AutoZone vs O'Reilly Automotive (AZO vs ORLY)
AutoZone (AZO) vs O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
AutoZone (AZO) and O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY) compete in retail. Here are AutoZone and O'Reilly Automotive side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy AutoZone or O'Reilly Automotive.
AutoZone vs O'Reilly Automotive: the figures
| Figure | AutoZone | O'Reilly Automotive |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $3,325.56 (November 4, 2026) | $92.34 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $53.5 billion | $74.3 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 21.8x | 28.3x |
| Forward P/E | 17.3x | 25.2x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +5.6% | +8.8% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 12.7% | 14.3% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 3.0x | 2.3x |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Beta | 0.37 | 0.55 |
AutoZone and O'Reilly Automotive figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that AutoZone or O'Reilly Automotive figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between AutoZone and O'Reilly Automotive
- Valuation: O'Reilly Automotive trades at 28.3x its annual earnings and AutoZone at 21.8x; the market pays more for each dollar of O'Reilly Automotive profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Growth: O'Reilly Automotive grew sales +8.8% year on year in its latest quarter, against +5.6% for AutoZone.
- Debt: AutoZone owes 3.0x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while O'Reilly Automotive owes 2.3x its EBITDA.
AutoZone or O'Reilly Automotive: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: O'Reilly Automotive is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you prefer caution: O'Reilly Automotive has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: AutoZone trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither AutoZone nor O'Reilly Automotive wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How AutoZone and O'Reilly Automotive make money
AutoZone (AZO)
AutoZone sells replacement parts, batteries, oil and accessories at its stores in the United States, Mexico and Brazil. Its core customer is the driver who works on their own car, though its commercial business supplying repair shops is growing. It also sells online and offers ALLDATA, diagnostic and repair software for mechanics. Full AutoZone analysis.
O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY)
O'Reilly Automotive sells replacement parts, tools and accessories for cars through its stores in the United States, Mexico and Canada. It serves two kinds of customers: do-it-yourselfers fixing their own vehicles and professional repair shops, which it supplies with frequent same-day deliveries from its stores and distribution centers. Full O'Reilly Automotive analysis.
Frequently asked questions: AutoZone vs O'Reilly Automotive
Is AutoZone or O'Reilly Automotive the better stock?
Choosing between AutoZone and O'Reilly Automotive depends on what you are looking for. O'Reilly Automotive is growing faster right now, and AutoZone trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy AutoZone or O'Reilly Automotive: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, AutoZone or O'Reilly Automotive?
Neither pays a dividend as of November 4, 2026: AutoZone and O'Reilly Automotive put what they earn into growth or other forms of shareholder return.
Which is more expensive, AutoZone or O'Reilly Automotive?
On P/E, O'Reilly Automotive (28.3x) is more expensive than AutoZone (21.8x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both AutoZone and O'Reilly Automotive?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as AutoZone and O'Reilly Automotive, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying AutoZone or O'Reilly Automotive.
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More companies like AutoZone and O'Reilly Automotive: retail stocks. Educational content about AutoZone and O'Reilly Automotive, not investment advice.