AutoZone, Inc.

What does AutoZone own?
AutoZone owns and operates automotive parts retail stores under the AutoZone brand, along with Alldata diagnostic software for automotive professionals. The company owns over 7,400 retail locations across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with distribution centers and supporting infrastructure.

Is AutoZone publicly traded?
Yes. AutoZone is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AZO. The company has been publicly traded since its 1998 IPO.

Who founded AutoZone?
AutoZone was founded by Pitt Hyde in 1979 as Auto Shack in Forrest City, Arkansas. The company changed its name to AutoZone in 1987 and has grown from a single store to become the largest automotive aftermarket retailer in the United States.

Where is AutoZone headquartered?
AutoZone is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. The company has maintained its corporate headquarters in Memphis since its early expansion.

How many stores does AutoZone have?
AutoZone operates over 7,400 retail stores across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company opened 98 new stores in fiscal year 2025.

Who owns AutoZone?
AutoZone is publicly owned with no controlling shareholder. Institutional investors collectively hold the majority of outstanding shares, with major holders including Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street Global Advisors. No individual, family, or private equity firm holds a controlling interest.

What is AutoZone's revenue?
AutoZone reported total revenue of 18.9 billion dollars for fiscal year 2025 (ended August 30, 2025), up from 17.5 billion dollars in FY2024. Same-store sales grew approximately 3 percent year-over-year.

What is Alldata software at AutoZone?
Alldata is AutoZone's diagnostic and maintenance software subsidiary that provides automotive repair information, technical procedures, and diagnostic guidance to professional service providers.

Does AutoZone pay a dividend?
No. AutoZone does not currently pay a dividend. The company returns capital to shareholders through share repurchases, having spent billions of dollars on buybacks over the past decade.

AutoZone was founded in 1979 by Pitt Hyde in Forrest City, Arkansas, as Auto Shack. The company began as a single store offering aftermarket automotive parts at discount prices, targeting both professional mechanics and do-it-yourself customers. The concept proved successful, and Auto Shack expanded rapidly throughout Arkansas and neighboring states during the early 1980s.

In 1987, the company changed its name to AutoZone to reflect its broader market positioning and national expansion strategy, avoiding potential trademark conflicts with Radio Shack. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, AutoZone expanded aggressively across the United States, becoming the largest aftermarket automotive parts retailer in the country through both organic store openings and strategic acquisitions.

The company went public in 1998, trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AZO. The public offering provided capital for accelerated expansion and investment in distribution infrastructure, technology systems, and store operations.

AutoZone expanded internationally beginning in 1998 with stores in Mexico, followed by Puerto Rico in 2005, Brazil in 2012, and the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2019. The company has continuously adapted to changing market conditions, including the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer preferences in automotive maintenance.

A significant strategic move came with the acquisition of Alldata, a provider of diagnostic and maintenance software for automotive professionals. This acquisition expanded AutoZone's presence in the professional service provider market and provided additional revenue streams beyond traditional parts retail.

Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, AutoZone has invested in e-commerce capabilities, store modernization, and supply chain optimization. The company has maintained its market leadership position through strong operational execution and strategic adaptation to industry trends including the rise of electric vehicles and changing automotive maintenance patterns.

In fiscal year 2025 (ended August 30, 2025), AutoZone reported total revenue of 18.9 billion dollars, up from 17.5 billion dollars in FY2024. The company opened 98 new stores during the fiscal year and continued expanding its commercial delivery programs. Same-store sales grew approximately 3 percent year-over-year.

AutoZone has implemented sustainability initiatives focused on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and responsible sourcing. The company operates recycling programs for automotive fluids, batteries, and packaging materials, preventing environmental contamination from used auto parts.

In energy efficiency, AutoZone has invested in LED lighting, energy management systems, and other facility improvements to reduce energy consumption across its store network. The company has also implemented transportation optimization programs to reduce fuel consumption in its distribution and delivery operations.

AutoZone maintains supplier codes of conduct that address environmental standards, labor practices, and business ethics throughout its supply chain. The company complies with environmental regulations regarding the handling and disposal of automotive fluids, batteries, and other potentially hazardous materials.

AutoZone is not a Certified B Corporation and does not have formal science-based emissions reduction targets. The company does not publish standalone sustainability reports but includes selected ESG information in its annual reports and regulatory filings.

AutoZone has received recognition for retail excellence and business performance.

• Fortune World's Most Admired Companies: Multiple years of recognition in the general merchandisers category
• Retail Industry Awards: Recognition for retail innovation, store operations excellence, and customer service
• Automotive Aftermarket Awards: Recognition for parts distribution excellence and commercial program innovation
• Great Place to Work Certification: Recognition for workplace culture and employee satisfaction

AutoZone has faced relatively limited public controversy compared to larger corporations, though the company has encountered some regulatory and operational challenges typical of the retail and automotive industries.

The company has faced scrutiny related to product safety and recalls of certain automotive parts and accessories, requiring cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for safety-related recalls. These issues have been addressed through standard industry recall processes.

AutoZone has faced labor-related challenges including occasional workplace disputes and compliance with labor regulations across its extensive store network. The company has worked to address these issues through improved HR practices and compliance programs.

Environmental compliance has been another area of attention, particularly related to the handling and disposal of automotive fluids, batteries, and other potentially hazardous materials. AutoZone has implemented environmental compliance programs and recycling initiatives to address these concerns.

The company has faced competitive pressure and market scrutiny regarding pricing practices and commercial programs, though these issues are typical of the competitive retail environment rather than significant controversies.