0.2% 0.3%
Expected stock price volatility (2)
 27.0% 26.9% 33.2% 27.3% 27.0% 26.9%
Expected life of awards (in months) (3)
 49
 49
 49
 44
 49
 49

(1) 
The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity interest rate having term consistent with the expected life of the award.
(2) 
Expected volatility is determined using a blend of historical and implied volatility.
(3) 
The expected life of the Company's awards represents the estimated period of time until exercise and is based on historical experience of previously granted awards.

Time-Based Share Awards

Stock Options

At December 28, 2013 theThe Company had 45no outstanding stock options outstanding with a weighted-average exercise price of $41.64. All of the outstanding options were exercised during 2014 and had an aggregate intrinsic value on the date of exercise of $3,747.




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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


Stock Appreciation Rights

The following table summarizes the time-vested SARs activity for 2014:
  Number of Awards Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value
         
Outstanding at December 28, 2013 1,090
 $61.79
    
Granted 
 
    
Exercised (243) 54.88
    
Forfeited (21) 67.71
    
Outstanding at January 3, 2015 826
 $63.68
 3.54 $78,332
         
Vested and expected to vest 823
 $63.64
 3.54 $78,107
         
Outstanding and exercisable 714
 $61.92
 3.32 $69,033

The weighted average fair value of time-vested SARs granted during 2013 and 2012 was $18.55 and $19.25 per share, respectively. No time-vested SARs were granted in 2014. The aggregate intrinsic value reflected in the table above and in the table below is based on the Company’s closing stock price of $158.56 as of the last trading day of Fiscal 2014.2015. The aggregate intrinsic value, defined as the amount by which the market price of the stock on the date of exercise exceeded the exercise price, of stock options exercised in 2014 and 2013 was $3,747 and $1,916, respectively.



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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


Stock Appreciation Rights

The following table summarizes the time-vested SARs activity for 2015:
  Number of Awards Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value
         
Outstanding at January 3, 2015 826
 $63.68
    
Granted 
 
    
Exercised (252) 54.98
    
Forfeited (13) 67.69
    
Outstanding at January 2, 2016 561
 $67.51
 2.83 $46,538
         
Vested and expected to vest 561
 $67.50
 2.83 $46,534
         
Outstanding and exercisable 551
 $67.23
 2.80 $45,871

The weighted average fair value of time-vested SARs granted during 2013 was $18.55 per share. No time-vested SARs were granted in 2015 or 2014. The aggregate intrinsic value reflected in the table above and in the table below for performance-based SARs is based on the Company’s closing stock price of $150.51 as of the last trading day of Fiscal 2015. The aggregate intrinsic value of SARs exercised during 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $26,060, $18,975 and 2012 was $18,975, $36,998, and $37,477, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock
            
The following table summarizes the RSU and restricted stock activity for the fiscal year ended January 3, 20152, 2016:
 Number of Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
        
Nonvested at December 28, 2013 210
 $91.44
Nonvested at January 3, 2015 283
 $123.89
Granted 190
 139.43
 143
 153.61
Vested (94) 87.93
 (124) 122.77
Forfeited (23) 103.75
 (32) 126.52
Nonvested at January 3, 2015 283
 $123.89
Nonvested at January 2, 2016 270
 $142.65

The fair value of each RSU and restricted stock award is determined based on the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The weighted average fair value of RSUs and restricted shares granted during 2014,2015, 20132014 and 20122013 was $139.43153.61, $102.19139.43 and $75.26102.19 per share, respectively. The total grant date fair value of RSUs and restricted shares vested during 2014,2015, 20132014 and 20122013 was $8,29315,268, $5,0358,293 and $4,7345,035, respectively.

Performance-Based Awards

The number of performance-based awards outstanding areis reflected in the following tables based on the number of awards that the Company believed were probable of vesting. Performance-based awards granted during 20142015 are presented at the target level, as achievement of the target level was deemed probable as of the grant date. The change in units based on performance represents the change in the number of previously granted awards expected to vest based on the Company's updated probability assessment atas of January 3, 20152, 2016.


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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


Compensation expense for performance-based awards of $6,161,$14,659, $1,1416,161, and $3,2671,141 in 2014,2015, 20132014 and 20122013, respectively, was determined based on management’s estimate of the probable vesting outcome.

Performance-Based SARs

The following table summarizes the performance-based SARs activity for 2014:2015:
Number of Awards Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic ValueNumber of Awards Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value
          
Outstanding at December 28, 2013520
 $78.21
  
Outstanding at January 3, 2015629
 $112.01
  
Granted303
 141.57
  198
 153.22
  
Change in units based on performance(48) 90.57
  96
 95.59
  
Exercised(39) 35.18
  (70) 35.84
  
Forfeited(107) 68.97
  (100) 120.42
  
Outstanding at January 3, 2015629
 $112.01
 5.47 $29,285
Outstanding at January 2, 2016753
 $118.89
 5.41 $24,225
          
Vested and expected to vest533
 $108.17
 4.97 $26,864
662
 $114.93
 5.24 $23,870
          
Outstanding and exercisable92
 $36.91
 1.84 $11,152
32
 $56.10
 2.11 $3,031

The weighted average fair value of performance-based SARs granted during 2014,2015, 20132014 and 20122013 was $32.4143.38, $23.7232.41 and $19.2323.72 per share, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of performance-based SARs exercised during 2014,2015, 20132014 and 20122013 was $3,8148,475, $14,257$3,814 and $34,020,$14,257, respectively. As of January 3, 20152, 2016, the maximum potential payout under the Company’s currently outstanding performance-based SAR awards was 2,1671,813 units.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes the performance-based RSUs activity for 2014:2015:
 Number of Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
        
Nonvested at December 28, 2013 182
 $75.36
Nonvested at January 3, 2015 195
 $81.98
Granted 19
 123.32
 
 
Change in units based on performance 6
 104.87
 33
 72.17
Vested (2) 74.43
 (24) 75.00
Forfeited (10) 76.09
 (21) 76.04
Nonvested at January 3, 2015 195
 $81.98
Nonvested at January 2, 2016 183
 $81.81

The fair value of each performance-based RSU is determined based on the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The weighted average fair value of performance-based RSUs granted during 2014, 20132014 and 20122013 was $123.32, and $77.47 and $75.20per share, respectively. No performance-based RSUs were granted in 2015. The total grant date fair value of performance-based restricted stock vested during 2014,2015, 20132014 and 20122013 was $1421,763, $1,290$142 and $4,858,$1,290, respectively. As of January 3, 20152, 2016, the maximum potential payout under the Company’s currently outstanding performance-based RSUs was 462309 shares.





