Advance Auto Parts 2014 Annual Report Download - page 4

Download and view the complete annual report

Please find page 4 of the 2014 Advance Auto Parts annual report below. You can navigate through the pages in the report by either clicking on the pages listed below, or by using the keyword search tool below to find specific information within the annual report.

Page out of 100

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • 41
  • 42
  • 43
  • 44
  • 45
  • 46
  • 47
  • 48
  • 49
  • 50
  • 51
  • 52
  • 53
  • 54
  • 55
  • 56
  • 57
  • 58
  • 59
  • 60
  • 61
  • 62
  • 63
  • 64
  • 65
  • 66
  • 67
  • 68
  • 69
  • 70
  • 71
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
  • 75
  • 76
  • 77
  • 78
  • 79
  • 80
  • 81
  • 82
  • 83
  • 84
  • 85
  • 86
  • 87
  • 88
  • 89
  • 90
  • 91
  • 92
  • 93
  • 94
  • 95
  • 96
  • 97
  • 98
  • 99
  • 100

We kicked off major consolidation activities. They
included the rst 100 Carquest store consolidations and
integration of corporate ofces and our eld leadership
and sales teams. While these integrations have
progressed exceptionally well, the process to simplify
and rationalize operations is not without challenges.
In 2015, we will continue to unify our combined
organizational structure to deliver sustained business
support and growth, year in and year out.
The independent customer business was new to our
portfolio in 2014, and we are encouraged with the
performance of the independently owned Carquest
branded stores. This business represents an opportunity
to serve portions of the automotive aftermarket that
would be more difficult with traditional Advance stores.
Each year we highlight that Advance believes service
extends beyond our doors into the communities we live
and operate in. We take pride in our ability to positively
impact so many lives and also consider it one of our
greatest responsibilities. Just as our operations are
driven by our values, so is our commitment to serving
our communities and improving the lives of those in
need. In 2014, Advance, in conjunction with our Team
Members, customers and vendor partners were privileged
to give back over $6.7 million to partner organizations
that align with our four focus areas: Health; Arts,
Education and Culture; Serving Military and Civilians
in Need; and Disaster Relief.
In summary, we expect to build on the methodical
improvements we made in our business this year. We
are clear on our objectives for the year as we continue
to focus on growing our business while embarking on
the second year of our integration. Our key priorities
for 2015 do not change. Our focus on sales growth,
service excellence and prot growth underpin our path
to being the best. Our opportunity to grow has never
been better with our expanded North American
footprint and our organic growth potential. We have
the value proposition, capabilities and talented Team
Members to serve our customers better than anyone
else in the industry. Most encouraging from my vantage
point is that 2014 conrmed the growth and value
creation potential of Advance Auto Parts. Last year,
also conrmed that once integrated, Advance Auto Parts
will be positioned as the largest commercial, import and
integrated aftermarket supplier with extraordinary organic
growth options. The future is exciting.
Sincerely,
Darren R. Jackson, Chief Executive Ofcer
LETTER TO STOCKHOLDERS