WarrenAI’s Top 5 Auto Parts Retailers: Value Plays vs. Premium Performers

Published 19/09/2025, 20:30
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Investing.com -- The auto parts retail sector presents a mixed landscape of deep-value opportunities and premium-priced stalwarts, according to a comprehensive analysis by WarrenAI using Investing Pro’s tools. The rankings reveal a sector where the highest potential returns come with corresponding risk levels, while established leaders offer stability but limited upside.

1. Monro Muffler Brake Inc

This deep-value play tops the list with substantial potential upside, showing a 22.1% Fair Value upside and an impressive 48.6% analyst target upside. Analysts maintain a Buy consensus, though WarrenAI characterizes it as "High risk/high reward—deep value, but for a reason." Technical indicators are flashing "strong buy" signals on daily charts, suggesting momentum may be shifting positively. Investors should prepare for volatility and potentially negative headlines while waiting for the company to prove its worth.

In recent news, Monro Inc. reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings per share of $0.22 on revenue of $301 million, exceeding analyst expectations. The company also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.28 per share.

2. LKQ Corporation

Another value opportunity, LKQ offers 32.2% Fair Value upside and 36.1% analyst target upside with a Strong Buy consensus from analysts. WarrenAI describes it as a "Contrarian upside, battered but not broken" investment. Despite the positive fundamentals, technical indicators remain in "strong sell" territory, indicating the market is waiting for a catalyst before fully embracing the stock’s potential. Like Monro, investors should expect volatility.

LKQ Corporation announced it agreed to sell its Self Service segment for $410 million. The company also reported second-quarter 2025 earnings per share of $0.87, which was below analyst forecasts, though revenue slightly exceeded projections.

3. Genuine Parts Co

Representing a middle ground in the sector, Genuine Parts offers more modest but potentially reliable returns with 4.9% Fair Value upside and 13.1% analyst target upside. Analysts rate it a Buy, while WarrenAI characterizes it as "Steady, dividend-rich, modest upside," suggesting it may appeal to income-focused investors seeking lower volatility.

Genuine Parts Company declared a quarterly dividend of $1.03 per share and appointed two new independent directors to its board as part of an ongoing strategic review. Additionally, Evercore ISI raised its price target on the company, while Truist Securities reiterated a Buy rating.

4. O’Reilly Automotive Inc

This established player commands premium pricing, reflected in its negative Fair Value upside of -20.1%, suggesting current overvaluation according to the model. However, analysts remain highly confident with a Strong Buy consensus and target upside of 11.2%. WarrenAI describes it as "Pricey premium, upside capped." Technical indicators show mixed signals—neutral to sell on daily charts while monthly trends remain bullish, indicating long-term strength despite near-term concerns.

O’Reilly Automotive has been the subject of several positive analyst actions, with firms including TD Cowen, RBC Capital, and JPMorgan raising their price targets following strong sales growth.

5. AutoZone Inc

Similar to O’Reilly, AutoZone trades at premium valuations with a -20.9% Fair Value upside, though analysts maintain a Strong Buy rating with a modest 3.1% target upside. WarrenAI labels it the "Quality king, but near full value." Technical indicators mirror O’Reilly’s pattern with neutral/sell signals on daily charts but bullish long-term trends, suggesting investors are paying for quality and stability rather than growth potential.

A recent wave of analyst updates for AutoZone Inc. included price target increases from firms such as Raymond James and TD Cowen. The positive sentiment was largely attributed to expectations of strong growth in the company’s commercial, or Do-It-For-Me, segment.

The rankings highlight a clear division in the sector between undervalued companies with higher potential returns but greater risk, and premium-priced market leaders offering stability but limited upside.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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