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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


Deferred Stock Units

The Company grants share-based awards annually to its Board of Directors in connection with its annual meeting of stockholders. These awards are granted in the form of DSUs as provided for in the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Selected Executives, or the DSU Plan. Each DSU is equivalent to one share of common stock of the Company. TheAll DSUs granted in 2015, 2014 and 2013 are fully vest after one year of board servicevested and arewill be distributed in common shares after the director’s service on the Board ends. Additionally, the DSU Plan provides for the deferral of compensation earned in the form of (i) an annual retainer for directors, and (ii) wages for certain highly compensated Team Members of the Company. These DSUs are settled in common stock with the participants at a future date, or over a specified time period, as elected by the participants in accordance with the DSU Plan.

The Company granted 79 DSUs in 2014.2015. The weighted average fair value of DSUs granted during 2015, 2014 and 2013 andwas $156.83, 2012 was $122.80, $83.63122.80, and $69.8283.63, respectively. The DSUs are awarded at a price equal to the market price of the Company’s underlying stock on the date of the grant. For 2015, 2014 2013 and 2012,2013, respectively, the Company recognized a total$2,071, $862, and $840 of $862, $840, and $960 on a pre-tax basis, inshare-based compensation expense for these DSU grants.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company also offers an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP). Under the ESPP, eligible Team Members may elect salary deferrals to purchase the Company’s common stock at a discount toof 10% from its fair market value on the date of purchase. During 2012, the Company increased this discount from 5% to 10%. There are annual limitations on the amounts a Team Member may elect of either $25 per Team Member or 10% of compensation, whichever is less. Under the plan, Team Members acquired 3935, 2339 and 3423 shares under the ESPP in 2014,2015, 20132014 and 20122013, respectively. As of January 3, 20152, 2016, there were 1,1001,065 shares available to be issued under the plan.ESPP.

20.18. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Comprehensive income is computed as net earnings plus certain other items that are recorded directly to stockholders’ equity during the accounting period. In addition to net earnings, comprehensive income also includes changes in unrealized gains orand losses on hedge arrangements, postretirement plan benefits, net of tax and foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of tax.. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for 20142015, 20132014 and 20122013 consisted of the following:
 Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Hedging
Arrangements
 Unrealized Gain (Loss)
on Postretirement
Plan
 
Currency
Translation
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Unrealized Gain (Loss)
on Postretirement
Plan
 
Currency
Translation
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balance, December 31, 2011 $(254) $3,058
 $
 $2,804
Fiscal 2012 activity 254
 (391) 
 (137)
Balance, December 29, 2012 $
 $2,667
 $
 $2,667
 $2,667
 $
 $2,667
Fiscal 2013 activity 
 1,016
 
 1,016
 1,016
 
 1,016
Balance, December 28, 2013 $
 $3,683
 $
 $3,683
 $3,683
 $
 $3,683
Fiscal 2014 activity 
 (752) (15,268) (16,020) (752) (15,268) (16,020)
Balance, January 3, 2015 $
 $2,931
 $(15,268) $(12,337) $2,931
 $(15,268) $(12,337)
Fiscal 2015 activity (445) (31,277) (31,722)
Balance, January 2, 2016 $2,486
 $(46,545) $(44,059)

21.19. Segment and Related Information:

As a result of the acquisition of GPI on January 2, 2014, which is described in Note 4, Acquisitions, the Company reevaluated the composition of its reportable segments. Based on this analysis, the Company determined that it operates as a single reportable segment. As of January 3, 20152, 2016, the Company's operations are comprised of 5,2615,171 stores and 111 distribution122 branches, which operate in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands primarily under the trade names “Advance Auto Parts,” "Carquest," "Autopart International" and "Worldpac." These locations offer a broad selection of brand name, OEM and proprietary automotive replacement parts, accessories, and maintenance items primarily for domestic and


F-39

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


imported cars and light trucks. While the mix of Commercial and DIY customers varies among the four store brands, all of the locations serve customers through similar distribution channels. The Company has begun implementation of itsis implementing a multi-year plan to fully integrate the


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Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


Carquest company-operated stores and overall operations into Advance Auto Parts and to eventually integrate the availability of all of the Company's product offerings throughout the entire chain.

The Company's Advance Auto Parts operations are currently comprised of threefive geographic areas.areas which include the operations of the stores operating under the Advance Auto Parts, Carquest and Autopart International trade names. Each of the Advance Auto Parts geographic areas, in addition to Carquest and Worldpac, are individually considered operating segments which are aggregated into one reportable segment. Effective Q1in the first quarter of 2015, the Company'sCompany expanded from three geographic areas, expandedwhich previously comprised the Advance Auto Parts and Autopart International operations, to five areas, inclusive of the Carquest operations, makingsuch that Carquest is no longer an operating segment. Included in the Company's overall store operations are sales generated from its e-commerce platforms. The Company's e-commerce platforms, primarily consisting of its online websites and Commercial ordering platforms, are part of its integrated operating approach of serving its Commercial and DIY customers. Through the Company's online ordering platforms, Commercial customers can conveniently place orders with a designated store location for delivery to their places of business or pick-up. The Company's online websites allow its DIY customers to pick up merchandise at a conveniently located store location or have their purchases shipped directly to them. The majority of the Company's online DIY sales are picked up at store locations. Through the Company's online ordering platforms, Commercial customers can conveniently place orders with a designated store location for delivery to their places of business or pick-up.

