O'Reilly Q1 2026: Comp sales jump 8.1%, operating margin expands 60bp to 18.5%

Filed May 8, 2026 · Period ending March 31, 2026 · Compared to 10-Q May 9, 2025 · ~2 min read

Key Changes

• high

  Comparable store sales accelerated to 8.1% in Q1 2026, more than doubling the 3.6% comp growth in Q1 2025, driven by higher average ticket values and increased professional transaction counts.

  MD&A: Comparable Store Sales verify on EDGAR →
• high

  Operating margin expanded 60 basis points to 18.5% from 17.9%, reversing prior-year contraction, as gross margin improved 20bp on better acquisition costs and distribution efficiencies while SG&A leveraged 40bp on strong comps.

  MD&A: Operating Margin verify on EDGAR →
• high

  Operating cash flow surged 37% to $1.03B and free cash flow jumped 72% to $785M, driven by reduced inventory investment versus a build in the prior year and higher operating income.

  MD&A: Cash Flow verify on EDGAR →