The aap stock price forecast this quarter reflects investor focus on operating margin expansion. Current models anticipate a possible 50–70 basis point improvement in margin by Q4, which could justify a 10% stock appreciation. During the second quarter of 2024, the company announced the sale of Worldpac for $1.5 billion, leading to a stronger balance sheet and an indication of management’s focus on the profitable segment only. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Pzena Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 31.8% in the 1st quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 4,312,508 shares of the company's stock valued at $169,093,000 after acquiring an additional 1,041,611 shares during the period. Federated Hermes Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 75.7% in the 2nd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 2,387,325 shares of the company's stock valued at $110,987,000 after acquiring an additional 1,028,561 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 48.4% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,416,636 shares of the company's stock valued at $65,867,000 after acquiring an additional 461,761 shares during the period. Invenomic Capital Management LP increased its holdings in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 281.2% in the 1st quarter. Invenomic Capital Management LP now owns 600,895 shares of the company's stock valued at $23,561,000 after acquiring an additional 443,251 shares during the period. Finally, Jump Financial LLC purchased a new position in shares of Advance Auto Parts in the 1st quarter valued at $15,882,000. 88.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. The aap stock price forecast for the next 3 months takes into account supply chain normalization and inventory optimization strategies. Analysts note that gross margins could stabilize around 44%, supporting a target price range of $74–$78 if sales momentum continues into late summer.