The following table summarizes financial information for each of the Company’s product groups for the years ended January 3, 20152, 2016, December 28, 2013January 3, 2015 and December 29, 201228, 2013, respectively.
 2014 2013 2012 2015 2014 2013
Percentage of Sales, by Product Group            
Parts and Batteries 69% 67% 65% 69% 69% 67%
Accessories 13% 14% 14% 13% 13% 14%
Chemicals 8% 10% 10% 7% 8% 10%
Oil 8% 9% 10% 8% 8% 9%
Other 2% % 1% 3% 2% %
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
 
22.20. Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements:

Certain 100% wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries of Advance, including its Material Subsidiaries (as defined in the 2013 Credit Agreement), serve as guarantors of Advance's senior unsecured notes ("Guarantor Subsidiaries"). The subsidiary guarantees related to Advance's senior unsecured notes are full and unconditional and joint and several, and there are no restrictions on the ability of Advance to obtain funds from its Guarantor Subsidiaries. Certain of Advance's wholly-owned subsidiaries, including all of its foreign subsidiaries, do not serve as guarantors of Advance's senior unsecured notes ("Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries"). Beginning in January 2014, theThe Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries which were previously minor, no longer qualifieddo not qualify as minor as defined by SEC regulations. Accordingly, we presentthe Company presents below the condensed consolidating financial information for the Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. Investments in subsidiaries of the Company are required to be presented under the equity method, even though all such subsidiaries meet the requirements to be consolidated under GAAP.

Set forth below are condensed consolidating financial statements presenting the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of (i) Advance, (ii) the Guarantor Subsidiaries, (iii) the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and (iv) the eliminations necessary to arrive at consolidated information for the Company. The statement of operations eliminations relate primarily to the sale of inventory from a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary to a Guarantor Subsidiary. The balance sheet eliminations relate primarily to the elimination of intercompany receivables and payables and subsidiary investment accounts.

The following tables present condensed consolidating balance sheets as of January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015 and condensed consolidating statements of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the year ended January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements herein.



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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
As of January 2, 2016

 Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Assets         
Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents$8
 $63,458
 $27,324
 $(8) $90,782
Receivables, net
 568,106
 29,682
 
 597,788
Inventories, net
 4,009,335
 165,433
 
 4,174,768
Other current assets178
 78,904
 1,376
 (3,050) 77,408
Total current assets186
 4,719,803
 223,815
 (3,058) 4,940,746
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation154
 1,425,319
 9,104
 
 1,434,577
Goodwill
 943,319
 46,165
 
 989,484
Intangible assets, net
 640,583
 46,542
 
 687,125
Other assets, net16,077
 75,312
 745
 (9,501) 82,633
Investment in subsidiaries2,523,076
 302,495
 
 (2,825,571) 
Intercompany note receivable1,048,161
 
 
 (1,048,161) 
Due from intercompany, net
 
 325,077
 (325,077) 
 $3,587,654
 $8,106,831
 $651,448
 $(4,211,368) $8,134,565
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity         
Current liabilities:         
Current portion of long-term debt$
 $598
 $
 $
 $598
Accounts payable103
 2,903,287
 300,532
 
 3,203,922
Accrued expenses2,378
 529,076
 24,759
 (3,050) 553,163
Other current liabilities
 36,270
 3,532
 (8) 39,794
Total current liabilities2,481
 3,469,231
 328,823
 (3,058) 3,797,477
Long-term debt1,048,161
 165,000
 
 
 1,213,161
Deferred income taxes
 425,094
 18,332
 (9,501) 433,925
Other long-term liabilities
 227,556
 1,798
 
 229,354
Intercompany note payable
 1,048,161
 
 (1,048,161) 
Due to intercompany, net76,364
 248,713
 
 (325,077) 
Commitments and contingencies
 
 
 
 
          
Stockholders' equity2,460,648
 2,523,076
 302,495
 (2,825,571) 2,460,648
 $3,587,654
 $8,106,831
 $651,448
 $(4,211,368) $8,134,565



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Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
As of January 3, 2015
 Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Assets         
Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents$9
 $65,345
 $39,326
 $(9) $104,671
Receivables, net
 549,151
 30,674
 
 579,825
Inventories, net
 3,771,816
 165,139
 
 3,936,955
Other current assets3,203
 113,003
 3,383
 
 119,589
Total current assets3,212
 4,499,315
 238,522
 (9) 4,741,040
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation2
 1,421,325
 10,703
 
 1,432,030
Goodwill
 940,817
 54,609
 
 995,426
Intangible assets, net
 689,745
 58,380
 
 748,125
Other assets, net13,862
 37,377
 683
 (6,185) 45,737
Investment in subsidiaries2,057,761
 280,014
 
 (2,337,775) 
Intercompany note receivable1,047,911
 
 
 (1,047,911) 
Due from intercompany, net
 
 211,908
 (211,908) 
 $3,122,748
 $7,868,593
 $574,805
 $(3,603,788) $7,962,358
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity         
Current liabilities:         
Current portion of long-term debt$
 $582
 $
 $
 $582
Accounts payable
 2,845,043
 250,322
 
 3,095,365
Accrued expenses4,884
 498,505
 17,284
 
 520,673
Other current liabilities
 35,368
 2,437
 (9) 37,796
Total current liabilities4,884
 3,379,498
 270,043
 (9) 3,654,416
Long-term debt1,047,911
 588,400
 
 
 1,636,311
Deferred income taxes
 430,544
 21,992
 (6,185) 446,351
Other long-term liabilities
 219,612
 2,756
 
 222,368
Intercompany note payable
 1,047,911
 
 (1,047,911) 
Due to intercompany, net67,041
 144,867
 
 (211,908) 
Commitments and contingencies         
          
Stockholders' equity2,002,912
 2,057,761
 280,014
 (2,337,775) 2,002,912
 $3,122,748
 $7,868,593
 $574,805
 $(3,603,788) $7,962,358



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Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
For Fiscal 2015
 Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Net sales$
 $9,432,116
 $593,606
 $(288,704) $9,737,018
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs
 5,172,938
 430,012
 (288,704) 5,314,246
Gross profit
 4,259,178
 163,594
 
