O'Reilly hits $2 billion mark

The Springfield-based auto parts company set a goal in 2002 to reach $2 billion in sales within four years, just after it met its previous five-year goal to reach $1 billion.

Company officials marked the achievement Feb. 5 at O'Reilly's annual conference in Dallas.

“Reaching our goal of having $2 billion in sales in 2005 was the result of the hard work and dedication of our team members,” said CEO Greg Henslee in a news release. “We are very proud of this accomplishment and are excited for what 2006 holds for team O'Reilly.”

O'Reilly also met its goal of opening 150 new stores in 2005. The May acquisition of St. Paul, Minn.-based Midwest Auto Parts Distributors brought an additional 72 stores under the O'Reilly name.

Detailed year-end and fourth-quarter company earnings will be released Feb. 28. Investors are invited to listen to a conference call discussing the year's financial results at 10 a.m. March 1 on the company's Web site, www.oreillyauto.com, accessed under “News.”

O'Reilly specializes in retailing automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories. As of the end of 2005, the company operated 1,470 stores in 25 states.