 4,422,772
Selling, general and administrative expenses24,186
 3,536,697
 93,852
 (57,743) 3,596,992
Operating (loss) income(24,186) 722,481
 69,742
 57,743
 825,780
Other, net:         
Interest expense(52,210) (13,378) 180
 
 (65,408)
Other income (expense), net76,987
 (19,699) (7,029) (57,743) (7,484)
Total other, net24,777
 (33,077) (6,849) (57,743) (72,892)
Income before provision for income taxes591
 689,404
 62,893
 
 752,888
Provision for income taxes1,220
 268,571
 9,699
 
 279,490
(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries(629) 420,833
 53,194
 
 473,398
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries474,027
 53,194
 
 (527,221) 
Net income$473,398
 $474,027
 $53,194
 $(527,221) $473,398


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
For Fiscal 2014
 Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Net sales$
 $9,530,953
 $527,595
 $(214,687) $9,843,861
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs
 5,231,421
 373,514
 (214,687) 5,390,248
Gross profit
 4,299,532
 154,081
 
 4,453,613
Selling, general and administrative expenses14,504
 3,541,370
 102,370
 (56,341) 3,601,903
Operating (loss) income(14,504) 758,162
 51,711
 56,341
 851,710
Other, net:         
Interest expense(52,946) (20,334) (128) 
 (73,408)
Other income (expense), net67,470
 (9,140) 1,103
 (56,341) 3,092
Total other, net14,524
 (29,474) 975
 (56,341) (70,316)
Income before provision for income taxes20
 728,688
 52,686
 
 781,394
Provision for income taxes296
 277,769
 9,504
 
 287,569
(Loss) Income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries(276) 450,919
 43,182
 
 493,825
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries494,101
 43,182
 
 (537,283) 
Net income$493,825
 $494,101
 $43,182
 $(537,283) $493,825


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Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013
(in thousands, except per share data)


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
For Fiscal 2015

 Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Net income$473,398
 $474,027
 $53,194
 $(527,221) $473,398
Other comprehensive loss:         
Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs
 (445) 
 
 (445)
Currency translation
 
 (31,277) 
 (31,277)
Equity in other comprehensive loss of subsidiaries(31,722) (31,277) 
 62,999
 
Other comprehensive loss(31,722) (31,722) (31,277) 62,999
 (31,722)
Comprehensive income$441,676
 $442,305
 $21,917
 $(464,222) $441,676



Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
For Fiscal 2014

 Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Net income$493,825
 $494,101
 $43,182
 $(537,283) $493,825
Other comprehensive loss:         
Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs
 (752) 
 
 (752)
Currency translation adjustments
 
 (15,268) 
 (15,268)
Equity in other comprehensive loss of subsidiaries(16,020) (15,268) 
 31,288
 
Other comprehensive loss(16,020) (16,020) (15,268) 31,288
 (16,020)
Comprehensive income$477,805
 $478,081
 $27,914
 $(505,995) $477,805

















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ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


Condensed Consolidating Balance SheetsStatements of Cash Flows
As of January 3,For Fiscal 2015

 Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Assets         
Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents$9
 $65,345
 $39,326
 $(9) $104,671
Receivables, net
 549,151
 30,674
 
 579,825
Inventories, net
 3,771,816
 165,139
 
 3,936,955
Other current assets4,102
 113,003
 3,383
 (899) 119,589
Total current assets4,111
 4,499,315
 238,522
 (908) 4,741,040
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation2
 1,421,325
 10,703
 
 1,432,030
Assets held for sale
 615
 
 
 615
Goodwill
 940,817
 54,609
 
 995,426
Intangible assets, net
 689,745
 58,380
 
 748,125
Other assets, net12,963
 36,762
 683
 (5,286) 45,122
Investment in subsidiaries2,057,761
 280,014
 
 (2,337,775) 
Intercompany note receivable1,047,911
 
 
 (1,047,911) 
Due from intercompany, net
 
 211,908
 (211,908) 
 $3,122,748
 $7,868,593
 $574,805
 $(3,603,788) $7,962,358
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity         
Current liabilities:         
Current portion of long-term debt$
 $582
 $
 $
 $582
Accounts payable
 2,845,043
 250,322
 
 3,095,365
Accrued expenses4,884
 498,505
 17,284
 
 520,673
Other current liabilities
 115,497
 11,857
 (908) 126,446
Total current liabilities4,884
 3,459,627
 279,463
 (908) 3,743,066
Long-term debt1,047,911
 588,400
 
 
 1,636,311
Other long-term liabilities
 570,027
 15,328
 (5,286) 580,069
Intercompany note payable
 1,047,911
 
 (1,047,911) 
Due to intercompany, net67,041
 144,867
 
 (211,908) 
Commitments and contingencies
 
 
 
 
          
Stockholders' equity2,002,912
 2,057,761
 280,014
 (2,337,775) 2,002,912
 $3,122,748
 $7,868,593
 $574,805
 $(3,603,788) $7,962,358
 Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities$(1) $696,580
 $(6,937) $
 $689,642
Cash flows from investing activities:         
Purchases of property and equipment
 (232,591) (2,156) 
 (234,747)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 (18,583) (306) 
 (18,889)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
 266
 4
 
 270
Net cash used in investing activities
 (250,908) (2,458) 
 (253,366)
Cash flows from financing activities:         
Increase in bank overdrafts
 (4,529) 1,606
 1
 (2,922)
Borrowings under credit facilities
 618,300
 
 
 618,300
Payments on credit facilities
 (1,041,700) 
 
 (1,041,700)
Dividends paid
 (17,649) 
 
 (17,649)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options
 5,174
 
 
 5,174
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights
 (13,112) 
 
 (13,112)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
 13,002
 
 
 13,002
Repurchase of common stock
 (6,665) 
 
 (6,665)
Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions
 
 
 
 
Other
 (380) 
 
 (380)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
 (447,559) 1,606
 1
 (445,952)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
 (4,213) 
 (4,213)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(1) (1,887) (12,002) 1
 (13,889)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
9
 65,345
 39,326
 (9) 104,671
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$8
 $63,458
 $27,324
 $(8) $90,782




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Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
For Fiscal 2014
 Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Net sales$
 $9,530,953
 $527,595
 $(214,687) $9,843,861
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs
 5,231,421
 373,514
 (214,687) 5,390,248
Gross profit
 4,299,532
 154,081
 
 4,453,613
Selling, general and administrative expenses14,504
 3,541,370
 102,370
 (56,341) 3,601,903
Operating (loss) income(14,504) 758,162
 51,711
 56,341
 851,710
Other, net:         
Interest expense(52,946) (20,334) (128) 
 (73,408)
Other income (expense), net67,470
 (9,140) 1,103
 (56,341) 3,092
Total other, net14,524
 (29,474) 975
 (56,341) (70,316)
Income before provision for income taxes20
 728,688
 52,686
 
 781,394
Provision for income taxes296
 277,769
 9,504
 
 287,569
(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries(276) 450,919
 43,182
 
 493,825
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries494,101
 43,182
 
 (537,283) 
Net income$493,825
 $494,101
 $43,182
 $(537,283) $493,825



Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
For Fiscal 2014

 Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Net income$493,825
 $494,101
 $43,182
 $(537,283) $493,825
Other comprehensive loss:         
Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs
 (752) 
 
 (752)
Currency translation
 
 (15,268) 
 (15,268)
Equity in other comprehensive loss of subsidiaries(16,020) (15,268) 
 31,288
 
Other comprehensive loss(16,020) (16,020) (15,268) 31,288
 (16,020)
Comprehensive income$477,805
 $478,081
 $27,914
 $(505,995) $477,805






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Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)



Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For Fiscal 2014

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations ConsolidatedAdvance Auto Parts, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities$
 $666,566
 $42,425
 $
 $708,991
$
 $666,566
 $42,425
 $
 $708,991
Cash flows from investing activities:                  
Purchases of property and equipment
 (224,894) (3,552) 
 (228,446)
 (224,894) (3,552) 
 (228,446)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 (2,059,987) (796) 
 (2,060,783)
 (2,059,987) (796) 
 (2,060,783)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
 974
 18
 
 992

 974
 18
 
 992
Net cash used in investing activities
 (2,283,907) (4,330) 
 (2,288,237)
 (2,283,907) (4,330) 
 (2,288,237)
Cash flows from financing activities:               
  
Increase in bank overdrafts
 16,228
 
 (9) 16,219

 16,228
 
 (9) 16,219
Borrowings under credit facilities
 2,238,200
 
 
 2,238,200

 2,238,200
 
 
 2,238,200
Payments on credit facilities
 (1,654,800) 
 
 (1,654,800)
 (1,654,800) 
 
 (1,654,800)
Dividends paid
 (17,580) 
 
 (17,580)
 (17,580) 
 
 (17,580)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options
 6,578
 
 
 6,578
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily for employee stock purchase plan
 6,578
 
 
 6,578
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights
 (7,102) 
 
 (7,102)
 (7,102) 
 
 (7,102)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
 10,487
 
 
 10,487

 10,487
 
 
 10,487
Repurchase of common stock
 (5,154) 
 
 (5,154)
 (5,154) 
 
 (5,154)
Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions
 (10,047) 
 
 (10,047)
Contingent consideration related to previous business acquisition
 (10,047) 
 
 (10,047)
Other
 (890) 
 
 (890)
 (890) 
 
 (890)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 575,920
 
 (9) 575,911

 575,920
 
 (9) 575,911
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
 (4,465) 
 (4,465)
 
 (4,465) 
 (4,465)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 (1,041,421) 33,630
 (9) (1,007,800)
 (1,041,421) 33,630
 (9) (1,007,800)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
9
 1,106,766
 5,696
 
 1,112,471
9
 1,106,766
 5,696
 
 1,112,471
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$9
 $65,345
 $39,326
 $(9) $104,671
$9
 $65,345
 $39,326
 $(9) $104,671



F-43F-42

Table of Contents
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 2, 2016, January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)


23.21. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited):

The following table summarizes quarterly financial data for Fiscal 20142015 and 20132014:
2015 First Second Third Fourth
 (16 weeks) (12 weeks) (12 weeks) (12 weeks)
Net sales $3,038,233
 $2,370,037
 $2,295,203
 $2,033,545
Gross profit 1,393,924
 1,087,289
 1,032,387
 909,172
Net income 148,112
 149,998
 120,469
 54,819
        
Basic earnings per common share 2.02
 2.04
 1.64
 0.75
Diluted earnings per common share 2.00
 2.03
 1.63
 0.74
        
2014 First Second Third Fourth First Second Third Fourth
 (16 weeks) (12 weeks) (12 weeks) (13 weeks) (16 weeks) (12 weeks) (12 weeks) (13 weeks)
Net sales $2,969,499
 $2,347,697
 $2,289,456
 $2,237,209
 $2,969,499
 $2,347,697
 $2,289,456
 $2,237,209
Gross profit 1,353,122
 1,062,108
 1,034,442
 1,003,941
 1,353,122
 1,062,108
 1,034,442
 1,003,941
Net income 147,726
 139,488
 122,177
 84,434
 147,726
 139,488
 122,177
 84,434
                
Basic earnings per share 2.02
 1.91
 1.67
 1.15
Diluted earnings per share 2.01
 1.89
 1.66
 1.15
        
2013 First Second Third Fourth
 (16 weeks) (12 weeks) (12 weeks) (12 weeks)
Net sales $2,015,304
 $1,549,553
 $1,520,144
 $1,408,813
Gross profit 1,008,206
 779,223
 762,940
 701,777
Net income 121,790
 116,871
 103,830
 49,267
        
Basic earnings per share 1.66
 1.60
 1.42
 0.68
Diluted earnings per share 1.65
 1.59
 1.42
 0.67
Basic earnings per common share 2.02
 1.91
 1.67
 1.15
Diluted earnings per common share 2.01
 1.89
 1.66
 1.15

Note: Quarterly and year-to-date computations of per share amounts are made independently. Therefore, the sum of per share amounts for the quarters may not be equal to the per share amount for the year.



F-44F-43


ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(in thousands)

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable: 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
 
Charges to
Expenses
 Deductions Other 
Balance at
End of
Period
 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
 
Charges to
Expenses
 Deductions Other 
Balance at
End of
Period
December 29, 2012 $4,056
 $4,127
 $(2,264)
(1) 
 $
 $5,919
December 28, 2013 5,919
 11,955
 (4,995)
(1) 
 416
(2) 
13,295
 $5,919
 $11,955
 $(4,995)
(1) 
 $416
(2) 
$13,295
January 3, 2015 13,295
 17,182
 (14,325)
(1) 
 
 16,152
 13,295
 17,182
 (14,325)
(1) 
 
 16,152
January 2, 2016 16,152
 22,067
 (12,461)
(1) 
 
 25,758

(1) 
Accounts written off during the period. These amounts did not impact the Company’s statement of operations for any year presented.
(2) 
Reserves assumed in the acquisition of B.W.P. Distributors, Inc.


Note: Other valuation and qualifying accounts have not been reported in this schedule because they are either not applicable or because the information has been included elsewhere in this report.


F-45F-44


Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
Dated: March 3, 20151, 2016 By:/s/ Michael A. Norona
   Michael A. Norona
   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
     
/s/ Darren R. JacksonGeorge E. Sherman, Jr. President and Interim Chief Executive Officer March 3, 20151, 2016
Darren R. JacksonGeorge E. Sherman, Jr. and Director (Principal(Principal Executive Officer)  
     
/s/ Michael A. Norona Executive Vice President and Chief March 3, 20151, 2016
Michael A. Norona Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)  
     
/s/ Jill A. Livesay Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief March 3, 20151, 2016
Jill A. Livesay    Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)  
     
/s/ John C. Brouillard Executive Chairman and Director March 3, 20151, 2016
John C. Brouillard    
     
/s/ John F. Bergstrom Director March 3, 20151, 2016
John F. Bergstrom    
     
/s/ Fiona P. Dias Director March 3, 20151, 2016
Fiona P. Dias    
     
/s/ John F. Ferraro Lead Independent Director March 3, 20151, 2016
John F. Ferraro    
     
/s/ Adriana Karaboutis Director March 3, 20151, 2016
Adriana Karaboutis
/s/ Eugene I. Lee, Jr.DirectorMarch 1, 2016
Eugene I. Lee, Jr.    
     
/s/ William S. Oglesby Director March 3, 20151, 2016
William S. Oglesby    
     
/s/ Gilbert T. Ray Director March 3, 20151, 2016
Gilbert T. Ray    
     
/s/ J. Paul Raines Director March 3, 20151, 2016
J. Paul Raines    
     
/s/ Carlos A. Saladrigas Director March 3, 20151, 2016
Carlos A. Saladrigas    
     
/s/ O. Temple Sloan, III Director March 3, 20151, 2016
O. Temple Sloan, III


S-1


SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Jeffrey C. SmithDirectorMarch 1, 2016
Jeffrey C. Smith    
     
/s/ Jimmie L. Wade Director March 3, 20151, 2016
Jimmie L. Wade    



S-1S-2

Table of Contents

EXHIBITS INDEX
  Incorporated by ReferenceFiled
Exhibit No.Exhibit DescriptionFormExhibit
Filing DateHerewith
1.1Underwriting Agreement, dated November 25, 2013, by and among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors signatory thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as Representatives of the several Underwriters listed in Schedule 1 thereto.8-K1.1
12/2/2013 
1.2Underwriting Agreement, dated January 11, 2012, by and among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors signatory thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Representatives of the several Underwriters listed in Schedule 1 thereto.8-K1.1
1/17/2012 
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., Generator Purchase, Inc., General Parts International, Inc. and
Shareholder Representative Services LLC (as the Shareholder Representative), Dated as of October 15, 2013
10-K2.1
2/25/2014 
3.1Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (“Advance Auto”) (as amended effective as of June 7, 2013).10-Q3.1
8/19/2013 
3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws of Advance Auto. (effective June 7, 2013).8-K3.2
6/13/2013 
4.1Indenture, dated as of April 29, 2010, among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.8-K4.1
4/29/2010 
4.2First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 29, 2010, among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.8-K4.2
4/29/2010 
4.3Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 27, 2011 to the Indenture dated as of April 29, 2010 among Advance Auto Parts, Inc. as Issuer, each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.8-K10.45
6/3/2011 
4.4Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 17, 2012 among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.8-K4.4
1/17/2012 
4.5Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 21, 2012 among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.8-K4.5
12/21/2012 
4.6Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2013 among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.8-K4.6
4/19/2013 
4.7Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 3, 2013, among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.8-K4.7
12/9/2013 
4.8Form of 5.750% Note due 2020.8-K4.3
4/29/2010 
4.9Form of 4.500% Note due 2022.8-K4.5
1/17/2012 
4.10Form of 4.500% Note due 20238-K4.8
12/9/2013 
4.11Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 28, 2014, among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.10-Q4.11
5/28/2014 
10.1Form of Indemnity Agreement between each of the directors of Advance Auto and Advance Auto, as successor in interest to Advance Holding.8-K10.19
5/20/2004 
  Incorporated by ReferenceFiled
Exhibit No.Exhibit DescriptionFormExhibit
Filing DateHerewith
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., Generator Purchase, Inc., General Parts International, Inc. and
Shareholder Representative Services LLC (as the Shareholder Representative), Dated as of October 15, 2013
10-K2.1
2/25/2014 
3.1Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (“Advance Auto”) (as amended effective as of June 7, 2013).10-Q3.1
8/19/2013 
3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws of Advance Auto., effective as of November 12, 2015.8-K3.1
11/13/2015 
4.1Indenture, dated as of April 29, 2010, among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.8-K4.1
4/29/2010 
4.2First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 29, 2010, among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.8-K4.2
4/29/2010 
4.3Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 27, 2011 to the Indenture dated as of April 29, 2010 among Advance Auto Parts, Inc. as Issuer, each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.8-K10.45
6/3/2011 
4.4Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 17, 2012 among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.8-K4.4
1/17/2012 
4.5Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 21, 2012 among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.8-K4.5
12/21/2012 
4.6Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2013 among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.8-K4.6
4/19/2013 
4.7Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 3, 2013, among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.8-K4.7
12/9/2013 
4.8Form of 5.750% Note due 2020.8-K4.3
4/29/2010 
4.9Form of 4.500% Note due 2022.8-K4.5
1/17/2012 
4.10Form of 4.500% Note due 20238-K4.8
12/9/2013 
4.11Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 28, 2014, among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., each of the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.10-Q4.11
5/28/2014 
10.1Form of Indemnification Agreement between Advance Auto Parts and each of its Directors.8-K10.19
5/20/2004 
10.2Advance Auto Parts, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (amended as of April 17, 2008).10-Q10.19
5/29/2008 
10.3Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Selected Executives (as amended January 1, 2008), including First Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Selected Executives (as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2009) and Second Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Selected Executives (as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2010).10-K10.17
3/1/2011 


Table of Contents

  Incorporated by ReferenceFiled
Exhibit No.Exhibit DescriptionFormExhibit
Filing DateHerewith
10.2Advance Auto Parts, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended April 17, 2008).10-Q10.19
5/29/2008 
10.3Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Selected Executives (as amended January 1, 2008), including First Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Selected Executives (as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2009) and Second Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Selected Executives (as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2010).10-K10.17
3/1/2011 
10.4Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement.10-Q10.38
8/16/2004 
10.5Amended and Restated Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan.DEF 14AAppendix C
4/16/2012 
10.6Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended January 1, 2008), including First Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2009) and Second Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2010).10-K10.19
3/1/2011 
10.7Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. 2007 Restricted Stock Award.8-K10.39
2/26/2007 
10.8Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. 2007 Stock Appreciation Right Award.8-K10.40
2/26/2007 
10.9Employment Agreement effective January 7, 2008 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc., and Darren R. Jackson.8-K10.25
1/1/2008 
10.10Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan.DEF 14AAppendix B
4/11/2007 
10.11First Amendment to Employment Agreement effective June 4, 2008 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.8-K10.32
6/4/2008 
10.12Employment Agreement effective June 4, 2008 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Michael A. Norona.8-K10.33
6/4/2008 
10.13Attachment C to Employment Agreement effective June 4, 2008 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Michael A. Norona.8-K10.35
6/4/2008 
10.14Form of Senior Vice President Loyalty Agreements.10-Q10.37
11/12/2008 
10.15Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Stock Appreciation Rights Award Agreement dated November 17, 2008.8-K10.38
11/21/2008 
10.16Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated November 17, 2008.8-K10.39
11/21/2008 
10.17Second Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2010 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.10-Q10.43
6/2/2010 
10.18First Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2010 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Michael A. Norona.10-Q10.44
6/2/2010 
10.19Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2012, between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Jimmie L. Wade.8-K10.46
1/24/2012 
10.20Third Amendment to Employment Agreement effective September 1, 2010 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.10-Q10.48
11/17/2010 
10.21Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 7, 2011 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.10-K10.41
3/1/2011 
10.22Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. 2011 SARs Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Award Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.10-K10.42
3/1/2011 
  Incorporated by ReferenceFiled
Exhibit No.Exhibit DescriptionFormExhibit
Filing DateHerewith
10.4Amended and Restated Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan.DEF 14AAppendix C
4/16/2012 
10.5Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended January 1, 2008), including First Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2009) and Second Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2010).10-K10.19
3/1/2011 
10.6Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. 2007 Restricted Stock Award.8-K10.39
2/26/2007 
10.7Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. 2007 SARs Award (Stock Settled).8-K10.40
2/26/2007 
10.8Employment Agreement effective January 7, 2008 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc., and Darren R. Jackson.8-K10.32
1/11/2008 
10.9Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan.DEF 14AAppendix B
4/11/2007 
10.10First Amendment to Employment Agreement effective June 4, 2008 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.8-K10.32
6/4/2008 
10.11Employment Agreement effective June 4, 2008 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Michael A. Norona.8-K10.33
6/4/2008 
10.12Attachment C to Employment Agreement effective June 4, 2008 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Michael A. Norona.8-K10.35
6/4/2008 
10.13Form of Senior Vice President Loyalty Agreements.10-Q10.37
11/12/2008 
10.14Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Stock Appreciation Rights Award Agreement dated November 17, 2008.8-K10.38
11/21/2008 
10.15Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated November 17, 2008.8-K10.39
11/21/2008 
10.16Second Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2010 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.10-Q10.43
6/2/2010 
10.17First Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2010 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Michael A. Norona.10-Q10.44
6/2/2010 
10.18Employment Agreement effective as of January 1, 2012, between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Jimmie L. Wade.8-K10.46
1/24/2012 
10.19Third Amendment to Employment Agreement effective September 1, 2010 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.10-Q10.48
11/17/2010 
10.20Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 7, 2011 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.10-K10.41
3/1/2011 
10.21Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. 2011 SARs Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Award Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.10-K10.42
3/1/2011 
10.22Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. 2012 SAR Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Award Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.10-K10.32
2/28/2012 
10.23Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. SAR Award Agreement under 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan.10-K10.33
2/28/2012 
10.24Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Restricted Stock Award Agreement under 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan.10-K10.34
2/28/2012 
10.25Fifth Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 7, 2013, between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.8-K10.35
10/12/2012 
10.26Second Amendment to Employment Agreement effective December 31, 2012 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Michael A. Norona.10-Q10.37
11/13/2012 
10.27Supplement No. 1 to Guarantee Agreement.8-K10.1
12/21/2012 
10.28Third Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (Effective as of January 1, 2013).10-K10.33
2/25/2013 


Table of Contents

  Incorporated by ReferenceFiled
Exhibit No.Exhibit DescriptionFormExhibit
Filing DateHerewith
10.23Credit Agreement dated as of May 27, 2011 among Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, as borrower, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent.8-K10.43
6/3/2011 
10.24Guarantee Agreement dated as of May 27, 2011 among Advance Auto Parts, Inc., Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, as borrower, the subsidiaries to the borrower from time to time party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders.8-K10.44
6/3/2011 
10.25Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. 2012 SARs Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Award Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.10-K10.32
2/28/2012 
10.26Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. SAR Award Agreement under 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan.10-K10.33
2/28/2012 
10.27Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Restricted Stock Award Agreement under 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan.10-K10.34
2/28/2012 
10.28Fifth Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 7, 2013, between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.8-K10.35
10/12/2012 
10.29Second Amendment to Employment Agreement effective December 31, 2012 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Michael A. Norona.10-Q10.37
11/13/2012 
10.30Supplement No. 1 to Guarantee Agreement.8-K10.1
12/21/2012 
10.31Third Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (Effective as of January 1, 2013).10-K10.33
2/25/2013 
10.32Third Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Selected Executives (Effective as of January 1, 2013).10-K10.34
2/25/2013 
10.33Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. SARs Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.10-K10.35
2/25/2013 
10.34Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. SARs Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan.10-K10.36
2/25/2013 
10.35Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson dated March 1, 20138-K10.37
3/7/2013 
10.36Form of Advance Auto, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated March 1, 2013.8-K10.38
3/7/2013 
10.37Form of Employment Agreement effective April 21, 2013 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and George E. Sherman and Charles E. Tyson.8-K10.39
4/30/2013 
10.38Supplement No. 2 to Guarantee Agreement.8-K10.2
4/19/2013 
10.39Third Amendment to Employment Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Michael A. Norona, effective June 4, 2013.8-K10.4
6/6/2013 
10.40Credit Agreement, dated as of December 5, 2013, among Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.8-K10.1
12/9/2013 
10.41Guarantee Agreement, dated as of December 5, 2013, among Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, the other lenders from time to time party lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the lenders.8-K10.2
12/9/2013 
10.42Supplement No. 1 to Guarantee Agreement.10-K10.45
2/25/2014 
10.43First Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (As amended and Restated Effective as of May 15, 2012)10-K10.46
2/25/2014 
  Incorporated by ReferenceFiled
Exhibit No.Exhibit DescriptionFormExhibit
Filing DateHerewith
10.29Third Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Selected Executives (Effective as of January 1, 2013).10-K10.34
2/25/2013 
10.30Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. SARs Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.10-K10.35
2/25/2013 
10.31Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. SARs Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan.10-K10.36
2/25/2013 
10.32Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson dated March 1, 20138-K10.37
3/7/2013 
10.33Form of Advance Auto, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated March 1, 2013.8-K10.38
3/7/2013 
10.34Form of Employment Agreement effective April 21, 2013 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and George E. Sherman and Charles E. Tyson.8-K10.39
4/30/2013 
10.35Third Amendment to Employment Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Michael A. Norona, effective June 4, 2013.8-K10.40
6/6/2013 
10.36Credit Agreement, dated as of December 5, 2013, among Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.8-K10.1
12/9/2013 
10.37Guarantee Agreement, dated as of December 5, 2013, among Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, the other lenders from time to time party lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the lenders.8-K10.2
12/9/2013 
10.38Supplement No. 1 to Guarantee Agreement.10-K10.45
2/25/2014 
10.39First Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (As amended and Restated Effective as of May 15, 2012)10-K10.46
2/25/2014 
10.40Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. SARs Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.10-K10.47
2/25/2014 
10.41Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. SARs Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.10-K10.48
2/25/2014 
10.42Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and O. Temple Sloan III dated February 10, 2014.10-K10.50
2/25/2014 
10.43First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and George E. Sherman and Charles E. Tyson.10-Q10.51
11/12/2014 
10.44Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Michael A. Norona.10-Q10.52
11/12/2014 
10.45Second Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (As amended and Restated Effective as of May 15, 2012)10-K10.50
3/3/2015 
10.46Fourth Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2008).10-K10.51
3/3/2015 
10.47Fourth Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Selected Executives (As Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2008).10-K10.52
3/3/2015 
10.48Fifth Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2008).10-K10.53
3/3/2015 


Table of Contents

  Incorporated by ReferenceFiled
Exhibit No.Exhibit DescriptionFormExhibit
Filing DateHerewith
10.44Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. SARs Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson.10-K10.47
2/25/2014 
10.45Form of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. SARs Award Agreement and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.10-K10.48
2/25/2014 
10.46Employment Agreement effective January 2, 2014 between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and O. Temple Sloan III.10-K10.49
2/25/2014 
10.47Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and O. Temple Sloan III dated February 10, 2014.10-K10.50
2/25/2014 
10.48First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and George E. Sherman and Charles E. Tyson.10-Q10.51
11/12/2014 
10.49Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Michael A. Norona.10-Q10.52
11/12/2014 
10.50Second Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (As amended and Restated Effective as of May 15, 2012)   X
10.51Fourth Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2008).   X
10.52Fourth Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Selected Executives (As Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2008).   X
10.53Fifth Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2008).   X
10.54Fifth Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Selected Executives (As Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2008).   X
12.1Statement Regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.   X
21.1Subsidiaries of Advance Auto.   X
23.1Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.   X
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  
 X
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  
 X
32.1Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  
 X
101.INSXBRL Instance Document    
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document    
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document    
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document    
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document    
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document    


  Incorporated by ReferenceFiled
Exhibit No.Exhibit DescriptionFormExhibit
Filing DateHerewith
10.49Fifth Amendment to the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Selected Executives (As Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2008).10-K10.54
3/3/2015 
10.50First Amendment of Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2014, between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Jimmie L. Wade.   X
10.51Second Amendment of Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2015, between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Jimmie L. Wade.10-Q10.55
6/2/2015 
10.52Agreement, dated as of November 11, 2015, by and among Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Starboard.8-K10.1
11/13/2015 
10.53Letter Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and John C. Brouillard dated November 11, 2015.   X
10.54Employment Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Tammy M. Finley dated January 4, 2015.   X
10.55First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Tammy M. Finley dated August 12, 2015.   X
10.56Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and George E. Sherman dated November 11, 2015.   X
10.57Mutual Separation and Release Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Darren R. Jackson dated November 11, 2015.   X
10.58Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and John C. Brouillard dated December 1, 2015.   X
10.59Mutual Separation and Release Agreement between Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Jimmie L. Wade dated January 21, 2016.   X
12.1Statement Regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.   X
21.1Subsidiaries of Advance Auto.   X
23.1Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.   X
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  
 X
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  
 X
32.1Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  
 X
101.INSXBRL Instance Document    
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document    
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document    
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document    
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document    
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document